This gorgeous song.
'Silence may be more accessible than you think. Begin to notice the naturally silent spaces in your days - the first light of morning ... the walk to the mailbox, the drive to the grocery store. Rather than filling these times with sound or holding on to the soul clutter by rehearsing past conversations or future possibilities, decide instead to let yourself be quiet inside the silence.'
- Emily Freeman, The Next Right Thing Guided Journal: A Decision - Making Companion, pg. 22
Something Treasured
After months and months of missing milestones, brooding, praying, and connecting online, we're finally going to see our family in Connecticut and Maryland in the weeks ahead. And we are making hopeful plans for June and August. To say I'm excited would be a vast understatement. Click here and scroll down to see the fun we had last time we were all together.
This perpetual student is back to school yet again, working on getting certified as a Mental Health Coach. Find out about the program here ... the vision, the course work, the q & a, the professors ... and how to get free tuition!
I'm ready to do session #3 of 40. I've got a long way to go, but I'm on my way. And I'm grateful to be turning the corner and opening the door after a long, challenging, faith-stretching stint in God's waiting room.
Join me on this adventure?
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Happy spring to you, my expectant friends. What fresh and challenging opportunities are begging for your attention?
Linda
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Richella . Lisa . Heather . Jeanne
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That's so neat to be able to make plans with family! I wish you well on your new venture. The post about the free donut says it's one per day--but when I clicked through to the offer on Krispy Kreme, it said it was one, period. I was going to comment on the site to let them know, but you had to log in to comment, which I didn't want to do. It's unfortunate--or, actually, probably fortunate :-) -- that there's not a Krispy Kreme near us. But I may see if I can find a reason to be in the area where one is and happen to drop by...:-)
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is that it's good Krispy Kreme isn't around here because I'd be there every morning.
Delete:-}
Spring has sprang and spring has sprung,
ReplyDeleteit's crawled out of the snow,
and Barb's spring planting has begun
with a bright new hoe.
She's found the flowers that will thrive
through summer's blazing heat,
and young saplings that will thrive;
she thinks it all so neat!
She's so much looking forward
to growth of tender shoot,
but so, sadly, does the herd
of cows who come to loot;
from open range the hoof-sound comes,
a band of marauding bovine Huns.
Ah, Andrew ... only you would have a band of marauding bovines hoofing it through your yard!
Delete;-}
Another post bursting with delights, encouragement and wisdom. So much here to come back to, Linda. Thank you!
ReplyDelete* Bursting *
DeleteHow fun, Debby! That's a word that's not come to mind around here ...
;-}
Hooray! Getting to see family and loved ones is the best medicine, Linda, and I'm so happy for you. Yes, let's sit back, relax and enjoy every moment the unfolding spring has to offer.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
It'll be the highlight of our year. Without a doubt, Martha. I hope you'll be able to see your precious kiddos, too. It's been a difficult road for most families I know of ...
DeleteWe're planning a family reunion at the beginning of August--a log cabin gathering of our three kids, their spouses, and the grandchildren. Four months away gives us 120+ days of joyful anticipation, made all the more sweet because it's been so long since we've spent time with one another!
ReplyDeleteA log cabin reunion! Everyone in one house, all together! I can't wait to hear all about it, Nancy. I love how you've got a joyful countdown going on. I absolutely hear your excitement ...
DeleteI'm so happy you are taking another course. How exciting! If you should need a guinea pig, I'm here. Lol ..
ReplyDelete*via text *
Oh no need to worry about me victimizing you ...
DeleteI'd very much rather have a tall glass of iced tea and a good long catch-up chat with you instead! Hopefully it'll be before long.
Linda, how exciting that you will spend time with family. Now that is something to anticipate and look forward to. Oh those natural silent spaces are to be treasured!
ReplyDeleteNow all I need is a little cottage just like yours at each location! Then I'd be all set!
DeleteI know that you must be looking forward to seeing and enjoying your family!! How great that you’re expanding your learning by getting certified in a new course.
ReplyDeleteThank you for coming by to visit my blog, Linda. Happy weekend to you!
Kitty, hi! Your online home always gives me some inspiration to head into the kitchen. Thank you for the always warm and friendly welcome ...
DeleteThis post is filled with so much goodness! May God help you as you work on getting your certification. I am sure you are going to bless many in the days ahead!
ReplyDeleteIf there's 'so much goodness,' you know that it must be God at work. I'm glad you saw Him fingerprints here, friend ...
DeleteHooray for family visits!!!! It is not natural to be separated from those we love and those who give us emotional energy. Have fun
ReplyDeleteThe Mental Health Coach looks so interesting. You will be great at that type of coaching. I am supporting someone with MH issues and often tell God that I don’t understand how to help. You have put a bee in my bonnet....
Yes to the bee in your bonnet. Everything about this screams CAROL! I've sent you an email ... maybe this will be your next right thing to do? The course work is so excellent.
DeleteI'm praying.
Hopeful for a family vacation in July. Have not seen my two oldest grandsons in 18 months!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
18 months. Oh, I'm sorry, Lulu. I hesitated to even write about it for concern that others have waited longer than I have to spend time with those they love.
DeleteThis has been a long stint in the waiting room. I'm still trying to discern what God wants me to learn from this season of exile.
Thanks for including my blog post. I love the photos you included here. so peaceful. brought beauty to my eyes!
ReplyDeleteJean, I'm so appreciative how your writing leads me closer and closer to the One we love with our whole hearts. I'm so grateful you're in my life ...
DeleteEver be on my lips - loved that beautiful song, thanks for the link... congratulations on your new learning adventure! And I'm thrilled you will be seeing your family again soon! Happy Spring!
ReplyDeleteEver be. Love the words, the kids, the music, the praise on their lips ... and ours!
DeleteHow wonderful to finally be able to plan to visit your family - enjoy every moment of your trip!
ReplyDeleteSharon, thank you. We feel blessed indeed in this season ...
DeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteGood for you for going "back to school!" We are proof that old dogs can learn new tricks (not that we're old ;) So excited you'll be getting together with family. Time to rejoin the world! Going to put your blog up under "Blogs I Follow."
Blessings,
Bev xx
I thought 65 was the end of the line. God has been busy proving to me that's not the case and not in His plan. I am so grateful that He uses us no matter what our age.
DeleteI know I'm in good company ...
Congrats on your new learning/growth/profession adventure. Mental health coach sounds like a very worthwhile endeavor.
ReplyDeleteYou're kind!
DeleteI love how you did your “Something Loved” section, Linda. And how exciting to be embarking on a new venture to become a Mental Health Coach ... it sounds like a wonderful fit for you. I’m so happy that you have family gatherings coming up ... what joyous reunions those will be!
ReplyDeleteThanks for those encouraging words, Lois. It's so good to be in learning mode again. Not that I ever left ... there are still so many doors to walk through, so much to discover.
DeleteGod is good!
You will be an amazing mental health coach. You already coach and encourage so many of us here. Love you, sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteCoaching's in my blood. I'm grateful to be learning more and going deeper. Thanks for cheering me on, Cheryl.
DeleteYou are a sweetheart, indeed!
It's exciting to hear about your new course - it sounds perfect for you! And I'm glad you're able to make plans to see your family soon. The Krispy Kreme offer made me smile - but apparently it's not available at branches in the UK! (That's possibly a good thing though and I'm unlikely to get the vaccine until May anyway as it's strictly done by age here.)
ReplyDeleteLesley, hi! I have thought of you often as the pandemic has gone through your country as well as so many others. We are not alone, although isolation has been a major challenge to us all.
DeleteI hope that you'll be surprised with a vaccine before May. I know you are itching to get back to life and ministry ...
Congratulations on a fresh opportunity and walking through the open door!! I always find new open doors exciting - even as they open for others!! And hooray for travel plans! Savor every mile and minute!!
ReplyDeleteHooray for travel plans indeed! We've only been off Cape 2 times this year ... and not too many more times last year. Going over the bridge is such a treat!
DeleteAnd yes, you're so right, Jennifer. We cheer each other on as we pass through the next opportunity. I love this blogging community!
First of all, congratulations for your courage to dive into that course, Linda. You''re an inspiration to those of us that have hit the 65 mark. :) And I'm so happy for you that you get to travel and see your loved ones! You shared great links! Thank you! I went through them when your post first came out, but I finally got to commenting. Emily Dex's advice still rings in my memory - "If it doesn’t make your life – and more importantly – your soul better, let it go." I know it was concerning social media and I'm not on any of that, but I find it so important for all of life. Love and blessings to you, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Trudy - Emily Lex's post on narrowing down her social media presence was a real encouragement to do the same as soon as it gets cumbersome, overwhelming, or out of control. I'm not on Instagram either, but have had to do this often with blogging.
DeleteSuch good food for thought, yes!
What a sweet watercolor bunny, Linda! Wishing you joy in the next phase of your educational journey! It's nice to be trying new things, isn't it? Blessings on your Easter, friend!
ReplyDeleteIt IS so very nice to try new things, yes, June! Especially for those of us who tend to remain in our very cozy comfort zones. All the isolation and trials of this past year has got me itching to get out there once again and live life with a bit more abandon!
Delete65 is turning out to be not so bad after all ...
A free donut every day - that caught my eye because I do love my Krispy Kreme donuts! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat advice from Emily Freeman: "decide instead to let yourself be quiet inside the silence."
I'm so excited you're able to make plans to see your family in the weeks ahead!!!
I love any donuts! So I was sad to hear that even though there's no Krispy Kreme donuts within a million miles from here, I'm hearing that the giveaway seems to be rather nebulous ranging from a donut a day to no donuts at all.
DeleteLet me know what you find in your neck of the woods, Lisa!
I'm so happy you will be able to see your family and best of luck on your studies!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for hosting this fun monthly link-up! It looks like it's going strong! You've met a need many of us have to evaluate and reflect before moving to the next calendar page.
DeleteI appreciate you, Heather!
So excited for you Linda, that you get to see your family again! And yes, all the best in your studies. I recently said yes to a coaching contract even though I put my coaching hat away two years ago. I'm not sure what the Lord is inviting me to, but He does!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the coaching contract, Lynn! I'm so excited because I bet you do a fabulous job - wise, tender, sharp, kind. Please let me know how it goes.
DeleteI think that the people helping field is opening wider and becoming more diverse. LOVE that.
Linda: So exciting to see family again and return to school and become a life coach. We spent last weekend making reservations for a summer trip with our family and a few extended family members. So excited.
ReplyDeleteEven making the plans has gotten to be a treat ... you're right, Theresa! We've waited a long time for the doors to open. I appreciate my family more than ever after missing them month after month.
DeleteHave a wonderful time! I am so happy for you and yours ...
Linda, I so enjoyed your 4 springtime somethings! Thank you for sharing. What a huge endeavor becoming a mental health coach, but so rewarding as well! If I wasn't still working full time I would be considering that as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to find another kindred spirit with a coaching heart, Donna!
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