I loved this post—every word of it. So much wisdom packed into it. What worked for me in 2023 is the revelation you have already read about on my blog. Thank you for your precious comment. Leaning into the fact that if God wants something, someone, some opportunity, some mission, some circumstance in my life, HE will take responsibility for bringing it to me—that I don't have to strive anymore, that I don't need to continually second-guess if there is something else I am supposed to be doing—it has been liberating. I only wish I had the sense to learn this years ago. But, how gracious of God to teach me now. I hope your new year will be packed to the brim with blessings, sweet friend. I love and appreciate you so much.
Somehow this slipped under my radar, Cheryl, for I surely would have remembered your vivid testimony. You're so right, God's in charge, He's the One He makes our strivings cease as we lean into Him. I love how you put it, that the new revelations and invitations He brings to us are truly liberating. He's always inviting us to something deeper, isn't He.
Happy New Year Linda!I've got to say I so love your neighborhood book box. And I'm sure you've touched many neighbors. Cudos on loosing 10 pounds, Shhhh, I'll offer that Thanksgiving and Christmas don't count. Lol.
Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month. I can't wait to see what wise words, encouragement and insights you've got for us this year.
Good afternoon, Linda. I'm thrilled to hear the move to Substack has been so rewarding in so many ways. I'm thinking about it too ... we'll see how the Spirit moves me. :-) I love what you said about setting up dates in advance. A long-distance friend and I try to talk every month, and right before we end our conversation, we set up the next one. It's been a wonderful way to ensure that we stay connected. I'm with you 100 percent on not keeping our phones on our persons. I could write an entire post about this. (I'll add that to the list.) Finally, I REALLY need to learn from you when it comes to monotasking and batching. :-) Hope you are having a restful weekend, dear friend.
I'll be the first one to read your post on phones, Lois. And the first one to cheer you on if you decide Substack will work for you. Count on it, girl.
I just love visiting here! You have such lovely photos...and encouraging posts! Thanks for all the sharing. I have never ordered my groceries online but I certainly have been intrigued and tempted to do so. Now you have me thinking about it again. And being the owner/ruler of my phone - yes, indeed. I know some think that means we are old and disconnected but I think it means I'm wise. At least smarter than my phone. Ha....I hope your new year is off to a beautiful start. Peace-filled days and cozy afternoons! Best of wishes to you friend!
Your kitchen is gorgeous and I love that you took your time to do it the way you wanted. Great reminders to think on what is pure, lovely and right. I also love to sit with Hods word and write it and now color in the margins with my adult coloring Bible.
Those margins are invitations to make God's Word even more personal and applicable to our hearts, aren't they. Love your prompt to consider adding this bit of creativity to our devotional life. He is worthy of our creative efforts!
What Bible are you using for this devotional adventure, Lisa?
What a lovely post! I’m looking forward to reading more of your writing. I hopped over here from MMD and it’s fun to find another Substacker in that community!
Linda, I enjoyed reading about your reflections here. This is a good idea to put it down in writing like this. Happy New Year! I didn't even realize I as on Substack till I went to post. Smooth transition.
Oh I'm so glad to hear it's a smooth transition for you, Deborah. Music to my ears, girl. I want this to be a place of peace for our community, not frustration.
Have a blessed 2024, Linda! I love how you describe your devotional time as "our affection, our devotion, poured out on the feet of Jesus." Yes, so essential to our getting through each day, right? Love and blessings to you!
Happy New Year Linda! I like this idea of summing up your year. It's reflection time that also influences the year to come. I always seem behind in doing my reflection time. I'm on Day 10 of Advent currently, when it is already the beginning of January. :) So, grace for myself is saving me as the years go by!
There's something sweet about being on Day 10 of Advent even as we're celebrating Christmastide. No need to rush. I like your nudge to savor every moment of reflection, Lynn. We need to take the pressure off ourselves to live a check-list devotional life.
We have one elder's meeting a month at 5:30. We have no board or committee meetings I am on except the Building Team. We are in the process of adding on so there are some occasional meetings. I have a Wednesday Bible study that lasts one hour. Other than that, I don't put myself on committees.
Not very often am I called "wise." :) I am blessed actually. The elder's meetings are the first Monday of every month and we limit those to 1- 1/2 hours. That stops any endless peripheral stuff. We don't have a board so that helps and I would avoid that like a plague if we did. We have a Care Team that is overseen by several ladies and the responsibilities are delegated by them. I stay out of that! LOL. The secretary is involved heavily in that. The two other staff (me and Youth Pastor) just want to be updated on things. I guess what I am saying is that too many pastors fail to delegate and feel like they have to have their hands in every pie. I don't like pie so I don't want to. I go to Acts 6:2-4 for backing on that. Sorry to go on or belabor this point.
I'm sorry for missing out on this post Linda. Life has been busier than it normally is this time of the year. Usually there is a slow down. Not this year. At 71 Jo says I need to slow down some. Maybe I'm afraid to? :) I don't want any cobwebs growing around me!! Anyway, it was good reading of the good stuff in this past year. May 2024 be a God-blessed and a God-focused year for you.
Ah, you hit the nail on the head, Bill. 'Cause who might we be if we slowed down, adjusted our pace, or reimaged ourselves in this next season? This is huge for pastors, isn't it ...
Yes it is. At 71 I realize I cannot go like I used to. i go to bed about 9:00 so I can get up at 3:30. Mo more late nights/early mornings. But I also want to be able to "pull my weight" so I choose those hours. I spend a lot more nights at home than I used to. Only on rare or emergency occasions am I out at night visiting any more. I have learned to make concessions in one area so I can do something in another. Surprise! Surprise! God has blessed that!! :) Hmmm I guess it was all all about Him from the get-go and He didn't really need me acting like a foolish man to get His work done.
Wow, it seems like 2023 was quite the year for you, full of changes and discoveries!
I love the idea of committing to mono-tasking and being intentional with our time.
Happy New Year! May this fresh chapter bring you joy, peace, and a treasury of beautiful moments. Here's to new adventures, cherished connections, and endless possibilities. Wishing you a year filled with love, laughter, and countless reasons to celebrate. Cheers to a brilliant and fulfilling year ahead, Linda!
I feel like I've been blessed after reading your last paragraph, Veronica. You are one of those cherished connections in my life. You sure have enlarged my borders, literally.
I enjoyed the scripture from Philippians 4 from "The Message" version. I like hearing Scripture from different versions, it sounds so new and different!
great list. I am right with you re Weight Watchers points, setting up dates with friends - realized I did more of that in 2023 and I'm so glad I did and love your line: being a boss of your phone. I keep my on silent most of the time but want to keep it out of my hands more often. too much scrolling.... Happy New Year, Linda!!
You're right, Jean ... if it's nearby it's just way too easy to pick up and head down that rabbit hole of endlessness. *sigh* Especially in the evening. May we find better ways to occupy those minutes when we're weary or bored or whatever.
I loved this post—every word of it. So much wisdom packed into it. What worked for me in 2023 is the revelation you have already read about on my blog. Thank you for your precious comment. Leaning into the fact that if God wants something, someone, some opportunity, some mission, some circumstance in my life, HE will take responsibility for bringing it to me—that I don't have to strive anymore, that I don't need to continually second-guess if there is something else I am supposed to be doing—it has been liberating. I only wish I had the sense to learn this years ago. But, how gracious of God to teach me now. I hope your new year will be packed to the brim with blessings, sweet friend. I love and appreciate you so much.
Somehow this slipped under my radar, Cheryl, for I surely would have remembered your vivid testimony. You're so right, God's in charge, He's the One He makes our strivings cease as we lean into Him. I love how you put it, that the new revelations and invitations He brings to us are truly liberating. He's always inviting us to something deeper, isn't He.
What a way to kick off 2024. Bless you, friend.
Happy New Year Linda!I've got to say I so love your neighborhood book box. And I'm sure you've touched many neighbors. Cudos on loosing 10 pounds, Shhhh, I'll offer that Thanksgiving and Christmas don't count. Lol.
Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month. I can't wait to see what wise words, encouragement and insights you've got for us this year.
{{Hugs}}
Getting back on the WW wagon is hard. I won't lie.
* sigh *
Good afternoon, Linda. I'm thrilled to hear the move to Substack has been so rewarding in so many ways. I'm thinking about it too ... we'll see how the Spirit moves me. :-) I love what you said about setting up dates in advance. A long-distance friend and I try to talk every month, and right before we end our conversation, we set up the next one. It's been a wonderful way to ensure that we stay connected. I'm with you 100 percent on not keeping our phones on our persons. I could write an entire post about this. (I'll add that to the list.) Finally, I REALLY need to learn from you when it comes to monotasking and batching. :-) Hope you are having a restful weekend, dear friend.
I'll be the first one to read your post on phones, Lois. And the first one to cheer you on if you decide Substack will work for you. Count on it, girl.
I just love visiting here! You have such lovely photos...and encouraging posts! Thanks for all the sharing. I have never ordered my groceries online but I certainly have been intrigued and tempted to do so. Now you have me thinking about it again. And being the owner/ruler of my phone - yes, indeed. I know some think that means we are old and disconnected but I think it means I'm wise. At least smarter than my phone. Ha....I hope your new year is off to a beautiful start. Peace-filled days and cozy afternoons! Best of wishes to you friend!
'I know some think that means we are old and disconnected but I think it means I'm wise.'
Absolutely, Jennifer! By now we know what works for us and what doesn't, no matter who else says whatever.
Happy New Year 🎈 Linda!!
Your kitchen is gorgeous and I love that you took your time to do it the way you wanted. Great reminders to think on what is pure, lovely and right. I also love to sit with Hods word and write it and now color in the margins with my adult coloring Bible.
I pray this is a fruitful year for you.
Those margins are invitations to make God's Word even more personal and applicable to our hearts, aren't they. Love your prompt to consider adding this bit of creativity to our devotional life. He is worthy of our creative efforts!
What Bible are you using for this devotional adventure, Lisa?
Tyndale House. NLT Inspire. The Bible for creative journaling. It’s my favorite right now.
What a lovely post! I’m looking forward to reading more of your writing. I hopped over here from MMD and it’s fun to find another Substacker in that community!
Yay, Lisa! Welcome, make yourself at home. I look forward to getting to know you in the days ahead.
Linda, I enjoyed reading about your reflections here. This is a good idea to put it down in writing like this. Happy New Year! I didn't even realize I as on Substack till I went to post. Smooth transition.
Oh I'm so glad to hear it's a smooth transition for you, Deborah. Music to my ears, girl. I want this to be a place of peace for our community, not frustration.
Have a blessed 2024, Linda! I love how you describe your devotional time as "our affection, our devotion, poured out on the feet of Jesus." Yes, so essential to our getting through each day, right? Love and blessings to you!
"our affection, our devotion, poured out on the feet of Jesus" ... from the beautiful Jesus We Love You
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOExT9JqB7s
Happy New Year Linda! I like this idea of summing up your year. It's reflection time that also influences the year to come. I always seem behind in doing my reflection time. I'm on Day 10 of Advent currently, when it is already the beginning of January. :) So, grace for myself is saving me as the years go by!
There's something sweet about being on Day 10 of Advent even as we're celebrating Christmastide. No need to rush. I like your nudge to savor every moment of reflection, Lynn. We need to take the pressure off ourselves to live a check-list devotional life.
We have one elder's meeting a month at 5:30. We have no board or committee meetings I am on except the Building Team. We are in the process of adding on so there are some occasional meetings. I have a Wednesday Bible study that lasts one hour. Other than that, I don't put myself on committees.
You're so wise, Bill. I want every ministry leader and pastor to take note of the boundaries you've created for yourself ...
Not very often am I called "wise." :) I am blessed actually. The elder's meetings are the first Monday of every month and we limit those to 1- 1/2 hours. That stops any endless peripheral stuff. We don't have a board so that helps and I would avoid that like a plague if we did. We have a Care Team that is overseen by several ladies and the responsibilities are delegated by them. I stay out of that! LOL. The secretary is involved heavily in that. The two other staff (me and Youth Pastor) just want to be updated on things. I guess what I am saying is that too many pastors fail to delegate and feel like they have to have their hands in every pie. I don't like pie so I don't want to. I go to Acts 6:2-4 for backing on that. Sorry to go on or belabor this point.
Happy New Year to you, Linda! I pray so much but I have chosen TRUST as my word. I need to let go and let God to HIS will.
I'm with you, Kitty. Who among us isn't still learning to release all those we love into His powerfully gentle hands ...
I'm sorry for missing out on this post Linda. Life has been busier than it normally is this time of the year. Usually there is a slow down. Not this year. At 71 Jo says I need to slow down some. Maybe I'm afraid to? :) I don't want any cobwebs growing around me!! Anyway, it was good reading of the good stuff in this past year. May 2024 be a God-blessed and a God-focused year for you.
Ah, you hit the nail on the head, Bill. 'Cause who might we be if we slowed down, adjusted our pace, or reimaged ourselves in this next season? This is huge for pastors, isn't it ...
Yes it is. At 71 I realize I cannot go like I used to. i go to bed about 9:00 so I can get up at 3:30. Mo more late nights/early mornings. But I also want to be able to "pull my weight" so I choose those hours. I spend a lot more nights at home than I used to. Only on rare or emergency occasions am I out at night visiting any more. I have learned to make concessions in one area so I can do something in another. Surprise! Surprise! God has blessed that!! :) Hmmm I guess it was all all about Him from the get-go and He didn't really need me acting like a foolish man to get His work done.
So ... what do you do with board meetings, elder meetings, committee meetings, prayer meetings and etc meetings?
And now my heart is going,
and many hours I sleep.
What I spent life sowing
is now that which I reap.
But I find I really can't
whine, murmur, or complain,
for I have seen the elephant,
and I have played the game,
maybe a bit too hard and fast,
and with too much to drink,
but life here wasn't meant to last,
and so I truly think
that I have lived the best for me
at end of 2023.
I'm praying for you right now, friend. Rest well as we enter yet another year. Love to Barb and our 4-footed friends ...
Wow, it seems like 2023 was quite the year for you, full of changes and discoveries!
I love the idea of committing to mono-tasking and being intentional with our time.
Happy New Year! May this fresh chapter bring you joy, peace, and a treasury of beautiful moments. Here's to new adventures, cherished connections, and endless possibilities. Wishing you a year filled with love, laughter, and countless reasons to celebrate. Cheers to a brilliant and fulfilling year ahead, Linda!
I feel like I've been blessed after reading your last paragraph, Veronica. You are one of those cherished connections in my life. You sure have enlarged my borders, literally.
Thank you for your kind words, friend.
I enjoyed the scripture from Philippians 4 from "The Message" version. I like hearing Scripture from different versions, it sounds so new and different!
Yeah, The Message always hits me on the side of the head just a bit.
great list. I am right with you re Weight Watchers points, setting up dates with friends - realized I did more of that in 2023 and I'm so glad I did and love your line: being a boss of your phone. I keep my on silent most of the time but want to keep it out of my hands more often. too much scrolling.... Happy New Year, Linda!!
You're right, Jean ... if it's nearby it's just way too easy to pick up and head down that rabbit hole of endlessness. *sigh* Especially in the evening. May we find better ways to occupy those minutes when we're weary or bored or whatever.