Words for a Season...

peace 

serendipity

love

admonish

jewel

treasure

cherish

magpie

books

clear

India
Jesus

Mark

silk

guide

green

hand

joy

felicitous

The Day of the Lord

Moment to moment

my mind is refined

constantly refocusing on Jesus

instead of longing for this or that, I focus on Jesus

As the days pass, I find a Peace that transcends understanding filling my heart and my mind

Moment to moment

I am reminded I am but a stranger, an alien here

my home is with Jesus

a place where I will be welcomed, wanted, and loved

I long for this

Moment to moment

I look to my God

I desire His return

I try to remain in Him

looking forward to that Day

The Day of the Lord.

Truths About God

Truths about God (via Charles Stanley)

1. God is completely sovereign.
2. God is infinitely wise.
3. God loves us perfectly.

Take comfort in these truths.

Just Dance...

Dance

Sway and leap

Dance to My music, the sound that you hear

Stretch and twirl

Dance

Laugh and giggle, shine with Me

Release yourself to the joy within and...

Dance

Ode to Fly

The spirit of life still courses though the fragile creature
a gentle presence seems to envelop us in a blanket of warmth
under the multitude of stars on this chilly night the cry of despair is heard
all of nature hears the groan of mourning


Past images pulse through the mind as the sleepless night relentlessly continues, seemingly unending
The joy of these images are held brief in the heart as reality slashes through them...mercilessly
Tears flow forth and in a steady stream without shame

Only earlier all was well
Now, all is changed
Mourning is not denied.
Life goes on.
Life must go on...changed, but moving forward.

~

Never in my life have I been so attached to an animal. Nor have I been so impacted by death (except for when my Poppa passed on). Death seems to be all around me right now, as my cat and three acquaintances have passed on in the past few days. It is heart wrenching to feel the impact of these deaths and to see the effect it has had on others(...which breaks my heart just as much.)

Comfort came directly from God for me. Though there were moments when I wanted to seek out comfort elsewhere, it would have been a fruitless endeavor. He knew my heart better than anybody does and thus, I allow Him to tend to it. I am too weary to do anything else.

It is reminding myself of His Word, His promises that provides some comfort, but more than that. God is present with me in a way that is meaningful to me, completing all that I need in this moment. I am very thankful for that.

Now, as I continue on my day, reflecting of the death of our kitten, friends, family, and soldiers unknown...I give thanks to God for being there for me and all others who seek Him out in our time of need.

Thank you Father.

Loneliness

I have never felt so lonely as I feel right now.  In transition, completely out of place, and facing many unknowns.  Right now, I am trying to stay focused upon my relationship with Jesus. He is my husband, my protector, my confidant, my friend.  He is the one who comforts me as I face so many questions about my present and my future.

The older I get, the more I desire to be comforted.  Not just by a "lover", but by friends, position, financially....Ironically, I am spiritually comforted more than I ever have been in my life.  I look forward to eternal life after death with Jesus Christ - my Saviour and my King.  Saying that though, I do not sense that my purpose here on earth in this lifetime has yet been fulfilled.

I take on a positive attitude and attempt to function moment to moment, laying aside my concerns and yet, deep within, there is an invasive sadness that is as heavy and thick as my name might suggest.  Living shrouded by "mystery" is wearing thin.  The desire to know and be known stirs.  Though, I suppose, that "mystery" is an integral part of what makes me me.  It is what I know and I function from it.

I wonder about Jesus and how he, though infinitely more loved and infinitely more hated, coped.  Right now, I imagine all the "Good Bible-reading Christians" are thinking the seemingly obvious - Jesus retreated into prayer and all his concerns were soothed by his supernatural connection with God the Father.

Ha! ...Yes and no.

We know Jesus would have sought and received comfort in this fashion just as any of us would, but he would also have grappled with loneliness and uncertainty as we do; otherwise, how could he understand what we go through?...what I am going through??

The lonely outcast portion of Jesus' time on earth does give me comfort.  Not because he suffered, but because he suffered thus he understands.  He knows what every person on earth who is steeped in alienation, loneliness, and uncertainty feels like and he knows how to provide comfort to us in this season  of our lives...And he also guides us through and out of this season into a richer existence (if none other than knowing him more intimately, which is the greatest of rewards).

So, I hold on to my hope in Him.  I do not deny the feelings and concerns that ebb and flow within me each day, but I do not allow them to drown me.  Living moment to moment, I look for Him and commune with Him - holding nothing back knowing God will provide.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. ~Matt. 7: 7-8

Many said...

Many say it could not be done

Many doubted

Many walked away...

I do not agree with Many

For with God, all things are possible!

If you don't believe me,

Ask Him yourself.

My Sincerest Condolences

I SHALL KNOW HIM 
BY   Fanny J. Crosby

When my life work is ended, 
and I cross the swelling tide,
When the bright and glorious morning I shall see
I shall know my Redeemer when I reach the other side,
And His smile will be the first to welcome me.

 Oh, the soul thrilling rapture when I view His blessed face
And the luster of His kindly beaming eye;
How my full heart will praise Him for the mercy, love, and grace
That prepared for me a mansion in the sky.

 Oh, the dear ones in glory, how they beckon me to come,
And our parting at the river I recall;
To the sweet vales of Eden they will sing my welcome home,
But I long to meet my Saviour first of all.

 Thro' the gates of the city in a robe of spotless white,
He will lead me where no tears will ever fall;
In the glad song of ages I shall mingle with delight,
But I long to meet my Saviour first of all.


Cho.
 I shall know Him, I shall know Him
And redeemed by His side, I shall stand
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
By the print of the nails in His hand.

Describe Jesus...Part 2

Describe Jesus in one word.
Thank you for the responses!

It is an odd thing, isn't it...describing Jesus in one word. If I asked you to describe your partner or your parent in one word, would it be easier or more difficult? I mean, we know the "right" answer to describing Jesus...something positive...something glorious, right?! Are we brave enough to analyze our relationship with Jesus with the same scrutiny as we would describe our partner or our parent?

That aside, do we have a relationship with Jesus?

For quite some time now, I have been paying attention to different churches locally and abroad. I have been listening to their message, watching...

The thing that has struck me the most in many circles, is that we are not being taught about having a relationship with Jesus so much as having a relationship with the church institution and with each other. Now, this is not entirely a bad thing, but it does leave one left to engage in a lonely search to discover who we base our faith, our life/lifestyle, morals, and ethical existence upon. We are Christians...Christ-followers...Jesus Christ. But who exactly is He?!

Who is Jesus? I mean, who was Jesus when He was on the earth in human form?

To determine that, we need to go to the Bible and read...not just read, but investigate context. I think that many of us read the Bible looking for the do's and don'ts, the promises, the hope, and we when we look at the story, we only skim the surface.

To know who Jesus was/is, we need to understand the context of the story and of the words written. Basically, we need to dig deeper and learn about the history and culture. Sounds like work? Don't sweat it! Remember, we claim we have a relationship with Jesus, shouldn't we want to know Him better...wouldn't you learn all you can about your partner...why would you not do the same (and more) for your God? It does take time, as with any relationship, but it is worth it!  God wants us to know Him, He desires a deep, loving relationship with us, not a superficial "I'm God and your not - so suck it up and do as I say" existence.

My challenge for you today is to pick one of the 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) and begin to read and investigate the text. Pick the scripture apart, imagine yourself there as part of the story, question things that just don't make sense to you and find out who Jesus really is!

This is not a challenge that you should partake alone. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide and teach you and do speak to others about what you are learning and what you question...and let me know what you find.

May you seek and find, learn and grow, and experience Perfect Love...and share...all to the Glory of God.

Describe Jesus to Me in One Word - Part 1

What do we need in our lives right now?
A RELATIONSHIP with Jesus.
Have you really given that much thought lately? I know we give the whole "personal relationship with Jesus" thing some mildly convincing lip service, but do we really pursue knowing who the person Jesus really was and is?

If you had to describe Jesus in one word,what He means to you, right now, what would it be?
Radical?
Freak?
Gentle?
Holy?
Prophet?
Friend?
Crazy?

I want to know.

Describe Jesus to me in one word.

Prayer to Resolve

Gentle God-man
Lord of all
Show me Your heart
Let me fall...
Into Your plans
One by one
Moment by moment
Your Will be done.

You've carried me thus far
Some days kicking and screaming
The wonder of your mercy and grace rolls by me like waves
Over and over your Love for me abounds
Still...I doubt, I rebel, I cling to my chains

...yet all I need to do is let go...

(resolve)
Holy One
Lord God Most High
To You be the Glory!
My self must die
Forgive me my sins
Cleanse me I pray
Renew a right spirit
Fill me this day.

Jesus, fill me with Your Truth, Your Love...You.

Who Came Up with This Idea?!

Good sigh....I am sitting in my favourite chair, listening to some Michael Franti, lazin' after a busy day of removing hardy weeds and brush from my new property. It has been a good day, very productive. I haven't blogged in a while, and though I have started several posts, I have not completed any of them. I do not feel bad about this because I know that what I write will have its purpose when God deems it.  In the meantime, have been reposting some older stuff that people have been Googling as of late. 

Usually when I write, I do just that - write. I do not lay out some concept, brainstorm, or meditate upon it with great effort, I just write. This method of writing serves me well for blogging, but not for writing papers. I get too caught up in factors that might have or could influence the concept that I am writing about and I end up easily becoming paralyzed in the writing process. Without a list of criteria to guide me, I could research a concept forever...or until I become bored.

I mean, the reality of most academic writing, is regurgitating what others have already processed and trying to make it sound new, fresh, important...perhaps even interesting. Someone (I don't recall who and I don't feel like Googling it) once said that there are no new ideas. I think that there are, but they are few and far between.

pizza flavoured ice cream
solar powered toilets
a book that can read itself (thanks Nicole:) )
world peace
sensored volleyball courts that keep score
bullet reflector sheilds (think pong)
underground communities in Africa by melting the sand into glass domes
ummm...let's see....anybody else come up with these same ideas?

Ideas...where do they come from? Seriously, where do those ideas come from that flash before you seemingly out of nowhere? I am sure there are many theories about where ideas come from...your subconscious, your environment, energy waves randomly colliding, spirits, God.

Thinking...It really is a gift. Whether it is rational or not, thinking is an incredible process...and we only use, what? 10% of our brain?!

Writing...communicating...code breaking...comprehending...incredible stuff that most of us take for granted. Those of us who cannot read and write create different ways of communicating and code breaking to cope. Visit(volunteer at) any adult literacy center and you will have a better understanding of this!

 Hmmm...On that note: "Have you tried fried Snickers?" - I just read that on Twitter. (Now I am thinking...comprehending...writing...) Fried Snickers?! Are you kidding me?! Shall I book you an appointment with the cardiologist now or after your arteries have hardened over?! Who thinks up these things? That's as bad as fried cheesecake!...oh wait...that's gooood...

Anyhow, when it comes to ideas and blogging, there are some pretty fantastic minds out there! Check out some of the blogs in my side bar if you don't believe me.  Good stuff, good writing, great minds...All of them a gift from God, the source of all things good. ;)


Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?~Job 11:7

Love the Unlovable

The sunrises - the birds are singing, my Lord never slept - He watches over all...¸
I wake while the stars shine - His voice gently calling, 'Sit with me,' He says -
So up I get.

Love the unlovable.
Please show me how.
Partner with me.
I will partner right now.
Love the unlovable.
Please show me who.
All in your path.
I will partner with you.

I awoke earlier than usual
My King gently spoke
Love the unlovable
Take up my yoke.

Who are the unlovable?
I guess I will find out.
In my mind I am thinking that the unlovable could even be me. I laugh in my heart, it just dawned on me now - in order for me to show love to another, I must love myself.
I had not really considered this at first thought.
I thought I loved me, but perhaps I need to allow the Holy Spirit in deeper.
If there is anything that needs to be removed from my heart that hinders me from loving others, it would be something that I have allowed to hinder me from loving me.

This morning the words I heard from my Father were, "Love the unlovable."

Love your neighbour as yourself. Luke 10:27 Galatians 5:14

(repost 4/11/09)

You Can POSSESS Something and NOT OWN It

You can POSSESS something and NOT OWN it and you can OWN something and NOT POSSESS it. ~Rob Bell

I went to a Rob Bell lecture last night. He was discussing suffering and creativity and how the two are linked and how it links us to others, and to God. I was grateful for the opportunity to go. Rob's presentation was thought-provoking and humourous - a wonderfully insightful night laced with a few audience participatory object lessons. Mr. Bell certainly has a gift...but we knew that already, didn't we?!

His NOOMA videos are famous among church communities in the US and Canada. These clever, entertaining, and informative short films stir the heart and the mind of the viewer. That being said, in the presentation last night, he included a clip from a trip he took and in it were people worshipping...I will not tell your more about what he presented around that clip so as not to spoil the experience for any of you who might attend this lecture, but the clip was absolutely beautiful. It made me want to stand and join those on the screen. You see, they possessed something. And ironically, what they possessed, they also gave away, or rather, shared with others - even unintentionally.

What struck me was that the expression of worship exhibited by the people in the video encouraged me to want to express myself without inhibition also.  Others viewing this video may feel just the opposite. They may feel afraid to release themselves....but why? Pride? Fear? Ignorance? ?

As Christians,  how much do we hold back thus hindering not only ourselves but others? By not sharing what we possess, by not freely give what we have been given?  What we possess, we do not own...it is not ours to hoard.

This reminds me of another quote I read not too long ago, "The function of freedom is to free someone else." ~Anne Lamott

If God has given us all we need...if He has provided for us...if He has allowed us to partner with Him...if He has set us free...who are we not to share all that we have to glorify Him?

We can possess something and not own it, we can own something and not possess it. All that God has given us, our talent, skills, food, intelligence, wealth, experiences, faith, etc....He has given to us so that we can share with others, and in doing so, we glorify Him; we are further liberated to be all that we were meant to be, and we are blessed more than we could have ever imagined. 
Think about it. And then don't just sit on your thoughts, but share them, put your thoughts into action. Be free, share freely, and give God the glory.

Fear Not, Obedience, and Faith

2 Kings 4

The Widow's Oil

The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the LORD. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves."

Elisha replied to her, "How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?"
"Your servant has nothing there at all," she said, "except a little oil."
Elisha said, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side."

She left him and afterward shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. When all the jars were full, she said to her son, "Bring me another one."

But he replied, "There is not a jar left." Then the oil stopped flowing.

She went and told the man of God, and he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left."

Crying Face Glacier

image by Michael Nolan

I always find it amazing to see the world through other people's eyes and in this case, Mr. Nolan caught a moment of irony in nature. It reminds me of the scripture that says:

"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."~Luke 19:40

Luke 19:39-41 (in Context) Luke 19 (Whole Chapter)

All around us these days, the world and it's people are crying out...crying out for salvation from the chains of oppression. Can you hear it?

What is your response?

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.~
John 14:6

John 14 (Whole Chapter)

Finding Divine Inspiration

There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost. ~Martha Graham

I am writing this from one of my favourite Cafés on Hunter Street – Black Honey...Check it out if you are ever in town (they have the best scones...coffee is fair trade and good also). My modem has been down for a while (far too long!!) and I have been wanting to blog, but I have been unable to get online for any significant amount of time – thus, I am writing this in Microsoft Word. I am doing what others in my situation do: get creative and make it work through other means.

That being said, I wanted to pass on a good book that some of you may be interested in. Actually, I believe that this book would be a benefit to anybody from the artist-types to leaders and parents. The book is J. Scott McElroy’s Finding Divine Inspiration-Working with the Holy Spirit in Your Creativity.



Mr. McElroy takes us through the concept of partnering with the Holy Spirit in our endeavour to create...whatever “creating” we are called to engage in. He gives the reader practical advice and examples throughout history of partnering with the Holy Spirit and how collaboration has impacted the individual and society. He includes interviews with Thomas Blackshear and Peter Furler among others, and their experiences in deliberately collaborating with the Holy Spirit, which I found very insightful and even familiar to my own experience. Mr. McElroy emphasizes the importance of developing a listening lifestyle. Working with our Creator in our life calling is an exciting, fulfilling journey that can sometimes be surprising, but always meaningful.

We definitely have a part to do in finding divine inspiration. We apply ourselves, develop our skills, grow in our craft. We turn our wills toward Him, discipline ourselves to practice a listening lifestyle and obey what He speaks to us. We stand against the attacks of the enemy and move forward in faith. And God meets us as we move toward Him. He provides the direction on what to do and how to do it. He inspires us with Holy Spirit light and revelation. He opens the doors of opportunity and brings us to the right places in the right timing. And He brings the anointing on the message that gives the work the impact He wants. ~J. Scott McElroy

God Is Faithful

This morning my King led me to 1 Corinthians (1-9) and this is what it says:

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge—because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

~

The bold and the italics are mine. These words are what stood out to me.

~

The words "together with all those everywhere" - the community of believers all over this globe, my brothers and sisters in Christ! We have been "enriched" - isn't that a great word?!

'Enriched' is defined in Merriam-Webster's dictionary as:

: to make rich or richer esp. by the addition or increase of some desirable quality, attribute, or ingredient : as a: to add beauty to : adorn b: to enhance the taste of c: to make (a soil) more fertile d: to improve the nutritive value of (a food) by adding nutrients (as vitamins or amino acids) and especially by restoring part of the nutrients lost in processing e: to process so as to add or increase the proportion of a desirable ingredient

And we have been "enriched in every way"! That's encouraging! And this is an enriching beyond the natural, it spans into the spiritual, that area that was a mystery, but because of Jesus Christ, we are able to speak of this mystery and know Him. It is because of God's calling us to Him and us answering His call that He works in us, granting us all that we need, giftings included, to stand for Him, to Glorify His name, to honour Him to the end...to the end...of our lives on this earth or until His return.

Though many of us believe we are living in the last days, the skeptic and the unprepared say that every generation has been claiming to be in the "last days". In WWI, in WWII, the turn of the century, 9-11...the end of the world has come. Some gathered in groups in preparation for Jesus' Glorious return...and when He didn't show up, some committed suicide, others lost faith, others were humbled into a deeper walk with Him. But we know, regardless, that every day is one day closer to His coming again and that He will keep us strong to the end - today, tomorrow, whenever...God is faithful.

Remember: God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ, is faithful.
Hold on to this truth this day and always and be encouraged by it...He is faithful.

Repost-I have received many searches for God Is Faithful as of late, so I thought I would share it again. Smiles and blessings to each of you!~mp:)

Repost-Stealing from my other blog

In my 'splorin' of the net, I came across a great thinker that I have encountered before. I love how she thinks and breaks concerns down and works though them. She is hopeful and inspired(ing)...and seemingly cheerful a large majority of the time (not that that is a bad thing, just a drag when you are trying to do the cheerful thing, but you keep coming up against the anti-cheerful fiend that leaves you feeling more apathetic than anything...whatever...)

Anyhow, I noticed that with this person and with a few other bloggers, we have hit this wall of thickness. Picture this: you are running, the day may be sunny or cloudy, it doesn't matter, you are still running - keeping a good pace and then you hit this wall of resistance; your running is now more like the type of feeling you would have running in waist deep water. You can no longer keep the pace and you are starting to wonder if you should stop.

Now, as I am writing this, I realize that if I have hit a "wall of water" that would slow my running, in order to maintain any pace, I need to change tactics and perhaps swim. (Duh...this is partly why I write, so I can see my thinking!)

Okay, that being discovered, I guess I need to reframe a few things.

Right now, like I alluded to in the past, I feel like I am in serious transition. My world is just bizarre. Period. I want to get back to the quiet assurance of the presence of my King...time to step back and refocus. I need to somehow throw off that which hinders me and swim for now...or perhaps I need to just change my pace and be refreshed...perhaps I need to wash off the sweat and dirt and come out of the water refreshed and clean, ready to take on the trail again...perhaps...

The Beauty of Humanity

The beauty of humanity is the reality that we live. We live out of self-indulgence and yet the One who has the power to return us to less than dust will forgive us, returning us to a right relationship with Him. This is beautiful because we are being restored to all that we were meant to be. For without the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the self-indulgence would lead us to death without there being any hope. Now, even the most vile of us can receive forgiveness and be restored to eternal life with God. Some might consider that unfair; however, what people tend to forget is that a sin is a sin, from lying to murder, it is all a blight of hideousness in the eyes of God. Everyone falls short of the Glory of God - everyone! The mercy afforded us by God's grace saves our sorry souls from a fate of despair that no words can justifiably describe. It is hell. The beauty of humanity is the reality that we live...because Jesus Christ died for us.

You..A Hero

The camp (Olympia) my kids go to focuses on The Hero's Journey. It incorporates the attitude of a hero into every aspect of the camp experience, building up every camper, drawing out the best in each of them, and encouraging them to take it to the next level.

This focus is a wonderful example of true leadership and teamwork. It is what, I think, Christians should be focused on also. Building up, drawing out, encouraging beyond. Can you imagine all your brothers and sisters in Christ doing these things? What would that look like in your community?

Jesus calls us to follow Him. He is constantly building us up - which usually means tearing down the negative in order to build up a lasting presence. And drawing us out...He calls us out to be the men and women of God we were meant to be, shedding old habits and realizing who we are in Him. Jesus also challenges us to take it to the next "level." It is challenging -taking us out of our comfort zone into true Life. But, He will not leave us incomplete.

This journey of transformation is so personal, yet it is also communal and universal. We cannot avoid it because we were made for relationship...relationship with God, our Maker, and relationship with each other.

The heart-set of a hero, according to Olympia, includes these attributes:

• self-awareness
• physically relaxed
• focused
• self-confident
• persistent
• self-motivated
• self-disciplined
• courageous
• caring
• forgiving
• team player
• supportive
• co-operative
• empathetic listener
• non-judgemental
• compassionate
• community centered
• responsible
• dependable
• patient
• tolerant
• respectful
• honest
• self-actualizing

And I would add - Christ focused - because though this list is great, without Jesus, it is incomplete.

A hero. You. Building up, drawing out, encouraging beyond. Walking with Christ through this grand love story of life...and you...you take your place in this story with all the attributes of a true hero and more, with the love and truth of Jesus Christ.

Well, are you up to it? I know you can do it...because with Christ...all things are possible!

Stream of Conciousness

power choice fear M lost eat fitness organic crazy beautiful love make create purple white job Jesus orphans Texas peace art longing make believe tragedy health money politics life future children green leaves sky force prophets Orion God war education cleansing books ink love gaze reality gentle touch music lightening serendipity you me Holy Spirit protection Word lift free garden waterfall wine hills night fir complete finality fulfill stream pristine S laughter camp belonging Truth R ministry pocket release water mystery answers home at last

The Writing of My Heart

So, I was going to write about Twitter and how you choose the people who you allow to influence your day...and then that idea fizzled.

...Then I thought I would write about scripture.

Did you know that David, after pretending to be crazy, went to the Moab King and asked if his parents could stay there?
Then I thought of Proverbs 16. I read it through, many of the verses speaking to me...

"To man belong the plans of the hear, but from the lord comes the reply of the tongue."
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
"Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud."
"The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction."
"Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city."

This too fell away...what more could I add?

Then I thought I would repost some profound writing I did in the past (haha), but I thought better of it and here I am.

Some days, I guess, writing nothing at all is, in fact, the writing of my heart.
Peace and Blessings to your day!
~mp:)

Sinusitis - Deja vu

Just taking a break from my day to write about the hornet's nest buzzing in my skull...

I have had sinusitis for over a year now, my sinuses are right plugged...which would explain quite a few things...I wonder if the blonde moments are because of the stuffed sinuses exerting pressure...might happen... Anyhow, I am on antibiotics right now and I swear the little antibiotic soldiers fighting the nasty bacteria guerrillas are engaged in full, all out, bouncin'-off-my-brain war! ...In... my... skull!! ...It is not pleasant!

See...here's a snapshot of the buggers...

Things should be taken care of in no time at all! In the meantime, I need a nap...

Your Deepest, Darkest Secrets...

Last week, I was with a client for coffee. We were having a great time discussing this, that, and the other thing. But two things happened when he spoke with me. First, he interrupted our stream of conversation to apologize for something that he felt convicted to address. This was not a problem by any means. It was a little surprising perhaps because I didn't give the offense much thought, but it did weigh on his heart and I forgave him all the same. The other thing that emerged was his deep concern that I would not like him, that I would reject him because of his past. You see, right now, some of the people I work with are part of the disenfranchised population; those may include men coming out of the penal system, drug addicts, those with mental health problems...you know, those who the church is suppose to reach out to, but instead (and unfortunately), the church runs screaming the other way, or rather, tiptoes as quietly as possible back to the comfort and "security" of their pew so as not to alert the disenfranchised that they had even seen them.*

I work mainly with men. And some of the crimes these men have committed are more than many people would care to deal with, understandably so. The crime this man had committed had completely destroyed his known world, leaving him all alone, except for the transition network of support in place to help him and keep him accountable while reintegrating into society. This man was absolutely broken to think that I would reject him because of his past. It is a heavy burden that he carries with him. My heart broke for him.

Perhaps you can relate. How many times have you engaged in a relationship where you were elated to know a person - you have fun together or you have a deep respect for the person, but the deeper into the relationship you go, the more guarded you become. Perhaps you begin to distance yourself from that person because you are afraid that if they find out about some dark deed of your past and they will reject you because of it. You would rather sabotage the relationship yourself than expose your past, potentially leaving you vulnerable and rejected...or so you assume. Ironically, it is your past that has been a part of shaping the person who you are today. We all make mistakes, wrong choices, and act foolishly, but as a part of growing and maturing, we learn from our errors. This is not to say that the hurt caused as of a consequence of these errors is to be overlooked. It is the fact that we all do this at some point in our relationships...hide the past, tuck that life and person away never to be found by anybody on this planet...







Your deepest, darkest secrets hidden away forever...

God was there though. He was watching you while you engaged in whatever act you engaged in. He didn't close His eyes and turn His head, He didn't walk the other way in disgust, He may have tried to get your attention and prevent you from continuing, but you didn't listen, perhaps you didn't want to listen...He was there though. He watched your every move, He heard your heart, He knew your thoughts...He was there.


Yet, God still calls out to you with love.

Yes, He was there, but He still wants to have a relationship with you. He longs for you to turn to Him, not sabotage the relationship by making excuses and turning away from Him. He wants you to come to Him just as you are and together with Him, you can be forgiven, healed, and set free from your past. It is between you and Him.

And though getting to know God usually involves Him sending people into your life to help you...such as Pastors, neighbours, friends, counsellors, strangers...(God does work in mysterious ways at times.) He will not give up in pursuing you. He is relentless in drawing you closer to Him, to know Him, to know forgiveness, to know freedom, to know love...His unconditional love.

And we, as the Body of Christ, are called to reach out to the disenfranchised, along with everybody else, with the Love of Jesus. We are not called to judge, He is the judge, we are called to love. I take this seriously. The wrongs that we commit will be judged by God, make no mistake. Yet, when I come across another whose heart is broken and repentant for the sins of their past, who am I to continue to treat them with contempt and condemnation? My personal mission in life is to walk with God, to encourage others, and to glorify God...and the only way I can do that is to do as Jesus did. What about you?

*I fully recognize that there are some churches that do reach out without apology, unfortunately there are some that don't...pray that they would reach out with the Love and Truth of Christ Jesus.
Repost

Awesome Thunder

At 1:23 a.m. the storm began. The lightening was brilliant white, the thunder violently loud. I lost my breath just before one lightening bolt struck nearby. My whole body jumped involuntarily away from the source as if I were repelled magnetically.

In between the the noise of the thunder, I found myself praying fervently to Jesus. I was reminded of how powerless and small I am in comparison to the power that God could unleash in this world. I thought of the scripture that speaks of how the throne of God is surrounded in clouds, lightening and thunder...

Last night was a very humbling experience. It was good for me. So often I take for granted that God is my friend, my Saviour, that I tend to forget that He is also my King - Warrior-King, Lord of all, Creator, and Judge. He is the ultimate authority. There is an "essence" of God that is strong, fierce, dangerous, and awesome to behold.

...Last night, I was reminded of this.

1After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." 2At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. 4Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits[a] of God. 6Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." 9Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11"You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being."

~Revelation 4

the wind ~ with a twist

I am watching the wind outside my window confidently greet the trees, firmly grasping their limbs in a "hand shake" of universal proportions and I think to myself, as I sit sheltered within my abode, that each house I see outside is like a cell in the body, the organism of earth the body, the wind - oxygen.

Not a new thought, just reacquainting myself with the theory of gaia...with a twist...

The source of life in this world (and beyond), the only source of life, is God - without Him, nothing lives. Not us, not our earth. But God is not solely in creation that we should be obliged to worship creation as some do. For if that were true, we would be obliged to worship one another. This is not the case.In Him, we live and move and have our being. God is not just "in" - He stretches far beyond what our imaginations can conceive...we cannot box him into our little bubble of existence and understanding. We are finite, He is infinite.

~

the wind. it moves gently caressing the world with its touch, when provoked it lashes out the power of destruction. Shall we fear it? Shall we worship it? Shall we chase it? No. in wisdom we learn from it and we give thanks to God for creating it.

Breathe...breathe deep.

Smile

Today my heart longs to be surrounded by smiles more than most other days. It is amazing how a simple smile can influence a person's day. Take time to smile....

God did...

Hope will come...

Some days the wait seems like forever

I don't want to wait

Listening for the voice of God

I strain to hear...something...anything

Nothing

...nothing but the echoes of His words already spoken

{silence}

Hope will come - he is on his way...

One Story of Paul's Experience

Paul stood before the audience and commented, "I have toured your city and I see that you are a very religious people. I even saw an alter to "THE UNKNOWN GOD"...I am going to tell you about this "unknown God." You see, He is the God who made the world and everything in it. He is the Lord of heaven and earth. He does not live in temples made by human hands, nor is He served by human hands...as if He needed anything! He is the one that gives all men life and breath and everything else! He is the one that created man and from one man, nations were born. He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would perhaps reach out for Him and find Him - even though He not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being. Some of your own poets have said, 'We are His offspring.'

Thus, since we are His offspring, we should not think that His divinity is like gold, silver, or stone - an image made by man. In the past, God overlooked such ignorance, but now He is calling us to repent. He has set a day for judgement when He will judge the world with justice by the man He has appointed. He has given proof of this by raising Him from the dead. (The man raised from the dead is Jesus Christ.)

When the audience heard this, some sneered - especially at the Resurrection of the dead, but some believed. Others wanted to hear more.
~Taken from Acts 17:24-34