A New Beginning

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.
Check my new blog on www.daybydayfearlessliving.com
Try to be patient with yourself this week but look for growth.  It will be there when you least expect it!
Blessings.
Linda

Happy Earth Day!

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

God is Alive!

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.

Plaque inside the tomb. 

God is listening for my cry

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.