Thursday, May 25, 2017

Introducing 'Bouquet' . . . and The Giveaway Winner


I'm excited to introduce you to Bouquet.

A gathering of top notch posts from my online travels, a handful of absolute best discoveries.  These are thought-provoking, soul-stirring writings that have hit home for me, good stuff I believe is worth the investment of your valuable time.

relationships  .  ministry  .  emotional healing  

simplicity  .  leadership  .  creating 

self-care  .  spiritual growth

Perhaps one will soothe your spirit and maybe another will stimulate your mind.  You might find yourself informed, challenged, or inspired.  Maybe you'll agree ... or not so much.  You never know what or who is going to show up.

Here and there, I'll be sharing a Bouquet with you right before a weekend to give you something to mull over and chew on during those days when most of us are reading, but not necessarily writing.  And I don't want to hand you the links and simply walk away, but instead would love chat back and forth with you after you've read something that catches your eye.

Yes, you!

We might not be able to put our feet up together over a cup of coffee in person {wouldn't that be just too wonderful?!}, but we can make good use of the comment section to connect.  {Email readers, click on the title of the post to come on over and join the conversation ... or simply listen in.}

And if you've got a whole bunch of time on your hands, here's a whole month's worth of my recommendations on LinkedIn, updated every few days.  Bookmark it, ok?  I'd love for you to connect with me there ... and feel free to Like and Comment.

Today's Bouquet ...

So I Quit Drinking - Sarah Bessey

The Loneliness of Leadership - Ruth Haley Barton

When I Am Bipolar - Alia Joy

5 Signs You Need a Technology Detox - Joshua Becker

What does it mean to remother yourself and why is it so critical for our growth as women? - Annie Wright

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Overcomers has been our theme this past week.  Mandisa and Kisha and Tyler.  You and me and the victories God has so graciously given in our trials.  The winner of a copy of Mandisa's brand new CD, Out of the Dark, is Andrew Budek-Schmeisser.

Andrew's no stranger to many of us who've been following his challenging journey, Your Dying Spouse.  #302 - I'm Not Me Anymore is a superb glimpse of who he is and where he's at.

I had to smile when I randomly drew his name, because if anybody is an overcomer, it would be him.

Congrats, man ...







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so you don't miss any bouquets, giveaways, & other stuff

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22 comments:

  1. I'm happy to see that Andrew won, too. :) Thanks for sharing this bouquet with us, Linda. Love that name too.

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    1. Hi Lisa ~ Yep, Andrew has shown us all what overcoming looks like. He builds his legacy one authentic post at a time.

      I'm a fan ...

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  2. Love your Bouquet idea - and your graphic! - and I'm bookmarking this to look at this weekend.

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    1. Cool, Jerralea! I hope you find something that will hit home for you ...

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  3. What a cool idea, Linda! I'm saving this in my personal file to browse through this weekend. Friday, I'll be busy with oldest granddaughter. :)
    Blessings!

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  4. I love your idea, Linda. I am looking forward to more blooming flowers of hope! Love and hugs to you! And congratulations, Andrew!

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  5. Congratulations to Andrew! I have several now of Mandisa's albums. I wish she'd come to Canada to perform sometime! Press On became a signature song for me for a trying time in my life. She really speaks to the struggles we can have.

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    1. That'd be one fabulous concert to go to, wouldn't it?

      And let's hear it for signature songs, Lynn. I'm guessing we all have a handful of favorites that have gotten us through some significant struggles ...

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  6. What a great idea! Looking forward to exploring your blooms!
    Blessings, My Friend!

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    1. Don't you just love sharing what's impacted you? Yes, another joy of blogging ...

      Weekend joys to you, Lulu!

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  7. What a lovely idea, Linda! I'll be looking forward to seeing you in my inbox each week! Have a blessed weekend, friend.

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    1. It's a long weekend, too! My favorite!

      Hope yours has some delightful moments tucked in there, friend ...

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  8. Linda,

    Thank you! Being an overcomer has been on my mind, too, lately...love it when God affirms and re-affirms. Love that Andrew won. I will be with family for the next few weeks so if I am scarce, you'll know why, though I did manage to schedule a few posts. Blessings to you, and all manner of goodness in Christ, my friend :-)

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    1. Enjoy every minute with your family, Dolly. It's that time of year and hopefully you'll be able to be outside together and enjoy creation and fun times.

      Bless you, girl!

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  9. Hi Linda! I love the title of your roundup!! Bouquet!! Yes!! I read most of the links-- the one that hit home the most was about technology-- I actually have been doing my own little experimental detox from FB and IG during the week... thus far, I seem to be way more productive to leave it out of the mix unless I have a specific page I need to check or a comment to reply to. Thanks for sharing what's impacting your world through your 'virtual' travels during the week :)

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    1. My hat's off to you with your experimental detox from FB and IG, Heather. We're hooked alright and it's not til we're away from our screens for awhile that we realize how much of life's passing us by.

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  10. I've read a couple of those and particularly liked Sarah Bessey's post on why she quit drinking. I'm currently working on something about alcohol and the church. Obviously, I have a particular interest in this area. Love this idea friend. And since we seem to be reading in some of the same places I'll like seeing what you've culled. Thanks for your graciousness.

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    1. I do believe that Sarah's post was the most important, profound, and beautiful piece I've read. Maybe all year. I'm so glad to share it with you, friend ... especially in the ministry and culture in which we find ourselves.

      Blessings. I can't wait to read what you're going to write ...

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  11. Linda, I skimmed Sarah's article when you first linked it but knew I wanted to come back and read more slowly. I finally got that chance today and wow ... I share your opinion about its importance and beauty. Her section about how "conviction often begins with noticing" is so powerful. Thank you for sharing this lovely bouquet!

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    1. I want everyone in my world to read and share Sarah's post. Offering it here is the best I can do.

      Thanks for your encouragement, Lois.

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