The Magnifying Mirror

Half joking I asked for a magnifying mirror for Christmas a year ago. You know, just wanted to make sure I got all those chin hairs that were getting harder and harder to see with my aging eyes. That mirror, a gift from my daughter, has turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

As a child of the 60's in a small Nebraska town I grew up with carefree summer days, riding my bike (without a helmet) to the municipal pool most afternoons. Like my buddies, I'd get a bad sunburn, peel and have golden brown skin for the duration. Perhaps you know where I'm going. We never thought twice about sunscreen. In fact, as a teen, baby oil ruled as we 'layed-out'.

Fast forward a few decades and while looking for those pesky chin hairs I found a dark spot on my otherwise unmarked nose. I didn't think too much about it, but enough to mention it to my doctor on a recent visit. He sent me to the dermatologist who said the basal cell carcinoma had probably been growing for five years. I'm on the other side of the surgery now with a skin graft and a couple of scars as my reward. I know it could have been worse and I'm grateful for the gift of a magnifying mirror.

As I thought about the mirror and the scarring I couldn't help but think about the internal pain we suffer. That which is barely visible on the surface, but left unchecked grows deeper and more destructive. Like the skin cancer opening it, extracting it might feel worse and more painful initially. But that's where the healing begins.

Sometimes professional help is the only road to recovery. I wouldn't pretend to know the first thing about surgery for skin cancer. Counselors, pastors, therapists may be the only way to begin for some. Sometimes a good friend with a listening ear, God's word and prayer can open a deep, deep wound and begin the healing. Quiet times in this noisy, busy world can break through the surface of a heart that is breaking.

Exodus 14:14 from Subtle Prints on Etsy

When it comes down to it there is only one answer, People need the Lord. In this scarred world we live in He is the answer. I'm living proof. 

My advice is use sunscreen, wear hats, and more important take time to be still. Take time to let God be your magnifying mirror.

Linda <><

Under the Steps

When I was young, probably fifth or sixth grade, I decided I wanted to wear eye shadow. My mom was old enough to be my grandma and didn't talk much about makeup, besides saying she had to 'put her face on' before leaving the house. So I put on my tween-age thinking cap and found my first eye shadow in the form of an aqua highlighter. I thought it looked pretty cool on my eyelids. Once my dad noticed,  he did not. He was furious and yelled (and yelled) at me. I was crushed. I didn't take time to find out if it was makeup in general or the fact that I had used highlighter on my eyelids. I retreated to my own private hiding place to cry. I remember, like it was yesterday, crouching among the boxes in the dark under the steps. Since then I have withdrawn there often.

That urge to flee, to hide has been a life long battle. How about you? If so, you're not alone. This is my nature in most difficult or uncomfortable situations. Though it is my nature, I know, with all my heart, I can call on a higher power and I can be at peace! When I want to flee to my hiding place rather than face circumstances head on I thank God for I know...

Philippians 4:13 by SoulSisterPalletShop on etsy

and...

Nehemiah 8:10 by Prims 'n Posies on etsy 

As I look back I can tell you for certain, in all the most difficult times of my life, God has been my strength! 

God blessed my husband and I with a child who started her formal education in Special Education pre-school. In time she was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. She is now a college graduate and job hunting. I'm challenged every day, by this Asperger's, to keep from hiding under the stairs. Thank God, hiding is not in my sweet daughter's nature. She has been a blessing to me and I ask my Abba Father every day to cover her with His grace and build her up to be her best for Him.

We all face turmoil on life's journey. We chose how we react. I firmly believe Romans 8:28...

Romans 8:28 by Simply Zofia on etsy

Last weekend the three of us went kayaking on Lake Washington in Seattle. This was our first big adventure in urban kayaking. We paddled under highways, by lily pads, houseboats and, out of my comfort zone. We rowed through the Montlake Cut along with motor boats and sail boats of all shapes and sizes. The waves tossed and turned us and splashed into our boats, but we never capsized. Our boats were built for stability. 

Highway 520's bridge to nowhere

This is my hope for you and me. To journey through this life never in fear of the waves. Instead, knowing God's strength will always provide in every circumstance.

Lake Washington Arboretum trail

And we will always be brought safely to shore to rest in Him!

Linda <><

What To Do

How many times in you life have you been left wondering what to do? When you're looking for concrete answers and they don't seem to come He provides. 

Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. -- Jeremiah 6:16

This beloved verse came up in my reading the other day. I've been doing a read through of the Bible this year. I admit some days are more difficult than others; all those begats and atrocities. But most days either a single verse or a story speak to me. I am grateful for the time to attempt this.

Another cherished verse came to me from a friend in Bible study. I am forever grateful to her for this answer and I pray it will always come to mind when I don't know what to do.

Trust in the Lord by Graber's Graphic Designs on Etsy

It's so comforting to know that the burden of answering that age old question is not mine to carry. I hope and pray that you, too, find the answers today.

I love the sofa in the picture. It reminds me of the one we just ordered. We sold our old sofa at a garage sale early this month and then spent the better part of the month furniture shopping. We calculated we've now bought five sofas in our 34 years of marriage. I was thankful when number five was ordered Friday so we could get on with some summer fun.

I'll leave you with some reminders of our Sunday hike at Suntop Peak.

Linda <><

Spring Cleaning

Today in my exercise class we did something new. Some kind of side plank, lift and kick thing. Our fearless leader said, "This is new, this is big, this is ugly!" I think oftentimes that is true of new things in life. They may even be a bit painful, but ultimately it's worthwhile! I am reflecting on this as the Lenten season comes to it's joyous end.

My husband and I decided for Lent we would get rid of at least one thing every day. And although we might have missed a day or two we definitely made up for it other days and can easily continue long after Easter. One full truckload has already gone to the thrift store and more is gathering. The goal was not just to get rid of stuff, but to simplify, scale down and truly give sacrificially. Not just getting rid of what we don't want, but keeping only the minimum of what we really need. That scenario will require much more from us, but I'm ready!

I've been, ever so slowly, reading the book Radical by David Platt. It's not a long book, but it is deeply convicting. Part of it is a message similar to that of this sculpture. It is the message Jesus shares with us in Matthew 25:31-46. 

Homeless Jesus

“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’

Matthew 25:37-40 (The Message)

 by Rachelle Levingston

So I look forward to celebrating Christ's resurrection Sunday and continuing my journey going new, big and, yes, ugly! 

photo by Brian David Casey

Rejoice! He is risen!

Linda <><

post apocalyptic skills

Just got back from a run. 3.5 miles. Let me be  more specific. When I say run I mean jog and when I say jog, it's a very slow jog. But it's more than I could do 10, 20, even 30 years ago. As I ran I listened to my playlist and considered other things I never could have dreamed I would be doing.

First of all, I was listening to a mix of hundreds of songs on my phone. I usually don't do that because I feel like I need all of my senses to keep from falling over. I've never been very graceful, but it's amazing how the music distracts, energizes and in general improves any workout. New Shoes by Paolo Nutini got me going and an old favorite, Your Smiling Face by James Taylor, got me up the biggest hill with a smile on my face. The list includes two other new workout favorites: Shake by Mercy Me and Overcomer by Mandisa. What are your favorites?

My new running shoes

On that same phone I tracked my miles run, speed and calories burned! I couldn't have come up with all this in my wildest dreams. Had it been a bit sunnier I could have snapped a pic of Mt. Rainier and shared it with the world instantly.  Like I did  with this picture I instagramed on a recent run with my daughter in Bellingham.

Misty morning run Klipsun Trail

Before the run I used my 'read the Bible in a year schedule' app for today's reading and even read the Bible selection there. I am in awe!

I can't tell you how many times that smart little thing has set on the kitchen counter with a recipe I found on Pinterest to guide me through another meal prep. I even use it to Skype with the next door neighbors and family that lives on the opposite end of the country! And then I do much of my etsy business with it.

This is all fun and games, but I continue to keep my post apocalyptic skills honed even though I don't intend to be here to use them. I crochet, knit, hand sew and garden to name a few. 

Mason jar cozies

It's just all so mind-boggling when I think of my dad. Just one generation ago and what I call post apocalyptic skills were his reality. Born in a sod house on the Oregon Trail he lived without electricity or running water. Both of my grandmothers found time for great scratch cooking and amazing quilts and fine tatted lace.

So, yes, I love all of my convenience devices, especially the phone that is rarely used for a phone call, but do they really save time or enhance the quality of life?

Snow hiking at Mount Baker

I'm not so sure. May your week be blessed with simple pleasures.

Linda <><

I'm In

I admit it, I'm a football fan! Born in Lincoln, Nebraska and graduated for the University of Nebraska my blood runs Husker red. But after 15 years in the Pacific Northwest the Seahawks also have my heart. I can't begin to tell you how much fun the last few weeks have been here, especially Sunday!

Hubby & me snowshoeing Saturday
(Mount Olympus in the background)

This Seahawk team is a neat bunch of young men, each with their own story. They came together to create such a cohesive team that a relatively unknown teammate was the MVP of the super bowl. Most were late draft choices or even passed over. Russell Wilson was told he was too small,  Derrick Coleman told you can't play deaf. They were too loud, too quiet, too young. But Russell Wilson's dad gave him a bit of advice he passed on the this team, "Why not you?"

Great advice for each and every one of us. I've let self doubt and fear hold me back far to often. With my Heavenly Father behind me, beside me and before me, I don't have any excuses! Why can't we be as joyous about our own faith walk and cheer each other on in our wins and losses like those crazy Seahawk fans do?

Football fan or not, there is something to learn from these young men. Several members of the team are open about their personal faith. I can't help but consider this verse, "If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14). I'm also currently reading Exodus. Moses was a reluctant leader, but with God....

Are you in?

Linda <><

In 2014

Space Needle from Chihuly Garden and Glass

Some folks hate January. The decorations are down, the festivities are over for another eleven months or so and all there is to look forward to is picking up those stray pine needles you missed and cold weather. I love this time of year. There is so much hope, time to de-clutter, make resolutions and plan for the upcoming year. Do you have resolutions or plans? I do!

Putting them out here where all can see makes me feel a little bit vulnerable and, hopefully, more committed as the reality of 2014 bares it's ugly face. One of my favorite verses is Lamentations 3:23:

Great is his faithfulness;

    his mercies begin afresh each morning.
(New Living Version)

I know full well that if I mess up one day(or week or month) I can start fresh!

My first goal is to read through the Bible in a year. This will be my third time. I'm pretty sure it took my over a year the last two times, but I did read it all. By reading through it completely I get something quite different than my group Bible study or the daily devotions I share with my husband. This time, I've found an app for my phone that I can check off as I complete readings. There were several choices for the way I can achieve this and I have chosen to read it chronologically. I bought a new Bible with a gift certificate. So far, so good.

The next goal is health related. In my exercise class we are doing what our fearless leader calls "30 for 30". We are committing to cardiovascular exercise for at least 30 minutes a day for 30 days. Inspired by this neat Youtube video, 23 and 1/2 Hours, we will be connected by text and email to encourage and advise each other. My health and fitness level has been improving over the last couple of years, so I'm excited about this chance to up it another level. 

There are other things. Getting organized (hahahahaha). Cleaning things out. Actually, our plan is to go room by room and make extensive reductions. We have started, but this one is probably the most difficult. We are wedged between elderly parents(actually my father is the only one still living, he's 93) who have downsized and children who haven't completely flown the coop. Any suggestions on how best to organize a number of boxes of photographs dating from over ninety years ago to present? 

As I strive to achieve these goals and as we make our daily, weekly and seasonal plans I want this CS Lewis quote to be my mantra:

Look for yourself and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin and decay. But look for Christ and you’ll find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in. 

I hope everyone had a blessed holiday season and your January is inspired!

Linda<><

Sunset Christmas Day -- Burien, Washington