Linda Roorda
Linda (Visscher) Roorda (widow of Edward, Jr.), lives in Spencer, NY, former members of the Christian Reformed Church. She is a mother and grandmother, retired hospital medical/radiology transcriptionist, retired worship music leader, an empty-nest author, past speaker at a multi-church women’s retreat, now substitute teacher in local school system. She published some of her ancestral genealogy research in the “New York Genealogical and Biographical Record” in 2004, 2005 and 2008, writing personal-interest interview articles and a genealogy how-to research column for a local newspaper. An online blogger for several years, Linda enjoys sharing her faith in poetry and reflections at her blog, “Poetic Devotions by Linda”, and genealogy tutorials and early history research articles at “Homespun Ancestors”, now under the website Twin Tiers Living. She also wrote several articles for both the CRC/RCA Disability Concerns newsletter and The Network. Her hobbies include gardening, making silk floral arrangements, sewing, quilting, designing and making fabric handbags.
Posted in: The Master Tailor
Thank you, Michele. Unfortunately, I don't have time to get back into painting currently; but someday when I can retire, I just may give painting with acrylics a try. Thank you so much for your input!
Posted in: Living Without Sight in a Visual World
Staci, Ed says "Thank you very much, and may this bless someone else going through vision loss."
Posted in: Any Past or Present Worship Planners?
I'm a music worship leader in a small rural church. With pianist and co-leader/guitarist no longer able to participate, I select lyric videos of contemporary praise and traditional hymns which fit well with pastor's sermon Scripture. We also sing some hymns a cappella. As music worship leader, I/we are amazed that when a last-minute song change seems appropriate, it so often shows God's hand was in it as either the change touched someone deeply, or it fit the sermon itself better! Serving as part of worship planning has been very meaningful and humbling.
Posted in: What Are Some of Your Favorite Worship Songs? Let's Make a Playlist
Our church is without a pianist, so I chose contemporary praise song videos or acapela hymns for worship music. There are so many great praise songs it's hard to chose, but a few favorites include:
"Greater" by MercyMe,
Lauren Daigle's "You Say" especially liked by our teens,
Chris Tomlin's "My Chains are Gone/Amazing Grace",
Original Newsboys' "In Christ Alone" and "Strong Tower."
Posted in: My Journey With PTSD
Thank you for mentioning that, Michele. That is an excellent option for some! A while back I had read about a military veteran with PTSD who also had a specially trained dog to assist him. I'm so glad you mentioned this!
Posted in: New Hearts and New Prayers
Praising God with you for your mother-in-law's new heart! What a wonderful blessing! You say it so well, Staci - we pray so long for answers and healing, and I, too, taper off the prayers of praise after the answers. With a relative waiting for a heart, my prayers also go out to the families who make the decisions to donate these hearts and other organs of their loved ones. God bless you all!
Posted in: The Caregiving Saint
Thank you so much, Angela.
Posted in: Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month
I'm so sorry about your own struggles too, Michele. Yes, we all find our way despite our individual challenging issues. God bless you! I always enjoy reading your informative posts!
Posted in: Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month
I'm sorry to read about your struggles with stuttering, and thank you for sharing that, William. Yes, we all find ways to handle the difficulties or stressors that come into our lives. God bless you!
Posted in: When Grief Overwhelms
Thank you so much for your kind words, Angela.
Posted in: 10 Things Not to Say to a Grieving Parent
You said this so well, Angie! I am so sorry about the loss of your precious baby. No, nothing can ever replace any child you lose. We understand from our own losses - losing a 6-month pregnancy of twins who didn't separate, almost losing a 16-y.o. son, and then losing a 25-y.o. daughter. Your words speak eloquently to each of us. We, too, continue to grieve after all these yrs, but in a different way now than the immediate pain of loss. God bless you and your family as you travel this journey forward together on a path you never expected. With much love and hugs...
Posted in: 10 Things Not to Say to a Grieving Parent
Thank you, Angie. One other thought that came to mind this morning was when our daughter was dying, I had asked God, "Why? I don't understand." Not out of anger, but simply at a loss, at a place you've been I'm sure. Later that morning, as we waited in the Rochester NY airport for our other dau to fly in, a plaque above where we sat had the words to Ps.139:13-16 written out. I literally felt a wave of peace come over me as I read them and clung to those verses in my own days of grief, tears and turmoil, with an eventual peace I can only say is from our Lord. My heart goes out to you and your family. It's a long journey, and just know that you will be in my prayers. Blessings to you also!