“Each of us brings to our job, whatever it is, our lifetime of experience and our values.” 

                                ~ Sandra Day O’Connor

 

Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people’s trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they’re up against: defeat for them, victory for you—and both because of God. There’s far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There’s also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting. You’re involved in the same kind of struggle you saw me go through, on which you are now getting an updated report in this letter.  

                              ~ Philippians 1:29

 

I am so thrilled with the Bible Study in which I am a member.  The ladies are from diverse places, economic status and backgrounds. We sit, united in Christ, sharing our journeys and affirming the ways in which we bring the message forward.  Speaking only for myself, this group has taught me a great deal about being unified as a body.  I know I mentioned the amazing prayer time we shared two weeks ago, this week we meet again, and I look forward to the testimonies and in seeing the ways in which God has knit us a little closer.  

     Barriers are melting away and acceptance and strength are the new building blocks.  As you live out your day, days, weeks, months, years, etc, keep in mind that the Creator of the Universe shows gardeners how to care for seedlings until they are ready for the garden, the yard, the outside.

     Look to God for your spiritual nutrients, try and let go of old mindsets as God gives you new vision, as God does spring cleaning in your heart, mind and spirit. And remember to allow the love of God to reach you.  Allow yourself to feel loved. And as you look at the scars that life has left behind, praise God in the midst of them. They are reminders of the survivor and victor that you are!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqjGT9BSyJA

Thankful for the Scars – I Am They

 

Because of Him,

Linda

Ever Ever On

The ornaments of your house will be the guests who frequent it. 

 

     ~Author Unknown

 

29 For you have been given the privilege of serving Christ, not only by believing in him, but also by suffering for him.

     Philippians 1:29

Bilbo slipped it on in times of trial and tempation,

He found it by chance, won it by riddling, paid for it until he

     left for the Blessed Realm of the Elves, heading west.

 

He left it as a gift for his nephew who 

    suffered on a journey that often echoes our own, 

     his quest was to destroy that which had become

     toxic for him, addictive, seductive.  It cost him a finger.

Frodo fell many times, and yet kept going.  His reward?

 

A faithful friendship deepened, a friend who helped 

     him stay on the right road till the end.

And just when everything looked bleak, they were

carried on eagle’s wings to safety.

 

This is a very simplified synopsis of a piece of the Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.  It echoes our own quest on good and bad days.  We are on a road that goes ever ever on, and when we tire of being invisible, weary from the same battle, when we see no progress, we are still in a better place than ever before, and the Goal is ever brighter.

 

Don’t give up.

Lord, help me to run this race to completion, welcoming all that comes, standing in you and thanking you as I move ever closer to you.  Help me let go of whatever “ring” is taunting me, to deliver it to you.

 

Because of Him,

Linda