Be Inspired By Going Deeper
Enjoy the insights of Linnea West!
We Are Meant To Be Together.
When I saw this picture, my heart just melted. It’s a picture of two widowed penguins comforting one another in Australia. This picture is one of the winners in the Oceanographic Magazine’s Ocean Photography Awards, taken by Tobias Baumgaertner.
We can learn so much from watching nature, especially birds. Mr. Baumgaertner writes.
“A volunteer approached me and told me that the white one was an elderly lady who had lost her partner and apparently so did the younger male to the left,”
“Since then they meet regularly, comforting each other and standing together for hours watching the dancing lights of the nearby city.”
I find that this is not just a one time occurrence. When we lived in Oklahoma, we lived on a pond and I witnessed the same type of love and compassion. Our kitchen had a window with a great view of the pond. Many times, over the corse of ten years, I would grab a cup of coffee and just observe the behavior of all the wildlife around us, especially the ducks. I found them to be quite amazing. Most of the time, the birds came in pairs. We had many varieties of adorable ducks and we also had beautiful white swans.
There was also an interesting group of various waterfowl that didn’t seem to match up. They were all different, but stayed closely together. At first glance they appeared to be just a random collection of water loving birds, but as I studied them longer, I realized they were meant to be together. As I watched them carefully, I also saw that they protected one another in various ways. They had each other’s back. They also ate together and played together. They seemed to actually have fun. I was awestruck watching how they cared for one another regularly. I called them, “The little Family” Some where big, some small, and they were of various shapes, colors and sizes. Occasionally, a new bird would join their group and the others would readily welcome them in. It occurred to me how God’s nature is so present all around us.
I have found that God gives us examples on how to be through nature. Do you know someone who is alone? If you do, reach out to them. They need a hug. They need your love and comfort. They have a great need to belong, but don’t know how to get connected. Often people who are alone get depressed, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Many times, they will not be able to share with you that they are lonely or need a hug, or just need you to be there. Don’t expect anything back, just know, and invite them into your circle, whatever that looks like.
Many times, as we prepare for family get togethers for the holidays, we make all sorts of plans, but forget those who are alone. It doesn’t have to be fancy. That’s not what they're looking for. It's all about feeling comforted and loved. If you can, have a meal together. Breaking bread together is one of the most intimate things you can do. You are sharing your life, your food, and your love. If you do have a meal, give them a take home package of leftovers. That extends the love.
Let’s make it a tradition to invite people who are alone into our homes and our lives. That’s how the body of Christ works. Together we can change the world into a better place.
I am so thankful for the people who reached out to me when I was a single parent and they invited me into their circle.
Many times I felt like no one wanted me and I didn’t fit in. That was really a lie from the enemy. My old friends were gone and I was starting my life over. It was such a gift of love to be invited into their homes. We ate, played games, shared our thoughts, and great bonds were developed between us. They prayed for me and the kids. Later on, we prayed for each other. Prayer partners were birthed.
We can make all the difference in the world , by just reaching out and showing our love. We are not meant to be alone. We are one body. The way we love each other is a reflection of Jesus in us. So wrap your arm around someone today and let them know you care and invite them into your world. We are called to be together.
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:14-15. NLT
-November 2023
Going Deeper - Blooming For Him.
It’s spring. the trees are budding, and depending where you live, the grass is turning green. The days are longer with sunlight. There is an expectancy of flowers blooming soon.
Did you know, we can bloom in all stages of our lives whether young or old, wherever we live. When we are in Christ, it happens naturally. Our spouse, kids, friends, relatives, co-workers, or people we meet, can be refreshed and see Jesus in us as we live our lives, even to the very end.
I remember one time when I was a visiting nurse, I saw a very special patient who touched my heart greatly. I was a relatively new Christian at the time and had much to learn.
I was scheduled again, to see her. She was very sick with severe congestive heart failure. I had seen her twice before and knew she wasn’t getting any better. I was dreading our visit that day, because I knew we would have to eventually talk about end of life issues and hospice care.
She lived with her children, who provided a room for her in their home. In her tiny room, there was a bed, afghan, rocking chair, and her Bible. There where no other material objects in her room. Not even a picture on the wall. I didn’t like the bareness of it, but that did not seem to bother her at all.
As I walked into her room that day, she was sitting up in her bed. I took a seat in the rocker to be next to her, and talked with her. As we began, I sensed a presence of peace in the room. She had a smile on her face that radiated a spirit of joy, in the mist of her very serious end of life physical problems.
That really left an impression on me. It showed me the trust she has in Jesus. She didn’t ask for anything. She acted totally content and lacked nothing. What she had, was her Bible - the Word of life.
As we talked , she could sense I was struggling with talking to her about dying. She began to reassure me that all was good. She shared her faith in Christ and she knew where she was going when she died. She told me, about her life and what God had done and that she was ready to leave this world, when the Lord was ready to receive her. I sat back in amazement.
This woman was blooming right there in her bed. Even though her body was failing, she was so beautiful, lovely, refreshing, and kind. Her love for God just radiated, like a beam of light, and gave me great peace. She ministered to me in such a powerful unexpected way! I was blessed beyond belief. She was a rose that touched my heart. Her words about God, left a sweet aroma in the air.
That was one of the most profound nursing visits I have ever made. Truth be told, I just listened, while she shared and comforted me!
I think, I was the ‘patient’ that day.
So, it doesn’t mater your age, where you live, what your surroundings are, or season of life you are in. You, too, can bloom where you are planted and bless someone today!
“For you know that when your faith is tested, it stirs up the power of endurance. And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection in every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.” James 1: 3-4 TPT
-March 2023
Going Deeper - The Storm
For some people, staying home for a few days with a blanket, cup of tea, and a bunch of movies to watch is a nice break from working or from whatever their usual day is.
This has not always been the case for me. You see, as a child, I ran. What does that mean? I ran from reality, I ran outside for food, friendship, and love. My home-life wasn’t the best, and being outside and moving was my fix.
I grew up in the Chicagoland area, which meant harsh winters.
But even still, on really bad snowy days the streets were plowed, so I still managed to could get out. When I was old enough to drive, getting out was my thing. I would go out for any reason. It became a habit, not something I really needed to do.
As a nurse, I found myself liking home care nursing. I felt too cooped up in the hospitals. This was a way for me to get out and I loved it.
Little did I know, God had another plan for my life. As I was driving around for about three years as a visiting nurse, Joyce Meyer would always be on, just at the right time. It became a daily thing. Sometimes, I would pull my car over to listen to the rest of her sermon before going into seeing my patient. Slowly, I began to hear about renewing my mind, and that God loves me and wanted to give me peace.
When we moved to Tulsa Oklahoma in 2006 our family experienced a terrible ice storm. I had never seen this before. The ice was thick, trees were broken, the city was at a stand-still. I had never been shut in before. Noah was seven at the time. So, I began to clean, then reorganize all my photos and make new albums and do arts and crafts with Noah. By the 2nd day, I was starting to feel panicky. I called the only friend I had at the time, and she said, “ This is what it is like and you have to just wait it out.”
Day 3 came and I found myself praying to God. There I was, alone on the living room floor, reaching out to Him like never before. I said , “God, I can’t handle this. Help me.”
As my time with the Lord continued for what seemed to be like and hour or more, something miraculous happened. His beautiful, wonderful, restful peace began to fill my body. I began to see things differently. What I realized, was that I wasn’t spending enough quiet time with Him. It was life changing for me. What a lesson.
I heard Him say to my spirit, “I am taking the little girl who always had to run, out of you, and replacing it with my love, rest, and peace. I want you to be free from now on, and rest in me!”
You see, the Lord had to remove me from the busy Chicago area, set me apart, so I could and want to hear Him. He set me free from running on that cold winter day in Oklahoma!!!!!
As we wait out this cold snap up here in the Milwaukee area, I am so thankful that I can go into my prayer closet and just REST In Him. Thank you Jesus!!!
Psalms 29:11- The Lord gives peace to His people: the Lord blesses his people with peace.
-February 2023
"“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value then they?”
Mathew NKJV
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but power, love, and a sound mind."
2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
Linnea West
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Linnea.Inflight.Services@gmail.com
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