Hello Friend,
         I hope you woke this morning with a smile on your face.  I know that it is Monday, but what a terrific opportunity begin a new week of exciting adventures.  I always wonder what God has in store for me this week—opportunities for service—new insights—answered prayer. It is never boring to be a Christian.


    One of my favorite hymns is “In the Garden.” I especially love the part of the lyrics that say,  “And he walks with me and he talks with me. . .”  Many people act as if Jesus is dead.  When I mention that I had a word from the Lord, they look at me as if I were a little batty in the head. 
Throughout Scripture, Jesus promised his presence with us and I claim that promise every day—every moment.  How wonderful to know that I am never alone.  I have wisdom from on high when I make decisions.  I have comfort when I am saddened.  And I have his companionship so that I am never lonely. He lives and he walks and talks with me.


           Do you think God’s calling your name? Have you heard his voice?  Perhaps you are just not   listening.  Amid all the noise of your day, do you stop and sit quietly in the garden of your heart?   You and I need to intentionally listen to the still, small voice of God.  At times, God has actually shouted to get my attention. He is like the “Hound from Heaven” seeking you.  Will you stop long enough to be found?  Oh, the joy that floods my soul when I hear that wonderful voice.  My wish for you is that you will pause in your day and hear the master
speak your name.


                                                                  Walking and talking with my Lord,
                                       Linda         

Hello   Friend, 
     What wonderful news.  You and I are not expected to walk around feeling worthless because of our sins. Jesus, through his sacrifice on the cross, erases our sins and we become white as snow.  I found this parable among my old files.  I liked it so much that I thought I
would share it with you.   It is called “The Parable of the Pencil.”  Hope you like it! 

A Pencilmaker told the pencil five important lessons just before putting
it in the box:

 1.    Everything you do will always leave a mark.

 2.    You can always correct the mistakes you make.

 3.    What  is important is what is inside of you. 

4.    In  life, you will undergo painful sharpenings which will only make you
better.

 5.    To  be the best pencil, you must allow yourself to be held and guided by the  hand that holds  you.


Never allow yourself to be discouraged and think that your life cannot bechanged.  Like the pencil, always remember that the most important part of who you are is what’s inside of you
 and then allow yourself to be guided by the hand of God.                                                              
                                               
                                                                                                                                                   Linda