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Selah: Pause and Reflect
The evening had cooled from the heat of the Florida sun. With butterfly kite in hand, the anticipation of my three-year old granddaughter was evident on her face. Her chubby bare feet sunk into the plush, carpet of grass as the evenings breeze caught beneath her riot of curls. Perfect kite weather! As Daddy and Papa prepared the kite-string she watched with eager anticipation; with Mama and Crème ready with phones to capture the experience. (*Crème is her sweet name for me- pronounced Cream.) Moments later, we watched as she ran with wild-abandon through the now dew-covered grass. Clear delight and determination showing on her face. String in hand.…
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Sheets Set Sail
Sheets set sail in springs early morn Soaring, snapping with the rhythm of the wind Playfully, jostling jumping in time Desiring for daydreams on loftier lines. All too soon the fun will cease As the birth of night gives way to sleep The skies playground gives way to stars As sheets become what they were created for. So, sail up high capture the…
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4 Steps to Rid Yourself of Fear-Chatter
Letting Truth Take Hold In previous weeks we have learned about the debilitating effects of attending to fear-chatter. Take heart my friend! Through the truth of God’s Word, we CAN rid ourselves of fear-chatter. If you haven’t joined the conversation yet; check out our first dialog at http://www.lindajanedingeldein.com/fear-chatter/ And the second at http://www.lindajanedingeldein.com/fear-chatter-continues/ This is the final posting in a three-part series. Ridding ourselves of fear-chatter takes work. As I have gone through the discipline of putting these steps into practice, I have seen how my desire to overcome fear-chatter can be easily thwarted. Be patient! It takes time; but in the end you will reap the blessing of learning…
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Embraced
Embraced Take me in your arms, Dear Father, Let me rest, safe in this place. Encompass me with endless mercy, Wrap me tight with love and grace. Keep me from the weight of sorrow. Ever pressing down on me, Let me feel your safe, sweet harbor, Offer now this sweet reprieve. Sustain my weary soul, blessed Savior. Restore my faith these trials have crushed, Remind me that you love me dearly, Soothe me with your tender touch. Listen to my prayer, Lord Jesus I cry out, “Please rescue me!” Lest I falter in this journey, Turn my feet to follow thee. Infuse my mind with your…
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Fear-Chatter Continues
As we spring courageously from the tip of fear we launch ourselves into a world of authenticity, truth and freedom. Risky but rewarding! Authentic living begins where the tip of fear ends! Linda Jane Dingeldein: Different by Design Where fear ends-life begins He was a large, intimidating figure in contrast to my petite 15-year-old frame. The only teacher who taught the required math class I needed to graduate High School. As I entered the room the smell of fear still hung heavy, mingled with stale air from the previous class. I took my assigned seat, instantly coveting those who sat further toward the back. Startled, I looked up.…
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Rise Up
Rise Up Come alive My Daughter To all that you are Live fully in step With My Creation power Shed off the grave clothes That have weighed you down Trappings of self-pity Keeping you earth bound Rise up and live Oh, Woman of grace Move joyfully in step with My plan Freedoms pace Cast off entanglements Disappointments, pain Leave the past in the grave Lay down your shame Break out with praise From the cold, hard ground Push up and see New life to be found Yield yourself fully To all I have planned I am in you and with you I’ll help you to stand For out of…
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Fear-Chatter
Fear – Chatter: Stepping into the conversation I have never liked ordinary. The word ordinary sounds too much like the word beige. Nothing extra. No descriptors. Just plain-blah-beige. I am sure that some will argue with my next statement. So, here goes! “I don’t think there are any all-inspiring descriptors for the words beige.” It just shouts ORDINARY to me. Shades like sangria, cerulean, mulberry or even marmalade instantly take my mind far away from the ordinariness of beige; to a world of color, design and endless possibilities. A satisfied extra-ordinarian My husband is a satisfied “ordinarian”. He loves vanilla ice-cream. He is satisfied with brownies without the nuts.…
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Compassion
Compassion God, help me to see you in this situation Help me to know you’re there. To rest upon You completely In an attitude of prayer. To speak when the Spirit prompts With holiness and truth. To listen with a heart of care May my grace exude. Fill me with your Spirit’s power As you nudge me to speak. That in this holy hour I would boldly be. The sharpness of an arrow That strikes the heart of lies. Hitting its mark of anything Against the Word of Christ. Encouragement to the wounds Compassion filled with grace. A vessel emptied of myself For Jesus took my place. Linda Jane Dingeldein:…
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IS IT ANY WONDER
IS IT ANY WONDER IS IT ANY WONDER MY HEART IS ANXIOUS STILL FORGETTING ALL HE’S PROMISED NEGLECTING TO BE STILL IS IT ANY WONDER MY BITTER SOUL CRIES OUT DRENCHED WITH ENDLESS SORROW CONSUMED BY FEAR AND DOUBT IT IS ANY WONDER THE TEARS DO CEASELESS FLOW NOT STOPPING TO BE NEAR HIM NOT KNOWING WHERE TO GO IS IT ANY WONDER THE SUN HAS CEASED TO SHINE THE DARK CLOUDS OF TOMORROW LOOM BIGGER ALL THE TIME IS IT ANY WONDER I’VE BARELY HEARD MY NAME WHISPERED FROM THE HEAVENS AGAIN, AND AGAIN IS IT ANY WONDER HE PATIENTLY AWAITS LONGING TO…
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Living Fully Present
Over the past few months I have been in transition. A bit of culture shock as I have left my home in the Philippines and have re-entered my passport country, the United States; for a much-needed sabbatical. I have never been very good at transitions. For some reason, even if I know they are coming and I think I have prepared for them, I still struggle. This transition has been no different. Transitions cause me a great deal of personal, inner reflection as I assess what I am leaving behind and begin to anticipate what I am yet to embrace or going towards. For several weeks now, I have…
