How is your busy life going? Does it cause you to stress over things? I have discovered that stress is rooted in fear as I am not trusting God to accomplish what needs to be done.   There are times when my life seems to be all about  activity, doing accomplishing things and then times of rest and relaxation. I find the times of activity bring me the greatest stress, and I often feel overwhelmed by everything I am facing or need to accomplish. On those days that I know will be very taxing, I pray for God to multiply my time and energy. Another way to say this is Time Management for both activities and energy.  God has always been faithful to do this for me.   At the end of the day I look back and can praise Him for all that He has done through me that day.

How can I live fearlessly and know that God will faithfully energize me and multiply my time?  What assurances do I have from God’s word?  Matthew 7:7  “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”   (NIV)  The first step in being assured is to ask God.  Lay out your day before Him and ask for strength, guidance, energy, multiplied time, good decisions in using the time give, etc.    Once you have laid the problems at Jesus feet, you need to believe He will answer you.  James 1:6 a “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt,”   and  1John 5:14  “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”  (NIV)   God is good and wants me to accomplish things for Him.  When I ask for strength, guidance, energy and time management, those are things He will freely give me so that I can do His work.   The key to this is to remember to pray and give it to God.  We are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Be joyful; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

I pray these are words of encouragement to you and will help you ‘de-stress’ your life this week.

Blessings,
Linda

Yesterday was my first official book signing event.  God so graciously brought another author at the same time.  He was a young man with a powerful story about God’s transforming power in his life. Both of us had time to talk with people about God’s might and power and what he has done and is doing in our lives.  I had some deep theological conversations about fear and how God’s word changes lives.  What about you?  When was the last time you had a serious conversation- not argument- about God, who He is, what He is doing in your life or why you believe He is who He says He is?
In our society we are taught to believe that when you are with others- you don’t talk religion or politics, right?  However, my discussions were soul searching, exhilarating and thought provoking yesterday.  I should be ready to talk about the Lord and what He has done for me at anytime.  This is not always easy and Satan wants us to be afraid, intimidated, embarrassed, doubting or tongue tied by our thoughts and worries.  John reminds us in 1John 4:4  ” You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”(NIV)   When we step out- or in this case- speak out, we are living by faith and not fear!  Jesus wants us to be bold for His sake and not be ashamed to proclaim Him to the world.  Paul so aptly put it in Romans 1:16-17 ” For I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile (me).  For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.'” (NIV)

I want to live by faith and not be captive to my fears.  I am learning that this is a day by day walk with the Lord towards fearlessly living in Him!

Blessings,

Linda

The young man I met, Eli Contreras, tells his story in his book And then I Heard His Voice.  A short article by Allen Payton was recently published in the Antioch Herald .   You can also see him on You Tube under “Saving Eli”.  It is a powerful interview done by the 700 Club.

April 27, 2014

Just like the beautiful picture of spring flowers that I took recently in Israel, I have decided to begin a new blog that can be viewed by everyone.  I had many people tell me they wanted to follow my blog but since it was published on Google it was difficult to access for those not having a Gmail address.  This new blog address has many advantages and gives me a ‘new’ look.  I hope you will visit me often and talk to me via this link.  I have copied my past posts so that you can see what I’ve been writing since February.  When I was copying the old posts, I realized that I have been learning and growing throughout this process.  It makes me realize that I am truly a work in progress both in writing and in living.

Paul encouraged the Thessalonians when he wrote, “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love everyone of you has for each other is increasing.”  Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)   Does that describe you in your walk with the Lord?  I like to think it describes me, but in reality I have to be truthful and say I wish it did.  So often I want to complain and tell the Lord that I like things as they are.  He reminds me that growing more like Him is a process and if you are not moving forward you are going backward.  There is no standing still.  Writing these blogs and stretching myself to learn new technology is painful.  I would rather not have to learn new technology but then again I know there is no standing still.  I can’t get God’s word out to others if I just use what I have- I need to reach out and up.

I was complaining about learning to work with this software and how hard it was.  I said,” I’d rather quilt!”  My daughter so wisely reminded me that I did not start out making complicated quilts either.  It took a lot of time and patience to develop my quilting skills.   That is so true.  I need to be patient with myself  and know it is enough for my Lord if I am moving upward and onward and not being content to stand still.

I pray that I will hear from many of you on this new blog site.  Be sure to like me and pass it on to your friends.  I have several tabs where you can see more about me, upcoming events and even a link to purchase or view my book from my publisher.  That marvel of technology was provided by my daughter’s friend, thank you Mr. R!   My book is also available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.   I linked to my publisher so you would have an opportunity to support a Christian business.  You might find other books you would like by Christian authors on the full sight.

Try to be patient with yourself this week but look for growth.  It will be there when you least expect it!

Blessings.

Linda

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Today is Earth Day. A day created in 1969 to bring us into an awareness of the environment and our need to treat the Earth with care and protect it.  In 2014, there are green buildings, houses, cars, etc. working to take better care of the resources we have on our planet.   The Bible gives us God’s perspective on this planet.   Psalm 24:1   The earth is the LORD’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.     Isaiah 6:3  “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”  (NIV)    Our planet and its resources reflect our glorious, magnificent God.    The Lord spoke to  Adam and Eve in  Genesis 1:28  ” And God blessed them and said to them. Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it (using all its vast resources in the service of God and man); and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth.”  (Amplified)
     Is that how you feel about the earth?  Do you see our vast resources as something to be used in the service of God and man?  I think if we did and remembered that the whole world is filled with His glory we would be more reflective and careful with the earth God has so graciously given to us.  Are you being a good steward of the earth’s resources?  How can you be “greener” in your life and do your part to help honor God with this precious earth?
Have a blessed Earth Day and let me know things you are doing to protect and save the earth’s resources.
Linda

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Seems like forever since I was able to sit down and write!  Done with the jet lag and have my pictures in order so it is time to focus on life in the here and now.  Went to see the movie “God is Not Dead” yesterday and was very impressed.  A young college freshman is challenged to defend God and prove that God is Alive.  It has a powerful message and reminds me that I need to take my belief in Jesus seriously  and be ready to stand up for Him.  What about you?  Is God alive for you?  As we approach Easter and face an empty tomb, do you believe that Jesus has risen and is living and active today?  Can you join Job in saying,” I know my redeemer lives,”  Job 19:25a, or Jesus when speaking to the Pharisees about resurrection said, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”  Matthew 22:32   (NIV).   Jesus also spoke to Martha, the sister of Lazarus, in Matthew 11:25. “I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die,” Do you believe this?”   Jesus’ question to Martha is one He asks each one of us.  Do you believe He is who he says he is and that he died and rose again?  Will you respond like Job and claim Him as your redeemer?  I pray that will be your response as you encounter the empty tomb this Easter Sunday.  Praise God, He has Risen!  He has risen indeed!
Have a blessed week.
Linda

One possible location in Jerusalem for Jesus’ tomb.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Shalom!  I have just returned from Israel where I found the internet working but not always conveniently available.  I had to abandon writing my blog from there which gave me more time to concentrate on the trip and soak in the history and visions of the places I had only read about.  I don’t’ know why the richness and the variability of the land surprised me so much. I’ve seen pictures and read books but somehow it did not translate in my mind.  It was a wonderful pilgrimage and I do hope to share portions of my trip and pictures as time progresses.
Today I have a funny story to share.  I wrote a text to my daughter that I was arriving on time and she came to get me.  Later she shared she was a tad worried about me as she had not received any emails since before 26th of March.  I thought that was weird as I did remember sending a few updates while in route to Jerusalem and while I was there.  This morning as we got our day started she came in and told me she got the email I sent on the 26 just this morning- 6 days later!! We both laughed.
Thinking about sending things into “space” with the push of a button, we expect them to be delivered instantly.  How often our expectations do not translate into reality of action.  I am eternally grateful that when I pray and send my prayers off to God,  that I can be assured that He hears me immediately- not after days.  Psalm 34:17  The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them: he delivers them from all their troubles.”    We can be assured that God hears our prayers and knows about our circumstances. Lamentations 3:57 You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.”  (NIV)  (See Day 43 of Fearless Living)  We are also told in I Thessalonians 5:17 to pray continually.  God wants us to live with the assurance that we can call upon Him 24/7 and He will hear us.  Take heart today and live with confidence that our omnipotent God is listening.
Blessings,
Linda

Here is the picture of the sunrise on the Sea of Galilee that I promised.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

 Shalom from Israel! This blog entry finds a me on a tour of the Holy Land. Since my body clock is still in shock, it was suggested we catch the sunrise over the Sea of Galilee. So my day began with this song on my lips- 10,000 Reasons
The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning;
It’s time to sing Your song again.
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me,
Ten thousand reasond for my heart to find.
Bless the Lord O my soul, O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before, O my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name.
This song confirmed for me who I was up so early to worship and why. We need no other reason than God is holy and worthy of our praise. As I watched the birds take flight in the cool morning air and the first rays of sunlight color the sky I thought how privelidged I am to know and love the Lord. What graces your morning thoughts? Do you rise thankful for a new day awaiting new blessings?  Though circumstances may differ and some days are hard, our attitude is to be one of praise. Will you give a word of praise and thanks as you begin your day?  When I’m home I will post my sunrise over Galilee photo for you to see too!
Blessings.
Linda 

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Happy belated St. Patrick’s Day!  I love days that celebrate our family heritages.  I watched my grandson get all decked out in green yesterday to celebrate the day and his Irish heritage.  I cooked corned beef and cabbage several times, just like my mother did before me, to help remind me of where my ancestors came from and why they immigrated to America.  How much more then should we celebrate our heritage and family we have through Christ?
John 1:12  “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,”  
       2 Corinthians 6:16,18 ” For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, ‘I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.   …and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.'”
Do you celebrate being a child of God?  Do you count it a privilege to be called a son or daughter of the Lord Almighty?   Being a child of God has great benefits:  a loving heavenly father, salvation from my sins, an indwelling Holy Spirit to guide me, His own words to guide me in the Bible, brothers and sisters in Christ that I can count as family to love and uphold me.  What about you?  Count your blessings today and thank God that he loves you and wants you to be in His forever family.  If you do not yet belong, send me a note and I’ll send you some verses to lead you to Christ or talk with a Christian friend.  Become a member now!
Blessings,
Linda

Friday, March 14, 2014

What are people searching for? A friend gave me a printout of a page from Bible Gateway that shows what people are searching the Bible for in the 10 most populous countries of the world. The most searched places were Psalm 23, Genesis 1, and 1 Corinthians 13. This would suggest to me that people around the world are seeking: peace, understanding of God and the universe, and love. When you go to the Bible, what are you seeking? Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Proverbs 8:17 says, “I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.” Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your hear.”(NIV) Whatever our need when we open God’s word, he promises to reward us and meet us there. God isn’t hiding from us. He is there in plain view if we will but look for Him. All that is required is faith and an open heart. What about you? Do you seek to know God believing that He exists and will answer your deepest needs? I would encourage you to take your questions to God, open His word and seek to know Him. He is faithful and will answer.
Have a blessed day.
Linda

March 11, 2014
Well, just Sunday AM we had to ‘spring forward’ into daylight savings time.  It does not seem like much of an adjustment- it is only 1 hour.  But now it is dark in the morning and the alarm wakes me up instead of the sunshine, and I can go for a walk in the early evening.  Since I like having more light during my waking hours, I enjoy daylight savings time.  It is just the adjusting my body to the new time that causes me a bit of distress.  In John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world, Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  Knowing Jesus gives us a pathway in life that is full of hope, direction, purpose and has assurance of things to come. Every so often (probably more than I care to admit) I need a bit of adjustment to God’s plan and direction.  It causes me to struggle, but those struggles or trials produce a character that is more pleasing to God. So be sure to take in the light today, soak up God’s rays of goodness and love in His word and be connected to Him in prayer.  You too will have a day of walking in the light with Jesus.
Blessings, Linda