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You Guys!
There's two kinds of busy.
The kind that's frenetic, crazed, out of control.
And the kind that's pro-active, serendipitous, and restorative.
I've been there, done both. But these days I'm pretty much embracing the healthier angle. Cutting back on my online activity maybe 90% has been a necessary gift that's helped me be present with my own calendar, enjoy being in the moment right in front of me, and single-task to my heart's content.
The only thing missing is you!
So in the midst of exploring New England's nooks and crannies, focusing on these ministry leadership classes, and tending to a bunch of well-care visits, I'm happy to interrupt my blogging break to drop in to let you know you're on my heart. And send a bit of golden October your way.
🍁
SOMETHINGS LOVED
SOMETHING READ
Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!
- James 5:7 - 9
I love the book of James. The half-brother of Jesus talks straight to where we are right here, right now. I'm on my 2nd read-through this month, soaking in his practical, pointed counsel on living a humble, servant-hearted Christian life. Each phrase, each verse is savor-able and applicable. Join me in a read-through, maybe using a fresh translation?
SOMETHINGS TREASURED
SOMETHINGS AHEAD
Grieving losses. Candles in the windows. Breakfast by the fire. Wrapping up Christmas shopping. Quietly singing multi-versed hymns with Mom. Saying farewell to Florida-bound friends. Figuring out holiday logistics. Concocting soup recipes. Bundling up for brisk walks on the beach.
Welcoming a new associate pastor and his family. Aiming for 10,000 steps each day. Praying more faithfully. Wondering what blogging in this next season might look like. Pulling fluffy biscuits out of a hot oven. Saying good-bye to flip-flops and hello to fuzzy socks. Launching into a new ministry.
Listening well. Loving deeply.
What's in the works for you?
Linda
I LOVE your photos! You have a great eye!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
HE's created an awesome world!
DeleteThe college choir I'm in will be doing a concert this weekend. I'm nervous but I'm looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteIt must be a thrill to be singing in a group again!
DeleteBrilliant photos. Thanx Linda.
ReplyDeleteOctober almost over ... it's getting cold here. And wet.
God bless.
Looks like you're sending the cold and wet here next week, friend.
DeleteBeautiful photos, Linda. I always look forward to coming by your place. Autumn is certainly beautiful in the Northeast!
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be fun to wander around taking snapshots together, Pam?!
DeleteMaybe someday ...
Beautiful Fall colors! And this good, Linda, 'soaking in his practical, pointed counsel on living a humble, servant-hearted Christian life' which is always wise counsel.
ReplyDeleteLisa, I'm glad you're here ...
DeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the link to SoulSpace app...I've been so enjoying it!
* subscriber email
Oh I'm so glad, friend! Please help me get the word out ... this is such a soothing, Christ-honoring way to begin each day ... and it's FREE!
Deletehttps://soulspace.co/
I recognize at least one of those photos! Miss you. Where did you see the speed limit 27? On your trip?
ReplyDeleteI'd say I miss you, too, but I don't know who you are!
DeleteI think my daughter sent the 27 sign from SC. Too fun ...
Stunning photos, Linda! I'm so glad you decided to stop by for a visit in the midst of your blog break. It's so wonderful to "see" you again and soak up the inspiration you always have to offer.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I'm trying to figure out what blogging will look like in this next season but I'm not quite sure. May turn out to be more random than ever!
DeleteWhat glorious photos. I love how you share your people and places. And sometimes you can be crazed and out of control and serendipitous and restorative at the same time. Always an adventure!
ReplyDeleteAdventure seems like the perfect word, Jeanie!
DeleteThese photos are beautiful! I love this little glimpse into what you have been doing this month, and I'm glad it has been a restorative kind of busy!
ReplyDeleteBest October ever?!
DeleteBeautiful pictures............ I especially grinned at the Golden doodle as my nephew and family in Wareham have two.... an off white and a
ReplyDeleteblack.......... they are real characters !!!
Just back from several things ................ and of course a beach walk.
Enjoy Fall.
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You're the only person I know who walks the beach every day! I so admire you!
DeleteLove the graphic of autumn essentials. And what lovely photos. Did you collect the sea glass? I just bought some on Etsy a while back. I've seen some cute art created with sea glass , but they run $50+ up. So I wanted to try my hand at a picture or two for our new coastal-themed guest room.
ReplyDeleteLove that speed limit sign. One of our former towns had a very narrow downtown area and had a speed limit sign that said 15 1/2.
Looks like lots of good things coming up for you. We're just getting into the 40s, so the mornings and evenings are chilly. But we haven't had to turn on the heat yet. We have gotten out the sweaters, though!
Oh I hope you'll be sharing your coastal guest room and pictures, Barbara! Each month our house gets more coastal and I get happier.
Delete;-)
Linda love these posts, I feel like we're just chatting over coffee! Gorgeous photos and thanks for the soulspace link!!
ReplyDeleteChatting over coffee would be lovely ...
Delete;-)
Love the Speed Limit 27 picture. Who??? Anyway, I already know my season will be a busy one. A daughter who had a heart attack is now staying with us because of the steps to her apartment. A possible trip to AZ to visit a friend. Tons of church work that needs to be done in preparation for the holidays and next year. other than that...nothing much. :)
ReplyDeleteOh Bill, I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter. I hope each day finds her feeling stronger ...
DeleteThis will be a different fall
ReplyDeletearriving here for me;
the growing tumours do appall
and I just blew out a knee,
but I really can't complain,
I've got a hiking staff,
and the best thing to remain
is that I still can laugh
about cancer's ugliness
(I really look a fright),
and 'bout the knee;
it's such a mess,
and kept me up all night
to contemplate God's little jest,
for as a comic, He's the best.
A hiking staff sounds like the perfect accessory these days.
DeleteI love reading through fresh translations too. I've chosen "God's Word" translation this and next year for my daily Bible reading. It opens my words anew to the ancient but life-giving words.
ReplyDelete"Saying good-bye to flip-flops and hello to fuzzy socks" - I've made that transition the past week as well. :)
Clothing transitions can be wierd ...
DeleteI'm still seesawing between summer and fall. I want the best of both worlds!
Beautiful photos, beautiful Bible verse. I'm so eager for the Lord's return.
ReplyDeleteOh me, too, Amy. More and more I hear myself saying, 'come quickly, Lord Jesus.'
DeleteAutumn is such a beautiful time of year. I love the sea glass!
ReplyDeleteIt was one of the best seaglass collecting days EVER!
DeleteYour grand puppy has the cutest face and yes, be sure to stay at 27 mph. Set your cruise control!
ReplyDeleteDid you do the Stephen Ministries when at The Alliance Church? I think I did but can’t remember or maybe it was another ministry. You are truly involving yourself in some of the hard work of the gospel. May God bless you as you trust in Him.
The pumpkin with the warts made me chuckle and it reminded me of our lives this side of heaven. Warts and all, God loves us tremendously.
Happy Fall!
Nope, this is my first leader training with Stephen Ministries. The curriculum is right up there with Celebrate Recovery and I'm excited at its potential impact in our church and the surrounding area.
DeleteGood stuff! I'm already highly recommending ...
I love your photos, especially the speed limit sign! Having been to other countries they are always amusing to me. I love that you are taking care of you. I also need to get back to 10,000 steps a day but have been having health struggles.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that you haven't been well, Cindy. I hope you find the months ahead open up to better health ...
DeleteLove the word serendipity! Lovely pictures, too.
ReplyDeleteJust saying 'serendipity' makes me smile!
Delete27 miles an hour? That’s random and delightful, Linda. I share your appreciation of James … Our church is in the middle of a sermon series on the book and it’s been so good and practical. I can’t believe we’re into the last week in October already … you’ve reminded me that I really need to START some Christmas shopping soon! Hugs, friend.
ReplyDeleteEven though it's only October, it looks like it's just about time for some holiday inspiration. Wasn't it just January a few days ago?
DeleteLove your pictures and I always enjoy reading your words. You surely inspire me to do better, be better and to live better! YES girl on the fuzzy socks! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteAnd doesn't it make us oh so happy when our grandgirls continue the fuzzy socks tradition!
Delete;-}
Lovely words and pictures. Fall is a beautiful time of year..
ReplyDeleteHena, it's so good to see you again ...
DeleteThe dahlias (?), sea glass, and fluffy dog made me smile, the speed limit sign made me laugh! (Now THERE'S a local DOT with a sense of humor!) So glad for this surprise visit during your blogging-hiatus, letting us know that, in spite of a busy season, you're coping well and your sense of humor is intact!
ReplyDeleteMaybe the healthier we are the better our sense of humor is?
DeleteHere's hoping!
I always appreciate your insights and I was just reading through all the comments and realizing that I also enjoy the crowd you hang out with. 😀
ReplyDeleteI love this crowd! A little bit of everyone, which makes me happy and I hope pleases Him. And oh I'm so grateful that you are a major player here ... your keen observations and that New England humor {is there such a thing?!] always hit the spot, friend.
DeleteThe restorative busy. Hadn't heard of that, but yes, I know it. Love the photos and thoughts.
ReplyDeleteTo know it is to appreciate it!
Delete;-}
Oh my - that pup!! I just love your photos! They just make my heart smile!! So glad you took a little break from your break! I've been digging into the book of Mark - one of my favs. But now I want to open to James.....
ReplyDeleteJennifer, hi! I get to meet my new grandgirl-dog Thanksgiving week and I know I'll be vying for her attention along with 99 other relatives.
DeleteCan't wait ...
I enjoyed seeing fall snapshots of your corner of the world.
ReplyDeleteI'm also looking forward to fuzzy socks and putting up Christmas decorations (yes, I'm an early decorator who likes to maximize her enjoyment of festive decor).
Thanks for stopping by!
Putting up Christmas decorations! Wow, can you believe we're even talk about this? Where did this year go?
DeleteI feel refreshed just reading this post!
ReplyDeleteI love the pictures of the changing leaves. I'm down on the TX Gulf Coast, where our leaves don't change until much later, so it's nice to see your pictures.
So good to hear that you've found this little post a place to refresh! Thanks for those encouraging words ...
Deletelove the photos and the word - serendipitous. You sound like you are in the midst of change but with a wonderful open, curious heart.
ReplyDeleteThat word 'curious' has been running through my mind in recent days.
DeleteI kind of like that, Jean, ya' know?!
Have been MIA lately as well, since I am now heading the art dep. at my church. So, which translation did you use - I can't remember about the farmers patiently waiting ...in James?
ReplyDeleteThe New Living Translation (NLT) gives us a fresh look at God's Word ... don't you just love the book of James?!
Delete