💘 In which I share my heart with you

I like to keep my options open. And it’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind, right?

Dearest friends,

Thank you so much for inviting me into your inbox week in and week out. We have a unique relationship, don’t we. Most of us wouldn’t recognize each other’s faces even if we tripped over each other but yet there’s some sense of quiet companionship and deep camaraderie around here. I’m grateful.

We may have vastly differing interests and a wide range of opinions on all kinds of issues but yet when all is said and done, we’re kindred spirits at heart.

Our faith in Jesus binds us together, whether that faith be rock solid, faltering, or brand new. Some of us have been walking with the Lord for decades while others are exploring or reconstructing their relationship with Christ. Be encouraged! A healthy faith is not a stagnant experience, but instead it morphs and changes as the roots grow deeper into the truth of God’s Word and we slowly but surely grow to embrace the delightful experience of discovering the depths of His faithful character and sweet lovingkindness.

So, wherever you find yourself in your life journey or faith experience, I feel absolutely blessed and encouraged that you’re here, whether you show up in the conversation at the end of each post, sit quietly on the sidelines soaking everything in, or just drop by on a random occasion here and there.

Bottom line, the welcome mat is always out and there’s always room for you to come on in and put your feet up. No matter if we’ve been connected for 65 years or 65 minutes, no matter what the subject, YOU bring a unique presence and perspective unlike anyone else.

So all this to say thank you. I love you guys, I love doing the online life together with you, I’m grateful for all I learn from your broad range of experiences and hard-won wisdom, tender vulnerability and plain ol’ common sense. I’ve become increasingly more curious and inquisitive as life goes on and find myself leaning forward to hear your heart when you share where you’re coming from. I find it fascinating to be in learner mode and you keep on enlarging my world view. My life is richer for the conversations we have week in and out.

What a feast we get to share together.

• The more I look at life in the light of eternity, the more I’m likely to let things go that I would have made a great big deal about some years back.

• I hear myself saying a drama-free whatever more often.

• The deeper my faith in Jesus Christ goes, the less inclined I am to play judge and jury. He has repeatedly proven Himself trustworthy and wise and I am more confident than ever that He ‘doeth all things well’ and He ‘judges justly.’

• That our lives are in His most capable, sacred hands frees me up from feeling I’ve got to carry around a hard and fast agenda, solve every problem that crosses my path, or control any and all outcomes.

More than ever, ‘in Him I live and move and have my being’ (Acts 17:28). I’m unencumbered by woulda, shoulda, coulda’s. It’s an awesome place to be.

I’ll be packing-unpacking-repacking on repeat for the next month. I’ll be offline far more than on. I’m determined not to be tethered to my phone and I’m not sure when I’ll pop in or when I’ll return on a regular basis. Chances are you’ll find me in the Substack Notes at some point, sharing snapshots, updates, and words that are touching my heart. (Take a peek and bookmark My Notes & Quotes. And if you haven’t already, you can grab the Substack app.)

I like to keep my options open. And it’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind, right?

What I do know is that I’m going to miss you. And from past experience know that I’ll wrestle with a bit of withdrawal symptoms as I pull way back from the daily, soothing rhythm of being out and about online.

In John 14 Jesus said, ‘Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’

That’s my prayer for you, for me, for us all as we navigate the sometimes troubled waters in our personal lives, ministry ventures, political observations, pivots to Plan B, and faith journeys in the days ahead. If we ever needed Christ as our sure foundation, it’d be right now.

He will never change like shifting shadows (James 1:7). He’s got this. He’s already written the rest of the story. And all will be well.

‘Tis so very sweet to trust in Jesus,
Linda 💘