First Love

How do we live out our faith no matter what is happening around us?

"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" (Matthew 22:36)

"On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets."  (Matthew 22:40)

And He answered,

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,

and with all your soul,

and with all your strength,

and with all your mind;

and your neighbor as yourself."

(Luke 10:27)

If we do this, the result will lead to fulfilling the law. The closer we draw into God, the more we are transformed into the image of His Son. If we try to do the second without holding fast to the first, the result will be a noisy gong, a clanging symbol, resulting in nothing.

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

(1 Corinthian 13:1-3)

“I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false;  and you have perseverance and have endured for My name's sake, and have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

(Revelation 2:2-4)

For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; (2 Corinthians 5:14)

I was recently privileged to be able to participate in a retreat with other pastors returning to this cornerstone of everything we do: holding on to our first love. Unfortunately, not everything we do for God may be of God. If we fail to commit to the first commandment, we will never be able to accomplish the second.

Have you ever met someone who's a little bit difficult to love? Has that ever been someone you see almost every day? Has that ever been the person in your mirror? How often do I fail to love my neighbor? I can't do this in my own strength. We don't start with loving God and then move on. We nail this bedrock to the floor and we nurture and deepen this love for the Lord through our entire lives. Apart from the love of God, I cannot properly love others.

It was so good to be with my tribe. So many wonderful encounters with God and with brothers and sisters. Ministry can empty our tanks and I have so needed to be with these people. A room full of men and women who know there is no fruitfulness without rootedness. There is no leadership without followership. We must never leave the foundation of Jesus as our first love.

But the wonderful thing about holding on to that is that God continually surprises us with the depth, intimacy, and delight of His love. This was a wonderful retreat of time in the word, spiritual exercises, transformative prayer, worship, connection, and lots of laughter. We poured strength, encouragement, and joy into one another. I described it to a friend as “standing in a waterfall of Jesus”.

Ø  Would you like a taste of the joy and refreshment I received from my retreat? We all need to pull away and settle our souls enough so that we can actually listen to that still, small, loving voice of God. Free weekends will never just appear. Mark your calendars now to join us November 14--16 for a Refocus and Refuel Retreat. This is for men and women, anyone who wants to prepare him room before the busyness and craziness of the holidays. https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel

Ø  Important update: We recently lost a large portion of our financial support, (Long and very sad story) and we need help.

Have you been encouraged, strengthened or blessed through the ministry of Psalm One? Would you invest in our ongoing work of Bible teaching and Christ-centered Spiritual Formation in Ohio, across the US, and around the world? Would you consider a special gift?

We depend on the giving of individuals, groups and churches who believe in the work we are doing. Psalm One Ministries is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, so all contributions are tax deductible. Donations of any size make our work possible. The body of Christ working together accomplishes much, and each part has an invaluable importance. https://www.psalmone.org/donate

Ø  Could you use some encouragement and time in the Word? Men and women from anywhere are invited to join us for the Psalm One Bible Study Tuesday nights at 7:30 PM Eastern Time. To stay in the loop and receive links and resources: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study

Ø  Hey Aussies! I am bouncing back like a boomerang from mid-June to mid-August. When I came down for my 2022 sabbatical, you all encouraged and loved me and breathed new life into my depleted soul. That sabbatical restored my life and saved my ministry. This time I am coming with a pretty full tank and I hope to be a blessing and encouragement.

I know where I'm staying at the beginning and the end of this adventure. But between the bookends, the middle is a bit of a muddle. I know a lot of you will be busy or on holiday the first few weeks of July.

I will be flying into Sydney sometime (between 19-22 June) but need to fly up to the Sunshine Coast as soon as possible. I'll be facilitating a retreat on the Sunshine Coast June 24th. The first two to three weeks I will be in Sippy Downs and Brisbane. Then I plan to come down to NSW. The last two to three weeks, I will be in Baukham Hills and Crookwell. But I’m not sure where I will be the second and third week of July. Currently homeless.

I'm sending out an SOS! I am flexible, but my plans for the second and third week of July fell through. Does anyone have a spare room, an affordable place to rent, or a fun idea for a quick getaway?

NOTE: While I am in Australia, the best way to reach me is e-mail or WhatsApp. I won't receive any phone calls or most texts.

Ø  Wanna come to Australia (vicariously)? Some of you came with me underwater the last two weeks, seeing lots of colorful fish, turtles, eels, and a very shy octopus. Wanna go with me to Australia in a few weeks? In order to see the photos and messages, you must:

o   connect to me via WhatsApp (Ask a nine-year-old for help if needed.) and

o   send me a message on WhatsApp with “Australia, please”. 

I promise to share stories of divine whispers and appointments—as well as God’s amazing Creation. You might see sharks, giant mantas, amazing colorful fish, dolphins, kangaroos, koalas, camels, wombats, spectacular parrots, crocodiles, all kinds of wonderful creatures.

It’s going to be a busy, interesting summer. No telling what will happen when I hit the road. Come along!

Much love,

Linda

Home

Home. Such a comforting, powerful, loaded word.

There were three questions I kept asking God on my 2022 sabbatical (which absolutely changed my life and saved my ministry):

1.         Where is my home?

2.         Who is my family?

3.         What is my voice?

I am 95% sure of #3.

I am 75% sure of #2.

I'm still trying to settle on #1.

Part of the problem is I grew up in a family that almost never left Indiana, and now God has flung me all around the planet. A plaque on my wall says, "Not all those who wander are lost." (J.R.R. Tolkien). Another says, “Into the ocean I go…to lose my mind and find my soul.” I often become very homesick for England, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, several islands out in the Pacific, so many special places in the US, and now Kenya. All very inconvenient when my condo is in Ohio.

I recently returned from Africa, and from the moment that little plane landed in the middle of nowhere on the Maasai Mara, my heart was immediately at home. You know how sometimes our connection with God can feel very dry? Instead, this was like trying to take a drink of water from a fire hydrant. Jesus kept pouring out love and celebration. Words cannot describe the peace and joy that absolutely flooded me every day on the savannah. I was home. I am longing to return to my tent, surrounded by the sounds of hippos grunting, lions growling, elephants trumpeting, and whatever other creatures were prowling around me at night. Heaven.

“You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart always will be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.”― Miriam Adeney

Rich Mullins was supposed to sing “Land of My Sojourn” at my funeral (although I don’t think he knew that), but he went home before me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMPUpBkpp9o

Nobody tells you when you get born here

How much you'll come to love it

And how you'll never belong here.

So I call you my country

And I'll be lonely for my home.

I wish that I could take you there with me...

I will sing His song

In the land of my sojourn.

When “my” boys (actually my dear friends’ sons, but they thought everybody had a Mommy, Daddy, and Goodtime Linda) were little, the bedtime book that always choked me up was Where Does the Brown Bear Go? by Nicki Weiss. Spoiler alert: the refrain of the book is “They are on their way. They are on their way home.” Why does this simple toddler’s story touch me so deeply?

Where is Home? When I don't have a husband, children, or grandchildren? When I can do 90% of my ministry from anywhere in the world? When my mermaid heart longs for the ocean? When I am overjoyed by remote places with far more sheep than people? When my heart is divided between so many states and countries and continents? When most of my family is not related to me by blood, but rather genuine friends who have welcomed me into their tribe? When I have a wanderlust that has not yet dissipated?

Last night I attended a celebration of life (from 10,000 miles away) for a wonderful man whom I loved dearly. I was deeply moved by the beautiful tributes from his family, but I held it together…until they played “Bring Him Home” as he was carried out. I fell apart and have not stopped weeping yet. Les Misérables is my favorite musical and it's the soundtrack I listen to when I need a good, healthy cry.  https://youtu.be/37BZsKcz6M8

“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."- C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.

“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going." (John 14:1-4)

I serve Jesus, who holds the whole world in His hands, Who knows my needs and longings, Who sets the lonely in families, Who calls me His friend, Who gives me my voice and the words I am to speak, Who pitches His tent with us, Who promises us rest when we will be home with the Lord, and Who holds us close in the meantime.

We are on our way. We are on our way home. May we hold one another’s hand as we walk each other home…

Love,

Linda

Speaking of home… yes, I still call Australia home. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-niyYHexMTo  I also call New Zealand home, but don’t tell those people over on the West Island. 😉   

Wake the kids, call the neighbors, alert the police, Goodtime Linda is coming back Down Under! I am heading to Australia and New Zealand from mid June until possibly sometime in August. I plan to be on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, Crookwell, Auckland, plus possibly the South Island and a few other places in Oz. Maybe even Ningaloo to finally swim with those giant whale sharks… I am still sorting out my itinerary.

I will be available for ministry as well as wandering, so let me know if you have a spare bed, a desire for me to minister in any way, fun getaways, or just want to stay in the loop once I get my ducks in a row. Or wombats. Or kiwis. Whatever.

• For anyone, Men and Women anywhere: You are invited to the online Psalm One Bible Study, Tuesdays Eastern Time Zone at 7:30pm. We are currently in 2 Peter and you are always welcome to join in. To stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study

• Set aside a weekend to experience a taste of home. Men and Women are invited to pull away for a Refocus and Refuel Retreat November 14-16. A great way to let the dust settle long enough to hear that still small voice. Good timing to prepare our hearts to focus on Jesus through the sometimes hectic holiday season. For more information or to register: https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel

• Just for ministry wives: Ink in the dates NOW for the 2026 Psalm One Sisterhood of the Fishbowl Soul Care Retreat! Join us for tools to keep our hearts alive, to keep our families sane, to keep the challenges of ministry from drowning out the joy of ministry. Plus lots and lots of laughter. For more information or to register: https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives

• Cincinnati, Ohio: January 30-February 1, 2026

• Green Lake, Wisconsin: April 10-12, 2026 (NOTE: this is a date change!)

Dropping my Fur

I'll never forget the first time I was invited to spend an extended period of time in silence with God. It was an entire 30 minutes, and I found it so helpful and exciting. For the first two or three minutes. I poured out every word of prayer I could possibly express. Then what? I was stuck. And very bored.

As I struggled to stay in the silence and shush my inward chatter, I could feel my spirit finally come to rest like a shaken jar settling. The quieter I became, the more palpable God's presence became.

I am always reminded of Elijah struggling on Mount Horeb:

So He said, "Go forth and stand on the mountain before the LORD." And behold, the LORD was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. (1 Kings 19:11-12)

How quiet do I need to become in order to hear the sound of a gentle blowing? How can I settle my soul enough to hear the gentle whisper of God? How desperately do I need my inward jabbering to cease so I can truly hear and experience the Lord God Almighty?

"Cease striving and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

The LORD of hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.

(Psalm 46:10-11)

Some translations have “cease striving”, others have “be still”. The Hebrew imperative here means “to slacken”, in other words: “to drop your fur”. A dog raises his hackles (the fur on his neck and back) when he feels aggressive, frightened, unsure, threatened, or lost. He wants to look bigger, stronger, more capable of defending himself. But it’s all just an act, nothing but empty fluff. How often we go through life with our fur raised, prone to freeze or flee or fight. When we cease striving, become still, and “drop our fur”, we surrender to the only One who is truly capable of handling what life throws at us.

This psalm ends with “Selah”. It is usually a musical notation for an instrumental interlude or break for the singers. It indicates “stop, pause, listen”. Let everything you just read sink in. Go back and read this again. Meditate upon these words. Yes, this will be on the test. Shut up and listen. Allow yourself to take the time to be steeped in truth, peace, comfort, challenge, and power.

Yet, we usually skip right over the “selahs” in Scripture.

Being still and silent does not come naturally to most people. Most of us need to learn how to enter in, how to let the dust settle, and learn to discern the voice of God in a very loud world. Most non-monks need a gentle invitation along with some companionship, instruction, direction, and support. But once you have experienced life-giving, restful fellowship with the Lord, it becomes a wonderful cool drink of water to a wandering, befuddled nomad in the desert. Solitude is not isolation. Solitude is being with God and God alone. Beautiful, transformative connection with the One who loves us more than we can possibly imagine.

Silence and solitude are not burden nor a luxury for me. They are as necessary as oxygen in order to walk with Jesus and to do the countercultural ministry God has led me into. When others are teaching us how to multitask, my weird job within Psalm One is to teach people how to uni-task.

One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek:

That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,

To behold the beauty of the LORD

And to meditate in His temple.

(Psalm 27:4)

As I grew in my faith, a half hour alone with God not only became do-able, it was not enough. Eventually I learned how to spend a day with the Lord. A whole day. Still thirsty. Then a weekend. Still hungry. When my sister and I were caring for my father in his final months in 2018, Jesus kept saying, “Come away with me.” Being a woman of great obedience and faith, I replied, “Are you crazy? I can’t leave now! Do you have any idea what’s happening?!?” But God kept inviting, and eventually I went away for 18 days alone with the Lord on the remote Outer Hebrides.

I would never have survived that year without that precious prayer pilgrimage.

I'm heading away again on yet another prayer pilgrimage starting next week. I will eventually end up in Kenya, surrounded by lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, hippos, and all the other wildlife that God uses as such a powerful love language in my life. Many of you know how God has used dogs, sheep, kangaroos, mantas, manatees, sea turtles, whales, birds, koalas, octopuses, and so many other creatures to love me and teach me.

If you want to come along (vicariously), e-mail “Prayer Pilgrimage” to me by February 7. If you will pray for me on this journey, I will send a few photos as well as a few stories of divine appointments and whispers from the Lord along the way. If you've traveled with me like this before, you know there's never a dull moment in my life when God draws me away. As many of you know, I know not to approach wildlife, but wildlife doesn't seem to know not to approach me. I am the Animal Whisperer. Who knows what could happen in Africa?

If you want to experience “Selah”, I invite you to join us for a Refocus and Refuel Retreat. These Cincinnati getaways are for men and women, lay and clergy, single or married, anyone who longs for a closer walk with Jesus. You will have your own ensuite room in a peaceful and beautiful setting, the encouragement and accountability of others, and all the direction you need to listen for that still, small voice. We love these retreats, and we would love to have you join us. For more information or to register: https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel

• March 14-16

• September 26-28

• November 14-16

If you have a New Year's resolution to spend more time in the Word, join us online Tuesday at 7:30 PM Eastern Time for the Psalm One Bible Study. We are starting to dig into 2 Peter, so hop in any time. This is an encouraging community of men and women. We'd love to have you. Sign up to receive the links and stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study

If you are a pastor’s wife, no matter how many multiple hats you wear, join us for the Sisterhood of the Fishbowl Soul Care Retreat in Green Lake, Wisconsin February 28 to March 2. What a joy to be with others who truly understand the wonderful, weird, wooly life in the ministry. Come away with us to be encouraged by genuine friends, even if you haven’t met them yet. The Early Bird Rate ends February 7. For more information or to register: https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives

If you are a pastor's wife, whether or not you can come to a soul care retreat, join us for a Thursday Night Oasis at 7:30pm ET for a safe and encouraging time of sharing, laughter, input, prayer, and support with the best friends you could possibly find. To sign up for the links and resources: https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives

If you are an Aussie or a Kiwi, stay tuned. Goodtime Linda is heading back down under later in 2025. One never knows where she might pop up…

On to the next adventure,

Linda