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Embrace community.
Discover a fresh perspective.
Grow your faith in Christ.
Get unstuck.
Share your story.
Dear Friends ~
It's been almost a month since we got 'the call.' And since then, we've been totally immersed in being with Mom, giving ourselves a break for a few hours mid-afternoon to grab some kind of meal and a nap before heading back to sit with her. Hoping our presence will be a steady calming solace for her as she continues to move Heavenward. Allowing grief to do its steady work in our own weary hearts.
Tim and I talk often and pray much about how to fully sustain this daily rhythm well. Life as we knew it has been shelved because there's no place we'd rather be than sitting quietly with her. Caring for her. Mourning her decline. Advocating for her. Praying her Home. And supporting each other in the process.
We've become joined at the hip as well as the heart.
Each day we mull over the endless questions that keep us focused and moving forward with no regrets ... the what ifs and how 'bouts and should we's and can you believe's.
God knows. And as ever, that is enough. He whispers peace.
'Just after her fortieth birthday, author Shauna Niequist found herself in a season of chaos, change, and loss unlike anything she'd ever faced. She discovered that many of the beliefs and practices that she usually turned to were no longer serving her.
After trying--and failing--to pull herself back up using the same old strategies and systems, she realized she required new ones: courage, curiosity, and compassion. She discovered the way through was more about questions than answers, more about forgiveness than force, more about tenderness than trying hard.'
Shauna's brand new I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet: Discovering New Ways of Living When the Old Ways Stop Working has been such excellent bibliotherapy this week. Short essays on making her way through a season of awful losses and drastic upheaval have been truly cathartic for me. Her writing has never been more deeply reflective and richly nuanced than this. It will make my 2022's Top Books List. Maybe yours, too.
Kindle - $13.99
Hardcover - $17.92
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'In a world that’s both more connected and more isolating than ever before, we’re often tempted to do life alone, whether because we’re so busy or because relationships feel risky and hard. But science confirms that consistent, meaningful connection with others has a powerful impact on our well-being. We are meant to live known and loved. But so many are hiding behind emotional walls that we’re experiencing an epidemic of loneliness.
You were created to play, engage, adventure, and explore—with others ... discover exactly how to dive into the deep end and experience the full wonder of community. Because while the ache of loneliness is real, it doesn’t have to be your reality.'
Here's another one for 2022's Top Books List. Jennie Allen's Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World was our long-awaited Spring Book Club pick around here ... until I postponed it. All I can tell you is that we will be exploring this outstanding book together when the time is right. I never dreamed that her story would be the catalyst for me to get real and send this note to my people last week. Your response of lovingkindness was like a frosty cold glass of water on the hottest summer day.
Kindle - $12.99
Hardcover - $15.53
&
Kindle - $2.99 SALE!
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'Adam McHugh shows how introverts can live and minister in ways consistent with their personalities. He explains how introverts and extroverts process information and approach relationships differently and how introverts can practice Christian spirituality in ways that fit who they are. With practical illustrations from church and parachurch contexts, McHugh offers ways for introverts to serve, lead, worship, and even evangelize effectively ... essential reading for any introvert who has ever felt out of place, as well as for church leaders who want to make their churches more welcoming to introverts.'
One of my all-time favorite reads is Adam McHugh's Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture. It was like the lights went on and I finally began to understand and embrace myself as an introvert ... as well as a leader. This is one of those spread-your-wings kind of volumes if you need permission to live and serve with freedom and joy simply by being who God shaped you to be.
Kindle - $2.99 SALE!
Paperback - $20.00
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The book of Psalms has always been my go-to refuge during those neediest and desperate of times. Like now. I'm immersing myself in God's Word, listening and reading along on the Her.BIBLE app. It's a nurturing, comforting experience listening to women reading the Bible out loud. Love this.
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Finally, please take 30 seconds to scroll down my E-book Deals Page ... all kinds of titles specially selected for this community. Feel free to bookmark, share with your people, and check in often 'cause these bargains sometimes come and go in the blink of an eye! As an Amazon Associate, I receive a financial benefit when you make an Amazon purchase using these links, at no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting my work.
What books have grounded or comforted you during those upended times of life?
Linda
Bless you, dear friend. I am continuing to lift you to the Father. Sending much love and hugs to you today, as you faithfully sit by the side of your dear Mom. I know Jesus is sitting there with you, too.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, thanks for that reminder that Jesus always is always present. I know that, but seeing the truth in black and white makes a difference. I promise I'll see that image today. Thank you, friend ...
DeleteSo happy to get this little update from the front lines. You remain in my prayers. Thanks for the opportunity to meet around good books!
ReplyDeleteBooks don't disappear just because life is difficult. I love that.
DeleteMay God continue to give you all that you need as you stay faithfully with your mom.
ReplyDelete'Faithfully' jumped out at me just now, Joanne. Such a good word for these marathon seasons that seem impossible. Thank you.
DeletePraying for you and yours every day, Linda. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteAnd how are YOU doing, Martha? God keeps you close to my heart ... I am hoping that your strength has returned and that you're feeling like an even better version of yourself!
DeleteI enjoyed an interview with Shauna Niequist on Carey Nieuwhof's podcast. It stirred my interest her latest book. Keeping you in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteYes, I saw that she had talked with him. I need to dig that episode out and listen in ...
DeleteI'm so sorry that you are going through the slow grieving process it can be more excruciating than getting a late-night phone call about a horrible accident that removed someone from our lives in an instant. I have been on both sides, and I'd prefer not to face either.
ReplyDeleteHUGS 🫂💗
I'm with you, Barb. Both are excruciating in their own way.
DeleteOh, Linda, so thankful for this update, to hear that your faith in Jesus is upholding you through this difficult time. Hallelujah! One book that ministered greatly to me in a time of crisis: Thrive, Don't Simply Survive by Karol Ladd. It's an older book, published in 2009, but I'd still recommend it to anyone facing challenging circumstances.
ReplyDeleteNancy, your thoughts remind me of that song Broken Hallelujah.
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo3DudOzV4k
Linda, I am so sorry to hear of your Mom's decline. May God bless you all as you spend these precious moments together. Thank you for sharing these uplifting books with us today!!
ReplyDeleteThis is the time for us to grab any and all uplifting gifts God sends our way!
DeleteYou continue to be in my prayers. This is holy time and holy ground for you. Just ordered that McHugh book. thanks for mentioning it!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your review, Jean. It truly is one of my favorite all time books ...
DeleteLifting you up to our Lord sweet lady. I know how tiring and yet how strengthening this journey can be. How can we be so drained, tired and sad and yet we can feel strength just at the moment when we think we can't do another minute. Or feel lifted when we feel so low. Or feel even smile among the tears. ONLY GOD! Hugs and blessings to you. Cindy
ReplyDeleteAmen, Cindy! ONLY GOD! I'm experiencing these truths you've shared day in and out and I'm so thankful.
DeleteI am so grateful that you have been able to share this time with your mom. These are precious days for all of you and that love is a great gift.
ReplyDeleteJeanie, thanks for the reminder to see these days as precious. There are some hours where that word doesn't cross my mind.
DeleteWhat a blessing that you and Tim are able to walk this road together, Linda. Praying for you, dear friend …
ReplyDeleteIt's the absolute truth, Lois. I've never loved him more.
DeleteYour faith in God is strong, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteSending hugs and prayers to you today as you take this journey with your mom.
Have a blessed weekend, Linda.
Veronica, thanks! You're such an encourager.
DeleteI can't imagine how difficult these days are for you, but thankful you have the time to spend with your mom, that is truly a wonderful gift. Praying God continues to give you the strength to endure.
ReplyDeleteI've gotta believe that He will. Thank you.
DeleteI'm eagerly awaiting my turn for Shauna's book at my library. I may have a few weeks left to wait. Praying for you as you sit quietly in this season, Linda.
ReplyDeleteI think you're going to love it, too, friend. Can't wait for your review.
DeletePraying for continued grace during this intense season of loving, caring, sitting, waiting, and saying goodbye. Praying for continued peace to guard your heart and mind. Praying for strength - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it is intense. But yet peaceful. Usually.
DeletePraying for you all in this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Victor, it's always exciting to know that people far across the ocean who you've never met in person are lifting each other up in prayer. Love that.
DeleteContinued prayer for you and your family my friend.
ReplyDeletePaul, I really appreciate that. Bless you.
DeleteI always enjoy our porch time together, Linda! I'm sad to hear about your sprained ankle and pray your time of forced rest is truly restful. I pray you continue experience His loving arms about you as you walk with your mom as she transitions to her new home in heaven. Praying for you and your family, Linda.
ReplyDeleteYou're a blessing, Lisa. So grateful our paths have crossed in recent months!
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