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Um ... where did May go?
When spiritual director / author Jean Wise debuted her own unique 4 Somethings a few months back, they hit me as so joyful, free, and light. She generously has allowed me to use the Somethings she has chosen ... something wise, something wonderful, something whispered, something whimsical.
I've dipped way back into the archives and dusted off a few tidbits to share as we get ready to flip the calendar and roll headfirst into June. You'll find the links to the original posts in case something catches your eye.
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SOMETHING WISE
Wonder of wonders, as we get out of our own way, we begin to lean into the delightful discovery that the same powerful God who spun the universe into existence is more than capable to carry through His wise and wonderful plans. Often with little, if any, help from us.
SOMETHING WONDERFUL
If we're brave enough to gaze at our unclothed image in a full length mirror, are we filled with wonder and awe at His marvelous creation, so fearfully and wonderfully made?
The older we get, the less likely we are to be delighted at what stares back at us. For the years take their merciless toll as our strength wanes, our skin sags, and the numbers on the scale creep higher. Our muscles loosen up and scars' jagged lines appear here and there, faded but still real, a striking testament to our suffering, disease, and injuries. Weird aches, chronic pain, diagnoses that leave us shaken to the core, scary medical procedures, and sudden emergencies only serve to remind us that we are aging daily.
The older we get, the less likely we are to be delighted at what stares back at us. For the years take their merciless toll as our strength wanes, our skin sags, and the numbers on the scale creep higher. Our muscles loosen up and scars' jagged lines appear here and there, faded but still real, a striking testament to our suffering, disease, and injuries. Weird aches, chronic pain, diagnoses that leave us shaken to the core, scary medical procedures, and sudden emergencies only serve to remind us that we are aging daily.
Yet the soul, the sacred place where the Spirit chooses as a dwelling place, is mysteriously housed in this imperfect frame. If we can somehow re-calibrate our waning self-image to match that splendid truth, perhaps we would discover a life-altering invitation to a more deliberate, focused care of our bodies.
SOMETHING WHISPERED
The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint, and we're wise to continue the journey at a speed that we find comfortable, keeping in step with the Author and Finisher of our faith, and paying close attention to His whispered prompting for our individual next right steps. They will always draw you closer to Jesus.
SOMETHING WHIMSICAL
A rhythm, a flow emerges as everything that's within comes together. Fingertips speed over keyboard with little hesitation. And our labor of love is birthed, often messy and incomplete as it bursts forth. We pause to let the offering marinate, return to massage it again and again, and have the pleasure of watching our heart-words finally pull together and take wings. As we follow His lead, this whimsically creative process accomplishes what He pleases.
All your kindness, prayers, notes, and cards ... and the rhythm of blogging itself ... are keeping me company during this fragile, seemingly endless season. We're making our way through unfamiliar territory, but the Lord keeps on whispering peace as He cradles us gently. His mercies are fresh and new each morning ... sometimes every hour.
Linda
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linking up with
May the Father who promises perfect peace continue to give that to you Linda.
ReplyDelete'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.'
Delete- John 14:27
Each of your four somethings holds something encouraging and beautiful. Thank you for the encouragement to remember who dwells in me as I look at my imperfect and aging self. Combined with the something whispered it reminded me of the preciousness of every stage of life. Praying for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI'm finding it harder these days to watch my body age. It's like I'm disappointed that it's actually happening in real time! Where did the years go? And have I used it well along the way? And what do I need to change up as I move ahead? Stuff like that.
DeletePraying for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Victor, thanks!
DeleteI just did that mirror look this morning. I feel much better about it all after reading your post!
ReplyDeleteOh Jeanie, I'm glad. It's almost like our bodies are a road map of what we've been through. And that's ok.
DeleteLinda, asking our Lord today to keep you in His most tender care and love on you graciously. AND...I know that HE will. I love this post and enjoyed taking some time today for just ME and reading. Sometimes I can't help but wonder when I look in the mirror..."What happened to you Cindy". LOL! I've always said that my goal was to age gracefully and to accept who I am at the stage of life I am in. Doesn't mean I like those wrinkles (though I've earned them) or those bat wings that I don't work hard enough to tone up, or those little pesky ailments I seem to experience...a lot (specially with old Arthur) But, I am thankful to be simply get to where I am at. Love to you sweet lady. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteI like how you put this, Cindy - 'I've always said that my goal was to age gracefully and to accept who I am at the stage of life I am in.'
DeleteMaybe the key is 'gracefully'? I love how you model that healthy outlook for us all. You make life fun and worth the living, even when times are tough. Keep us smiling, girl ...
Love the sunset (sunrise?) picture. Continued prayers for your family.
ReplyDeletemmm ... sunset over Cape Cod bay.
DeleteI'm thinking of that old hymn for my mom as she continues her long and winding journey HOME -
'Beyond the sunset
Oh, blissful morning
When with our Saviour
Heaven is begun
Earth's toiling ended
Oh, glory dawning
Beyond the sunset
When day is done'
Whimsical Housing of our soul, the whimsical creative process that allows Him to create what is pleasing - this speaks volumes so visually! The pinkness, the encouraging messages - sweet balm for the soul! Praying for you during this fragile time - praying for sprains healed and hearts comforted!
ReplyDeleteOh I'm glad you're finding sweet balm for the soul here, Maryleigh. I'm with you ... finding comfort here in the middle of all that's fragile. He is here, God with us.
DeleteYour "Something Wise" spoke to my heart this day, Linda. You are so right: "The same powerful God who spun the universe into existence is more than capable to carry through His wise and wonderful plans. Often with little, if any, help from us." I pray to know what that little, if any, help might be, so I fulfill my part of his plan!
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Nancy. I've learned {sometimes the hard way} that I need to get out of the way so God can do what He does best ... be Lord of all. I shudder to think that I might have been a stumbling block along the way, with my 2 cents and opinions.
DeleteSarah Bessey has often called herself a 'recovering-know-it-all.' There's no doubt that I wear that title, too. The older I get, the more I realize how little I really do know.
Linda, I remember several of these posts, especially the one about Tim’s wedding ring … you’ve been speaking truth and beauty into my heart for a long time, my friend. I love the pink photos, and I think these four somethings are just right for right now. ❤️
ReplyDeleteThose pink blush-y shades are so gentle and tender. That touches me right now. You know ...
DeleteI love the four somethings especially something whimsical. It just makes me happy saying the word.
ReplyDeleteI have been praying for you friend as you keep vigil by your mom’s side. May the presence of God’s peace be with you all.
You're right, it's such a happy word. Sometimes it surprises me what brings a smile!
DeleteAnd thanks for those prayers as we 'keep vigil.' Sadly I can't be there too much these days. But God knows. Please continue to pray for His presence to be dear and comforting to her.
Whoever you are ...
Hi Linda! It’s me! I tried to email you to let you know I accidentally sent an anonymous comment. 😉. I hope you are doing well.
DeleteMary, thanks for checking in! Those Anonymous comments are always intrigue me. I'm so glad you're here and hope all is well ...
DeleteI so enjoyed Jean's post on the Four Somethings, and I'm so glad you chose to imitate this motif in your own creative and inspirational way, Linda. Praying for you, as always!
ReplyDeleteYes, Jean brings such an godly, enriching perspective to us, doesn't she ...
Deleteahhh thank you - said very humbly....
DeleteI love this Linda...something wise, whimsical, whispered and wonderful.
ReplyDeletePrayers for you during this journey. I went through this with my own beloved mom and my hubby before thst. God bless you. 🙏🏻
These losses are so deep, Kitty. I'm sorry for what you've gone through. And I appreciate your prayers even though we hardly know each other. Bless you.
DeleteContinuing to pray for you in this challenging season and grateful for the connection of blogging.
ReplyDeleteAnd really… where did May go?
That connection of blogging is one of those choices that 'save our lives' ... one of the few things that remain stable, familiar, and comforting even when everything else is upside down and inside out. Yes, Michele.
DeleteThank you for this "dusting off of archives" collection, Linda. Looking into our past and remembering is a whimsical wandering that is never wasted.
ReplyDelete'a whimsical wandering that is never wasted' ... love how you put that, Lynn. Let's hear it for our archives! They've bailed us out more than once.
DeleteLinda, I also love the Four Somethings…your writings always inspire. Prayers for your continued journey, my friend!
ReplyDeleteGlad there's something here worth reading. You're kind and I'm grateful.
DeleteThe season can seem so long--until it draw too a close and then it is too soon.
ReplyDeleteBless you & your family!
Wow. That's profound, Lulu. Absolute truth.
DeleteThank you for sharing the 4 Ws with us! The blogging community is always a great source of support during trying times.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is. The rhythm of blogging and those relationships built over time are a lifeline. I feel blessed.
DeleteP.S. Thanks for the visit. Love a nice juicy iced peach tea!
ReplyDeleteIt was SO good!
DeleteLinda, I love your approach to your Share Four Somethings inspired by Jean Wise. I looked her website up from the link you shared. Love your Think Pink encouragements.
ReplyDeleteJean continues to speak into the spiritual lives of so many. I'm so glad to feature her here ...
DeleteLinda, I can definitely relate to these 4 somethings, especially the one on aging. Your quotes ministered to me and I have already passed one of them along to someone else.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm glad to know that something here today is share-able. I really appreciate that, Donna. And yes, many readers are wrestling with the aging process or aging parents or some aspect of growing older. I think maybe we'll be talking about this more in the future ...
Delete