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your go-to weekend companion.
Embrace community.
Discover a fresh perspective.
Grow your faith in Christ.
Get unstuck.
Share your story.
My Dear Friends ~
May I be the first to say He is Risen to you this year! Where would we be without our precious Savior's presence in our lives. I am so grateful to call Him the Lover of my soul.
I feel like this week's been the prelude to a long-anticipated Sabbath. I've been digging out the porch from its accumulation of winter piles and readying this springtime space for family coming in a couple days.
'I can't wait for them to get here' would be an incredible understatement!
Today, I wrapped up an 18 month on again off again project, sorting, tossing, organizing boxes of family pictures, files, letters, tchotchkes, and keepsakes ... some stuff dating back well over 100 years. I'm more than happy to finally re-claim my cozy Nest over the garage from its catch-all storeroom status.
Oh ... Tim and I have been working on creating a wildflower garden the past few weeks. Tilling, weeding, sowing, watering, all the things. Our hopes are high, our fingers are crossed. Rabbits, don't you dare even think about it🐇.
*
My Mom has been my life's priority for quite some time. Maybe about four years now? On and off and on Hospice again for almost two years, she continues her achingly slow journey heavenward, three steps forward, two steps back. My heart is heavy even as 'the peace that passes understanding' guards me from more grief than I can possibly process and allows me to live life in the healthiest ways I can.
These days, there's nothing I'd rather do than sit quietly with her, holding her hand and singing softly while she sleeps. I can only pray that Jesus would come and take her Home where she'll finally be free from decades of pain and increasing disability.
'Thou art my God, my times are in Thy hands'
{Psalm 31:14-15}.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
The possibility of indulging in an Easter picnic never dawned on me until I glimpsed Pam's whimsically charming photoshoot.
I've experienced some disturbing Holy Week considerations. Maybe you have, too?
This Graves to Gardens Easter Project is compelling in the midst of all of life's chaos. Check out this free unplugged Friday evening - Sunday morning experience.
'Blessed are you
who need a gentle reminder that
even now, even today,
God is here,
walking with us,
meeting us in our places
of sorrow and despair,
desperation and grief. Slowing lifting our chin toward hope. Not promising to erase the pain. But to carry it with us. Blessed are we who realize
we are never—were never—alone. And somehow, that is good enough.'
He is Risen Indeed!
Linda
Linda
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Praying for you, your Mom, and your whole family.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Victor, thanks. I really appreciate you reaching out, friend.
DeleteMay your Easter be blessed, Linda!
ReplyDeleteI so hear the pain in your words as you spend time with your mother as she nears the end of her earthly journey. May God watch over all of you and bring you comfort and peace.
I hope you have a wonderful Easter celebration with your family, Martha.
DeleteYour wildflower garden sounds like it will be beautiful. Happy Easter!
ReplyDeleteI'm peering at the soil but haven't seen much happening yet!
DeleteYour dear, sweet Mom! How I understand the road you now walk, sweet friend. I am so thankful you can sit by her side and hold her hand and sing to her, as she makes her way to the arms of Jesus. I have thought of her so often as I have held the books of hers that you so kindly gave to me. Those books ministered to her and spurred her heavenward and now, they continue their ministry by your/her generosity. I trust you feel Jesus' precious presence so palpably in those moments by her side. May He stand right there beside you, next to her bed and overwhelm you with His love. Yesterday, I was so in need of a visit with my dear parents! I took out "their crate" that stays stored under my bed, and I sat on the floor and read the many cards they gave to me over the years. It felt like they were speaking to me, and I found it astounding how many times Mom would write something about how soon we would be "home in heaven" or "together at the feet of Jesus" or something along that line. She "being dead still speaks." Hebrews 11:4 I sat there and read of the many blessings she spoke over my and my family's lives in the words of those cards. They are worth more than gold to me. You and I are so blessed to have such a Godly heritage to pull from. May it sustain you in the days to come and always, my dear friend. Praying for you.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I can just picture you sitting on the floor sifting through all those precious cards and notes. To re-read your Mom's blessings and the verses she shared along the way is a terrific comfort.
DeleteSometimes we don't realize how important those written words are until it's too late. What a legacy she has left in her wake.
And it makes me so happy that a few of Mom's books are in your hands. Truly.
Bless you, girl ...
I'm so sorry about your mom's situation. My mom died early and suddenly in her late sixties. My husband's mother had a long, slow decline, passing away at 90. Neither path is easy. I know God's timing is perfect, but I sometimes wondered why he let my m-i-l linger for so long before taking her on home. I'm sure one reason was to try to teach me selfless service. Praying for you all. "He is risen" makes all the difference.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, your kind words touch my heart this evening. And you're right, neither path is easy, is it. I just have to trust that 'He doeth all things well.' And thanks for that reminder that 'He is risen' makes all the difference.
DeleteA hearty amen, friend. May your Easter be a joyous celebration.
I pray the promise of the Resurrection and what it gives us holds you up as you struggle with your mom's lengthy "wait."
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, it does, Bill.
DeleteHe is risen indeed. May Holy Week bless you beyond your wildest dreams and prayers for wisdom and strength as you care for your mom, Truly holy work.
ReplyDeleteYour last line took my breath away, Jean. Thank you so much for speaking those grace words into my life this weekend. It reminds me to count this season as a privilege.
DeleteBless you, friend. Your deep wisdom always impacts my soul.
He is risen indeed!! Praying for your beloved mom and for you as you hold her hand. I know for certain that God grants peace and comfort during this time. My Mom’s journey home was short, but I held her hand and as a family we sang Victory In Jesus and Amazing Grace as she awakened in heaven.
ReplyDeleteI so hope you wildlife garden will be successful and the bunnies won’t be visiting. Thank you for sharing the link to my whimsical picnic. Blessings, my friend.
Your Easter picnic table was so fun to look at, such an inspiration! If only it was a bit warmer 'round these parts. What a delightful way to celebrate such a joy-filled day.
DeleteAnd yes, praise God for the old hymns that touch our souls when we need their comfort, solace, and truth the most.
Victory in Jesus, indeed!
Love the pictures. I am so sorry to hear about your mom, that is a hard struggle/walk. Praying she is at peace soon and that God gives you what you need as you walk this path. Have a great time with the family that will be visiting!
ReplyDeleteCindy, yes ... I love seeing the peace that washes over her from time to time. Her smiles sometimes make me believe that she's getting glimpses of heaven. So many are waiting there to greet her and welcome her Home.
DeleteWhat joy awaits.
May the promise of Easter fill you this week as you spend time with your loved ones.
ReplyDeleteWell done on completing a HUGE project. You have motivated me to complete a few on-again-off-again projects of my own.
There's nothing like family coming and needing every square inch available to propel us to finish up those half done tasks. I ran out of excuses and I'm so relieved that these rooms are done.
DeleteUp next? The basement!
Good for you in finishing up your boxes project! I still have my photo project in front of me and it is DAUNTING. I did a little bit at a time for quite awhile, but then it got overwhelming again. I need to set aside a few weeks this summer and get it under control again.
ReplyDeleteKate Bowler's blessings are always a blessing to me too! Thanks for sharing this one.
Yes, I remember you talking about that photo project, Lisa! I can't even imagine going there. My nephew seems to be picking up the extended family archive mantle and I couldn't be happier.
DeleteAll those years our kids were growing up we took slides. They are labeled and organized ... and there's no slide projector to be found. Go figure.
He walks with me and talks with me and tells me I am his own. He is risen all right!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhen my mom passed, relief outweighed the sadness. (You remember the 29 hospitalizations, 6 intubations within 2 years time). Luckily the sadness came in waves and not a HUGE flood. You mom is a dear soul who I bet is blessing someone in this stage of her life. I learned later some of the people my mom touched.
Happy Resurrection Day and enjoy the kiddos
That's one of the songs we've sung alot in recent months, Carol. How did you know?!
DeleteAnd yes, I do remember those hospitalizations over and over again. What a long few years that was for you and your kids. You were so valiant and faithful. Your Mom was a delightful, energetic force and I always enjoyed being around her. Believe it or not, yesterday I dusted one of the big bowls of hers you gave me ...
It makes me smile. There are so many good memories, aren't there.
xo
I walked that final journey with my Mother. Mercy was always my prayer. Praying for your strength and courage, Friend!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
'Mercy was always my prayer.'
DeleteSo beautifully said, Lulu. Sometimes that's the only word we can breathe. He knows our heart's desire.
Indeed He Is Risen!! Linda, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. In my mind's eye, I can see you sitting with your mom, holding her hand, and singing softly. I picture peace and comfort. It sounds like she ran the good race. I can't wait to see how your wildflower garden progresses this summer. Blessings.
ReplyDeletePaula, your words are so kind and tender. Thank you.
DeleteI'll keep you posted on the wildflowers. So far? Not much. Makes me wonder if the rabbits got the shoots before I even got to see them!
Blessed are you for so many reasons.
ReplyDeleteI have the sorting and organizing still before me, but maybe it’s going to have to wait till we retire…?
Well, your first line simply took my breath away, Michele. Thanks for giving me that boost of encouragement in Christ.
DeleteSimply returning the favor…
DeleteThat's what we do ...
DeleteDear sweet lady, I will surely be lifting you and your mom up to our Lord. In all honesty, it seems these times are bittersweet. God surely is on the throne and YES Jesus has indeed risen! I hope the bunnies behave and that you enjoy the garden. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteBittersweet is the perfect word. Sorrow and joy co-mingle well. I've learned not to push either one of those realities away but to appreciate that this is what is true during seasons of our lives. All will be well.
DeleteGod is on His throne. Thanks for that important reminder, friend.
Oh, Linda … I wish I could be in that room with you, sitting quietly while your mom sleeps. Much love to both of you …
ReplyDeleteLois, that's a really tender, comforting thought tonight, friend. I know you know what this is like. Your compassion is such a sweet mercy.
DeleteThose pansies! I swoon! We celebrated Easter yesterday with the kids. So delightful! I hope your holy week is a happy one.
ReplyDeleteOh I love an early celebration! Wonderful, friend.
DeleteCongratulations on finishing your 18-month project! Woohoo! Have a wonderful time with your family this weekend! What an awesome song, thanks for sharing! Happy Easter, Linda!
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter to you and yours, Lisa. May it be a sweet celebration.
DeleteI feel your pain, Linda. Hugs and prayers for you and your mom.
ReplyDeleteMay God watch over all of you and bring you comfort and peace.
Happy Thursday, Linda.
Veronica, thank you for your kindness. Easter's joys and hope to you.
DeleteI am holding your hand in spirit as you hold your mom's. Blessings on you both.
ReplyDeleteYou've given me a beautiful gift with your words, Barbara. I'll take this image with me. Thank you so much for that comfort.
DeleteHe is risen indeed!!!
ReplyDelete'Up from the grave He arose!'
DeletePraying for you guys, Linda.
ReplyDeleteGood Friday seems to last forever,
a dark abyss of pain,
so easy to believe we'll never
dance, nor smile, again.
It seems that it will haunt our dreams
and reinforce our fears
as the sounds of wails and screams
echo in our ears,
but only faith can point the way
past harbingers of doom,
take our hands until the day
of the Empty Tomb,
the day when death's no longer prison,
and bid us see our Saviour Risen.
The empty tomb ... praise be to the One who offers us forever-life with Him.
DeleteOh I understand that grief Linda. My mother had seven years on that same journey. She went to glory this year, on my birthday.
ReplyDeleteBless you,
Jennifer
Oh Jennifer. I am struck by your story. I am so sorry for such a severe loss. Holding you up to Him as these dates are linked forever together for you.
Delete