Dancing In The Rain! A New Favorite Quote!

"Life Isn't about waiting for the storm to pass
but learning to Dance in the rain!"


This weekend, after a crazy week of busy schedules and medical tests, Bert and I took a trip to Sandpoint Idaho. We found a funky little shop, in the Cedar Street bridge Public Market, that was filled with garden art, steel sculptures, and printed sayings.

This quote about dancing in the rain caught my eye, and I brought the hand-painted board back to Spokane to display in my classroom.

The past few weeks have been filled with challenges, unexpected changes, and great blessings...for me and those I love!

I know, after 60 years of being on the planet and hearing my blessed Mom say in my mind and heart, that..."this too shall pass!"

Yet, when you're in the eye of the storm.. it isn't easy.

I watched the old video "Twister" when I was up at the lake this weekend. The storm, wind, and debris followed them, swirled about them, and uprooted their lives! As I watched the movie, Diamond lake was in the midst of a storm...wind blowing, white caps on the lake, and sheets of rain falling. Another unexpected storm...yet we were safe inside!

What I know for sure is that in the midst of every storm...God is there!

God is there, learnings are there, new growth, no matter how painful, is there! Change is there!

Today the sun is out, and I am back at school. I missed my students while i was gone. No matter what storms come at me this week, I am bound and determined to hold God's hand and ...

Dance in the rain!

Sending you love and hugs! God Bless! Love, Linda

It has been a time of change and challenge. But what I know for sure is that God is good all the time and all the time God is good!

I go in today to have my ankle scoped again. Recently it has taken to getting very swollen and "clicking" when I walk..also shooting pain. So we'll see if they have to do surgery, pin it, re-break it, or what!

I am optimistic! I know God loves me, looks out for me, and DOESN'T give me anything I can't handle!!! :)

So...stay tuned!

Love and hugs to all who read this! God bless! Linda

Resistance To Change

I've long thought that I was a creature of comfort who resisted making certain changes. I love to go to work on the same familiar path. I often order the same food at restaurants that I know I'll enjoy. I sometimes resist changes....even the small ones. Even the ones that are good for me. I'm often sentimental and nostalgic about keeping things the same.

This is a time of great change, and many of those changes aren't easy. I find that I even argue with God about..."Do we really have to do THIS???"

I know that change creates a lot of hard work, requires a lot of creative ideas, and interrupts the regular routine.

I also know that it's easy to fear the unknown and change often brings a dose of the unknown.

What I know for sure is that God is with me in it all! He walks with me and encourages me as I face changes, some I long for and others that scare me.

My prayer is that I face the upcoming changes with a new sense of confidence, knowing that I need to "Let Go!...and Let God!"

Hugs and God Bless! Love, Linda

CATCHING UP WITH MYSELF and OTHERS!

Where has this last month gone? Much of it has gone into a major Communications Conference at Spokane Community College. Over 650 people attended, my dear friend Sharon Hartnett was the keynote speaker, I did a major workshop and worked with a group of amazing students on a major publicity blitz, setting up conference facilities, decorations, food, coordinating a follow up luncheon...whew! It was to some extent all- consuming. In the midst of all of this, some rather major conflicts emerged. I find today that I am breathing more and smiling more! The conference was an overwhelming success...and the lessons for me are profound.

I work on learning life lessons from everything I encounter. I want to be open to learning about myself and others. I am still sorting out the lessons from this major event and time consumer!

What I know for sure is to be grateful for it all. Yet sometimes that is easier said than done!
Some challenges and obstacles hurt physically, emotionally, and break my heart. Yet leaning on my faith helps me to come through with a new perspective. There is SO much that I can't control. People at times make choices that have a huge impact on me. Yet I continue to learn that God is good all the time and all the time God is good! God is THERE in the midst of EVERYTHING...holding my hand, wiping my tears, and restoring my courage!!

Perhaps some of these really tough moments are actually life defining. Do I REALLY lean on God? Do I really believe that He holds my future in the palm of his hand? Or are those words I kinda, sorta put into practice.

I wouldn't trade this month for anything! Yet I'm delighted to have time again to look around, smell the flowers, and appreciate my life!

Hope you are loving yours as well! God Bless! Love, Linda