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I'm all about being gentle and kind to myself. I know what my body, mind, and soul need to be healthy and strong. I've learned this the hard way and make no apologies for doing what I need to do especially in the tough seasons.
Like this one.
This week? Zoning out for an hour or so ... more than once. Getting a pedicure. Drinking endless glasses of water. Gathering snapshots. Exploring a new devotional book, a gift from my newly-commissioned Stephen Ministry people. Weeding and planting, mulching and watering. Shedding tears. Catching up with a friend over lunch in an empty restaurant. Watching the sun slip into a hazy horizon. Eating half-price bowls of New York Super Fudge Chunk with my sister and our guys. Late afternoon naps. Ordering a salad instead of bacon pizza. Sitting quietly with the pile of sympathy cards.
After all, it's next to impossible to love others deeply if we don't embrace grace for ourselves. You can't give from an empty cup.
At least not for long. Don't even bother trying.
Every time we turn with compassion
toward our pain—
we’re healing.
When we rest, when we breathe,
when we notice the glimmers of sun—
we’re healing.
When we repair with ourselves + others,
when we let ourselves be seen,
when we express our pain,
when we honor where we really are
at this exact time + place—
we’re already healing.
The Deepest Work Newsletter
June 2021
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Tsh just might convince you.
This was Tim's Father's Day gift and we've yet to see a squirrel anywhere near this feeder. You bird lovers, go splurge. It's worth every penny.
I keep saying I'm going to try #2 but I haven't gotten there yet.
Jean's second paragraph speaks volumes. Amen.
I love this.
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Speaking of gentle and kind, oldest granddaughter Lydia is in Ghana on a short term missions trip. Each day their team goes to a few schools to share in large and small groups 'what a vibrant relationship with Jesus looks like and how to live out their faith.'
When I asked if I could share these pics of her teaching God's Word to these beautiful students, she wrote, 'Oh my goodness please do!! Tell as many people as you can! God is doing amazing things here!'
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My Weekend E-Book Deal Picks
Jen Hatmaker - $7.06
Not everyone likes reading e-books. I get that. But I'm going to encourage you to
go here anyway to quickly scroll through the list and click the titles that grab your attention. Most e-books have a link to a free sample read on the right side of the page with no obligation to buy. If you're intrigued by the free sample, simply add the title to your own local library wish list.
And yes, please feel free to do your normal Amazon shopping while you're there! As an Amazon Associate, I receive a small commission when you arrive on their site using these links ... at no extra cost to you.
Thank you for supporting my work and keeping lots of ad-free white space around here.
Ask yourself, 'What is the gentlest and kindest thing I can do for myself today?' Do tell ...
Linda
What's the gentlest and kindest thing I can do for myself today? Pause in the garden for five minutes and enjoy His Presence, the doves cooing, the gentle breeze. Pause and pet the dog, pick him up and love on him because everyone needs TLC. Pause and write encouraging notes on bloggers post because every writer needs encouragement to stay the course. Pause and hug my children and listen to their goals for the day. Everyone needs to feel valued, loved and special. I think pausing with Jesus and others is the kindest thing I can do for myself today for love seems to multiply in the pausing.
ReplyDeleteYou've painted a peaceful scenario, Lisa. I feel Jesus' love, the gentle breezes, and your quiet spirit.
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love, love, love....Debby
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DeleteSending you tenderness at this time
ReplyDeleteOh yes ... tenderness works right about now, Kathreen ...
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Such a lovely sunset! May we keep enjoying (and discovering) the blessings that God gives us daily!
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying that laid-back discovery journey more and more, Lynn.
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The best thing we can do, not just for ourselves, but for others, too, is to show ourselves patience and understanding. We will heal when we are kind.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Linda!
Quite an invitation packed into 7 words, Martha ➡️ 'We will heal when we are kind.'
DeleteI looked at the 7 activities to de-stress and I have just started learning to crochet! It is something I have wanted to learn for years...this is my second time trying and while I am not very far, I am further than the first time! Thanks for continuing to share.
ReplyDeleteKinda cool to click on and find out that you're actually de-stressing, Cindy!
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This is a beautiful post, Linda, and your granddaughter's trip sounds amazing! I think the main thing is to take time to slow down and rest, even though there is always more to do.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, friend ... there's always more to do. I guess we have to figure out what's most important and go for it as soon as we can and then let the other things go for now. Not always easy, is it ...
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Love the pictures Linda. Such a beautiful post for me to read today. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteHave fun this weekend, girl!
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Wonderful grand girl pictures!
ReplyDelete* subscriber email response
For sure!
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I'm so happy your granddaughter is seeing God move mightily on her missions trip.
ReplyDeleteGod is so very faithful, powerful, and kind!
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I'm doing the same, Linda, as I recover from the ear infection and all. Adding grief to your own mix makes it harder but I know you are taking good care and in good hands. Thanks for coming by the other day.
ReplyDeleteOh, an ear infection can be the worst, Jeanie. Here's hoping that as you wake this morning you'll feel so much better.
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Thank you for this. Regine
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
Happy Monday morning to you, friend!
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I'm in complete agreement about giving ourselves permission to take a break. We receive some unexpected bad news yesterday, and I'm reducing my work hours this week to help me process and deal with the news.
ReplyDeleteMargie, I'm so sorry. May God calm your mind and heart as you take this needed time to process. Hard stuff.
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Just reading this as I traveled last week and surprised to see me mentioned. Thanks so much for the shout out. and love love love your words and photos. such beauty!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciated your post, Jean. You speak to where I'm coming from. Thanks for building into my life!
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"Love others as you love yourself..." We often forget to do this so thx for this wonderful reminder...
ReplyDeleteMakes me wonder why this slips our mind ...
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Health for me is not a thing,
ReplyDeleterest is hard and brings the pain,
so I will let work take wing
for as long as I remain
upon this spinning good green Earth,
though out here, it's kinda brown;
I no longer feel my worth,
but will not let that get me down,
for we are all appointed death;
some are mourned, and some are not,
and if beyond my final breath
all my days are plumb forgot,
I will not rage and will not weep,
for death's new life, and not a sleep.
These are the times we're grateful that we find our worth in the Lord, not in what we're producing. Therein is our peace. I hope you and Barbara are having a good week, friend.
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