The Right Road

"Even if you have chosen the right road, you will never arrive at your destination if you just sit there."


5/12/2017

In Order To Grow

In order to grow, everyone is in need of someone to believe in them. If you look over your past you will find, along the way, a teacher, a parent, a friend, a boss, or even a co-worker who recognized something worthwhile in you.  Perhaps something you did, or someone you could be, caught their attention.  And because of them, your self worth grew, exponentially, and your actions and pursuits aligned themselves with their opinions of you, and you grew into who you are today.  

I can see the hand of God at work in my life. I can remember the people He has sent to teach me, correct me, and support me without judgment, all because they believed in a better me.

How grateful I am for the watch-care of people He has so lovingly placed in my path, on my journey Home.


5/12/2017

The Measure Of A Man

The measure of a man is not rendered by what talent he possesses,
 
or by the total in his bank account, 
 
or even by the amount of good works he does, 
 
but by how willingly he sacrifices himself for the benefit of others. 
 
Love puts us at the back of the line. 

Willingly.

A New Reality

Do you ever feel like you're living in a reality unlike anything you've known before? 

Suddenly, you're not quite sure how you fit into the new surroundings.

People are changing and the bulwarks of your safe community are moving in different directions. What is acceptable is changing. What is not considered acceptable is changing. The world is drastically changing and now I, too, must search for new ways to cope.

The status quo is no longer. Nor should it be. But what has taken its place is unfamiliar territory and I'm finding myself asking a lot of questions. Why now?  Where is this going? What part do I play?

The feeling of urgency is almost overpowering. There are so many hurting people in desperate need of hope, of healing in every form. People are perishing for the word of God and for the touch of His hand. But how are they to know Jesus if there is no one to tell them - or more importantly - to show them?


So much left to do... and yet we sit in the pews of Laodicea.


5/02/2017

Power Line

Should I be worried? 

I hear of posturing by countries, not counted among our friends. I hear of threats aimed at causing unrest, and criticism against anyone threatening the status quo here at home.

What am I to do in times of emergency? What am I to do when I have have absolutely no control?

I am to do what I should be doing in all circumstances, bad and good:

I must maintain the power-line between me and Jesus.

 Never let the power line go down!

My connection to Jesus is always the answer.

Anthem Of Victory

As Jesus cried out with resolute completion, “It is finished!” the earth trembled and quaked.  The sun hid its face from the terrible sight, the birds of the air held their breath in silence,

and God ripped the temple curtain to the most holy place wide open. 

As the sun raised its head on Sunday morning, so the Son of God raised His head from the grave. The birds found their voice and sang the anthem of victory. Light poured out from that grave to a perishing world. No longer bound to the ties of death, we proclaim a risen Savior! Now that the curtain to the most holy place has been torn open, man may enter the throne room of grace without a mediator, save the Son, Himself. 

The price has been paid in full. The cost was greater than we know, but we are free. Live! Live in that most glorious truth: WE ARE FREE!!!

4/16/2017

Defined Purpose

I am amazed at the completeness of God.

When we hold nothing back from Him, He is able to pour all of Himself into us. 

Giving us relief from our cares and burdens, profound joy and the understanding that our circumstances do not define us. 

For you see, happiness is a feeling, where joy is an internal truth. And the truth is, He's got this, whatever "this" is, He is more than sufficient for the task. 

This "truth" produces a love that encompasses our entire being. 

We are then compelled to share such love, which in turn defines the purpose of our existence.


4/14/2017   

Where's The Joy?

It seems to me there should be passion and joy when we come together to worship Jesus. It may be some of us attend church for the purpose of being entertained, or to be fed. to socialize, or to fulfill some sense of duty.

I feel we often come together to receive something for ourselves rather than give ourselves in worship to the one who saved us, redeemed us, and set us free.

Would it matter then, what style of music there is, or who is speaking, or a myriad of other qualifications, if our hearts are filled with the joy of giving worship to Jesus.

Perhaps in the giving of our grateful praise and worship, we receive all the other benefits as well.

Just wondering.

4/4/2017 

Prayer

I see prayer as quality time spent with my Father, either one-on-one or with others, seeking the heart of God.  I seek His heart not because I want something from Him, but because I want to be with Him, talk to Him, or just be in quiet meditation. Sometimes prayer can be moments of silence, listening to Him speak through nature.

From these prayer times comes refreshing, learning, direction, and both God and I express our feelings and thoughts to the other.

Power is generated from these times of prayer together. Power to understand, and power to submit, allowing my God to overcome the difficulties on my way. Prayer is my opportunity to get to know His heart and from knowing, to trust Him with all my unresolved questionings. 

What an opportunity is mine, to listen to the very heart of God as He reveals His thoughts about my life. He seems eager to reveal how much He loves me in these happy moments. 

He has always accepted and honored every desire on my part to know Him better. He has never refused my awkwardness, my anger or plain stupidity. He is patient when I have none. And that’s a very good thing!

Prayer is the breath of my life.

Prayer is my breath to life.

3/27/2017

The Rain

True to its mission, the rain falls upon the parched desert earth, breathing life into the fragile roots lying dormant there.

As the sun begins to bare its energizing rays earthward, the desert flower accepts each miracle designated for its growth.

From the tiny green start, the desert flower busts forth as a surprise party even though it rises in apparent obscurity.

On distant mountain peaks, the frozen rain develops into intricate patterns of snowflakes. Building, building on branch and bow, ever so deep, in preparation for Spring. 

The sun, once again, transforms the snow into life-giving water that races on it’s jubilant way, delivering essential nutrients as it flows to the open sea.

As the tides rise and fall, the mist gathers together, congregating and forming power-filled drops of water to be delivered to the perishing. 

Holy Spirit rain on us. We are perishing.

3/25/2017



congregating

Behind What May Seem

Behind the blackest cloud.
behind the darkest night,
the Son is always shining.
 
Though you cannot see His face,
and all remains in silence,
the Son is always present.
 
When the wave is too strong,
and the mount too steep,
the Son walks right, beside you.
 
If sorrow strikes your heart,
with no relief from tears,
the Son weeps there with you.
 
No matter the depth of despair,
or how unworthy you may feel,
the Son is always enough for you.

Allow Him to speak peace to you,
Allow Him to walk with you.
Allow Him to carry you home.


3/18/2017

Casting Out Fear

"Perfect love casts out fear.”  1 John 4:18

Jesus is the definition of perfect love.   It is Jesus who casts out the fear that cripples us.  It is Jesus that clears away any obstacles that hinder us from being bold in the service of our King.  So, then, where is that confidence, in us, that should be apparent in the presence of such freedom?

I dare say, we have not accepted that freedom as ours so we shrink from acting upon it. How can we expect to receive power from on high while we cower in the corner hoping not to be noticed? Are we waiting for some cataclysmic event to rouse us out of complacency?

I’m asking myself, is it time to step out and fearlessly proclaim, “Jesus is coming, are you ready?”  Are you?  

3/16/2017

  

He's enough

I am so sick and tired of the enemy invading my family, friends and fellow believers with darkness. So dark that they cannot see the light, and cannot hear His voice. They feel abandoned and are tempted to allow the lies, the devil perpetrates against them, to become their reality. 

Jesus never intended for you and I to live like this. His desire is for us to live in the presence of Light.

How can we bring the light into our present?

Sing! Sing His praises.

Dance! To CD's that uplift the name of Jesus.

Recite His many names.  Yahweh, Jehovah, Prince of Peace, Redeemer, Friend…

Pray!  Out loud, if possible. Satan hates the name of Jesus and leaves, quickly, when we call upon that name.

Use Scripture! Use it as Jesus did to confound the attempts of the devil to overtake Him in His weakest hour.

God the Father invites us to use the blessed name of His dear Son because He knows, it IS enough.

3/5/2017

Grand Reunion

The cosmic celebration at the uniting of loved ones, on the day of Jesus’ return, is something every child of God looks forward to. Sorrows now past, only exuberant joy will dominate the air with electric senses of praise and gratitude. 

Those lost to death in this life are raised anew to greet, again, the child, the mother, father, sibling and friend. In the twinkling of an eye we are transformed into newness of life. 

Within the perfection of body and form we recognize still the one we have known, the one who is uniquely them. No more wrinkles or deformities.  In every way, we are what we had hoped for. Great and grand, the reunion that never ends!

As I was musing over these thoughts, I began to exercise my imagination on the first time I would see Jesus. Have you ever thought about what it will be like to see Jesus for the first time? Will you be timid, speechless, or surprised at how different He looks compared with how you imagined Him?

In the midst of all my musings an epiphany of thought came clear. For all who know Him here, there will be no new introduction or adjustments. We will immediately recognize the familiar voice, His touch, the accepting smile. What began here is only the beginning of what we will come to know as He spreads His arms open wide, embracing us with laughter and a, “Welcome home!”

Welcome home!

2/24/2017

Precious Moments

Precious, indeed, are the moments of laughter and sorrow, shared. Making plans, or in the silence of listening. 

Precious moments of communion in thought, as well as giving and receiving words of encouragement. 

These moments are even more blessed when met free of judgement in the quiet presence of a friend.

Finding Love's Place

Love finds its place…

… in the heart that’s open

to the knock of love’s sweet calling

… to the marriage of the Prince and His chosen

… in the Creator’s recreating touch

…to dimensions unseen by worldly scholars

…to a voice with whispers of glory

Love embraces the beauty of the tide’s ebb and flow,

and it is at rest.

2/16/17

Each Moment Of Today

The accuser attempts to discourage you
with reminders of yesterday's failings.
 
He will seek to overwhelm you with 
anxieties over what may come tomorrow. 
 
But if you are focused on Jesus, He 
will speak peace over each moment of today.

Because Of Love

Those whose ears are open to the human cry
will receive power to minister.
 
Those whose eyes see beyond the obvious
will receive understanding for the downtrodden.
 
Those who speak on behave of those with no voice
will receive words of wisdom.
 
Those whose hands are open to those in need
will be filled with manna.
 
Those whose hearts are knit with the heart of God
will be continually filled.
 
All because of His love.


1/29/2017

Be Still And Know

Behind every black cloud, stands an unmovable light.

For every tempestuous sea, a path will be made.

Though the dense fog surrounds you, an outstretch hand will guide you.

When the mountain is steep, every step forward is a step higher.

If you are too tired to fight, "be still and know that I am God"


1/21/2017

Aimless Wanderings

Do you live in the moment? 

Sometimes I find myself mindlessly going through the day, performing the usual rituals I've performed over and over again, without a thought about it. Then at the end of the day I wonder, What did I do today?

Is it possible to live in total awareness? 

There are times when it's easy to savor each moment because we never want to forget this day, this hour, this time of significance. 

I think that to live unconscious of the reality of our surroundings, and the people we love, is a travesty. And yet we do. 

Could this misty curtain of fog be a way that the enemy keeps us semi-asleep so we miss what's right in front of our faces?

I want to live wide awake. I want to breath in the clear air of awareness and chronicle the events of each day in the storehouse of my mind. I want to know what is to be made known to me. 

Jesus wishes to fill us full of wonder, goodness and love. How can we experience the truths for today and the joys that await tomorrow within aimless wanderings?


1/13/2017

What We Fear

What we fear the most,

is God's opportunity to do the most.


1/6/2017

The Path I Take

You know full well the path I take. How amazing is your power. 

You chose a path for the Dolphin's dance through many joyous hours.

You formed the path where angels fly, streaming to my need.

I never knew they took that path with such committed speed. 

Beautiful path the snowflake takes as it makes its way to earth,
or the path the Magi took bringing gifts for Jesus' birth.

But the path I most desire, is the path through Orion's door,
Where I may walk that hallowed path that I've not walked before.





12/17/2016

Our Happiness

Our happiness is dependent on our view of God, 
not on our circumstances. 


12/31/2016

All In The Name

A friend of mine told me a story I thought was worth sharing with you.

He and his friend were out shopping. His friend found a shirt he liked and looked to see the price. "How could a T-shirt cost $200.00?" was his indignant reply.

My friend said, "Look at the name. The value is in the name.  I carry the name of Christ because I'm a Christian. That name gives me great value." 

How profound, I thought. I also thought that how I use that name greatly affects whether other people want the same for themselves.

Is there a demand for others wanting to wear the name of Jesus? If it looks good on me, there will be.


12/30/2016

Gifts For Christmas

At Christmas time people exchange gifts. And Jesus has many gifts to give with great expectation of your response. Have you taken possession of these priceless, life-changing gifts? 

Jesus has spent a great deal on these gifts. Greater than gold is the gift of His life. More precious than silver is the gift of forgiveness. Of what value do you place on the gifts of faith, freedom and love? Is there any value worth more than the promise of His presence or His guidance? 

All these gifts are yours, and many more waiting, at the foot of a tree, where the ultimate sacrifice purchased these gifts. Without a moment's hesitation, He pushed forward because He thought you were worth it. He pursued the joy of a future with you.

Have those gifts been useful to you? Have you unwrapped them and read the directions on how to use them?  Have you ever stopped to count how many gifts He's bought you?

This is your greatest Christmas ever! Look at how many gifts you actually have!

Now, what have you bought for Jesus? What gifts do you have to give Him? 

12/15/2016

God Help Me

When we pray, why do we ask God to help us, as if we were the master and He the helper?

How about we get out of the way so the Master can do His work?

12/12/2016

Awaiting Reception

Each day Jesus holds out His open hands to us. Without a word, His eyes beckon us to look in His hands and the gift awaiting our reception. With a twinkle in His eye and a faint smile He waits.

“Go ahead, take it, open it.” 

SURPRISE!  It’s a box full of LOVE!  With chocolate and sprinkles. 

How did He know?  It’s what I've always wanted!

12/10/2016

No Wine?

Mary approached Jesus with a whisper "we have run out of wine."

I decided to devote this day to seeking God for resolutions and prayer, for you see, I have run out of wine. Feeling drained to the dregs where there is not a drop left. So I come before my maker not with a request but with a statement of fact. There is nothing more left within me to give. Have you ever felt this way?

I am waiting in great expectation for my refill. I'm taking a step back away from the clamor and demands to allow Jesus to recharge my drained battery. My prayer is that He has saved the best til last.

Greatest Deception

How could I have spent over half of my life thinking that I was doing the right thing only to find out I was wrong?

Yes, I am grateful my eyes have been opened.  But it goes to show that I was so focused on what was happening around me that I neglected to realize the greatest deception in my life…

…self deception. ugh

12/07/2016

The Greatest Distance

The greatest distance we may be asked to travel is the distance from where we are to where we could be.

When we are willing, Jesus would like to take us there.


12/1/2016

The Gift Of Awe

The Father of lights has dressed and visited the intricacies of nature in colors and sounds that speak of His undying love.

For those who pause long enough to see their order and form, or hear the humming of the wings as the noble geese declare their way across the miles in migrations flight, there is awe.

For the soothing sounds of the tumbling brook on its joyous journey to the sea, there is awe. 

For the mosaic of color swaying in the cool breeze from the hilltop, as the wildflower waves to those transfixed at its beauty, there is awe. 

For the jeweled dance of twinkling lights in the midnight sky, there is awe...and a great silence. 

And yet, all creation shouts, clearly, to hearts open to its call.

If we focus on life's grand potential that is woven into the fabric of all of God's handiwork, then we instinctively recognize the glorious possibilities that lay before us rather than the limitations that bring about a stagnate disillusionment. 

Gandhi once wrote, "There is more to life than increasing its speed."

How powerful is a moment that is met with purpose!

Determine to take a pause for that powerful moment each day to look, to listen, and to breathe in the sweet fragrance that this life still affords us. Relish the gift of awe!



11/30/2016

Days Gone Bye

The days that once passed so slowly,
have turned into years with hardly a pause
before the next year has come and gone.
 
Giggling children once played and chased
together through yesteryear seasons,
when shared innocence leapt into adulthood.
 
Many stories and events make up a life.
Each diverse from the other, each a unique
chronicle of growth, loss, joy and heartbreak.
 
Now I arrive at the place of recollection.
Plans are not as grand and hold less complexity
but are arranged for their ultimate simplicity.
 
We begin to see the past as an intricate plan.
All the unanswered questions of why things 
came about the way they did become known.
 
When vision grows dim, one thing becomes clear.
We see that our journey has a grander purpose
that can only be seen with seasoned eyes.


11/20/2016

Celestial Knowledge

The crescent moon forms its smile,
the stars twinkle and wink.

They stand aloft and far away,
with the knowledge of a better day.

The Spirit At Work

Down the canyon corridor,

over rock and dessert grass,

travels the undulating wind.

Pausing only to take a breath

before commencing its aspiring 

journey toward the unknown.

It brushes our cheek and tousles our hair,

before leaving us with the sense

of a growing distant dream.

It is the spirit of God, caressing the soul,

guiding us to believe

there is so much more to learn.

We stretch out our open arms 

to catch it's mighty power,

as it sweeps it way through earth.

Never to be captured and held still,

only to be seen at its work

in sculpting a delicate new design.

11/11/2016 

Higher Still

Within the meditations of my spirit,
I hear the whispers of your sweet voice.

In the sanctuary of my quiet heart,
I breathe in the fragrance of your presence.

As the hind finds its path on rocky steeps,
I reach beyond all pain and fears. 

To seek thy face much higher still,
away from covering darkness here.

Awake my soul to morn's new peace,
to walk the street where tears will cease.

Ride with me on rainbow's brilliant crest,
along the shores where freedom rests. 

Amid His garden's lingering glow,
ne'er again to dwell below.




11/6/2016

Another Season For America

Spring, a time of beauty when the days were fresh and new. The trees budded in the morning's light and the leaves burst forth in vibrant green.  When the sun glistened on the dew that watered the sucklings as they grew. Each day brought forth a kaleidoscope of dazzling color on an earth in harmony with its maker.

Then came the heat of summer, a new season, where flowering things now called upon the rain or watering hands to prevent their withering. The gardens cried out for others to clear the weeds and thistles that threatened their very lives. We witnessed the earth's first fruits and were satisfied that our labor was not in vain.

As summer faded into fall the silent leaves began their fluttering dance to form their mosaic masterpiece 'neath tree and sky. The wind took a deep breath and began to exhale, cooling the now naked trees as in preparation for harder times ahead. The slowing down and the silence that is the essence of fall seems to lend itself to meditation and preparation. A prayer for winter's blasts.

Now here life stands. Another season. Another time of anticipation, awaiting the unknown before us. The winter promises to be as no other. Did we prepare? Will this land of the free still remain? Will the wheat fields still sway to the anthems of the past?  Is our time of plenty over, and we stand only as a season that is now past, as a candle that gasps for breath in the wind?




11/07/2016

Pool Of Self-Pity

The enemy of our souls speaks no truth. There is no truth found in him. I know this, and yet the darkness seems at times to tell the truth, and I allow myself to listen. 

I have been struggling, of late, with this overpowering, heavy spirit. I seem to have hurt a couple of people with my words. Totally unintended, but nonetheless, hurtful. You know how it goes, when one thing goes wrong the devil piles it on until you feel that nothing is going right. And you allow yourself to sink into a space of darkness that seems preferable to the light. And here I am sitting in a pool of self-pity.

Of course, I'm out here in the country where I house-sit. It is very quiet. Most of the time this is exactly what I want, but when things are dark I find myself feeling very much all alone, listening to the reminders of all my failings. Trying to remind myself of what I am so quick to remind others:  You can't go by how you feel. 

You must go on what you know about who you know. 

Whenever the voice of condemnation speaks, I know it is not the voice of God but the enemy trying to bring me down. And yet I linger in the dark, as a form of self-punishment, I guess. unfortunately, Self-pity then invites his brothers to the party and Doubt shows up, along with Blame and Impatience, as well as many more negative brothers as I allow.

Okay, I see what's going on. Time to turn on the light. Thank you Jesus for waiting here with me. 


10/28/2016

My Prayer

Dear Lord,
 
As I come to you on the morning of a new day, teach me to acquiesce my stubborn will for your will.
 
Give me the courage to abandon self for the betterment of others.
 
Give to me, oh Jesus, the strength to be weak in your hands, allowing me only to be still while You fight the enemy on my behalf.
 
Grant me the wisdom to know when to speak and when to let silence rule my tongue.
 
Let my words never be drawn from the well of humanity, but from the river of life.
 
Open my eyes to the view you see and not through the world's dark glasses, to see the beauty in all your children, regardless of what seems to be in appearance or action.
 
Give to me, this day, the ability to accept the gift of joy you set before me allowing the filling of your love to overflowing.
 
Be my heart's ever faithful guide, my mind's appointed wisdom, and my spirit's boundless praise to the glory of Your holy name.
 
Amen


10/31/2016

Imperfect House

I've found the house I've been looking for. It's not perfect, but with a little work, it could become an amazing home. Armed with a deposit, I enter the bank with confidence, because I know with good credit and a substantial down payment, I can pretty much guarantee I am good for all the payments to come.

Jesus looks at you and me and says, "I've found the house I've been looking for. It's not perfect, but with a little work, it could become an amazing home." He also comes with a substantial deposit as a guarantee of more to come. 

The deposit He wants to make isn't money. This deposit is of far greater value than that of monetary means, and not only that, there is an endless supply. It's there every time we need it and the more we give from the supply, the more we receive. 

Jesus says, "I am making a deposit of the Holy Spirit within you as a guarantee." A guarantee of what? It is a guarantee of spiritual growth beyond what you now think possible, a guarantee of "what I've begun in you, I am able to finish." (see Philippians 1:6)  "You will believe me," Jesus says, "when I reveal things to you that in this world would not make sense."

The Holy Spirit is a very special gift. A gift of exactly everything we need for success. I know I need someone to guide me, I need someone to correct my course when taking the wrong path, I need someone who comforts me when struggling. And most of all, I need someone who will never leave me or forsake me regardless of what I do or don't do.

You see, when Jesus found me I was a tattered, broken down, sin infested shell of a house. Surely not fit for a King! But through the challenging mess He somehow saw in me potential, and wanted to make me a temple for His Spirit to dwell in. 

Guess what today is?.....DEMO DAY!