Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.”  — John 21:12
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Hello Friend,
School’s out!  No church till November.  Time to rest from my labors.  Yet, I know myself pretty well.  I will create unnecessary hoopla in my routine.  In my first weekend off, I have already decluttered the bathroom, getting rid of old cosmetics, frayed towels, and cleaning all the organizers and fixtures.  I do love clean, and the smell of Lysol gives me a thrill.  I love the feeling of accomplishment and enjoy my home when it is super tidy and serene.  But perhaps what I enjoy most about my summer routine is my quiet time with Jim in the morning.  You know he is not much of a talker, but that’s okay.  Just a good cup of coffee and quiet communion. In the best relationships, sometimes words are not necessary.  Perhaps, that is why I love this scripture story so much.
It had been a tough morning, to be sure. Following Jesus’ death, several disciples returned to their regularly scheduled programming. They got up early, took their fishing nets, and… nothing. Not a bite. Until some guy stood on the shore and called out a weird suggestion to throw their nets in from the other side of the boat.  They were desperate enough to try anything and suddenly their nets were heavy.  Their work done, and Jesus’ sole response was “Come and eat breakfast.”  All He’s asking is that they come join Him.

            Just for today, let’s rid our mind of plans, schedules, and “to do” lists.  Instead, let’s take a trip to the beach, look out upon the waves, wiggle our toes in the sand, and enjoy the moment.  There will be always be work to do. For now, just be present with Him.  No words.  Silent communion.  Right now, be still for just a moment.   After all, in the best relationships, sometimes words are unnecessary.                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Just to be is a blessing,  Linda
 
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​Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other.  And cultivate thankfulness.                                                                                                                                                                               Colossians 3:15 (Message)
Hello Friend,
             Good morning!  Did you awake to chaos?  Are there children running around screaming about lost socks or missing homework?  Is the TV blaring?  Maybe you and a family member are quarreling?  Or, perhaps you are dreading a work situation that has your stomach tied in knots.   Do you find it difficult to feel that quiet, restful, peace of Christ amidst your daily life?  Are you in-step with your family, friends, or co-workers?  One way to cultivate that blessed relief from our stressful existence is to “cultivate thankfulness.”
            REALLY?  How can I be grateful for this mess?  Change your thoughts!  Choose your feelings?  This is a silly, but very real example from my own life.  Jim is a quiet man.  Many mornings I come downstairs and find him  sitting in the dark with his cup of coffee and just enjoying the solitude—which I then interrupt with my continuous ramblings.  And Jim loves his remote.  He finds great delight in watching 15 programs at once, flipping wildly between commercials, while I prefer to watch just one program at a time.  This could be a cause of extreme pressure in our home.  However, I choose to read a good book or write during his viewing time.  And, my heart just sings, when I come into the room and he hits the “mute” button.  Or, depending on the program, the “pause” button.  I get his full attention for the moment.  He will read my latest devotional and offer his critique.  Or, he will briefly discuss the menu for dinner or comment on whatever topic is on my mind at the moment.  His TV viewing time is not the opportunity for a heart-to-heart on a burning issue in our marriage or the news or whatever.  This is a “pause” in his time for me and I am grateful.  And the “peace of Christ” reigns in our house.
            What adjustment do you need to make in your thinking to create the peace that you so desire?  Can you praise God that those unruly children are healthy?  Can you be grateful for your job amidst rampant unemployment—even if, at times, your boss is a tyrant?  Can you be thankful for a husband who hits the “pause button?” Choose an attitude of gratitude!  And enjoy the peace.
Affirmation: I now take charge of my emotions and my life.  I choose peace.
                                                Thanking God for being “in step” with Jim,                                                                                                                                                                                     Linda

 
Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God  the Father every step of the way.                                                                                                                                                                                Colossians 3:17 (Message)
Hello Friend,
             How many times have I mentioned to you how much I enjoy my Message Bible?  If you were to go out and purchase a new version, this one should be high on your list and I heartily recommend it.  Not a study Bible with maps, reference notes, or a concordance, it is just a very readable, pierce-your-heart–with- the-Word version.  And today’s scripture is no exception. 
            The New English Bible says, “Be filled with gratitude.”  Okay, that’s good—but easy to gloss over—you’ve heard it said so many times before.  But the Message Bible says, “Let every detail in your lives…be an opportunity to give thanks.”  Every detail!  Every word! Every action!  Now that’s a challenge.  Should I give thanks for the dirty dishes in the sink?  Yes!  Many are going without dinner; no money for food.  Many don’t have a sink; finding themselves homeless and they would love to exchange their soup kitchen dinner on a Styrofoam plate for even cereal in a Pottery Barn bowl.           
            What about your words—are they peppered with praise?  Or, must the Lord listen to you mumble and grumble as you stand in your lovely, air-conditioned kitchen and scrub dishes.  Some of us may have repeated a hasty, habitual prayer before our meal; but I imagine many even forgot to thank God for our food before we quickly devoured it.  We are so busy; no time to be pondering our blessings.  What must the Lord be thinking?  At age 72, almost 73, I am grateful for every day, every moment.  So many are suffering with the debilitating effects of old age, but I confess that at times, you’ll hear me murmur, “Oh, this aching back.”  Shame on me!  I need to be “thanking God every step of the way,” even if my steps are a little slower.  What about you?  Do you thank God?  I mean really stop and praise Him for every detail in your life.  Don’t wait for our once-a-year Thanksgiving celebration to remember to thank God.  Do it today!  Do it right now! 
Prayer:  Lord Jesus, forgive my selfish ways.  Help me to recognize the blessings you send to me; even if that blessing comes to me in the form of dirty dishes.
                                                Singing thankfully in my heart                                                                                                                                                                                            Linda