Greetings from the beautiful Adirondack mountains!
I finally reach for my laptop on this golden, crisp morning, all kinds of eager to reconnect with you after pretty much being unplugged. I miss chatting together! And as we transition into autumn, I find myself leaning forward to hear your stories, pick your brains, and glean from your wisdom.
Like what saved your life this summer. And what books you've been reading. And what you're anticipating and creating and embracing. And what Scripture you've been reading in your devotional times. And how you're walking through upheaval and disappointment. And your take on this article right here, particularly the third and the final paragraphs.
Etc.
It's one of those days where my head is swirling with topics for discussion, competing for space like my bedside table jumble.
And while all kinds of options are busy shouting pick me, pick me, I can't quite sense the direction God wants to lead us into today.
And that can be a much needed wake up call.
For while we'd like to think we can plan our days, filling our calendars and launching head first into the next minute, we do best when following the Holy Spirit's leading. And that requires releasing our agendas and inviting Him to settle and quiet all that swirls in brain and soul so that His purposes end up shining through bright and clear.
Like this secluded mountain lake on a sunny afternoon.
For when we get out of our own way, He whispers peace. Correction. Hope. Clarity. Direction.
So I'm letting all my jumbled intentions fade from view this morning. And invite you to consider these essential questions as we move into the final months of 2021 ➜
1. What specific challenges am I facing?
Linda
P.S.
Our Book Club begins this Sunday! Dane Ortlund's Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers will be our focus ... click here for all the details! I'd love for you to join the party! {9/12 - We're up and running!}
You are most certainly in gorgeous country.I find that whenever I'm someplace lovely or quiet (like here at the cottage where I am now) my mind is more open and I think and ponder much more. You've given wonderful topics on which to ponder!
ReplyDeleteJeanie, I absolutely agree with you about our need to experience the lovely, the quiet. God certainly uses these spaces to clear our heads and open our hearts.
DeleteAnd these necessary spaces can be as close as our own little corner where we can shut the door. Even if only for a few minutes.
What a lovely post. I love those three questions that you put before us as we near the end of 2021. Hard to believe that this year is almost up. Enjoy your beautiful views friend and bask in the light of God. Something we all need to do but yet we tend to let the busyness of life hinder us. May we all get quiet and still with our Lord and listen. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Cindy ... we seem to actually INVITE all that busyness into our lives instead of focusing on being still.
DeleteMaybe because being busy is easier than looking deep within?
Lovely photos and inspirational, as well as thought-provoking questions. I'm not ready to even consider those questions today. I'm afraid my mind (and body) is too tired to consider them today but they are good ones to ask ourselves regularly. Thanks for sharing the article from Relevant. I agree with so much it. Thank you, Linda. Your name is always a welcome sight in my inbox.
ReplyDeleteI hear you about being too tired to wade into these questions. But they're there for you if and when they'll be helpful. You know I always appreciate the fresh breezes of your candor.
DeleteAnd yes, we'll probably be discussing that article. I found it to be rich and truthful.
Rest well this afternoon, dear friend ...
We so need to get out of the way and allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, Linda. And what lovely, soothing photos you have shared with us here, too. Ahhh!
ReplyDeleteI might be a tad late jumping into the first book club discussion, but I certainly am looking forward to reading this book with friends.
Blessings!
You're never late around here, friend! The door is always open ... and your insights are always spot on.
DeleteI cherish your posts filled with beautiful pictures, inspiring thoughts, and love of God. Gail
ReplyDeleteYou encourager, you!
DeleteAll praise to Him.
Hi Linda! I'm going to take these 3 questions and give them some thought over the next day or so then get back to you. They are thought provoking. BTW: those pictures sure are enticing. Reminds me of Alaska...and yeah, I'd love to go back. :)
ReplyDeleteNow that you mention it, come the depths of winter, New York's mountains and Alaska bear a strong resemblance to each other.
DeleteA few days with 20 degrees below zero (with the windchill factor) come to mind.
Brrr.
Linda, I will ponder your questions. The photos are peaceful and serene, I love being still and in the moment. I often find it hard to shut out the noise. Thank you Linda for your lovely posts!
ReplyDeleteYes! I absolutely agree with your observations about noise, Pam. Especially while reading or writing. It's gotta be quiet or else focus and concentration fly right out the window.
DeleteMaybe it's an introvert thing?
I so enjoyed reading this post, Linda; felt like we were having a chat. The encouragement to be still and let God guide us as we ponder those three questions is spot on. Thank you! And thanks for sharing the beautiful scenery, as well. Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteOh good, Carlie ... I love that you took my jumbled intentions as a chat. It's not easy for that to happen looking at a screen.
DeleteHis love overcomes technology, doesn't it!
Questions #3 is the one that grabs me--to be attentive to God's invitations, to always be ready to set aside my agenda for his! A worthy goal for each day indeed. Thank you, Linda! P.S. Loved sitting with you a spell in my imagination, helped along by your lovely photos!
ReplyDelete'sitting with you a spell in my imagination'
DeleteI love when God brings us together through written words and random snapshots. He is so gracious to do that ...
That looks like such a beautiful resting place! "For when we get out of our own way, He whispers peace. Correction. Hope. Clarity. Direction." It is a process, this getting out of my way so His agenda leads!
ReplyDeleteFor sure, Lynn ... it makes me wonder how many times I've blocked His direction because I was too wrapped up in my own self-absorbed agenda.
Delete* sigh *
There are our intentions - and there are His intentions. How much better when we exchange ours for His! My greatest challenge this year? To be intentionally present despite what's on the schedule!
ReplyDeleteMaryleigh ... being intentionally present seems to be more challenging than ever ... we not only have those pressing schedules and expectations, but now we've added a million voices into our heads via our screens.
DeleteThanks for this nudge to be right in THIS moment, right now.
Hi Linda. First of all, your photos are so calming and serene. :) And they certainly complement our need of "inviting Him to settle and quiet all that swirls in brain and soul so that His purposes end up shining through bright and clear." Thank you. I'm looking forward to your book study. :) It will be great to read that book again along with the input of others. Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteYou're right ... personal reading thrives when conversations spring forward with others of like mind. I'm looking forward to your input, Trudy. Your relationship with Jesus is tender, sweet, and strong.
DeleteI look at your pictures and think of cool fall days. We are still in the throws of summer, but the nights are beginning to cool. Hope for Autumn to make an appearance. Your photos are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I'm glad the snapshots brought a bit of a cool breeze to you, friend!
DeleteBeautiful pictures. Enjoy your time and stay. Thanks for reminding me that I need to slow down and ask questions sometimes.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you, friend, for speaking into my life yet again in your most recent post on guarding our hearts against comparison.
Delete'No matter how hard you try to reshape yourself to be anything but a grape, you will still be a grape.'
Two of my favorite places for quiet solace and contemplation as I strain to hear God's voice - in the mountains and near the water. You are in both! Thank you for these insightful words of wisdom and the three questions at the end. And thank you from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful book I received in the mail. I can't thank you enough! God bless you, sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteAnd likewise about your book which I am savoring, Cheryl. It won't be long 'til I'm telling the world about this devotional companion!
DeleteSO good ...
I loved your photos, Linda! And I am going to spend time pondering your questions as they are good ones for sure! I'm currently reading Gentle and Lowly and it is a wonderful book!
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll join us for the discussions, Joanne. You have a great wealth of wisdom from your walk with Jesus ...
DeleteMy intention in the coming months is to lean into ministry close to home--my women's Sunday school class, a parenting workshop here in southern Maine, my cute grandkids, the endless garden produce, and my tiny blogging community who shows up and keeps me writing.These are the anchoring gifts.
ReplyDeleteJust reading your intentions makes me smile, Michele. Close to home is close to my heart. Even those simplest tasks are a joy, aren't they. I'm saying 'amen' to your words this morning.
DeleteSpeaking of garden produce, I did get get 3 small cherry tomatoes off my lone plant yesterday ...
;-}
Wonderful photos. Thanx Linda.
ReplyDeleteGreat questions to think over.
God bless.
You're welcome!
DeleteBeautiful 😍
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're here ... hope this week has been a good one for you ...
DeleteAs you could see from this week's post on my blog, I'm embracing pumpkin season!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit!
P.S. I've always wanted an Adirondack-style chair!
Yep, posts like yours are spurring me forward, Margie. This week autumn unfolds around here ...
DeleteI’m so glad you were able to get away to such a beautiful spot, Linda. Yet another wonderful Relevant article you’ve linked … maybe I need to visit over there more often? I can’t believe we are already nearing the end of 2021 … the cooler weather makes me happy but the speed at which the days are passing? Not so much. The Psalmist’s prayer often goes though my mind … “Teach me to number my days so that I may gain a heart of wisdom.” Definitely feeling the need for wisdom these days, for sure.
ReplyDeleteEven though Relevant is geared toward the next generations, I like to stop by here and there to see what's on their minds ...
DeleteIt's too easy for me to pay attention to what's going on in MY world. I am fascinated to see how the Lord is working in theirs!
What a beautiful intention here, Linda: "And that requires releasing our agendas and inviting Him to settle and quiet all that swirls in brain and soul so that His purposes end up shining through bright and clear." I need to do this more often.
ReplyDeleteMe, too.
Delete;-}
ReplyDeleteGreat questions. I am writing them in my journal. Love your photos!
I was just thinking last night that maybe I should pull out my own journal again, Jean ...
DeleteAhhh, Linda. I love your honesty. Jumbled intentions, many topics to ponder and write on, so much stuff going on in our heads and hearts . . . It can be so difficult to just be still and listen to our Father. This quote: "And that requires releasing our agendas and inviting Him to settle and quiet all that swirls in brain and soul so that His purposes end up shining through bright and clear." I feel like I'm finally, after a year of upheaval, coming to a place where I can sit and be still, release my agendas into my Father's hands and invite him to quiet and settle all that swirls within me. Thanks for this invitation, friend.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long year, yes. And yet you've continued to encourage us with your writing, your wisdom, your tender heart, your open door.
DeleteJeanne - don't you just love what God can do even in the midst of the mess?!
You are most certainly in gorgeous country.
ReplyDeleteThe Adirondacks are a wonderful place to visit ... very, very quiet and still.
Delete