Wednesday, September 30, 2015

morning invitations * a 31 Days gathering

your soul, your body, your home, your screens

- scroll down to get the links to all the posts -


Why this series?  Why right now?

I'm writing because I'm learning.  It's that simple.

*

The past 6 months has been a wild whirlwind, an endless roller coaster of overwhelming choices and great big changes laced with deepest sorrow upon sorrow.

As a dear mentor so perceptively wrote, 'What a pile up of transition!  Selling your beloved home!  Closing your practice!  Leaving Creekside Community and your NY friends!  Buying a new home!  Packing and packing and pitching and donating and moving!  Then your adored dad passes on ...'

In the weeks that followed her note, I slowly started to catch my breath, began grieving the life-altering losses, and spent precious time with my mama.  I kicked off lindastoll.net, turned 60, and started to wonder what community might look like in this new location by the sea.

I truly thought we were finally beginning to round the bend.

And then Jesus came and took our littlest grandchild right on up to his new heavenly home.

*

If we slow down for just a minute and look inside somewhere deep, we'll discover that there's a missing link, an ongoing craving for a steady grace-filled rhythm to our mornings.  Especially if we're finding the early hours to be unproductive and too random.  Or chaotic and crazed.  Or we're finding our journey to be unsettling, rocky, unknown.  

Some might consider these rhythms as habits or disciplines, must-do's or routines.

But I much prefer to think of these morning cadences as an invitation from God, His direction for our soul's innate yearning for a steady, peaceful, productive daily launch in these pivotal areas of our lives ... 

soul

body

home

and yes ... screens

Weekday posts will be intentionally practical yet thought-provoking!  Friday worksheets will guide you in personalizing the week's discoveries so that they align with your needs and schedule, whatever they may be right about now. 

Saturday's posts will offer a bit of soul care.  And on Sundays we'll take a breather, a sabbath rest.
  
Be sure to sign up to get the series in your email inbox so you can easily print those worksheets.  And not to worry, you're not signing up for anything else.  No lists, no surprises, no newsletters.  And yes, you can easily unsubscribe when the series is over!

*

This community is filled with warm, supportive women and men where safe, encouraging, Christ-centered conversations are the name of the game.

To thank you for taking the time to leave your two cents whenever you drop in, I'm offering a FREE 30 MINUTE 1 - 1 PHONE COACHING SESSION to 4 random commenters during this 31 Days series!

If you're chosen to receive one of these sessions, we can use your half hour call to look at your morning options, deal with your challenges, or brainstorm your opportunities.  Whatever works for you!  

The giveaway ends on October 31st at 9 am eastern.  
Please limit 1 comment per day!

Ready  .  Set  .  Go!





morning invitations  *  31 Days index 



there's always room for more!
please let your friends know there's a party going on at my place ...
the welcome mat is out and social media links are below!

/

visiting
 Kelly  .  Crystal  .  Holley  .  Lyli  .  Suzie

/
image creator

40 comments:

  1. Oh friend I so want to win one of blogging coaching sessions. Waiting for your first post.
    Hugs and Blessings Linda

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    1. YAY! Yours is the first name in the hat, Ifeoma!

      I'm so glad you're partying with us!

      ;-}

      Delete
  2. You have such a sweet, sweet spirit, Linda, and it blazes through each letter pecked onto the screen. You really have been in the heart of transition's whirl, haven't you? Wow! I love what a strong warrior you are, pressing onward. The Lord's strength displayed in you is a mighty thing. Blessings on your series, my friend. Continuing to lift you and your family to the throne of our Comforter. #livefreeThursday

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    1. Isn't it neat how we can pray for people we've never even met? Thanks for sharing that gift with my family, Kristi!

      You've encouraged me so, this morn ...

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  3. There is such a peace that flows through your words inspite of what life has handed you these last 6 months. I feel centered and calm in this space. Thank you friend. I look forward to hanging out here with you!

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    1. Yes, yes, my friend. Centered in Jesus, calmed by His Spirit.

      There's no place else I'd rather be ...

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  4. "A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." But oh, what a Man! and if we wish to be like Him we must bear the grief and sorrows, too. Not what I would choose for you, friend, or for myself. But the Refiner's fire produces a beauty none can match. You're beautiful, Linda Stoll, inside and out, and I'm so looking forward to these morning devotions with you this month!

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    1. You've taken my breath away with the truths of God's plan ... for you, for me, for us.

      Thank you, friend.

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  5. I am really looking forward to spending my mornings with you, friend. :)

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  6. As I open my eyes each morning-the first words I say, "Good Morning, Lord." OH that I could stay so plugged in all day! Looking forward to your words of wisdom. AND you deserve a mini-break-down--so when you feel the need---TAKE IT!
    Praying for You, Friend, as you adjust to the new normal.

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    1. Oh yeah, I've had more than one meltdown here and there! Just ask those who know me best! I'm finding blogging to be wonderful therapy, a healing place, such a supportive neighborhood.

      And now to find that new normal, whatever it is ...

      ;-}

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  7. This post is right on time. I'm grieving over my daughter for a second time. The first time due to Family Court interfering in our relationship due to Parental Alienation, but always knew we will see each other again. The second time will be when her father claimed she committed suicide. I took that one the hardest because I can't see my baby girl ever again. It has been only two year's but it feels like forever. I'm looking forward to this series over the next 30 days.

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    1. Dear Tamika ... I am so grateful you are here ... I hope this little series will help in some way as you move ahead to what God has for you.

      Blessings ...

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  8. Writing is healing...at least it is that way for me. I wish you and your family loving healing.

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    1. You hear my heart, Kara. Thank you for your loving wishes, friend ...

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  9. This sounds like a wonderful series. Prayers for you and your family - that's a lot to bear all in such a short time. Hope the series will be a healing balm for you, too.

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    1. A healing balm. Yes, Kathryn, you've said it well. For that's what writing has become. I'm so grateful!

      So glad you've started the day with us!

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  10. I'm really looking forward to following along on this series.

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  11. Can't wait to read this along the way of Ocober.

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  12. This invitation to the cadence your soul spill out grace, Linda. I am looking forward to the outpouring you are sharing from the overflow of His goodness!
    Praying for you in the move and the transition.
    Blessings,
    Dawn

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    1. Thanks for traveling through this little series with us, Dawn. I'm so glad you're here!

      And your prayers matter. I so appreciate know that you're praying ...

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  13. Linda, I cannot imagine all this transition which you have experienced. Only God could get you through. Like you, I love my mornings. My Bible & my coffee cup .. and He is sure to meet me over both. May He continue to be with you, bringing His strength & comfort. Blessings!

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    1. You said it best, Joanne ... only God gets us through! Trying any other way simply doesn't work for long.

      I celebrate His faithfulness this morning! And I'm glad you're here ...

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  14. I have started unrushing my mornings recently. I used to have 5-8am scheduled as if the day needed everything to start on time in order to be productive! Thank you for sharing your heart and thoughts at #IntentionalTuesday :)

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    1. So cool that you've found us! Welcome, Sarah ... I so hope you enjoy your visits here!

      ;-}

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  15. Linda, I'm so sorry to hear about your littlest grandbaby (you just mentioned him/her for a second but I imagine it's a hard story to share). Definitely praying for you to continue to find peace, comfort, and rest in the midst of so much transition. Thank you for letting your story and your words be an encouragement to so many others even as you go through so many transitions yourself!

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    1. You're sweet, Lauren. Thank you for your kind words.

      In spite of all that's colliding in our family, there is peace, comfort, and rest. And I am so grateful for God's amazing presence. He truly is a shelter in the time of storm.

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  16. Linda,
    I am so sorry for all the upheaval and loss you have experienced all at once. It's hard being IN the crucible, but I have found that when God brings me THROUGH it, I have grown that much closer to Him. Praying for peace for you and His loving arms of comfort to surround you as He draws you lovingly into Himself.
    Prayers and blessings,
    Bev xx

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    1. Your blessing is an encouragement to my heart this evening, Bev. Thank you so much for connecting with me ...

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  17. I took a look at this after reading your "Soul" post. Great idea. Looking forward to it!

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    1. I love that you took the time to head over here, Betsy ... let's party!

      ;-}

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  18. So refreshing reading your posts! Thank you! I'm a new writer in this 31 days thing :)

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    1. Welcome to 31 Days, Tracy! Hope you're having a ball writing your hand off! I'll be dropping by to see you at your place this weekend, ok?

      ;-}

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