Looking to Jesus

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

"Oh soul are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace."
Helen Howarth Lemmel

I have a scar that runs the length of my back. I had major back surgery to correct a very bad spinal curvature fourteen years ago. The scar is a reminder of a time when I felt like I just didn't want to face another day. I was flat on my back for weeks, in too much pain to be able to sit up for any length of time. The only rehab was walking. My sweet husband would get me up every day to take me for a walk. At first all I could manage was a walk around the rooms of our home. Then gradually the walks lengthened, and we went for short walks outside.

I remember one afternoon as we were slowly making our way around the cul-de-sac in our neighborhood, I asked the Lord to give me something to hold onto. The words of that old hymn began to flow through my mind. As I thought about truly looking into the face of Jesus I felt a peace and a comfort and a "knowing" that all would be well.

I read these words in my devotional book this morning: "We can trust Him as we walk down this dark hall because He is good. Not only is He good, but He also does good!"
(Darien Cooper)
"The goodness of God endureth continually" (Ps.52:1b)
"Thou art good, and doest good." (Ps.119:68a)

There are so many overwhelming needs in our individual worlds. Overwhelming to us - but not to Him. As I thought about all of those needs today the words of that old hymn came to mind once again, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus." He "is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think..." (Eph.3:20

Blessings,
Linda

That stunning photo was taken by my sweet friend Patricia Hunter. You can see more of her amazing photography and read her lovely words at her blog:  Pollywog Creek. 

Never Too Old

Grandma Moses began painting when she was 77 years old. That gives me great hope. So often we think if we don't accomplish something great by a certain age it will never happen. Or, even more discouraging, if we don't realize a dream we've cherished by a certain age it is simply too late.

I think we have seasons of our lives. In our youth we are often just too busy with the "business" of living. We don't have the time to pursue the "dream". However, the day comes when we do have the time. The nest is empty. There is more time to begin that pursuit. I thought it would be encouraging to see what some people accomplished in their later years:


Winston Churchill wrote "A History of the English-speaking Peoples" at age 82.

Goethe completed "Faust" at age 80.

At age 99 Harold Mark Foster of Owensboro, KY began learning to read.

Katherine Pelton swam the 200 meter butterfly in 3 minutes 1.14 seconds, beating
the men's world record for the 85-89 age group by over 20 seconds.

Frances Peyton Rous became the oldest Nobel Prize Laureate at age 87

At age 88 Michelangelo created the architectural plans for the Church of
Santa Maria degli Angela

Artur Rubinstein performed one of his greatest recitals in Carnegie Hall at age
89

Pablo Picasso was still producing drawings and engravings at age 90.

Albert Schweitzer ran a hospital in Africa when he was 89 years old.

At age 91 Hulda Crooks climbed Mt. Whitney

Margaret Ringenburg flew around the world when she was 72.

Alice Porlock of Great Britain published her first book "Portrait of My
Victorian Youth" when she was 102 years old.

It is never too late to do the thing God has placed on your heart!





This is a repost from 2007. I find it appropriate for two reasons, one that sort of  builds on the other. The first reason is - I am officially old. At age 65, I am listed among the ranks of the elderly (came as a shock to me too!). The second reason is - I am working on the thing God has placed on my heart.

I am going to repost some posts for a couple of weeks so that I can work on the dream. The little book is growing. I don't know what will become of it. For now it is enough to just to do it. It brings such joy. I am surprised by the joy.

If anyone would like to do a guest post here, I would love that. The only stipulation is that it is a good fit for this little place. Just let me know.

Blessings,
Linda

"Be Still, My Soul

"Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
 Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
 Leave to thy God to order and provide;
 In every change He faithful will remain.
 Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
 Thro' thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

 Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
 to guide the future as He has the past.
 Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
 All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
 Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
 His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below."

From the hymn: "Be Still, My Soul"
Katharina vonSchlegel

Praying that no matter what the circumstances, your soul will be stilled by the knowledge that He who calmed the waves and wind is with you.



Linking to my dear friends Sandy and Deidra:




Blessings,
Linda

Clouds and You

We had been anticipating the trip for weeks. Waking early we put the last minute things into suitcases and walked through the house for one final check. My husband loaded all the stuff into the car while I set the alarm and locked the door. Settling into our seats, we prayed for safe travels and loved ones left behind. One last look and we moved slowly down the driveway and down our quiet street.
Our journey would take us through three different states – each unique and uniquely beautiful. I got comfortable in my seat, camera at the ready. We passed rolling hills and buttes sprouting dozens of wind mills. The land flattened out and I found my gaze moving upward.

To read the rest please click over to Laced With Grace. Thank you so much dear friends.

Blessings,
Linda

Pursuing God

I need to preface this post with a little disclaimer. When I write this sort of post, I do it with a lot of hesitation - questioning whether or not it would be best left to the pages of my journal. It is deeply personal. It is written to me and then back to the Father - a laying down of a stone to mark this place in my heart. It is so I will remember. It is part of the patchwork of my life. 

On those days when the hours stretch out long and leisurely, I gather my books and step out onto the front porch. I get my folding chair from the garage and put the comfy old pillow behind my back. It is so quiet I can hear the birds like a mixed chorus, each singing his own song and making a beautiful whole. The breeze is cool and strong in the shadows, and I have to anchor down my Bible so the pages that have come loose don't go sailing over the rail.

There is a sense of His coming, and I am all at once filled with conflicting emotions. I feel a guilt for not making room for more of these moments - for the days that begin with a long list of things that must be done, and the porch remains empty and quiet. There is a longing to draw close to Him and a deep love for a Father who doesn't keep score and is always waiting.

A truck drives past. I wave and open my Bible. The words of Hosea are heavy. Ancient words that ring with present truth. Then I turn to the book I've just begun reading, the one I have sort of avoided for a long time - knowing it would require more than the mere reading of wise words.

A.W. Tozer speaks to me from the pages of his book "The Pursuit of God." The words were written sixty-four years ago. They could have been written just yesterday. They are timeless.

It is Abraham's story, the old familiar one, that unfolds in a whole new way. The clouds race across the clear blue Texas sky, and I am on an ancient mountain face to face with a life changing decision. Do I love God enough to trust Him with all that is most precious to me? Am I willing to open my hands and let Him have those precious lives that mean more to me than my own? Am I willing to give Him my heart - completely and unconditionally - holding back nothing?

It is true that He owns it all anyway. All of life is completely under His control. All, that is, except my choices. They are mine to make. He may do what He wills, but I get to choose the way I will respond. And the great God of heaven and earth awaits the outcome with longing heart. Everything hinges on it. I will either trust Him, or I will walk away. The way of trust leads to this closeness my heart yearns for, but it costs dearly.

When my time of testing came, unlike Abraham, I struggled mightily. Anger, disappointment, despair, bargaining, begging, pleading - and heaven was silent. So I became silent. For a long time. The cost of full surrender is dear, but life apart from Him is hopeless and empty. The truth of "Who have I in heaven but you?" drove me back to Him. There is nowhere else to go.

Just as with Abraham, the gift that comes with surrender is precious beyond the telling. The Father takes His rightful place in a yielded heart and peace comes like a sweet balm. That is not to say that everything suddenly turns around and all is well. It is to say that there is peace in His presence and a knowing that whatever the circumstances all will be well.

Were my story to end there, it would be wonderful. It does not, however. For in those quiet moments, I realized that I had passed a big test only to fail in the lesser ones. True, I had learned to put all things into His hands - in that one area. But there are so many other things that, in their own quiet way, are pushing God out of His rightful place in my heart. Oh, they aren't pushing Him out altogether. They are far too subtle for that. They are just making for a rather crowded, unbalanced heart - trying to push and shove their way into first place.

He is a gentle Father. His love is filled with infinite understanding of our weakness. He applauds our successes and is patient with our struggles. He reminds us of the things that need to be removed from our hearts so that He can put in their place blessing upon blessing. He knows what is best for us. The things we cling to with tightly clenched fists find their true worth only when we place them in His hands.

Blessings,
Linda

Glimpses of Our Visit to Colorado

Here are a few glimpses of our time in Colorado. The mountains are magnificent. Everywhere we turned there was a unique glimpse of the Master Artist's hand. Simply breathtaking.

And these grandchildren.....priceless treasure.

Grandma arrived home happily exhausted (Papa fared much better!). It was a gift.

Blessings,
Linda

Back

We have been to the mountains, climbed steep trails, waded into hot springs, eaten towering ice cream cones, driven dirt roads bordered by unbelievable views, talked long and laughed hard, played with grandchildren and stored up treasures in our hearts.

I've also been quietly sitting on the front porch - absorbing the Word and words of long ago. A.W. Tozer has been teaching me things I've always known and yet somehow never known. He has encouraged me to examine my heart and put things in their proper place. I long to do it well.

I have missed this place - not just the blog itself, but the hearts and lives it represents to me. And yet I've been reluctant to return, fearful that I will slip back into old habits and the balance will swing wildly out of control. I want so much to do this right - to share my heart, to listen to your stories, to encourage, love, pray, laugh and knit our hearts together.

At the same time, my heart is longing to pursue Him - to give Him all and then to receive all that He has for me. I can only do that if I come to Him with open hands. We have had our heart to heart moments - this glorious Father and I - proof that one is never to old to learn!

One of the huge benefits of this community, for me, has been learning from you as you share your stories. There have been days when someone's post will speak to the exact need of my heart- as though the Father had handed it to me (and so He had). We are to one another "as iron sharpens iron."

I want to be a part of that. I want to do it well. I want to use my time wisely. That's what I've been thinking and praying about for these past couple of weeks. That and so much more.

linking to my dear friend Laura today:





Blessings,
Linda

Unplugging

Just a little note to say I am going to unplug everything, quietly close the door here and take a couple of weeks off. I've been busily writing away, and I'm so thankful for your encouragement. It is a gift - one that lifts the spirit and brings true joy.

It actually pains me a bit to step away for a little while, and I suppose that in itself should tell me it's time. In any case, I mustn't ignore the gentle voice that says it is. I will miss you, but I'll be back all refreshed and ready to get caught up with all of the things you've been doing. 

Much love to all of you,
Linda

Deep Love

These words are taken from the hymn "Oh the Deep Deep Love of Jesus."  written by S. Trevor Francis

Linking to Deidra's Sunday Community and Sandy's Still Saturday








Blessings,
Linda

Telling the Story

Five Minute Friday word for today:

Story

start:

I creak and groan my way into the dream, finally believing that even at the advanced age of sixty-five it is still okay to dream. After all, the dream originates in the heart, and my heart hasn't aged a day since I was a teenager. So I timidly begin.

However, true to form, I feel I must do it well - no big mistakes - for there is not a lot of time to waste. I gather the books so I can learn to do it well. I have had this story on my heart, and I want to tell it just right. I read and take notes and make a timid start. Get discouraged and read some more.

A friend suggests setting the books aside and just telling the story. I wonder if I can manage that. It is the same way with the story of my life. So many stops and starts - failures and shortcomings and besetting sin making it feel as though the story never will come right.

A gentle voice reminds me that I am not writing my own story. There is One who picked up paper and pen and wrote it for me long before I was born. He must have taken into account all of those missteps. He knew it all. He thought it worth writing anyway, knowing that in the end it would turn out well.

So I sit at the computer and let the words, however weak and flawed, come. I'm telling a story; I'm living the story.

stop

Linking with all of the beautiful ladies at Lisa-Jo's blog today:



Blessings,
Linda

Serving

Can you see them - the tiny little baby leaves sheltered under the Mama leaves? I've been waiting a long time for their arrival. Weeks ago I broke leaves off one of the African Violet plants that sit on the kitchen window sill and gently tucked them into the soil.

It is a long process. A provision of sunshine and water and patience is what is needed. About the time you think it is all hopeless, a tiny green leave breaks through the soil, evidence of the hidden work going on beneath the surface.

Of course, without the big leaves there would be no hope at all. They are the ones giving of themselves so that the little ones can live. In time they will be gone, and a full grown plant will take their place. A plant that will produce, in time, lovely blooms.

Perhaps we who are further along in our journey with the Lord are a bit like those big violet leaves. He puts us down into the soil and provides all that we need. Slowly, over time, we put down roots. We grow stronger and deeper in our faith - touching lives around us. We weren't meant to simply stand in solitary state. His purposes for us always include serving others. He wants to use us to nourish and encourage.

We give what we have been given to those who come behind us. We do it without judgement or expectation. We simply wait for the work the Father is doing in secret to take form. In time, they grow strong - able to stand on their own.  And we leave a legacy of a beautiful, blooming plant.

Blessings,
Linda

Happy Birthday To Our Yankee Doodle Boy!

He was born on the Fourth of July and tomorrow will celebrate his 40th birthday. If I say I can't believe the years have gone so quickly, you will just think, "Everyone says that," but it's true. It really seems like only yesterday he was his little girl's age - running around with limitless energy. It just takes my breath away sometimes when I see him and his older brother with their children. I wonder when all of that happened. When did they become fathers?

He is a precious son, husband, father, brother and Pastor. He pours his heart into everything he does. The place where he works full-time recently honored him for the work he does there. The owner of the company called him his hero. It is his servant's heart that blesses everyone he comes into contact with. He quite literally spends himself for the Lord. My mother's heart worries sometimes that he will just wear himself out. He is the one who is called when the car won't start, when they need something built, when they need help with a church project at another church, when someone is in need of spiritual counseling. He never says no. He calls every day just to check on Mom and Dad.

I have seen him deal with circumstances that would have destroyed most people, with a faith that not only carries him through but encourages and blesses everyone around him. We love him dearly. He is a precious gift from God, and we are grateful.
Happy Birthday son.

And Happy Fourth of July everyone!

Blessings,
Linda

Songs In My Heart

The hymn words are running through my mind today. After a whole weekend of music, I am filled to overflowing.

The church is quiet now, the choir loft empty and the musicians gone from the stage. But the words remain. They are words penned by brothers and sisters, yours and mine, who lived long before any of us were born. Words lifted from the pages of scripture, often during times of great suffering. Sometimes the words seem a bit archaic, but they have never lost their power.

For many years they were the songs that connected the generations. Grandparents handed them down to their children, who in turn handed them down to theirs. We sang them accompanied by organ or piano - belting out deep foundational truths. Effortlessly whole sermons were delivered and received by hearts in need of comfort, hope, joy, faith, healing, salvation.

When we sang those hymns this weekend, all the generations together, we were drawn to our feet and the tears rolled down smooth and wrinkled cheeks alike. The huge room was silent, the liquid notes of "Nearer My God To Thee" falling from a violin. Hands and feet kept time to "Praise Him, Praise Him; Jesus our blessed Redeemer." The sweet children voices sang, "Take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to Thee."
.......

I didn't mean to write all of this. I only wanted to share a few lines from one of the hymns. The words just seemed to come of their own volition. The lines I wanted to share are from the hymn "This Is My Father's World."

We are living in difficult times. Something as simple as listening to the news can bring fear and discouragement to the staunchest of hearts. There are, seemingly, a good many reasons to despair. I've felt a little of that in recent weeks.

The third verse of that old hymn goes like this:

"This is my Father's world,
 Oh let me ne'er forget.
 That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
 God is the Ruler yet."

The Spirit took those words and wove them over and through all the worries and fears - reminding me of a truth sometimes overshadowed by circumstances. We have a Father who is in control of all things - not just some things - all things. We can safely rest in Him no matter what is going on around us. He is stronger than anything that can possibly come against us. He is the Ruler yet. The words sit comfortably in my heart.


Linking to Michelle and Laura today.








Blessings,
Linda