It's that time again, gang!
The monthly e-zine, this electronic newsletter sent from my heart to yours.
This edition focuses on what's been saving my life so far this year.
Sitting quietly and considering what gifts or truths God has brought into our lives is certainly a most beneficial practice. His lavish loving kindness has saved us, grown us, healed us, propelled us. As we sift through what we've experienced, we figure out how to embrace the discoveries and in the process, we become better equipped to move forward with a bit more clarity, a renewed sense of purpose or mission.
And hopefully a whole lot wiser, more empathetic, more attuned to the Spirit's movement than we were before.
2020 has not served me well. At all.
Grieving the death of three dear loved ones, none of whom I got to say good-bye to. A simple dental procedure gone awry, unending physical pain, growing anxiety, the blood clots in my lungs that led to a brief hospitalization, the closure of my counseling practice, family health issues, the pandemic's unwelcome, scary arrival.
It'd be fair to say that my world has pretty much turned upside down and inside out.
I'd be a fool if I didn't acknowledge the raw truth of my reality and its impact on my life and my work. And even more of a fool if I hadn't learned anything of value during this rough patch, which, praise God, I am emerging from.
For we're all students in process of learning something ... or re-learning what we thought we had down pat. God is always at work, stretching our faith and growing us to be more like His dear Son.
He is always, always, saving our lives.
1. The older I get, the more I realize how little I know.
What freedom to admit you don't have to have all the answers and your responsibility isn't to save the world and give your opinion every five minutes. I'm long past being a know-it-all ... and more likely to be still and listen quietly these days. Just because you've got a few letters sprinkled after your name doesn't mean you're some kind of genius.
Saying 'I just don't know' works fine for me.
Click here to read that post and the stimulating follow-up dialogue.
2. Family matters.
I can't begin to tell you how I miss my girls, their men, and especially the grandkids. It's been six months since we've been able to spend time together. Our annual summertime plans have gone up in smoke. This is not working for us, young or old. And we're not quite sure what to do about it.
August maybe?
* sigh *
3. Zoom, texting, What'sApp, emails, and phone calls are all well and good.
But they don't hold a candle to actually being fully present with the ones you love, to look in their eyes, to see their body language, to sense their unspoken words. The dynamics are all so different than what we are used to.
This goes for connecting with far flung family and friends, Bible Studies, and church services.
4. Uncolored gray roots are the least of my concerns.
Who really cares anyway?
5. Excellent doctors are worth their weight in gold ... and praise be for virtual phone visits.
A lifeline, a gift, a huge benefit. Sure beats wasting time Googling weird symptoms or futilely trying to self-diagnose any day of the week.
6. Any kind of perfectionistic 'all or nothing at all' philosophy proves to be an albatross.
No, I don't have to walk for hours on end. 20 minutes might suit me just fine today, thank you very much.
No, my devotional time doesn't have to be an endless marathon with a burdensome checklist of chapters or prayers that must be completed. There are days when a few minutes here and a few more over there are my soul's delight.
No, the outdoor work doesn't have to be finished in one day. I'm much happier puttering for as long as my body holds up. The weeds will be there tomorrow. Our home is a work in progress and that's fine with us.
That goes for cleaning the house, too.
And sometimes a frozen pizza or chicken pot pie absolutely hits the suppertime spot. I am not in the practice of whipping up gourmet delights. I'm not Joanna or Martha or anyone else. It's all good.
7. I don't need to be obsessed with the news.
One of my smartest choices this spring? Pretty much giving up the evening TV news marathons, the opinionated talking heads, the endless news conferences, the pundits and prophets and politicians with their hidden agendas and axes to grind. A morning update comes in my inbox and I'm good to go.
Click here to read the hows and whys of the most brilliant pandemic decision I've made.
8. But I do love this blogging community more than ever.
You guys are the absolute best! I can't even begin to tell you what you mean to me individually and as the wise and loving community you are as we gather around this virtual table, warts and all. The consistency and rhythm we've created together is a warm solace ... and I'll forever maintain that the iron-sharpening-iron conversations that spring from my sometimes meager offerings are often far better than the posts themselves.
I sense God's leading, His approval, His warm smile on what's happening around here.
9. My tender soul craves about 15 minutes of meditation every morning, and this aging body craves a good 10 minute stretching routine morning and evening.
Two beautiful gifts I've embraced, two of the best decisions I've made this year. Besides not being obsessed with the news.
Click here to find out more about the Christ-centered meditation that has become a calming, healing practice for me.
10. My husband is a very capable food shopper.
It's been months since I've ventured into our local ginormous supermarket with its complex, ever-changing guidelines, fluorescent arrows and stop signs taped to the floors, irate fellow shoppers, and the uncertain check-out routine that shifts from day to day.
I'm happy to stay home and let him navigate the hoards of hoarders. When he returns, I'll unpack and we'll both wash our hands and move on.
11. The highlight of our day? Our final moments together as I read a little devotional with said husband and we pray before he quickly conks off to sleep.
Prompted by the difficult challenges of this season, this quieting evening rhythm has become a sweet passage to usher in nighttime. We don't have it down pat, we're a work in progress. I think he likes it, too.
Click here to check out the book we're paging through.
I can't wait to hear what's saving your life this year! Do tell ...
Linda
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doing life with
Oh my goodness that’s a lot in a short time. I will keep you in my prayers. I think what I will take away from all of this Corona stuff is that I have learned (am learning) what it truly means to be still. When it’s over and we go back to work I want to be able to keep that with me. I don’t have to hurry up to the next thing on the list. I can just do what I am doing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your gentle reminder that we are able to keep the good things we've learned along the way as we continue to move ahead. To be still, less rush and hustle, rejecting jam-packed calendars, endless meaningless activity.
DeleteYes, yes, please.
What I'm hoping I'm learning: savoring the moments. I may never pass this way again, and what a shame to be too busy to notice it!
ReplyDeleteSavor the moments. Oh what we've missed capturing along the way because we were too busy rushing off to do the next thing on our ridiculous to-do lists!
DeleteJerralea, I love that 'savor' word.
I hear so much of your heart in these words, Linda. And feel the inner and outer conflicts. It's almost seems a contradiction that we can find hope and comfort in the words, All will be well, but I know you hold those words close as do I. I too, am thankful for this community.
ReplyDeleteYes, all will be well, Debby.
DeleteGod's Word tells us this is true for those who love Him.
It doesn't mean we'll be happy and dancing in the streets, but we will be safe in all the ways that matter most. Good things await for those who love Him.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Yeah, I'm gonna suffer,
ReplyDeletethis I know full well,
but I'm also tougher
than everyone in hell.
Yeah, the end is coming,
but the end is not for me.
Hear that distant drumming?
That's for the victory
when finally and at longest last,
this dreadful time will pass,
when the winning die is cast,
and I've kicked cancer's ass.
You wanna see some saving grace?
Just pop a Bud and watch this space.
Yes, let's focus on the VICTORY God will give those who love Him.
DeleteAnd you know I'm watching, Andrew ... even if I'm not popping a Bud!
;-}
I love your honesty, always, Linda. Sometimes a year just stinks, and it's okay to call it out. You've definitely had a lot of hard things happen in 2020. Yet you are still praising God.
ReplyDeleteWe finally began seeing our grandkids again. For now it's working, but we're keeping an eye on the corona numbers. Praying you'll get your visits in soon too! I love hearing about your life; such a beautiful one, friend!
Your words made me smile, Lisa. Yes, 'Sometimes a year just stinks, and it's okay to call it out.'
DeleteWe don't have to pretty it up and make it all holy and happy-all-the-day.
Calling it what it truly is keeps us from living in some kind of weird holy denial.
Putting lipstick on a pig doesn't negate that it's still a pig.
;-}
Yes, it's been the absolute pits.
But He's never left, not for a moment. And for that marvelous grace, I am so very grateful.
I don't think any of us will be quite the same after this event, Linda, but it certainly has made me slow down even more than usual and appreciate my family in entirely new ways. It has also strengthened by relationship with God, as I rest assured that He has everything in His most capable hands. I am so conscious to thank Him each and every day.
ReplyDeleteAnd my friend, you've come through so much regarding your health! Will continue to be in prayer for you.
Blessings!
Martha, yes. Appreciating our family, especially when we're unable to see them face to face and get all the hugs and play and walk and celebrate life together.
DeleteMay this be one of the huge takeaways from this difficult passage ... and may we be verbal in saying 'I love you' as much as is humanly possible as we wait for the day when we can voice it in person.
Enjoyed this post so much today. Thank yow for posting your heart. I for one appreiate your realness. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteKeeping it real, Cindy. Oh yeah ...
DeleteThe older I get, the fewer masks I haul around.
;-}
Any one of those would be a lot to deal with--all together in a short time is weighty indeed. I knew you had to close your counseling business after the blood clots, but somehow I missed that it wasn't temporary.
ReplyDeleteI've loved Hebrews 12:27 especially since seeing a Spurgeon devotional drawing out the unshakeable foundation of our faith when everything else is shaken: "This phrase, 'Yet once more,' indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain." Those times bring us back to the core of what's most important, as you've detailed here.
I've appreciated my husband's doing the shopping, too. And a meal that doesn't take any thought and little effort, like frozen pizza or lasagna, is a must at least once a week.
We had been socially distancing outside in our visits with my son's family and grandson, but just last week we started easing up on that a little and meeting for meals in the house. That helps a lot, though we're still refraining from hugging as a precaution. I am fortunate that they live close and that the virus isn't high in our area. We had to cancel our oldest son's flight here last April and hope he can come for the next scheduled visit in August.
Barbara, I'm so happy that you're getting together for some meals again with your family. I can't imagine how wonderful that is.
DeleteAnd yes, for some of us, hugging is an automatic greeting. I rushed up to my niece over the weekend and enveloped her in a huge one before I realized exactly what I had done. Our natural instincts to show affection are hard to squelch.
She thought it was fine.
Meanwhile, thanks for the insight on the importance of things that can NOT be shaken ... our focus in this season too easily immediately goes to all that is being turned on its head.
Bless you.
First off don’t ever remember seeing your hair that long...it looks good on you, roots and all. Embrace your gray like me.
ReplyDeleteLike your porch, my backyard is my little haven of chirping birds, squirrel racing, snake visitations and even a snapping turtle or two. Hanging with God’s creatures along with Fynn are such a reminder of His purposeful plan on this earth.
Another life saver is a sense of accomplishment as I continue to do my job of supporting doctors, leading CR and now DLG, and my first bike ride this season. Still a bit disabled with tendonitis so anything that keeps me away from obsessing with what I can’t do works!
I'm absolutely ready to embrace the gray, but a certain someone is not a fan. So ... in a willing choice to please my husband, it'll be a small sacrifice, for sure, to revert back to my early childhood shade.
Delete* sigh *
You know I admire that you're not only continuing working at the hospital but that your ministry leadership has taken off. For such a time as this. I am so excited at the opportunities the Lord has been giving you. You were such a patient waiter.
Miss you, girl ...
Linda, your year has been extremely difficult. I am sending virtual hugs and a thankful heart for your on-line friendship. What you have learned and your transparency is encouraging to me. Blessings dear one...
ReplyDeleteIf my experiences encourage someone else, I thank God.
Deleteif my transparency encourages someone else to share in ways that are appropriate, I'm all about that.
We bless each other, friend. Thank you for offering me bountiful beauty whenever I visit your place. Your hospitality harkens back to those days when paper plates and plastic cutlery were not the order of the day.
Lovely.
3 words..........front.......porch........concert!! Our neighbors down the road, who are amazing vocalists/musicians, decided in early April to host a front porch concert. We all sat in our own chairs (more than 6 feet apart), brought our own food/wine and enjoyed 2 hours of entertainment. There was a lot of clapping, singing, joking and yelling to each other to talk. It was pure bliss. So much so that now they do it every other Sunday afternoon. I find it has saved my sanity. Something to look forward to, to enjoy in the moment, and to reminisce afterward. Seeing all the happy faces and hearing favorite tunes is the best. Who needs a huge stadium concert? Or gourmet food? Or the best wine? Simple is better..........and, by the way, I started embracing my grey over a year ago and it's very liberating and a lot simpler (and cheaper)! You look beautiful, Linda!
ReplyDeleteOh cool, Valerie! I love how Sunday afternoon is now a highlight of friendship, joy, and simple pleasures.
DeleteWe have friends who've been burning out a huge tree stump all year. In the process, they've turned it into a fire pit which is now enjoyed by neighbors and friends, hanging out 6' apart, finding joy in each other's company.
Let's make lemonade out of lemons, right?
There is no doubt in my mind things have changed for me. As a pastor I have found my life come completely unhinged ministry-wise but for the better personal-wise. I've enjoyed the times to read and write and not think, "Oh I have got to cut this short. I have to be somewhere." I've enjoyed the bike rides. After all, what better place to practice social distancing? :) It has caused/led me to consider alternate ways to communicate with people on a personal basis. I initiated what I call "drive bys" where I pull into a person's driveway and pray for them. I then text them if they are home and sometimes have an outside visit. Or I leave a card letting them know of my drive-by. I have thoroughly enjoyed both the visits or the texts which came later. I'm excited to see this next stage of ministry and what it brings. I sometimes wonder if this 67 year old pastor will adjust. Then I consider the challenge to do so and know with God's help it will be done.
ReplyDeleteI love your 'drive by' pastoring, Bill, and hope that all the ministry leaders that read your story will be inspired and encouraged to grab hold of your idea and figure out how it would best work for them. A driveway visit is such a beautiful gift to give your flock.
DeleteI don't think we can possibly imagine how deeply lonely people have become. I've been surprised at who has been brave enough to admit that's what's true about where they find themselves. I admire that kind of vulnerability.
And you're so right. We need to adjust, to re-imagine how we minister and do life together. And even us 60+-ers can do that. We have a track record of doing so over the decades, don't we.
Bless you in the process, friend ...
How encouraged I feel that Pastor Bill is getting some “me” time for himself and doing ministry differently. God is not in a box at his church. I just read an article that pastors were folding under the pressure of this virus shut down and I felt if they can’t overcome who has a chance...
DeleteI figure if I have a roof over my head, food to eat and a place to rest my head, it is truly a great day.
Yes, the stats are a bit discouraging, Carol. But your statement that God is not in a box is a refreshing truth and one that can give churches, and their leaders, hope, flexibility, and grace towards themselves to take the pressure off having to have this whole ministry thing hammered out.
DeleteLinda, I so agree with you on your points! You got me on number 1! Reading books is saving my life right now. I've read more in a month than I did all year so far! And learning to take the pressure off, and just do the next right thing in front of me now. And that might be trying out a new recipe like a Carrot Pie for pure curiousity and enjoyment! May you continue to feel better, my friend!
ReplyDeleteCarrot Pie sounds interesting, creative, and nutritious friend! I love that you cook from pure curiosity and enjoyment ... kind of how you write and wield your lens!
DeleteSo very refreshing.
You're welcome to visit my kitchen any time. My husband and I would be willing participants to your culinary experiments!
;-}
Dear Linda! Your post and calm spirit and wise words are like a soothing balm to my heart today. I never, ever leave your site without being spiritually refreshed and prompted to move closer to Jesus. I wish I could give you a huge hug. How grateful I am for you and your presence, not only here in the blogosphere, but in my life. Thank you for always being faithful to the call God has placed on your life. I am deeply sorry to hear of your counseling practice having to close because there is no way to measure the many hearts who won't be touched by your precious help. BUT, God is certainly using you HERE to minister to the many hurting, seeking souls who come to you for solace and assurance that all of us are going to be okay. I am so sorry, also, to think about the many pains and losses and health issues you have had to suffer and are still plodding through. The beautiful fruit of righteousness all of it is producing is spilling over to fill our cups, and for this and so much more, I say thank you today. I love and appreciate you dearly, and I am praying God's best blessings for you.
ReplyDeleteYour words are so grace-filled, Cheryl. I'm so grateful that you find Jesus on these pages. May He be honored as we continue forward ...
DeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your honest words of wisdom. I pray you are feeling better. And yes, we're always learning something, especially if we are willing to listen to the Spirit's leading in our lives...
So much of what you wrote resonated with me.
Holding tight onto God and I pray your health is well,
Blessings,
Dolly
Yep, we resonate together, don't we, Dolly.
DeleteAlways, always glad when you visit with us here.
Good morning Linda!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I can hear your voice in every word. You’re real, honest, and open. Reading what you write is as refreshing as that 20 minute walk or a morning meditation. I miss the company of so many I love — but will look more deeply into the loving eyes of my husband today. It’s a good idea - in the midst of all this missing - not to overlook what’s right in front of me. Or take it for granted. Thanks for the breath of fresh air!
Barbara
Thanks for that gentle reminder to pay attention to who and what is right in front of us instead of pining for the good old days ... or constantly looking ahead to what might be.
DeleteWell said, well taken, Barbara.
Loved your list. It does seem we relearning the same thing over and over again. Maybe the situation changes, but I guess it is part of life. "For we're all students in process of learning something ... or re-learning what we thought we had down pat. God is always at work, stretching our faith and growing us to be more like His dear Son." I can relate to so many things on this list.
ReplyDeleteYes, re-learning can be a very good thing. We seem to need to reminded of old lessons that have kind of faded from view. There's nothing like a pandemic to push us to examine what we believe and how we live our faith out.
DeleteThis is an opportunity to let our faith be stretched and grown, isn't it, Theresa. I wish it came easier, ya' know?
;-}
I am glad to read that you are getting through your rough patch, Linda. I agree with you about this blogging community. I had no idea when I began blogging just how much of a community it is! I am so thankful for acceptance and encouragement from other blogger-friends like you!
ReplyDeleteI love the picture you paint of the end of each day. Preying together with your dear hubby before you fall asleep sounds like heaven!
Laurie, hi! Praying together is something so many couples are uncomfortable with, awkward over. Til you just do it.
DeleteAnd find it's so satisfying and draws you closer not only to God, but to each other.
It's been a good move for us in this uncertain year ...
Good morning Linda! I loved your post today and your honesty. I think what's saving my life is Jesus. I don't think I could survive without Him.
ReplyDeleteIt's also been a blessing having family and getting texts and phone calls from my friends from church.
Regina, yes! He is saving our lives day in and day out. And His people are the icing on the cake as they go out of their ways to bless each other in this trying time.
DeleteI'm glad you're here today. Welcome!
I read a lot between the lines of your post, Linda. Suffice it to say that I am praying for you right now. Trust Him.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Victor, thank you.
DeleteI love your insightful wisdom here, Linda. Great observations and assessment of this time, crazy time.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, it's crazy!
DeleteHope you're surviving well, Jean.
I quit coloring my hair about 15 years ago when my hubby told me he loved the grey strands ;). There was also that fire-engine red dye job I gave myself...both equally good reasons to quit! I'm learning to get things done ahead of time. It's liberating!
ReplyDeleteYep, I did a fire-engine dye job a time or two, Anita.
DeleteWeren't THOSE the good old days ...
;-)
Oh, friend! There is so much I was nodding my head in agreement with. Staying away from the news. Cleaning a little here and there. Sitting with Jesus with no agenda. Cooking simply or maybe just eating a bowl of cereal.
ReplyDeleteI am hurting with you as you grieve loss, heal from physical ailments, and ache over not seeing your kids and grandkids. I hope things open up soon to allow you to join with your family again. Lots of love and hugs, my friend!
Mary, hi! We're starting to talk with our girls about what it might look like to get together in June.
DeleteThere's lots of moving parts to figure out. If God closes the door I'll know that it wasn't the right time.
But I sure am hoping this will work.
Thanks for your kind words about family life. I know you understand, friend ...
“Relearning what we thought we had down pat.” Oh, Linda, what is it about those refresher courses that our loving Father is so gracious to give us? Is anything more humbling, more apt to make us realize our great need for grace and mercy? I hear your heart loud and clear in this list, and it encourages my own. What a blessing to know that as we “write through” our hard patches, God uses our experiences to speak to others. You do this well, my friend, although I pray that seasons of refreshing will be arriving sooner rather than later for you. I got off to a great, early start in my flowerbeds this year, and guess what? What could have been done weeks ago is still not done. And that’s OK. It’s Saturday, and if anyone needs me, they find me in the front flower bed. :-)
ReplyDeleteRefresher courses! Love that image, Lois.
DeleteI'm hoping there'll be very few I have to go through in the months to come.
I think I'm plenty refreshed, thank you very much!
Hope you're having fun in the flower beds today! It's gorgeous outside ... enjoy.
I am writing this from Colorado after a surreal flight that included stopovers in barren airports. Totally worth it to behold the glory of the wee little grandboy, and I am mindful of the gift this is. Trusting that we will be able to gather safely and freely everywhere soon.
ReplyDeleteSending hugs and congrats and delights to you and your family, Michele!
DeleteI am so happy for you, for yours ...
Here's to beautiful family time right in the midst of the craziness.
Wow - no exaggertion when you say 2020 has been a doozy. What a challenging year...but a what a blessing to see that you are looking for and gleaning benefits and lessons - that are wise words for all of us! I am particularly grabbing onto #6! This is one I've tried many times to embrace but seem to continually struggle with! Your attitude is an encouragment to me! Praying for calmer days/month ahead!
ReplyDeleteStruggling with #6?! You and me both, Jennifer. There's a difference between perfectionism and excellence ... one brings frustration. The other brings joy.
DeleteHeading forward with you, friend!
I love all the little things you listed. Little things do mean a lot, don't they! I also love our blogging community. Its a safe haven and place of acceptance for me. A place where people get me and I feel like I for in. How I wish we could all meet! I also love this of your post: God is always at work, stretching our faith and growing us to be more like His dear Son.
ReplyDeleteThanks for popping in, Valerie, and for your kind words!
DeleteHow did I miss the challenges that you've been facing with your health, not to mention your counseling practice coming to a close, Linda? I feel like I visit fairly often, but this makes me feel like a deadbeat friend! I'll certainly add these to my prayers for you! I don't know if you closed your counseling due to the quarantine, but I've really enjoyed shifting from face-to-face counseling (years ago) to the over-the-phone coaching I do. Still gets the job done and I can even wear my jammies (though I don't!) and no one's the wiser! Lol! I also love hearing how you and Tim are doing a nightly devotional together. Gary and I pray together at the start of our day and swear by it! It's really helped to bring calmness to our lives and marriage. But we don't do the devotional thing together too often. Will have to see if that could be something we start soon! Hugs to you and your family! (Air hugs, of course!) P.S. Pray for my recent knee replacement. Had it done last Thursday and so far things have gone very well! But prayers would be appreciated, nonetheless! I hope your clots are a thing of the past too!
ReplyDeleteYou are NOT a deadbeat friend!
DeleteForget that!
Yes, it's hard to keep up with each other sometimes. But that's ok. Our hearts beat together, we value the same things, we love and serve the same Father. A cord of 3 strands is not easily broken, is it.
Thank you for all you have poured into my life along the way. I am richer and wiser {hopefully} for all the truth you have shared.
Bless you, dear friend ... and may God bring you swift and complete healing.
Dearest Linda, I am very, very late to this party. I so enjoyed your words here and reading about what's saving your life this year. I would have to agree with a number of them, including strictly limiting my news intake, and discovering what helps me stay calm amid all the chaos.
ReplyDelete*I've been working to become more intentional about getting more time sleeping.
*I didn't mean to, but I developed an exercise habit that I like. I feel better and stronger, and I never expected THAT to be a thing that would save my life in this season.
*I've taken pressure off myself to get a whole lotta stuff done in a day. Because I rarely have any time to myself in my house right now, distractions really send me, and not to a good place. So, I have decreased the amount of things I expect to complete, because I simply need to give myself space to manage the impact of distractions (Teenage boys, anyone?) have on my focus, my mind, and my heart.
I could go on, but I will stop here, or you will be reading a novella. Beautiful post, my friend.
Jeanne, hi! I love the grace you're giving yourself as you're decreasing your personal expectations.
DeleteSo wise given that we're in this for the long haul and most of us have people that are depending on us to stay relatively sane and kind.
And BTW, you're never late to the party. The welcome mat is always out ...
;-)