God so loved the world. . .. that whosoever believeth in me . . .                                                                                                                                      John 3:16                      
Hello my dear Christian friend,
          I need not write the entire verse referenced above.  No doubt you memorized it long ago.  And we profess this truth, “I believe that Jesus died for the forgiveness of my sins and to give me eternal life with the Father.”  Holy Week is a solemn reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us (you and me).  Torture and death on a cross.  Amazing Love!
          But let me remind you of another verse, Jesus said, “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19).  Jesus didn’t mean for his disciples to follow behind him in his shadow.  He meant follow my example.  Love like I love.  Forgive like I forgive.  Serve like I serve.  Today on Palm Sunday, I am examining my Christlike behavior.  I ask you to ponder the same questions.

1.  Is there anyone in my family, neighborhood or community that I don’t love?  an ethnic group?  A political association?  Nationality?  I mean love with crazy extravagant love!    
2. Is there anyone I have not forgiven?  Am I holding a grudge?
3. How am I serving others? 

James 2:18 says, “Faith without works is dead.”  The work is challenging.  I get it, however, I choose to follow.  I’m not doing it perfectly, but I’m striving to grow into the likeness of Christ.   Are you?
                                             Linda

Be ye transformed by the renewal of your mind.  Romans 12:2       
Hello Friend,                                                                                                                                                                             
          Yesterday I spent time with a dear friend.  Oh, how I wish I had a magic wand to wave over her and transform her thinking.  Of course, I don’t!  But I did remind her (a very devout Christian) that she was not living her faith.  Worry has overwhelmed her life.   And her fears are imaginary.  You know, “The dreaded “what ifs.”
          Jim and I are both dealing with a boatload of health issues.  We are realists and aren’t denying the challenges.  We are following doctor guidelines and doing all the good things like eating more fruits and veggies and walking much more.  However, and it’s a big however, we live each moment to the fullest.  We don’t dwell on the “what if” scenario.  Today is a ridiculously amazing gift.  It’s true!!  This is the only day promised to any of us.  To worry is to give way to anxiety or unease; to allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles. The word itself comes from the Old English wyrgan, which means to strangle or to seize by the throat. That’s a helpful image.  Worry squeezes the life and joy from each day. 
          Please, dear one, fear not.  Just say, “Here Lord, I cast my worries upon you and accept your promised rest.  Breathe!  Breathe in peace.  And enjoy your day!  You have faith, exercise it!  Smile.
                                    Wishing you much joy today, Linda     

In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.    John 14:6
Good Morning Sweet One,
            In 1992, Nat King Cole has a pop song entitled “Smile.”  The lyrics go something like this:                Smile though your heart is aching                                                                                                                                Smile even though it’s breaking                                                                                                                           When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by                                                                                                          If you smile through your fear and sorrow                                                                                                                   Smile and maybe tomorrow                                                                                                                                  You’ll see the sun come shining through,   for you                                                                                                     
            Sometimes smiling is an act of sheer bravery.  I know how heavy a heart can feel when it’s full of sorrow.  I understand the pain you feel when your heart is breaking into pieces.  This Lenten season is a time to remember brokenness.  A body broken for us—to give us hope of new life now and resurrection in the future.  Hope for healing.  Hope for a Presence who promised to never forsake us.  Who promised to love us always?  Who invited us to come to him and share our burdens with him?  And He promised rest for the weary.  Sometimes smiling in brokenness is how we remember.   We are the Resurrection People & there is more happening than what seems & this is how to practice faith.   Practice Smiling. Practice Joy. Practice counting blessings.
The way to heal is to keep counting blessings.                                                                                                The only way to keep your smile is to count the ways He loves you.                                                                   The most brilliant way to live is to always look for The Light.                                                                             Jesus said, “I am the way.”                                                                                                                                             The way to get your smile back is to trust.                                                                                                 You’ll find that life is still worthwhile, if you’ll just smile.                                                                                      Come on, you can do it. Smile.                                                                                                                                                                                                             Linda