Genuine Community

 Happy Anniversary to the Worldwide Psalm One Community!

22 years ago this month, I taught the first Oregonia Bible study. That simple gathering in a kitchen led to Psalm One Ministries, which led to me teaching Scripture every Tuesday night until Jesus returns which led to Days of Refreshing, Refocus and Refuel Retreats, Soul Care Retreats, Prayer Retreats, coming alongside ministry families, teaching, speaking, consulting, counseling, and other ministry to thousands of men and women. It flung me out from a tiny unincorporated community in Ohio across the country and around the world. And back to ministering from my dining room table in 2020.

I am amazed how the Lord has used us in His infinite creativity, and so grateful for every single person who has come alongside me in Psalm One. I am overwhelmed by the faithfulness and goodness of God.

As we mark one year of being online with Psalm One Ministries, we’ve had to adjust. We’ve had to work harder to be together. People have shown up, been committed, put up with the awkward format and technical glitches, and patiently cooperated with my attempts to keep ministering no matter that life throws at us. You’ve continued to support Psalm One with your participation, prayers, finances, encouragement, friendship, and presence. It hasn’t been easy. We were all thrown in the deep end and had to learn new ways to swim.

In the Year of Whack-a-Mole where we’ve had to continually pivot and toss perfectly great plans in the trash, you have stayed with me. Even though I have been locked down to a tiny handful of people, mostly only my mother and sister, and 95% of the time just me, myself, and I, I have experienced authentic fellowship.

Genuine community is not dependent upon geographic location. Some of my closest friends speak with accents and slang even funnier than mine and live far across town, across the country, and across the planet.

Community is far more than just multiple warm bodies in the same physical space. Have you ever felt lonely in a room full of people? Community is mutual support, friendship, listening, empathy, shared goals and vision. True fellowship is not measured in numbers, but rather in depth and faithfulness of connection. I’d rather have genuine friendship with five people than feel alone sitting with five hundred.

Friendship, camaraderie, support, safe places to be yourself, a listening ear, shared journeys, and empathy are rare treasures. Genuine fellowship means to show up in one another’s lives, to lift one another up, to laugh and cry with one another, and to link arms and walk toward God together. I don’t believe "It is not good for the man to be alone” is only about marriage. The slimy enemy’s strategy is “divide and conquer, isolate and destroy”. We need each other.

We have needed one another more than ever this year. We have needed Aaron and Hur as we slog through the quicksand and landmines of the past twelve months. It’s been a hard, frustrating, lonely year full of disappointment, conflict, and heartbreak, but so many of you have been willing to be inconvenienced in order to connect. Instead of insisting on your own way, you’ve spent the time and energy to show up, call, text, write, zoom, and to send something that says, “saw this and thought of you.” You’ve taken the initiative to check in with one another.

Authentic friendship may be far more difficult during a global pandemic, but you have proven it can happen. Community has not been automatic, or easy, or convenient during a year of physical distancing. We couldn’t just flow with the crowd because there was no crowd. We couldn’t hide in the back of the congregation because for most of us, the congregation was scattered in bubbles at home. Weddings were canceled. Memorials were impossible. No parties, sporting events, school gatherings, festivals, or conferences in person. We’ve had no choice but to go the extra mile if we want to maintain friendship and fellowship. It has required some very heavy lifting.

You’ve been willing to give up your own preferences and comfort to care for the vulnerable, to extend beyond what is easy and comfortable. You’ve been willing to include those who live far away. You’ve been willing to live out love and unity with people who might not see everything exactly the way you do. Some of those who show up on Tuesdays and Thursdays don’t know anyone on screen except me. Thank you for being brave enough to come along with us. (We may be weird, but we don’t bite.) That’s why we’ve been studying the Prison Epistles. How could Paul talk about real community when he’s physically distancing in a jail cell? (Currently in Ephesians. Join us.)

In the last twelve months I have been frustrated, appalled, angry, heartbroken, sad, and disappointed, but I haven’t felt alone. That miracle only happens when my security is in Jesus and when the Body of Christ lives out true community.

Thanks for listening and showing up...

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

(Philippians 1:3-11)

Personal update:     

If it feels like I have ghosted you, please, please forgive me. I have not forgotten you. I am snowed under. I am so far behind with ministry, checking on people, thank you notes, get well cards, correspondence, phone calls, an overflowing inbox, responses, and various projects. I have a bag full of encouraging, supportive, meaningful, and hilarious cards that I revisit and treasure. I have a desk full of gifts you’ve sent and artwork your children have made. You have donated to Psalm One Ministries. You have delivered meals, groceries, flowers, chocolate, and surprises to my door. People have been incredibly kind to me over a rough winter of loss and illness. I appreciate each and every gesture of kindness.

I keep reaching for the phone to call Mom. I keep planning when I can get to Louisville to care for her, but then remember Jesus is now caring for her. I miss her, but so grateful that she is no longer suffering.

I am trying to sort through 90 years of memories at my mom’s home while I also prune out my own home to make room for family furniture and heirlooms. Many of you know how physically, mentally, and emotionally draining that is. My sister and I are trying to settle Mom’s estate while we both deal with the lingering effects of Covid (lung issues, brain fog, fatigue, insomnia). Covid does not release its grip willingly. Neither one of us have much stamina. I usually sleep very well and require 8-9 hours, but I haven’t slept without help since Christmas. The insomnia is brutal. Please pray for sleep!

Once Mom’s home is sold and I have my shots, I am desperate to get out of town. I need a road trip and time in the ocean. If any of you know of a solo place I can rent at the beach on the East or Gulf Coast, please let me know.

Drum Roll Please: Possible, Maybe, Tentative, Hopeful, Penciled-In, Potential 2022 Dates!

February 4-6, 2022 Sisterhood of the Fishbowl Soul Care Retreat, Cincinnati, Ohio (Pastors’ Wives Only) https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives

February 25-27, 2022 Sisterhood of the Fishbowl Soul Care Retreat, Green Lake, Wisconsin (Pastors’ Wives Only) https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives

March 4-6, 2022 Refocus and Refuel Retreat, Cincinnati, Ohio (For Men and Women) https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel

September 30-October 2, 2022 Refocus and Refuel Retreat, Cincinnati, Ohio (For Men and Women) https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel

In the meantime…

Tuesday Bible Study (for men and women): Now, no matter where you live, you can come to the Psalm One gathering for support, encouragement, life-giving tools, and time together seeking the Lord. You don’t have to live in Ohio. This is for men and women, lay and clergy, married and single, any church, anyone who can join us at Tuesday nights at 7:30pm ET (that’s Wednesday morning for some of you!). We are currently in Ephesians. Anyone is welcome, whether you are there every week or once in a blue moon. Sign up to receive the Zoom link and stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study 

Pastors’ Wives: We are so enjoying being with authentic friends who understand life in the ministry. The Sisterhood of the Fishbowl is having a wonderful time together Thursday nights at 7:30pm ET. Such a great group. No risk, no travel, no cost, no slippery roads, from the comfort of your own home, Covid hair and pajamas welcome! We are learning and practicing tools to jump-start our spiritual lives and strengthen our walk with Jesus. We are always glad to see you whether pop in once or are there every week. Pastors’ wives are invited to sign up to receive the Zoom link and stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives  

Happy Groundhog Year!

Last February we thought Covid restrictions might mean a challenging few weeks. Then we thought it would extend into a tough few months. As we approach the one-year mark of pandemic, lockdowns, cancellations, losses, upheaval, separation, conflict, heartache, and massive adjustments to whatever the “new normal” is supposed to mean, we have need of endurance. And a game plan.

• Some of us have been in tight lockdown for almost a year.

• Some lives have barely been ruffled by the mayhem of 2020/2021.

• Some friends are actually enjoying many aspects of quarantine life and social distancing.

• Some of us need to continue strict quarantine measures.

• Some of us have already been released into the wild.

• Some of us are battling discouragement, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and other insidious side effects of the last year.

• Some are reeling from various losses of the last twelve months.

People are weary, grieving, lonely, fragile, anxious, frustrated, angry, discouraged, and looking for someone to blame. We’re tired of it all. We’re exhausted. We all need a dose of hope.

I certainly do not have all the answers. I have dear friends far to the right, far to the left, many moderates, and a few out there on the really weird fringes. Some are celebrating with renewed optimism. Some think the world is ending. In many circles, we've lost a lot of credibility. The venom breaks my heart. I must confess I myself have actually harbored some uncharitable thoughts toward one or two of my fellow humans.

No matter what people say or post, I try not to rise to the bait. No one is going to have their mind changed by a Facebook rant. I have no desire to debate politics or policy with anyone. I try to be an encouragement without rubber-stamping anybody's inflammatory comments. I have enough drama in my life without entering that fray.

As believers and followers of Jesus, we are called to be the Body of Christ in the world right now more than ever. It is definitely not easy. The needs are many, the mountains seem insurmountable, and God has set the bar high.

A few thoughts, aimed first and foremost at that very fallible woman who lives in my mirror:

• May we stop the name-calling. “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, 'You good-for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.” (Matthew 5:22) Yowza. Tough words, Jesus. You mean it’s not all right to be vicious just because I think I’m on God’s side? You mean I shouldn’t be nasty just because they are clearly wrong and I am obviously right?

• May we learn to listen. “The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him.” (Proverbs 18:17) As a wise friend says, my perspective is always incomplete. It’s a matter of where and to what extent. Is it possible that I do not have perfect understanding of all aspects of the situation? Could I learn anything useful by listening to another’s experience? Listening does not mean agreeing. After hearing another’s position, I may still hold firmly to my original stance. Or I might shift my opinions a bit. But listening is a powerful way to demonstrate respect and love to another person made in the image of God. As we try to solve the multi-faceted issues of the entire planet, it might actually help.

• May we find ways to serve. God asked Moses, “What is that in your hand?” (Exodus 4:2) What “loaves and fishes” can I contribute to the cause? How can I help contribute to the financial, mental, emotional, relational, educational, and community needs around me? “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” (Fred Rogers) When people look for the helpers, may they find the Church working hard among them. May followers of Jesus lead the charge in feeding the hungry, caring for the vulnerable, healing the rifts, and finding solutions to tough problems.

• May our identification with Christ make us Christ-like. Like Christ. Genuinely. “Holiness is not ‘holier than thou’ or religious perfectionism — it is simply a life that works well because we’re rooted in another world, the Kingdom of God. Holiness is the power to act as we ought, to be response-able, able to respond with appropriate power to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done.” (Dallas Willard) Individually and corporately, may we be transformed into the life of Jesus, rather than the Pharisees. May we know God rather than just know about God. Can Jesus change a life? The world desperately needs to see and experience Immanuel, the Word become flesh, dwelling among us.

What about Psalm One? What about me? What can I bring in the way of fish and loaves? “But Peter said, ‘I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene--walk!’" (Acts 3:6) I am trying to help people walk through the loss and grief and conflict and isolation and Whack-a-Mole of the past twelve months. To foster authentic community despite physical distancing. To help people lean into Christ. To freely pour our lives out before God. To renew our souls through time in the Word and prayer. To keep our heart alive towards God. To bring timeless truth of Scripture to bear on the issues of 2021. To train us to live in Christ and be the Body of Christ to a world that needs Him. To provide a bit of laughter during the stress.

God has set the bar high. For this we need Jesus. And for this we have Jesus. “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)

Much love,

Linda

P.S. I so appreciate all your kind messages! Despite a few hiccups, I am slowly getting my strength and stamina back. Covid does not release its grip willingly. So grateful for all the prayers, cards, encouragement, meals, gift cards, chocolate!, creative surprises, fun photos, goofy videos, and tremendous friendship you have shown during this tough season of illness and loss.

Psalm One WILL meet face-to-face again. I so miss the Days of Refreshing, the Refocus and Refuel Retreats, the Soul Care Retreats, our Bible Study in the Barn. In the meantime, don’t wait! JOIN US…

Tuesday Bible Study (for men and women): Now, no matter where you live, you can come to the Psalm One gathering for support, encouragement, life-giving tools, and time together seeking the Lord. You don’t have to live in Ohio. This is for men and women, lay and clergy, married and single, any church, anyone who can join us at Tuesday nights at 7:30pm ET (that’s Wednesday morning for some of you!). We are currently in Ephesians. Anyone is welcome, whether you are there every week or once in a blue moon. Sign up to receive the Zoom link and stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study 

Pastors’ Wives: We are so enjoying being with authentic friends who understand life in the ministry. The Sisterhood of the Fishbowl is having a wonderful time together Thursday nights at 7:30pm ET. Such a great group. No risk, no travel, no cost, no slippery roads, from the comfort of your own home, Covid hair and pajamas welcome! We are currently learning and practicing tools to jump-start our spiritual lives and strengthen our walk with Jesus. We are always glad to see you whether pop in once or are there every week. Pastors’ wives are invited to sign up to receive the Zoom link and stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives  

A Life and a Legacy

I hope 2021 is starting out well for you.

My last month is a blur. After being cautious throughout 2020 to avoid Covid due to my dangerous pulmonary issues, my Mom, sister, and I all became ill at Christmas. I was immediately sent to the hospital for IV monoclonal antibodies in hopes of avoiding further lung damage. I am so grateful for this life-saving treatment. Three weeks later I am still slowly recovering.

A few days later, I almost lost my sister. She was taken to the ER days after she should have been hospitalized, then isolated in the ICU. Thank God, she is now home regaining her strength.

Many people have remained untouched by this evil virus, or have had a mild case, or have tested positive without symptoms. Not all of us are so fortunate. Susceptibility to Covid differs drastically depending upon geography, daily activities, community, health issues, and so many other factors. Covid affects everyone differently. Symptoms and severity vary tremendously. Some feel fine, some report a mild cold, others die. Some will have ongoing effects for months or years. Stats mean nothing if you're on the wrong side of the probability. If someone has not dealt with Covid personally, they may dismiss it. Please, please take Covid seriously. End of Public Service Announcement.

My mother died December 31. It's never easy to lose one’s mother. I know everybody thinks their mother is special, but I think my mom was amazing. I keep reaching for the phone to share stories with her.

What was her legacy? What priorities can we learn from Phyllis Kline?

• Responsibility and integrity. Your word is your bond. You show up. You do the work. People can count on your faithfulness. You are honest in all matters. Every bill is paid in full on time. You live below your means so that you have zero debt and the ability to be generous.

• Chocolate. I come by my addiction honestly. Mom loved Hershey’s, Klondike bars, and Lindt milk chocolate. Dad loved ice cream, caramel M&Ms, and Goodtime Linda Chocolate Chip Cookies. Other flavors may exist, but Klines always prefer chocolate.

• People. Her community came from church, neighbors, school friends, and anyone else who crossed her path. Mom loved people and had a kind and welcoming word for everyone. She had a servant heart and was always willing to go the extra mile to help out. She spent time and energy to maintain friendships with connections of all ages from all stages of her life.

I often say I inherited two great gifts from my mother: the ability to laugh and to cry. I am so thankful for both. They serve me well. Mom felt things deeply and had tremendous empathy for others.

Mom also loved my friends. If she met you once, she tried to remember every detail and continued to ask about you. She loved all the stories and pictures of you, your adventures, your children, your grandchildren, and especially your four-legged family members.

She loved what I do in Psalm One. Mom wanted to hear about every Bible study, retreat, or event. Some of you were able to attend an event because my mother donated a scholarship for you behind the scenes. She prayed for all of you, but especially the pastors’ wives.

• Humor. My mother and her father (my beloved grandfather) saw the humor in everything. They loved to laugh. They taught me humor should never be at another’s expense. There are too many hilarious things in life without resorting to biting cynicism or sarcasm. They believed no one had a better sense of humor than God.

Mom was fun. She was an extrovert who enjoyed any social gathering and was invited to far more parties than I ever was. She hosted daily neighborhood porch parties at her condo. Anyone who took a stroll down the main drag was invited to stop by and visit. Her friendly dog Harley visited with the four-legged guests while the two-legged guests sat around and chatted.

• Animals. Mom dearly loved dogs (and most furry creatures). Like me, she was unable to walk past a dog without striking up a conversation. I inherited and expanded her love of animals to anything with fur, feathers, fins, flippers, and fangs: close encounters of the wildlife kind with sheep, goats, wild ponies, elk, buffalo, bears, elephants, birds, manatees, mantas, morays, moose, marmots, kangaroos, koalas, wombats, sea turtles, whales, otters, sea life of every description, sharks and lots of other big bitey things. She asked me not to tell her about most of those encounters until I was safely home.

Between our illness and Covid restrictions, we have not been able to have a celebration of my mom’s life and legacy. So please help me sing the song she wanted as we say goodbye:

    Jesus loves me! This I know,

    For the Bible tells me so;

    Little ones to Him belong;

    They are weak, but He is strong.

        Refrain:

        Yes, Jesus loves me!

        Yes, Jesus loves me!

        Yes, Jesus loves me!

        The Bible tells me so.

    Jesus loves me! This I know,

    As He loved so long ago,

    Taking children on His knee,

    Saying, “Let them come to Me.”

    Jesus loves me still today,

    Walking with me on my way,

    Wanting as a friend to give

    Light and love to all who live.

    Jesus loves me! He who died

    Heaven’s gate to open wide;

    He will wash away my sin,

    Let His little child come in.

    Jesus loves me! He will stay

    Close beside me all the way;

    Thou hast bled and died for me,

    I will henceforth live for Thee.

(Anna B. Warner)

Thank you for listening, praying, and celebrating with me.

Much love,

Linda

P.S. I am still recovering, so my availability is very limited. Thank you so much for all your prayers, messages, cards, gifts, offers of help, and other encouragement. They mean more than words can express.

We hope and pray to resume face-to-face retreats and studies soon. In the meantime, we love being together online. Please join us!

Tuesday Bible Study (for men and women): Now, no matter where you live, you can come to the Psalm One gathering for support, encouragement, life-giving tools, and time together seeking the Lord. You don’t have to live in Ohio. This is for men and women, lay and clergy, married and single, any church, anyone who can join us at Tuesday nights at 7:30pm EDT (that’s Wednesday morning for some of you!). We are currently in Ephesians. Anyone is welcome, whether you are there every week or once in a blue moon. Sign up to receive the Zoom link and stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study 

Pastors’ Wives: We are so enjoying being with authentic friends who understand life in the ministry. The Sisterhood of the Fishbowl is having a wonderful time together Thursday nights at 7:30pm EDT. Such a great group. No risk, no travel, no cost, no slippery roads, from the comfort of your own home, Covid hair and pajamas welcome! We are currently learning and practicing tools to jump-start our spiritual lives and strengthen our walk with Jesus. We are always glad to see you whether pop in once or are there every week. Pastors’ wives are invited to sign up to receive the Zoom link and stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives