Tuesday, March 30, 2021

3 Substantial Conversations

25% of 2021 is gone.

Kaput.  Said and done.  Completed.

{Just about.}

While I'm taking a bit of a breather from writing, I'm leaving you with the three lengthiest dialogues we've indulged in so far this year.  I think they're worth a re-read, each for their own unique reasons.

But mostly because you guys absolutely sparkle with deep faith, insight, empathy, humor, experience, vulnerability, tenderness, creativity, wisdom, quirkiness, opinions, kindness ... and these attributes faithfully show up as we interact with each other, week in and week out. 

Iron sharpens iron, and this biblical truth has led us to become trustworthy friends who spur each other on toward love and good deeds {Proverbs 27:17 & Hebrews 10:24}.

Each of us is invited to bring our authentic selves to the virtual table that bloggers call 'the comments.'  If you're a regular around here, chances are you'll find your own very special, unique imprint in one or more of these lively conversations.  

Because there's no one exactly like you.

God has shaped us all to do life in community with like-minded sojourners.  Your voice matters as it adds to the harmony, the purpose, the love that He's designed us to share as we continue onward and upward.

And yes, there is definitely more room at the table.  Always.

*

#1  Please Help Me Find Some Books For My Friend
I had a warmhearted chat on the phone with a dear lifelong friend this afternoon. She is in the midst of a courageous ongoing battle with cancer and begins yet another round of chemo tomorrow ...

#2  4 Mid-Winter Somethings
I was going to run around town doing errands with Tim, but the blazing fireside is calling my name and seemed infinitely more attractive today than visiting the dump and picking up library books that await in the cold, vacant lobby of said building ... 

#3  What's Saving My Life * The Blues Scrapbook
More than a few people reading this post would say they're experiencing the blues - depressed spirits, despondency, melancholy.  Is it any wonder?  But I'm talking a different kind of blues, the life-giving kind ... 

May this sacred week be filled with quiet moments of reflection, prayer, and deepest gratitude to the Holy One for His unspeakable sacrifice ... and His astounding, life-giving resurrection.

He is risen indeed ~
Linda



*

Jeanne  .  Richella  .  Lisa

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels

30 comments:

  1. may the last words of blessing you give be yours as well Linda. We have much to celebrate.

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    1. May the Spirit fill your being with an energetic joy as you lead your flock toward Easter morning, Bill ...

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    1. Martha, the same to you and yours. I trust Danny is continuing to recover well ... and oh, the family coming!!

      Such joy. What a celebration ...

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  3. Thank you for cultivating such an open table so that we may linger with where we're at.

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    1. Love how you phrased that, Kathreen ... lingering with where we're at.

      Sometimes we need to do that well before we launch ahead. Yes ...

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  4. Happy Resurrection Day dear Linda. Your blog post are always such a delight to me and your love for our Lord speaks volumes. Hugs and blessings to you. Cindy

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    1. Celebrating His triumphant love with you, friend. I hope this week is finding you healing and regaining your strength ...

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  5. He is risen, yes indeed,
    and the sparkle draws the eye,
    but 'fore that there was a need,
    and Lord Jesus had to die.
    He is risen, sing the song,
    sing it all the world across,
    but my friend, it would be wrong
    not to recognize the Cross
    on which He hung with gasping breath,
    from which He thought He was forgot,
    from which He looked right straight at death
    from which the Christ redemption bought
    with His blood, His agony
    for the likes of you and me.

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    1. You're right, Andrew. Before the victory, there was agony. For you, for me.

      What a wonderful Savior. He is risen indeed!

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  6. Happy Easter, Linda! Thank you for gathering these voices together!

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  7. Have a hope-filled Easter, Linda! Because He lives, there will always be hope! Love and hugs to you!

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    1. Easter blessings to you, friend! And yes,
      'Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
      Because He lives, all fear is gone
      Because I know He holds the future
      And life is worth a living just because He lives'

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  8. A historical novel I just finished and was unable to put down was, Code Name Helen by Ariel Lawhon. A fire would beckon me more than a trip to the dump. And I would love to peek into your blue notebook. I bet it is the most cheery thing. Happy Easter, Linda.

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    1. I love a big, thick historical novel ... thanks for the thumbs up, Theresa!

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  9. This is such a great idea. So helpful. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. I'm glad you're here, Amanda. A blessed Easter to you and yours ...

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  10. 25% of 2021 is gone. What??? wow to read that reminds me how fast life does go by and not to waste a precious moment. Happy Easter, Linda!!

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  11. Happy Easter, Linda. Thank you for sharing this encouragement with us. We need it more than ever this year, friend. And...by the way, I began reading the Ann Bogle book yesterday. Boy, is it good! I wish I had read it with the discussion group, but I am sure glad you recommended it to us.

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    1. Oh I'm so glad you like it, Laurie. It was the perfect pandemic read ...

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  12. What a delightful list of attributes you listed for your blogging friends! I too have been greatly blessed by other bloggers (including YOU!) over the years. The variety of voices, viewpoints, and backgrounds has increased my knowledge-base, broadened my understanding, and fed my faith. Thanking God right now for each one!

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    1. Nancy, it took some time to find each other, but I'm glad we did in 2020. I appreciate your faith walk and wisdom.

      And I absolutely agree that the blogging community has enlarged my borders and increased my faith.

      I'm so grateful ...

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  13. Linda,
    I am so blessed to be part of this writers' community with you. I always appreciate your heartfelt insights. Enjoy a breather from writing -- we all need that from time to time. May you have a joyous Easter as we wait for Christ to come again!
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

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    1. These have been joyous weeks indeed! I hope the same has been true for you, too, Bev ...

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  14. Wow. I hadn't really thought of 2021 already being 25% over. That makes me sit and pause. Praying you had a meaningful Easter, Linda. Ours was quiet. I hope next year will be full of quiet moments, too, but also boisterous laughter and people!

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    1. After waiting so long for 2021, it truly seems crazy how quickly time is passing! I feel like life is slowly getting back to a lovely new kind of normal.

      What a blessing!

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  15. Enjoy-rest-refresh in your writing sabbath!
    Blessings!

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