Good morning dear one,
          It’s been a long time since I heard that distinct voice instructing me and guiding me to a new path.   Perhaps because I was mired in despair, I was finding it difficult to lift my head and seek His face.  Last week I received a word from the Lord, “You were meant to be free.”  Perhaps, no word sums up the complete story of the Bible better than the word free.  The defining moment in the Old Testament is the story of the people of God in the Exodus as they are set free from slavery in Egypt and set on the course for the Promised Land. Ironically, many of the Israelites found their new found freedom overwhelming and chose to return to bondage.  Freedom continues to be the message of the New Testament as Jesus is portrayed as the great liberator bringing freedom to those feeling hopelessness, anguish and despair. 


 Today many in our world are still in physical slavery. Some are trapped by guilt or selfishness.  Still others are bound by alcohol or drugs. For me, I have come to realize that fear was my bondage.  My life seemed to be overwhelmed with challenges: cancer, advanced aging, and an uncertain future.  My soul was weary.  I share these intimate details because I am certain that I am not alone and that you too might be enslaved.  I don’t have my easy answer yet.  All I know for certain is that the Lord spoke and I heard, “You were meant to be free.”  I have learned that the messages I receive are never for me alone, but meant to be shared.  Your task is to interpret how this phrase applies to your own life.  Ask yourself, “Where do I need to be set free?”                                                                          Jesus said, I came to set the captives free.  Luke 4:18
​

Good Morning Dear One,

          This Thursday, April 22, is Earth Day.  This year’s theme is, “Together, we can restore our earth.” The environmental crisis is a moral challenge.  It calls us to examine how we use and share the goods of the earth, what we pass on to future generations, and how we live in harmony with God’s creation.

          Many experts say we do not have a food scarcity crisis, we have a distribution challenge.  In the United States more than 36.5% of adults are obese while it is estimated that more than 35 million American live in households that struggle against hunger.  Ten million children in the United States go to bed hungry each night. Jesus commanded us to “Feed his lambs” (John 21:15).  Did not Jesus also command us to “Carry each other’s burdens” (Gal. 6:2).  The good news:  No one does anything alone.  Hunger is just one issue.  You can help friends and family (and strangers) get through life’s big and small obstacles.
​
 Friends, this Earth Day I believe each of us needs to ponder what we can do individually and collectively to restore and renew the earth and all who inhabit this blessed planet. 
                                                                                             Linda

               God so loved the world. . .. that whosoever believeth in me . . .                                                                                                                                      John 3:16                      
Hello my dear Christian friend,
          I need not write the entire verse referenced above.  No doubt you memorized it long ago.  And we profess this truth, “I believe that Jesus died for the forgiveness of my sins and to give me eternal life with the Father.”  Holy Week is a solemn reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us (you and me).  Torture and death on a cross.  Amazing Love!
          But let me remind you of another verse, Jesus said, “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19).  Jesus didn’t mean for his disciples to follow behind him in his shadow.  He meant follow my example.  Love like I love.  Forgive like I forgive.  Serve like I serve.  Today on Palm Sunday, I am examining my Christlike behavior.  I ask you to ponder the same questions.

1.  Is there anyone in my family, neighborhood or community that I don’t love?  an ethnic group?  A political association?  Nationality?  I mean love with crazy extravagant love!    
2. Is there anyone I have not forgiven?  Am I holding a grudge?
3. How am I serving others? 

James 2:18 says, “Faith without works is dead.”  The work is challenging.  I get it, however, I choose to follow.  I’m not doing it perfectly, but I’m striving to grow into the likeness of Christ.   Are you?
                                             Linda

Be ye transformed by the renewal of your mind.  Romans 12:2       
Hello Friend,                                                                                                                                                                             
          Yesterday I spent time with a dear friend.  Oh, how I wish I had a magic wand to wave over her and transform her thinking.  Of course, I don’t!  But I did remind her (a very devout Christian) that she was not living her faith.  Worry has overwhelmed her life.   And her fears are imaginary.  You know, “The dreaded “what ifs.”
          Jim and I are both dealing with a boatload of health issues.  We are realists and aren’t denying the challenges.  We are following doctor guidelines and doing all the good things like eating more fruits and veggies and walking much more.  However, and it’s a big however, we live each moment to the fullest.  We don’t dwell on the “what if” scenario.  Today is a ridiculously amazing gift.  It’s true!!  This is the only day promised to any of us.  To worry is to give way to anxiety or unease; to allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles. The word itself comes from the Old English wyrgan, which means to strangle or to seize by the throat. That’s a helpful image.  Worry squeezes the life and joy from each day. 
          Please, dear one, fear not.  Just say, “Here Lord, I cast my worries upon you and accept your promised rest.  Breathe!  Breathe in peace.  And enjoy your day!  You have faith, exercise it!  Smile.
                                    Wishing you much joy today, Linda     

In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.    John 14:6
Good Morning Sweet One,
            In 1992, Nat King Cole has a pop song entitled “Smile.”  The lyrics go something like this:                Smile though your heart is aching                                                                                                                                Smile even though it’s breaking                                                                                                                           When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by                                                                                                          If you smile through your fear and sorrow                                                                                                                   Smile and maybe tomorrow                                                                                                                                  You’ll see the sun come shining through,   for you                                                                                                     
            Sometimes smiling is an act of sheer bravery.  I know how heavy a heart can feel when it’s full of sorrow.  I understand the pain you feel when your heart is breaking into pieces.  This Lenten season is a time to remember brokenness.  A body broken for us—to give us hope of new life now and resurrection in the future.  Hope for healing.  Hope for a Presence who promised to never forsake us.  Who promised to love us always?  Who invited us to come to him and share our burdens with him?  And He promised rest for the weary.  Sometimes smiling in brokenness is how we remember.   We are the Resurrection People & there is more happening than what seems & this is how to practice faith.   Practice Smiling. Practice Joy. Practice counting blessings.
The way to heal is to keep counting blessings.                                                                                                The only way to keep your smile is to count the ways He loves you.                                                                   The most brilliant way to live is to always look for The Light.                                                                             Jesus said, “I am the way.”                                                                                                                                             The way to get your smile back is to trust.                                                                                                 You’ll find that life is still worthwhile, if you’ll just smile.                                                                                      Come on, you can do it. Smile.                                                                                                                                                                                                             Linda
 

​Let us not be weary. . .for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.                                                                                                                                                             Galatians 6:9                                                                                                        
Hello Friend,                                                                                                                                                                               
          I declare that this coming week is going to be great—the same affirmation I made last week.  I will not be weary or frustrated or worried or depressed or anxious.  I will not faint and give in to negative thoughts.  I will not!  There are lots of issues in my family right now and it would be super easy to give up or think that God has forgotten us.  But let us all take a lesson from Jim.  A while back he received some knock the breath out of you health news. His faith never once waivered.  He declared, “It’s going to be fine.”  He is optimistic and feels better than ever.  Other people would have gone to bed and given up.                  
          Our scripture says in due season, we shall reap IF WE DON’T GIVE UP.  Friends, we all have things we’re hoping for.  We all have areas of our lives we want to see changed.  Some say, “I’ll just learn to live with it.”  While it’s good to be content, take a step further.  Stir up your faith.  Declare it’s your season.  Keep your joy while you’re waiting.  Don’t allow satan to steal one single day with his lies.                                          This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
                                                                Joy is a choice; keep your faith strong,
                                                                                                    Linda

​I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart.                                                                                                                                                                               Psalm 9:1
Hello Friend,                                                                                                                                                                          
          I declare that this coming week is going to be great.  Do I plan to win the lottery?  No, I don’t play it.  Or magically drop 7 pounds?  Unlikely.  What will make it great?  My attitude of gratitude!!!                                       
          My new supply of masks has a beautiful butterfly design.  My phone cover is a lovely blue butterfly.  And you may have noticed that the image I chose for my renewal clipart is of a blue butterfly—a symbol of new life in Christ.  A symbol of rebirth.  A symbol of renewal of mind, body, and spirit.  So, this week will be great because I choose to praise God for my blessings.  Praise is telling someone what a good job they did.  It’s the same with giving God praise.  I will give God the glory and praise when I wake up each morning. When I am able to walk to the kitchen and smell the aroma of fresh coffee, I will say, “Praise God I am able to navigate, have food in my kitchen, and have loved ones surrounding me.”  When I take my morning stroll and feel the fresh breeze and warm sun,  I will say, “Good job, God.”  My attitude of gratitude will certainly make this coming week joyful.                                                                                                                            So how about you? Want more joy in your life?  Try praising God for your blessings? 
                                                       By his grace we are saved to enjoy another day, Linda

For the rest brethren, whatever things are true, whatever honorable, whatever just, whatever holy, whatever lovable, whatever of good repute, if there be any virtue, if anything worthy of praise, think upon these things. Philippians 4:8
Hello Dear One,
 
            Happy Valentine’s Day!  I wish you love, peace, and joy.  I am continuing to focus my energy on my resolution to make 2021 my “year of renewal.”  My dear friend, Harriette, sent me a comment regarding my last devotional.  She referenced Philippians verse 8 above which instructs us to meditate upon these things, but felt it was equally important to follow up with verse 9 which continues with the admonition to “not just think” upon these things.  Listen to Paul:   And what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, these things practice.    According to Paul, you can think about love, but you must practice it.  You can think holy thoughts, put you must practice holiness.  In other words, thinking good and righteous thoughts is not enough.  Practice, Practice, Practice.  And verse 9 continues, “the God of peace will be with you.”
 
            Friends, I wish you love, peace, and joy.  You will feel it deep in your soul with practice. 
 
AFFIRMATION:  I have the power to create change in the world.  I will act lovingly and peacefully toward all. 
                                    Praying for the God of peace to reign,
                                                                 Linda
 Be ye transformed by the “Renewal” of your mind.

2021: A Year of Renewal
 
Be ye transformed by the “Renewal” of your mind.


Dear One,
Haven’t you been sad long enough?  Worried? Grieving?  Angry? Depressed long enough.  It truly is within your control to change your mind and be renewed. You can experience joy right this minute.   Honestly, it is possible.  And being honest, it takes determination to break the habit of thinking negative things.  But scripture is clear about what you are to think about.  Meditate on the following passage:                                           Finally, brethren
Whatsoever things are                    Whatsoever things are
               True                                                     Honest
Whatsoever things are                    Whatsoever things are
              Just                                                        Pure
Whatsoever things are                    Whatsoever things are of
               Lovely                                                  Good report
                              Think on these things
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“Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.”                                                                                           Dalai Lama
Dear One, I pray that you will find joy in each and every moment.   Linda
 

2021: A Year of Renewal
                                                        

   Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on.                                                                                Phil. 3:13-14      
Hello Dear One,
                Finally, a new year has arrived, but memories of the past chaotic year can linger if we do not consciously commit to letting them go.  Yes, of course, there were moments of glory, but far outweighed by the bleakness.  In Genesis, two angels urge Lot and his family to flee the city which was about to be destroyed.  Even though Lot’s wife was admonished not to look back, she turned and glanced into the past and was immediately turned into a pillar of salt.  I fear that if I re-live the past year’s pain, my life will lose its flavor.  I will not be open and receptive to the blessings that God has prepared for me in 2021.  Jim and I decided to be proactive about letting go of the past.  We performed a cleansing ritual.  First, we spent time in prayer and reflection.  I did a lot of journal writing.  My prompt was, “At the end of 2020, I want to release.”   As I wrote, I poured my heart onto the pages and wrote and cried till I felt emptied and exhausted.  Later, Jim and I shared our insights.  Then we lit sage incense and allowed the essence to cleanse our home of negativity. 
            Friends, I urge you to prepare for the new year. You might want to use our ritual or create your own.  Don’t allow yesterday’s pain to cloud your vision of manna raining upon you daily. Even in dark valleys, you are never alone.  God is with you and the Light beckons you onward.
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Affirmation:  Pressing forward, looking heavenward, I open my heart for manna.
                                                                        Bless you, dear ones.   Happy New Year,
                                                                            Linda