Still lingering
The subtitle of today’s post is Still Lingering. What do I mean by lingering? I’m reading the same scripture passage in the morning for a long period of time—for months. Why am I lingering right now? From part 3: “Since November, I’ve been lingering at Colossians 1:9-14 for spiritual strength and encouragement during my season of surgeries, rest and simplicity.” This passage gives me spiritual strength and encouragement. And that’s what I need.
Just like it’s okay to eat the same thing for breakfast every day, it’s okay to read the same scripture passage every day. Our nourishment, physically and spiritually, doesn’t require vast variety. It simply requires good sustenance—along with clarity about what we need. While lingering at a particular scripture passage may seem really unusual, I can testify that it accomplishes something very special. This is my second time to linger, and there will be more.
When God calls us to linger and focus intently
on something particular in his word, there’s a reason.
Bible reading plans are good, but obeying the Holy Spirit is better. He knows what we truly need.
A place to linger
And so, from the day we heard of [your love in the Spirit], we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:9-14, Revised Standard Version*
*Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
In part 3, we dug into five of the key phrases in Colossians 1:9-14—celebrating what God has done. Today, we’ll explore four more. How did I remember all the stories I’ve been sharing? I didn’t.
The discipline of journaling
I couldn’t accurately celebrate what God has done without the discipline of journaling. Without journaling, we remember certain things; but we forget the vast majority. From this post: “Journaling records the Lord’s love, goodness and faithfulness, bringing the truths of his word to life in my life. And yours.”
For more about the importance of journaling, see Chronicling the Truth at the end of this post.
How did I prepare to write part 3 and part 4 of Simplicity this month? I read my journal from right before my first surgery in November to the present to see what thoughts, feelings and experiences correlated with the key phrases in Colossians 1:9-14. I found more than I expected—and way more than I remembered.
How has God brought the truths of this scripture passage to life?
Increasing in the knowledge of God
The quilt
If you read part 1, you know about my Peace Quilt—a special retirement gift.
Thursday, November 27—Thanksgiving Day
Journal entry
I wrote a long thank-you note to Paula for my Peace Quilt, including the lyrics from “A Gaelic Blessing.” I told her how my Peace Quilt ties together three important seasons in my life—college, our wedding and [my time working at] St. Matt’s. I asked Logan to read my note so he’d understand the quilt’s significance. What a tender, compassionate God we serve. So loving.
Knowing the attributes of God is one thing. Experiencing them is another thing altogether. Read part 7 of The Mirror to dig into both extremes of this topic—knowledge without knowing, at one end; and the Christian Industrial Complex at the other. (Pssst. Both extremes are bad. The first extreme knows about God but has never met him; the second one elevates personal spiritual encounters above God and his word—and includes very disturbing satanic features. Learn about the NAR—the New Apostolic Reformation, and beware.)
Personal experiences with our triune God—the one true God—must be consistent with his word. (See Psalm 86.)
In the journal entry above, I experienced our tender, compassionate, loving God. Experiences with God build our faith and help us stay close to him. We don’t just know about God. We know him. And we love him—more and more as we walk with him.
The movie
What a blessing when a movie communicates gospel truths.
Monday, December 29
Journal entry
Brandon and I watched a wonderful movie, The Most Reluctant Convert: The Untold Story of C.S. Lewis, about his spiritual awakening from atheist to Christian. It was absolutely wonderful.
I won’t ruin the movie, but C.S. Lewis’s childhood, family dynamics and young adult experiences deeply impacted his thoughts and beliefs. Likewise, so did his friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien and other great minds. One of the things I found most interesting and revealing was how C.S. Lewis stepped from one set of thoughts and beliefs to the next. Some aspects of his spiritual progression may surprise you. Watch as the Lord pursues him right where he is. Watch as the lies he’s believed—and spoken—are challenged. Watch the ice melt in his heart. I think you’ll love this movie.
C.S. Lewis is the only author included on both pages of recommended books here on Choosing Peace—Books for Adults and Books for Families and Children. What a brilliant, gifted writer.
The verse below applies to everyone—not just well-known Christians like C.S. Lewis.
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
Romans 11:29, World English Bible
The Most Reluctant Convert shows the compassion and kindness of the Lord’s calling. C.S. Lewis’s thoughts and beliefs are challenged one at a time. As he replaces one lie and false belief, he’s ready for the next step. I can relate to that. While we each have a unique story, the Lord’s patience is something we’ve all amply experienced—truth be told.
What attributes of God have we found so far—attributes that help us know God better? Tenderness. Compassion. Love. Kindness. Patience. Those realities make me smile and give me peace.
Lost and found
Ending and beginning
Kathleen, my new mom, died last summer at the age of 90. Let’s call her youngest daughter Gina. For many years, Gina had some serious problems; but now she’s doing well, loves Jesus, and works hard. The info card Gina wrote to go with Kathleen’s funeral bulletin is the sweetest I’ve ever read. It ended like this: “[Kathleen] had a very special peace and love surrounding her that is best described as the shine of Jesus Christ. She loved the Lord our God and Jesus with all of her heart and soul.” Amen to that. She sure did.
Wednesday, December 24—Christmas Eve
Journal entry
Gina and I had a nice, long text exchange. I sent her photos of the pages about Kathleen in my St. Matt’s photo book. I wrote, “Gina, I want you to know how much I appreciate you and how you’ve embraced me as a part of your family. Most people wouldn’t. You have a big heart. I understand why you were Mom’s favorite and I love you!” She replied, “I love you too and I thank you for your acceptance of me. I appreciate you sending me those pictures. What a great Christmas present….”
Why did God bring me and Gina together? Yes, we both loved Kathleen. She was Mom to us both. But I only met Gina once or twice before the funeral at St. Matt’s. Why did he bring us together more actively starting last summer? Because he knew something that was coming—something we didn’t know.
Two thieves
Several weeks after the funeral, Gina found out that her sister and brother stole her inheritance. They had Kathleen sign a new will the year before she died, after she was diagnosed with dementia. Gina was devastated. She knew her siblings violated their mom’s wishes. (I could relate to certain aspects of that scenario. My two sisters kept our mom’s new will a secret from me for many years.) In light of the betrayal, thievery, secrets, lies and more, Gina decided to walk away. She considers me to be her sister now.
Gina is spiritually rich and financially struggling. Her siblings are the opposite. Her sister owns a very large $3 million lakefront property. Her brother lives in Hawaii. The two thieves have money, but they don’t have Jesus. They’re lost—and spiritually bankrupt. Gina’s been found—and is spiritually rich.
The builder
God knows what he’s doing.
God Almighty is the family builder.
He’s the one who knits hearts together—
for our good and his glory.
What are some of the attributes of God found in Gina’s story? The Lord is omniscient. He knows all things. He is also Jehovah Jireh, our provider. He provides not only our daily bread, but he provides the people we need in our lives. See part 2 for rich examples in that regard.
During this challenging, wonderful season, the Lord showed me these truths:
…we have not ceased to pray for you,
asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will
in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him,
bearing fruit in every good work
and increasing in the knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:9b-10, RSV
Strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might
One word in Colossians 1:9-14 caught my attention last fall when I was doing my one-chapter-a-day Bible reading. The word strengthened drew me to this passage for my current season of lingering. Praise the Lord.
My goal for 2026 can be encapsulated in this one word: Strength.
Physical strength
Strength training
Building my physical strength is a very high priority. Last week, I watched a video with five recommended strength training exercises for people 60 and older. I knew it was the program for me. I started doing three of the five exercises—the ones I can do while honoring my current medical restrictions. Interestingly enough, two of the three exercises are also part of my physical therapy requirements. If you need strength training you can do at home, check out this video.
Physical therapy
I love going to physical therapy. I go home tired, but also refreshed—physically, socially and spiritually. My physical therapist, Leah, is a precious Christian.
Friday, December 5
Journal entry
PT with Leah and Abby went GREAT! I started using my cane today. I told Abby that some of the cool stuff I was doing at PT felt like being at Six Flags.
Then we had some fun conversations about roller coasters. You just never know what’ll get some good chatter going. Smiles galore.
Good food
Speaking of strength, I’ve been eating really well during this season, thanks to all the food brought to us by friends and neighbors. If you missed part 2, the section called Friends will warm your heart. Speaking of food, my pal Charlene told me last Friday that The Powers That Be just flipped The Food Pyramid—from the lies we were raised with to the truth. Finally. All glory to God. That encourages me, big-time.
God has given me everything I need to get physically stronger: Two new hips, a strength training program, great physical therapy and good food. What about my strength in other areas?
Social and emotional strength
Being an introvert, I recharge in solitude, which makes this quiet season of rest and simplicity absolute bliss. I wrote in a note to one of my friends: “The stillness and simplicity are glorious.” Even with two solid months of restricted movement so far, and days that might appear to be identical, I’ve never been bored. The Lord has provided me with great music, two sweet dogs, a flickering candle always beside me, a fuzzy blanket on my lap, and more. Brandon, Logan and friends provide me with plenty of social contact, conversations and smiles.
Noelle hosted our life group’s annual holiday lunch and white elephant gift exchange on Sunday. It was so fun. She made the sweetest accommodations for me—a parking place right by her door, the perfect spot for me to sit on her large sectional sofa with my legs up, and a tray for my food—delivered to me by Brandon and Meagan. It was just right. I really enjoyed seeing everyone again. What a blessing.
Mental and spiritual strength
Why did I group mental and spiritual strength together?
Thinking rightly—mental strength—allows me
to keep my heart and mind in the right place—trusting God.
From part 7 of The Mirror:
A verse for all seasons
Take this verse with you wherever you go—regardless of what season may surround or await you.
For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace.
1 Corinthians 14:33a, New Heart English Bible
For mental and spiritual strength, the Lord has given me my Bible passage, my journal, an active prayer life—with prayers received and offered up, a word search puzzle book of Psalms and hymns, the opportunity to reflect and write, and, most of all—himself! The indwelt Holy Spirit.
Everything about this season was planned by my loving Heavenly Father. Look at the journal I received last January as a thank-you gift, when I had no idea what was coming. The journal sat in a cabinet drawer just waiting for this year to arrive—The Year of Strength. Absolutely amazing.
During this challenging, wonderful season, the Lord showed me these truths:
…we have not ceased to pray for you,
asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will
in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him,
bearing fruit in every good work
and increasing in the knowledge of God.
May you be strengthened with all power,
according to his glorious might…
Colossians 1:9b-11a, RSV
Endurance and patience with joy
The Lord strengthens us so we can endure and be patient with joy. Even when we’re physically weak, injured or otherwise compromised, our mental and spiritual strength can fuel our endurance, our patience and our joy.
Gratitude makes all the difference.
The path to thankfulness
Do you know someone who has great difficulty with gratitude? Someone who’s a bona fide grump or complainer?
Gratitude seems foreign—and, frankly, ridiculous—to people who don’t think rightly about themselves, others and God. To explore the path to thankfulness—either for yourself or to help someone else with their journey—take your time reading part 1 through part 4 of Thanksgiving. These posts include the vital issue of who we’re thanking; plus, a Recipe for Contentment; The Happy Formula vs. The Unhappy Formula; responsibility for our own thoughts; and the difference between happiness and joy.
When I’m seeing with clarity and thinking rightly, I’m mentally strong.
Gratitude is a natural outpouring of mental strength.
A sweet little song
Here’s the thing. I can’t see God and his kindness rightly and not thank him daily. Remember from the “Madame Blueberry” episode of Veggie Tales: “A thankful heart is a happy heart….” Drink in the powerful truths in this sweet, little song.
From gratitude to endurance, patience and joy
When I wrote the journal entry below, I was still using a walker after my first surgery. My movement was greatly restricted. I had to be still the vast majority of the time. Do you see the relationship between gratitude and endurance, patience and/or joy?
Friday, November 28
Journal entry
[I enjoyed] Noelle’s taco casserole for breakfast, a Thanksgiving turkey feast for lunch, and a turkey roll for dinner, plus pecan pie for dessert. The Lord’s abundance fills me with joy and wonder. I wrote a thank-you note to [our neighbors], we each signed it, and Logan delivered it today. I listened to glorious classical music yesterday and today. …Today was Pajama Friday. I wore my new red PJs all day. Joy, joy, joy.
In addition to helping us build our mental and spiritual strength, the Lord puts people in our lives to bless us during challenging times—like before and after surgery. They help us endure with patience and joy.
Tuesday, December 16
Journal entry
[I] got about 6 hours of sleep—pretty good for surgery week. Meagan brought me a beautiful cardinal-themed Christmas card with a precious note inside. She also brought me a cobb salad from Chick-fil-A for lunch. What a dear friend. Her visit boosted my spirits. TBTG!
(If you like birds, winter scenes and quiet instrumental hymns, I hope you’ll enjoy this video as I have recently.)
Monday, December 22
Journal entry
Meagan dropped off a sausage, bean and ham dish, corn muffins and lemon cookies at lunch time. I loved visiting with her on the couch. What a dear friend. Her presence gives me joy. I texted her, “My tummy was SO thankful for your corn muffin with my Ensure. Thank you so much for your visit, prayer and generous food delivery! You are a precious friend.” Meagan was happy to see me smile [in light of recent low days]. She also texted, “Brandon has been very helpful and sweet each time I visit.”
The Lord can also bless us through our pets.
Tuesday, December 23
Journal entry
Having Marvin or Rosie beside me on the couch all day and night is some great therapy. I pet them and say, “Hello, Marvin Bubba” or “Hello, Rosie Girl.” …They are wonderful.
During this challenging, wonderful season, the Lord showed me these truths:
…we have not ceased to pray for you,
asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will
in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him,
bearing fruit in every good work
and increasing in the knowledge of God.
May you be strengthened with all power,
according to his glorious might,
for all endurance and patience with joy…
Colossians 1:9b-11, RSV
Your turn
Get out your journal or a piece of paper and reflect on your answers and thoughts as you read this section. Who has God placed in your life to bless you? How have they blessed you?
Who has God placed or allowed in your life to facilitate your spiritual growth and sanctification? How have they challenged you? Sometimes, very difficult people—those we never would’ve chosen if we knew the truth—become instrumental in our strengthening. We’re forced to acknowledge and learn about things we’d rather not deal with—things about them and things about us. We gain skills, like discernment, and virtues, like courage, humility and patience. We learn about boundaries and where to draw the line. We’re better and stronger because of those experiences, but it’s a battle. From naivety or ignorance to knowledge. From weakness to strength. From people-pleasing to God-pleasing. From gullibility to discernment. From confusion to understanding. From chaos to peace. From discouragement to joy in the Lord.
Has the Lord brought anyone else to your mind? How do you see God’s hand in these relationships or encounters?
Reflect on how you’ve changed in the last 10 years. Pray and thank the Lord for what he’s done in your life—and what he will do.
Let’s end today’s exploration of Colossians 1:9-14 with the phrase about gratitude.
Giving thanks to the Father
Since this post has been filled with gratitude to God, I’ll wrap it up with one final journal entry segment.
Wednesday, December 10
Journal entry
Today was PJ Wednesday. I was so thankful to be home all day. Shepherd’s pie for lunch was so good. We used a gift card from Mia & Robert for Cotton Patch. My salmon [with] rice and baked squash was excellent. …Yesterday and today, I burned the dark red Christmas candle Brandon bought for me. It had a pretty wood-carved top and smelled so good. Thank you, Lord, for Brandon and every blessing. I reorganized the two lower shelves in Logan’s bathroom cabinet and put my clothes on the lowest shelf. I’ve finally finished moving in there for this season…. It is perfect for what I need. Absolutely perfect. TBTG!
During this challenging, wonderful season, the Lord showed me these truths:
…we have not ceased to pray for you,
asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will
in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him,
bearing fruit in every good work
and increasing in the knowledge of God.
May you be strengthened with all power,
according to his glorious might,
for all endurance and patience with joy,
giving thanks to the Father…
Colossians 1:9b-12a, RSV
Before you head back to the rest of your day or night, reflect on this verse from earlier in today’s post. It applies powerfully to your life. What does it tell you about God—and about you?
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
Romans 11:29, World English Bible
Coming next
Honestly, I have no idea what’s coming next. Will I explore the last verses of the passage in Colossians or will I move in a different direction? The Holy Spirit will inspire me at the right time, as he always does.
Until next time, thanks for reading and for Choosing Peace.
Closing word and song
Psalm 9:10
“I Want to Know You” by CityAlight
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