Happy New Year

"Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert."
Isaiah 43:18,19


Blessings,
Linda

Stopping and Listening

I hope your Christmas was filled with moments to cherish.

I am going to take this week to ponder the moments and listen for that still, small voice. Typically I feel a little "let down" after Christmas. So much anticipation and all too quickly it is gone. Everything seems to have lost its sparkle.

This time I want to carry Christmas with me all year long. Surely that is what we are meant to do - to take the gift, wrapped in the form of a tiny baby, and open it daily. All of the promises fulfilled, all the hope to come, all the grace to live, love beyond measure and so much more - given to each of us.

Blessings,
Linda

painting: Jean Honore Fragonard

Christmas Wishes

Merry Christmas Dear Friends.




"For a child will be born to us (to you and to me!), a son will be given to us..."
Isaiah 9:6

From our home to yours we send love and wishes for a joyous, blessed Christmas.

Blessings,
Linda

This, Too, Is Christmas

Christmas comes in unexpected ways and unplanned moments. Four generations gather; casual conversation turns to deep and little ones ask about Christmases past. They sit wide-eyed listening to stories about life when little boys slept three in a bed and there was no money for presents or even Christmas trees.

Great-grandpa shares long-go memories and puts things treasured  into young hands;

Grandfathers and grandsons lean into one another;

a Grandson brings Grandma into his world;

the children ask about the spinning wheel that lives in the corner of the living room and watch in fascinated wonder;

the girls spy the wedding dress in the portrait hanging in the bedroom and wonder ...
yes, she has it stored away on the high shelf in the closet.

I watched through tear-dimmed eyes as years were woven into story and the story became a part of young hearts. Family - drawn together by words and love and memories passed from one generation to the next.

This, too, is Christmas.

Linking to Laura today:



Blessings,
Linda

His Hands

I am writing at Laced With Grace today. If you have a moment, I would love to have you join me there.

blessings,
Linda

The Journey Begins

"So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child."

Luke 2:4,5



blessings,
Linda

Five Minute Friday - Connected

Joining the others at Lisa-Jo's Five Minute Friday today with the word

Connected

start:

It is easier to stay connected these days than our Great-Grandparents ever could have imagined. We carry our lines of communication with us and, theoretically, we can always reach one another.

However, it has been my experience that despite cell phones and computers it is still often impossible for me to reach my loved ones. I am invariably given over to voice-mail and must wait until they check their messages. These marvelous devises, designed not doubt, to give me a great measure of control in my life are somehow sadly lacking.

There is one connection, however, that is one hundred percent reliable. The moment I utter a word to Him or a single thought flies heavenward, He bends down to listen. There is never a time He is too busy or hands me off to voicemail. There are no menus with numbers to push, no automated voices. He is always there - in person, listening with all His heart.

This is the one instance where I am totally in control. I am the only one who can break the connection. His desire is that I be connected at all times.

stop

Blessings,
Linda

photo: photobucket

Anticipation

"But when the fullness of the time came,God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,"
Galatians 4:4

Christmas approaches,
days filled with anticipation.
We sing the songs,
bake the cookies,
decorate our homes and trim the tree.
We search for the perfect gift
and wrap it with hope.
We read the ancient story, light the candles
and wait for His coming.

And what of heaven over two thousand years ago?
How to calculate
the sense of anticipation
or know its parts?
Was it made up of an equal measure
of joy and sorrow,
as the Father gazed at His only Son?
Was there a small portion of regret
as He held Him in His arms?

The days counted down;
all of heaven must have held its breath,
watching love send the most
precious of gifts
to hearts that were waiting,
and to hearts that would not care.
He came.

Blessings,
Linda

On, In and Around Mondays: Jesus

The choir sang the powerful message of Christmas; the children joined them, sweet voices, proclaiming the birth of the King of kings; the dancers moved to the music with beauty and grace. Resounding applause filled the huge auditorium.

A hush fell as the lights were dimmed - a single beam, center stage. Josh Lopez quietly began to sing the names of Jesus. Savior, Light of the World, Redeeming Friend, Counselor, Prince of Peace... The choir sang softly in the background and the volume began to increase until one name, repeated over and over, echoed across the vast expanse:
"Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus..."

One by one people rose to their feet - arms lifted high to the One whose name is above all names. "Jesus. Jesus..." - hundreds of people standing before the One, the only One, who is worthy of all our praise.

And Christmas came.



Linking to L.L. Barkat's On, In and Around Mondays



and Laura's Playdates





Blessings,
Linda

The Gift

The gentle whisper has been quite persistent in recent months. I listen, nod in agreement and in a shamefully short period of time slide right back to where I began. Still the whisper persists. I hear it in the voices of Ann, Lisa-Jo, Emily and a number of other much admired women. "Yes," my head says, but the stubborn heart refuses to be moved.

The gentle whisper increases in volume when it is filtered through the pages of scripture. I hear it in the most unlikely places. Reading through the Old Testament stories - walking through the wilderness with the Children of Israel - and it speaks so clearly I am brought to tears.

"Then Moses spoke again to Korah: 'Now listen, you Levites!. Does it seem insignificant to you that the God of Israel has chosen you from among all the community of Israel to be near Him so you can serve in the Lord's Tabernacle and stand before the people to minister to them? Korah, He has already given this special ministry to you and your fellow Levites. Are you now demanding the priesthood as well? The Lord is the one you and your followers are really revolting against! For who is Aaron that you are complaining about him?"
Numbers 16:8-11

Here I stand again, with those Children I used to shake my head in wonder over. How often have I compared myself to others and wished I could be more like them? How many times have I looked longingly at their gifts and wished they were mine? If I look deeply into my own heart I find those same seeds of discontent and longing.

And the voice of Moses carries down through the centuries and implores me to embrace the gift I have already been given and to be content to serve in the way that the Lord has chosen for me.

It is the season of giving. A beautifully wrapped package sits under the tree with my name on it. Will I open it or will I look around at the other beautiful gifts and wish I could have them too? This gift is mine, the one He chose especially for me. It will only have value if I open it, embrace it and then give it away.

He has special gifts for each one of us - gifts that are uniquely chosen just for you by the One who knit you together in your mother's womb and wrote your story before you ever drew one breath. Every gift is of equal value - for each of us is equally loved and cherished.

linking to Emily's imperfect prose:

and:




Blessings,
Linda

picture: my dear friend Mary's home all dress up for Christmas

Happy Birthday Jesus

The birthday cake made its first appearance when our children were young. I got the idea from a Christmas devotional I had been reading. The author was writing about her family's Christmas traditions, and the idea for the birthday cake was tucked in among the others. Every Christmas she baked a birthday cake for Jesus - a reminder to her young children of what we are celebrating.

That Christmas, after all the Christmas cookies had been safely stored away in tins awaiting the big day, I baked the birthday cake. Double layer - frosted in creamy chocolate. On Christmas Day, after the tumult of gift giving and feasting on the traditional lasagna dinner I slipped into the kitchen and put the candles on the cake.

A hush settled over the dining room as I walked in. We dimmed the lights and struck a match to light the candles. In the soft glow we sang "Happy Birthday dear Jesus."
It seemed such a simple thing - not very "spiritual" in comparison to some Advent traditions - but it did something to our hearts as we gazed at the brightly lit cake and sang a birthday song to the One who had given so much for us.

These days it is the youngest grandchildren who blow out the candles. There are more voices joining together to sing birthday wishes to the King of kings. And I am filled with gratitude - for each one, from the seven year old to the one who is in his nineties, holds Him in their heart. He has given us the most precious of gifts.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

linking to the High Calling writing project at Charity's blog

Blessings,
Linda

photo: courtesy of photobucket

Thankful for Christmas

Winter has arrived in South Texas. We huddle under quilts at night and hunch our shoulders as cold winds buffet - but I remember those seemingly endless days of triple digit weather and smile with gratitude as I shiver my way to the car.

I am thankful for Christmas. It is, I think, my favorite time of year. When I was younger, the season was all wrapped up in Santa, presents, tins of cookies from my Mom's kitchen, caroling, Christmas programs and wishing for snow.

As I got older, I continued the traditions in my own home, but slowly, quietly, the emphasis has changed. My longing is to move slowly through the days with eyes lifted heavenward - to somehow take in the wonder of His coming and wait with hope for His coming again.,

Yes - I am so thankful for Christmas:

- a Savior who left the glory of heaven to become one of us
- a Father who sent His beloved Son to live and die that I might live
- a young girl who willingly surrendered her life to the call of God
- an honorable man who willingly bore the shame
- a group of shepherds, who heard the news and believed
- wise men who followed the star, worshiped the tiny King, and defied the evil one
- a Father who could not contain His love for His Son and sent angels to herald His birth
- a love I could not possibly deserve come to life
- a promise fulfilled - Unto us a child is born!
- the Word - the perfect Word of God that traces the promise from beginning to end

He came quietly - a baby's cry breaking the silence of 400 years. He came, and nothing will ever be the same. He lives, and He still offers the gift of His sacrifice. The gift of eternal life.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16

Joining the Gratitude Community at Ann's today.



Blessings,
Linda

The Magnificat

"Oh how my soul praises the Lord.
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
For He took notice of His lowly servant girl,
and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
For the Mighty One is holy
and He has done great things for me."


Luke 1:46-49

Linking to Deidra's today:

Blessings,
Linda

painting:  Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato

Waiting

T'is the season of waiting:
Zechariah waiting in silence
for the promised son;
a young girl waiting expectantly
for the Word to become flesh;
a star waiting
for the mighty to bow low;
a world waiting, groaning
beneath the weight of despair.

At just the right time
He came.

T'is the season of waiting:
for peace, when life is filled
with turmoil and worry;
for comfort, when sorrow
fills the heart;
for grace, when the worst
we feared comes calling;
for love, when we feel
so unlovely and unworthy.

At just the right time
He comes.

Linking to Emily's imperfect prose:




Blessings,
Linda

picture credit http://www.patheos.com/blogs/markdroberts/series/introduction-to-advent/

Time

It seems to me time, like a comic super-hero, has magical powers. It has an ordinary appearance, marching along in carefully measured ticks - never deviating from one day to the next. And yet....and yet, it can take a little girl and change her into a young woman in the blink of an eye - turning a deaf ear to pleas to just stand still for a little while.

When I saw her, after long months of separation, she took my breath away. Once again time flexed its muscles, and I was catapulted back in time to a day when I was younger than she is now. A dreamy high school girl, discovering love and dreaming of the day when I would marry and have children. Two little boys danced in my imagination - boys that looked remarkably like my high school sweetheart.

As I stood in the present moment, looking at my Granddaughter, I marveled at the blessing. The Father took the dreams of my youth and added such bounty. Not just two little boys - but a little girl too. Watching them grow into adults as time spun the moments into years. And then, the gifts I hadn't even known enough to dream - Grandchildren. My children's children embracing the legacy of faith passed down through the generations - through time.

I hugged her close and wondered at the grace and love that gives such good gifts.

Joining Emily today for Tuesdays Unwrapped.

Blessings,
Linda

Sunday

"For you will go out with joy, and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands."

Isaiah 55:12

Joining Deidra today:



Blessed Sunday,
Linda

Thanksgiving Wishes

Sending all of you wishes for a blessed Thanksgiving Day. Praying that no matter what circumstances you find yourself standing in, you will know that the Father is there with you, and that He loves you with an everlasting love. May His peace, joy and love fill your hearts with a gratitude that goes beyond the bounds of circumstances.

The Laced With Grace Team has put together a special Thanksgiving post. Please join us there as we number the blessings He has poured into our lives.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

With love,
Linda

The Other side of Gratitude

There she sat, in the middle of torn wrapping paper, ribbons and a pile of new toys, crying in frustration because there were no more presents to open. I remember the swift play of emotions - humor, compassion, and a touch of disappointment. I had expected something different in return for all we had given.

I thought of that moment as I found myself standing on the flip side of gratitude. I felt a bit like that little one who thought the gifts would come all wrapped in beautiful paper and tied with shiny ribbon and that there would be an endless supply.

To be sure, the gifts have come - lovely, numerous and better than I imagined. However, there have been other gifts - ones I've chosen not to label as such. Ugly ones that I didn't expect - one piled on top of another. And rather than give thanks for everything, I chose to focus on the ones I didn't want and stepped from gratitude to complaining.

Unfortunately, a heart that starts to complain doesn't stop there. It begins a downward cycle into self-pity, envy, and anger. Finally it goes a step too far and a gap between the Father and the heart begins to open and grow wider with the passage of time. Until there is an emptiness - a silence - that becomes unbearable.

The miracle of love, God's love, is that it is never exhausted. All I need to do is turn around and step back into His embrace. Repentance is met with grace. And in return there can be only the deepest gratitude.

Thank You Father for:

- the gentle whisper of conviction that never condemns

- times of disappointment

- problems that seem to have no easy solution

- weariness and sickness

- disasters that loomed on the horizon and then disappeared

- the newly poured foundation of our home

- the well, that didn't cost twice what they estimated

- rain

- planes, carried on the wings of prayer, that bring a much loved daughter safely across the ocean and back

- friends that pray

- visits with family

- Old Testament stories that speak today's truths to my heart

- Christmas music

- holidays given true meaning and real joy because of Him

- the anticipation of a visit from a precious granddaughter

- the lightness when the burden is lifted

- forgiveness and grace

linking with Ann's Gratitude Community

Blessings,
Linda

Refreshment for the Soul

"He knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with Him."
Daniel 2:22

"God is too wise not to know all about us, and what is really best for us to be, and to have. And He is too good, not to desire our highest good; and too powerful, desiring, not to effect it. If then, what He has appointed for us does not seem to us the best, or even to be good, our true course is to remember that he sees further than we do, and that we shall understand Him in time, when His plans have unfolded themselves; meanwhile casting all our care upon Him, since He careth for us."
Henry Parry Liddon (1829-1890)

Joining Deidra today to celebrate Sunday:



Blessings,
Linda

If You Love Me

I am writing at Laced With Grace today. It's about nail biting and loving the Lord. Would you come visit me there? Thank you so much

.

Blessings,
Linda

Accountable Forever

When it is time to decide on a new memory verse, I begin leafing through my Bible zeroing in on the verses I've highlighted over the years. Occasionally, though, a verse will pop out at me - one I had somehow overlooked - and it will resonate in my heart.


"The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that He has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of those instructions."
Deuteronomy 29:29


My heart beats a little faster when I read it. I have been given the priceless gift of a lifetime of Bible teaching. My parents, Sunday School teachers, Pastors, Bible studies all adding to the store of knowledge. We are privileged to have so much available to us, and we are accountable for all that has been revealed to us.

Having said that, one would think it would be enough to keep us busy. Yet there seems to be more than enough time to not only quibble about the things we do know, but we also seem determined to argue about those secrets known only to God.

We know that we cannot know the mind of God, but something compels us to try anyway. Then when we think we have it figured out, we are ready to take on anyone who disagrees. I am afraid that we sometimes are so consumed with getting it right we miss the mark altogether.

We are to love one another, to care for the poor, to share the gospel in word and deed. Whether or not we like a certain type of music in church doesn't even make the list. Pre-tribulation or Post-tribulation isn't there either.

I think there is a yearning to get back to those things He has revealed to us - to be the church He gave His life to establish. I see it in the young people I worship with. I read it in your posts. I hear it in my Pator's heart.

"This is my commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you."
John 15:12

linking to Emily's imperfect prose






Blessings,
Linda

No Providing

My internet service provider had a bad day and didn't do any "providing" until late tonight. Tomorrow is my day with my Mom - so I will try to catch up with everyone just as soon as I can. And I had such big plans....

Blessings,
Linda

One of the Children

"Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren't there enough graves for us in Egypt? Didn't we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt...It's better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!"
Exodus 14:11-12

After 450 years of waiting - of fervent, unceasing prayers for deliverance from the cruel bondage in Egypt  - they joyously marched their way to freedom. Of all the answers to prayer, surely this was the greatest they had known. And yet, just days into their journey to the Promised Land the complaining began.

In recent days, I humbly admit, I have stood in their number. Whining and complaining and wishing I could just "go back to Egypt." Yesterday was a particularly trying day, and I was in top form. It was all I could do to pick up my Bible and read where I had left off days ago.

Seated in my little flowered armchair, I was transported to that moment in time when the Children of Israel started what seemed like a perpetual whining about their circumstances. God has a way of getting to the heart of a matter.

We have just come through a season of remarkable blessing - of long awaited answers to prayer that were beyond anything we could have imagined. It was all joy.

It didn't take long, however, for unanticipated problems to surface - and for anxiety to crowd out joy. My focus shifted from Him to the circumstances, and I whined and complained.

He "spoke" to me as I sat surrounded by my worries and fears and reminded me that I had much to be thankful for. There was never a moment when the Children of Israel were separated from His love and protection. They simply had a hard time remembering who He was when what seemed like insurmountable problems stood in their way.

When I walk through days like these, I have a tendency to become immobile. Everything is just too much effort. I make foolish decisions based on my feelings. Yesterday I decided I would shut down the blog...I didn't have anything worthwhile to share.....and if I did, I wouldn't write it well anyway....and on and on.

Today I read...
"After the victory, the Lord instructed Moses,'Write this down on a scroll as a permanent reminder..."
Exodus 17:14

Clearly the Father reminded me of the reason this all began in the first place. I wanted a place to write for Him; a place to pile the stones of remembrance as an altar to His faithfulness.

And so I write.

Blessings,
Linda

Heavy

For some reason, unknown even to my silly self, I have been running from writing this post for the past couple of days. It isn't anything profound or new; it has all been said by others with much greater skill. But the little voice persists.

Heavy

It is all so heavy Lord,
so many needs that
weigh the heart down.
Sickness that has no cure
holding the future of precious lives hostage.
Waiting and hoping that
all we can do will be enough.

And I pray
because You have said "All things are possible."
I wrestle the burden off our shoulders
and lay it at Your feet.
You slip the yoke around my neck
and begin to walk beside me.

You take each need, each cherished soul,
and hold them to Your heart.
You sing softly,
fill bottles with tears
whisper words of love.
You tuck each one safely under Your wings
and gently number the strands;
with Your love You calm all their fears.

And the spirit flies free and weightless
on wings of promise.

linking to Em's imperfect prose:



Blessings,
Linda

His Values

I come to the computer screen eager to read their posts. I am excited for them, thankful for them, praying for them - but, I confess, a part of my heart longs to be part of them. To go somewhere far from all that is familiar and comfortable and do something BIG in His name.

My mind understands that we are not all called to the same thing - of course it does. It understands that prayer is powerful and miraculous and a high calling. It understands that circumstances, those things that truly do come to us through His hands, don't permit all of us to go to those faraway places. It knows that the Father uses both big and small things to accomplish His greater purposes. But still there is this longing heart.

And into this heart He whispers words of love. He tells me of the plan He has for my life and assures me that it is good. He asks that I be content and grateful. He has given more than I can possibly hold in my hands. In my longing to give Him more, I must be careful to calculate it according to His scale. When I give Him all that I am, no matter how insignificant it looks in my eyes, He counts it as priceless. I give Him the gift of my heart, and He asks me to trust that He will use it well.

With contentment and gratitude:

- time spent with a precious daughter

- cool, clear days

- walks

- good books

- discovering a new library

- filling music folders for choir practice

- an evening with the kids and grand-kids

- granddaughter hugs

- the joy in my son's face

- a husband who gives selflessly

- answered prayer

- praying for family and friends

- a "v" of ducks flying overhead

- abundant provision

Linking to Ann's Gratitude Community today

Blessings,
Linda

Five Minute Friday - "We Will Remember"

Today's word is:

Remember

(If you only have five minutes today, please scroll down and listen to the words of Tommy Walker's song rather than reading mine. They are words that will minister to you in a profound way. I'm sure of it.)

We sang it again in choir rehearsal this past wednesday night. It is my favorite Tommy Walker song. It gives me goose-bumps and I can hardly make it through to the end without the tears flowing. It is called "We Will Remember."

As we sing our way through the verses, my mind goes back - back through the years to the time I first met Him - a little girl who wanted so desperately to be sure she raised her skinny little arm every time the invitation to accept Jesus as Savior was given.

Back to a time when, even though I knew Him, I chose to walk the path of my own choosing. A time when I hurt Him with my selfish rebellion and childish anger. Back to a time when He forgave me for even that.

Back to a time when I thought He had finally turned His back and allowed the very worst of my nightmares to come true - to that time when I thought I might walk away for good. I remember how patient He was - how He listened to my angry accusations and bitter complaints against Him - how He loved me anyway. I remember the way He patiently waited and drew me back with love.

stop:



Blessings,
Linda

Don't Quarrel

,

The Old Testament stories are so familiar to so many of us. We have heard them told and retold since we were old enough to sit on those little wooden Sunday School chairs. However, the truth is, no matter how familiar a passage of scripture may have become, if we listen closely the Spirit will whisper something new.

The story of Joseph is one of those familiar ones. I reread it the other day and found a few words I had never noticed before. They were tucked into Genesis 45, the moving scene where Joseph finally reveals his identity to his brothers. He has given them ample provisions for the journey back to Canaan - back to a father who doesn't know that the son he thought dead for so many years is still alive.

As he watches them go, Joseph gives them these parting instructions:

"Don't quarrel about this along the way!"
Genesis 45:24

They had just experienced grace and mercy beyond anything they could have imagined. Thinking they would be dealt with in the severest of ways, they found instead love and forgiveness. This brother, whom they had sold into slavery, had not only forgiven them he had saved their lives and the lives of everyone in their families.
Was it possible they would quarrel about it?

I have learned not to judge the lives of others too harshly. The minute I do, I am reminded of my own failures and failings. All too often they are precisely the ones I find so distasteful in others.

How often have I received grace when I deserved condemnation only to turn right around and begin to grumble and complain about something else? Or the times I have been forgiven only to try to justify my part or blame the whole thing on someone else? Or, having received forgiveness, continue to rehash the past with "if onlys."

Surely there were things the brothers could have quarreled about. Joseph knew that it would do no good to argue about past wrongs. It was a time for new beginnings. He had given them that - a full measure of grace and forgiveness.

Blessings,
Linda

Thanks In the In-between

My eyes have learned to focus
on the blessings
those that stand in stark relief
against the ordinary every day
and those easily overlooked
the ones that hide in the shadows.

My eyes have learned to see
through tears and shattered dreams
to find the blessing hidden
under the heavy pile of
hurts and disappointments
of fear and doubt
of loneliness and despair.

But what of those moments
when the little annoyances
the petty grievances
the little stings of envy
the perceived injustices
cloud my vision?
Can I see through anger and
hurt feelings to the blessings within?

It is true
I have learned to give thanks
in the little and the big.
Help me, Lord,
to have eyes to see the blessing
in the in-between moments
those moments I choose to
look away and see only self
those moments when
my feelings blur my vision
and I cannot see You.

linking to Em's imperfect prose today



Blessings,
Linda

Thankful

I sit listening to her talk, basking in the glow of her joy - remembering back nearly forty-four years to the early days of my own marriage. The words bubble with laughter, and I silently give thanks. From the time she was a tiny girl we prayed for the one who would one day share her life. The one who would be there for all the joys and sorrow, the sunny days and the ones dark with rain clouds.

Thank you Father for answered prayer:

for time spent with these two beautiful women

for cooler days and brisk morning walks

for the work begun on our new home - the forms for the foundation that will support it all

a doctor who takes the time to be thorough - and then leans back to talk and laugh about all the things going on in our lives

the changing of the seasons - a constant reminder of His faithfulness

our adult choir joining forces with the middle school choir - watching with full heart as they worship

the heartfelt gratitude for four generations still sharing love and laughter and life

music

words - life-giving, live-changing words shared in this community

new neighbors - help us to be salt and light Father

linking to Ann's Gratitude Community

Blessings,
Linda

Five Minute Friday - Relevant

Friday comes quickly, and it is time for another Five Minute prompt. Today's is "relevant," and I find I'm struggling a bit with this one - worried about getting the definition just right. I will just go with what has popped into my little brain and hope for the best.

start:

Relevant

There was a time in my life, okay there are still times in my life, where being relevant was so important to me. Being accepted and part of the "right" group was high on the list of priorities. It was, too often, the way I judged my own self-worth. I needed to wear the right things, say the right things, read the right things - be included in all the right things.

I am of an age now where that matters less and less. I am learning to number the days, the hours, the minutes - trying to make them relevant in the way I live them out. More and more I want to be relevant in His eyes - to switch my focus from me to Him - to find my worth in what He deems relevant.

It is easy to slip back into the old patterns - to look around at what others are doing, where they're going, what they're saying and want to be part of it all. It is sometimes hard to find contentment in less until I begin to realize that the less is more.

"He who has found his life shall lose it, and he who has lost His life for my sake shall find it."
Matt. 10:39

I am praying for that sort of relevance.

stop

Linking to the Gypsy Mama - Lisa-Jo

Blessings,
Linda

Giving What He Has Given

The land is ready and waiting. Soon the heavy equipment will arrive - to drill for water, to lay the foundation, to build the framework for our new home.

We have pored over plans, spent hours deciding on colors and cabinets and faucets and lights and all the myriad things that go into making a house a home - for us at least.

The email arrived in my inbox the other day - the answer to whether or not we could give an extra gift to the boy who has become part of our family, the boy whom we have never seen in person but who has taken up residence in our hearts. World Vision must be very cautious about this matter of giving, especially in countries where the poverty is so devastating. It would make things difficult if one family seemed to be getting so much more than others. So they carefully, wisely, make these heartbreaking decisions.

"...we learned that due to the fact that the family lives in one room - house,
what is more immediate and necessary for them are the interior doors of
their unfinished house...In this case we think that
the entire GN would go to the family needs."

I thought my heart would break. We know that they have been working on this tiny home for years. I had imagined something just a bit more.

"One room; no interior doors."

I am bowed low with the weight of all we have been given. We have always had doors.

We have always had rooms. We are blessed with such abundance.

I am grateful - for all we have been given and for all that we might give.

My most recent memory verse is this:

"But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to You? Everything we have has come from You, and we give You only what You first gave us."
I Chron. 29:14

Everything I have comes from His hands - everything. My only resources are those things that have been given to me by a Father who loves me with an unending love. Help me, Father, to give back what You have so graciously given to me. All I have is Yours; let all I am be You in me.

Linking to Emily's imperfect prose.



Blessings,
Linda

Thank You For the World So Sweet

One of the things I knew I would miss, once we moved, was our walk. My feet had traveled that little country road for years. When I began, it was a simple dirt road. On the rare occasion when a car or truck drove by, I was lost in a cloud of dust.

Eventually, when the Christian School took up residence not far from us, it was paved. I had to learn the best times to walk, as another school and then a small subdivision were added. It was a bit treacherous when the school buses and parents delivering children to the schools were out and about. Still I walked - sometimes alone, then with a friend, then with my husband.

It was when the stores joined the ever growing community, I knew the days of walking along this stretch of country road I had come to love were numbered.

We have found a new place to walk near our apartment. It is much more urban than I would like. I felt the loss for a while, but then I began to notice the gifts the Father had scattered along the way. Truly, He is always there sending love and grace - if we only have eyes to see.

There is something so calming about water - and water that dances and bubbles over is sheer delight.

Even in this man-made pond the little ducks find a home.

A beautiful "bouquet:"
Texas Sage

a lovely "etching" right in front of my feet!

acorns - in spite of the drought - containers filled with the potential for new life

the wind making the grasses dance

a field of sun flowers

tiny beauties

a "portrait" painted against an impossibly blue background

a splash of color

And this! I couldn't believe he would sit so quietly as I carefully approached. Amazing!

And these two elegant ladies

"Thank you for the food we eat,
Thank you for the world so sweet,
Thank you for the birds that sing,
Thank you God for everything."
(Mrs. E. Rutter)


Linking to Ann's and the Gratitude Community


Blessings,
Linda


P.S. Our daughter is here for a visit from Paris. I will be spending as much time as I can with her. Please excuse me if I don't get to visit as much for the next couple of weeks.