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!