When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12 NIV

Good morning my dear friend,
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          Well, I am on a roll this week.  A friend came to our house to visit and only mid-conversation did she say she was unvaccinated and she was also not wearing a mask.  She was well aware that Jim and I both have health challenges and yet chose to put us at risk for Covid.  Clearly that is not, according to my definition, loving and caring for your neighbor as Jesus commanded. According to Jesus, He wants us to follow him.  Not just believe in Him.  Not just sing hymns about Him.  Not just wear a cross around our neck to identify ourself as a believer.  He clearly said, “Follow me” which implies an action; to step out in faith, out of our comfort zone, into our neighborhood, our community to show Christ’s love in action. He also commanded us to look after the orphans (young children unable to get the vaccine) and widows (the elderly). Get your vaccination and/or wear a mask to protect your neighbor from this deadly virus.  Getting immunized has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with being a follower of Christ.  Love your neighbor.  Are you?   Here is my challenge to you this morning: 
List three active ways that you are following Jesus:
1.___________________________________________
2.___________________________________________
3.___________________________________________
Would you be comfortable telling Jesus, “I can’t ___________________ because_____________?”    Would Jesus accept your excuses as to why you are not following?   More on excuses next week.  Be ready!
          I have decided to follow Jesus.  Have you?
                               Linda

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Proverbs 4:25

​Just for you, dear one,

          One day at a time, one choice at a time. I am learning not to look back and think about the good old days.  Maybe they weren’t as wonderful as I remember them to be. LOL!   And I certainly can’t predict the future. So being in the moment each day, even one morning or moment at a time is my goal. There calm in my soul by “just being.”  Just to be is a blessing.  Just to live is holy. 
          Each day I let go of all scary thoughts and concerns.  When my hands are formed into tight fists, I cannot open my hands to receive anything God is trying to send my way. It is then that I ask myself this question: “Does this support the life I’m trying to create?”  When I practice letting go of fear, I feel calm and courage flows into my soul.  Friends, I can assure you that if you are spending your days worrying about what the future holds, you are not allowing God’s presence to fill you with peace.  Jesus said, “Peace, I leave with you.”  The life I am trying to create in 2022 is peaceful and joyful.  It truly takes practice to stop living in fear or entertaining worry thoughts.  But the reward of peace is so worth the effort.  Practice deep breathing.  Do this several times a day or whenever you feel Satan trying to disrupt your day.  Turn your eyes upon Jesus, and the things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. Linda

Be ye transformed. . . Romans 12:2
 
Just for you, dear one,

          Another amazing year! What a blessing.  All of us wish to thrive, prosper, and find wonderful joy.  Many of us make new year’s resolutions which may or may not result in lasting change.  We are all trying to recreate our lives:  lose weight, find friendships and /or love, get our finances under control, whatever may be on your wish list.  The problem is that a wish is not a plan.  And plans sometimes get put on the back burner to deal with the urgent, the necessary, the pressing issue of the day.  Try asking yourself this question when faced with a choice:   "Does this support the life I’m trying to create?" Should I eat this cake?  Make this purchase? Say these words? 
          One day at a time, one choice at a time. If you throw a pebble into the water on one side of the ocean, it can create a tidal wave on the other side.  When you drop a new idea into the pond of your day, be aware you are creating a cascade of change. God bless you this coming year.  May your plans come true.
                                                                         Linda