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To experience list

7/26/2015

Hello Friend,

            It is my prayer that you will find Joy in this Morning. Just a few moments ago I was reading over one of my journals, and I came to a page with this resolution written at the top: “Today, instead of a to-do list, I am going to make a to-experience list.” My notes don’t suggest how that resolve turned out, but beside me on the arm of my chair looms a notebook containing my daily and weekly lists of tasks. Perhaps I didn’t learn. Or pay attention to my own declaration. But it is never too late! God gave you and me this day to notice—and perhaps even be dazzled—by the wonder all around us just waiting to be discovered and experienced.

            So what do I want to experience? Top of my list is love. I want to look deep into someone’s eyes and see love mirrored back to me. Not gushy romantic love necessarily. I want to really see each person I meet today. And to really love them with the love of Christ. To take the time to notice and experience each person I encounter. What would be at the top of your to-experience list? What would make your heart glad today? I wish you love,

                                                                                                Linda

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Faithing

7/19/2015

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Joy in the Morning                                                                                                                                                                               For thou art with me. Psalm 23:4

Hello Friend,

            When I write to you each week, I love the feeling that we are sharing together on a deep spiritual level. Nothing surface about our conversations. We discuss our sins, our relationship issues, financial hardships, our burdens, and our battles. This faith walk is not for the timid. David, the writer of this psalm certainly fought his share of battles and demons. One night while David was out sleeping with the flock, a lion attacked. David chased the lion and saved a lamb out of its mouth. When the lion jumped for David, he grabbed its tail and smashed the lion against the ground. He had a similar fight with a bear. The Spirit must have given David a bunch of extra strength. Lions can weigh four hundred pounds, and are very hard to swing by the tail. Even though David was a young lad, he beat the 10 foot giant; actually Goliath was 9 feet 9 inches tall. From my study of scripture, David fought at least 17 military battles. He fought the Philistines, Geshurites, Girzites, Amalekites, and a lot of other “ites.” And through it all, David had a very strong belief in God. Some call that kind of belief Faithing which means doing some action based on God’s promises with the confidence that God will keep his word.

            I want you to keep in mind this week that no matter what battle you are waging, God is with you. Be it temptation, addictions, a health challenge, or fear, you can be victorious because God goes before you to prepare the way, goes with you through the darkness, and brings light when your hope is dimming. Let’s you and I practice faithing. We will not shrink before our enemy. “The devil may come to steal, kill, or destroy, but Jesus came that you and I may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]” (John 10:10).

                                                                                    Victory in Jesus, Linda

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He Tends His Sheep

7/12/2015

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Thou anointest my head with oil.

Psalm 23:4

Hello Friend,

            David, who authored the 23rd Psalm, was in his youth a shepherd. And part of his job was to keep his flock healthy and safe; thus the anointing.   Shepherds would anoint their sheep for three reasons. Oil was used to cover the head, in particular, the nose of the sheep to repel insects. The worm-like larvae of nose flies would cause the sheep to butt their heads against stones, posts, or brush to relieve the aggravation. In extreme cases, sheep would throw themselves off cliffs. Secondly, the rams during mating season would become rather rambunctious. Forgive the pun!   To prevent injury, the shepherd would apply oil to the rams’ heads and allow the rams to glance off the sheep. Thirdly, the shepherd would apply oil to a wound to prevent infection.

            In order to be anointed, the sheep must stand still, lower their heads, and allow the shepherd to do his work. Peter urges us to “be humble under God’s powerful hand so that He will lift you up when the right time comes” (1 Peter 5:6). Whether you need relief from aggravations, relationships mended, or a healing balm, our Shepherd stands ready with a cup for anointing. Won’t you bow your head and receive His blessing?                                        Linda

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A Backpack of Fear

7/5/2015

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                                                                                                                    Even when I walk through a valley of deep darkness, I will not be afraid.

                                  Psalm 23:4

Hello Friend,

            Last week I spoke with you about your backpack of burdens. One of the stones that we lug around in our bag is fear. We fear tomorrow and we fail to live in the now. At this very moment you are safe. We are in the presence of the Lord and all is well. Oh, if we could only stay here with Him. We can, but being human we allow our minds to roam around in dark territory. We struggle with the “what if’s?” What if the doctor report is bad? What if my car breaks down and I don’t have the money to fix it again? What if my secret is found out? The “what if’s” keep our souls in turmoil and deny us the privilege of quietly resting beside the still waters. Our minds become tangled in a whirlpool of regret, anger, and/or fear. Yet, even then, we can choose to become still. We can allow ourselves to be led.

            My problem is that I want to be in control. I think I know what should happen in any given situation. In darkness I stumble and hit my foot, yet still I continue to limp through life. I want to be the leader. What arrogance! Have you ever entered the valley, felt fear rising in your throat, and trudged ahead anyway? No map. No compass. Sure you could find your own way out. Never stopping and asking for directions.

            You and I are so blessed. When enveloped in darkness, we have a guide, a shepherd who longs to lead us to safety. To light just ahead. To quiet, restful waters.   To peace and stillness. Jesus extends his hand and says, “Come.” Will you reach out to Jesus; He’s reaching out to you.

                                                                 Grasping his rescuing hand, Linda

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Faithing

He Tends His Sheep

A Backpack of Fear

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