I love all the questions you ask. I want to answer them. How much time do you have? Ha ha!!
I hate talking about myself. But, man! Do I have stories to tell? Yes, I do. Some funny. Some not. I see the Hand of God in most of them. But, I've learned to keep them to myself because (most) people seem unequipped to listen. I haven't perfected my verbal storytelling skills...yet. I'll get there.
When I sense a listener becoming uncomfortable, I lose my way in my story (that they asked to hear.) I try to get them to see God's faithfulness, but they can't bridge the gap for themselves. They get rattled by the natural rather than recognize His Supernatural.
Anyway, I used to do a lot of writing. But I stopped four or five years ago. I'm feeling nudged to start again.
Sally, hi ... and welcome! It sounds like you're bursting with stories just waiting to be told. I'm guessing that after those 4-5 years you might be figuring out how best to launch.
One foot after the other. Start small, be faithful to that call. Substack is a wonderful place to find your footing ... and your people. One story, one comment, one conversation at a time.
Congratulations on reaching 500 subscribers! That's a lot of souls who gather here and look to you, dear Linda, for encouragement, solace, understanding, and a soft place to fall. I would deeply appreciate your prayers tonight as I face a particularly difficult trial. Sending much love and gratitude to you for all you do. You are so appreciated!🙏❤😊
Lord, we come to you, believing completely that You are very much present with Cheryl right now. This is a hard season for her. She needs your comfort, direction, and hope. Make Yourself real to her even as we speak. Free her from anxiety, fear, and any sense of despondency. Refill her to overflowing, oh Holy Spirit with all your bounteous fruit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Oh dear friend! How your prayer moved me! I know, without a doubt, that it also moved the heart of God as it was heard by Him. It was SO what I needed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love and appreciate you so much.
Congratulations Linda on achieving such an amazing milestone! Rightfully so - you share such incredible truths in a gentle beautiful way. May the Lord be with you dear friend! I like the word luminal - for the season between seasons - it fits perfectly! There are so many things that concern us all, but how wonderful it is to know the Lord walks with us moment by moment! That brings me such joy! Much love to you dear friend!
What's funny is that a few readers have unsubscribed since then so the number is now under 500. A good reminder that people come and go and that's as it should be. I'm all about unsubscribing from all kinds of stuff that come in email. Few things make me happier than an empty inbox at the end of the day.
I know I'm late to this party Linda but just wanted to comment briefly. What saved my life this summer? i would like to say I had a respite and sabbatical but can't. I'm thinking though that basically it was my bike riding that "took me away." It was a fast paced summer. Lately I have been deeply touched and affected by the song Firm Foundation (He Won't) by Honor & Glory/Disciple. I blogged about it Tuesday and included a link to the song. My blog today was also on "Onward and Upward." What has taken my attention lately has been the church's 20th anniversary and planning and praying about my 2025 direction in preaching. I'm going with "Burning Hearts" from Luke 24:32. (Cool Scripture). Anyway, that is my liminal thoughts.
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that if it wasn't for your bike riding, you wouldn't be the man, the pastor, the writer that you are today. It's like it gives you a sense of freedom, recalibrates you, gives you balance, a fresh perspective.
While I tend toward the "why" questions, I think the "what" questions would open some good conversations. Your words here are thought provoking and your images equally matched. Thanks so much for giving me something to think about today!
Natalie, I think we all do tend toward those 'why' questions. But let's hear it for good conversations that go deep and make us consider what might not be obvious or easy to discern. Thanks for all your kind words this morning. Your visit is a lovely start to my day.
Beautiful pictures, Linda! Yes to "releasing our agendas and inviting Him to settle and quiet all that swirls" and yes to the "gently-paced, stress-less process of discovery and renewal" that we are all desperate for these days. >What have you been creating?< I'm finishing up a book I'm writing which brings joy that the end is in sight, but at the moment, I'm running hard down the back stretch, so I'm digging deep for breath and the will to finish strong.
Five hundred subscribers is a wonderful milestone, Linda! I love your "what" questions, even though my answer to most of them right now is "I'm not sure." So I suppose what resonates with me most from you post is the ending line ... "Yours in the unsure, in between spaces." I know I won't be here forever, and it's nice to know someone else knows what it's like. Hugs, friend.
Dear Lois, I can't help but believe that "I'm not sure" can be a very good place to find ourselves. It takes the pressure off to be certain or positive or productive when that's not really true about where we find ourselves.
It's vulnerable. Honest. Humbling.
Maybe we should be more open to celebrate the fallow times, knowing that this is often when God does deep work of healing, restoration, or glimpses of hope.
Yay, Canada! I should have asked everyone to let us know where they're coming from. Thanks for spending some of your morning here today, Margie. It's fun to connect with you again.
"I’ve found that as we release our preconceived notions and agendas the mist begins to lift and clarity emerges." Lovely misty pictures to illustrate that the mist resides in His beautiful creation, too. Some days, even full seasons, can be misty, can't they? It makes me think how mist changes the look of a scene, and sometimes the picture of what we thought life will be like is different -- maybe misted in sadness and disappointment. But behind it all is still beauty. Your thoughts here always bring me deeper into my own observations. Thanks Linda, and for sharing my place as an "uplifting linkage."
Thanks for weaving such meaningful words around and through the mist, Lynn. While beautiful in a photograph, in real life those misty seasons can be daunting and unsettling. And yet, His Word tells us that 'joy comes in the morning' (Psalm 30:5). What a lifeline.
I love these dreamy pictures, Linda! And I love all your "what" questions. Birding has been saving me for some time now! I never get tired of watching.
I am always calmed by your observations and musings on our feathered friends and the wonderous beauty of God's creation. It's a gift He's given you that you keep giving us. I'm grateful.
The photos are so soul-strengthening, Linda. I had to pause and dwell on the first one and imagine myself sitting on that bench soaking in the sights and sounds of God's wonders in creation. I really don't know where the summer has gone. In the midst of all the hatred and violence in this world, I've been trying to cling even tighter to God's faithful character. He is still in control! And His love and mercy never ends! Thank you for all your nurturing! Love and blessings to you!
Oh you're so right, Trudy, the world is a mess. It helps to know that our merciful God is not surprised or alarmed by all that's coming at us. That He already knows the end of the story is such a comfort, isn't it. Thanks for reminding us all that He is still in control. Rest well tonight, friend.
I'm trying more and more to hold each day lightly and savor the moment I'm in. Only because of God's grace can I learn to trust Him and all the blessings He gives me each minute of the day. Blessings, Linda!
I like that idea of holding each day lightly, Martha, and being fully in the moment. Grasping and looking too far ahead is exhausting and ultimately meaningless. Thanks for this timely reminder. Hopefully your wise words will keep others from having to learn this truth the hard way (like I did ...)
What Scripture has captured my heart? I’ve been positively marinating in Psalm 23 this summer. It is so rich in meaning and descriptive of our Good Shepherd’s love for else.
My prayer has been: “Lord, restore my soul!” At the same time I’ve been wrestling with what it means to have my soul restored.
Oh how it must give God pleasure when we are 'positively marinating' in a single passage without hurrying off to do the next thing. Sitting with the Lover of our souls restores that deepest part of who we are where He resides.
You've nudged and challenged me this evening. Thank you, Deb.
Been working on getting my first, and probably only, novel readiy for professional edits. I’m excited but anxious about this season with my book, but I’m willing to sit in the uncomfortable.
'Willing to sit in the uncomfortable.' Wow, Karen. I find that so very hard to do. But yes, I do understand what you're saying about being anxious. How do you keep that from getting in the way of your creative energy?
It definitely feels like an in-between season. I'm tackling a major purge/reorganization which, hopefully, will result in new ideas and creative pursuits. Or maybe just clear the clutter from my mind. Thanks for this confirmation, Linda.
Debby, I definitely hear you about how extra unorganized stuff clutters up our heads. There's nothing like cleaning out the dresser drawers or reorganizing a set of shelves to banish the cobwebs in our brains. I hope you'll write about the process, friend. I know a whole bunch of us will resonate and be encouraged by the wisdom you'll rediscover when all is said and done.
What is mattering? Marking the small moments and naming His provision every day. And long lazy days at the water, just soaking up the sun and watching my kids conquer the lake.
Cathy, I love your description of your kids conquering the lake. I can just imagine your joy in watching them do their thing in the water. Enjoy these final days of summer. These are the good old days, aren't they ...
Yahoo! Congrats on reaching 500 subscribers.
I love all the questions you ask. I want to answer them. How much time do you have? Ha ha!!
I hate talking about myself. But, man! Do I have stories to tell? Yes, I do. Some funny. Some not. I see the Hand of God in most of them. But, I've learned to keep them to myself because (most) people seem unequipped to listen. I haven't perfected my verbal storytelling skills...yet. I'll get there.
When I sense a listener becoming uncomfortable, I lose my way in my story (that they asked to hear.) I try to get them to see God's faithfulness, but they can't bridge the gap for themselves. They get rattled by the natural rather than recognize His Supernatural.
Anyway, I used to do a lot of writing. But I stopped four or five years ago. I'm feeling nudged to start again.
Sally, hi ... and welcome! It sounds like you're bursting with stories just waiting to be told. I'm guessing that after those 4-5 years you might be figuring out how best to launch.
One foot after the other. Start small, be faithful to that call. Substack is a wonderful place to find your footing ... and your people. One story, one comment, one conversation at a time.
You go, girl!
Congratulations on reaching 500 subscribers! That's a lot of souls who gather here and look to you, dear Linda, for encouragement, solace, understanding, and a soft place to fall. I would deeply appreciate your prayers tonight as I face a particularly difficult trial. Sending much love and gratitude to you for all you do. You are so appreciated!🙏❤😊
🙏🙏🙏
Lord, we come to you, believing completely that You are very much present with Cheryl right now. This is a hard season for her. She needs your comfort, direction, and hope. Make Yourself real to her even as we speak. Free her from anxiety, fear, and any sense of despondency. Refill her to overflowing, oh Holy Spirit with all your bounteous fruit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
For Jesus sake, Amen.
Oh dear friend! How your prayer moved me! I know, without a doubt, that it also moved the heart of God as it was heard by Him. It was SO what I needed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love and appreciate you so much.
I love you, too, Cheryl. Thank you for giving us all the privilege to lift you up to our Savior ...
ox
Congratulations Linda on achieving such an amazing milestone! Rightfully so - you share such incredible truths in a gentle beautiful way. May the Lord be with you dear friend! I like the word luminal - for the season between seasons - it fits perfectly! There are so many things that concern us all, but how wonderful it is to know the Lord walks with us moment by moment! That brings me such joy! Much love to you dear friend!
What's funny is that a few readers have unsubscribed since then so the number is now under 500. A good reminder that people come and go and that's as it should be. I'm all about unsubscribing from all kinds of stuff that come in email. Few things make me happier than an empty inbox at the end of the day.
I know I'm late to this party Linda but just wanted to comment briefly. What saved my life this summer? i would like to say I had a respite and sabbatical but can't. I'm thinking though that basically it was my bike riding that "took me away." It was a fast paced summer. Lately I have been deeply touched and affected by the song Firm Foundation (He Won't) by Honor & Glory/Disciple. I blogged about it Tuesday and included a link to the song. My blog today was also on "Onward and Upward." What has taken my attention lately has been the church's 20th anniversary and planning and praying about my 2025 direction in preaching. I'm going with "Burning Hearts" from Luke 24:32. (Cool Scripture). Anyway, that is my liminal thoughts.
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that if it wasn't for your bike riding, you wouldn't be the man, the pastor, the writer that you are today. It's like it gives you a sense of freedom, recalibrates you, gives you balance, a fresh perspective.
Tell me if I'm wrong.
While I tend toward the "why" questions, I think the "what" questions would open some good conversations. Your words here are thought provoking and your images equally matched. Thanks so much for giving me something to think about today!
Natalie, I think we all do tend toward those 'why' questions. But let's hear it for good conversations that go deep and make us consider what might not be obvious or easy to discern. Thanks for all your kind words this morning. Your visit is a lovely start to my day.
Beautiful pictures, Linda! Yes to "releasing our agendas and inviting Him to settle and quiet all that swirls" and yes to the "gently-paced, stress-less process of discovery and renewal" that we are all desperate for these days. >What have you been creating?< I'm finishing up a book I'm writing which brings joy that the end is in sight, but at the moment, I'm running hard down the back stretch, so I'm digging deep for breath and the will to finish strong.
Congrats, Lisa, on your perseverance and that joy that's motivating you to finish strong. Could you share with us a bit about your book?
It's on the I AM's of Jesus.
Oh looking forward to this study of God's Word, friend. Keep us posted, ok?
I’ll keep you posted, Linda. 😊
Five hundred subscribers is a wonderful milestone, Linda! I love your "what" questions, even though my answer to most of them right now is "I'm not sure." So I suppose what resonates with me most from you post is the ending line ... "Yours in the unsure, in between spaces." I know I won't be here forever, and it's nice to know someone else knows what it's like. Hugs, friend.
Dear Lois, I can't help but believe that "I'm not sure" can be a very good place to find ourselves. It takes the pressure off to be certain or positive or productive when that's not really true about where we find ourselves.
It's vulnerable. Honest. Humbling.
Maybe we should be more open to celebrate the fallow times, knowing that this is often when God does deep work of healing, restoration, or glimpses of hope.
ox
Congrats on the milestone! Proud to part of your community, as a Canadian representative!
Yay, Canada! I should have asked everyone to let us know where they're coming from. Thanks for spending some of your morning here today, Margie. It's fun to connect with you again.
"I’ve found that as we release our preconceived notions and agendas the mist begins to lift and clarity emerges." Lovely misty pictures to illustrate that the mist resides in His beautiful creation, too. Some days, even full seasons, can be misty, can't they? It makes me think how mist changes the look of a scene, and sometimes the picture of what we thought life will be like is different -- maybe misted in sadness and disappointment. But behind it all is still beauty. Your thoughts here always bring me deeper into my own observations. Thanks Linda, and for sharing my place as an "uplifting linkage."
Thanks for weaving such meaningful words around and through the mist, Lynn. While beautiful in a photograph, in real life those misty seasons can be daunting and unsettling. And yet, His Word tells us that 'joy comes in the morning' (Psalm 30:5). What a lifeline.
I love these dreamy pictures, Linda! And I love all your "what" questions. Birding has been saving me for some time now! I never get tired of watching.
I am always calmed by your observations and musings on our feathered friends and the wonderous beauty of God's creation. It's a gift He's given you that you keep giving us. I'm grateful.
The photos are so soul-strengthening, Linda. I had to pause and dwell on the first one and imagine myself sitting on that bench soaking in the sights and sounds of God's wonders in creation. I really don't know where the summer has gone. In the midst of all the hatred and violence in this world, I've been trying to cling even tighter to God's faithful character. He is still in control! And His love and mercy never ends! Thank you for all your nurturing! Love and blessings to you!
Oh you're so right, Trudy, the world is a mess. It helps to know that our merciful God is not surprised or alarmed by all that's coming at us. That He already knows the end of the story is such a comfort, isn't it. Thanks for reminding us all that He is still in control. Rest well tonight, friend.
I'm trying more and more to hold each day lightly and savor the moment I'm in. Only because of God's grace can I learn to trust Him and all the blessings He gives me each minute of the day. Blessings, Linda!
I like that idea of holding each day lightly, Martha, and being fully in the moment. Grasping and looking too far ahead is exhausting and ultimately meaningless. Thanks for this timely reminder. Hopefully your wise words will keep others from having to learn this truth the hard way (like I did ...)
What Scripture has captured my heart? I’ve been positively marinating in Psalm 23 this summer. It is so rich in meaning and descriptive of our Good Shepherd’s love for else.
My prayer has been: “Lord, restore my soul!” At the same time I’ve been wrestling with what it means to have my soul restored.
Oh how it must give God pleasure when we are 'positively marinating' in a single passage without hurrying off to do the next thing. Sitting with the Lover of our souls restores that deepest part of who we are where He resides.
You've nudged and challenged me this evening. Thank you, Deb.
Been working on getting my first, and probably only, novel readiy for professional edits. I’m excited but anxious about this season with my book, but I’m willing to sit in the uncomfortable.
'Willing to sit in the uncomfortable.' Wow, Karen. I find that so very hard to do. But yes, I do understand what you're saying about being anxious. How do you keep that from getting in the way of your creative energy?
That’s hard to answer. What first came to mind is to seek rest. I’m a different person when well rested.
It definitely feels like an in-between season. I'm tackling a major purge/reorganization which, hopefully, will result in new ideas and creative pursuits. Or maybe just clear the clutter from my mind. Thanks for this confirmation, Linda.
Debby, I definitely hear you about how extra unorganized stuff clutters up our heads. There's nothing like cleaning out the dresser drawers or reorganizing a set of shelves to banish the cobwebs in our brains. I hope you'll write about the process, friend. I know a whole bunch of us will resonate and be encouraged by the wisdom you'll rediscover when all is said and done.
What is mattering? Marking the small moments and naming His provision every day. And long lazy days at the water, just soaking up the sun and watching my kids conquer the lake.
Cathy, I love your description of your kids conquering the lake. I can just imagine your joy in watching them do their thing in the water. Enjoy these final days of summer. These are the good old days, aren't they ...