Overtaken by the news this week, the Marches Against Gun Violence nationally and internationally. School shootings, more children die every day. Senseless mass shootings, murder-suicides. What we created for our protection has led to our destruction. How could something so powerful land in the hands of those so weak? When our children are young, we do everything to protect them. Home safety checks; cover all electrical outlets, adjusting the water heater, keeping medications and poisons out of reach. We equip them for the outside world. Look both ways before crossing the street, if your ball goes into the street, don't follow it. Don't open the door to strangers. Don't talk to strangers. Keep your hands inside the car. The list goes on and on; this was parenting.
At this time in history, every day we are losing our power to protect. When we send our children to school, we transfer the "responsibility to protect" to schools and teachers. But they are ill-equipped to provide this protection because a more significant predator has assumed control. This predator has so many faces that one doesn't know they are even in the presences of an enemy. Behind the gun violence is darkness.
The plea is for those in power to take the sharp objects, these weapons of destruction off the street and out of the hands of those who could hurt themselves and others. It seems such a simple solution, and yet there is greater darkness lying beneath the surface. Evil has no demographic. It is not a respecter of persons. This foe requires the intercession of believers. Jesus, please end this. Please heal the minds of your children. Many have lost their way, no regard for life, no trust in authority. We have become a self-destructive generation. We are hurting each other. The enemy has turned us on each other. When trust breaks; humanity will retreat to self-preservation/survival. When self is at the center, destruction is not far behind. Hurting people, hurt people. This darkness is the pathway of evil. Lord, please shine your light. Let love conquer this evil. Please protect this generation, may hope abound in the mist of this darkest. Weeping has endured over many nights; may joy rest on us once again.
Your people, called by your name must humble themselves and pray, seeking your face so that healing can come to our land. We have turned our back on you, please don't turn your back on us. You are faithful even when we are unfaithful. The blood of a new generation is crying for help. Help us, Lord! We need you so badly. We must intercede. If we don't take our place on the front lines of this, this darkness will come to every address. We must unite and do all that's in our power. We must care about EVERYONE! We must do better! It's a sad day when our children have to stand up and take matters into their own hands.
UNITY IS OUR VICTORY!
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Saturday, March 10, 2018
"LIFE IS FULL OF Beautiful Moments, LET THEM IN"
It's Saturday. I like Saturdays, for me, it's that one day that has no agenda, I didn't give it. I guess that's true every day, but it's more real about Saturdays if I blow something off, it's pretty much on me. Of course, my nature is to be aware of how my actions and agendas impact others. It's just a fact, what I do or don't do matters to someone. I can choose when I do it.
This morning, I had coffee and watch a Hallmark movie. Came downstairs for the second cup, took a moment to allow beautiful in- It was only a moment, but in that inhale, exhale moment, I experienced beauty. It was a simple tree that hangs over in my yard. The tree belongs to my neighbor, most days I desire to cut it back. It's a Cherry Blossom tree, recently awakened by Spring. Beautiful Blooming Spring, I wish it would stay in this state always, but it was created to produce cherries. I love cherries, but they are very messy, and those that fall in my yard are unwanted. I know that everything is beautiful in and for a time. It's not for us to resist the change that will inevitably occur, but to cherish the present beauty of any given moment.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT)
God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end.
"LIFE IS FULL OF Beautiful Moments, LET THEM IN" A quote from the April editions of the Coastal Living Magazine, it was the ad tagline for MARVIN windows and doors. This quote awakened something in me.
Monday, December 11, 2017
Can we talk?
Psalm 27:8 (NLT)
8 My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.”
Good Morning,
I woke up thinking, Father we need to talk. Hungry for prayer, hungry for my Father's presence.
Thinking about my meeting today, and our team's need to pray together. But I knew before I could pray for anyone, I needed to have my own time in the presence of my loving Father. I find myself reflecting, I love the Lord more every day! I spent the evening with my goddaughter; we went to the movies. We saw the true story of a man named Lee Strobel, a man that went from being an Atheist to a follower of Christ! His very own pursuit of Christ. I wonder, how many will begin this quest? How many are in the pursuit right now but may not realize it.
Lee Strobel wasn't pursuing to know; he was pursuing to tell humanity that there was NO GOD! NO CHRIST!... BUT the moment he stood before TRUTH & LOVE, he could no longer rise; eventually, each of us will fall to our knees and bow before God! As one man so eloquently put it, When truth wins out when our moment comes, we will sadly declare, we were lied too, cheated --Vowing in that moment of truth, "WE WILL NOT WASTE ANOTHER DAY IN UNBELIEF"!
Lee's life began in that moment of truth, and generational blessings followed. Lover of our soul, creator of all that is good and perfect; leave no heart empty of your presence.
This was an old blog, its been in draft mode since early Spring. Compelled to share it now-- may a seekers heart find it during this Christmas season. After all, it remains the very best gift that a person can receive.
8 My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.”
Good Morning,
I woke up thinking, Father we need to talk. Hungry for prayer, hungry for my Father's presence.
Thinking about my meeting today, and our team's need to pray together. But I knew before I could pray for anyone, I needed to have my own time in the presence of my loving Father. I find myself reflecting, I love the Lord more every day! I spent the evening with my goddaughter; we went to the movies. We saw the true story of a man named Lee Strobel, a man that went from being an Atheist to a follower of Christ! His very own pursuit of Christ. I wonder, how many will begin this quest? How many are in the pursuit right now but may not realize it.
Lee Strobel wasn't pursuing to know; he was pursuing to tell humanity that there was NO GOD! NO CHRIST!... BUT the moment he stood before TRUTH & LOVE, he could no longer rise; eventually, each of us will fall to our knees and bow before God! As one man so eloquently put it, When truth wins out when our moment comes, we will sadly declare, we were lied too, cheated --Vowing in that moment of truth, "WE WILL NOT WASTE ANOTHER DAY IN UNBELIEF"!
Lee's life began in that moment of truth, and generational blessings followed. Lover of our soul, creator of all that is good and perfect; leave no heart empty of your presence.
This was an old blog, its been in draft mode since early Spring. Compelled to share it now-- may a seekers heart find it during this Christmas season. After all, it remains the very best gift that a person can receive.
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
feeling special...
Psalm 100:1-5 (NLT)
1 Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.
3 Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Good Morning Father,
Thinking about my son Stephen, turning 21 year's old and how much as a mom I love him. A desire for his life to be full of all that is good and perfect. Reflecting that as an earthly parent who desires so much for my sons how much greater is your love and your delight. There is something wonderful about making others feel special and set apart. That has been your longing for each of your children from the beginning of time. You created everything for our enjoyment. I can only imagine the garden of Eden and all its perfections. The weather never too cold or too hot, the flowers and trees in all their glory caused no one to sneeze or have an allergic reactions. The stars danced in the moon light, the birds sang in harmony, the animals played together freely...no foe!
My mind so limited, still I stretch my imagination as far as I can and still know I have not come close to its perfections. The garden most certainly was perfect, which means Heaven is beyond the human realm of comprehension. Our soul does know, but in our flesh we can only imagine. Loving you this morning, shouting for joy, worshiping with gladness, coming before you with singing. I am but one of the sheep of your pasture. Entering the gates with thanksgiving, entering your courts with praise. Giving thanks to you alone. Declaring you are good and your unfailing love continues forever. With a promise that this faithfulness will continue to the next generation!
For the record, I Can Only Imagine, by Mercy Me-- remains one of my playlist favorites!
1 Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.
3 Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Good Morning Father,
Thinking about my son Stephen, turning 21 year's old and how much as a mom I love him. A desire for his life to be full of all that is good and perfect. Reflecting that as an earthly parent who desires so much for my sons how much greater is your love and your delight. There is something wonderful about making others feel special and set apart. That has been your longing for each of your children from the beginning of time. You created everything for our enjoyment. I can only imagine the garden of Eden and all its perfections. The weather never too cold or too hot, the flowers and trees in all their glory caused no one to sneeze or have an allergic reactions. The stars danced in the moon light, the birds sang in harmony, the animals played together freely...no foe!
My mind so limited, still I stretch my imagination as far as I can and still know I have not come close to its perfections. The garden most certainly was perfect, which means Heaven is beyond the human realm of comprehension. Our soul does know, but in our flesh we can only imagine. Loving you this morning, shouting for joy, worshiping with gladness, coming before you with singing. I am but one of the sheep of your pasture. Entering the gates with thanksgiving, entering your courts with praise. Giving thanks to you alone. Declaring you are good and your unfailing love continues forever. With a promise that this faithfulness will continue to the next generation!
For the record, I Can Only Imagine, by Mercy Me-- remains one of my playlist favorites!
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
WE GOT IT!
Finally Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives! The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left.” Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the LORD or the beautiful land of Egypt. Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram. So Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain. But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the LORD.
After Lot had gone, the LORD said to Abram, “Look as far as you can see in every direction—north and south, east and west. I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession. And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted! Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.”
So Abram moved his camp to Hebron and settled near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. There he built another altar to the LORD. Genesis 13:8-18 (NLT)
Good Morning,
This story of a family dispute, which led to the parting of ways finds its way back to my remembrance. Is it because I am a daughter of Abraham, one of the descendants too numerous to count. To be one in the crowd, and yet known.(ponder this) Abraham granted his nephew the option of the best land. Lot, took full advantage of that offer and chose what he believed was the best land. Think about it, the elder surrendered to the younger; should not the younger surrender to the elder. Whatever the dynamics in any given culture-- this is what I know... Nothing is blessed unless God blesses it! Lot chose what looked blessed which ultimately led to his destruction, Abraham accepted what was left and the land flourished and was blessed and so was Abraham.
Every heart reveals itself for what it is, Abraham's heart was revealed and God continually blessed him, no good thing would he withhold from Abraham. Once again, Abraham revealed his true heart. He was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience, he so believed and trusted God that whatever the outcome-- it would be Good! The kind of abandoned faith that many seek after.
But, Abraham wasn't seeking faith, he was simply faithful with each situation that presented itself. His assurance was a trust in the one that holds the whole world in HIS hands. Isn't that enough to obey and follow. To always be about seeking after the Creator and not the created things.
This practice leads to blessings...We are a blessed people when we get this and then walk like, live like, love like... WE GOT IT!
Saturday, February 25, 2017
dressed...
Good Morning Father,
Mark 1:35-41 (NKJV)
Now in the morning,... He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. ...Then Jesus, moved with compassion...
Never underestimating the need for a solitary place, a time to be still before you in preparation for what's ahead. There will always be something ahead. Last evening, I was blessed with an evening dinner and a concert with an old friend from my college days, even though we haven't seen each other in years, there was no awkward gap between us. It was wonderful catching up on things. Sharing about our family and work. She ask me about my work in the ministry, identifying with the demands, the feeling of never being off. I understood; I knew what she was referencing, but I shared with her my commitment to not begin the day unprepared. That when I leave for the day, I must be dressed!
Dressed in every way; mentally, spiritually, emotionally, physically... The above verses reminding me of the example of my Savior. He knew the need to retreat to a solitary place to pray before encountering the multitudes, the people, the demands of the day.
Prepared for the multitude...moved with compassion, that's the blessing of being dressed and prepared. Lord, please keep dressing me for what's ahead, I know you go before me, beside me, behind me, I know I'm covered. Many reflect on where this mysterious assurances comes from; honestly, I cannot fully put into words this confidence we have in Christ, for an unbeliever-- it just doesn't make sense, but once they are given to believe, they will see. The flood gates opening, the light piecing through the darkness, the scales falling from the eyes, what was a faint white noise, becoming crystal clear, an audible inward knowing, revealing the most beautiful truth, truth wrapped in unspeakable love and joy. Resonating with the song by Mercy Me, a version of it song at the concert last night, my friend and I sharing the love of the words of this song... "I can only imagine" One can only imagine, oh that all would one day see!
Mark 1:35-41 (NKJV)
Now in the morning,... He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. ...Then Jesus, moved with compassion...
Never underestimating the need for a solitary place, a time to be still before you in preparation for what's ahead. There will always be something ahead. Last evening, I was blessed with an evening dinner and a concert with an old friend from my college days, even though we haven't seen each other in years, there was no awkward gap between us. It was wonderful catching up on things. Sharing about our family and work. She ask me about my work in the ministry, identifying with the demands, the feeling of never being off. I understood; I knew what she was referencing, but I shared with her my commitment to not begin the day unprepared. That when I leave for the day, I must be dressed!
Dressed in every way; mentally, spiritually, emotionally, physically... The above verses reminding me of the example of my Savior. He knew the need to retreat to a solitary place to pray before encountering the multitudes, the people, the demands of the day.
Prepared for the multitude...moved with compassion, that's the blessing of being dressed and prepared. Lord, please keep dressing me for what's ahead, I know you go before me, beside me, behind me, I know I'm covered. Many reflect on where this mysterious assurances comes from; honestly, I cannot fully put into words this confidence we have in Christ, for an unbeliever-- it just doesn't make sense, but once they are given to believe, they will see. The flood gates opening, the light piecing through the darkness, the scales falling from the eyes, what was a faint white noise, becoming crystal clear, an audible inward knowing, revealing the most beautiful truth, truth wrapped in unspeakable love and joy. Resonating with the song by Mercy Me, a version of it song at the concert last night, my friend and I sharing the love of the words of this song... "I can only imagine" One can only imagine, oh that all would one day see!
Thursday, February 23, 2017
goose bumps...
Genesis 18:14 (NLT)
14 Is anything too hard for the LORD?...”
Matthew 19:26 (NLT)
26 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT)
6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! (I get goose bumps every time I read these verses)
Good Morning,
Bible scholars reference the above verses as one of the "mountain peaks". On this mountain, we can rest all our cares and fears. Is anything to hard for God, is anything impossible? We know the answer is NO! That should rest every case! As for me, Today, I rest a case HERE once again! I say once again, because the humanity in us, makes us inwardly debate the answer to the question again and again...
The assurance is that our Father does not rebuke us for this life long pursuit of understanding. Truth be told; for as long as man has breathe, he will wondered, "how is this thing going to work out for me" Whatever "this thing" may be. Yes, we have seen how our cares and fears worked together for our good and not our destruction in the past, but that does not seem to be quite enough to face the care of the DAY!
No surprise here, I suppose that's why we were given this timeless prayer..."Our Father, which is in heaven, hallow be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day, our daily bread, forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil." A simple daily shift in power... AMEN!...
14 Is anything too hard for the LORD?...”
Matthew 19:26 (NLT)
26 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT)
6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! (I get goose bumps every time I read these verses)
Good Morning,
Bible scholars reference the above verses as one of the "mountain peaks". On this mountain, we can rest all our cares and fears. Is anything to hard for God, is anything impossible? We know the answer is NO! That should rest every case! As for me, Today, I rest a case HERE once again! I say once again, because the humanity in us, makes us inwardly debate the answer to the question again and again...
The assurance is that our Father does not rebuke us for this life long pursuit of understanding. Truth be told; for as long as man has breathe, he will wondered, "how is this thing going to work out for me" Whatever "this thing" may be. Yes, we have seen how our cares and fears worked together for our good and not our destruction in the past, but that does not seem to be quite enough to face the care of the DAY!
No surprise here, I suppose that's why we were given this timeless prayer..."Our Father, which is in heaven, hallow be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day, our daily bread, forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil." A simple daily shift in power... AMEN!...
Casting Crowns in my playlist... "THRIVE"
Joy unspeakable...
Faith unsinkable...
Love unstoppable...
We were made to THRIVE!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)