In need of some encouragement

[linaewen]

Believe it or not, I do have down days, and this is one of them. The encourager is in need of encouragement, and I have decided not to hide that fact. ;-)

I am dead tired, and no amount of rest seems to help. If ever I needed energy, it is now! I have less than 48 hours to prepare for the coming of a group of mission leaders who will be staying at our guest house for the rest of the month -- and I already have a guest whom I am having to work around. These are people we know and love and enjoy spending time with -- but it is still wearing to be in charge of a situation that is constantly in flux for the next three weeks. Add to that a sense of wildness at the office due to the conferences that are going on there (that is why the guests are coming), in addition to all the other duties I have to keep up with.

That is just some of what is weighing on me right now -- I won't tell you more, because it makes me tired just thinking about it! If I were less tired, I could deal with it with better grace. And I will deal with it, and I will find my strength, and I will try not to despair -- because I believe firmly in the verse in 2 Corinthians 12:9, that says "'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

But I still need encouragement now, and I still desire your prayers and encouraging thoughts today, to give me a boost and keep me going right now. So if you are reading this, please take a wee moment to say so, so I know you are there, rooting for me.

Thanks!

Comments

[bellatook.livejournal.com]

((((Lin)))) I'm sorry things are so stressful right now. But from what I know about you, you will take it all in stride. You are an outstanding person and seem to be able to deal with anything that is put in front of you. You have my prayers and my good thoughts as well. Things will run smoothly I have no doubt. If things get too rough you know where you can go to find support...and feel free to email me if you need to just talk... belladonnatook1@yahoo.com

**hugs**

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much (((Bella))) -- I'm starting to get a handle on things. Thanks for your email addy, I've made a note of it.

[maidoforange.livejournal.com]

((((((((Lin)))))))). I will be thinking about you and praying that you get done all the stuff you need to get done to your satisfaction. I have every confidence that you will. I wish I could get my brother to go to you with me. I could help you clean and he could cook wonderful meals for you and your guests. If they drink, he would be even better but they probably don't drink and Cass might be obnoxious so maybe Mom would be better to bring...(I would have to bring someone else 'cause I am not that good a cook).

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

(((OBT))) Thanks! To bad you're not a big closer, hehe! I've got my hubby helping, and hopefully my son is doing something while I'm gone. Thanks for your prayers.

[solodancer.livejournal.com]

Root root root!!!

carrots, potatoes, turnips, roooootabegah!! (well, they're roots aren't they?)

(((((((((Lin)))))))))) I'm so sorry you're down. I will drift to sleep lifting you up to our Lord. you've been so stalwart for all of us, how could we not lift you up when you need it.

Love you...hope your day gets better and I hope you can find your strength.

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

I love turnips, especially in a curry! Thanks for the lifting up. Even the stalwart types need a break now and then, I guess. ;-)

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Ooops, forgot the hug -- (((Sandy)))

My dear friend!

[lizmybit.livejournal.com]

I am so often struck by your sincerity and your ability to encourage others with your words and actions! I am so sorry that you are having an awful time of things! I wish we lived closer, I'd come over with hot tea and chocolate, and help you get ready! I realized something the other day. I think that you are the "Mother" of our little LJ group here. Not in age of course, but in your love for other and your advise! I wish to thank you for your friendship and all that you have done to encourage me in the few short years I have known you.

I pray that Jesus will send you the strength you need to accomplish your tasks and that you may find rest and comfort in the process.

Know that I am here to listen to you any time you need me!

(((Margaret))) I love you!

Re: My dear friend!

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

(((YOU))) I like the idea of being a mom, hehe! Thanks for your prayers and your encouragement -- and for the Pooh hug. ;-) I shall take your advice and have some hot chocolate tonight and think of you.

[madamenorthstar.livejournal.com]

((((( Hugs you tight and hands you a bottle of B12 Vitamins)))) I didn't realize the guest situation was going to be so involved - three months? Meanwhile, renovations are in motion, you have a job and the boys as well? No wonder you are tired, my poor sweetie. I suspect the rest you get is not "good rest" as your brain is no doubt in full throttle, even as you sleep. If at all possible, a warm bath and some relaxing music before bed, maybe some warm decaf tea or cocoa, and a dark, cool room. Something I have found useful in falling asleep is to lay flat, comfortably arranged. Then starting at your toes, make a conscious effort to relax them - move all the way up your body in this manner. It often works for me, and I have a heck of a time relaxing, so its pretty good stuff. Know I love and miss you and am thinking of you. (((((((((((((( M )))))))))))))))

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

(((MNS))) B12s -- that was the answer to everything according to our nurse in Pakistan, hehe! Your advice on how to relax is making me sleepy just reading about it; I'm going to try that for sure -- I suspect you are right, I'm not sleeping properly in spite of getting in my full hours worth. I need to find a way to stop planning in my sleep. ;-) I'm feeling a bit better, but still very tired -- maybe I'm coming down with something. :-/ Thank you for your love and your missing and your thoughts, they are very comforting.

[pippinswolf.livejournal.com]

standing here with prayers, virtual shoulder massages, chicken soup, and an extra pair of hands if I could, but sadly RW calls me too.
((((((((hugs)))))))))

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Ah!!!!! Prayers and a shoulder massage -- what a combo! Thanks (((My Dear))) for everything. Just knowing you'd provide helping hands if you could is helping -- and the hugs are sweet, too. Hope your RW settles; mine is getting there.

[boriel.livejournal.com]

from a certain little green book that i was recently given:

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

(((b))) I should have gotten a book like that for myself. ;-) That is the perfect verse for my troubled heart, thank you! Sometimes I need someone else to remind me of what I already know.

[captinskywalker.livejournal.com]

Of course you have down days, dear Lin, and I am very glad that you are coming to us with it. You give so freely of help and encouragement that it is only right and just that you are repaid that! I am praying for you, praying for strength and endurance and perseverance. God will help you, I am sure of that. Don't try to stress too much - it is better that your guests are greeted by a somewhat rested and calm hostess than a sparkling clean house. Keep that in mind, and do your best. No one expects more of you than that.

Let us know how it goes! (((((((Lin)))))))

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

(((CS))) Thank you for your prayers and your encouragement -- as well as your confidence. I am doing a bit better now, though I am still very tired. I suspect I may be coming down with something. I shall take your advice and not try to do more than I need to -- I do wish to greet people with a smile instead of grumbling. ;-)

A Poem/Prayer for Linaewen

[siradaono.livejournal.com]

She who stands as Minas Arnor
The Tower of the Setting Sun
Gives light and warmth to those beside her
And for herself keeps none

She who's name, Linaewen, the lake
In West Bereliand, Nevrast, did take
She sustains friends and travelers alike
But n'er a rest for herself will take

But just as all need in life
As the candle burn both ends in strife
I ask you Father, for our Sister, and Boromir-friend
Give Your Grace and Strength to Linaewen

Re: A Poem/Prayer for Linaewen

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

(((Ada))) You are a wonder -- this poem is lovely, and brought tears to my eyes! Thank you for your sweet words as well as your prayers. I promise I shall do better at taking my rest and not burning the candle at both ends. You are right -- that is what I am doing. ;-)

Re: A Poem/Prayer for Linaewen

[siradaono.livejournal.com]

you are welcome dearest Lin,

I re-wrote it three times, perhaps you got those in the mail.

but I errored, as usual, and didn't proof read

As the candle burn both ends

of course should read burns

sorry

hope for us yet, and a day closer to His coming.
and thats an encouraging thought

[lothithil.livejournal.com]

I'm out of time for my lunch-hour, but I'm not out of love for you!

((((((((((((((Lin)))))))))))))))

Thought about you a lot last night, while writing the new chapter of Tree and Stone. Boromir's gonna have something to say once they get down the mountain, and there's the fight with the wolves coming up.

Whenever I write a line for our Gondorian Guy, I think, 'what would Lin like?' See how you've rooted yourself in my psyche?

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

(((Loth))) Thanks so much for your love and your thoughts of me! I can't wait to read that chapter, I really have enjoyed what you are doing with that tale, and of course, I never mind reading about Boromir. ;-) Fights with wolves -- exciting stuff!

[gondoriangirl.livejournal.com]

You have always been here for me, and it is time for me to repay you. Dearheart, I'm so sorry I read this late, but I hope that you are finding HIS strength to get you through so you can rest. ((((((((((((((((((((((Lin))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Thank you (((GG))) -- your prayers are working! I am feeling better today, praying it lasts. ;-) Hope your own trouble is soon resolved and you have no more of those nasty eye troubles.

Hello

[faramirgirl.livejournal.com]

You are in my prayers and thoughts. I pray that you fine your strength but you are the strongest person I know and if anyone can to this it is you. You have the most wonderful emcouagement anyone may ask for, you have God on your side. ((lin4gondor)) you are strenght and you are a wonderful person, I believe in you and your power to do what you must do.
love ya

Re: Hello

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much (((Faramirgirl))) Your words are very encouraging! :-D

[earthorongil.livejournal.com]

((((Lin)))) Prayers, good thoughts, and best wishes out to you from me...I'm not one who has answers (okay, 2 + 2 = 4.....But that's the ONLY one I have for you!!), but I do hope dearly that you are able to find the strenght, energy, courage, and whatever else , whatever Blessings you may need to pull through...Take care and be well....

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

(((You))) Thank you so much, I really am doing better today, I think. I seem to have slept well last night, and don't feel so incredibly tired. Prayers are working, as well as many encouraging words from my friends.