Checking our Tanks

My dad had an unusual specialty: running out of gas. It was almost a game to see how long he could wait before filling up. This was decades before cars had fancy gauges to tell you how many miles you had left until the gas tank was completely dry. I can’t tell you how many times we were stopped on the side of the road with my dad saying, “You don't need to tell your mother about this.” The most frustrated I ever saw my mom was when she was sitting in a kaput car on the Ohio Turnpike in the middle of the night with three little tired and hungry girls in the back seat.

My grandfather had a different philosophy: “Take care of the first half of the tank, and the second half will take care of itself.” In other words, be sure you always have some reserves. Running the tank down to the last drop of petrol damages the car.

Some of us like to see how long we can run our engine before we have nothing left except fumes. It can actually be a source of pride to burn the candle at both ends. We feel like we have accomplished something special if we can push through on our own strength. Or we may feel like we can't afford to take the time to completely refuel our tank. Or we may think it's selfish to rest. Or we may have no idea how to fill our tank, so we stumble along on a dribble of energy.

One of my favorite artists is Jackson Browne, and one of his most famous songs is “Running on Empty”. As life keeps speeding up and cluttering up, we often hear the words “too busy”, “tired”, “exhausted”, “weary”, “drained” as we describe our lives. I think of Jackson’s lyrics:

Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels.

I don't know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feels.

Look around for the friends that I used to turn to to pull me through,

Looking into their eyes, I see them running too.

Running on empty

We have to learn to check the gauges in our lives before our tanks drop to dangerous levels.

• The first gauge we usually check is the physical. Am I eating right? Am I getting exercise? Am I getting enough sleep? When was my last check up? Is this straight diet of pizza and ice cream working for me?

• Some of us check the spiritual. Am I spending time in the Word? How's my prayer life? Do I have genuine fellowship? Am I worshipping God in my life and community? Am I being fed spiritually? Am I giving out to others? Do I really have to put up with other Christians?

Check. Check. Looks like I'm fine. Full speed ahead. So how did I wind up in a cycle of run, crash, burn, recover…?

• How's your mental gauge? Are you thinking clearly? Is your mind crowded with all kinds of things you can't do anything about? Do you doomscroll online whenever you get a break? Are you reading good material? Can you clear your mind as you climb into bed and go to sleep in peace? What kind of diet is your brain receiving? Books, webinars, podcasts, news, streaming, and TV? How does it affect your thinking and relationships? When were you last thoroughly rested and peaceful?

• How's your emotional gauge? Can you feel all of your emotions? Are you skimming through life? Numb and just existing? Can you have a good cry when you need it? Or can you not stop crying? Have you buried toxic emotions hoping that rage, anger, frustration, and resentment won’t seep to the surface? Are your emotions exploding out of proportion, coming out sideways at the wrong people, at the wrong time, in the wrong way? Can you fully experience love, joy, peace, and wonder? Are you moved by fun, beauty, relationships, and God? When did you last have a good laugh?

What wears me out physically and spiritually--and also mentally and emotionally? What replenishes my tank, gives me life, keeps me going, energizes me? How do I need to readjust my schedule and priorities so that I can live a life of genuine trusting and resting in God?

Have I asked far too many questions?

In order to move from an exhausting pattern of run, crash, burn, recover to a sustainable and life-giving pattern of rest, pray, work, play, I need to submit my entire life to God. Physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, and every other area of my life. In Psalm One, we speak of following after God with our head, heart, and hands. Everything we do is aimed at seeing the Lord work in and through us with everything He has made us to be.

"If therefore your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays."  (Luke 11:36)

Join us as we seek to allow the Light of the World to shed light on all our gauges. He made us, He knows us, and He loves us. I need Him to overhaul my entire life. Do you?

• Refocus and Refuel:

Could you use sometime in a beautiful, quiet space to check your gauges and see if you might need a little bit more fuel in your engine? Do you need a little help figuring out how you might do that? Would you welcome time and space to sit at Jesus’ feet and ask Him? Join us for the Refocus and Refuel Retreat.

We had some cancelations, so we have space for you at the Refocus and Refuel Retreat next weekend (November 1-3) if you get a hold of me immediately. We have a limited number of partial scholarships for pastors and pastor’s spouses. Is that invitation for you? We love these getaways, and we would love to have you join us. This is for men and women, single and married, clergy and lay, anyone who desires a closer walk with Jesus. For more information: https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel Mark your calendars for the 2025 retreats: March 14-16, September 26-28, November 14-16.

• Psalm One Bible Study:

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) Join us any Tuesday from anywhere in the world for the Psalm One Bible Study. We have had a wonderful family of men and women seeking to walk with God for almost 25 years! We are currently in 1 Peter, and you are welcome to drop in at any point. This study meets online (with in-person gatherings for the locals) and is for men and women, married and single, anyone who wants to know the Word and walk with Jesus—with resources along the way. Everyone is welcome Tuesday at 7:30 pm Eastern Time whether you come every week or pop in every once in a while. Sign up to stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study

• Psalm One Sisterhood of the Fishbowl Soul Care Retreats: 

A fun, relaxing, refilling weekend away that is all about feeding your soul, nurturing your walk with Jesus, and building authentic friendships with Aaron and Hur. Free and open weekends do not suddenly appear. If you don't prioritize your soul care, no one else will. We think we can't afford to take the time to restore our souls and find life giving friendships, but in reality we can't afford not to! Register NOW to join us: https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives We have a limited number of partial scholarships available. Contact me For more information.

o   January 24-26 Cincinnati, Ohio

o   February 28-March 2 Green Lake, Wisconsin

• Thursday night Psalm One “Sisterhood of the Fishbowl” just for Pastors’ Wives.

I look forward to Thursday every week. This group has been a joyful lifeline for so many of us. An oasis in the week where we can gather with friends, share our roller coaster lives, laugh quite a bit, pray for one another, and receive a spiritual boost. Thursdays, 7:30pm Eastern Standard Time. To stay in the loop for these online gatherings, resources, and encouragement, sign up at the top of this page: https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives 

Hope to see you somewhere along the way soon.

Grace and peace,

Linda

Time Tithing

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword,

and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit,

of both joints and marrow,

and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

(Hebrews 4:12)

I don't know about you, but I have a lot of things jockeying for position in my life right now. So many priorities, people, issues, events, and undone to-dos cluttering up my head and heart. A lot of struggling and hurting friends. A lot of important decisions to make. A lot of things I want to do. A lot of things I need to do. But I keep bumping up against my own limits. I don’t think I’ve been completely caught up and finished with my plans and workload since I was about ten years old.

Limits can be so frustrating, but they are actually God-given gifts that keep us from over-functioning and taking on tasks we were never meant to do. My life goal is to be able to say, "I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which YOU have given me to do.” (John 17:4) There is one Savior, and it is not me. I can’t do it all. I was never meant to do it all. I wish I had a magic wand to solve all the problems and complete all the work I see. But we ignore our limits at the expense of our sanity, marriages, family, health, ministries, and souls. What has the Lord given ME to do?

Jesus tells me, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34) But how do I do that?

Martin Luther is quoted as saying, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Which sounds crazy. But I have found that what I call “time tithing” has helped me tremendously. When I am overwhelmed by how much I have to do or how many check boxes are in my Day-Timer (yes, I am a dinosaur and I still use a paper planner.), I set it all aside and spend time in the Word, prayer, and journalling FIRST. Then I return to my workload and amazingly enough…the wheels are greased, the tasks are streamlined, and the day becomes fruitful. And far less frustrating.

Do you want to learn how to do that? Could you use some “time tithing” to sort out your crowded life? Would you be encouraged by some “soul decluttering”? Do you just long for some life-giving peace and quiet rest at Jesus’ feet? Come away with me November 1-3 for a Refocus and Refuel Retreat.

• Who’s invited? Men and women, anyone hungry for a deeper connection to Jesus. 48 hours to let the whirlwind cease, to let the noise subside, to let the dust settle, to be able to discern the important from the urgent, to keep what is valuable, to let the chaff blow away.

• What do we do? The weekend begins with time in the Word, taking inventory of the state of our souls, and heart preparation to open our lives to Jesus. We end with time in the Word, reflecting on what God has been whispering, and prayer as we return home. In between these gatherings, we are in complete silence except for great conversation and lots of laughter over meals and meeting with me for spiritual direction, prayer, or just a listening ear if desired.

• When: November 1-3, Friday afternoon through Sunday lunch.

• Where: Cincinnati, Ohio. Your own private room and bathroom. Delicious meals. Beautiful quiet space to stretch out, gorgeous chapel, Autumn leaves, scenic neighborhood to wander, pray, process, and be refreshed.

• How much? $225 ($250 after October 18) which includes all housing, meals, and materials.  Space is limited and we cannot hold your spot until paid in full, so register soon!

If you’ve done something like this before, you know how God meets us where we are and gently leads us where we need to be. If you’ve never done anything like this before, do not fear! There will be plenty of guidance and freedom for you to experience the presence of Jesus. Spaces are limited and Early Bird ends October 18, so register soon at: https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel

This is for men and women--anyone who desires a deeper relationship with God! This is especially life-giving and replenishing for those who pour themselves out in ministry to others. Come and clear out the cobwebs through life-giving time with the Shepherd. Set aside this time to devote to the Lord. It will be time well invested. Hope you can join us!

"I have continued to attend the Refocus and Refuel retreats as they are one of the most valuable ways that I can spend my time throughout the year! I am reminded that while we often prioritize so many other things in our lives, focused and uninterrupted time with God and getting quiet to hear what He has to say is often pushed to the bottom of our priority list! These weekends are a gift to allow us to be intentional about prioritizing this most valuable time. God never fails to meet us as we choose to "sow" time with Him: "...for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap" (Galatians 6:7). It is well worth it!!”

Before the holidays are upon us, let’s prepare Him room! For more information: https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel

*****************

Can’t quite make it to Cincinnati for the Refocus and Refuel Retreat?

Join us any Tuesday from anywhere in the world for the Psalm One Bible Study. We are currently in 1 Peter, and you are welcome to drop in at any point. This study meets online (with in-person gatherings for the locals) and is for men and women, married and single, anyone who wants to know the Word and walk with Jesus—with resources along the way to learn how to “time tithe”. Everyone is welcome Tuesday at 7:30 pm Eastern Time whether you come every week or pop in every once in a while. Sign up to stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study

Grace and peace,

Linda

Becoming Attentive to the Creator

Hi friends:

I'm an amateur photographer. A picture never captures the full glory of experiencing nature firsthand, but photography has become a powerful spiritual practice in my life.

I have had the opportunity to travel to places I could have never imagined, but some of my favorite photos were taken from my kitchen table. Many spectacular sunsets were photographed from a parking lot. There is beauty and creativity everywhere if we are willing to intently observe. Jesus invited us to look at the birds of the air, to look at our surroundings and ordinary objects to learn of Him.

What do I experience when I look at nature?

First of all, a Creator. It takes far more faith than I have to think all of this just fell together by chance. I spoke with a guy last week who shared, "I'm not a particularly religious man, but when I look out at everything, I can't come to any other conclusion than God. It's all God."

I see a Creator who reveals:

• Beauty

• Personality

• Humor

• Love

• Joy

• Peace

• Providence

• Color

• Sound

• Relationship

• Renewal

• Rest

There are approximately 11,000 varieties of birds. There are about 32,000 different species of fish. There are 73,000 different trees. There is a different sunrise and a different sunset every single day. What does that tell me about my Creator? “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” (Psalm 19:1)

I came to Christ by staring at the stars as a kid. I kept saying, “I know You're there, I know You created me, and I know there's a way to know You.” Responding to natural revelation led me to finding the specific revelation of Jesus. Before long, I began to experience the Word, genuine fellowship, powerful worship, and a growing relationship with this Almighty Creator I sought for so long.

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made…” (Romans 1:20)

The key to wildlife photography is becoming still, quiet, and attentive to every sound and movement in nature. That is also the key to becoming attentive to the work of the Spirit.

May every window of the soul lead us to truly knowing Jesus.

Much love,

Linda

A quick update on me…

The first half of 2024 did not go exactly as planned. I've been very ill and incapacitated, and all my fun plans had to be cancelled. However, I am doing 80% better and I have been cleared for takeoff.

God has a hilarious sense of humor and is endlessly creative. After months and months of hospitals, specialist appointments, surgeries, painful treatments, meds, and lots of needles, I’m headed to Costa Rica. Yes, Costa Rica. God pulled this trip together using His miraculous connections to give me an affordable journey. He keeps whispering, “Adventure lies ahead” and apparently He’s not kidding: jungles, volcanos, waterfalls, ocean, sloths (squee!), monkeys, macaws, toucans, 53 species of hummingbirds (!), whales, dolphins, sharks, bats, anteaters, sea turtles, agoutis, peccaries, jaguars, crocodiles, snakes, iguanas, tapirs, big four-wheel-drive bugs, poisonous dart frogs, pit vipers, and other interesting creatures. Jesus knows my love language of animals. Please pray for a safe, fun, and restorative trip. And perhaps a good photo or two…

(A sample of my photography: https://www.psalmone.org/lindaklinephotography )