And why do you worry about your clothes?  See how the flowers of the field grow.                                                               Matthew 6:28                                                                                                                       
Good morning, my dear friend,
                 This morning my heart flows with love.  Our 50th wedding anniversary is Saturday, June 4, and wow, that is a lot of years.  Recently, I have been spending much time reflecting.  Certainly, there were times of turmoil.  Times of tears. And lots of wasted time worrying about things that as of this date, have not happened. Most likely will not happen.  Thankfully, in faith, I gave my worries to the Lord years ago and have trusted in His tender care.  Anxious thoughts still come into my mind at times; I think that is part of the human condition.  But, I don’t allow fearful thoughts to linger.  I’ll not waste a day worrying, not even one moment.
             I cherish this scripture verse about flowers because it reminds me that if God loves and carefully tends to His flowers, how much more will He watch over and nurture my life.  There is nothing to fear.  My times are in His hands. So, my heart is filled with love for my Savior who has graced my life with beauty.
             Friends, if you woke anxious this morning, turn your thoughts to God’s word. Scripture tells us, “God cares about you affectionately and He doesn't want you to carry one burden, one care, or one worry. Instead He has provided a way for you to live in peace every day of your life - not just a few days - but every day of your life!” (1 Peter 5:7 Amplified).  Cast your cares upon Him for He careth about you.  Same verse; short version.  Don’t worry. God wants you to live joyfully.
                                                                        Linda
 

​Joy in the Morning
 "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”            2 Corinthians 10:3-5                                                                                                                              
Good Morning Friend,
             Look at the above image.  Now look in the mirror.  See any similarities?  Are you dog-tired?  Grumpy-faced?  Ready to growl at anything that moves into your territory?  I hope not!  But for many of us, our Monday mantra is, “I’m tired.  Just another week to barely get through.” You utter to yourself, “Oh well, I might as well get dressed and face the day.”
            Mondays: A joyful experience or a curse.  You get to decide. We can be ruled by our fearful thoughts and imaginations, or we can choose to focus on the positive.  Sounds Pollyanna-like, I know.  But there is great truth and wonderful peace in choosing to look on the sunny side of the street.  As I reflect this morning, I am grateful to greet this day.  This day brings 86,400 seconds and I don’t want to waste a moment being stuck in anxiety and fear. Many of us have imaginations and wandering thoughts racing through our heads informing us of pending doom. Gently bring those thought in line with God’s truth.  You are not alone.  God is with you.  He will guide your path this week.  He will show you the path to peace.  Will you bravely follow?  
My prayer for you:  May the sun shine, all day long, everything go right, and nothing go wrong.  May those you love bring love back to you, and may all the wishes you wish come true.  HAVE A GREAT MONDAY AND AN AWESOME WEEK.        Linda
 

 “Be kind and tender-hearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32     
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Good Morning Friend,
             As I sit down to write this morning, it is Mother’s Day morning. And I reflect. I did some parenting really well.  And at times, I blew it! How human of me! Over the years, I have heard stories of adult children not speaking to their parents, holding grudges and lamenting about hurts which occurred half a century ago.  And more than a few women I know are beating themselves up about their parenting blunders.  My prayer is that this message will touch a place in your heart and bring healing.
            Our Creator, Mother God, molded us in our mother’s womb.  You and I are fearfully and wonderfully made. We were not mistakes.  We were carefully made and knit together stitch by stitch.  When birthed, however, we entered a family circle of wonderfully made, flawed humans.  Ephesians 4:31 instructs us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.” It is time to grow up and cut our aging parents some slack.  Offer them the forgiveness that Christ has so freely given you. 
            And while in the forgiving mood, offer that same forgiveness to yourself. There is only one perfect parent: our God.  It is a beautiful new day. A clean slate to write on it carefully penned messages.  It is not too late to write a note of forgiveness to your parents even if you can never present it to them in person.  The intention is enough.  And buy yourself a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers and breathe in the aroma of amazing grace. 
PRAYER FOR TODAY:  May the Lord richly bless you and show his amazing love for you in big and wonderful ways!  May He bless your children with the ability to love in the present and forgive the past.   And I pray that today and every day you will love and live joyfully! Be blessed my friends! Enjoy your day!        Linda

Joy in the Morning
 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”                                                                                                                                                 2 Corinthians 1:3-4    
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Good Morning Friend,
                 As I sit down to write this morning, I begin to reminisce about times when life was difficult and painful—issues with my children or husband, broken friendships, work complaints, or my own rocky spiritual path—and I wonder, “Why did I share that?”  Why did I share that on occasion, I drive all the way to Sarasota for a piece of scrumptious coconut cream pie? Why did I share that when I was younger I battled fear and depression?  Why did I tell you that sometimes God seems quite distant while at other times His voice whispers comfort and/or direction? 
            I share because I trust that God will use my stories to help you.  Sometimes, it is just not enough to say, “I know how you feel,” and then drop the ball and end the conversation.  Am I afraid to share?  Truthfully, sometimes!  But part of the human condition is pain, failure, and fear, and if you are in a not-so-great place this morning, you are not alone.  Not one of us journeys through this life on sunny pathways.  Even David walked through valleys of deepest darkness.  And he shared with us in the 23rd Psalm, “I shall not fear, for Thou art with me” (vs. 4). Friends, if you are troubled and feeling alone, God is with you.  And I promise you that another has walked that same path and made it to the light.  Be brave and reach out for help from your Christian friends who will tenderly share love and compassion. Help is on the way.    Linda