​Good morning dear friend,
          I so enjoy my conversations with you.  I try to share my faith journey as truthfully as possible, the ups and downs, high moments of wonder, and the low points of feeble knees.  These past several months Jim and has been in out of the hospital, sometimes I feel more times in than out.  Our Christmas was planned to be socially-distanced with only seeing family from the driveway, no fancy dinner or opening presents together, however, once again, Christmas day, another trip to the ER and admitted to the hospital.  Late that night driving home from the hospital alone in the dark, my heart hurt deeper than I thought possible.  Leaving Jim alone in that hospital room was gut-wrenching.  But listen up, dear one. I hit the media button on the car dashboard and a cd I had placed in it long ago started playing.  It was Barbara Streisand singing You’ll never walk alone.  No coincidence here. God was speaking directly to me.  The next track on the cd was You are standing on holy ground, and I know that there are angels all around.  The music awakened my soul and connected me to my God center.  I actually began to feel hope rise in my spirit.  2020 has been a most difficult year for so many with covid deaths, financial hardships, & social distancing from loved ones.  But, dear one, you and I must do whatever it takes to stay balanced and connected to the only source of Hope, our Savior.  Music worked for me, maybe a nature walk for you would awaken your soul.    I miss worship at church but at this time I do not feel it is safe so every day, let us seek workshop that is all around us.  Whatever connects you to God is worship.  For me, Christmas evening it was music.  I praise God that I am never truly alone. Friend, God is with you and you are surrounded by angels.  Never lose hope.  Linda

​They went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the Child was.  When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.  Matthew 2: 9-10
 
Good morning dear one,
 
            This morning I think of the lyrics of one of my favorite hymns.  “O soul, are you weary and troubled?  No light in the darkness you see.”  This Christmas is unlike any I’ve witnessed.  No family gatherings.  No Christmas dinner.  Or hugs.  And we’re dropping off gifts at doorstops and watching our loved ones open them on skype.  All across our beloved nation, people are suffering from overwhelming grief and depression.  Over 300,000 of our loved ones have passed from Covid.  
 
            Friends, don’t despair.  “There’s light for a look at the Savior, and life more abundant and free!”   In our scripture this morning, the wise men followed the light which led them to Jesus.  And when they saw him, they were overjoyed.  You and I can be wise.  It’s a choice:  Give up or look up.  My comforting hymn continues, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.”  Light a candle, watch the flickering flame, feel the warmth.  Let this glorious light be a continuous reminder of the presence of Jesus who is with you always.
 
            Look to the light for your strength and peace, Linda

Behold, the Virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel.”  Matthew 1:23
 
Hello Dear One,
 
          Several weeks ago, I suggested a new tradition for you and yours?  Each evening turn off the lamps and with a match, light a single white candle, representing the true Light of the World.  Sit in silence and allow His peace to quiet your troubled mind.  I pray that you are doing this.  My life is filled with trauma and it would be easy to dip into despair.  Perhaps, you are dealing with health issues, finances dipping to zero, and/or family relationships which are splintering.   Maybe too much to do on your way-too-long list?
 
Rest, dear one.  We are people of the light.  There is hope for a better tomorrow.  Please don’t allow any circumstance, no matter how scary, to destroy your peace.  I am bravely trying to choose my thoughts.  We can choose to trust the promises of scripture.  The only gift we need, the only gift I earnestly desire for myself and others is Emmanuel.  God with us. 
 
I affirm that there is no room in my heart or my mind for worry.  Christ is my all.  He fills my heart with peace and love.  Ask Jesus to fill your dark and scary places with the warmth of His Light.  He is our hope.  The weary world rejoices.  Emmanual, the gift of Christmas.  Receive Him anew.
 
           Praying for you in these tumultuous times, Linda
 ​

The peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and mind.  Philippians 4:7

Good Morning weary one,

          It’s Monday morning and a little over two weeks till Christmas. How do you and I celebrate Advent during a pandemic?   Not feeling it this year.  There will be no Christmas parties, shopping malls, or family gatherings. Decorating the tree, stringing the lights, and baking cookies require energy I don’t possess.  I feel your anxiety. Yet, I implore you, slow down dear one, this quarantine gives each of us the opportunity to appreciate the journey to Bethlehem as never before.  We anticipate the birth of Christ who offers love, peace, and joy.  We love others with the love of Christ despite our differences.  We appreciate our spiritual gifts despite our material poverty.  We savor solace despite our grief.  Our hearts are joyful despite our depression.  May I remind you that joy means “calm delight.”  That’s what we need dear Jesus.  The calm and peace that only can come from acknowledging and feeling your presence.  Let us all look heavenward for hope.  He’s coming once again into our home and hearts.   Pregnant with longing we anticipate the re-birth of the Prince of Peace.                                                                                                   Come Lord Jesus, the world needs you.   Linda