Linda M Brandt’s Blog


Good Morning!
July 26, 2009, 7:22 pm
Filed under: Thoughts for Today

It’s a beautiful morning to work in my garden. The light is filtering through the trees and I’ve got a bucket of plants just waiting to be “grounded” in the dirt.

Speaking of getting “grounded”, have you started your day with thankfulness? Are you happy to have set your feet on the floor? Wasn’t that first sip of coffee delicious?

And, I’m so happy to be back here writing!!! I hope the rest of your day is filled with wonderful “attitudes of gratitudes” and that your acquaintenances describe you as gracious!

Be blessed, my friend!
Linda



“Is anyone out there?”
April 10, 2009, 8:08 pm
Filed under: Uncategorized

How many times have you asked that? Well, I’ve not been writing here for awhile. I’m busy and you’re busy.

But let’s stop for a moment…. It’s Good Friday…five years ago today I was diagnosed with a very serious brain tumor. God is soo good…my prognosis was not so good. But God is faithful and today I am a walking, painting, writing, driving, active woman…happy to be alive! I’m thankful for so very much!
As you reflect on the death of Christ today, reflect on this…He didn’t have to do it….He did it, though, for YOU and me! As “squirrely” as we can all be, He loves you still! So walk in His confidence today and know that if no one else is there for you or hears your cry, He does! Be Blessed, Linda



Jars of Old Buttons
February 28, 2009, 4:49 pm
Filed under: Thoughts for Today

You’ve seen them, you might even have one. I’m sure if I dug through my cupboards, I’d find one, too…..a jar filled with wonderful buttons of color….some plastic, some bone, some shell, and on, and on. Your grandmother might have kept them in a jar. I wonder if she ever carefully picked one from the pile to mend a shirt or sweater. Or did she just collect them like a unique little art collage? I remember her spreading them out on the table and picking each one up gingerly. She’d turn them over, inspecting each little decorative piece. Those buttons never looked the same, all spread out. Collectively they were beautiful! Makes me think about our lives. Seperately, we can use our lives to mend and stand on our own but, collectively, we build collages of color and gain strength. Reach out to your friends today. Thank them for their strengths, help them with their weakenesses. Together we can make the changes for good! Be blessed today with Happy and Healthy, “Henry” moments! Love, Linda



A Quiet Confidence
February 27, 2009, 4:21 pm
Filed under: Thoughts for Today

The earth is quietly sleeping right now but starting to waken. My little winter garden is looking beautiful. Broccoli is forming and my French Breakfast Radishes are peeking through the earth. I ate one right out of the dirt yesterday (OK, I used the garden hose to wash it first!). The taste of vegetables from your own little garden is like no other. Today I’ll cut some leafy green lettuce and make a wonderful salad. The confidence we place in our Maker comes with every planted seed. We prepare the dirt, place the seed in gently, water, fertilize and til the soil and all the time in expectation of a wonderful harvest.
Shouldn’t our lives ooze of that same confidence? If our hearts and minds are stayed on Him and our bodies strong and cared for properly, we can share the quiet confidence of a lovely day and an awesome existence. My prayer for you today is that you spend time with Him, plant good seeds in your life and maybe plant a little veggie too! You’ll be thankful you did (on both counts!) Be Blessed, Linda



The Wonder of “Being”
February 25, 2009, 5:29 am
Filed under: Thoughts for Today

Don’t know what you’re supposed to be doing or what you’re supposed to be???? Breathe deeply, place your hands in front of you and lift them to the sky, then repeat these words, “I’m letting it go!” You will have release….and, that means freedom! Give everything to God and be prepared for an adventure. Trusting Him will put a sparkle in your eye and a lift to your step because you won’t know what’s around the corner….but you can believe this….”It will be Good!” For, He is Good! Be Blessed, Linda



Winter Vegetables
February 8, 2009, 1:27 am
Filed under: Food, Glorious Food

My little garden is having a hard time this year because of the constant cold. However, a kind friend just brought me wonderful vegetables from the farmers’ market. There were carrots, butter crunch lettuce, cauliflower, radishes, leeks, and brussel sprouts. I roasted some of them in the oven with a little olive oil, sessonings and garlic. Wow, they are so good and good for you! I love those winter vegetables! Think I’ll make a big pot of homemade soup with the leftovers. M-m-m! You can almost smell the aroma and taste the sweet flavors, can’t you? Bon Appetite! May God richly bless you on this brisk, sunny Saturday. (And, don’t forget to eat your vegetables.) :O) (And while you’re at it, don’t forget to be thankful for them.)



Standing…
February 4, 2009, 6:12 pm
Filed under: Thoughts for Today

There’s a scripture in Ephesians (6:10-18) which says that after we have done all, then stand. God honors that. When you feel helpless, in despair, and “down and out”, we are reminded to put on the whole armor of God. Some of you are feeling pretty “beat up” right now. My little character, Henry, felt it! Stand, my friend, and know also that the prayers of many are engulfing this world. My prayer today for you is that the Peace that Passes all Understanding keep your heart and minds! And, if you are in need of healing, (Heart, Mind or Body) may the healing come to you today! Amen, my friends! Be Blessed, Linda



“Shining, not Whining!”
January 30, 2009, 6:14 pm
Filed under: Thoughts for Today

I have a friend who says this quite often! I’m reminded to be thankful for everything when reminded to “shine”! Today, as you go about your business, don’t just “barge” into the day without thinking thankfulness. And, when you’re tempted to whine, take a good look around…..blessings surround you. Your heart beating and your lungs taking in breath are blessings….begin there, if you have to! At that point, you’ll find numerous things to be thankful for….and just a little reminder….I’m thankful for you, my friend. “Shine on!”



The Winter of Our Lives
January 27, 2009, 3:32 pm
Filed under: Henry Thought

Well, this is a brisk Tuesday morning in January, and I’m feeling what my little character, “Henry”, must be feeling while resting in the cold, dark, damp ground.

If you’re not familiar with “Henry”….just Google henrythetulipbulb.com. He was very uncomfortable in his new surroundings…..for awhile, anyway.

You see, Henry was very comfortable living on a safe grocery store shelf. His life was turned upside down when two little girls bought him and “trounced” him into his new surroundings.

Today is full of surprises! Regardless of what your day brings, count your blessings, live in greatness, love your family and friends and pray for our nation!

You’ll become a better person and, like Henry, you’ll discover the wonderful You! Blessings! Linda



Changing of the Guard
January 22, 2009, 5:04 pm
Filed under: Thoughts for Today

Well, we now have a new head of the country. Regardless of your politics, my friend, God calls us to pray for our leaders. Today, as you count your blessings, thank your Almighty for this beautiful country and pray for our leaders, teachers and those in authority. As a friend of mine’s song says, “When the praise goes up, His blessings come down.” Be blessed today and stay warm!