Jesus said, “I am the way.” John 14:6       
                         
Good morning my dear friend,

          I love writing to you and sharing my heart thoughts.  I try my best to be a Jesus follower.  He shows us the way to be a disciple and I love reading stories of his interactions with people. He was always so kind, gentle, and understanding of their needs. He gave us a single command: to love other people as I love you.  And recently, I have been laser focused on the account in John 14 of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, even removing his outer garment and putting a towel around him, the look of a slave.  And the disciples are aghast and fall silent as they watch Jesus move from disciple to disciple and wash their feet and dry them with a towel.  What is beautiful to me is that he also washed the feet of Judas, the disciple who was about to betray him.  What was going through Jesus’ mind as he bent over the dirty feet of Judas Iscariot.  He was washing the feet of one whom he had chosen, taught, and ministered to, and also knew that soon would betray him.   He could have removed Judas from the Passover meal if he had wanted.  Instead, he washed Judas’s feet as if to say, “You are still mine and I still love you.”
​
          So, my challenge to you this week is:  Whose feet would it be difficult for you to wash?  Trump?  Biden?  Your annoying neighbor?  Your estranged brother? The Way is fueled by a single command, to love other people as I have loved you.  James, the brother of Jesus, stresses that actions speak louder than words.  He attacks the notion that becoming a Christian is simply a matter of assenting to a few spiritual truths without experiencing any real change in behavior or thought.  Are you changed?  Do you freely love?  Could you wash the feet of your enemy?  Take your faith seriously.  Follow “The Way.”                                                                                                                                                 Linda

Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God hath done.

Good morning my sweet friend,

     I am counting you, dear one, as one of my blessings.  Throughout the many seasons of my life, you have been there through transitions and losses, diagnoses and dilemmas.  This past month I have been blanketed by your prayers and well-wishes.  My surgery was a success, the cancer was removed, and now I am entering a season of healing with the help of chemo and radiation.  I am blessed by great doctors and nurses, support from my family, and by my relationship with God.  I was blessed to know just where to turn in scripture to find comforting words, encouraging messages, and stories of hope and miracle healings.
     When I left the hospital, I was given a booklet entitled “POWER” Program of Wellness, Empowerment and Recovery.  Included are suggestions for power living which you and I tend to overlook or consider unnecessary, say we’ll do them later when we have time, or in another less-busy season.  According to POWER, OUR FEELINGS ENHANCE OR WEAKEN OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM.  There is a link between the mind and the body.  Energy goes where you focus your attention.  Positive thinking stimulates the release of chemicals from the brain that boosts the immune system.  Practical things to do:  Keep a gratitude journal.  Take only three minutes a day to write down five things you are grateful for.  This can reduce stress and improve your health.  Laughter will also reduce stress and we are encouraged to watch comedies or read funny books.  Interestingly, Proverbs 17:22 says “A joyful heart is good medicine.” Also suggested is yoga, meditation, and listening to relaxing music.  Romans 12:2 tells us to “Be ye transformed by the renewal of your mind.”  Renewing the mind means letting go of grudges, past hurts, and instead focus on what the Bible reminds us to focus on, “Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable or anything excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things” (Phil 4:8).  Medicine is now reinforcing Biblical principles. 
     I am grateful for the Word of God which heals my mind, body, and spirit.  What is on your gratitude list today?  Linda

​  There is a time for everything and a season for every activity.                                                                                                                                                             Ecclesiastes 3:1
Good morning my beautiful friend,
          On Wednesday, September 22, we entered our second and final equinox  of 2021.  In the Northern Hemisphere it is known as fall or autumn. 
Autumn  is my absolutely favorite time of the year; beautiful leaves and crisp morning air.  As I teenager I remember walking home from school and hearing the crunch of leaves under my feet.  A glorious season.  A new time.  A season for every activity.  My question for you this morning is, “Are you stuck in a particular season?”
          Scripture tells us, “There is  time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. . .”  An equinoxs occurs when the position of the sun is exactly over the equator.  When this happens, the hours of daylight and the hours of darkness are about equal almost everywhere on Earth.  Light and darkness are about equal in each day. Yes, we can be in a season of mourning.  But amidst the grief, we can experience light.  One of my favorite quotes is, “Make each day a good day even if it’s a sad day.”  Life happens and gives us reason to weep, but we are urged to find a time to laugh.  Equal time.  Its our choice.  You and I can set our minds.  I am determined to find peace, laughter, and kindness each day.  Let’s give joy equal time.  Let’s dance!
                                        Love ya,                                                                                                                                                                                           Linda

Oh, happy day, dear one,
            What if we lived this week in relentless optimism?  Life is supposed to teach us lessons through pain, but also lessons through joy.  And as I always preach, joy is a choice.  On Monday, I am having surgery.  I could have spent this past week in fear and trembling with anxiety, but I choose to stay in each present moment and find joy. 
            I recently read:   Anticipate beauty, Believe in miracles, Count on grace, Decide on joy, and Expect peace. This fabulous patio is right outside my screen porch, however, the porch was quite dirty and the foliage overgrown.   As I will be homebound for about a month, I decided to call Les and Renee who are amazingly talented painters, tile installers, landscapers, they do it all, and are reasonably priced.  They came and worked and lifted my spirits so high that I am over-flowing with joy.  I now have a once-again glorious retreat in which to rest, read, and write.  God is so good.  I anticipated beauty and was not disappointed.  I decided to find joy and it arrived in my own backyard.  I’m blessed by His grace and I trust God for miracle healing.  Jesus tells you and me that if we are heavy-laden, He will give us rest and peace.   We just have to come into His presence.  I invite you to do that right now, this very moment and enjoy the refreshment of His Living Water.   Love you all and covet your prayers on Monday, Linda

​But Daniel made up his mind. . .
                                                      Daniel 1:8
Good morning, dear one,
          September’s calendar was inspired by my 2021 Word, Renewal. The first affirmation was “I have the power to change my thoughts.  No actions can be accomplished until you change your thinking, so I made up my mind that the areas of my life that were not pleasing to me could be changed.  I have persevered in the face of challenges and setbacks.  I made up my mind to stick to my plan.  And I have succeeded in several of my goals while others are still a work in progress.  But my mind is made up: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
            So, my challenge to you this week is:  What do you need to make up your mind to do?  Choosing an action can make a huge difference in your life.   Here is a list of suggestions that you can set your mind to do.  Just to get you thinking.

1.  Choose to forgive the person who hurt you—to release bitterness and walk in freedom.
2. Make up your mind to stop buying stuff on a whim.  Abstain from Amazon for a month.
3. Make up your mind to spend time in God’s word every day even if only for a few minutes.
4. Make up your mind to watch less television in the evenings and spend more time with spouse, family and friends.
5. Make up your mind to step out of your comfort zone.  Say yes to something God has been pressing you to do.

            When we make up our minds to take an action, don’t look back.  Say, “I’m done with those things and I’m ready to make a change.”  Change begins with the willingness to be brave.  And God will strengthen your resolve, promise.  Linda

Good morning dear one,
            It’s Monday morning.  What kind of attitude did you wake with?  Here are several tips to help you achieve a glorious week—a joyous life.  It takes practice.   Developing a new mindset takes practice.  Romans 12:2 tells us to “be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”    And never, ever give up hope.  Joy is waiting just around the corner. 

1.  Savor pleasure:  If there is nothing on your agenda today that sounds like fun, add some.  Make time (even five minutes) for somethings that makes you feel special.
2. Practice gratitude:  At the end of each day before bed, please list five things you are grateful for.  Quit grumbling!!!! 
3. Cultivate mindfulness:  Train your mind to focus on the present moment only.  No rehashing regrets from the past.  No crazy predications about the future.  Just enjoy each and every precious moment.
4. Retain a sense of purpose:  Find a reason to get up in the morning. Volunteer.  Help a neighbor.  Call a friend a day.  Stay in touch, don’t hibernate.
5. Emphasize the positive:  Focusing on the positive aspects of a situation are key factors in acquiring resilience—the ability to bounce back from bad times—that will help you weather the losses that may occur in the years ahead.

Focus your mind on hope, gratitude, joy, and calmness.    Let’s enjoy our lives, each and every day.
                                                                                                   Linda

                                                          He leads me beside peaceful waters.                                                                                                                       He renews my strength.   Psalm 23: 2-3
 
 
Good morning my sweet friend,

          When I look around me , listen to the news or podcasts, or hear my loved ones groan,  troubled waters seem to be engulfing our world.  Yet, amidst these waters,  you and I are called to  seek the calm peace of our soul.  We must not allow ourselves to miss even one moment of this precious life sinking under the weight of  fear and/or anxiety.    It is possible to feel serenity in troubled times.  Are you looking deep within?
          Spiritual care is self-care of your soul.  It is not about changing jobs or leaving a relationship.  Outer circumstances should not knock you off balance. The touching story behind the familiar and well-loved hymn It is well with my soul was written at sea by Horatio Spafford directly over the spot where all four of his precious daughters perished a few month before.  You might ask, “How is that possible?”   Friends, there will always be storms to face, and sometimes  there will be tragedies.  But by faith in a loving God and with trust in His divine help, we can confidently say, “It is well with my sou.”
          You and I must make a decision to care for our soul.  Be still and listen. Take a walk at the beach.  I find renewal at Philippi Park as I walk beneath the giant elms.  The earth has music for those who listen. 
COMMITMENT:                                                                                                                                                            This week I will allow God to lead me to quiet pools of serenity.
                  Listen to your inner voice and not the outer chaos.                                                                                                                       Linda

 You will make a new start, listening obediently to God, and He will outdo Himself in making things go well for you.  You will enjoy an all-round good life.  Deuteronomy 30:8-9
 
 


Good morning dear one,


          I love bluebirds of happiness, so this morning I am sending one to you.
                       
                     And when he sings to you                    
                          Though you’re deep in blue
                   You will see a ray of light creep through
                  And so, remember this, life is no abyss
                        Somewhere there’s a bluebird of happiness.

          Jesus was giving his disciples (and you and me) final words of instruction in John 16:33. He said, “I’ve told you all these things so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace.”             
Affirmation:  I will make this day a good day even if it’s a sad day.   Right now, I am at peace and content. I am joyful.  I am blessed.                                                                                                                                                           
My prayer for you this week is that you discover a bluebird sitting quietly on your shoulder.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Love & Peace,                                                                                                                                                                                         Linda

            Phillip said, “Lord show us the Father.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                     John 14:8
 
Good morning dear ones,                                                                                                                                               
          Phillip was like most of us when he asks Jesus, “What is God like?”  And Jesus explains to them, “I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Believe because of the work you have seen me do.”  Friends, read the gospels.  Jesus was love.  And he implores us to “Follow Him.”  Act like Jesus.  So, this morning, I am quoting these lyrics of a Dolly Parton song.                                                                                                                 
Think of your fellow man, lend him a helping hand                                                                                            Put a little love in your heart.                                                                                                                                 You see, it's getting late, oh, please don't hesitate.                                                                                            Put a little love in your heart.                                                                                                                                        
Another day goes by, and still the children cry                                                                                                    Put a little love in your heart                                                                                                                                      If We want the world to know, we won't let hatred grow                                                                                   Put a little love in your heart.
And the world will be a better place,  And the world will be a better place  for you and me,                        you just wait and see.  Put a little love in your heart.
 

                                       Let’s spread love, Linda