Saturday, March 28, 2020

Loose Ends * 4 Peace-Fueled Somethings


A warm hello and virtual hugs to all my nesting-in-place friends wherever you are.  Here we are at the end of the month of March, 2020.

Uh ... what else can I say that hasn't already been said?

Except I'm making a very conscious choice as I tap away on my keyboard to live out Philippians 4:8-9 here with you during this most unsettling, traumatic season:
Fix your thoughts on what is true, 
and honorable, 
and right, and pure, 
and lovely, and admirable. 
Think about things that are excellent 
and worthy of praise ... 
Then the God of peace will be with you.


Something Loved




We kicked off the month with 5 of us gathered together to celebrate Mom's 90th birthday.   My sister whipped up a scrumptious meal ... and I must say Marilyn's never looked better.  It was an afternoon of recollection, laughter, an occasional wiped away tear, and Mom's typical full, enthusiastic appreciation for every card opened, every video sent by grands and great-grands, every morsel of food offered, every bit of love shown.

Life is not at all easy for Mom in this season, but her faith is rock solid and God is giving her more opportunities to share her love for Him with the aides that come to care for her.  As our 10 year old granddaughter is fond of saying, 'God's not ready for Great-Ma yet - He still has work for her to do!'


Something Read


Gretchen Saffles

Chris Wheeler

Chris Bailey

Dr. Henry Cloud

Crocs donating its shoes
to healthcare workers
Chris Isidore


Something Treasured


In the midst of the disturbing uneasiness, I can't even begin to tell you how much I was craving last week's Sunday service.  A first for our church, it was the hugest blessing to be ministered to online.  I'd say it's true that we usually don't know what we've got 'til it's gone.

If you don't have an online church home right now, I invite you to join us right here on Sunday at 10:15 {eastern}.

Thank You, Jesus, for technology.  Indeed, for such a time as this.


Something Ahead




Blue, cloudless skies.  Warm, sunny breezes.  Opportunities to putter in the garden.  Walk the beach.  Re-connect with friends and loved ones in person.  Sit on the porch and watch the birds do their thing at the feeders.  Wide open doors for effective, creative ministry.

A keen sense of discernment for decisions that must be faced.  Enormous helpings of patience for those we live with.  Generous, joyful giving.  Protection for those most fragile in body and spirit.

Answered prayers, miraculous healings.  Surprises that bring big toothy smiles and not grief-fueled tears.  A lovely meal out.  Freedom from stress and anxiety.

Crafting huge s-mores around the fire pit.  Browsing a store just for fun.  Continued opportunities to reach out to our neighbors.  A well-cultivated sense of humor.

Toilet paper.  Disinfecting wipes.  Purell.

Worshiping with kindred spirits arm in arm.  A stop at the ice cream shop for a small dish of salted chocolate caramel.  Freedom to be out and about without wondering and worrying.  An unexpected financial gift.

Stronger, unwavering faith.  Hope and peace built upon God's promises and the remembrances of His grand faithfulness.  Great big celebrations of His lovingkindness.

And God's deepest grace upon grace for the sorrows we will bear.

Do share a few highlights of your month.  

How have people reached out to you?  How have you reached out to others?   

How can we pray for you and yours who are first responders, who are teaching our children, who are serving us in the supermarkets and drug stores?

And please do subscribe before you leave.  I'd love that ...
Linda


*

I'll see you at 

*

thanks to Heather Gerwing
for her 4 Somethings prompt

56 comments:

  1. Love your family picture of you, your mom and sister.

    {via text}

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    1. Thanks, friend! To get a decent shot of the 3 of us is a rare thing indeed!

      Delete
  2. Your blog is AWESOME!!

    I just subscribed!!

    {via text}

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  3. Happiest (extra) birthday wishes to your Mom! How special that you were able to get in that celebration! I loved your list of "things ahead"! I pray will better appreciate those "normal" things when these days of quarantine are over...and, yes, have stronger faiths!! Have a peace-filled weekend!

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    1. I hear what you're saying, Jennifer, about more gratitude, more appreciation for life's simplest pleasures.

      It makes me wonder what God's inviting us to right about now ...

      Delete
  4. What a delight to celebrate your mom's birthday! A couple months ago I was able to travel to celebrate a dear aunt's 90th birthday and I'm especially glad now that I went. Grateful for technology to keep us connected with loved ones in these times, and like you, praying for a return to normal but with a new appreciation for those simpler things.

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    1. Oh don't you love when you can look back at a decision and have that 'no regrets' feeling, Kym?

      I hear you. And I'm glad you're here today. Happy belated birthday to your aunt!

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  5. Perhaps the world has learned a thing
    from this time of discontent;
    snarky cherished lives took wing,
    and folks wondered where they went.
    "OK, boomer" was the mantra;
    disrespect was in the air.
    Banished was the Secret Santa,
    and Jesus from the market square.
    But now the strapping youth lies ill
    beside the sage of hoary head,
    with endless lonely hours to fill
    in an isolation bed.
    Time to think, perchance dream dreams
    about what the word 'compassion' means.

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    1. mmm ... may we not have to suffer long to truly embrace what it means to be a compassionate lover of people.

      Like Jesus is ...

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  6. Nice to catch up with you Linda. Glad your family was able to your mom's birthday before they put the kabosh on things. We have been having some 60-7- degree weather this week so it has allowed me to ride by bike. I am assured of keeping the distance there! I am taking to writing each person in the church fellowship a personal note as well as sending out a midweek message via email. Small thing but at least one way of staying in touch. We broadcast our service via the church FB page at 10:00 eastern so I am busy preparing for that today. if anyone is interested they can go to ovcf.org and click on the link and ask to join. It is a private group so let me know so I can tell the admin to approve it. Have a great day tomorrow!!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Bill, thanks for sharing your service with our community here! I'm guessing there are a number of readers that are without a church presence right about now. Online worship is here to stay. This pandemic will seal that deal.

      And yet even in the age of all things digital, nothing, but nothing beats a handwritten note. Especially from the shepherd of the flock.

      Bless you, friend.

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  7. Every word has made me smile. Thank you, Linda. These days are interesting, to say the least. I'm thankful we can still find ways to reach out and let others know we care. That fills my heart with joyful thanks.

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    1. A smile is a very good things, these days, friend. They seem to be in shorter supply as the weight of the world so easily lands on our shoulders and seems to stay there.

      Your reminder has me grinning just a bit right about now. Thanks for the nudge, Debby.

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  8. Linda, I just finished Sara Bessey's book too. I am a huge fan! She is inspiring. I was gald to read you got to celebrate your mom's birthday before all the craziness with the virus hit. Looking forward to more family times after the crisis is over.

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    1. I read Sarah's book at the end of last year and have seriously considered it as our next Book Club selection. There are sections in there that merit deep reflection and hearty conversation.

      Her most personal work yet. So very moving ...

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  9. So wonderful that you all could be with your mother on her birthday before all this virus stuff came to call! My own mother is 91, and I'm a bit worried about her at this time, but since we have to quarantine due to Danny's preexisting conditions, we cannot help her at this time - makes me so sad . . . Praying that all of you will stay well and healthy, Linda. Good times are right around the corner!
    Blessings!

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    1. Dear Martha, I'm praying for your mom right now ... and for your own sadness at not being able to physically be there with her to lend a hand, to give a hug, to talk face to face.

      I absolutely hear your heart. This is a hard one, isn't it ...

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  10. I'm so glad you could be with your mom for her birthday!

    I especially appreciated the links about grief and mental health. It's so important to acknowledge that even know we know God is in control and has promised to be with us and give us grace---doesn't mean life will always be pleasant.

    I am so looking forward to the things you listed at the end and hope they come soon.

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    1. Hi Barbara ... yes, mental health challenges are going to be rising and you know me, I'm going to keep them right on the table. Depression, anxiety ... both absolutely a normal response to walking through the trauma of a pandemic.

      We must name and acknowledge the impact of our traumas so we can move through them toward victory. I know this as a counselor ... and from my own personal experience.

      *** I encourage every reader who is experiencing depression or anxiety at any level to call their doctor to get a medication evaluation. For those who are in crisis, please call 911.

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  11. Online-only church has been an interesting transition. My small group is trying to figure out how to continue connecting over the distance. We are all learning how to make it work.

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    1. You're right, Kelly, online church as been an interesting experience ... and I hear a number of churches are using ZOOM for meetings and gatherings. I listened in on a webinar this week on ZOOM and it was easy to download the app and seamless to use.

      Technology at its finest!

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  12. It is wonderful that most of us can still attend church virtually on Sundays.

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    1. Amen! We are not alone.

      And boy, when we get back together, we're going to be so excited about loving and serving each other well face-to-face.

      Delete
  13. I love these collections of yours … so much to savor and think about long after the laptop’s closed.

    Many happy belated birthday wishes to your mom! A lovely woman with a lovely daughter!

    Barbara

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    1. Barbara, thanks for the kind words about these Loose Ends posts. I do enjoy pulling them together and I really appreciate your affirming words.

      I will pass your birthday wishes to mom!

      Bless you ...

      Delete
  14. Oh, Linda ... The picture of you with your mom and sister encouraged me more than I can say. Every moment together matters, and the photos are priceless. Reading your words along with the links was the perfect way to cap off a day of gardening. Sending a big virtual hug your way, dear friend.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. A day of gardening. Oh that sounds so comforting and nurturing and therapeutic! I'm waiting for some warmer weather so I can putter a bit outside. Can't wait!

      Thanks for reminding me that springtime weather will come ... sooner or later, dear Lois!

      ;-}

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  15. Linda,

    What a precious gift: time with your mom, sister Marilyn, and family :-) And what a treasure: your mom's rock solid faith. Praying all is well with you and your loved ones. Thanks also for the articles; off to read one. Blessings and love.

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    1. Dolly, I can't tell you how much it meant to see you out and about online again. So so happy ...

      Hugs.

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  16. I have Philippians 4:8-9 printed out beautifully on cards. A church I attended once handed them out after service. It is the verses that drew me back into the Bible after walking away from church as a teenager. When I read those words decades later I realized that I wanted to carry them in my heart forever.

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    1. Friend, this right here --> 'I wanted to carry them in my heart forever.'

      Oh yes, yes. That's what we're craving, that's what God wants for us. Thank you so much for sharing a bit of your story. My heart is encouraged by your visit here this morning.

      Bless you.

      Delete
  17. I'm glad that you got to celebrate with your mom and I loved the photos! I'm also grateful for the technology that allows us to connect as church even when we can't meet in person.

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    1. Yes, Lesley, it's been a blessed morning online, worshiping with God's people.

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  18. Yes, thank goodness for the internet. Staying connected with my grandchildren via Skype is the highlight for me!

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    1. Lynn, I miss mine a whole lot! Haven't seen 4 of them since Thanksgiving

      ;-(

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  19. It's always refreshing to come to your place and know that I will feel so understood. Your links are important ones and I appreciate you curating them so carefully. And your mom is lovely! So glad you were able to spend that special time together.

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    1. Oh thank you for sharing that you feel understood here, dear Lisa.

      I can't begin to tell you what that means to me. Especially in this season. Bless you for your kindness, friend ...

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  20. Love that sweet picture and happy birthday to your lovely Mama. I know that you are so grateful to have your sweet mama. Our church is doing on line services as well and it's been wonderful. I surely do miss my weekly hugs though. My ladies class will begin this Wed. night doing our bible study on line together with ZOOM. We shall see how it goes. Praying it will go well. I try so hard to be an encouraging and have several ladies in my class that surely need the encouragement right now. And yes girl..... Fix your thoughts on what is true,
    and honorable,
    and right, and pure,
    and lovely, and admirable.
    Think about things that are excellent
    and worthy of praise ...
    Then the God of peace will be with you.

    Hugs and blessings to you sweet and precious lady.
    Cindy

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    1. Yep, Cindy, ZOOM seems to be THE place to be these days for small groups, Bible Studies, committee meetings, and seminars.

      It's so encouraging to see more and more opportunities to use technology in ways that honor Christ!

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  21. I too have been enjoying our virtual church. What a blessing technology is during this time. Thanks for linking up!

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    1. Thanks for creating 4 Somethings, Heather. It's a fun way to pull together the month's Loose Ends ...

      Appreciate you!

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  22. Woo hoo! Here's to Great-Ma's 90th and beyond, Linda! Love all the links and encouraging words you've shared! Here's to you and your loved ones staying well and having fully stocked bathrooms with a never ending supply of TP!

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    1. You might find a roll here and there if you're lucky. Still no disinfecting wipes or Purell.

      I hope you and your clan are all well, friend. This pandemic is a beast.

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  23. I'm so glad you got to celebrate your mom's birthday together, Linda. And the picture is a precious memory to hold, too. Thank you for all these "peace-fueled" somethings! Thank you for adding more smiles to my day! I heard an old hymn yesterday, and it's still coming back to me today:
    "Turn your eyes upon Jesus
    Look full in His wonderful face
    And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
    In the light of His glory and grace"
    Love and blessings of safety, strength, and peace to you and your family!

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    1. I'm with you, Trudy, with the old hymns. I'm amazed at the ones that come forth from somewhere deep, songs I haven't thought of in generations! And all those verses that come with each one!

      What a blessing to have hidden all that Scripture and all those sacred songs back when we were little. The Spirit's faithful to bring them to mind yet again.

      I'm so grateful!

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  24. I enjoyed this visit when it hit my email inbox, and now once again.
    Thanks for your always peaceful and encouraging words.

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    1. If there's anything peaceful, it's absolutely all Jesus!

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  25. I always enjoy these monthly wrap-ups. How wonderful to celebrate your mom's birthday! And I so agree - our church services coming right into our homes is like a breath of fresh air filling our lungs. May God continue to be with us as we face an extended stay-at-home order. Blessings!

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    1. Yes, God is with us. He's the only One we can count on not to change like shifting shadows! I'm leaning heavily into this truth ...

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  26. Hi Linda,
    What a delight your Mum is! We are in stage 3 lock down here in Australia so no going out for meals out or ice cream. We're allowed to have a walk but must go straight home, no stopping, no sitting to look at the scenery. Only going out to essential work or to get essentials now.
    The police & military have been placed so no one breaks those conditions :-0
    But we keep our eyes focused on the Lord :-D

    You're most welcome to join me in a cuppa at Tea With Jennifer,
    Bless you,
    Jennifer

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    1. Jennifer, I so appreciate, and I know other readers will appreciate, your Australian update. Please know I am praying for you as your movement out and about is so very limited.

      May He give you peace as you nest at home, friend. May He keep us safe.

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  27. I'm so thankful you were able to celebrate your mother's birthday in such a special way! What a treasured memory! Indeed all of us are realizing just how incredibly blessed we were before "the virus". And thankful for technology as well, that allows us to keep in touch with our families and friends around the world. Enjoyed your post, and walked with you to get that virtual ice cream cone and a browse around the antique store! May our eyes continue their focus on the Lord. He has the answer for our needs today :) Many blessings to you!

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    1. Thank you for the needed reminder to keep our eyes focused on the Lord even as we're aware of what's going on in our world. May our energy go toward cultivating a deeper relationship with Him instead of being absorbed by the latest news update.

      Come quickly, Lord Jesus ...

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  28. What a treat to celebrate your mom before hunkering down inside. I love the picture of the three of you. March has been interesting. It has been a bit of a roller coaster ride with my emotions but God has never been more present throughout my day. Daily walks (as long as the weather cooperates) are saving me from getting too anxious. Helping out my neighbor keeps me grounded as to what is important. There is so much to look forward to but so much to hold onto when we walk out of the shelter in place. I hope I walk out changed.

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    1. A roller coaster. Oh yes, friend.

      I always stayed completely clear of them.

      But these kinds of crises leave us no choice but to ride them though. I'm with you on the walking to combat anxiety and reaching out as much as possible in whatever ways we can.

      You're right. We can't help but walk out of this changed.

      Sending you a hug right now ...

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