Our Words

The greatest influence in our life is our own words. Once something is said we can never take it back, yikes! Saying things we wish we could take back may go so far as to destroy a relationship, which changes things in our lives forever.

Sometimes we voice an opinion that is similar to the opinion of the one we are speaking with, but given the time to think it over we realize it really isn't our opinion at all. However, once it is spoken we now feel we must defend it rather than change it. 

What we say does influence us positively or negatively. That is why the wisest man who ever lived said, “A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 25:11  

Consider the power of words. Especially the ones we speak!

8/28/2015

8/28/2015

Lonely

What do you do when you get lonely? What does it mean to be lonely anyway? Does it mean you’re alone?  Is being alone a bad thing? 

I’m quite sure there is a difference between being alone and being lonely. one is a fact; the other a feeling.

I don’t think I’ve ever given this much thought, so let’s reason this out together. Together. That sounds nice. So if we do this together, then we wouldn’t be lonely. 

When someone is lonely they are likely missing something or someone, right? But what if they are not missing anything in particular and yet are still encompassed by an air of loneliness? 

I think God has something to say about this subject: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”  Deuteronomy 31:8.

Sometimes we forget that the Lord is always with us.  That knowledge will help keep the feeling of loneliness away. For it is indeed a fact that we are not alone. Ever.

copyright 8/18/2015

Just A Smile

Look at what a smile can do.

It says that someone cares for you.

Even through the darkest day,

it says the sun is on it's way.

It has the power to move you on.

It has the power to sing a song.

So smile today at all you see,

and know your smile will set one free.

8/13/2015

Full Of Praise

There are times when I am so full of praise for Jesus because of the love He has lavished upon us.  In times like those, I am at a loss to know how to express the magnitude of it all. 

When I read David’s psalms, I can feel his struggle to empty his spirit into words that would do justice to His Savior.  I recognize the overwhelming desire to express love and commitment to his faithful Lord.

I can understand the passion Handel felt as he grasped the pen and sat to write what was bursting from his heart and soul.  As the ink flowed onto paper, the magnificent, God-inspired “Messiah” was created and continues to resonate with my own praise.  

There are many avenues through which we can express our love, whether it be through poetry, music, art or a well-delivered speech. Jesus’ own desires are satisfied when He sees us pour ourselves out in word and song, and in deeds and acts of kindness, for the sake of His children that are walking in blindness.  His heart is filled with joy beyond comparison, beyond words and beyond music.  And through this expression we are united in love with the One that created everything worth praising.  

8/12/2015

  

What A Life

I don't know how to sing,
but my heart does.

I don't know how to pray,
but my spirit does.

I don't know how to speak,
but my love does.

I don't know how to fight,
but the Word does.

I don't know how to win,
but the Lord does.

Now, I know how to dance.
What a life.


copyright 8/4/2015

From The Clouds - 5

It was a warm afternoon and I was sitting out on the built-in bench that borders the deck, facing the mountain.  It's not a large mountain but it forms a grand centerpiece for the view to the north of the property.  As you can probably ascertain, I am again house-sitting two dogs and one cat on 7 acres of peaceful loveliness. 

I was swinging my legs, as a contented child would in the summer sun, when I noticed a round portal in the white cloud before me.  The message that quickly came to mind was:  “The window of opportunity is quickly closing.”

I laughed and said to myself, “Okay, now you’re just making it up. A round portal, a window of opportunity?  How obvious is that?  Besides, how many windows are even round, right?” 

Well, I guess Jesus took issue with my doubting heart because I watched as the round window suddenly became a perfect square.  A moment later, the perfect square formed into a perfect rectangle.  And when I say perfect, I mean the corners were perfectly squared; not a single rounded corner!  That was certainly something I had never seen before. 

As I watched this picture moving before my very eyes, the open portal closed and morphed into the shape of a bell. The words I heard next startled me.  I sat there motionless for quite a while.  No swinging of my legs anymore.  The unmistakable message was different then all the rest in that this was the first time God had given me a command.  A command to do something. 

"Sound the alarm!"

I thought to myself, How do I do that?  

I realized that whenever given the opportunity, I can tell the story of the messages God has given me from the clouds. I know to some it will seem as foolishness, but to me it couldn’t be more real or serious.  I know the one who shared His thoughts with me, and I am most humbled to think He would share them with someone so utterly unlike Himself.   And now I have shared them with you. 

Please feel free to share these warnings with others.  Time is short, and now is the time to come out of the shadows and voice a stand for Jesus. After all, He didn’t hesitate to give it all for us.

  

copyright 7/27/2015