Joy in th
 
God knows the secrets of our hearts.                       Psalm 44:21
Hello Dear One,
        I know many of my friends are addicted to Facebook. Sometimes I am also.   Such smiling faces.  Glowing reports of kids performing perfectly.  Winning trophies.  Getting scholastic awards.  And celebrating anniversaries as if their relationship was the model for romance paperbacks. Once in the while, someone will post a prayer request for a sick relative or friend.  I get it.  No one wants the world to know that their heart is breaking.  That their marriage is in trouble or their kids are on drugs.  No one wants to post about their financial woes.  But here is a warning:  don’t let these posts persuade you that somehow their life is perfect.  We all put on a brave front.  Truth is: we are all living in the middle of a mess.
        Jesus warned us that “in this world you will have tribulation” (John 16:13).  I am not recommending that you share your pain on Facebook.  I am suggesting you confess your pain to Jesus and one or two trusted sister-friends. Finding a safe place of authenticity where you can be real is your true path to hope and healing.  Only then will you find the peace you so desperately need to experience. 
                                    You are so loved just as you are. 
                                                       Linda

Joy in the Morning
"Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand."                                                              Psalm 73:23

Hello, my dearly loved friend,
            My, adopted in my heart, grandson Mark was here for two days.  He is growing so fast, going to be in the 7th grade this coming school year.  It seems like yesterday I would hold his hand to keep him safe when crossing the street, or to keep him from getting lost in a crowd.   Often, I grabbed his little hand to keep him from stumbling when he was coming down the stairs.  Grandmas do that when they love their sweet precious little ones.
            The Psalmist said, “My steps had nearly slipped” (72:2).   Lately, Jim and I have had lots of bumps in the road and that is when I get out my cd player and start to sing old gospel.  Loud!   It’s both a plea and an affirmation.                                                                                                                                                          Lately I’ve been singing:                                                                                                                                                  Many things about tomorrow,                                                                                                                                      I don’t seem to understand,                                                                                                                                      But I know who holds tomorrow,                                                                                                                             and I know who holds my hand.
            Do you remember that chorus?  Another song I belt out is, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.    I’m sure some of you are facing trials, and if you and I are not vigilant, it’s easy to slip in our faith and become discouraged and lose hope. 
           Dear ones, don’t fret.  God is very near and longs to hold your hand.  Whatever reminds you of His Presence, be it meditating on His Word, walking in nature, prayer, just do it until you feel His everlasting arms embracing you.  Jesus said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out and it was completely restored” (Matt. 12:13).   Stretch forth your hand in faith, dear one.  Hope, healing, and restoration are on their way.
                                                    Reaching for His hand, now and always,                                                                                                                                                            Linda