I would love to tell you that because I am from the South, I grew up saying "Yes Ma'am," and "No, Sir," and "Good night, John-Boy," but nothing could be further from the truth. Truth is, I was ten years old before I realized that God's last name didn't start with a "D". That's when a precious little blue-haired granny named Maude Gober
(How's that that for a good southern name?) braved the no-man's-land of our front yard and invited my family to church. The first Sunday I was there I felt the Lord tug on my heart.
The day I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior in that little country church-I meant it. I began to seek regular relationship with God through prayer. I felt like I could not get enough of His Word. It was truly a transformation from darkness into light!
Since that time, I have felt compelled to share the difference God's love has made in my life. I committed my life to His service and graduated from Azusa Pacific University with degrees in both psychology and theology. As a pastor's wife and a full-time counselor at my church, I am blessed to offer the good news of salvation and restoration to the people who come through our doors.
The old gospel message is still good news to me: Jesus died for sinners (of which I am one) and sits at the right hand of God interceding for me daily. The power that brought about His resurrection is the same power that lifted a lost little southern girl out of her hopeless condition to new life in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17) When retreat planners ask me to speak, they often request that I share my testimony. I never tire of telling the story of God's gift of "welfare and not calamity" offering to all a "future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
Thanks for visiting my Shoutlife page and I hope to hear from you soon.
-Linda-
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LINDA'S SPEAKING TOPICS
FINDING JOY IN THE SEASONS OF LIFE
Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. stated, "Our society is marked by inextinguishable discontent." We have become excellent at making a living, but too often we fail at making a life. Yet all the while Jesus offers up abundant life (John 10:10). Explore with Linda the four "P's" of PERSPECTIVE, PERSONAL INVENTORY, PRAYER and PURPOSE that will lead to peace and satisfaction. Combining her counseling background and her own experience of overcoming a painful childhood, she communicates what it means to cast your cares on Christ (1Peter 5:7) and find contentment in Him. You will walk away with a new understanding of how to access the abundant life Jesus offers.
GOD'S GOT YOUR BACK?SHINE WHERE YOU ARE
Have you ever felt like God has you on the shelf? Then it is easy to get trapped in the quicksand of "if only" thinking. Using scripture, personal experiences, and powerful stories, Linda shows you the steps for surviving God's waiting room. Learn how to keep walking in the light, no matter what your circumstances, by staying connected, staying current, and staying committed and how to end up winning, like Esther who shined her light for an entire generation. (1 Peter 2:9).
EXTREME MAKEOVER - INSIDE EDITION
American's just can't get enough of television's newest craze for makeover shows. Just like we enjoy watching the ugly duckling transformed into a beautiful swan, Jesus takes great delight in transforming us by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2). Linda weaves scripture with the stages of the butterfly as she helps you get a check up for the neck up. She will show you have a butterfly attitude in a caterpillar world, how to shed the dead skin of "stinkin thinkin", and what to do when you feel stuck under a leaf on the limb of life. You will leave the weekend with the tools of transformation that will help you soar like the beautiful creature that God intended you to be!
GIRLFRIENDS WEEKEND or WEEKEND AMONG FRIENDS
Are you so busy taking care of everyone else that you don't have time to invest in you? A friend is a gift you give yourself. With a fresh spin on the story of Ruth and Naomi, Linda reminds us of how a quality friendship can enrich our everyday lives. Using the tools of her counseling trade she will teach you how to be a better friend to those people God brings across your path and even how to be a healthier friend yourself! Above all, you will be challenged and inspired to renew your faith in the best friend you can ever have - Jesus Christ. (John 15:13-15).
THE PRINCESS AND THE PEACE
God is crazy about you! His word makes that very clear. (Zephaniah 3: 17) But many times we move through life reacting as though God is "Dirty Harry in the Sky" waiting around for us to make a mistake as He hovers over the "smite" button on His cosmic computer. But we are God's princesses and He desires to show how deeply devoted He is to His daughters. Learn with Linda the powerful "P's " of princessness, and laugh as you see the characters that present less that royal behavior. A good topic for a Mother/Daughter luncheon or weekend.
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW - MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE
"Americans are so busy they are honking at their own taillights!" quoted one author in a current women's magazine. Do you find that you plate gets so full that God gets crowded out and you don't feel as close to Him as you used to? The Bible paints a powerful parallel of the shepherd's care for sheep and God's care and nurture for us. Using inspiring teachings from David, John and Jesus Himself, Linda uncovers the keys to clearing out the clutter that keeps you from connecting with Christ. Linda makes God's Word applicable and practical as she teaches you how to "be still and know He is God." (Psalm 46:10).
COMMINICATION DRIVE - THE ROAD TO CARING COMMUNICATION
"Women! Who can understand them?" he shouts as he heads out to the garage. "Men are such jerks!" she laments as he rushes past her, slamming the door on his way out. Face it, sometimes-effective communication can be illusive. Linda has provided tools for couples in conflict at her counseling office for over fifteen years. Whether you are a spouse, a parent, or even an employer, learn from Linda how to "Talk With the Hand" so that people will listen. Find out the techniques for "Hearing With Your Heart" and discover tools that will help you dump your bad habits and lighten your load on the road to caring communication. (Ephesians 4: 29) Great for couple's weekend.
Each of these topics will work for a single event, luncheon, ladies' night out, or filled out with four sessions for a retreat weekend.
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[This Shoutlife page was designed by Karen Power]
