Caroline

I wear it everywhere I go, hoping - praying, it will somehow speak when the innate shyness and timidity leave me tongue-tied.

It is easy to be bold with words written or shared within the sheltered community that is my comfort zone. It is another matter entirely when I step out into the world.

I didn't notice her until she picked up the one apple that sent the others cascading to the floor. I picked them up before she had a chance to get to them and walked over to put them back in place.

"I have arthritis so bad in my shoulder. I have had it for forty years, and they say they can't do anything about it. I'm too old."

I looked into her sweet face and saw her smile. She was tiny, hair pulled back into a bun, wire-rimmed glasses and dressed up as women of her generation tend to do. Thinking back, I can't remember exactly what she was wearing. I was captivated by her face and softly accented voice.

We talked about pain medication and natural remedies for a minute or two, then continued our separate journeys through the labyrinth that makes up the huge Commissary.

Our paths crossed again in the aisle lined with cereals, granola bars, spices, beans and a dozen other products of varying colors and sizes.

"I'm going to forget bread crumbs again. I can never find them. There are so many things I just get confused." The beautiful smile again as she shook her head at her own forgetfulness.

"It's right here - at the end of the aisle."

We walked the distance to the bread crumb section together. The round containers were high up on the top shelf.

"Shall I get it for you? Oh - look; here is one with a coupon."

We stood together deciding on plain or Italian and feeling pleased at finding a bargain.

"It's big, and it's just me. But my son comes to visit. I'm 87 years old. My husband died twenty years ago."

I listened as she told me about a medical scare she experienced a while ago. She had to be hospitalized, and the doctors couldn't find out what was wrong.

"I'm fine now, but sometimes I worry..." Her words trailed off.

I can't remember what I said; tried to find words to encourage. Then turned to get the can of beans my husband had requested.

"Caroline. My name is Caroline."

"I'm Linda. I'm so glad to meet you."

"Thank you for helping me."

She continued on her way. I only caught one more glimpse of her in the bread aisle.

I thought about her on the way home. Caroline. The same age as my Mom; living all alone. Why didn't I say more? Why didn't I offer to pray with her - for her.

Oh Father I have so much, and I gave so little. Please help me to be bold for You. How can I withhold something so precious? Could You, in some way, use this encounter to bless Caroline?

Blessings,
Linda

Looking For God in the Moments (with Ann)

I am stopping for a moment and taking a look back over my shoulder - looking for God in the moments with Ann:


We were just finishing lunch. I have a great view of the front yard from my seat at the kitchen table. It takes in the bird bath and the stand of oaks. I watched as one of our friendly squirrels deftly leaped onto the edge of the birdbath and took a refreshing drink of water.

A few moments later, my husband walked out onto the porch with his apple core which he proceeded to throw into the wooded area on the side of the house. He was hardly seated again when I saw our furry little friend again, apple core in hand. He found a shady spot under the old oak tree and sat down to enjoy his unexpected snack. I'm quite sure he was thankful!

- a visit from friends - their help and sweet company sure did brighten the day

- walking with friends

- air conditioning

- safe travels

- the Father's grace in working all things together for good

- the sound of the wind in the trees - like ocean waves

- beautiful music

- good books

- family

Blessings,
Linda

Just As I Am

While trying to decide which hymn to write about this weekend, I thought about Harold Camping and his prediction that the world would end last Saturday. After rolling my eyes at the audacity of such a statement, I took a step back and wondered what I would do if I really believed the rapture was only a day away.

I believe the thing uppermost in my mind would be the people in my life who, as far as I know, have not accepted Jesus as Savior. I would want to be sure they heard the gospel message just one more time.

Then this beautiful hymn came to mind. It was written by Charlotte Elliott in 1835.
The following video tells her story.



Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Hath broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Jesus extends this grace-filled invitation to everyone. He is not willing that one should perish. If there is anyone reading this simple little blog who doesn't know Jesus as Savior, my prayer is that you will accept that invitation.

Sin has separated us all from God. There is not one of us who has not sinned.
"Everyone has sinned and is far away from God's saving presence."
Romans 3:23

Jesus came to bridge the gap of that separation. He paid the penalty for sin for all of us when He died on the cross and then rose from the dead three days later.
"But God has shown us how much He loves us - it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8

You cross that bridge of separation when you ask Jesus to come into your life.
"Some however, did receive Him and believed in Him; so He gave them the right to become God's children."
John 1:12

It is the simplest, most profound decision one can ever make. As we honor those who gave their lives for our freedom this weekend, may we also remember the One who died to set us free from our sins and give us eternal life.

Blessings,
Linda

Outside My Window

The view from our kitchen window this morning. Little feathered friends taking their baths and having a little drink.

They do have a way of brightening the day!

"Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value then they?"
Matt. 6:26

Blessings,
Linda

The Wedding Feast

Standing before the mirror
measuring the results of
weeks of preparation:

dieting to shed unwanted pounds,
hair appointment
to color, cut and style,
seeking help with makeup
a long neglected skill,
searching stores for
just the right dress,
trying on dozens of pairs
of shoes.

Hearing a little Grandson say,
"You look good Grandma!"
Feeling ready for the wedding feast.

One more moment to pause,
to stand before You,
the One whose approval matters most.

You turn me inside out,
revealing secret places
only You can see.
I stand in filthy rags,
heart stained with marks of sin,
nothing hidden.

You dip Your brush
into His blood, scarlet and pure,
covering the marks of
failure and rebellion.
You strip the filthy garment
from my spirit
and clothe me in the
spotless linen of His righteousness.

You turn me around,
look with eyes filled
with grace and love,
take my hand and
walk with me to the wedding feast.

Isaiah 64:6 (New Living Translation)
"We are all infected and impure with sin.
When we display our righteous deeds,
they are nothing but filthy rags.
Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall,
and our sins sweep us away like the wind."


Revelation 19:8 (American Standard Version)
"And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright and pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints." 


Joining my sweet friend Emily today at imperfect prose





Blessings,
Linda

Guest Posting - Around the Table

I have found it to be true, you simply cannot out-give the Lord. When I began blogging, it was a with a desire to serve Him with my humble (very humble) writing. It has given me back more blessings than I could ever have imagined. Chief among them is the the friendships I've formed.

One of those dear friends is Deidra. She is not only an incredible writer she has a giving, beautiful encouraging heart. I had the joy of getting to meet her last fall. She is everything I had hoped she would be.

She has asked me to write a post at her blog today. I hope you'll join me there to read what I've written about blogging and what it has met to me. Stay and get to know her a bit. She is special indeed.

Blessings,
Linda

We Give You Praise and Thanks

"For You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory."
Psalm 32:7

With a heart overflowing with gratitude for:

- friends and loved ones who faithfully pray

- a Father who hears and answers prayer

- a doctor who goes above and beyond, with compassion and grace

- a nurse (thank you Victor) who does everything with skill, care and patience

- caring notes and phone calls

- a Big God who cares about the smallest of details

- daily reminders just outside the kitchen window of a Father who cares about us

- granddaughters' giggles

- raindrops

- safety in travel

- His peace; His grace; His unending mercy

I'm adding my gratitude to that of others at Ann's today. Together we give praise and thanksgiving to the One who loves us and sent His Son to die for us that we might have eternal life - and abundant life in the here and now.

Blessings,
Linda

"Like A River Glorious"

I have had some anxious moments this past week. There were times I felt overwhelmed - stomach churning, heart pounding, anxiety filling my heart. My thoughts kept running ahead, anticipating things that might never come to pass. I was outwardly okay and inwardly totally out of control.

How is it that at the moment we need it most, wisdom seems to fly out the window? All of the things we know to be true are suddenly overshadowed by our circumstances, and faith that flourished in the sunshine dies in the darkness.

And the Father waits; waits for us to come and take what He holds out to us with open hands. He promises peace and rest; He promises to be with us; He pledges His love with the blood of His beloved Son.

When I slow and walk into His open arms I find it all. He is absolutely faithful.

This is the hymn He put on my heart this week:

"Like A River Glorious"

1. Like a river glorious
Is God's perfect peace,
Over all victorious
In its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth
Fuller ev'ry day,
Perfect, yet it groweth
Deeper all the way.

2. Hidden in the hollow
Of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow,
Never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry,
Not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry
Touch the spirit there.

3. Ev'ry joy or trial
Falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial
By the Sun of Love;
We may trust Him fully
All for us to do
They who trust Him wholly
Find Him wholly true.

Chorus:
Stayed upon Jehovah,
Hearts are fully blest
Finding, as He promised,
Perfect peace and rest.

Lyrics: Frances Ridley Havergal



I found a great deal of biographical information on Frances R. Havergal. You can read about her here.

Blessings,
Linda

The View From My Front Porch

One of my favorite places to be is our front porch. I spent most of Sunday afternoon there - pretending I was a photographer for National Geographic. I got lots and lots of footage of hummingbirds drinking sweetly from the feeder and dive-bombing one another. However it takes forever to download videos, so you will have to be content with just this one.(I know - major disappointment!)

I am convinced it is a very good thing that hummingbirds aren't big. They could do some serious damage! One feisty little guy kept hovering closer and closer to my face. I am embarrassed to confess that I swatted at him with my book. I was afraid he was going to poke me a good one!(Not to worry. He was way too fast for me to even come close to hitting him. It was merely a defensive move.)

So here is the result of my handiwork. I cannot help but note that the Lord is an amazing Creator - just amazing!

Blessings,
Linda

P.S. Thank you again for your continued prayers. We've had a little bit of a set-back, but we see the doctor tomorrow and are praying all will be well.

Pruning

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.
Every branch in Me that does not bear
fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He
prunes it, that it may bear more
fruit.” John 15: 1-2

Yesterday I did some work in my flower garden. Armed with a new pair of pruning shears, I was ready to do some necessary trimming. Every year the Lantana freeze and their long branches die. It is necessary to cut them off to make room for new growth. The Salvia had become long and leggy and didn’t have much new growth. The same was true of the Texas Sage that grows beside the front porch.

And so I went to work. I imagined the plants cringing when they saw me coming with those sharp, new shears. “Oh no. Here she comes again. She’s going to cut away with abandon, and it hurts. Why can’t she just leave us alone? We’re growing perfectly fine without all that unnecessary pain. Look we even have new leaves and are putting out new branches. We’re producing. Leave us alone...

I am at Laced With Grace today. You will find the rest of the devotional there. Please come visit. I would be so honored.

P.S. Steve's surgery went, in the surgeon's words, "perfect." How we felt your prayers Thank you so much. Our continued prayer is for healing without complications. You are so precious to me. I cannot tell you how it blesses my heart to know you are praying. It is a miracle of love.

Blessings,
Linda

Prayer

I love Mondays for so many reasons. One of them is my bulging google reader - filled with words and pictures and precious friends. This Monday I don't have time to enjoy it all. I spent the day at the hospital - getting my sweet husband checked in and ready for some surgery tomorrow. It is fairly routine, but he is so very special - and I would appreciate your prayers. Please pray that all will go well and that there will be no complications.

The beautiful blessing is in knowing that you will. Thank you so much kind friends.

Blessings,
Linda

"There Shall Be Showers of Blessing"

Daniel Webster Whittle, named for the great American politician Daniel Webster, was born in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts on November 22, 1840.

He served as a Major during the Civil War, and it was at that period in his life that he was saved. He lost his right arm while fighting and was taken prisoner. While he was recovering from his wound in the hospital, he found a New Testament and began reading it. The words ministered to him, but he wasn't ready to take that step of faith that would lead to salvation.

One day a hospital orderly woke him and asked him to come and pray with a dying prisoner. He had observed Daniel reading his Bible and assumed he was a Christian. Here, in Daniel's own words, is what happened when he went to the dying young man:

"I dropped on my knees and held the boy’s hand in mine. In a few brok­en words I con­fessed my sins and asked Christ to for­give me. I be­lieved right there that He did for­give me. I then prayed ear­nest­ly for the boy. He be­came qui­et and pressed my hand as I prayed and plead­ed God’s prom­ises. When I arose from my knees, he was dead. A look of peace had come over his trou­bled face, and I can­not but be­lieve that God who used him to bring me to the Sav­ior, used me to lead him to trust Christ’s pre­cious blood and find par­don. I hope to meet him in hea­ven."

Whittle survived his time in the prisoner of war camp and after the war be­came trea­sur­er of the El­gin Watch Com­pany in Chi­ca­go, Ill­i­nois. He worked there for ten years and then began full-time evangelistic work. Of his decision he said:

"…went into the vault and in the dead si­lence of the qui­et­est of plac­es I gave my life to my Heav­en­ly Fa­ther to use as He would."

There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.

Refrain

Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.

There shall be showers of blessing,
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.

Refrain

There shall be showers of blessing;
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing,
Come, and now honor Thy Word.

Refrain

There shall be showers of blessing:
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!

Refrain

There shall be showers of blessing,
If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
If we let God have His way.

Refrain

Blessings,
Linda

Deep Breath - Inhale Peace

It is time for Five Minute Friday; time to gather together at Lisa-Jo'sfor a little impromptu writing. Today's prompt is Deep Breath:

Inhale and breathe in grace. Exhale and step into the week I've been praying about - the one that finds me see-sawing between fear and faith. Breathe deeply of peace and trust and give Him the worries and the cares.

Step into the surgical waiting room and breathe in the air of uncertainty and worry and exhale a prayer that all will be well. Exhale words of trust and surrender and inhale peace. Set aside the what ifs and rest in the promises.

Breathe deeply and give Him all the worries - the big ones and all the small ones that threaten to loom so much bigger than they really are. Quiet the heart and feel His breath whisper words of love and grace.

Breathe deeply...

stop.

Blessings,
Linda

Faithful Father

Weeks and weeks of blue skies and sunshine, the driest seven months on record, gave way to cloudy skies, and we all gazed upward - praying for rain. It grew dark yesterday, a few drops fell and hope with it when the sky once again gave way to blue.

We looked upward and prayed.

Darkness filled the bedroom this morning; there was the distant rumble of thunder - and we prayed. The trees trembled and then bowed before the rising wind. And we prayed. The first drops of rain hit the kitchen window, and we lifted prayers of deep gratitude.

It came like a benediction - a gentle voice in the midst of the storm reminding us that He hears and answers prayer. We sometimes wonder if the cry of our hearts reaches beyond the ceiling of our homes. When the answer is such a long time in coming, the enemy shoots darts of fear and doubt and we begin to despair.

The rain came today, abundant and life-giving, and we raised tear stained cheeks in thanks to the One who never fails.

Thank You Father, for Your unfailing love and faithfulness.

"In those days, when you pray I will listen. If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me."
Jeremiah 29:11,12

Linking to Emily's imperfect prose

Blessings,
Linda

Marguerite and Petite Fleur

Before I begin another post I must thank you for your lovely comments on the Wedding. You have tied the ribbon on the gift of a very special time. Having friends who share in your joy adds something of infinite value. You are amazing.

They were nearly lost in the barren landscape - two lonely little flowers - and I passed them by without a second glance. But a gentle sound, carried by the wind, caught my attention, and I stopped to listen.

"Good morning Petite Fleur. How are you this beautiful morning?"

"Oh Marguerite. How can you be cheerful in this terrible place? It is so ugly, so different than we imagined. Don't you remember how we dreamed of the way things would be when we were just little seeds lying in the darkness?"                                          

"I remember."

"We felt the warmth of sunshine and the nourishment of rain. Our roots grew deep and we began to stretch up through the ground. We talked of living in rich green fields surrounded by so many others we would form a beautiful yellow blanket. That is what we were made to do."

"Perhaps we were not all meant to do the same thing Petite Fleur."

"What do you mean Marguerite? Of course we were meant to bring beauty to the world; to bring delight to people as they walked through life. There has been some terrible mistake. I could hardly believe my eyes when I finally struggled through the hard packed soil and saw this awful place. Where is the grass? There are only ugly weeds and stones. And what is that awful metal thing? Surely we don't belong here!"

"Petite Fleur, you must remember that the Gardener never makes mistakes."

"I used to believe that, but now I am not sure. Why would He want us to suffer so? You at least look pretty. I have hardly grown, and my pedals are so small. It is so hot, and there is nothing for us to do here. I don't see the purpose in all of this. Why can't we be where we will grow beautiful and strong and do some good? Doesn't He care about us?"

"Do you remember the little bug Petite Fleur - the one who stopped to rest in the shade of your pretty face? I heard him tell the others he would never have made it if there had not been a cool place to rest."

"Yes, I remember Marguerite."

"And the butterfly Petite Fleur - the one who rested with us for just a moment before fluttering on her way? There was nowhere else to light."

"She was very beautiful. I remember something else Marguerite. Did you hear what the ladies talked about when they stopped  walking to rest right here by our spot on the side of the road? They were talking about being in a difficult situation and finding encouragement just looking at us. One of them said if we could bloom in such difficult circumstances then she knew she could too."

"I did hear them Petite Fleur. How do you feel about what they said?"

"Oh Marguerite, I see what you mean. Even though this is not the place we would have chosen, it is the place He wanted us to be. He has a purpose for us here. I was so unhappy I couldn't see the blessings."

"Yes, sweet Fleur, this is just the place for us. He has provided all we need, and if we are willing He will do things through us that we couldn't do in any other place."

"We are special Marguerite - unique and strong. Why, this would be such a terrible place without us."

"That is very true Petite Fleur."

"Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you and remain as you were when God first called you."
I Cor. 7:17

Blessings,
Linda

linking to One Stop Poetry (although this is obviously not a poem!)

Wedding Thanks

"The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you."
Robert Louis Stevenson

It was a weekend filled with gifts - great and small. Their commonality was the Giver - a loving Father who pours out His love in ways that enrich beyond measure.

In the midst of the bustle and excitement of the big events in our lives, if we take a moment to slow and look closely, we see the evidence of  His abiding presence. It is there in the hours and days that seemed filled with sameness and failings. There in the years that seemed to stretch so far ahead and were suddenly gone, leaving us wondering if we had done all. There in the joys and sorrows, the gains and losses.

Through tear-dimmed eyes we see the things we couldn't see then. We see promises fulfilled, answered prayer, unexpected joy and hope for the future. And having seen we know that He is faithful. We can put, with renewed faith and immeasurable gratitude, the days and years that are to come.

I am so thankful for:

- children who yesterday (or so it seems) filled our home with noise and love and all those "growing up things," and today fill my heart with wonder at the adults they have become.
- grace that took my bumbling attempts at parenting and worked in my children's hearts with wisdom and love
- His faithfulness in times we simply couldn't see how it would all work out
- love that multiplies a thousandfold and comes back in ways we couldn't imagine
- Grandchildren - Just JOY!!

- these two - so dear - a beautiful daughter and a new son

- little granddaughters - looking through their eyes and seeing all the beauty and wonder

- His part in making it all so lovely - the majestic trees casting shadows, the gentle breeze, the grass carpet - and later the heavens filled with twinkling lights

- all those wonderful Grandchildren - new nieces and nephews for Nicolas

- my favorite girls

My heart is still processing it all. Sometimes it just has trouble keeping up with the rapid trickle of sand through the hour-glass. It wonders, feeling as it does that it is still just a young heart itself, how it is that the baby is all grown up and married? And just when did those Grandchildren grow so tall?

A look in the mirror explains it all, but truthfully, I am often startled to see that face, with its lines and wrinkles, looking back at me. It reminds me that I must hold the moments closely. This was a weekend filled with priceless moments. I am thankful.

linking today to Ann's Gratitude Community.

Blessings,
Linda

A little apology for the pictures: they are the ones I took - so we are conspicuously absent :-) When the newlyweds return, I hope to have much better pictures!

Wedding Week

The air is filled with excitement around here (and admittedly just a teensy bit of stress). It is Wedding Week. With lots to do, it seems prudent to take a week long vacation from blogging.

I'll be back next Monday with pictures and lots and lots to be thankful for.

Blessings,
Linda

P.S. I have a young friend who has just dipped her toes into this vast "bloggy" ocean with her very own blog. If you have a minute, perhaps you might welcome her. She is an amazing young woman.