Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.”    Matthew 12:25
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Hello dear ones,
            This week I have continued to study Rhythms of Renewal and how God has a plan for the renewal of the earth.  We have four seasons, each one with a particular role to play in maintaining balance within nature.  God said, “Behold I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5), and a thought came to mind that God surely must have a plan for the renewal of our country.  One would have to have their head completely in the sand to not understand that we are a nation in turmoil.  A nation divided.  Lacking in love.  Instead, there is contempt and a complete disregard for anyone who does not look or believe exactly like us.  Even individual denominations within the Christian faith are proclaiming that they have the only correct dogma and openly offering distain for anyone who dares to practice their faith differently.  As for respecting other faiths, witness the upsurge of anti-Semitism within our nation.  Are we not “One nation under God” however you choose to address Him?  Our country will not mandate masks citing individual freedom and failing to adhere to the 2nd greatest commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Can we not sustain a small amount of discomfort to safeguard our neighbor’s health?
  
             So where does renewal in our nation begin?  With you!  When everybody does a little, a lot can change.   Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see.”  We cannot wait for our nation’s leaders to mandate renewal or demonstrate the change we wish to see.  God has a plan for our nation and He wants your help. Let us pray this week for a renewal of our hearts.   

Prayer for this week:  Create in me a new heart, O God, and renew a right spirit with me.  Amen                                 Psalm 51:10
 
                                               Linda                                               

Be ye transformed by the renewal of the mind!  Romans 12:2

Hello sweet tired one,

          I’m a truth-teller.  So here goes!  I’m tired, weary, and worn out.  According to Webster, to be “worn out” means damaged to the point of being no longer usable.  As you might well guess, my joy level is one degree above zero.  I’m tired of bad news about the Coronavirus.  I’m tired of racial strife.  I’m tired of political commentary.  I’m tired of being in quarantine.  My body is tired from by battle with PMR.  And from conversations with friends, you are feeling the same.  Clearly, you and I need some good news.  I am a great believer in bibliotherapy so I headed to Amazon books and perused books on renewal.  And low and behold, by coincidence or God-intervention, I found a book by Rebekah Lyons called Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose.  Couldn’t wait for it to arrive and begin reading. 
          So here is my message for this week taken from Rebekah’s book.  There are four rhythms that help us regain life-giving peace:  Rest.  Restore.  Connect.  And Create.  Let’s you and I focus on the first renewal principle of rest.  It’s a biblical mandate.  God calls the day of rest holy.  Much of my stress is from an over-saturation of news.  So, for this week, I am limiting my access to technology to one hour a day. I will renew my mind with soothing music, walks in nature, and reading uplifting books.  So, friend, are you with me?  Do you want to re-capture your joy?  Let’s begin now. Say with me:

Affirmation:  I will quiet my mind and seek rest for my soul.
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                                                              Linda

 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
                                                                                          Proverbs 31:10

Virtue (noun)  a beneficial quality, feature, or trait leading to excellence; advantage or goodness.


Hello dear one,
  
         
            Friday I was the officiant at a memorial for a loved and wonderful wife and mother.  After speaking with her daughter, Proverbs 31 came immediately to mind as the topic of my message.  She was a faithful wife for 64 years and clearly “her children arise up, and call her blessed” (verse 28).  So, my question to you this week is, do you know a virtuous woman or man?                         
            What makes a person virtuous in our culture today?  I remember the good, old days when I was a young woman.  A first kiss was not payment for taking me to the movies or even out for a lovely dinner. Webster defines a kiss as a touch with the lips as a sign of love, sexual desire, reverence or greeting.  I have never greeted anyone with a kiss unless it was with a quick smooch on the cheek of a close friend or relative.  That first kiss on the lips was reserved as a sign of genuine affection.   And, oh my, how special it was!  And moving in together meant that your groom swept his bride into his arms and carried you across the threshold into your new home.  Did you catch the word “groom?”  Showing my age?  Maybe!  But I wouldn’t change a moment.
             Jim and I taught a course entitled, “Love is a decision” based on a book by Gary Smalley.  When a person tells me they are in love, I always ask, “What you do love?”  And the answers are telling.  I am always looking for virtuous qualities.  Not the, “He is so cute.”  Maybe I’ll write more next week about love as a decision.  For this week, think of a virtuous man or woman you know.  What do you admire about him/her?  Better question maybe?   Are you virtuous?  Not too late, start now.
                                                                        Linda