See, I will not forget you. . .I have carved you on the palm of my hand. Isaiah 49:15

​Good Morning, Dear One,
          On Friday morning my dear friend, Harriette, sent me this image with her favorite quote from Isaiah.  Coincidently, it is one of my beloved scriptures as well.  And I have seen this art before, however, it arrived at the exact moment I needed to be reminded that I am, indeed, remembered and loved by God.  There is no doubt in my mind that God used Harriette to speak words of comfort to me in that very moment. When I woke feeling achy and out-of-sorts, God reminded me of my blessings and having a long-time Christian friend who has the gift of encouragement is certainly a cherished gift.  And I was blessed by much loved words of scripture that brought comfort to my weary soul.
          So, this morning, I am praying that you will find solace and rest for your soul as you contemplate our weekly scripture and the beautiful image of God holding you. 
                                                     Love you always,                                                                                         
                                                                Linda

Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.  Proverbs 16:24                
Good Morning, Dear One,                                                                        
          I have been preaching a series of messages on the kindness of Jesus.  As Christians, we are to model our character after His.  Many years ago, there was a slogan in the churches printed on Tshirts, bracelets, etc., WWJD.   “What would Jesus do?”  I am  deeply concerned about the lack of kindness in our culture not only in our actions, but in our speech.   When I was a child, there was a  saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That is simply not true.  The words we speak are important.  They can bring life or death to another.  I am suggesting that we ask ourselves before speaking, “What would Jesus say?”  Before speaking, put your words to the THINK test.  Let our words be gentle.  Words have power; let yours bring life.
                                                                                    Linda
Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime. Dale Carnegie
​

​Son, don’t forget what I teach you.  Always remember what I tell you to do.  My teaching will give you a long and prosperous life.                                                                                                                      Proverbs 3:1 (Good News Bible)
Hello Friend,
            You may have already made (and broken) your New Year’s Resolutions.  I am suggesting a spiritual set of ten resolutions from the wisest man who ever lived; no, it’s not Jim.  The resolutions are written by Solomon and can be found in Proverbs 3: 1-32.   I have often said that you and I can find an answer to any question or situation of life if we would just look in God’s word.  These precepts are not called resolutions, but I don’t think you could find any guidelines for living that are better if you tried.                       

1. Let love and faithfulness never leave you (vv. 3-5)                                        
2. Trust in the Lord with all your heart (vv. 5-6)
3. Do not be wise in your own eyes (vv. 7-8)
4. Honor the Lord with your wealth (vv. 9-10)
5. Do not despise the Lord’s discipline (vv. 11-12)
6. Search diligently for wisdom and find it  (vv. 13-24)
7. Have no fear  (vv. 25-26)
8. Do not withhold good from those who deserve it (vv. 27-28)
9. Do not plot harm against your neighbor (vv. 29-30)
10. Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways (vv. 31-32)

            Challenge:  Let’s you and I resolve to live by these principles and then just anticipate and delight in what God will do in our lives.  Note that our key scripture promises that if we learn and obey these teachings, they will give us a long and prosperous life.  Now these are resolutions worth keeping!
Prayer:  Lord, give me a backbone and not a wishbone.  Strengthen my will to follow your teachings.  I long to be your disciple.     Amen.  
Resolving to make wise choices,                                                                                                                                Linda