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Let’s Journey Together and spend a Moment with Father.

I’m Linda Goldfarb, and I want to encourage and inspire your walk with the Lord. For more encouragement, please visit LindaGoldfarb.com. I’m so glad you’re here.

How often do you open your umbrella?

I carry a small just-in-case umbrella in the car. Sam and I love getting on the road for our next adventure. As I’m reminded by my coffee mug this morning, the fun thing is that “Life is my favorite adventure,” and it’s not 100% planned.

Sam and I know where we’re headed and what we’d like to accomplish, yet the weather can be unpredictable. Therefore, we are always prepared with two umbrellas. The collapsed one on the floorboard and the Holy Spirit in the backseat.

Truly, the Holy Spirit is our spiritual umbrella.

• When the pain pours down, He comforts us.
• When the heat of anguish comes, He protects us.
• When showers of confusion roll overhead, He brings peace.
• When enemies abound, He is our shelter.

"The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night" (Psalm 121:5-6 NIV).

I’ve learned not to leave either umbrella in the corner thinking, "Oh, I'm sure I won't need this today."

I depend on the physical umbrella for shade and as a barrier from the rain.

The Holy Spirit serves to nudge, alert, and protect me throughout the day.

How about you?

Life is an adventure, so let’s not journey unprotected.

We open our spiritual umbrella by recognizing how the Holy Spirit cares for us.

• The wind will blow.
• The storms will come.
• The Sun's heat will be scorching.
• And through it all, the Holy Spirit watches and cares for us.

How is the Holy Spirit caring for you and your family?

Let’s journey together.

Holy Spirit, thank you for the blessings and protection covering me today. Help me know where to go, what to do, and when to do it. Guide my every step and shade me from harm. Remind me of who You are in me so that I may walk mindful of Your presence throughout my day. Hallelujah.

Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves; do what it says. James 1:22

May YHWH bless you, keep you, and guide you in all you do. Until next time, this is Linda Goldfarb, and I’m so glad we are on this journey together with Father.

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I’m Linda Goldfarb, and I want to encourage and inspire your walk with the Lord. For more encouragement, please visit LindaGoldfarb.com. I’m so glad you’re here.

Emotions can be sticky.
In fact, emotions can shut us down and hold us back from experiencing God’s next best step for our lives, personally and professionally.

Consider what's holding you back.

It could be…

• Doubt.
• Fear of failure.
• Fear of success.
• Fear of change.
• Health factors.
• The unknown.

Perhaps the difficulties you’ve experienced are threatening to reappear.

Though past difficulties are real, they don’t define the reality of your future.
God has truly made a way where there seems to be no way. All we need to do is step out in faith and walk in it, assured of who we follow.

One beautiful thing about adding year upon year is witnessing God’s provision.
He has walked me through times when doubt was my daily companion and fear held me fast. And through it all, I can share a truth no one can deny—God is faithful and true, and He has never failed me.

I’m reminded in Scripture that nothing is impossible for God.

“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand” (Psalm 40:2 NIV).

If we truly desire a new life, our first step is to release control of our old life and turn it over to Father.

When we release our way, we can embrace the way of Christ—His heritage, His power, and yes, His suffering. Life is not an easy road, and the path to righteousness is narrow, yet through Christ, the Father promises to lift us onto a firm place to stand, where we are never alone.

Let’s journey together.

Praise You, O LORD, for You are mighty to save.
You are my Strong Tower, my Refuge in darkness.
Let all that I am worship You.
Hallelujah.

Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves; do what it says. James 1:22

May YHWH bless you, keep you, and guide you in all you do. Until next time, this is Linda Goldfarb, and I’m so glad we are on this journey together with Father.

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Let’s Journey Together and spend a Moment with Father.

I’m Linda Goldfarb, and I want to encourage and inspire your walk with the Lord. For more encouragement, please visit LindaGoldfarb.com. I’m so glad you’re here.

If you were to write out one promise of Father’s every day, you would be listing promises for more than ten years.

I love these five promises found in Isaiah 41:10.

Fear not, for I am with you—I am never alone.

I am your God—I belong to Him.

I will strengthen you—He sustains me.

I will help you—He supplies answers to my questions.

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand—His righteousness covers me.

Every day, every moment, in every aspect of life, we have a choice about where to turn for provision.

Which promise of God are you holding on to today?

Let us not grow weary.

Let us choose to hear the Lord God and rest in His promises.

Let’s journey together.

Praise You, O Lord, for Your Word is Truth.

Your promises are for me, and Your love never fails me.

Guide my heart to Your word, that I may bask in the light of Your glory through Jesus Christ, Your Son. Hallelujah. Amen.

Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves; do what it says. James 1:22

May YHWH bless you, keep you, and guide you in all you do. Until next time, this is Linda Goldfarb, and I’m so glad we are on this journey together with Father.

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How do you respond when someone you love doesn’t think like you?

God calls us to love others as ourselves, especially when it’s not easy.

Welcome to Staying Real About Faith & Family. If you’re looking for a community where you can get real about life without resistance, you’re in the right place. I’m Linda Goldfarb. Each week, Heather Greer, I, and our guests offer personal insight to encourage transparent living from a biblical viewpoint with practical applications. Staying Real with the Holy Spirit’s leading is what we’re all about—we pray today’s episode blesses you.

Today’s guest is Monica Schmelter. Monica is probably best known as the well-loved host of the Christian Television Network’s weekly program, “Bridges,” which celebrates 26 years on the air. Broadcast weekly in over 50 million homes across the U.S., this inspiring talk show highlights Christians’ struggles and triumphs in living everyday life.

Monica’s disarming personality and heart for people bring her guests' powerful testimonies to the forefront, illustrating how God’s never-ending love and faithfulness continue to transform lives worldwide.

Today’s thought Consideration – The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16 NLT

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Let’s Journey Together and spend a Moment with Father.

I’m Linda Goldfarb, and I want to encourage and inspire your walk with the Lord. For more encouragement, please visit LindaGoldfarb.com. I’m so glad you’re here.

When does your character make a difference?

As brothers and sisters in Christ, we have the power of the Holy Spirit in us. His character in us impacts the world. Wow. Mind blown.

Traveling across the U.S. and beyond for nearly 28 years with Storybook Theatre of Texas has allowed me to regularly speak into the lives of children, educators, and parents.

In The New Little Red Riding Hood program, we promote the belief that " no matter who you are or where you live, character makes a difference!”

We also mention the difference our character makes in our homes, schools, and the forest. The forest? Our show is set in the forest, with animal puppets and Little Red, Granny Red, and Wanda Wolfe—Big Bad Wolfe’s daughter.

The children resonate with the difference between making poor choices and better choices. We discuss the importance of forgiveness and second chances. Does this sound familiar?

As God’s character bearers, we choose to display how others see Him—to the ends of the earth and beyond.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 NIV

Imagine the impact of the Holy Spirit in and through us

• ...in our homes
• ...in our communities
• ...in our cities
• ...in our states
• ...in our nation
• ...to the ends of the earth

Consider your character and how God can use it

• To encourage
• To speak hope
• To share Truth
• To act with honesty
• To lend a helping hand
• To wipe away tears

How amazing —is the character of God!

Let’s journey together.

O Lord, how amazing Your character is. You are trustworthy. Faithful. Forgiving. Caring. Joyful. Oh, the list goes on.

I praise You. I honor You. I give my life to You.

Use me to Your glory in all I do and say.

In Jesus’ name. Hallelujah.

Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves; do what it says. James 1:22

May YHWH bless you, keep you, and guide you in all you do. Until next time, this is Linda Goldfarb, and I’m so glad we are on this journey together with Father.

Staying Real Just Got Easier!
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Let’s Journey Together and spend a Moment with Father.

I’m Linda Goldfarb, and I want to encourage and inspire your walk with the Lord. For more encouragement, please visit LindaGoldfarb.com. I’m so glad you’re here.

Are you ready to give up doing everything in your own strength?

Ready to stop comparing your weaknesses to another person’s strengths?

I have been so guilty of “I can do it myself.” and “I should be able to do what she does.” In those moments, Father reminds me— I made you to be you, not anyone else.

He purposed me to be me.

I’m not to do life in my own strength.

I should not be anxious when I see someone else accomplish a goal I thought was my next story.

I. Am. Me.

And I. Am. Blessed.

• —It’s time to give up, “If only...”
• —It’s time to give up, “I should have...”
• —It’s time to give up, “I’ll never be able to...”

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him” (Philippians 2:13 NLT).

God is at work in us right now, my precious friend.

• —Working out the impossibilities.
• —Working in the opportunities.
• —Working through the hearts of others.

Let us never give up on our faith in Him.
Let us never give up on ourselves.
Let us trust He has created us the way He needs us to be.
Let us soak up His Word daily.
Let us remember, in His strength, we can accomplish all He has set in place for us to do.

So, are you ready to give up?

Let’s journey together.

Lord, help me to remember that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I ask You to increase my faith.

Empower me to accomplish all You have set apart for me to do.

I know You are at work, Father—Hallelujah.

Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves; do what it says. James 1:22

May YHWH bless you, keep you, and guide you in all you do. Until next time, this is Linda Goldfarb, and I’m so glad we are on this journey together with Father.

Staying Real Just Got Easier!
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Let’s Journey Together and spend a Moment with Father.

I’m Linda Goldfarb, and I want to encourage and inspire your walk with the Lord. For more encouragement, please visit LindaGoldfarb.com. I’m so glad you’re here.

I participate in a beautiful FB group where we read through the Bible yearly. We are challenged to dig deeper into Scripture on our own to discover more about YHWH.

Today’s reading was in 1 Chronicles 25-27. There are so many names listed in these passages.

My thoughts went to the naming of each person mentioned.

Names had significant value during the early years of mankind. It seems to me that the intent of some names was born from the parents' current circumstances: “And because of …, he was named …” In some cases, the child lived under a name they may have despised.

We also know YHWH told several of His children what to name their children. “You will call him …” Powerful.

Today, many parents name their children after worldly heroes, perhaps in hopes that their child will also become “somebody.”

My hubby has the middle name Magruder. Where, you might ask, did such a name come from? The doctor who delivered my hubby’s father was the influence. Thank you, Doctor Magruder.

All this is said as I ponder my name, the names of loved ones, and the names of my good friends. Do we live up to our names or walk in heaviness under them?

My favorite name for me is Daughter of the King.

Only by YHWH’s grace and mercy can I come anywhere close to representing Him well and sharing the Good News. Yeshua has that covered.

Out of curiosity, do you know the “meaning” of your name?

If you’re a parent, did you name your child with a meaning in mind?

My brothers and I all have L as the first letter in our names.

My oldest two children have good Irish names.

My youngest daughter is named after an Indian Chief.

My youngest son carries on his father’s name in legacy as the third (III).

What’s in a name? Yes, I’m about to sing.

Jesus. Jesus. Je—sus,

there’s just something about that name.

Master. Savior. Jesus!

Like a fragrance after the ra-a-ain.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.

Let all heaven and earth proclaim

kings and kingdoms will all pass away.

But there’s something about that name!🎶

Let’s journey together.

Abba, Daddy. Thank You for the Name above all names.

Thank You, that at the name of Jesus, all knees will bow and every tongue confess, Jesus Christ is Lord!

Praise You, O God.

I confess before You all my transgressions.

I lay them at Your feet.

Let my identity be found as Your child for all to see Your Majesty, Your Kindness, and Your Sovereignty.

In the powerful name of Jesus. Hallelujah.

Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves; do what it says. James 1:22

May YHWH bless you, keep you, and guide you in all you do. Until next time, this is Linda Goldfarb, and I’m so glad we are on this journey together with Father.

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Are the little things in life getting lost?

Listen in to a story that will encourage you to take advantage of every moment.

Welcome to Staying Real About Faith & Family. If you’re looking for a community where you can get real about life without resistance, you’re in the right place. I’m Linda Goldfarb. Each week, Heather Greer and I, and our guests offer personal insight to encourage transparent living from a biblical viewpoint with practical applications. Staying Real with the Holy Spirit’s leading is what we’re all about - we pray today’s episode blesses you.

As a Christian, wife, and stay-at-home mom out of Schertz, Texas, Kelly May Harris longs to help others dive beyond the surface level in relationships. Fueled by the support of family and close relationships from childhood, through college, on into marriage, parenthood, and loss, Kelly’s passion reignited “not to let grief become bigger than God.” Kelly hopes that through her writing, readers, young and young at heart, will see that God’s Love wins. Kelly has several children’s books, including Ladybug Landing, Upside-Down Singing Possums, and Smiles to Share – Because God’s Always Chasing After You.

Today’s Thought Consideration – Loss is a part of life, but it’s not bigger than God.

Kelly May Harris - website

Children's Matching Game download

Often, big and small obstacles stand in the way of fostering connections between relationships. Inspired by the author’s family, who faced their own obstacles, specifically circling the illness and ultimately losing her daughter Kayla, Smiles to Share - Because God's Always Chasing After You aims to simplify this vital relationship need for connection—one story, one question, one smile at a time.

In the 15 cute entries, Harris creates relatable yet fun ways to share essential topics with one another. The fifteen entries, illustrations, a seek-and-find activity, and a Connecting Ideas section offer a tool to people who want to create connections with young, old, and those in between in simple or deeper ways.

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