What is your overriding emotion? Mine has always been fear. Since I’ve known Him, God has invited me to walk farther and farther out on the ragged edge of faith and trust Him. Whether He leads me into challenging ministry situations or close encounters of the bitey kinds in remote oceans and jungles, He keeps stretching me by wooing me into various adventures. Throughout my life, God keeps renaming me from “Much-Afraid” (from Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard) to “Goodtime Linda” (the title given me by 18-month old Jake).
2024 was a rough year of hospitals, surgeries, needles, IVs, meds, torturous treatments, unrelenting pain, and lots of tears. But I ended the year in my beloved ocean, which was a joy and blessing beyond words. I do my best praying underwater, so Jesus and I had a lot of time to talk.
As 2025 begins, God keeps whispering, “Say yes".
I come from a family that almost never left the borders of Indiana. If I ever had any disposable income, I didn't want a big house, fancy car, expensive toys, or any bling. I wanted to travel. I still don’t have a lot of disposable income, but I have had miraculous opportunities to go places, see things, meet people, and otherwise experience some wonderful invitations from God as He flings me around the country and around the planet. He sets up a lot of unexpected, deeply spiritual, as well as totally hilarious divine appointments along the way. He leads me into His creation with wonder as I strive to be attentive.
Wonder: “rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to one's experience”.
"Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder!
Because I am doing something in your days--You would not believe if you were told.”
(Habakkuk 1:5)
It’s not just a pretty bird.
"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?”
(Matthew 6:26)
It’s not just a beautiful flower.
“Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!”
(Matthew 6:28-30)
It’s not just a glorious sunset.
“The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
Day to day pours forth speech,
And night to night reveals knowledge.
(Psalm 19:1-2)
It’s not just a majestic mountain.
“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.”
(Psalm 121:1-2)
It’s not just a full moon.
“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;
What is man that You take thought of him,
And the son of man that You care for him?”
(Psalm 8:3-4)
If we will open our eyes and pay attention, we are surrounded by wonders. Things that stop us in our tracks. Everything keeps directing us to God. The natural revelation keeps pointing to the specific revelation of Jesus.
“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)
God is tapping us on the shoulder, saying, “Hey you! Yeah you! Let’s chat.” When I become attentive, I have a deeper understanding of God's love for us. My life and worries fall into perspective when I see how big God is. What I see and experience reminds me of Biblical passages that challenge, encourage, or make me laugh. This is what led me to start creating Scripture Pictures which help me meditate on the Word. Samples: https://www.psalmone.org/lindaklinephotography
You don't have to go to the other side of the planet or spend a dime to develop the spiritual practice of attentiveness. Travel is not everybody's cup of tea, it is increasingly difficult, and it is not possible for many. During lockdown on gray days, I would drive around in my car with my camera in what I called, “A Field Trip in Search of Beauty”. I came back with photos of daffodils, sunrises, animals, and people. We all have different windows of the soul, and we need color, music, art, film, sports, dance, nature, play, laughter, conversation, and connection with all God has made and sparked in us.
I believe God has called me to minister through teaching, discipleship, writing, counseling, consulting, and speaking, but also though travel, photography, stories, and divine encounters. As of now, this year I plan to be in England, Kenya, Australia, New Zealand, and multiple states around the US. There are a few other destinations in the air, and one never knows what God might have up His big sleeve. And God only knows if I may have to cancel or reschedule, like I did in 2020. And 2021. And 2024. So, I hold plans with open hands, saying, “Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise…”
“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.’ Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.’" (James 4:13-15)
Sometimes I travel with friends, sometimes I meet up with friends, sometimes I make new friends along the way. Sometimes the trip is a prayer pilgrimage alone with Jesus, extended time in blessed silence and solitude with the One I love. I journal as God speaks through His Word, books, podcasts, music, people, animals, or His Spirit. Sometimes it's a quiet whisper. Sometimes it's like trying to take a drink of water out of a fire hydrant as the Lord is pouring cool water into my soul. Sometimes He loves on me with friends who have fur, fins, flippers, feathers, and even fangs. I know not to approach wildlife, but apparently wildlife doesn't know not to approach me. I am the Animal Whisperer. And as we know, sometimes I have a camera in my hand…
May we never cease to learn from the wonders of God.
With His love and mine,
Linda
Come along with me in 2025.
My friend Mary Beth jokes that she’s never owned a passport but has traveled around the world. Much cheaper and easier to go with me. Mary Beth remembers more of my travel stories than I do! If you want to come along (vicariously) on some of my travels with God, reply to this e-mail with “Prayer Pilgrimage” and I will add you to my suitcase when I leave town. (Be sure to specifically write “Prayer Pilgrimage” or you will not make it into my carry-on.)
Psalm One Bible Study
Join us as we begin our 25th year (!!!) of studying the Word together. We will be starting a new series in 2 Peter beginning tonight. (But you can pop in anytime!) Link arms with a fun and encouraging family of men and women who all desire to walk with God with our head, heart, and hands all following hard after God. Tuesdays at 7:30pm Eastern Time (or whenever that is in your area). To stay in the loop with links and resources: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study
Sisterhood of the Fishbowl Soul Care Retreats:
A fun, relaxing, refilling weekend away just for ministry wives that is all about feeding your soul, nurturing your walk with Jesus, and building authentic friendships with people who get it. Who truly understand. 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! Space is limited. Register NOW to join us! For more info and to register: https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives
o January 24-26 Cincinnati, Ohio: I still have space for the Cincinnati retreat if you contact me as soon as possible!
o February 28-March 2 Green Lake, Wisconsin: The Early Bird Rate for Green Lake ends February 7.
“My cup was empty---bone dry--when I left for the weekend, upon my return home---my cup runneth over! God and I walked together, sat together, and he spoke clearly to me. God told me to ‘ask him.’ and I did just that! Linda, I cannot express how much these weekends mean. Thank you for all that you do for us pastors' wives. Life gets so busy and we are so busy pouring out to others, that time to receive and refill becomes such a tremendous blessing. I now understand that I must take more time, somehow, somewhere, just to sit at my Father's feet so that I can receive from Him and clearly hear His voice. Thank you for giving me the time to learn this important lesson. What you do Linda, could not be more necessary. Thank you so much!”
Refocus and Refuel Retreat :
Pull away from the noise and the busyness to let the dust settle. To rest. To reboot. To refocus and refuel. This is a 48 hour getaway in Cincinnati, Ohio for men and women. Your own ensuite room in a beautiful and quiet location. Materials provided. Spiritual direction available. Do not be intimidated if you have never done anything like this before. We love these retreats and we would love to have you come along. Jesus meets us right where we are gently leads us to where we need to be. We already have men and women signing up for March 14-16. For more info or to register: https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel
Sisterhood of the Fishbowl Oasis
For pastors’ wives. A weekly gathering to let your hair down and be encouraged by others who understand the wonderful, weird, and wacky world of ministry. Genuine friendships with some of the most wonderful people I know. Thursday at 7:30pm Eastern Time (or whenever that is in your area). To stay in the loop with links and resources: https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives