Thursday, December 25, 2014

Christmas Presents

Merry Christmas, Dear Jesus

I bring to you gold...
I Peter 1:7

I listen with an open heart
Finding faith the place to start
Confident in Your forgiving Love
I set my affection on things Above

I bring to you Frankincense...
 Psalm 141:2a Heb. 6:12 and 19

I admit I'm poor and weak
Your Way and Will is all I seek
Watching and prayer within the veil
Hope claims promises that never fail

I bring to You Myrrh
John 19:39-41

Just as you have died for me
"I" die so others Jesus will see
Laying aside all selfish pride
May Your Image on me abide

                      * * * * *

Dear Jesus, You bring Yourself
Is. 63:9

My gifts are only trifling things
Compared to you and what you bring
Glory and Honour, Strength and Gladness
Forever Friends in Your beautiful Palace

For I have only given what I have received...

 Your way fuels my faith
   Your truth grounds my hope
       Your life grows my love

Casting these Crowns before Your Throne
I rejoice in Your Presence

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Manger Hay

If I had a part in the Christmas story,
     I would want to be the manger hay

Not a big or splashy job like the angels or the star
Not with fancy formal gifts like wise men from afar
I wouldn't be the shepherds or the camels or the sheep
And not the town of Bethlehem, awake, but sound asleep

Just simple manger hay

Serving Baby Jesus by feeding all His lambs
Learning how to watch the movement of His hands
My only tasks--to rest beneath and lift up God's dear Son
Until the blinded world will see the work that He has done

**************

Matt. 1:21
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

John 3:15-18

Luke 19:10

Friday, December 19, 2014

The Parable of the Blessings

At the Master's House I searched for blessings
A Stately Home with garden settings
Boldly I entered the tiny white gate,
Marched to the door-it was all so ornate!

I knocked...and waited...then knocked again...

My heart jumped to thoughts unkind--
He sent an invitation--did He change His mind?
I have knocked and waited--isn't He there?
And worse!--What if He doesn't care?

But then the Master opened the door

Wounded hands and thorn scarred face
Caused all my doubts and fears erase
With quiet voice His question would be:
"What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?"

"Please, Sir, that Thou wouldst bless me indeed!"

"Dear Child, this would give me pure delight
But will you walk by faith--not sight?
Will you listen to all I suggest--
Letting Me lead you to quiet and rest?"

Shrinking from the heavy cost--knowing without Him all is lost!

My selfishness whined in prideful pain
A new King had come within to reign
"My sinful heart I thought I knew
But, Dear Jesus, I offer it to You."

"If you then are quite agreed, deny yourself and follow Me!"

We walked through His house--my heart filled with greed
The peace in this place would comfort my needs
Yet He did not stop here to grant my request
 But went to His garden--there I was impressed!

It was a beautiful, wide open space covered over with Amazing Grace!

 Rose bushes held a Heavenly scent
Benches to perch on when feeling spent
Blades of emerald tickled my feet
I dearly loved this peaceful retreat!

Blessings galore and still there were more!

 A fountain full to quench my thirst,
Vegetables to eat when hunger is worst
Trees filled with fruit and musical birds
The Saviour's kind and gentle words:

"As the Father hath loved me, so have I lived you..."

Coming to the Garden's edge
A woodpile with a common sledge
"Hold out your arms to receive the load"
He commands--but my brain explodes!

Didn't the Master remember I had asked for blessings?

Piling on poverty, pain and grief
Hunger and thirst with no relief
 Bearing weakness, suffering shame
 All because of His Dear Name

 With burden of wood I start to weep--this is not what I came for to seek!

The Master kindly looks at me
"One request I have for thee--
Take these sticks on down the way
A Person will direct the place they lay"

Pity parties are never fun. Turning away, mine had begun.

 Days turn to weeks and weeks to months
The "Armload of Blessings" an impossible task
My sore feet stumbled to the Master's House
On bent knees I stooped to ask:

"Sir, I asked for blessings-why do you have me carry these sticks?"

 Seeing me in deep distress
He hastened to His love express
"This weight was not for you alone
Please take it to the Person shown."

"Your answer will be clear as day if you trust Me and obey!"

I turned at once to do His bidding
 Leaning not to my own picking
As I took true faith's next step
All His promises were kept!

God's Own Spirit came to show me how and where to lay my load!

          And He keeps the Garden

Matt. 5:3-16.  Luke 11:5-13
The hymn "In the Garden"
A poem about the Christian Walk

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

The Eye of the Beholder

To my Grandpa

You stood behind me watching
As I sat playing your upright piano
I cringed inside with each sour note
Feeling the glare of your disapproval

But my feelings were not truthful!

You really stood behind me smiling
Listening to the song of my youthful heart
Willing to guide my growth and depth
Enjoying the time around the music

* * * * *

Dear Sweet Jesus

You, too, stand watching me
Nothing I do is hid from Thee
My sin and guilt set my face aflame
My feelings cry out in deepest shame

Then You whisper my name!

Child, sing the song of Victory!
 My Cross and Blood have made you free!
You are so precious in my sight!
Your contrite heart is My Delight!

Ps. 51:17 and Isa. 57:15





Saturday, October 25, 2014

Jacob's Crown

I carried the blackness alone
Solitude is peaceful
Unless you hate yourself
Then it is lonely.

But I was not left that way

The Man of Sorrows approached
And we soon commenced to fight
We grappled--I with all my might
Until He touched the hollow of my thigh

Sharp the bittersweet pain!

And now I remember--
A ladder stretched from Earth to sky
A promise giv'n from God on High
"I am with thee, and will keep thee."

But was I willing to be for Him?

"Let me go, for the day breaketh"
I held Him fast and made my choice
 My father's God was now my own
"I will not let thee go--
                       Except thou bless me."

Seeking from Him what I could not earn

Each battle leaves different wounds
And some of them heal over time
A prince with God was born--
    But I walk with a limp

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

My Personal Journey Through Depression

(This is my spiritual diary--not a diagnostic tool. If you are suffering from depression, your story is different than mine. Please remember Jesus loves you no matter how far down in the miry pit you have fallen.)

PS. 31:10
"For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing:  my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed."

   Although I trusted Christ as Saviour at the tender age of 5, ( see the post "My Story") depression has been more or less present since I was a teenager. It manifested itself in many ways: paranoia over disease,  excessive fear, and a dependence on the approval of others were just a few. Mostly I was able to ignore the symptoms--I didn't even realize there was a name for this experience--but at night my mind would run away with me.

   I was an active church member--I wanted to serve God and others. I taught Sunday school, played the piano and organ, sang in the choir, and whatever else needed done. Notice all of the "I's" in this paragraph. My performance at church was necessary for others to approve of me. The Scripture in
 II Tim. 2:15 was forgotten:
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

As I aged it was harder to ignore the markers of depression. It was no longer just the night season but also during the day-sometimes for days, weeks, and months at a time. I blamed it on all sorts of things: "baby blues", under-active thyroid, seasonal affective disorder, and others. Thoughts of worthlessness were common. My bedroom became a sanctuary--I could go to sleep and forget-until I awoke. I was still with me and we were spiraling down into a deep dark place.

   Even though all of this was happening on the inside, I was still attending a Bible- believing church. this was probably one of the biggest things that kept me sane during this confusing season. God was still reaching for my heart even though I had trampled all over His. sermon by sermon, the message of His Great Love was teaching me; however, I, too full of my own thoughts, did not understand and claim God's promises for myself.

   Then I hit bottom.

   The "Good Christian" scorned the song "In the Garden". The woman who had accepted Christ's love and sacrifice on the cross confessed that she was not even sure God loved her anymore. She was so full of herself that she walked out of her house, barefoot--and left her family thinking they were better off that way. I truly wanted to walk out of life at that moment; instead, I sat on the side of our dirt road and prayed a prayer similar to this:

PS. 38:6, 8, 15, 21-23

   "For I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly, I go mourning all the day long...I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart...For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God...Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me . Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation."

   I got up and walked back home.

   My depression did not vanish in instant. Just as we see in the parable of the prodigal son, it is quite a journey to recovery. Notice that the prodigal was already a son--he had left the safety and companionship of His Father's house. Growing in our Christian walk takes a constant reliance on God's Word and work in the life. God slowly and surely led me back to Himself. Bitterness over past failures and perceived hurts needed to be released. Forgiveness was a choice consciously made and remade.

   The ultimate turning point was found in a sermon--Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus. One sermon, two preachers on different weeks  neither knew the other, but God knew me.

   Mark 8:34b

"...Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

   My life could never again be my own--it had to be all God's. My hurt, my worthless efforts, and my emotions were controlling me. The rescue Christ brought was Himself. His acceptance , His sacrifice for sin, and His Truth about everything fills my heart so that He controls me.

   Several verses express these truths:

PS 28:7

  "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth, and with my song will I praise him."

 II Cor. 12:9

   "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

PS. 31:7and II Cor. 3:5

   Depression could overwhelm me even now; however, this weakness compels me to rely on Christ--His way and will--not mine. Jesus is my strength and greatest joy.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

In Your Shadow

Draw me close, Spirit
Ps. 57:1; Ps. 17:8

I hide in the shadow of your wings
Your sweet Words healing my heart
Promises made, promises kept
Faith's Awakening

 Draw me closer still, Father
Ro. 15:13; Ex. 33:18-23

I wait in the shadow of the great Rock
You cover my face with Your gentle hand
Amazing Grace and Infinite Glory pass before me
Hope's Vision

Even closer yet, Jesus
Phil. 3:10; Matt. 9:36-38

I pray  in the shadow of the Olive trees
"May I know the fellowship of your suffering"
Then my fingertips brush the hem of Your robe
Charity's Joy

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Better and Better!

This week I have been reading the book of Ephesians. It has been so amazing to read about all that God wants to do for us and through us--but it MUST be done in Christ Jesus. Salvation from sin comes first (Epe. 2:8-9) followed by blessings and a sweet fellowship with God (Epe. 2:14).

As Prayer is made in Epe. 3:14-21, God tells us that He will do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us." It is like there is not enough adjectives to describe God's desire to bless those who leave the choice to Him.

Words cannot describe it, and intellect cannot comprehend it. Jesus loves me--always and forever. I have claimed His promises--and they are "exceeding abundantly above all"!

Sunday, September 7, 2014

SOARING!



I went flying today!

 Above hills and valleys
That fold into each other softly--
Green Forest bedspreads
Polka dotted with city 'scapes

And I was not alone--
For You were always with me

Renewing my strength
 Changing my perspective
 Enlarging my vision

 And I will follow, Father,
Watching You

Enjoying my delight in Your handiwork
 Singing songs over me with love
Filling my horizon with the Light
Of Your only Begotten Son

Yes, I went flying today--
And it was Heavenly!

Isaiah 40:31

(This is a poetic rendering of the joy found in reading the Word of God)

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Togetherness

The table was covered with it

   Edge pieces off to one side
      Sky pieces at the top
         Grass ones at the bottom

And then all the rest...

   Mysteries of shape and color
      No obvious place or order
         All knobs and shoulders

No clear image--just You

   Giving me direction
      Changing my perception
         Aiding with compassion

Because some pieces never seem to fit

   Twisting and turning
      While griping and fuming
         "It's all so confusing!"

Until I listen and learn

   Faith in Your design
      Patience in Your order
         Hope in Your goodness

 Enjoying the puzzle...
                                     Together


 Romans 8:25-39

Monday, July 21, 2014

Nothing but the Truth

"Place your left hand on the Bible and raise your right hand."

"Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth , and nothing but the truth so help you God?"

"I do."

     *****

"You say that you know the Heavenly God
But others have testified that He is flawed
What have you heard--my questioning prods
Is He for real or is He a fraud?"

     *****

"Sir, I have heard He is Holiness and Love
He is All-Present, All-Knowing, and All-Above
He sees the Present, the Future, and past
He's Creator and King, the First and Last
He finds each sin repulsive and vile
Yet cares for all sinners who come like a child
His justice demanded our sin debt be paid
In mercy His wrath upon Jesus was laid

     *****

"So this is what you say you've heard
But what you tell seems quite absurd!
Don't just tell me of things you know
What have you seen yourself?-- Show!"

     *****

"I can tell you what is true
God is making old things new
It's not only believing His Word indeed
But Jesus filling my soul's deep need
He's love and joy and perfect peace
He from sin gave my heart release
My life is now a fresh, new song
Because to Him I truly belong"

     *****

"Do you wish to say more--is that quite all?
Will your story check should we recall?
Would a closer look began to reveal
A doubt or two you try to conceal?"

     *****

"I had doubts--but praise His name
He has taught me how to claim
Each promise written is my own
I can boldly approach His throne!
Asking for Mercy, Seeking His face
Getting His comfort and daily Grace
One thing more my heart desires
That this miracle in you transpires."

     *****

I John 5:20 and I Cor. 15:3-4
John 14:6
"Jesus saith unto him I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

He. 4:13-16














     *****






























Thursday, June 26, 2014

Thoughts...

A True Purpose--to love God with all my heart

A True Passion--to love others as Christ loves me.

A True Peace--Allowing the Prince of Peace to rule in my heart!

A True Power--God's grace to teach and train me

A True Place--Under the shelter of God's Redeeming love

A True Pleasure--Offering the sacrifice of praise to the Way, the Life,

                  The Truth
                     Jesus

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Praising God!

Yesterday
Psalm 148

An ocean of blue
Warming waves of sun
All creation laughing
I sang Your praise


Today
I Peter 1:3-9

A curtain of gray
Shivering solitude of  night
Thunderclouds weeping
I am singing Your praise


Tomorrow
I Thes. 4:16-17

The trumpet of God
Announcing the Faith's Sight
The saints rejoicing
 I will forever sing Your praise!


Tuesday, June 3, 2014

The Invitation

It came in leather binding...
   With golden letters...
      And a red ribbon...

To Whosoever Will,

I have prepared a table for you
 A quiet place for just us two

 A time to cast on me your burden
 Finding that my love is certain

 I want to take sin's brokenness
 And give to you my perfect rest

 Share with Me and all My goals
Helping others and loving souls

 Your daily needs I will supply
 I lean in to listen to every cry

 Please come--
Praying in humility
 Seeking with sincerity
 Confessing your iniquity

 With Everlasting Love,
 Your Heavenly Father,
 The King of Kings

I read the request...
 Closed the binding...
   And walked away...

How I wish I had taken time to pray!






Wednesday, May 21, 2014

FAITH

"Jump," He said, "I will catch you."

My Daddy was so very strong,
But what if something should go wrong?
What if this time He should miss?
Could I take a chance like this?

"Jump," He said again, "Trust me."

I chose to take Him at His Word
Finding all my doubts absurd
So much better than I'd dreamed of
Caught in His strong arms...
                                                  With love.

Saturday, May 10, 2014

His Amazing Grace!

The Package invited me to peek
But would it hold what I really seek
I shook the box and listened close
I hoped for what I wanted most

Other boxes had frilly bows
And shiny paper that seemed to glow
Each new gift I'd gladly try
Each disappointment made me cry

Finally deciding to take a look
I found inside God's Holy Book
Reading there the Gospel story
How Jesus came to earth from Glory

A gentle Shepherd seeking the sheep
Binding the broken, healing the weak
Always calling the names of the lost
Shedding His blood to pay sin's cost

I found this box was very deep
The Truth within it made me weep
Loving me at my very worst
Bearing, Himself, life's cruel hurts

No disappointments found inside
Only His grace and mercy wide
Calling on His Holy Name
My life will never be the same!




Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Living Water!

Tumbling downward
 Deeper yet Deeper
Washing and Refreshing
 Cooling and Satisfying
 Seeking the Lowest Point
Totally filling the Empty Places

 Given freely
 Accepted gratefully
 Poured into the Parched Ground
Swelling the seed
Growing the plant
Producing the fruit in season

 Sometimes a peaceful calm
Singing sweet Music
Sometimes a life-changing storm
Uncovering Hidden Treasure
 Always my soul's deepest need.
Holding me up

Dear Heavenly Father,
Immerse me in this Water.
May I become invisible
 In the bright reflection
 Of Your Son's Light.
Amen

John 4:14

Monday, April 28, 2014

Knowledge

     The very first temptation was to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of good and evil. It wasn't that Adam and Eve didn't have knowledge--God was their teacher. The temptation was to be independent of God's teaching and be in control of their own education. How very sadly mistaken they were! Instead of following a trustworthy guide, they had no trust left. This caused fear because, on their own, it was impossible to discern truth from lies.

     But God came calling after them,

     And they answered.

     Once again their Teacher patiently taught them truth.

     Today God is still teaching truth. Jesus  is  truth. Through the King James Bible, His ways are known. May His grace help me to answer His calling and follow His ways.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Behind Creation's Curtain

"I lift up mine eyes unto the hills"

Purple Stillness
Standing solemn in
Unchanging Character
 Omnipotence

" The wind bloweth where it listeth"

Life-giving breezes
Surrounding me with
 Sweet Perfume
 Omnipresence

"The light of the world"

Touching warmth
Illuminating my
Soul's Direction
Omniscience

"The heavens declare the glory of God;
and the firmament sheweth forth
 his handiwork."
Psalm 19:1

"Great is the LORD and greatly
to be praised;
and his greatness is
 unsearchable."
Psalm 145:3

Creation points to the Creator--they are not one. Creation is the "curtain"--an invitation to look beyond the "window" of the ordinary to see the True God of the Bible. It is an object lesson.

Friday, April 25, 2014

Trusting God

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.". Hebrews 11:6

A good definition of faith is dependence. When I sit in a chair, I depend on it to hold me up. It is the same with God. I stop trusting my own perspective and trust Christ--the way, the truth, and the life. So many religions teach that my spiritual success depends on something I do. God teaches me that He provided for this success in Christ's shed blood, death, burial, and resurrection. He took my sin punishment and all I need is to trust His promise.

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the  Lord shall be saved." Ro. 10:13

God is teaching me that faith is a daily way of living also. It is so freeing to take all my thoughts and feelings to Him. He listens with infinite understanding and love. His Word shows me the truth of how I should feel. Faith is knowing that God is interested in my whole life and can use even hurtful things to make something beautiful. "O for grace to trust Him more".

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Happy Resurrection Day!

It took three nails just to show how much you love me--

Your Rugged Cross
     Wounded Side and
            Crown of Thorns.

My sins were great but your grace has    proved much greater

Please take my heart and make
a Love-gift fit for you

Monday, April 14, 2014

The Hypocrite and The Handmaiden

Proudly parading her leading part
A mask of perfection over her heart
Each act ends in shouts and cheers
But nothing calms her inward fears

Pretending is a delicate art
The stress of performance tears her apart
 Tho' carefully reciting the written Script
 Focused on self, she promptly trips

Her broken pieces lay scattered about
" I'm a failure!" Her soul's loud shout
"Even though I know I tried
I wish I had a place to hide!"

The Play's Director came to her side
And quietly listened as she cried
Not with contempt at her disgrace
But with love that cries along--and waits

"I will give the strength you need
Not your acting--trust My lead
Daughter, faith will help you see
All you want is found in Me!"

She no longer pretends or wears a mask
But accepts His grace for all she lacks
Gladly emptied of self-serving goals
For knowing Christ has made her whole

Monday, April 7, 2014

The LORD went before them!

This is the beginning
There will be struggles and sacrifices
 Inspiring our peaceful song

This is the beginning
 A Saviour never leaving or forsaking
 Confirming our quiet confidence

 This is the beginning
 Casting off fear's dark bondage
Walking in freedom's light

This is the beginning
 Following by faith the flame of God
Humbly seeking His face

 This is the beginning
Trusting His promises for victory
 Making His praise glorious!

 Exodus 12:25; 13:21; 14:13-14; 15:1

Saturday, April 5, 2014

The Broken Bird

Please fix her,
Daddy

Look at her wing!
Someone mean
Threw rocks.

Will she ever fly?
Can You help her sing?
Is she too broken?

Can you fix her,
Daddy?--

          *

My little Child,
Nothing is too hard for me.

Open your hand,
Fear not,
Believe only
 And she shall be made

      Whole


Luke 8:50; Matt. 7:7-11; 6:26

Dedicated to every woman who has been broken and to all who have held a "broken bird". Most of us will be in both places at some point. This is to remind us that the Lord cares for the broken--as He did in this story--and we can trust Him. Will we let go? We can only choose for ourselves. The broken ones that we love we trust to God by praying that they, too, will choose Him.

Friday, March 28, 2014

Thoughts about the "Broken Bird"




Acts 2:38
"…Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.."

We are told to repent (to think differently) and be baptized (immersed) in the name of Jesus Christ--not water or works.  Salvation begins with recognizing that I am a sinner. In Isaiah 53:6 it describes sin as being turned to my own way. This sin of pride separates me from God. I need to turn to Jesus Christ and trust His shed blood on the cross, His burial and resurrection to bridge the gap between us--Trusting God to keep his promise: "For whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be saved." ( Ro. 10:13) Trusting in anything or anyone--including myself--besides Jesus is a false salvation. 

Matt. 9:10-13

"…They that be whole need not a physician….I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

It seems that the more broken a person was, the more obvious it was that they needed  Christ to help them.  Self-righteousness gave a false sense of security to the Pharisees (Jewish religious leaders): however, the sinners knew their brokenness and came to Christ for His mercy.  They did not have to "fix themselves up" to come--He accepted with grace those who came to Him by faith: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Epe. 2:8-10)  He even gives us the faith necessary to trust the promise! He washes the sins away with His mercy and He renews us. The "doing" is God's job--mine is to "...hear the word of the gospel and believe. (Acts 15:7) He redeems us (buys us) from iniquity and then purifies us unto good works.

Once again, the Good News is all about Christ!  He creates the masterpiece of my life.  How I wish that I would always hold my hands and heart open for His working!  His working for His glory--Beautiful!

Monday, March 10, 2014

The True Tale of the Tiny Acorn



My single finger curls tightly
Hanging onto the end of a limb
If I can only hold myself up--
Clinging to what has been

"Lovest thou Me more than these?"
A quiet question on gentle breeze
My brown beret slid over my face
As I hid amongst the leaves

Softly a whisper--or maybe a sigh
"To fall on Me is the true path high"
But the blue ceiling seems closer
Than the rough and dirty floor.

Suspended from this stick I stay
And can't go up and won't go down
The sky at once began to frown
And then to cry on all around

The howling storm reveals this plight
My self-made struggle to hang on tight
Needs surrender to reach new height
To walk by faith in my Saviour's might

Yielding completely to God's own will
I close my eyes while time stands still
Trusting Him--releasing all
What is this?--a head long fall!

The brutal impact shook my soul
To reach higher had been my goal
Where is God when life gets tough?
Why struggle--it gets so rough!

Now I lay broken and shivering
In the Shadow Valley of Death
I grab some leaves and clods of earth
And pull them up over my head

"You are chosen to bring forth fruit!
Drink Living Water and send out root
All your weakness I will strengthen
My promise sure--your strong Foundation."


 
I stretched myself and found some toes!
I'd never before had any of those!
Squirming and wiggling through the dirt
New sensations--some of them hurt!

Once again self vainly tried
How did I have so much pride?
I turned to Jesus, "Lord, I thirst"
His answer: "Always seek Me first"

"The Living Water I freely give
Springs of joy that help you live"
Love washed all my doubts away
He's proven true-naught will sway!

Planted by His River cool
Dying to Self to let Him rule
Satisfied with His Direction
My life is up to His selection

The warming sunlight of His smile
Teaches patience in each new trial
Shedding the shell of former things
My spirit reaches up and in me sings!

I open my eyes to miracles unfolding
Too much love for me to be holding
Rising up to burst through sod
Giving praise to Almighty God

His Faithful Word a sturdy core
Tree trunk strong-I hunger more
Not performing or playing a part
Serving with peace and joy in my heart

My hair is full of nesting birds
Who sing their music without words
Digging deeper, stronger roots
Branches stretching bearing fruit

Every day He gives new grace
Seeing acceptance upon His face
His gentlenesss has raised me brave
Growing higher from my grave









Thursday, March 6, 2014

Listen!

"So then, to tell my story, here I stand....You hear me speak, but do you hear me feel?"

Gertrude Kolmar, Holocaust victim

Others need someone to hear them feel--REALLY hear. I so need to learn how to close my mouth and open my ears! Just having someone listen can often be a big help. I think that is why God gave us prayer. He listens and brings His Word to our mind. I learn this way. It is just like putting a jig saw puzzle together out loud. 

Asking thoughtful and truly interested questions is another way to show you "feel". The Bible word for this is compassion. I love reading I Cor. 13--I pray for a Christlike love.

Just a little side note of appreciation to the people who have taken time to hear me feel. Thank you.


Sunday, February 23, 2014

"No Fear" 2



In my last post, I talked about God's love.  Someone questioned how such a Loving God could create Hell.  It does seem like a place of torture would be contrary to love, however, it proves God's love. 

God did not create Hell for people--it was created for Satan and his angels.  It was to be a holding place for all evil--because evil hurts and breaks.  Sin brings death. If God let sin remain unpunished, there would be no hope for wholeness and healing. God created man perfect--but gave him free will.  Using this power of choice, man chose sin.  Sin created a separation between a Holy  God and a fallen man. This is where love enters.  Even though man chose to turn away from God, God still chose to reach out to man.  Jesus Christ gave his life for ours--taking the entire punishment for sin upon himself by going to the cross. If anyone goes to Hell, it will be a personal choice.  God is not willing that any should perish--but He does not force us to accept His plan of escape.

Romans 5:8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

The title, "No Fear", may have been a misnomer.  A better title would have been "Freed from Frantic Fear". 

Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The fear mentioned in this verse speaks of a reverence for God. This is a good and necessary fear.  The fear I mentioned from I John 4:18 is defined as terror or a phobia and most of us have been there.

Fear is a self preservation emotion.  It allows us to realize that something is terribly wrong and needs to be fixed.  The fear of the Lord is when we realize His holiness and our sinfulness. Our sin problem needs to be fixed.  God is the judge--this means He has the power to sentence or pardon.  When our fear causes us to call on Him and ask for His pardon, He gives it--freely. Once fear is replaced by faith in the Cross of Christ, we can go forward to grow in love.  What once was broken is now whole. His Perfect love brings acceptance and forgiveness. The terror of eternal punishment is gone--"Fear not!"

For some this is more difficult than others--situations in life have given them legitimate reasons to fear and releasing it through faith seems too dangerous and impossible. These thoughts are not meant to trivialize this pain in any way.  God loves you and He specializes in the impossible.  He has infinite understanding of each person's situation. Every baby step of faith on our part is met by a giant leap of love on His.   

I hope this explanation is helpful--I am still learning! There is much about God and how He works that I do not understand.  I just accept it by faith. This blog is not intended to be a forum for debate or even a soapbox--it is more like my spiritual diary into which others can take a peek.

   

Thursday, February 20, 2014

No Fear

Have you ever noticed how many times, as God revealed Himself to man, that He said "Fear not!"?

Is it because we fear what we don't completely understand? Is it consciousness of our unworthiness?

Fear is where so many begin their walk with God. Learning to let go of perceptions and perspectives is a lot like falling. God says He will hold me with the right hand of His righteousness. His righteousness! Not  me doing a certain set of rules but instead letting Christ's cross be my answer. Faith is knowing He will catch me. He will keep His promise.

This is true because of God's love.

"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent
His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him"

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear..."

I John 4:9 and 18a

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Fun with Words

"Poet-Tree"

With squirreling thoughts running 'round in my head
First this branch
Next that one
They need to be said!

The Red-headed pecker will pound up the beat:
Rat a tat
Rat a tat
 Rat a tat tat

My wiggling toes explore paths of the past
Precious and
Painful mix
Lessons that last

So standing in Sunshine or showering rain
Truth softly
Whispers its
Charming refrain

 Heart suddenly bursting with Glorious Song
I clap all my hands
And the birds
Sing along

Friday, January 31, 2014

My Story

     Each of us have turning points in our lives.  Mine happened when I was five years old.

        It was a Sunday morning.  Our family always went to church; however, today was different.  We had a new pastor.  I cannot remember any sermons up to this point in my life. This one changed me.  The text was John 3:16  "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." He went on to explain that God loves everyone--every single person ever!  He loved us even though we had sinned--and I knew even as a 5 year old that I had sinned.  Sin is just doing things our own way, missing the perfect target, or stepping out of the boundaries that God has set.  I knew that I was selfish, disobedient, and sometimes downright mean.  I also knew that I had a problem.

      I was old enough to know that actions have consequences--my sin deserved a punishment.  As the Pastor told us about Heaven and Hell, I knew that I wanted to go to Heaven.  It was so easy!  I just chose God's way:  1. I admitted that I was a sinner  2.  I accepted what God said was true--Jesus died on the Cross, was buried, and rose again to pay the punishment for my sin  3. I trusted His promise to save my soul from Hell and take me to Heaven.  Nothing spooky.  I went from trusting what I did to trusting His Word.

     This Changed My Life!

    It was the starting place of getting to know God.  He has infinite understanding and can relate to my life experiences when no one else can. He helps me to grow into a person that will trust Him and His Word more and more. This takes the pressure off of me--He leads, I follow.  Simple--life changing!

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Our Friend

My Friend Needs You

You must love her more than I
For You came to earth to for her die
You see her pain, her past, her cry
Is it really wrong to wonder "Why?"

Why does wrong always seem to win?
Why does a child suffer for another's sin?
Why do lies glow while the truth grows dim?
Why does fear paint dark shadows within?

 Jesus, You also shouted a "Why?"
 As you hung between earth and sky
Bearing each sorrow, each grief, each sigh
Inviting the broken to your heart draw nigh

"Suffer little children to come unto me."
"Father, forgive them." Your unselfish plea
Though we are wounded, we wounded Thee
You offer a gift through faith-Your Mercy free

 The soul is quiet and questions vanish
You care in the past and present and finish
 Your Cross touches with tender completeness
 May she also find this healing sweetness

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Life!




LIFE!

Sincerity does not secure our salvation
Self's thoughts do not equal justification
Scripture shows all this simple direction
Jesus, sacrificed, solves sin's condition

Call upon Him in humble contrition
Trust Christ then "No condemnation"
Believe His Word--not fickle emotion
He will redeem you-no condemnation

    His Heart begs you humbly to enter
                                           
His grace freely makes you this offer                                                              New life
                                                          Eternal life
                                                        Abundant life
                                        

The way,   
The truth,
and the life--

Jesus!

Sing!



                                     Speaking 
                                        in Songs

God the Father wrote the composition
Framed before the world's foundation
 Justice and judgment in perfect notation
Holiness and Love

God the Son knew the Father's heart
He played the instrument--each painful part
Hammers strike strings and His hands like darts
Forgiveness and Grace

God the Spirit brings Their melody release
Vibrating heart language of this wondrous piece
 Speaking of the Cross and Christ's increase
Understanding and Faith

We, the sinners, hear the timeless song
The chords echo the love we have searched so long
His Word urges our soul to come, to belong
Will we turn away or sing along?


Romans 5:5-6; Epe. 5:19; Is. 12:2