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I am emerging & learning

8/24/2014

Your constant love is my guide; your faithfulness always leads me.                                                                             Psalm 26:3

Hello Friend,

            Last week I wrote to you sharing my belief that when you are traveling through dark valleys, you are never alone. Many times throughout this summer I longed to share with you lighthearted messages of joy. But in my writing, I strive to be authentic—to share my sacred journey with you. Many of us strive to deny valley experiences. Others choose to dwell in darkness and not emerge. Some of us wrestle with the experience to squeeze from it glimpses of truth. And much can be gained from reflection upon the journey—even during the dark treks—no experience is ever wasted.

            During the summer months, I usually write all of my messages for the new church season. Despite my best efforts, my computer contains sermon topics and notes—bare bones—dead bones—words that are outstretched across the pages reaching for the Spirit to bring them to life. But I am emerging and the gospel is appearing.

I am learning about acceptance: When my plans are not God’s best design for my life.
I am learning about surrender: When letting go becomes less painful than hanging on.
I am learning about sacrifice: To give up what no longer works in order to stay close to what is sacred.
I am learning to accept the cocoon: The birthing process that leads us to the next graced place.
I am learning about trust: The assurance that a soft-landing place has been prepared in advance when I am brave enough to take the leap of faith.

And so many more lessons. I am excited about sharing with you some of my many insights and serendipity moments. Our lives are dynamic and ever-changing, and we are always finding new ways of being in the sacred; if and only if, we are the traveler seeking enlightenment upon the path. Living and loving life in all its complexities, Linda

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Lessons from the Life of Robin Williams

8/17/2014

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Joy in the Morning

Come to me all ye who are weary & heavy laden and I will give you rest.   Matthew 11:28

Hello Friend,

            This week, the world lost one of its most beloved entertainers, Robin Williams. I have read media comments and listened as voices ranted on about his drug addiction and his sometimes outrageous behavior, all sandwiched between throngs of praise for his work in comedy. Most of us continued our daily routine pausing to write a brief RIP on Facebook. Or leave a “so sad” Comment. But did we pause to contemplate a clown so sad? Did you linger long enough to honestly lean into another’s pain and say, “I was deeply affected.”



            Of course, I have never met the man Robin Williams. It is like the old show, that after some inquiry from a panel, the host said, “Will the real Robin Williams please stand up. You and I have no inkling of the pain that drove him to suicide. Were we to meet him we would have no idea of the bleeding of his heart, the moment by moment torturous tearing at his spirit which ultimately left him dangling lifeless from the ceiling. So why should we be affected? Well, may I ask you a question to ponder this week, “Who are the Robin Williams in your life? Are you surrounded by cheery Christians who radiate joy? Have you really lingered close enough to hear their sorrow? All of us, deep down, are burdened at some level by pain. An old song goes, “There’s a world out there, don’t you hear them crying? There’s a world out there, don’t you see them dying.”

Listen to some sobering statistics: In 1998, suicide took the lives of over 30,000 Americans and was the 8th leading cause of death. Women are 70% more likely than men to experience depression, although some say these stats are misleading as men are more likely to try to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. And as Christians, we are called to love like Christ. “Come to me, all ye who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” How can we give rest to the distraught? By being real. By being brave enough to say, “I’ve been hurt too; let me hold your hand while you cry.” We can’t heal another’s pain, but we can be salve on the wound. The dictionary describes salve as something that soothes or heals; a balm. To ease the distress or agitation.   Let us begin this moment to be real, to lower the mask and allow other’s into our sacred space. We are called to be healers. Please take this sacred task seriously. Another’s life may depend on our authenticity; our willingness to step outside ourselves and into their pain—even for just the moment.

                                                                        Come to me, my friend, I’m listening,

                                                                                                            Linda

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Iwill be with you!

8/10/2014

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When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you.

Isaiah 43:2 43:2 Hello Friend,

The above scripture is one of my very favorites; although, I seem to say that a lot. I love my Good News Bible because it has these great little pictures that speak to me in ways that words often don’t. And the picture that goes with this scripture is just priceless; I treasure the imagery and message it implants in my heart. I will copy it and include it with this writing. The pic is off-center, but the best I could do. Sorry!

But I digress; I love this scripture because it tells us “we are not stuck.” It may seem like we are not making progress. It may seem like we are walking through the dark valley forever, but we are not. We pass through! Many times I have heard friends say, I am going through . . . and it’s often viewed as bad news. “So sorry,” is often our reply. But actually, though we may be facing difficult times, we are at least moving forward. God’s Word is quite clear. Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). The Good News is that Isaiah tells us, “We are not alone.” Whatever we are currently going through may be challenging, but these situations make us people who learn how to overcome adversity. We do not grow or become strong during good times. In fact, when things are going well, we often neglect our faith or become complacent. However, growth in difficult times is not automatic. You and I must choose to remain steadfast. We must not give up. We must choose the right attitude. We may have to do what is right for a long time before we feel it is “paying off.” But if we remain faithful and refuse to give up, good results will come. Jesus tells us, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Wow! The good guys (and gals) win the victory. Jesus saves us now and forever. That is a great reason to remain steadfast. Help is on the way. Hold on a little longer. He’s coming with a victory for you. Victory in Jesus, my Savior forever. Choose to make Him your Savior today.

Prayer for Today: Lord Jesus, I give you my heart and my life. I am trusting you for my victory in whatever way you choose in your timeframe. I will remain faithfully yours, Amen. With you in your difficult time always, Lindav

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The Guest House

8/3/2014

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Joy in the Morning


You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.                                                            1 Peter 2:5                                                                                                                                                          Hello Friend,

          In my study, I came across this writing entitled “The Guest House,” author unknown.   I read it slowly and let it simmer in my consciousness until its truth found a place in my heart. I love the idea of welcoming every emotion as a guide sent by God. The divine storm that has been raging in my spirit this summer has been a call to trust God more deeply than I could have ever imagined. So I ask you to ponder these profound words as a teaching moment from a guide sent by God.

THE GUEST HOUSE

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,

meet them at the door laughing,

and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes,

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

                                                                                                                Loving life & you, Linda

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I am emerging & learning

Lessons from the Life of Robin Williams

Iwill be with you!

The Guest House

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