Let us throw of everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us fixing our eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 12:1,2
Good morning my sweet friend, I love this verse of scripture because it reminds me that God has a plan for our lives greater than anything we could ever hope for or dream. And what hinders me? I’m dragging others along. Tugging. Wrestling. Offering incentives to keep moving. Pleading in vain. And I’m finally learning that it is my race I should be focused on. There are things I am beginning to understand. If they could; they would. If they wanted to; they would. I cannot make others want to grow. And it’s keeping my eyes on them. Their progress. Or lack thereof. And hindering my journey. I’ll bet you can relate. Often, I would say, “If only they would….” God has a plan for each one of us, and maybe, just maybe, I might unintentionally be interfering or hindering their progress. Prayer: Jesus, please help me to keep my eyes on you. I need to see your light ahead of me to lead me to fulfill my calling. Free me from my judgmental attitude. Teach me how to love others unconditionally. Amen. And just in case no one has told you today, I love you bunches. Linda Joy in the Morning
In this world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer. John 16:33 Hello dear ones, Today is my 57th wedding anniversary. On facebook, a picture of our 52nd anniversary cake was on my feed. Jim and I had decided to make our 50th wedding cake every year and just change the number inserts. Last year, Jim had just been gone for a few weeks when our anniversary arrived. I had a cake made and tried to celebrate and ended up in a psychiatrist’s chair the next day. This year, I wanted no cake and no reminders of the pain and still my heart managed to break into shattered shards. There is no moving on from my grief. I have to figure out how to move forward carrying my grief with me. I interpret Jesus’ words to be of good cheer as telling me not to give up. I am not alone in my struggles. Many of you have challenges as well. Loads of pain. Buckets full of tears. Last week I printed a quotation in large print and have it beside my writing chair. It reads: Some days, the sadness soaks deep down to the bone. Some days, it demands to be let out in waves of emotion. All days bring their own challenges. May we take one day at a time. Even, one moment at a time. With God’s strength, we can endure hard seasons. In case no one has told you today I love you bunches. Linda . Finding joy in the morning
Good morning, my sweet friend, Our scripture story this week is from John 5:1-8, “Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” The man who was paralyzed for 38 years told Jesus he was waiting for someone to put him in the pool when an angel stirred the water. Jesus asked him, “Do you want to get well?” I want you to imagine that Jesus is beside you right now asking you the same question. Do you want to lose weight? Do you want to be joyful? Do you want to heal your finances? Your relationship? Dear one, let us pick up our mat of depression and take a first step toward healing. My word for 2023 is ACTION. I decided on New Year’s Day that I would seek healing for my health and my grief. And God is faithful and has presented me with a myriad of prompts and opportunities to take that difficult first step. Each morning I journal, “God, what ACTION steps do I need to take today?” And the answers keep manifesting. I am so grateful for a God who listens to our heart’s desires and pours abundant blessings into our path. Let us you and I celebrate each small step as we make progress on our healing journey. PRAYER: Gracious God, take our hand and walk beside us. In a world full of distractions, we long to hear your voice of encouragement. Amen. Enjoy every moment of this journey. In case no one has told you today I love you bunches. Linda Finding joy in the morning
Good morning, my sweet friend, I’ve missed you. Our scripture this week is from Psalm 90:14, “Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.” I recently heard a story: A young mother was driving her second grade little boy to school one morning. From the back seat, the little boy asked, “Can I take the confetti out of my pocket?” Mom, sounding a little irritated thinking of the mess, inquired, “Why do you have confetti in your pocket?” He answered simply, “I keep it there in case there is something to celebrate.” Dear one, let’s celebrate life! Let’s anticipate a joyful moment, an awesome moment of synchronicity and wonder. Moments lost can never be recaptured. How we spend each moment adds up to how we spend our days, our weeks, our lives. I have decided that joy will be a non-negotiable part of my day. Today I have 86,400 moments in which to find joy. You do too! Carry confetti in your pocket just in case you find something to celebrate. PRAYER: Gracious God, we join together to worship you, to prepare for the coming week, to reorient our minds and hearts in a world full of distraction. Open our eyes to wonder. Amen. Enjoy every moment of this journey. In case no one has told you today, I love you bunches. Linda Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Good morning, my dear sweet friend, It is my deepest prayer that you woke this morning feeling rested, refreshed, and radically blessed. Our scripture tells us “To give thanks in all circumstances.” I believe that God is whispering to you right this moment that he wants you to know your life is not over. He has a plan and a purpose for you, and he wants you to discover a life greater than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams” (Ephesians 3:20). You and I can stay stuck dwelling on negative thoughts and living in worry or fear, or you can believe God has something greater for you. Here is the key: You have to take the first step. We must rejoice. Scripture tells us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Next, pray continually. And then, give thanks in all circumstances. There are always praises amongst the pains. Three steps to a hope-filled, joyful life. Rejoice! Pray! Thanksgiving! By faith, you make progress one step at a time. God has promised to do his part, but you have an important part to play as well. Walk the path that God has lit for you; you will never lose your way. Loving you always, Linda Good morning, dear one, It’s the beginning of a new week and my deepest prayer for you is that you find peace and contentment each day. And, in the mix, I pray that you find even a smidgen of joy. Sometimes, we have to look pretty hard to find the hope and blessings God promises. I know your stories about sadness, loneliness, and heartache. You may also be great at hiding your pain going about your day with a happy face while carrying a broken heart that makes breathing difficult. I have been reading the story of Jane Marczweski, age 30, who performed on America’s God Talent. She had terminal cancer and was given a 2% chance of survival and six months to live. She knew many hardships including the end of her marriage just after her diagnosis. Yet, often times, out of such tragedies, come great wisdom and perspective. Here are a few of her quotes: 1. “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore until you decide to be happy.” I don’t know about you, but I’m still waiting for the day when life ceases to be difficult. Yet the reality is that we often experience trouble in this life. We may have different definitions of what it means to be happy, but we need to choose to find joy and good in our lives, today, even amidst the pain. Not after the pain stops. But right now. 2. “Just because someone leaves you doesn’t mean that love isn’t real.” 3. Some people can’t see God because they won’t look low enough.” “I remind myself that I’m praying to the God who let the Israelites stay lost for decades,” she wrote. Especially in the midst of suffering, God lives in the low of it. He is often right there and we need to open our eyes to him and ask God for help. Nightbirde was a devout Christian who found hope in the midst of unimaginable suffering. She chose joy and continued to write music and perform. Life can present us with difficult circumstances; yet you and I can do hard and holy things. “Jesus is the lifter of our heads” (Psalm 3:3). Allow Him to give you a hope and a future. Praying that you find encouragement from Nightbirde’s words, Linda |
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