Hello, my friends!
I always know it's time to connect again when I find myself crafting entire blog posts in my head as I drift off to sleep deep in the night. And as we're just about hitting the end of April, that means it's time for Loose Ends.
At the end of most months, I happily pull together life's most recent personal bits and pieces, the snapshots, the links, the discoveries, the resources, all the stuff I'd want to yak about if we could put our feet up and linger together over a cup of coffee ... and maybe a donut or two.
Just for fun, I'm sneaking in a subtle change this month, retitling this newsletter as an e-zine {short for electronic magazine}. Back in the early 2000's, I wrote a monthly e-zine called THE CROSSROADS JOURNAL on my big ol' clunky desktop computer and emailed it out, 50 subscribers at a time. It was the precursor to my own blogging experience, and as I sifted through a very worn manila folder jammed full with dusty print-outs this morning, I'm struck yet again by the truth that everything old is new again.
Let's go.
EASTERTIDE
We've brought home the daffodils donated to the church in memory of someone dear. Most of the good candy has been polished off and the ham bone has been reborn into a hearty soup.
Yet, as Ruth Haley Barton says in her most recent podcast, 'one day is not enough to celebrate!' In her most recent podcast, she talks about how after His miraculous resurrection, Jesus sought out and visited with those who were traumatized by His crucifixion. She explores how He tenderly interacted with those He loved, creating conversations to help His individual followers make sense out of what they had witnessed.
Listen in right here. So superb.
THE FACELIFT
Thanks to all of you who weighed in on the website header. You're a creative bunch with a keen eye, and your insights will be super helpful when I get around to tweaking that needed facelift. I love that you've partnered with me as I continue to create a warm, safe place for counseling clients and blog readers to land.
'THE NEXT RIGHT THING' SUNDAY EVENING BOOK CLUB
Are you ready to roll?
Our Book Club begins this Sunday evening, April 28th! I've combed through Emily Freeman's book this past week and have chosen 8 chapters for us to consider as we meet together for four weeks. These are the podcast episodes that I remember most vividly, the conversations that touched me someplace deep, that continue to hit home many months later.
I actually hear Emily's voice as I read her words.
It's not too late to grab your Kindle edition for $9.99 or your hardcover copy for $11.39. Your library system might have a copy at one of their locations.
Or you can hear the original podcasts and read the transcripts from which the book was born.
This week, we'll be focusing on:
Chapter 7 - Ask This Question Before Every Hard Decision
{the original podcast and transcript is here}
AND
Chapter 9 - Make the Most Important List
{the original podcast and transcript is here}
I know no better way to wrap up a quiet Sabbath, regroup from a chaotic weekend, or ease into a brand new week than to gather in the company of like-minded souls, book and keyboard in hand, feet up and resting, a mug of your favorite beverage close by.
And no, you don't have to show up on Sunday evening ... any time is the right time. That's how we roll around here.
SHAREWORTHY LINKS
{a sampling of what's happening on my LinkedIn page}
Sarah Bessey
Debby Hudson
Jeremy Steele
Seth Godin
Alia Joy
Ed Cyzewski
Jen Ferguson
AN IMPORTANT SONG
SHARE-YOUR-LINK
I invite you to share the link to your most recent end of the month post! I do love when my friends get to know each other, ya' know?
Linda
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visiting with
Ok, I know this is not the point of your post, but oh my -- that plate of food looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteYou're cute, Rebecca!
DeleteYep, the food was scrumptious ... and almost as good as the precious 3 hours spent with a far away friend.
;-}
Agreed ... it made me hungry.
DeleteGod bless.
Victor, those are 'house-made' chips ... made in a seafood restaurant.
DeleteI'm sure you could find something odd about that scenario ...
;-)
Your far away friend agrees those chips were a treat and the company priceless!
Delete3 hours was just way too short.
Delete* sigh *
I loved every minute with you ...
I love these loose ends posts, Linda. SO much great content here! Thanks for pulling it together for us. I have some visiting around to do as I click on those links. I always love the photos too!
ReplyDeleteI hope you find something there that you absolutely love, friend!
DeleteI can't wait to dive into Emily's new book and I love the napkin with GRATEFUL
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm looking forward to hearing your insights, Sue!
DeleteHope you had a happy Easter! I always enjoy these monthly updates. I haven't done one yet this month but probably will next week. I love all the photos, especially the pained stones. And I'm enjoying the book - the chapters are a good length for me to read one each morning so I'm trying to keep doing that. Look forward to the discussion!
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Lesley. The chapter lengths are perfect for bedtime, devotional time, waiting in the car for someone or something, and simple reflection, etc.
DeleteSo glad you're going to be in on the conversation!
PS- I meant "painted stones"!!! I noticed the typo just as I hit "send" and it was too late!
ReplyDeleteTHAT'S funny!
Delete;-}
I loved reading about your loose ends. Visiting you from Mary Geisen's link up. laurensparks.net
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're here, Lauren ...
Delete;-}
I love the concept of your "loose Ends" letter, Linda. Sometimes there are just a bunch of little things I would like to write about. each one individually is not enough for a post, but together, they would be fine. Your painted rocks are so cute! I did that with 2 of my grandsons one rainy day, but they did not turn out as pretty as yours. Now we have to hide them.
ReplyDeleteLaurie, hi! I found those rocks nestled on the edge of a beach right next to the dunes during an afternoon walk!
DeleteAnd I do enjoy your 4 Things post at the end of each month ... very similar to Loose Ends! Please feel free to share your link here.
I'd love people to read it ...
The expression 'loose ends' troubles me
ReplyDeletefor cancer's made it true,
but it does induce humility
of which I'm overdue.
I used to take a certain pride
in controlling when I 'goes',
but now it's innards that decide,
and...ah well, thar she blows!
I hate to write this, but I must
for beyond the secret shame
I learned that peace lives in trust
and hope in Jesus' name.
And when to His pure heart I lean
it's His Tears that wash me clean.
Here's my link:
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2019/04/your-dying-spouse-610-thy-will-be-done.html
And this, right here, Andrew -> 'I learned that peace lives in trust and hope in Jesus' name.'
DeleteNo truer, more hopeful words could be spoken ...
Linda, I don't think I'll be reading along this time around, but I'll certainly be reading the excerpts you post, and seeing the comments and insights that others offer here.
ReplyDeleteAnd I do love how you wrap up the month with the Loose-Ends ezine. Thanks for the links and news!
Blessings!
Yes, please feel free to drop in when you can, Martha!
Delete;-)
I love the randomness and the fun of month end posts.
ReplyDeleteI'm also looking forward to diving into The Next Right Thing. I may not be able to manage Sunday evenings, but will be checking in soon afterward . . .
Thanks for your heart for gathering.
So much of life seems to be random, unplanned, a bit of a surprise!
DeleteI'm glad He knows exactly what's happening ...
Looking forward to your insights no matter when you stop in, friend!
Linda, what a great Loose Ends April edition! Your tulip and food pictures had me studying them. :) Thanks for sharing Alia Joy's post. I have loved ones in my life who have considered suicide and it's encouraging to read how God met Alia Joy in her darkest place.
ReplyDeleteI hope the rest of your April is wonderful!
I am sorry that this kind of heartbreak has come your way, Jeanne. Alia's words are not always easy to read ... but oh what a powerful presence she offers the reader who spends time with her story ...
DeleteSounds like a nice month! I haven't decided whether to continue doing end-of-month post wrap-ups or not, but if I do one this month, it will be early next week.
ReplyDeleteI only read a couple of the links - The Second Bowl and Choosing Your Absence - but it's interesting they were on the same theme. Seth's was such a good object lesson. And I so identify with Marian's point about having time but not always mental energy. I'm not aware at this time of anything God wants me to let go, but I am tucking these truths away for "some time."
Barbara, hi! The older I get, the more obvious it becomes that I need to choose what to devote myself to, what I need to focus on.
DeleteFor there's only so much energy to go around. Life's becoming more purposeful and more thoughtful in this season.
And I'm kind of liking it ...
I look forward to your monthly wrap ups and to reading a few of the links you've included. Thanks for including one of mine that is especially close to my heart.
ReplyDeleteYour post was especially close to my heart, too, friend ...
DeleteI thought I'd come back and share my end-of-month post since I just got it done today. :-) https://barbarah.wordpress.com/2019/04/30/end-of-april-musings/
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm so glad you did!
DeleteLinda, what a beautiful thought ... that "Jesus sought out and visited with those who were traumatized by His crucifixion." I've never looked at it that way, but oh my ... yes! I will add Ruth Haley Barton's podcast to my list of things to listen to. I always enjoy your list of links ... I wasn't familiar with Marian Vischer before, but she's on my list now too. It was a treat to read this post this morning ...
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you found something here today, friend ...
Delete