Little Girl

I was holding the car door for my Mom as she carefully maneuvered herself into the back seat. She sat still for a moment before pulling her legs in and looked up at me. "Right now your hair is the exact color it was when you were a little girl."

In that moment I was that little girl again. Never mind that I long ago began coloring my hair to hide the gray that had started at such an early age. Never mind that there are seven incredible children who call me Grandma. Never mind the lines and wrinkles that have added "character" to my aging face. I am still my Mother's little girl.

Just for an instant the cares and burdens that come with being wife, mom and grandma lifted, and I felt light and carefree. Just for an instant I wasn't the responsible one. I was someone's little girl.

I wrapped my heart around that moment and carried it with me for days. I thought about a Father who loves me dearly and calls me His little girl. A Father who wants to take every care and burden and carry it for me, and I felt light and carefree.







Blessings,
Linda

Peace

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You."

Isaiah 26:3

Blessings to you this Sunday,
Linda

Perspective

I have been walking the same little country road for more years than I like to admit. All those years ago, when I first began, this was my view as I covered ground as quickly as I could.



I walked with my head lowered, arms pumping, eyes cast downward. Then I read an article about the "proper" way to walk and realized I was doing it all wrong. I should have been walking with my head held high and my gaze fixed firmly ahead. Never being one to break the rules, I adjusted the attitude of my head.

I immediately noticed the difference. My posture was certainly much better, but that wasn't the real blessing. When I moved my gaze upward, I saw all the amazing things I had been missing.


- the sweet wild flowers perfectly color coordinated!



- the little splash of red perched high and singing his heart out




-the view of these rolling hills just before the road dips down



the big Texas sky



I have found the same thing to be true in my life. When my gaze is focused downward on the circumstances of life, my view is very narrowed. It is when I shift my gaze that a whole new vista opens, and I see the miracles all around me. It is more than just a view - it is the realization that the Father walks with me on this journey. There are difficult places to be sure, but when my eyes are on Him there is so much of beauty, peace and joy all around me.




Blessings,
Linda

Multitude Monday

"God commands us to be thankful because our gratitude is not based on whether we are enjoying life but on the realities of our lives in God; being filled with gratitude with who God is, for His Son, and for our salvation go deeper than any feelings drawn out of our experiences of pain or joy. Our thankful attitude is anchored in the assurances of our faith in Christ."
James MacDonald

They came to our house yesterday, Dad leaning on his cane carefully watching over Mom as she slowly negotiated the sidewalk leading to the front porch. She lifted the walker over the thresh-hold and with her sweet smile breathed a sigh of relief.

We settled them into the most comfortable chairs and chatted until the children and grandchildren arrived. The living room was full - of familiar voices all talking at once, of laughter, of love and a sense of deep gratitude. Gratitude for these precious ones who have all know a great deal of pain and suffering over the past few years, but who still find joy in this life.

My Dad looked worn - dialysis takes a toll, especially on a ninety year old body. He has walked through some very dark times, but he has come out the other side with a heart that still whispers "Thank you."

It is a legacy that has been passed down through the generations. I see it in my husband who, though not related to Dad by birth, lives out a patient gratitude in the most difficult of times. It is reflected in the young face of my son who is learning to live with M.S. and finds gratitude in the way God has used his life to minister to others. I see the seeds of it planted in the hearts of my grandchildren.

I am so thankful for the legacy of faith my parents and my husband's parents have given us. It is priceless treasure that has eternal value.



I also thankful for:

- early morning walks, the road lined with long shadows and gentle breezes wrapping around us

- that time of day when the sun is setting, the shadows are lengthening and stillness begins to settle over the land

- worship music ministering to our thirsty souls

- applauding wildly as dozens walk forward to ask Jesus into their hearts

- the kindness of strangers

- the skill and compassion of good doctors

- letters from dear friends

Please join me at Ann's :

Blessings,
Linda

picture taken at my parents' home on Mother's Day (I failed to take one yesterday!)

Hugs

I cannot remember a time when the Lord was not a part of my life. I was saved at a very young age and church was central in our lives. I heard the familiar stories from the Word over and over again. I knew the books of the Bible and was a real competitor in those Sunday School Sword Drills. I memorized scripture and sang the familiar songs - "Jesus Loves Me". I was blessed with priceless treasure and yet, even with all of that, my picture of who God was somehow became skewed.

I'm not sure how it happened or what all the subtle influences were, but somewhere along the line I dressed the Father in a Judge's flowing robe and put a gavel in His hand. There He was, high above me watching to see how I was doing.

If I was a good girl, all was right in my world, and between me and God. If I messed up, I crouched down waiting for the blow to fall. I would withdraw, overwhelmed with guilt and too ashamed to even pray. Intellectually I knew that God is a loving God, but I couldn't seem to get away from that works mentality. I just felt I had to be deserving of love or it simply wouldn't be there.

I was a grown woman when we moved and began attending church that was vastly different from the church of my childhood. Through the worship and teaching my picture of the Father began to change. I finally began to truly understand unconditional love - a love that doesn't keep score or judge, but rather extends mercy, forgiveness and grace. The understanding slowly worked its way from my head to my heart, and I knew that He loved me - no matter what. I no longer saw Him as a harsh Judge but rather as a loving Father who desired nothing more than to draw me close to His heart. I could never have imagined myself hugging that Judge, but this tender Father was so different.

As is so often the case, He sealed that truth with something I could see and hold.

There was an elderly man at that church, the Pastor's father, who was everything I had ever thought a true believer would be. Wise, loving and gentle - I sensed the Spirit within him whenever I was in his presence. The first time he ever extended his arms and drew me into a tender hug I thought, "This is what it feels like to rest in the Father's arms." There was such a sense of peace and love within that embrace.



It is, perhaps, easier to imagine stepping into the arms of Jesus, but He said, "If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him... Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father."
John 14



He invites us to snuggle up close, even on those days when we feel anything but spiritual, and rest in Him. His love never changes. We have such a precious gift.

Blessings,
Linda

Look Up

In many respects these are difficult days. Whether you keep up with the news on a daily basis or just hear an occasional report, it is almost impossible to avoid the fact that our country is in the midst of upheaval. It seems that everywhere we turn there is disaster, controversy and discontent. It is easy to simply be overwhelmed by it all.

Many are facing financial troubles. There have been devastating weather events – such heartbreaking loss of life. Without getting into politics, there is grave
concern about the direction our country is heading. It is enough to make us lose heart, to feel a bit fearful about the future and to wonder if things will ever be made right...

For the rest of this devotional please visit Laced With Grace. I'm over there today.

Blessings,
Linda

Thankful For Him

Not much time for writing today, but I have a few minutes before we run out again and I need to do this Gratitude Post. Today is my husband's birthday. I have known him since I was in grade school. He is an amazing man and the very best of friends.

He spent his birthday morning and part of the afternoon taking my Dad to the hospital for yet another test. It is totally in character for him to have done such a thing. He typifies "servant's heart" for me.

He gives of his time, his resources, his knowledge and skills, his talent (boy can he sing!) and his tender heart without reserve.

All of that, and he's not half bad looking!



Three children, seven grandchildren, forty-three years of marriage - and it really does just get better and better. I am truly blessed and thankful.

Blessings,
Linda

Please visit Ann's blog and meet some wonderful people!

Simply Abiding

"Open wide every avenue of your being to receive the blessed influences your Divine Husbandman may bring to bear upon you. Bask in the sunshine of His love. Drink in the waters of His goodness. Keep your face upturned to Him. You need make no efforts to grow. But let your efforts instead be all concentrated on this, that you abide in the Vine."

Hannah Whitall Smith

Blessings,
Linda

Finding Fault

Romans 15:13
"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace, because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."
There is an air of discontent about me in recent days. I find myself waking up and thinking that I just don't want to get out of bed and face the same old routine. Normally I am very content with having one day flow into the next with very little variation. I have grown very wary of change. But there are seasons of discontent it seems, and this is one of them.

I find myself longing for the summers of my childhood, when we visited that enchanted island, walked on pristine beaches and played in the frigid waves. Summers with that sense of timelessness and no responsibilities.

When unchecked, the discontent spills over into an impatience with myself. I look at my life and my heart, see the faults and failings and want to give up. I examine closely the work I love best to do, compare it with others and find it sadly lacking. "What place is there for me," I think, "when so many others do it so much better than I could ever hope to?"

Without much enthusiasm I opened my little devotional book to today's reading, and there was Romans 15:13 - a verse I had memorized some time last year. It had spoken volumes to my heart back then, and I began to feel a stirring as I read the devotional passage:

"I think that many of your troubles arise from an exaggerated anxiety, a secret impatience with your own faults; and this restlessness, when once it has possession of your mind, is the cause of numberless trifling faults, which worry you and go on adding to your burden until it becomes unbearable. I would have you honest in checking and correcting yourself, but at the same time patient under the consciousness of your frailty. Remember that Jesus our Lord loves to dwell within a quiet heart, and to come to those who are at peace with themselves; restlessness and anxiety hinder our seeing Him, even when He is beside us and speaking to us."
Pere Hyacinthe Besson (1829-1896)
I know that I tend to be very hard on myself; some have even said I am a perfectionist (who me?). It is especially true about the creative things I do. When Michael Neale was here he told a little story that made me weep. He had been on the verge of having some of his music recorded. At the last moment, the company decided they wouldn't be able to use his music after all. They were "going in a different direction." He was hugely disappointed.

Later, during a time of worship, he heard the Lord speak to his heart. I cannot remember his exact words, but the thought was, "Who are you writing your songs for Michael; who is more important to you than Me?" He said the tears just began to flow. Then He heard the Father whisper, "Michael, I love your songs."

I thought of that this morning after I read my devotional. Then I read a post at Ann's that beautifully reinforced what the Father had been speaking to my heart.

When I am tempted to compare myself to others; when I wallow in self-pity and find fault with what I've done and who I am, I am denying what the Father says about me. When I bring my offering to Him, with no other motive than to bring honor and glory to Him, He is well pleased.

I don't know why it is so difficult for the human heart to receive such unconditional love. We have only to look at a cross to know the depth of that love.

I come today asking forgiveness for my own foolishness, knowing I will receive grace and love beyond anything I could ask or think. Make me new Lord, and fill me with your Spirit so that I may love You more.

Blessings,
Linda

Multitude Monday - Changing My Attitude

It has been one of "those" days. Nothing has gone right - or more accurately - nothing has gone the way I would like it to go. I knew that I had a choice about my attitude, and I'm ashamed to confess I decided to just go ahead and wallow in my own misery.

After several hours of "wallowing" I found it difficult to ignore that gentle nudging - that still small voice that says, "Stop acting like a fool." So I thought I would write my gratitude post. I really struggled to get my attitude right, and then the words of this Tommy Walker song began playing in my head:

Thank You For Loving Me

What love the Father has lavished on us
That we should be called His sons and daughters
Precious in His sight
Greater love this world had never seen
When He hung on that tree
O why would He do such a thing
For dirty sinners like you and me?

Chorus:
O God thank You for loving me
When on the cross You made history
Lord You died for me
Forever my praise will go to Thee
O God thank You for choosing me
To be Your child and bear Your name
O Jesus I will never cease to sing Your praise

Verse 2:
Your love is patient and humble and kind
It's greater than all my sin
It always protects and trusts and hopes
And will have no end
It's Your love that lifted me up from the depths
Set my feet on a solid rock
With a firm place to stand
Lord I always will trust in Your loving hand

Bridge:
How wide how long
How high how deep
How endless is Your love for me
How wide how long
How high how deep
How endless is Your love for me

How can I be anything but grateful for such love?

I am also thankful for:

- friends that encourage and uplift (thank you Sandy)

- a Sunday afternoon spent with my daughter

- fresh peach cobbler

- dinner with new friends

- the unchanging character of the Father

Blessings,
Linda

for more gratitude posts, please visit Ann
(I'm feeling better already!)

Bits and Pieces

Here are just a few little bits and pieces from my little corner of the world:


Remember this Century Plant? I promised to keep an eye on it so that we could see what new and wonderful things it would do.



This is what it looked like today.












I will continue to monitor it's progress and report in as soon as there are any further developments. :-)

The next two pictures are especially for Dawn. This is my "gentle" little hummingbird who perches on the feeder and drinks deeply. Such a sweet picture of peace and tranqulity.










However....he must have seen me spying on him, and he flew up to the window to demonstrate his displeasure. I told you they were feisty!!





This is a song from our Easter program. It was written by our music minister' s wife and seventeen year old son.

He Has Overcome - Easter 2010 from Community Bible Church on Vimeo.

And a word that blessed:
"The surest method of arriving at a knowledge of God's eternal purposes about us is to be found in the right use of the present moment. God's will does not come to us in the whole, but in fragments, and generally in small fragments. It is our business to piece it together, and to live it into one orderly vocation."
F.W. Faber (1815-1863)

Have a blessed weekend,
Linda

When I Am Afraid

"But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in You."
Psalm 56:3

Under my bed, all through my childhood, was a big blue box. It held all my special momentoes. Hidden among the childish drawings, handmade cards, sea shells, report cards, little awards, and an assortment of things that I had picked up along my journey was a crumpled up little handkerchief. I had carried it with me on the very first day of school. A day when I cried and cried, longing for the security of home. My Mom had saved it all those years.

I was a painfully shy, timid little girl - happiest when I was at home or doing something with my family.



I loved the daylight but dreaded the night. My overactive imagination went into overdrive as the darkness fell. Lying in my little bed, strange noises or threatening shadows playing on the bedroom walls would sometimes keep me awake for long hours. Every frightening thing I had seen or heard loomed large in my little mind.

When my Mom and Dad walked quietly down the hall to their bedroom, I began to relax. I snuggled under the covers, listening to their voices behind the wall - gentle night-time conversation - and I felt safe. My eyes closed and I slept peacefully.

So many years have passed since I was that fearful little girl, but I know she has not gone away. She still lives somewhere deep in my heart. Some nights she comes to me - just as I slip into bed pull the covers up and turn out the lights. A ripple of fear races across my soul and all the anxieties and cares, the worries about an uncertain future, cause my heart to race.

Then I "hear" Him walk quietly down the hall and over to our bed. He whispers words of promise that were written across my heart long ago. And I find peace.

"When I remember Thee on my bed, I meditate on Thee in the night watches."
Psalm 63:6

"Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning. for I am trusting You..."
Psalm 143:8

Blessings,
Linda