Greetings, friends! I'm so glad you've joined me for this month's e-zine. My heart is filled with gratitude for you, wise and cherished readers. You are the best encouragers, cheerleaders, mentors, trailblazers, creatives, sojourners, companions.
We're flipping to the final calendar page of 2020. It was the year that was. We've talked incessantly, written repeatedly, prayed fervently, trying to process all that's assailed us. We speak what is true about where we find ourselves, we validate the very real emotions we continue to face.
We let each other know that we are not alone. We build hope generously laced with kindness and respect into each other's lives. Our online connection lends some sort of steadying rhythm in the midst of all that's become distressingly topsy-turvy.
I am so sick of talking about covid. I despise the ways it has taken over our lives.
The pandemic is still at the forefront and we wait and wonder and battle the reality of emotional fatigue, the ever-present overwhelm over continuously changing uncertainties, the confusing updates in safety and travel guidelines. Covid testing sites seem to be elusive as hen's teeth and the hopeful distribution of a vaccine has us pondering if we really want to be guinea pigs.
We're sorrowing over missed family milestones and celebrations. Many are leery of gathering indoors to worship. We have learned, often painfully, that we control very little in life. Many have been navigating through major decisions and discovering that the best laid plans must be held in wide open hands. We lament the continued suffering, the growing numbness, the losses that are hitting near home.
We find ourselves in uncharted territory ... the liminal space between how life used to be and what life will become. We're neither here nor there, and this weird transition leaves us kind of hanging in mid-air, fragile and vulnerable, prime targets for the enemy of our souls.
But this is my testimony, my end of 2020 story ...
Our God is strong and steady as a rock. He has not changed one single bit even though much around our souls has given way. He has proved Himself compassionately faithful in the midst of debilitating pain and anxiety, life-altering decisions and ongoing lament.
He is our all-knowing Guide.
And the huge sense of relief and the deepest gratitude that's emerged from following Him repeatedly through the next open door outweighs the myriad of frustrations, disappointments, and sadness that have woven their way into this year.
What a wonderful Savior.
Bless you as we sit quietly and discover the spiritual treasures in store for us this Advent season. May the Spirit guide us into refreshing new rhythms and deeper grace as He continues to whisper, 'this is the way, walk ye in it' {Isaiah 30:21}.
Linda
P.S. #1 I spent a whole evening penning the usual monthly e-zine, complete with links and commentary on books, surprise treasured finds, my home reorganizing saga, and musings about Christmas. But after sharing my heart so deeply, it just didn't feel right to tack on the fun stuff. I think you understand. Maybe another day?
P.S. #2 But it sure sounds like we're all in sync when it comes to red berries and turquoise doors ... On the Porch * Red Berries Edition
P.S. #3 Have you subscribed yet?
P.S. #4 Visiting with Jeanne & Lisa & Richella is always a bright and lively weekly past time with friends old and new.
Our 1st 2021 Book Club Read Is ... >>
I love your "end of 2020 story." I'm so grateful that it's one thing we can know for sure! Grateful for you too, Linda.
ReplyDeleteYes, Lisa! 'On Christ the solid rock we stand, all other ground is sinking sand ...'
DeleteYour end of 2020 story is what I want to say only you said it better. I, too, am tired of talking about the china virus...rona...covid...whatever you want to call it. I know life will never be what it once was, i.e. normal, but I do know the ONE who to Whom I will choose to cling. Flipping a calendar to 2021 is not going to change things but even then, God is not disappearing. Thanks for the encouraging post Linda.
ReplyDeleteYes, Bill, yes! God is not disappearing, He's not surprised or perplexed. I know there's no tears in heaven and my theology might be way off kilter, but somehow I can't help but believe that Jesus weeps with us.
DeleteI id not let 2020 cramp my style.
ReplyDeleteNo compliment is finer
to bull with be-ringed nose
that he takes his own china
shop with him where'er he goes,
and thus is proof that I live
a life with no look-backs,
and to staid church elders give
successive heart attacks
with my great ideas,
like filling the alms kettle
with the wagers loudly cast as
Barb and pastor's wife mud-wrestle,
and another, just as fine:
who can drink the most communion wine?
Oh you're in rare form today, my friend!
Delete;-}
❤️
ReplyDelete;-}
DeleteThere is one thing with I'd like to gently take exception...the COVID vaccines developed under Operation Warp Speed are likely the safest to ever be deployed, having been developed and tested in the glare of extremely hostile scrutiny that would not credit Donald Trump with any good programmes at all. There's really no question of being 'guinea pigs', because standard testing protocols have been observed (as is mandated by FDA regulations, and not by the president).
ReplyDeleteThose who, for their own political ends, cast aspersions on the vaccine development and have influenced perhaps half the country to refuse vaccination will bear a terrible price in terms of lives lost.
Yes, I agree that these vaccines show us how effective our medical and scientific communities can be! The vaccines will be lifesavers, without question. We are blessed to live in this age where phenomenal research and development work is being done.
DeleteMy concern is for people who have pre-existing conditions or who are on a number of medications who aren't in a healthy place to begin with. I had to think more than twice about getting a flu shot for the first time because of the health challenges I've faced this year.
One day at a time ...
Linda, that's a good point; I'm certainly in the high-risk group myself.
DeleteYeah. Hard stuff, big decisions.
Delete"Our God is strong and steady as a rock. He has not changed one single bit even though much around our souls has given way." I love that. As the hymn says, "Through every change, He faithful will remain."
ReplyDeleteBarbara, yes! So many of the old hymns are coming to mind these days. I'm so grateful to have learned so many of them growing up ... they refocus me on Christ alone.
DeleteLove the ending story you have shared to 2020. Lord help us all. My heart aches for very many that has suffered and is suffering at this very moment with COVID and we have lost quite a few in our community due to covid. Some had other health issues, some did not. But you know what Linda. My heart has hurt for those who have experienced other types of illness, disease, heartaches, and even loss due to tragedy. For some reason it seems that 2020 has indeed been a year that my WORD for the year, EMBRACE has become so very real and yet has been a major test for me. I knew that I was to embrace whatever moment I found myself in, good or bad with my main focus being on Christ Jesus. One day at a time quickly became "one moment at a time" but He surely is a good, good father. Enjoyed reading your words today. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteHow fascinating that EMBRACE was the word God gave you for 2020, Cindy. Only He knew what was in store.
DeleteHe knew what He was calling you to do, to be. And He's given you grace to be the embracer.
I love that.
Loved your blog! The photos were so nice❤️
ReplyDelete- via text -
I'm glad you're here!
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Love your heart and ability to focus on what matters most, Linda! Btw, thank you so much for the little gift that arrived in my mail the other day! Your mama's life is touching way beyond the borders of Connecticut! Hugs from afar!
ReplyDeleteIt's been so fun to hear from the readers that won her books, Beth! I'm going to pull all those kind thoughts together and print them out for her to keep. She will treasure those encouraging words.
DeleteI hope you and yours are well, friend ...
Your sentiments are so heartfelt, Linda, and I must say I feel exactly the same. What a year this has been!!! Thankful that our God is our strong and solid rock, unchanging and faithful always. I think the best part about this year for me is how I've grown so much in my relationship with the Lord. So yes, there is good news, even in 2020!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
You're right, Martha ... the one redeeming feature of this pandemic is that many of our hearts have turned toward the Lord in a depth we couldn't have imagined. I'm guessing that the life-altering stories that will continue to pour forth will bring more seekers and searchers to the One who loves them best of all ...
DeleteWell said, Linda! This is exactly what I needed to read today.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the visit!
I'm glad you're here!
DeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteAmen. Giving thanks that God is our ROCK and faithful, no matter what. Blessings to you and your family. I appreciate you!
Oh it's so very good to see you again, Dolly. I hope you and yours are well in the midst of all that's coming at us.
DeleteLinda, it sure has been a lot for everyone to process and contend with. But may we keep our eyes set on our God, who has remained our firm Rock through all of it. He keeps us ever steady as we continue on. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteJoanne, yes! He is our Rock of Ages ... and thankfully He welcomes us to hide in His loving presence. There we are safe.
DeleteI am So happy that you are back to regular posts again. And what's the story behind the hang gliding picture?!?!?!
ReplyDeleteNope, that's not me! But a lovely view at a beach last Sunday after early service, with cups of hot cocoa safely in hand.
DeleteBeautifully inspiring to see them soar high!
What a wonderful saviour, indeed. If I was to sum up 2020, it would be 'confusion.' But our God is not a God of confusion, is He? Always enjoy reading your words here, Linda.
ReplyDeleteYeah, confusion. You've said it well, Lynn. Thankfully, He has the final say. All will be well.
DeleteI'm glad to share this little visit with you this morning!
Let us not look back on 2020 but look forwards with hope to 2021. I find that whenever I look back it causes me pain as I walk into lamp posts, or fall down the stairs.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I took a fall in a parking lot the other day. Trust me, it was not an attractive sight!
Delete;-)
I am certainly ready to put 2020 in the rear view mirror! I am sick of thinking about Covid right now, but I must, as my grandson has been exposed and is in a 14-day quarantine. Prayers are appreciated! Thank you for this beautiful post, Linda. I loved this line: "the liminal space between how life used to be and what life will become". You are such a talented writer!
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for you right now, friend. This is hard stuff and no one knows how deep the fear-laced concern can be until someone they love is threatened.
DeletePlease keep me posted, Laurie ...
I'm so sorry you've had a rough year. It has been a year with lots of changes, and disappointments. May God continue to carry you through the rough times and soothe you with his love.
ReplyDeleteHe does soothe us, doesn't He, Anita! No one loves us like He does ...
DeleteLinda, thank you for commenting on my blog today. I see your blog is a ministry too, a light in these dark days. God bless you and your efforts here!
ReplyDeleteIt was good to run into you, to meet a kindred spirit, Mirian ... I hope we'll continue to connect with each other!
DeleteAhhhh Linda. It has been a year that has overwhelmed. This has been the year where I've hit my limit, come to the end of myself, many times. This has been the year where I've been stretched and burdened and tested. This has been the year where God has taught me so much about being present. And this has been the year when I've seen my Father's faithfulness in the most surprising ways. Thank you for sharing your heart here, friend.
ReplyDeleteIt's like so many of us are walking similar paths even though our circumstances might be quite different. God continues to lend us strength and surprise grace and hope not only for ourselves, but to share with others.
DeleteThank you for doing that in my life, Jeanne.
I love your red berry wreaths. I have a small one hanging on a door in my guest room. I am sick of talking about COVOD also. I’m reminded of Jan in the Brady Bunch show...everyone used to give her sister, Marcia, all the attention and Jan would say, “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!” I feel like, “COVID, COVID, COVID!”
ReplyDelete“Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!”
DeleteSo very true ...
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Our Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to Him and are safe. No matter the storm without or within... we are safe in Him. Such encouraging words in your testimony, dear friend. Thankful for you! Blessings on your Advent.
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love that verse ... and the song that goes with it! I breathe a sigh of relief, smile, and praise Him again.
Delete'Our God is strong and steady as a rock. He has not changed one single bit even though much around our souls has given way'. YES. I love your end of 2020 testimony. So reassuring :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're here, Wemi! Thank you for your encouraging words ...
DeleteYou have written the deep emotions of my own heart, Linda. The truth that God never changes and will never abandon us often holds me up. Yes! "Our God is strong and steady as a rock." Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Trudy ... these ARE deep emotions! And deeper still God's love and His faithfulness.
DeleteI know you join me in gratefulness.
I am so sick of talking about covid too. Love your image of God as rock - same here. That has been a strong image for me these past few months. Clinging to it too. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI knew I couldn't be the only one sick of talking about covid! As we work through all our emotions and discouragements, we will, hopefully, emerge somewhat wiser, more empathetic, and kinder. May our faith take wings in the process ...
DeleteI'm praying for this same attitude as you. I want my gratitude to overshadow the pain and heartache. Just not there yet. forgive me, Lord.
ReplyDeleteLauren, we're all in process, sweet girl. I can't think of one single person who has arrived. Walking with you, praying for all that heartache you carry this evening.
DeleteThe empty beach with the dark clouds reminds me of this year of COVID. Even though it is empty, it is still a beach. Even though the sky is dark, it will one day see sunshine again.
ReplyDeleteSorry you had a embarrassing tumble. I did one in my bedroom, no one laughed but hot chocolate was everywhere on my beige rug. What a sight that was...
Yes, yes to that emerging sunshine, Carol.
DeleteAnd oh what a sight, hot chocolate on your beautiful beige rug.
Miss spending time in your home, miss spending time with you ...
This is just perfect, Linda. I read it earlier in the week and have intended to come back and comment for several days. Now my brain is tired after an exhausting week and all I can say is amen and thank you. I’m glad you left the “fun stuff” out and ended with the wonderful words in green. Amen again to them, especially. Hugs, friend.
ReplyDeleteI hear you about the tired brain. I'm calling it pandemic fatigue. So many moving parts coming at us from all sides.
DeleteMay this weekend bring you rest and peace, time to putter, time to sleep, dear Lois.