Random Thoughts on Rough Valleys

“Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” (Psalms 30:5)

What this encouraging verse doesn't specify is: "How long is that night?" and "When will it finally be morning?"

I spent the first half of 2024 going back and forth between West Chester Hospital and Cleveland Clinic. I have had two surgeries, endured multiple medical procedures, been jabbed with lots and lots of needles, and seen many, many specialists.

But this morning I sat on my deck in the sunshine and celebrated the fact that I am finally not in constant pain.

I am not screaming on a regular basis. (I'm sure my neighbors wonder what's been happening over here.)

I am not constantly repeating a mantra of: "It hurts, it hurts, it hurts." (Many friends have recommended far more colorful language.)

I am no longer losing terrifying amounts of blood. (So sorry for TMI.)

I am still very weak and wobbly, and there are more appointments and treatments ahead, and more trips up to Cleveland Clinic. (Next appointment is Monday.) But the tide has turned, and I am not nearly as incapacitated.

My heart breaks for so many friends and acquaintances who are also in pain. Physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and relational pain with the accompanying exhaustion, conflict, and questions.

If anyone tells you they have the final and definitive answer to the problem of pain and suffering, bless them and back away slowly. Beware of pat answers and anything stitched on a pillow or plastered on a bumper sticker or meme.

Job had the most amazing friends who “sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great.” (Job 2:13) The problem began when they decided they could explain what God was doing and why it was all Job's fault.

I don't have all the answers by a very long shot. But here in no particular order are a few random thoughts and truths that have helped me through some rough valleys:

·         Sometimes the successful Christian life is shuffling one foot in front of the other and just making it through the day. That's why his Word is a lamp to our feet, instead of a spotlight a mile ahead. Focus on being obedient second by second in this moment and making decisions in light of eternity. Trust God with what lies in between.

·         We need true friends to be Aaron and Hur to hold our arms up in the battle. And we need to BE Aaron and Hur for others. “But Moses' hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set.” (Exodus 17:12) I am so grateful for the Psalm One Prayer team and so many friends who have helped me with encouragement, prayers, transportation, meals, flowers, cards, chocolate, laughter, and the invaluable ministry of presence.

·         One never knows who will show up to help. Sometimes support comes out of the woodwork from sources you never expected. My neighbors (some of whom I’d never met) provided meals for me.

·         99.9% of people do not welcome unsolicited advice. Please don't tell me about your miracle supplement and how I too can order it from you for only $300.00 a month. Please don't tell me why I am ill because my walk with God is not good enough. Please don't tell me about your aunt who had what I have and died a horrible death.

·         The most honest prayer in Scripture is “I do believe; help my unbelief." (Mark 9:24)

·         The most useful prayer of scripture is, “For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You." (2 Chron 20:12)

·         God does not love me any less on days when I cannot muster the strength to walk across a room or drag my body out of bed.

·         The worse the pain, the more I sense the closeness of God as He holds me.

·         I am not alone.

·         Beauty is healing. Music, art, photography, color, movement, animals, books, film, and nature. All of these and more can be windows to the soul and spiritual pathways to hold onto Jesus.

·         It's okay to say no. The two most powerful words in spiritual growth are yes and no. Learn to say a discerning no so you can say an enthusiastic yes. Sometimes I have to disappoint a lot of people. Think about Jesus’s life. Can you imagine if He never said no to anyone? We wouldn't be here.

·         Thank you for your patience when I have not been on call 24/7/365. The only One who is always available (and the only one who should be) is God. There is one Savior, and it is not me. My goal is to keep pointing you toward Him. But I greatly appreciate your flexibility and support when I have needed to be unplugged and unavailable.

·         Don't accept criticism from anyone you wouldn't go to for advice.

·         Most of us learn far more from the challenging seasons than we do under blue skies. We all have rough edges that need to be sanded off. Many things are only learned through great pain or deep love. The tools God uses to shape and mold us can be very sharp and very painful. But in His hands, wrecking balls and holy sandpaper can make us a little more like Jesus.

·         The only part of non-biblical literature which I think should be canonized is Chapter 8 of The Screwtape Letters which explains how God uses the difficult and painful seasons in life. It ends with: “Do not be deceived, Wormwood. Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do our Enemy's will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys." (Everything is reversed, i.e. The Enemy = God.)

·         God drops laughter into my life at the most unexpected moments. 2024 has been tough, but there has been so much hilarity in my life. If we keep our spirit open, there is joy to be found, even in the roughest times. In the midst of unsparing pain, God has given me so many funny moments. I made one friend spit Pepsi out her nose, an accomplishment of which I am inordinately proud.

·         At first the Christian life seems to be all joy. Then it seems to be all pain. Then we find joy in the midst of our pain. This becomes the anchor of our soul. We learn not to fear when the next storm rolls in. It doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. There is horrendous suffering out there. But we have “an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil.” (Hebrews 6:19)

"Adventure lies ahead." That's what God keeps whispering in my ear. Some of you know more than a few "Linda Kline stories". I’ve had some very exciting, dangerous, and hilarious experiences. I meet a lot of truly fascinating people. I know not to approach wildlife, but wildlife doesn't know not to approach me. Lots of stories involving fur, fins, feathers, flippers, and fangs. Never a dull moment. I cannot count the number of times people have said, "you need to write a book." I have snippets of about twenty different books. Maybe someday I'll finish one.

The surgeon finally cleared me to be back in the water. You have no idea what that means to a mermaid! For the last week, I've been swimming to exhaustion every day. Now my goal is to get out of Ohio (which has a distinct lack of oceanfront property) and into the sea. Aching to be back underwater with my fish, sea turtles, mantas, manatees, octopuses, eels, rays, whales, dolphins, and even those Aussie sharks.

Apparently, God is not quite done with me yet. I will keep putting one foot in front of the other and I will hold on to the One who holds on to me.

Thanks for coming along, listening, and praying. Much love,

Linda

Psalm One Ministries gatherings and events (Watch your email. More may be added as I am able. And Goodtime Linda might be hitting the road.)

Psalm One Bible Study:

We are studying 1 Peter online on Tuesday nights at 7:30 pm Eastern Time and would love to have you with us. This letter is jam packed with wisdom on how to walk as strangers and aliens in this world, yet chosen and beloved of God. We're getting so much out of this study! This is for men and women, single and married, anyone who wants to go deeper in the Word and walk closer with Jesus. Sign up online to stay in the loop with links and resources: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study  Anyone is welcome to hop in anytime.

November 1-3 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, considering the state of our souls, and heart preparation. 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 dinner through Sunday lunch.

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

• How much? $225 which includes all housing, meals and materials. 

“"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!!”

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.

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. https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel

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

Psalm One Sisterhood of the Fishbowl Soul Care Retreats (just for pastors’ wives): 

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! Mark your calendar NOW to join us in 2025: https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives 

• January 24-26 Cincinnati, Ohio

• February 28-March 2 Green Lake, Wisconsin

Grace and Peace

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord” (2 Peter 1:2)

The phrase grace and peace is used 18 times in the epistles, and always in that order. We have peace because we have grace.

In essence, grace is the continual giving of God. “Grace is the action of God bringing to pass in our lives good things which we neither deserve nor can accomplish on our own.” Dallas Willard

“Grace in the theological sense is that force that infuses our lives, that keeps letting us off the hook. It is unearned and gratuitous love; the love that goes before, that greets us on the way. It's the help you receive when you have no bright ideas left, when you are empty and desperate and have discovered that your best thinking and most charming charm have failed you; grace is the light or electricity or juice or breeze that takes you from that isolated place and puts you with others who are as startled and embarrassed and eventually grateful as you are to be there.” — Anne Lamott, Traveling Mercies

If my peace depends on how perfectly I am handling life, I am sunk. If I can experience and extend grace to others, I can find rest in a supernatural peace.

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” (John 14:27)

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

Anyone who has walked with God for years will attest that faith is usually deepened from the rough times far more than under blue skies. At Indiana University, I had a poster on my wall that said “Faith isn't faith until it's all you're hanging on to”. Many of us have experienced the truth and stability of the anchor that holds within the veil. (Hebrews 6:19)

• We have known the peace that passes understanding when God meets us in the night watch, those sleepless hours in the middle of the night when no one is looking for us except God.

• We have reached out to touch the hem of his garment when no one else truly sees us, hears us, or understands what we're going through—and we have received strength and power from His presence.

• We have felt the everlasting arms beneath us when everything else seems to give way.

I have experienced grace in such powerful ways in the last year. In the midst of tremendous pain, Jesus has met me with an unshakable, undergirding joy that makes no sense from a human perspective. He has given me laughter, humor, friendship, unexpected surprises, divine appointments, beauty, fun, and a peace that is different than anything the world offers.

Life gets overwhelming at times. The needs around us can be intimidating. May we learn to embrace and offer grace, then rest in peace.

May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you. (Jude 2)

.

Grace and peace,

Linda

P.S. I will be having surgery Thursday, May 30th, so I will be out of commission for a while. I would appreciate prayers for a safe surgery and swift recovery. Thank you for your patience while I am unplugged and away from the office. Many thanks to the Psalm One Prayer Team for walking with me.

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”

― Anne Lamott

From time to time, my spiritual life needs a jump start. A chance to shut down completely and rest, then reboot with renewed energy and vitality.  A bit of stretching and nurturing to refill my tanks and rekindle my love for Jesus. Time to pause and assess halfway through the year.

I often have the best of intentions to take time away with the Lord, but sometimes those intentions never become reality. Having some encouragement and accountability helps me when I gather with a few fellow pilgrims as we spend time seeking God alone together.

Could you use any of that? Come away with me June 28-30 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, considering the state of our souls, and heart preparation. 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: June 28-30, Friday dinner through Sunday lunch.

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

• How much? $225 ($275 after June 14) which includes all housing, meals and materials.  Space is limited and we cannot hold your spot until paid in full, so register soon!

“For me, being at the Refocus and Refuel Retreat was like stepping out of the jungle into an oasis! It was a place where I was nourished, refreshed, lovingly challenged and encouraged by God as I quietly meditated on His Word, prayed and worshipped through nature walks with Him.  God has uniquely gifted Linda Kline with the ability to greet pilgrims right where they are and provide an atmosphere that shepherds weary pilgrims towards increased faith in God, through well studied biblical teaching, powerful photography, and hilarious laughter! “

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.

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 June 14, so register soon at: https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel

Psalm One Bible Study:

We are studying 1 Peter online on Tuesday nights at 7:30 pm Eastern Time and would love to have you with us. This letter is jam packed with wisdom on how to walk as strangers and aliens in this world, yet chosen and beloved of God. We're getting so much out of this study! This is for men and women, single and married, anyone who wants to go deeper in the Word and walk closer with Jesus. Sign up online to stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study  (We’ll be skipping a few weeks as I recover, but you are welcome to hop in at any point after then.)

I look at Him. He looks at me. We are happy.

Dear friend,

• Are you ever frustrated by your lack of strength, energy, or stamina?

• Do you ever get discouraged when you can't do what the other kids can do?

• Do you ever feel "less than" when some weakness or limitation prevents you from accomplishing everything you expect of yourself?

• Have you noticed that getting old is for the birds?

I had some really, really wonderful and exciting plans for 2024, and I may still get to do some of them, but so far I've had to cancel or delay most of the things on my calendar.

So many good things going on in my life, but my body decided to revolt on me this year. So much pain, so many medical appointments, so many medications that may or may not work, so many excruciating treatments. One surgery down, one to go. I’m trying to be a patient patient, but I've got places to go, things to do, and people to see!

There are times when I suddenly see the paper I'm writing on is getting wet and blurring my words, because I don’t even notice anymore when the tears are flowing. There are times when my body won't stop shaking from the pain. Multiple times a day I cry out (trying to scream quietly if the windows are open) when it gets too much. My current mantra is: “It hurts, it hurts, it hurts.”

“You have taken account of my wanderings;

Put my tears in Your bottle.

Are they not in Your book?”

(Psalm 56:8)

But this has also been a season of laughter. It’s hard to explain, but there's been an undercurrent of unshakable joy even in unrelenting pain. I find humor in the midst of daily life. There are so many ridiculous little things that make me smile, chuckle, or laugh out loud. My heart is lifted by friends who come alongside me, often surprising me with love and support and hilarity exactly when I need it.

“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27)

There are seasons when we can go "flat out like a lizard drinking" as we say in Australia.

There are seasons when we need to rest in the palm of his hand.

There are days I can accomplish an amazing workload.

There are days I can barely walk across a room.

But God doesn't waste a thing. Even our pain. The hours I have to spend hunkered under a weighted heating pad because the pain is too severe are not wasted hours. In that darkness, He meets me.

In this secluded place I meet a king.

He comes alone to drink reality with me.

Sometimes we talk, sometimes we sit

And sip a life that passes by the crowd.

As inwardness is born—a felted thing

Of power—a commonality of grace—

A union where unmended hopes are knit

Where silence roars as quiet sings aloud.

Oh Christ, I love it here! It is our place.

Speak Lord or not. Touch me or not.

Show then Your will or bid me wait in patient grace.

Fill all my hungry need with joy again.

With simple loaves of bread and chaliced wine

Heaven, earth, and all of God are mine.

           --Calvin Miller (A Hunger for the Holy)

A beautiful, simple, deeply profound quote from a dear saint today: “I look at Him. He looks at me. We are happy.”

He meets us wherever we are. And my prayer is always, “Lord meet me where I am, and take me where I need to be.”

Grace and peace,

Linda

P.S. I have surgery scheduled May 30th. Please, please pray they would move it up. Even a week or two would help tremendously. So grateful for those on the prayer team who keep lifting me up. Let me know if you want to join the team.

Upcoming and Ongoing:

• We invite anyone to join the Psalm One Bible Study on Tuesday nights in 1 Peter. 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. Everyone is welcome Tuesday at 7:30 pm Eastern Time whether you come every week or drop in every once in a while. Sign up to stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study

• Mark your calendar now to join us for the next Refocus and Refuel Retreat June 28-30 in Cincinnati. This is for men and women, anyone who needs to let the dust settle long enough to rest, recover, remember, rebound, restore, revive, and reboot. https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel

• Thank you for understanding that my availability and capacity has varied a lot the last few months. I appreciate your kindness and patience. A lot of things are in the air right now. More events will be scheduled once I get past this season.