Linda (Visscher) Roorda and husband, Edward, live in Spencer, NY, both former members of the Christian Reformed Church. She is a mother and grandmother, a medical/radiology transcriptionist, an empty-nest author, and past speaker at a multi-faith women’s retreat. 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 column in a local newspaper. An online blogger for several years, Linda enjoys sharing her faith in poetry and reflections at her new blog, “Poetic Devotions by Linda,” and genealogy research tutorials at “Homespun Ancestors.” She also wrote several articles for both the CRC/RCA Disability Concerns newsletter and The Network. Her hobbies include gardening, sewing/quilting, cake decorating, silk floral arrangements for church, and singing in the praise team at North Spencer Baptist Church.
Most of my life I’ve been embarrassed and ashamed to admit I have Tourette’s. Initially mocked by peers, I quickly learned to hide or camouflage the tics with movements that wouldn’t be recognized as readily.
Under stress, caregivers often let their needs slide. At times I feel overwhelmed and resentful, utterly exhausted physically and emotionally. The good news is that our love not only survived but grew deeper.
As I prepare myself spiritually this Lenten season to focus more intently on Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, Carolyn’s words echo the thoughts of my heart.
I remember many years ago leaders in church saying that if anyone was discouraged or depressed, they must not be a true believer in God. How wrong and presumptuous to think that the difficulties of life can’t and won’t weary anyone, including a hearty saint!
Do we share our love easily with someone different from us? We pride ourselves on maintaining a status quo of acceptable friends, but what about others in various difficult situations?
Sometimes we’re at a loss for words and don’t know what to say to the grieving. We want to say the right words to bring comfort. Yet, often the less said the better.
Growing up in the CRC, I found the lengthy reading prior to Communion a bit too formal. Now, missing a CRC nearby, I appreciate the brevity of Communion. Out of these thoughts, came this blog and poem.
Typically, those who trust others have a heart of empathy, are naively innocent (without “street smarts”), and are more easily taken advantage of. Predators know this and zero in on their target like a hunter on its prey.
My husband, Ed, and I have traveled a long road with his disabilities. We’ve been told to pray and fast for healing, and trust that he will be healed. It sounds so easy, but a cure has not come.
As a family, we learned to put something back in its original place so he could find it again, and not to move the furniture without telling him. Yes, we learned the hard way to make those issues priorities.
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...
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!
Thank you so much, Angela.
Our small Baptist church serves Holy Communion the first Sunday of every month followed by a dish-to-pass buffet. Several years ago, our pastor implemented this as a casual-dress/jeans Sunday with...
Thank you so much for your kind words, Angela.
There are so many great contemporary praises listed above! I use many from among your list in video form (no pianist/band) for our contemporary Praise time, along with "Greater" (Mercy Me), "Word...
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 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...
Thank you so much for sharing your experience here, too, Jill. I really like Paul's example of praying for his "thorn" to be removed; tho God told him no, yet Paul could share with the rest of us...
Thank you for your kind words, Angela! and thanks for sharing how God has used you to reach others, and may He continue to bless you richly, too!