Journal for the Journey

Flow Through Us

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:52:00 +0000

I saw this picture and felt fresh. The wind blows through the tree. We have redwoods here and they are some of the biggest trees in the world. When I look up and see the branches sway peacefully as the wind goes: I know God is love.

Look around your world. Watch for his hand to move. Today, may you find his peace blow through your life.

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Pray to Be Strong

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:46:00 +0000

This was posted on an orphanage where children are brought due to war. I thought it a powerful statement. I would add pray to forgive you enemies, and love those that hate us.

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Untitled

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 03:00:00 +0000

noe

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Wait and Trust

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:58:00 +0000

I love the ocean. I was raised in a coastal town and feel like the ocean is my second family.

When we were visiting the coast a few weekends ago I took this picture of what looks like a pool of rocks with water. It really does not look as if it is very busy. But as a sea girl I can tell you there is so much life and lovely things here. Under the rocks will be crabs, little fish and an abundance of colors.

The smell of salt, the cold water, the round rocks all part of a wonderful experience.

This week I got some very bad news. Sometimes I cry, sometimes hardly can move from depression: but I have learned that if I am patient, good comes out of what looks like a stand still situation.

God never leaves us. Today as I tried to work through my deep depression I remembered, bad does pass, and while waiting look for the hidden beauty of life. And I found it. I go to bed peaceful and happy.

God will never leave us, so when things seems so bad- we wait and trust.

Judgements of God = Comfort

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 03:23:00 +0000

It seems I have had a lot of stress lately, and I was overwhelmed. I really did not know what to do. But I realized I had neglected to spend time with God. Too busy, too lazy and I had also taken time away from being steady.

Today, I stopped "forgetting God" and spent time reading a book about the judgements of God. Oddly I found myself very comforted. Judgements of God= Comfort? That is because the bible said that instead of seeking God to solve the problems they were cutting themselves.

I have mental illness and one very deep form of solving depression is cutting of ourselves. The pain is so intense during self harm, the mind temporally is removed from the mental pain. As I meditated on that I realized sadly that the people running from God were so out of touch with him that they would rather do bodily harm than yield to his leading. Yet, God told them that if they would humble themselves he would take care of their problems.

So I just humbled myself before God and found peace. I did not see the answer to my problems, but God had promised he would solve them. Slowly I am seeing my troubles turn around for the better. God's word is true.

From Ugly to Special

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:22:00 +0000

What is it? A fern in the forest.

When I took this picture it really was pretty ugly. Somehow it turned out with lots of grey and drab. But after working with it in my computer, I liked the colors and textures that came forward.

I have been thinking about that. I have been a bit depressed. It is not that anything major is happening, but I have many stressful things happen in my life now. Both of my children are in trouble. My son's illnesses are raging and my daughter is having financial troubles due to the economy. Then, of course, there are our own difficulties. So today I took the day off to draw into myself. I worked in my yard a lot, did not answer the phone and spent time in prayer. From my grey day, also came beauty. I was quiet and felt God. I was able to accomplish more than I expected and with my time of reflection realized God does have a plan and I just need to be patient and wait for it.

Today, I hope you can find beauty in what at first looks dim and sad. God bless you.

What's Wrong

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sun, 31 May 2009 21:21:00 +0000

What's wrong with this picture? If you look carefully you will see that on the bottom row is a huge pile of clothes packed on top of itself. That is not a a good way to dry my clothes.

Our granddaughter was "helping" me and packed lots of clothing on top of its self. She was so proud of what she had done. I smiled, knowing later I would need to rehang my clothing. But I was glad to do that. Just having her so happy and feeling so worthwhile gave me joy.

I believe God honors our attempts also to do his work. Sometimes we blow it. I remember when I first became a Christian. I made many mistakes with my faith. I still make mistakes, but God did not nor does he now, give up on my efforts. I believe he smiles also when we are trying to live for him. The works we do are not the important things, it is our attitude. When we try and "help" God maybe we goof things up. But our willingness must please God's heart. Because he is all about relationship, and our wanting to be with him must cheer him.

Today, reach out to God. He is not interested in what you are doing as much as why. If it is to be in relationship to him; he smiles. He loves being with us.

In The Darkness

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sun, 31 May 2009 21:11:00 +0000

Recently our son called he was in big trouble. This is the first time in his life he has asked for help. My son has mental illness, and indeed he is in big trouble. During one of his manic situations he spent all of his rent money and soon he will be homeless. During our conversation he told me he wished he could die.

I have attempted suicide, and know these kinds of statements can be warning, of suicide attempts. I am concerned, but not panicked. I think it is because God has taught me to wait, pray and seek knowledge of what to do.

I don't know how to help our son. I don't understand sometimes why his life is so full of difficulties; but yet I still believe God is in control. This picture of the fern reminds me of beauty in the darkness. Sometimes it is just faith that keeps us going. Trusting that God will guide us.

I am praying for my son. I don't know how to help him but an amazing calm is with me. God has the way to help my son, and while I seek him I will trust him to give me guidance with our son. I trust God also that even though my son is struggling, God can turn this around for a positive purpose. So I am calm. Please pray for our son.

And you, can we pray for you? Are you in the dark and need prayer. Please post. Thanks.

Quiet Simplicity

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Thu, 28 May 2009 04:36:00 +0000

We met to pray in church tonight, and I was silent as I listened to other people pray. Usually I am busy praying but tonight I was quiet in meditation. God has said many things to me lately and I am in awe of him and what he has taught me.

I have learned more clearly God is in control; for better or worse. Trust and enjoy the journey.

I have learned that God wants me balanced: work, play and rest.

I have learned that sometimes the greatest gift God gives us is discipline.

I have been reminded to not judge, because I don't know the path someone else is taking.

This picture is like my feelings tonight: quiet simplicity sometimes is a lovely thing. It is when we just sit and meditate on God I feel that he is the near.

Roots of Connection

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Wed, 27 May 2009 06:29:00 +0000

The redwood tree is one of the largest trees in the world. This tree fell over. The interesting thing about a redwood tree is that it has a very shallow root system.

When a wind storm comes the tree will fall to the ground easily except for one thing. The redwood looks to connect its root system with other trees. When it is joined with other trees then it stands for hundreds of years and towers above about everything.

I believe that God planned mankind to work on the same system. We are to reach out to the world around us, connect with them and hold them up as they hold us up.

The more I mature in my faith, the more I believe to serve God is to reach out to mankind.

From The Darkness

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Wed, 27 May 2009 05:59:00 +0000

This is one of my favorite pictures. When I downloaded it the screen was totally black. Yet, after enhancing somethings this picture showed up; and I love it. I like the deep contrast, and the sharp, but brilliant pine needles. It reminds me of life sometimes.
Sometimes I just don't understand things that happen. Yet, I chose to believe that God has something really lovely to bring from the darkness.

Our son is adopted. Because we have a daughter that had a bad kidney I asked to have a totally healthy child. I did not care about age, gender or ethnic background. Instead my son has mental illness, and brain damage.

Once I asked God why he sent me my son. His answer: "It's not about you, it's about him." We have had some very difficult times but I love my son, and my son has taught me a lot about God. I believe God brings beauty from the darkness. What do you think? Do you have an example you would like to share?

God is an Artist

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Tue, 26 May 2009 06:14:00 +0000

This is a picture from part of a plant I found in the Red Wood Forest. The plant looks pretty plain at a distance but notice the lovely colors....God is such an artist!

Relationships, The True Ministry

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:31:00 +0000

Relationship. Isn't relationships exactly what Jesus was all about? It was when he stood up for others, and good that things began to change. Relationships take work, commitment and unselfishness.

Myself: at times don't want the work. I am a busy woman, and to pick up the phone, visit the lonely- that is the call of God, but I am "too busy".

Recently I realized that I am failing at the very work Jesus put before me, ministering to the lonely, hurting and broken. Sometimes it seems that my time is not enough. It is in conviction that I realize I have lost the most important part of my caring to others when I don't feed the poor in spirit.

Thanks for this topic. It brought deeper conviction to my heart...Let's serve God, by caring for his sheep.

The Ocean

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:20:00 +0000

Off to the sea! We are taking a few days off to visit God's wonder land-the ocean. When I am surrounded by the smell, the feel and the sounds of nature I am in awe of God's great hands. I am thankful for his power, control and love. I am looking forward to enjoying time with our granddaughter as she explores the tides, the sand and we have a family time.
I think also of the amazing way God can show himself through the spray of the sea, or the sounds of the birds.
Thank you Jesus for nature, for power, and your deep love.

Sense of Humor

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Thu, 21 May 2009 05:26:00 +0000

Do you think God has a sense of humor? Well, it seems abstract to me but I think he does. I was sitting here thinking about my little Women's Group. I started two groups at my church and both of them have moved so slowly.

Well, my Women's Group is early in the morning because it really is the only time I have extra. I have had people complain that it is so early; but I kept it going. Not knowing how long to keep my ghost town of a group going I prayed, "God I will keep this group open until I don't have one person come." For over a year, one person would come. Not the same person, but one. It started to be funny as I knew that each week- one would show. So I kept going. It was the same for my prayer group. For over a year- one.

Now both groups are slowly building. My Women's Group has climbed to 3 or 4 depending on the week; and my Prayer Group is up to four also. My Prayer Group is in year three, and my Women's Group year two. I am not discouraged. Because both are so small they have a special flavor. We get to know each other deeper and are much closer. Our relationships are personal and I thank God for that "just one" that kept coming.

So- I will just smile at how God has been doing things; and continue to keep praying for these small but mighty groups.

Enjoy pictures of some of my members. They are wonder women I respect so much.

A God Thing?

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Thu, 21 May 2009 05:06:00 +0000

Was this a God thing? The other day I had this dream. I dreamt that a very faithful middle aged couple had a series of fund raisers to raise money to build a church.

The land was purchased, and the building was started. Once the framing was up, the building caught fire and burned to the ground.

The distraught couple went to the job site, and disheartened returned home. They spent a great deal of time praying, "God why did this happen?" God answered.

"My church are the people. It is not a building, it is sick and hurting humanity. That is the church that honors me."

I woke from my dream and realized it was an answer to lots of prayer. I have been so busy with trying to understand why I am having such difficulties with ministry in my church. After that dream I have spent much time thinking about it. To me, God is saying that he wants me to look beyond what is in front me. Don't be comfortable with just service to my own fellowship. Look to those broken, and hurt. Reach out past my own little world and SEEK those that suffer. Don't just plan on serving my "own".

Was that dream from God? I don't know. But it has given me insight. I am meditating on what God really wants. I believe he is calling me beyond my church. Please pray that I reach out and know what God wants of me. Thanks.

Credits: bigfoto.com

She Fell

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Thu, 21 May 2009 04:57:00 +0000

My little granddaughter took a tumble and skinned up her knees. I felt so badly as I saw both knees skinned up and bleeding. She cried also but I think it was harder on myself than her. She was more interested in band aides; kisses and telling me about the experience.

I think God also feels sorry when we stumble and fall; and probably feels like I did. He wants to make us feel better.

God Speaks

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:16:00 +0000

"I really get bugged when people say God speaks to them, why don't I hear God speaking to me." My friend expressed his sceptisism that anyone hears God speak.
I believe I hear God speaks all the time. I don't hear a voice from heaven and I don't typically hear speach, as we know it, but god does speak.

Sometimes it is when I am really studying and praying that I open my bible to the exact passage I need. Sometimes maybe what I have been praying asking for an answer and the it just happens to be what is featured on T.V. for the night. Maybe a friend calls me just the right time.

I don't always get answers from God. That is difficult. Then I wonder and I question, "Where is God?" However, what I am learning is that if I have not found the answer God is sending to me. I am to wait patiently and just continue to move forward. It is the act of faith to continue to do what is before me, trusting God will bring an answer.

My friend does hear from God. He is an intellectiual. As he studies, God shows him many things. And God is compassionate enough to use the language my friend speaks: his mind. Today I will seek to hear God and wait patiently as I journey. The answer may not come on my timing, but God's timing: which is always right.

Continue to Pray

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:06:00 +0000

Women's Retreat.

Women at my church are wonderful. They are caring and seeking God. I love the women in my church. This year I was asked to lead out in Women's Ministry. I have tried my best but felt very discouraged. I know in my heart God wants so much more than I have been able to accomplish. It is not the desire, effort or work that is missing. It is being too busy. The women in my church, along with myself ; are just too busy to really get involved with working in the ministry. I don't feel angry, harsh or bitter at them. I am in the same boat. But I do wonder. Why do I have such a passion to lift God up and have so little knowledge of how to do that?

I do pray, and I seek. I invite other Christian women to join me; but my dear Women's Ministry remains the same. This is when I must continue to not be discouraged and overwhelmed. I must remain in prayer and continue to seek God's answer. My answers are empty. God knows the will of his heart. When I remain steady in prayer and doing what he has set out for me, I must trust he is still working. It may not be the way I think; but God will do his will. So I continue praying, may God do his will.

Sharing Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Tue, 19 May 2009 13:52:00 +0000

How do I share my faith with someone I don't know and I don't want to be offensive? I remember going to the store and a man was running down the isle, thumping the bible at another person telling them they were going to hell. That bothered me for many years. Are Christians bible thumpers? I believe that God wants more from me.

Sharing my faith is important. It is not because I want to "convert" someone, as much as it is to share the "good news". Jesus does make a difference to me. He gives me direction and hope. I don't know how to reach others, but I do know how to pray and ask for guidance. I am asking to be guided to share Jesus because sharing Jesus gives me hope and abudance.

Tme Out

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Tue, 19 May 2009 04:44:00 +0000

Sometimes my little granddaughter must get a "time out". She is put aside to think about doing right, when she has done wrong.

Recently I was with a young lady who is now trying to live as adult and failing miserably. One of the reasons, is that her mother let her live an undisciplined life. She never had to learn how to care for herself; work, or many other skills she needed. Instead Mom wanted to protect her daughter and sheltered her to the point the young woman is lost as an adult.

She can't run a home, can't keep a job, and has difficulties in relationships because she is not used to sharing responsibilities. I hurt for this young woman. But seeing this struggle reminded me why God disciplines. He never does it to hurt us but instead to make us deeper and more loving people.

Sometimes we will need to discipline also. But until we can pray with a heart completely dedicated to the others good; will we discipline as Jesus does. Praise God for discipline.

Battle of the Will

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Mon, 18 May 2009 05:57:00 +0000

I must say, it's not all about me. I have the greatest battle. I am working on my weight...but that is not the battle: it's the will.

I am one of the few people that is not really concerned much about being fat. I was not always fat and found that now my indifference to it is actually pretty freeing. I no longer am freaking out and watching windows for the fantasy pound that may creep up.

I know my health pays a price, my looks pay a price but I really don't care about those things much. Yet, what I do care about is obeying God.
The motivation for me to lose weight is to obey God. He says to not put anything in front of him. Does that mean Taco Bell, and Subway? If it takes preference over God, yes.

Now I have a friend that would say I am trying to work my way to heaven. Nope. My faith says: love God, love others. But when my body is sick because I do not control my impulses- my service to others is hampered. I want to serve God because I love him and I love his mission. He was the example of serving others, serving God. That is my example as well.

So please pray for me.

Forgive and Be Free

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Mon, 18 May 2009 05:45:00 +0000

Forgiveness: This week I had to ask for forgiveness. I had not planned on hurting someone but I had. I don't believe forgiving always has to feel "warm and fuzzy". It is a deliberate act. Sometimes it is choosing to let the mind pick its position to forgive and the heart feelings can come later. I think that when we chose to forgive; we benefit ourselves more than the offender. Forgiving heals us, and then we are free.

My Little Children

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sun, 17 May 2009 07:06:00 +0000

My husband and I sponsor three children overseas. Today as I watched a documentary of over sea orphanages I cringed. Realizing a little girl I "adopted" via the mail has really never been adopted at all by me. I never write; ever. To me a check sent out automatically has been my only commitment. Somehow the idea of a child being behind the picture has not been real.
I feel ashamed my lack of commitment. How many years has she waited for a letter only to be disappointed? Does she feel the loneliness of wondering why no one every really checks on her?

It is sad when we realize our lack of commitment hurts others. Tomorrow I will be writing my "girls" and starting a new way. Poor little things. Children are God's greatest concern and each special to him. So my neglect shames me. Pray for my girls: three of them. Chun, Puilu, Luchilluc. God bless my girls.

Pray for the Children

noreply@blogger.com (Linda) — Sat, 16 May 2009 05:08:00 +0000

The face of a child. It is the happiness of a child that touches God's heart; yet, so many children today suffer so much.

Pray for the children. For they are God's greatest asset.