April 2004

Bonjour!

How are you going to keep them down on the farm now that they've seen Paris?

Yes, I have just returned from a few days in Paris.  How much French do I know?  Approximately zero (zero).

My vague memories of Spanish class were no help. "Donde esta El Metro?" just doesn't cut it in France.  I tried using all the French words I know: Hors d'Oeuvres, Vichyssoise, Chevrolet, Grey Poupon…but none were very useful.  I mainly needed "Pardon, mais je ne parle pas français" (Sorry, but I don't speak French), "Je ne comprends pas" (I don't understand) and "Vous parlez anglais?" (Do you speak English?).  But mostly I just pointed and said "Bonjour!" and "Merci!" as much as possible.  So as you can imagine, it was quite the adventure for Goodtime Linda to be on her own in the City of Lights.  Still, quite a wonderful side trip.

I had hopped the Channel after a getaway in lovely Derbyshire with some very fun English friends.  How wonderful to be among great people in a beautiful place.  We did a lot of laughing on our little vacation.   Once again, I was reminded of how grateful I am for all my friends all around the world.  They are a gift to me and I thank God for them.

Back home in Ohio now, back to the office and upcoming ministry projects...

In a few weeks, I will be leading a couple of workshops at the Spiritual Formation Forum in Los Angeles with Dallas Willard, Eugene Peterson, Marva Dawn and Larry Crabb (http://www.spiritualformationforum.org/sff_event.html).  What a strategic forum and wonderful opportunity to discuss, learn and practice what it means to have Christ formed in us with others who share a similar vision.  I look forward to sharpening the sword in so many ways.  Please pray that we will learn from one another and be encouraged and challenged as we focus on connecting with the Lord.  Also pray for my preparation, delivery and interactions in the workshops.

While out west, I will also be meeting with some people involved in ministry to pastors' wives.  There are a number of people in that area who have developed some excellent ideas for supporting and encouraging ministry wives.  We hope to pool resources to share the wealth.

     
After the Forum, I will be taking a couple of months away in a mini-sabbatical.  With a few exceptions, I will be out of ministry mode until August.  I have had a whirlwind five years of exploding ministry with Psalm One, and the trustees are graciously giving me some time off the front lines to rest, renew, be regenerated.

I just love the way Eugene Peterson puts it:

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."  (Matthew 11:28-30 from The Message)

So I am pulling away to "keep company" with Jesus and to learn again "the unforced rhythms of grace". 

Pray:

I'm looking forward to receiving what God has for me this summer.  And I know this will have a wonderful ripple effect throughout Psalm One Ministries.  We walk with an amazing Lord of grace, mercy and love.

Back in the saddle in August.  God has great things in store for the fall in Ohio, Indiana, Australia, New Zealand... In the meantime, to keep up on upcoming events, keep an eye on www.psalmone.org.  Thanks for your prayers, encouragement and support!

In Him,
Linda