Whatever It Takes!

I am sitting in my office at work and right above my computer are 3 words I made with my label machine. WHATEVER IT TAKES

This is a reminder for me to be available when God needs me, to be ready to meet a need, offer a hug, share a tear, listen to a story or share His Word.

I also need to be prepared with a willing heart to change my attitude, be flexible, supportive and always encouraging!

"All around are needs to meet. Be God's heart and hands and feet."

I spent a terrific day with wonderful ladies at a beautiful lake cottage! We looked at the various personality types and how they impact our lives by those we live and work with. It was fun and the ladies are like family!

How exciting God made each one of us special and unique...may we live our lives in such a way He will get all the glory!

Love sharing God's Word,
Linda
I Corinthians 12:18

I'm sitting in my office at home and here too I am surrounded by items and sayings that encourage and inspire me.

There is a Precious Moments figurine given to me on Mother's Day by one of my children that says, "I picked you to love", and a plaque with the saying, "Mom, I'm assured of your love even though we're apart 'cause so much we've shared is written on my heart. I love you!"

There is a bulletin board filled with cards and notes from my kids, friends and sweet notes from folks who have heard me speak. My desk is completely cluttered and I am happy!

God is in the center of my life...love Him and life!



Blessings,
Linda

Surrounded by...part 2

To the right of my computer I have a metal magnet board which includes a picture of my 3 children when they were 5, 3 and 1. So cute and in many ways, it seems like yesterday. They are now 31, 29 and 26 and are wonderful! They enjoy being together and I am so grateful! There is also a picture of my Mom & Dad with our family...3 boys and 3 girls...I am number 4.

Then there is a picture of me dressed up as Frosty the snowman at the wedding of a friend...Jeremy loves Christmas and when they got married in the summer several years ago, I thought it would be a fun surprise and was it ever...another terrific memory!

This is a thought -provoking message I had laminated and put on the board.

SEVEN THINGS YOU WILL NEVER REGRET

Showing kindness to an aged person.

Destroying a letter written in anger.

Offering the apology that saves a friendship.

Stopping a scandal that was wrecking a reputation.

Helping a boy find himself.

Taking time to show your mother consideration.

Accepting the judgment of God on any question.

Blessings,

Linda

Surrounded by....part 1

I always think it is interesting what someone has on and around their desk at work and home so I thought I would share some of what is around me at work. Right above my computer is a reminder I see every day...Linda, You're a treasure to God! Beneath it is the scripture:

"I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies." Psalm 18:1-3 Love seeing this reminder every day!

To the right is a fun piece of paper with a pink pipe cleaner attached to it which had been wrapped around a pencil. This is a memory made with a little girl named Mya who was so excited and happy when she made it for me. Love making memories!

Sweet truth from Kaydance

My granddaughter, Kaydance was in the car with me a few months ago and as we passed a cemetery she asked me what that was. She was 4 at the time and so I begin to talk about when people die and go to heaven. I tried to describe heaven in a way she would understand by telling her heaven is a beautiful, happy, big place and Jesus will be there with us. I must have done a really good job telling her about it because when I was done, she exclaimed, "I want to go there right now Nana." Well of course that was not on my to do list for the day (although I'm ready when He calls) and I told her we were alive on earth right now and God wants us to to be happy here while we help, love and care about people. She thought about this for a minute and then exclaimed, "But in heaven we'll be ALIVER!" Wow....what truth and insight from her little precious mind... Looking forward to ALIVER!

Forgiveness brings freedom!

I was sitting in my office one day and turned over my little flip calendar and read the following quote by Lewis Smedes. "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was you."
I was so excited I ran around telling anyone who would listen. When we choose not to forgive others or ourselves we live as though chains and balls were attached to our soul. We become bitter, lonely and sad. Our lives focus on us and all the wrongs in our life. Today is a new day, a day to start the process of forgiveness beginning with wanting to. May we allow G0d to work in our hearts to bring about a forgiving spirit. It's not easy but oh, so worth it! FREEDOM!