PORCH
A CHRIST-CENTERED
WEEKEND NEWSLETTER
gentle conversation
calming snapshots
uplifting linkage
occasional surprises
Good breezy afternoon from the porch. The winds are blowing hard and it feels almost tropical which is kind of odd since we're here in New England. The calendar says it's summer yet whiffs of fall somehow seem present. We're left wondering whether to reach for a sweatshirt or open every window wide. Go figure.
I seldom ask God why questions anymore. I'm guessing because I've seen Him so faithful. Found security in leaning into the fact that He never changes like shifting shadows. Have come to implicitly trust His character and His lovingkindness and His justice. Experienced those mercies that blossom fresh every morning.
Don't get me wrong. There's much about life I can't begin to understand. And evil that I don't want to comprehend. Who can even begin to figure out what's going on these days? Yet there's a peace that comes in releasing all we can't control, fix, or maneuver.
Which is just about everything. And everyone around me.
Why questions take us in circles. They leave us hanging. They go no place productive. They tend to easily become whiney and demanding and especially tiresome to unfortunate bystanders who find themselves held hostage by their hand-wringing companions.
But I do like the what questions when talking with God. They are laced with a positive expectancy. Like what are You trying to teach me? What are You inviting me to? What miracles are You going to unleash in this mess here and that disaster over there?
🍂
Jesus specialized in asking the hard questions. They were often simply spoken but they weren't easy for people to answer because their response had the potential to turn their lives inside out. And those kind of conversations can be incredibly unsettling because who might I be if I said a completely sold out, unfettered yes to Him?
Click here to read Do You Want to Be Well?
🍂
As we gradually transition into autumn, I find myself leaning forward to hear your stories, pick your brains, and glean from your wisdom. Not because I'm nosy and intrusive but because the older I get, the more I find myself curious and inquisitive.
The upcoming end of a season is a liminal space, the perfect time to figure out what's going on inside our heads and hearts, an opportunity to re-evaluate our commitments and calendars. Done well, with a bit of time and space around us and in the company of God and those who can help us discern, this can be a gently-paced, stress-less process of discovery and renewal ... as opposed to the typical frantic mad dash scenario that comes crashing in after Labor Day.
🍂
I do love asking what questions. (Some people relish this and others wish I'd simply go away.)
Like what saved your life this summer? What have you been dreaming of? Creating? And what are you embracing and anticipating?
What Scripture has captured your heart? What's your biggest fear? Your deepest passion? What's making you sad?
What's stirring inside your soul? What do you miss ... and what are you completely done with?
Let's talk. I promise to listen well and not get all bossy with you. And if you have questions for me, I'll try to answer them.
Linda
P.S. #1
In last week's edition of PORCH, Victor asked the million dollar question - 'What do you prefer? Books or ice cream?' I told him I'd put it to a vote here.
P.S. #2
* Subscribers, as always you can click on the title to take you over to the comment section. OR hit REPLY to email your thoughts. OR text if you'd like. I will post your email or text remarks using your first initial only.
Hi, Linda! The way you write makes the subject matter highly relatable. Thank you for putting all of these on my plate. Your "what" questions are definitely food for thought. Will contemplate some responses and get back to you.
ReplyDeleteWould love to chat with you, whoever you are!
Delete😃
I love the idea of transitioning why questions to what questions!
ReplyDeleteFor sure, 'what' questions are deeper, more inviting, and less demanding than their 'why' cousins.
Delete👍
Ooh.. books or ice cream is a tough choice! I guess I'd have to say books since I do read them year round but I really only enjoy in the warm summer months (and maybe a bit in spring and fall too! LOL)
ReplyDeleteThat's a good way of figuring out the best answer, Joanne!
Delete💡
Love the whole idea of questions, Linda. My husband calls me the "Question Queen". He says i always come up with questions no one else thinks of, and have a way of truly connecting with others through questions. I love the way Jesus used questions both to teach and rebuke. But I do agree that "why" questions can lead us down trails we wish we hadn't gone, and ultimately off no satisfying answers!
ReplyDeleteYour "what" questions are fabulous. My greatest fear has been nagging me lately. I fear coming to the end of my life, (which at soon to be 65 is looming larger) and finding my life had no real impact for God's Kingdom.
As for books or ice cream, hands down for me would be BOOKS!!!!
I'm thinking of the kind of writing you do and how it is such a gift to those who suffer, Donna. Isn't it interesting that we can be touching lives and not even know it. Maybe that keeps us from pride? I'm not sure. All I can do is assure you that your work is a blessing.
DeleteActually this whole issue of looking at our life and evaluating our accomplishments, effectiveness, and meaning is a normal developmental task that's healthy and good. For those of us who are believers, God's 'well done, good and faithful servant' is our standard.
And a good question to ask when we're not quite sure if we're making an impact is, 'do I feel His pleasure?'
Donna, thanks for bringing this up today. This kind of question is important for us to sit with along the way ...
💐
I just parked in 1 Corinthians 15:58 for a few days: "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." Out of several pages of journaling, here's one takeaway: It is God working in me and through me; it is his presence in my life--with all the perfections of his attributes, it is his power that brings success to any work I accomplish. Sucess in God's kingdom is not measured in numbers and dollars; it's measured by obedience. And when I walk in obedience to his commands, I experience prosperity of soul--much more valuable than the self-gratification of numbers and wealth. / As for the ice cream vs. books questions: books win easily! They bring longer-lasting pleasure than ice cream!
ReplyDeleteNancy, I love how you put it, parking yourself in a portion of Scripture, just letting it marinate and giving you rich takeaway.
DeleteThanks for reminding us again that success and prosperity are marked by obedience. Sadly, we've allowed numbers to call the shots, much to our own detriment and disillusionment.
🚙
I have been even more contemplative than normal lately, while dealing with health issues and so many other things on my mind. I cling to Him, plead for healing, and ask for life to complete my book volumes. I so long to be the one to edit and get them all published, mostly as a gift for our dear son to always have in his possession. There's so much more that I still want to do for God and I so hope He will allow me to. Thank you for asking questions that make me search and think. God bless you.🙏❤
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Cheryl. Those seasons where our health is fragile are so hard ... fear and anxiety often worm their way on in, don't they.
DeleteI pray that you'll find the Holy Spirit to be very near and dear to you right now. That you'll feel His tender arms cradling you, that His peace will be palpable and incredibly real. May you hear Him speaking kindly to your clinging, pleading, and longing soul. He is able and He loves you dearly.
Thank You, Jesus.
✝️
Thank you, dear Linda. Your words brought me to tears as I came back and read them today. Love you, sweet friend.
Delete'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
🕊️
What's making you sad?
ReplyDeleteI think it's the fact that as humans we are distancing ourselves from God. We're becoming more selfish, greedy and violent. And unforgiving too. This world will not know peace until it learns to forgive.
As for ice cream V books. I prefer books, because I cannot write on ice cream. For those of your readers who also like books they can try mine - either the Christian ones, or the humour. Beware - it's English humour.
God bless, Linda.
You're right. Our self-absorption causes us to be greedy, unforgiving. Our attitudes and words can too easily become violent, if not our behavior. Only Jesus can save us from our sinful selves. Only the power of His Spirit can lead us to asking for forgiveness ... and then offering that forgiveness to others.
DeleteLord have mercy, Christ have mercy.
READERS - Check out Victor's books
https://www.holyvisions.co.uk/visionsbookv4.htm
🕊️
I’m reading in the OT this summer and enjoying the prophets but longing for the Gospels and good news. My reading is feeling heavy right now.
ReplyDeleteI’m loving team teaching Sunday school with my husband.
Definitely books—but ice cream is my favorite treat…
And I don’t know what is stirring in me but feel certain that I am to just keep doing the things that are mine to do and be content.
I've always struggled with the OT, Michele. There are books there I gravitate to (Psalms, Proverbs) but always find myself longing for the NT's good news. It's hard for me to sit quietly with the laws and kings and the prophets. I take every shortcut I can to all the richness that Jesus taught.
DeleteGod knows my heart. He loves me anyway ...
☀️
Such good questions, Linda. For me I'm saddened for the state of our nation and the world. Some of that is old fashioned nostalgia because I'm old enough to remember when being proud of this country was something almost everyone was and when there was a sense of morality even among non-Christians. I'm even sadder for how schools, universities, corporations, and even our government seem bent on shaming, teaching, and threatening every bit of faith or potential faith out of this generation and especially the next. But I'm also hopeful that God will use this to force those who might be lukewarm to the things of God and think that makes them OK to take a stand one way or the other.
ReplyDeleteThis answer turned very long so I'll just say briefly that there are several things I'm anticipating. It looks like God is opening some new and exciting opportunities to serve Him. Thanks for asking. :)
Isn't God good to continue to give us new and exciting opportunities to love and serve Him ... right in the middle of this messy, sinful world! Thank You, Jesus. May we focus on what we can control and do ... and continue to release the rest into His wise and holy hands.
DeleteHe's already written the rest of the story. That gives us hope and peace.
📝
So much here that brings smiles and thoughtful reflection, as usual. We have our favorite ice cream spot but I read a lot more than indulge in that so I choose books. I also like replacing 'why' with 'what'. The first doesn't often lead to much but 'what' - possibilities. - Debby
ReplyDeletePossibilities are like open doors, aren't they. I've had seasons where I spent far too much time and energy looking back at the ones that were shut and locked tight. Maybe that's one of aging's lessons ... to look ahead to what God has for us instead of longing for what was and is no more.
DeleteWho's got time to waste?
🤷♀️
Great blog
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're here, Rajani ...
Delete😉
There is so much power to questions - a practice I use all the time. You are so right about the why questions taking us in circles. it is our grasping for understanding when the what questions gives us something concrete to focus on and maybe heal or move forward.
ReplyDeletebooks or ice cream? wow that is hard. I vote for books though.
That's a good point, Jean ... those 'why' questions are our grasping for understanding which will often never be available to us on this earth. It's all so exhausting and endless. Fruitless.
DeleteThe 'what' questions seem more concrete, forward-looking, more confident, less like a victim and more like a victor.
I like that.
👍
I love both books and ice cream. I will read a book while eating ice cream! I'm creating or at least trying to crochet a sock monkey but I'm about ready to give up because of all the mistakes I keep making.
ReplyDeleteQuestion for you: What did you want to be when you were a child?
Mmm ... I think a teacher ... until high school when counseling started whispering my name.
DeleteKeep up the good work on that sock monkey, friend! I admire that kind of handiwork.
🧶
I miss my kids. They are grown adults living their lives and we thankfully we have a good connection. No one warns you about the heart ache of them leaving and the excitement of their adulting. Both can be felt strongly.
ReplyDeleteYep, for sure, that push/pull of heartache and excitement often co-exist at the same time. But it's hard all the same. I hear ya', Lisa. Absolutely.
Delete😥
I do not ask why questions of God anymore either, Linda, but I appreciate your clarification on asking Him what questions. :) Books or ice cream - books! This summer, I have journeyed with my dh through his job lost and the adventure of trusting the Lord for provision. My youngest daughter moved out two weeks ago and I entered into the joy of her getting her first apartment and meeting her goal. She joins us on Friday night to visit and do her laundry, so it is nice to have a set meeting time together. I am enjoying painting the girl's room and preparing it to be a guest room. I'm looking forward to the guest He sends our way in the future. That catches you up on my summer, Linda. My question for you - how are you doing/transitioning/healing after your mom's promotion? How are you filling the time that you use to spend caring for her...with God, sowing into yourself or others, summer projects?
ReplyDeleteWow, that's a whole lot of transitions going on at once, Lisa. I'm struck by your positive mindset in looking forward to how you can reach out even in the midst of loss ... and seeing this season of trusting God for provision as an adventure.
DeleteI hope you'll do some writing on this because I think most of us would be responding in quite a different way.
I don't think anyone has asked me about Mom's 'promotion.' What a beautiful reminder that heaven is a gift to be anticipated even though death can be cruel and painful.
I am doing well. I think of her every day and talk about her often, especially to my husband and sister. Old instincts kick in and I want to send her the latest pictures of the kids or show her what we've been able to do with the house. I know she'd be so excited. Bottom line is I'm so grateful she is not suffering any more. Thank You, Jesus.
And thank you for asking, Lisa. That means so much to me.
😘
Mine would be a “what” question… “What is God waiting for…let’s just get it done !!!”
ReplyDelete* subscriber email response
I'm guessing He smiles as He hears your passion and impatience and expectancy, girl! He knows what you've lost and suffered and been through. He loves you deeply. Lean into Him. He's got this.
DeleteBelieve me, I know.
🤪
What has saved me this summer is leaving home. :) I do love my home, don't get me wrong! I'm quite the homebody. But I've discovered that I'm making greater strides in my emotional healing when I step outside my normal routine and mix with other people on causes that are dear to me. I love your "what" questions!
ReplyDeleteWow, this right here Lisa is profound --> 'I've discovered that I'm making greater strides in my emotional healing when I step outside my normal routine and mix with other people on causes that are dear to me.'
DeleteYes, yes, yes. It's hard to heal from the pain if we're cloistered inside our own little world. Everything in us wants to protect ourselves from more hurt. Thank you for modeling a much better way. I so appreciate your wisdom even in the middle of the pain. Sending love your way this afternoon, friend.
🧩
Such great questions Linda. Enjoyed reading your blog this late Sunday afternoon. Girl, what has saved me this summer? My Air Conditioner! LOL! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteYep. I absolutely agree! It's been a beast ... but fall is coming, girl.
Delete👒
Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteLoved this blog. I want to curl up on your porch! THE QUESTION: No problem....a bowl or cone of ice cream,(Coffee Oreo) with my favorite book at that time. Summer is too short!
* subscriber email response
A cool spot to sit + ice cream + a favorite book =BLISS!
Delete😎
It's been fun reading the comments! I realize I could be asking God the "what are you teaching me" question much more. What am I sad about? I know this summer has been full of wonderful transitions, but I am a little sad my grandchildren are now an hour drive away, instead of a 10 minute bike ride. The sadness is all part of the transition I've been going through, so it is just a season.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, a 10 minute bike ride sounded perfect. How wonderful to have had that season with the kids ... I can only imagine how hard this must be to actually have to travel now. That's a big adjustment in a season already filled with change and transitions.
DeleteI like how you're reminding us that these tough times are a 'season.' That's a good takeaway for me this afternoon, so thank you for sharing this, Lynn. I have a feeling others will agree.
🚴♀️
What's making me sad?
ReplyDeleteMy country is becoming more and more divided along racial and religious lines, and this is also my biggest fear — that one day, my beloved nation will be Islamized.
Hugs and blessings, Linda.
Oh Veronica, I'm praying for you even as we speak. May your faith fill you with peace, grace, and hope. May you be a beacon of light to those living in fear.
Delete🕯️
Thank you so much for the prayers and affirming words.
DeleteHugs and blessing, my dear friend
Grateful to be getting to know you more ...
Delete🌍
I'm going to have to ponder whether I ask God "why" questions or "what" questions more often. I think it's "what" but that's a good thing to consider. I think I ask myself the "why" questions - why does this bother me so much? why do I really want that thing (what are my motives?)? why are you happy/sad/angry about things?
ReplyDeleteAs for books and ice cream - what an interesting choice. If I couldn't have both, I would choose books. They don't melt and they can be enjoyed over and over again.
Visiting from Sweet Tea & Friends today.
'books. They don't melt and they can be enjoyed over and over again.'
DeleteA perfect description, Kym!
And an interesting observation - what kind of questions we ask ourselves vs. what kind of questions we ask of God.
🤷♀️
I choose books. I ask why still sometimes.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
Me, too. We're all in process, figuring this out.
Delete💫
Hi Linda. I've been letting this post simmer in my heart for a couple of days. What especially touched me is to ask God "What are you trying to teach me?" instead of asking why. I found myself practicing it on Saturday. I do find myself asking God, "Why is all this happening in the world?" but it comforts me to remember He knows every heart and has every person and every event all under control. Every week I write out a verse on my weekly desk calendar, and last week, Isaiah 41:10 especially strengthened my heart and has more often in life been a comfort. "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged for I am your God. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand." How would we cope in life without Him, right? :) Thank you for this encouraging post that prompts us to pause and ask ourselves the deep questions. Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank YOU for this nudge toward claiming a verse of Scripture and inviting God's Word to strengthen and comfort us. Writing it out and seeing those sacred words day in and out is powerful and sustaining.
DeleteIt sure beats focusing on the news and every worst case scenario that tries to grab our attention.
He's the God of love and compassion, truth and justice. All will be well. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. And thank you, Trudy, for yet again focusing our eyes upward to Him.
🙏
Ahhh, Linda. What questions. They're so much more productive than why questions. So, for your what questions, I'm choosing: "And what are you embracing and anticipating?" This is kind of a hard one. But, I'm embracing that today is the first day of a new season for me: the empty nest season. My husband and youngest are on the road toward Indiana as I write these words. I'll join them on Thursday, and we'll move DS2 into his dorm on Friday. I've been bracing myself to embrace this new season. I'm not totally there yet, but I'm working on it with God. I'm anticipating the new adventures Hubs and I will have, the additional time to write, and the things God has for me that I don't yet know about. I always enjoy your posts, my friend.
ReplyDeleteFew things signify a new season like kids moving off to college. They're still part of the family, but when they return home on break, it's not quite the same. Once you get over the shock of facing the hole they've left behind, you'll love it. I promise, Jeanne!
DeleteAnd when they do come home (with all their dirty wash and a couple of friends a piece), you'll enjoy their company more than ever.
🧺
Books vs. ice cream -- it would have to be books. I agree with many reasons the other commentators mentioned. But I have also become lactose intolerant. They make lactose-free ice cream now (before that I had missed ice cream for years). But I save it for an occasional treat.
ReplyDeleteWe just had a ten-day visit with my oldest out-of-state son here and my local ones gathering with us often. I loved all the family time but am in recovery mode from all the activity. :-) So I am laying kind of low this week.
Elsiabeth Elliot had a book titled On Asking God Why. One quote from it is this: "I seek the lessons God wants to teach me, and that means that I ask why. There are those who insist that it is a very bad thing to question God. To them, 'why?' is a rude question. That depends, I believe, on whether it is an honest search, in faith, for his meaning, or whether it is a challenge of unbelief and rebellion. The psalmist often questioned God and so did Job. God did not answer the questions, but he answered the man--with the mystery of himself."
In the rest of this chapter, she tells of wondering why God answered one prayer request favorably, but not another, why a project that involved a great amount of time and work now seemed to be unusable. We learn as much as we can with those questions, but, ultimately we're satisfied "with the mystery of Himself."
Barbara, your last line said it all --> ultimately we're satisfied "with the mystery of Himself."
DeleteYes, yes. Faith is a mystery that can not be solved. If it was easy, it wouldn't be faith. The 'why' questions fade away when we're in the presence of His holiness. Like a little child we come totally dependent on who we know Him to be ... and in that trusting relationship there is peace and rest, even if the answers are unclear. We surely do see through a glass darkly, don't we ...
🔦
I’m going to tackle the “What do you fear?” question. For me, it always comes back to my children. What if they face a situation that I can’t make better for them? As they get older, I’m realizing that I can’t fix everything. They experience anxiety and heartbreak and there’s nothing I can do but worry and pray. This makes me feel powerless and sad. I fear that they will feel alone. (OK, now I’m wondering why I picked this question). I can’t wait to read your response. 😃
ReplyDeleteBooks vs. ice cream: It should come as no surprise that I choose BOOKS! Having just finished my Master’s degree in School Library Science, I have found a way to be surrounded by books every day! Yay!
Thanks for your words, as always!
This is the hardest part of releasing young adult children, isn't it, Jennifer --> 'What if they face a situation that I can’t make better for them?'
DeleteAnd the longer we're at this task of releasing our kids/grandkids, the more we realize how many situations they'll continue to face. And we begin to accept the reality that we can't make things better like we did when they were little. It's a grief we need to grieve, isn't it.
It simply isn't possible to rescue them from all of life's cruelties. I think in finally realizing that God loves them even more than I do, that He sees the end from the beginning, that He has repeatedly proved Himself faithful time after time ... these truths have allowed me to slowly release them into His hands.
These days I'm content in being concerned and prayerful about the stuff everyone in the family is facing. I've learned the hard way that excessive worrying and trying to fix everyone's issues only leads to frustration and anxiety on my part and doesn't do a single thing for them.
And in this learning curve, the powerlessness and sadness begins to fade, replaced by the peace that passes understanding. He whispers peace.
I've been in your shoes, friend. I hope this helps.
👣
Thank you! It truly does help. ❤️
DeleteHe is for you and your family. Always!
Delete🕊️
What saved my life this summer,
ReplyDeleteand brought me loads of fun?
To some, well, it might sound a bummer,
but I built a real cool gun
with a theme of pink and rose,
and I think that it's a beauty.
It rather looks, I do suppose
as if Queer Eye had met Call Of Duty
and chose then to collaborate,
both sides being picky,
on something that would shoot just great,
and still look fab and kicky,
and the best is yet to be,
for it'll mount a 203.
Not a real M203, but a 37mm underslung flare launcher.
Oh just a FLARE LAUNCHER! Not a real M203?!
Delete🤪
I love the conversation that this post has started! I am embracing a lot of change at work, while also anticipating that the next few months are going to be hard. Our team is seriously depleted, I have extra responsibilities, and there is a lot of uncertainty about various things that lie ahead. However, the people who have left seem to be moving onto new opportunities that are perfect for them and there is a real sense of God's leading. Those of us who are left are holding on in faith to the fact that if this is all the right thing for them, it will work out for us too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to look at complex transition time, Lesley. Thank God that the Spirit keeps on whispering, 'this is the way, walk ye in it.' Trusting Him, with you, friend, that He will make the next steps clear and attainable for you personally, as well as your team.
DeleteKeep me posted, ok?
🥿🥿
Let's start with the easy one--definitely books over ice cream. :-) I love all your questions and the conversation they have prompted. I'd say that launching Remembering Our Parents has really saved my life this summer ... it's kept my mind and heart busy after a spring of processing what the empty nest was going to look and feel like. God knew what I needed, and I'm thankful for His provision.
ReplyDeleteI tend to ask "what" more than "why," although after my dad died I found myself in the why vortex quite often. I went back and found a post I wrote about it (https://www.loisflowers.com/when-your-sad-heart-longs-to-know-why/). Isn't it wonderful that a simple peek into the archives can show us how much our hearts have healed?
* subscriber email response
'Isn't it wonderful that a simple peek into the archives can show us how much our hearts have healed?' For absolute sure, friend. God has taken us a long way, hasn't He ... and He's not done yet. And look at what He's doing with Remembering Our Parents.
DeleteI'm so very happy to highly recommend you and Remembering Our Parents to everyone around here -
https://www.instagram.com/rememberingourparents/
🥰
I miss my girls. My oldest 27 disengaged herself from me 7 years ago and I still have no idea why. My youngest 22, and I are strained, only texting a few times a month. I mourned for a long time before finally surrendering it all over to God. My heart misses them so deeply, but I'm okay with HIS wait now.
ReplyDeleteWhat's been stirring in my soul is that for the past several months I have had a deep desire to sponsor a child through on of the organizations out there. However, what their monthly sponsorship costs range from $49-60. I love social security check to social security check and it's not within my means. So its something to think about down the line.
I'm anticipating taking my crafts to fall festivals this season.
And I've been captivated by John 1.
I'd appreciate reconciliation prayers for my girls and I from anyone who would be willing to do so, please.
Linda thanks so much for sharing this wonderful discussion with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend.
Dear Lord, You alone know the deep cry of Paula's heart. You alone know the pain and sorrow, the loneliness and yearning. Would you please fill that aching void with Yourself? Would you please comfort her and remind her how deeply loved she is by You?
DeleteAnd yes, we pray for her daughters. That they would turn their hearts toward their Mom once again. That there would be bridges built, and forgiveness offered and accepted. And that Paula would have grace to wait, to hope, to love for Jesus' sake.
Amen.
🙏
Hi Linda -
ReplyDeleteHappy Wednesday to you! I hope this finds you having a good day. I know I am a bit late in responding to this email but since you asked so nicely and all....well, I had ever intention of answering "at least one question":) I don't often do this but you are such a blessing - both in your emails/posts and in your comments - my heart just wanted to participate in the conversation! I considered your questions and the one that has been on my heart is my greatest fear.
I fear (very much so) not finishing well. I have struggled, for a while, with this season of life...with exactly what God has for me. What should I be doing? Am I being a wise steward of the days He has given me? Now, as I recover from cancer and regain my strength as well as a feeling of "normal," I am even more keenly aware that each year/month/day is, indeed, a gift. A gift that comes with responsibility. God has not brought me through cancer to just coast along. But I often feel as if I'm just coasting.
Not trying to whine but, most days, the thought is heavy on my heart. Perhaps you would join me in prayer over it. That would be a blessing! I will pray for you as well. Thanks for the curious question! Have a blessed day, my friend!
* subscriber email response
Hello! I'm so touched that you'd go out on a limb and join the conversation. It means so much to me that you find this to be a safe place. I'm grateful.
DeleteYour question is similar to Donna's (commenter #4) ... this whole issue of finishing well and examining if our lives have had purpose and meaning is actually a good thing. It causes us to pause and reflect in the light of God's presence. He is faithful to help us look deeply within. It's also a time to re-invent who we are in this season even as we release the past to Him.
I like the idea of a 'no regrets' lifestyle and this is the perfect season to begin, isn't it, especially after your courageous bout with cancer. What is God inviting you to now? How can He redeem what you've experienced? Who needs the gift of your presence, your open heart, your listening ear?
I'm guessing you have something uniquely yours to offer others, friend. Move ahead and do the next right thing He gives you to do. Small steps lead to open doors. Please feel free to keep me posted.
I can't wait to see what God is going to do in you and through you.
🕯️