​Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in they word.    Psalm 119:114
 
Hello Dear One,
 
          It is my prayer that this morning’s reading finds you content and relaxed and ready for a new week.  The theme for my April calendar this month is hope.  We must always cling to hope.  As many of you know, Jim has been suffering with extreme back pain.  This latest operation in January did help with his balance and strength, but when we wake each morning, we are never sure if this is going to be a day of suffering or a brief respite when life seems a little easier.  In the midst of all this is the on-going struggle with closing on the old house and re-settling in our new home.  You understand.  I am sure that your life has struggles at times and singing “Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side” just doesn’t cut it.  So, what works? 
 
          I believe that first of all, we must admit our despair and not deny it.  If necessary, see your doctor for medication and/or a counselor to learn survival skills.  There is no shame in seeking help when life’s struggles become overwhelming. And know, deep in your heart of heart, that you will overcome.  You will walk through and out of that dark valley.  Believe, all things are possible.  You have strength that you didn’t know you possess.  Your faith is strong enough to move mountains.  Never give up hope. A new day will come.  Weeping will last for a night, but joy will come in the morning.  I promise.  I’m with you.  Don’t struggle alone.  Reach out for Jesus, He’s with you always.                                                                                                                     Linda

​To the woman who touched his garment and was healed, Jesus said, Daughter, thy faith has made thee whole.”   Mark 5:34
Hello weary one,
          It is Monday and many of us are beginning our week exhausted.  We need the touch of Jesus.   We have come close to him, but we have not touched him. Some of you may seeking healing of body, mind or soul. Some may seek guidance. Some need faith to stand up under the tensions of life. Some of you seek forgiveness and a new beginning.  All of us need to touch Christ for some reason or other. 

          You might be thinking “How can we touch Christ?”

        First, give God a chance. Take you problem, whatever it may be and approach him through prayer. In the telling, be absolutely honest and sincere.                                                                                                                    Second, believe with all your heart that he hears your prayer.   Remember, he heard the poor woman who only touched the hem of His garment.  Believe with all your faith that He cares what happens to you.    Believe that God answers prayer.
       Third, you must be willing to wait patiently for the Lord.  He does not answer every prayer on Sunday Evening.  You may have to wait until Friday.  But wait. And when he speaks to you, accept his answer and do what he says.
          When you faithfully do those 3 things, you will feel his power flowing into you.  He is still able to heal, in every way, those who will press in to touch the hem of His garment.   Reach out and touch Him, He’s reaching out for you.                                 Linda

​So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test.” (Matthew 26:40-41)
Hello Friend,
            Ash Wednesday is behind us and we are immersed in the season of Lent. Our faith gives us 40 days to imitate Jesus’ time of prayer and fasting in the desert (Luke 4:1-2). This is a perfect time to try a new form of sacrifice or to enrich your spiritual life.  I wrote about ideas you could try last week.  Didn’t commit to a sacrificial fasting or to a charitable endeavor?  Well, it’s not too late.  Here are two more suggestions.  Remember these practices are not meant to be easy; hence, the word sacrifice. 
Unplug One Day a Week
Choose one day each week to avoid media in your home. Turn off the TV and use your phone only for emergencies or urgent calls.  Enjoy the silence and use the extra time to put yourself in God’s presence.  Bless your family and/or friends with your presence (physical and mindful).
Commit to a Holy Hour each day
 Spend an hour in prayer, reading scripture or spiritually enhancing literature. If this is a new practice for you, ask a friend  to join you to help you stay focused.  A prayer partner will solidify and deepen your friendship as well.
            Your time is a gift from God.  It is a precious commodity and you should use it wisely.  Is your sitcom really that important? Where does spending time with God rank on your to-do list?  Hmmm!
 
                   Urging you on to a deeper relationship with your Father,                                                                                                                Linda

“Do everything without arguing or complaining…” Philippians 2:14 NIV


Good Morning, Sweet Friend,

          March 6th is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten Season.For the first few hundred years of church history baptism was generally practiced on what we now call Easter Sunday. Candidates for baptism would spend a period of preparation where they would fast, not shave, and in some cases not even bathe. While the exact length of this time varied (some say it was a few days, while other sources say 40 days), it would end at baptism, when the believer would be baptized, thus ending his fast.  While the practice of giving up something during Lent is not required by any form of Christianity, voluntarily choosing something to give up for Lent can be a great spiritual discipline to help you grow in your faith as we prepare to live and proclaim the joy of the Risen Christ. Typically, we should recommit to prayer, fasting, and works of love.  Here are some suggestions for you:
Prayer:  Will you commit to turning off the tv for 30 minutes a day (the length of an average sitcom) and focus on prayer and meditation?
Fasting:  Will you commit to a meatless Friday?  Great for your health.
Works of Love:  Will you commit to give up criticizing and complaining and instead speak only words of love?
 
          Do the above suggestions sound to daunting to you?  Christ gave his life for you.  What will you do for Him?  How committed to the Christian life are you?  Pause and reflect!
                                                                     Linda