Sick Reading The Shack

So, I am feeling very ill today, sleeping most of the day away, getting up to change positions, test how well I am feeling, drink some water, and of course check in on the wonderful minds in my blogging community.

For the past few hours, I have been reading The Shack, trying to finish what I started so long ago. It really is a fantastic book that speaks so much truth of how relationship with God is desired from both Him and us.

There have been a few thoughts in the book I thought I would share with you today:

...."Most birds were created to fly. Being grounded for them is a limitation within their ability to fly, not the other way around." She paused to let Mack think about her statement. "You, on the other hand, were created to be loved. So for you to live as if you were unloved is a limitation, not the other way around."

...."You must give up your right to decide what is good and evil on your own terms......evil is a word we use to describe the absence of Good, just as we use the word darkness to describe the absence of Light or death to describe the absence of Life. Both evil and darkness can only be understood in relation to Light and Good; they do not have any actual existence. I am Light and I am Good. I am Love and there is no darkness in me. Light and Good actually exist. So, removing yourself from me will plunge you into darkness. Declaring Independence will result in evil because apart from me, you can only draw upon yourself. That is death because you have separated yourself from me: Life."

...."So many believe that it is love that grows, but it is the knowing that grows and love simply expands to contain it. Love is just the skin of knowing."

I am sure many of my readers have read The Shack and I am finally getting around to finishing it...taking a sick day to do so. If you haven't read it, it is worth picking up...William P. Young creates wonderful imagery and a story that I feel is Holy Spirit inspired. Enjoy.

I am going to lie back down again...this blogging took way more out of me than I anticipated...prayers for healing are coveted...Thank you - Smiles and Blessings to you all.

Trust Me

Do not let your hearts be troubled, you trust God - trust in Me.

~John 14:1

trust (n.)
c.1200, from O.N. traust "help, confidence," from P.Gmc. *traust- (cf. O.Fris. trast, Du. troost "comfort, consolation," O.H.G. trost "trust, fidelity," Ger. Trost "comfort, consolation," Goth. trausti "agreement, alliance"). Related to O.E. treowian "to believe, trust," and treowe "faithful, trusty" (see true). Meaning "businesses organized to reduce competition" is recorded from 1877. The verb (c.1225) is from O.N. treysta "to trust." Trust-buster is recorded from 1903. Trustee in the sense of "person who is responsible for the property of another" is attested from 1653. Trustworthy is first attested 1808.

~Etymology Online

1 trust
Pronunciation: \ˈtrəst\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse traust trust; akin to Old English trēowe faithful — more at true
Date: 13th century
1 a: assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something b: one in which confidence is placed

2 a: dependence on something future or contingent : hope b: reliance on future payment for property (as merchandise) delivered : credit

3 a: a property interest held by one person for the benefit of another b: a combination of firms or corporations formed by a legal agreement ; especially : one that reduces or threatens to reduce competition

4 archaic : trustworthiness

5 a (1): a charge or duty imposed in faith or confidence or as a condition of some relationship (2): something committed or entrusted to one to be used or cared for in the interest of another b: responsible charge or office c: care , custody
— in trust: in the care or possession of a trustee

~Merriam-Webster Online

Why..oh why!

Mystery what is your hold
Mystery what is your game
My+st-er-y

Why are we drawn to the unknown
Why do we fear the unknown
Un-know-n

Destiny beckons us all
Destiny where is your call
Dest-in-y

My strength erases yearning undone
knowing not
destroying internal youth
Why...oh why!

I Need My King

So often I find myself crying out to the Lord. "I need You." And it is so true, each day I seem to need Him more and more. My dependence on my King's counsel is vital to my well being. Hearing Him can be a challenge though. Doubts, rebellion, fear all step in from time to time hindering my walk. However, I have the assurance that God will not allow these hindrances from dominating and He will intervene to draw me back to Himself when I lose my way.

This morning I am desperate to hear the voice of my King, to have the assurance of His solid counsel, to walk the walk my heart professes...which is a test in and of itself. What if my heart betrays me? What if my heart is false? Out of your heart flows the wellspring of life - I am to guard it. Have I let my guard down recently? Lord, Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

I need my King, my God, my Saviour, my Counsellor and I am not ashamed to admit this. I fall short of the Glory of God, but I do persevere. And I persevere because of the hope I have in Him. I seek to honour my God. My King. Show me how this day Lord, to Your Glory.

Métamorphose

~
Une rivière gelée,
un parc glacial,
le froid apporte une grise lamentation,
mais le brilliant ciel
apporte le nouveau, la joie.
~
Par: Samantha D.

Apparently we have a plethora of poets in our family ~mp:)

Translation:

A frozen river,

a glacial park,

the cold brings a grey lamentation

but the bright sky

brings newness, and joy.

*Not a perfect translation, it's harder to translate it into English because there are not as many "loopholes" to the language... Sorry if that made no sense. :S*

Lessons from Stories

What a beautiful morning, chilly, but beautiful! Perhaps I will go for a walk later on. Right now, my mind keeps drifting back to the people I have encountered over the past 5 or 6 days...There are many stories that have formed my week past - some tragic, some lonely, some exciting, some joyful...I am reflecting upon the lessons learned with each encounter.

I have learned that dying alone is socially taboo in my community. The interesting thing is that even though family (and any friends that might have been) refuse to sit with the dying, God, I believe, still sends His ministering angels...the person is never truly alone. I have also learned that being alone at the end of your life or during illness gives you too much time to think - usually self-condemning thoughts. I have also learned that my heart leans towards wanting to put aside my scheduled activity to fill a gap of need in others. Which is sometimes not possible. Either I must maintain my schedule or the gap of need I want to fill cannot be met by me - my intervention is not the answer.

I have learned that there is opportunity in the oddest places. This being said, I have also learned that I need to organize my information and research more effectively so I have more time to synthesize and create instead of spending copious amounts of time searching for what I need!

Something else that was reinforced in my thinking this week speaks from the Word of God that says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn" Romans 12:14-16 is an important response to strengthen relationships and when you respond contrary to these words, relationship is impaired. Talking to someone who is self-absorbed all the time is disheartening and even though you want to be there for them, it can be difficult to engage in a friendship that takes without sincerely giving back. I have learned this from both ends of the equation....

One other thing I have learned is that God does work through me to the benefit of others, and even though I recognize that it is entirely Him at work, the thanks given by the beneficiaries is misdirected and I do not (to my shame) always openly redirect the thanksgiving to where it belongs...to God...It should be thanks to God alone. From this, I am resolving to respond with redirecting credit where credit is due; with this I need God to help me. It does not come naturally and it is something I need to work on with sincerity and grace.

Lessons from stories...

Stories...so many stories woven together in a tapestry of magnificent design. We all are each a thread in this masterpiece and I find it exciting and interesting to watch, participate, and know that my story is a part of a much larger story...as John Eldredge says, "For when you were born, you were born into an Epic that has already been under way for quite some time. It is a Story of beauty and intimacy and adventure, a Story of danger and loss and heroism and betrayal."
(Excerpt taken from Epic,)

Are you learning any lessons from the stories interwoven in your life? If you are so inclined, I would love to hear them...

A Taste of Warfare...

shut down. locked out. where do I go from here?
closed off. blacked out. who has the answer?

Just when confusion and chaos, deceit and fear step forward to cross the threshold of my heart, I raise my shoulders...steady my stance with my arms outstretched...lift my face to the heavens and sing praises to my King!

"The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.
Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.
The seas have lifted up, O LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is mighty.
Your statutes stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days, O LORD."
~Psalm 93

~

"...Dare you come at me - a child of the living God?!
Name yourself! For I am in no mood tonight to be badgered by the likes of you!"

Carefully following the movement of the spectre, the child spoke confidently.

"Though you circle me with growling, I will walk right through you. Be assured."

The royal child gave no opportunity for a response and carried on forward - for the mission would not be compromised for anything or anyone. The spectre slowly drifted aside, its hollow face never turning from the sight of the child.

"Leave me and do not return! I speak by the authority of Jesus, the King!"

With that final command, the spectre instantaneously disappeared and the royal child continued on her way, gratefully acknowledging the protective power the King had bestowed upon her. The same power bestowed upon all His children...The power of His name.

Who Do We Need - God?

A friend once asked, "Who encourages the encourager?" ...That's a good question. When I ponder the Word of God seeking the answer to this question, it comes back to Him, over and over.
When you have no one to love you, who loves you then? ...Jesus.
When you have lost all hope with the things of this world, what do you look forward to? ...Living eternity with God.
When you cannot solve the problem on your own, with your money, with your talent, with you position, with your charisma, what is your last resort? ...God.

Who do we cry out to in times of need, fear, loneliness, in times of hardship? ...God. We may be ticked as all get out at God, wanting to blame someone for the pain, but the reality is, we still turned to Him. Even "non-believers" do this. Odd, don't you think? Countless times, I have conversed with people who would seemingly present themselves as independent from God (and surely, in a way they are), but when confronted with an issue of distress, they speak of God as someone that is intimately involved in their affairs...He has just been estranged from their lives until this moment.

The deepest cry of our being is for God.
People would attempt to deny this with all kinds of excuses, but in the end, they cannot deny the truth. We long for God. We long to know Him, to be approved by Him, we desire His Love...so deeply that some of us would go to the ends of the earth to remain in His Love. In that, I mean, we would do anything for God, follow His leading anywhere, serve Him without reserve in any setting.

I look at people of this world attempting to do this and I look at myself and wonder...I know my deepest desire is to give my all to God...Yet, I need Him to do this though...to give my all to Him.

I fully admit, I need God. I need His Love, His encouragement, His guidance...I need Him, not just when I am faced with calamity, but with every waking breath, I need Him. I want Him to be a part of my life...in the good and in the bad, in the momentous and in the seemingly insignificant. And the reassuring thing about all of this is that He wants to be a part of our lives. He wants to encourage us, He does love us and desires to bring us to Himself. He desires us.

He desires us as we are, not necessarily having it all together (and I very much doubt there is one person on the planet that does have it all together, despite appearances), not just in times of hardship or need, but all the time.

Right now, God desires you and has placed a desire for Him in you...For without God, we are incomplete.

Exclamation!

Words have so much power and we tend to actually need certain words in our day-to-day living. For example, some days we need to hear these words...

~

Never will I give up on you!

~

I believe in you!

~

I love you!

~

You are precious!

~

You can do it!

~

Great work!

~

You didn't deserve to be hurt!

~

You have significance!

~

I am proud of you!

~

I need you!

~

You are a joy!

~

You are amazing!

~

You are a wonderful gift from God!

~

Well...Today is your day! Pick one - it is for you!

...And believe it!

To Remind Me...

Isaiah 53
1 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
8 By oppression [a] and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken.
9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes [c] his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.
11 After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life [d] and be satisfied [e] ; by his knowledge [f] my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, [g] and he will divide the spoils with the strong, [h]because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Acts 13:2

~
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

Acts 13:1-3 (in Context) Acts 13 (Whole Chapter)

~

President Barak Obama

(AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Well, what a sight to see! The inauguration of the 44th President of the United States. President Obama's inaugural speech was very good, and in the days to follow, I am sure we will see and hear many quotes from this inspirational speech...in the meantime, I would offer President Obama and the American government and people my prayers. I pray also, that not only would God Bless President Obama, but that President Obama would walk in God's Blessing to the Glory of God!

I Persevere...

Well, the hordes of hell were let loose on me today...left, right, and center...I liken it to a plague of locusts infiltrating every space available to swarm around your person and nip at your being - foul creatures! (Just to clarify, I have never been swarmed by locusts, I just imagine it would be like what I wrote...probably worse.) Of course, I immediately engaged in a spiritual battle, but it was like I was speaking forth sparks that only added to the fiery coals that were singeing me. On days like this, I long for a prayer partner. I have not had a prayer partner for about 6 years now and I miss it.

That aside, I persevere.

The interesting thing about this attack is that it is a familiar one.

Have you ever had one of those? You have conquered a mountain and days, weeks, months later (maybe even years later) the enemy of your soul rears his ugly head as if to just remind you of his presence. Perhaps I have let my guard down. Perhaps the Lord is trying to get my attention. Or...perhaps it is both ...or something else.

Right now, if you are still reading, I am letting you into an area of wounding and weakness in my heart.

...I have a fire inside (don't we all???) and this fire cannot be quelled. Now, it would seem that I am appropriately named..."Misti Pearl", a hidden gem, an obscured treasure, a treasure formed by irritation - surrounded by fog...Well, I am in a fog right now - gem or no gem - and I want this fire within to burn its way through the fog so that the gem can be revealed, so to speak. Perhaps I should lose the name "Misti". Anyhow, this attack that weighs on me like a huge wet, wool blanket is smothering the life out of me and I want to be released. Set free. It is a frustrating place of existence to be...like standing on the edge of a desert, looking across a chasm to something, somewhere, and hearing your name called - but you can't get there, you can't return the call, sadly, at this point, you are barely able to stand where you are...

On that somewhat distressing and gloomy note, I will assure you that I haven't given up completely. I persevere. I hold on to my King and gratefully acknowledge that the fringe of His robe covers me. It is enough. I wait. I persevere. God is faithful. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-11

Mark 11:20-25 (The Message)

In the morning, walking along the road, they saw the fig tree, shriveled to a dry stick. Peter, remembering what had happened the previous day, said to him, "Rabbi, look—the fig tree you cursed is shriveled up!"

Jesus was matter-of-fact: "Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, 'Go jump in the lake'—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it's as good as done. That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it's not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins."

Go With It...

Art is quite a phenomenon...it is in the eye of the beholder...

The world is but a canvas to the imagination. ~ Henry David Thoreau

~

to the King of all, my humblest welcome:
You may have all that i am, i give back to Thee,
my heart and my soul for You to command
take up Your residence here in me

My dearest, My child, your welcome I love,
I will Bless you and guide you to all things above
together We will move far in this realm,
beyond imagination with Me at the helm
and you will be welcome to My home with Me,
together forever We always will be.

~

Art

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. ~ Albert Einstein

Beautiful Cold

Beautiful cold
numbs the soul
bringing peace
~
White hot refining fire
removing the impure
bringing discomfort
~
Which do I desire?
the cold or the hot?
~
{Where do I stand?}
{What obstacles impose their presence?}
{Where do I desire to be?}
{Who do I desire to serve?}
~
Focus on the light beyond the darkness...
~
Beautiful cold, alluring and sleek
White hot fire, uncontainable and free

Free...
Set me free.

~mp

Never Judge a Book by Its Cover...

A totally random drawing that caught my eye...I love the thoughtfulness of the Hulk...

Never judge a book by its cover.

;)

The Word of God is Alive and Powerful

The Word of God is alive and powerful. I cannot help but think that when we minister to others, we are also ministering to ourselves. Power is released. I would like to suggest that the Lord speaks to our hearts with the same words that we speak forth to others. Which would explain why when you hear one message at a gathering, say at Church on Sunday, that same single message speaks powerfully to many people, yet with each person being impacted differently by it.

The Word of God is alive and powerful. When it is released, power is also released, the spiritual world is active and we see the results of that as the manifestation of transformation in a person or situation. The Word of God goes forth and does not return void. For the person ministering to another has perhaps already gone through and learned lessons from the hardship that another is currently enduring. As they speak encouragement and love and Truth into the hurting person's situation, they are also releasing the Spirit of God in their own lives and their own situation.

Now, I am not a theologist, and someone else could probably explain this phenomenon in a more scholastic manner; however, what I read about the disciples - how they grow in faith, in love, and how they prosper in ways that are not necessarily financial - I see a "strength", a "power" about their 'person' that is reflected by a steadfastness, a steadiness in their walk with God. It is beautiful to read and I have got to think it would have been beautiful to observe first hand. Even today, we see the Holy Spirit working through individuals and how people are transformed into something that is, well...steadfastly beautiful. The Word of God is alive and powerful.

Every opportunity we have to minister to another, releases power to bless the 'minister' and the 'receiver'...this is why community is so important. It is also why the enemy of our souls would try to isolate each of us in our own world of misery. The enemy of our souls knows that the Word of God is alive and powerful and he doesn't want us anywhere near the Word...to read it, to hear it, let alone to speak it, so he attempts to isolate us. We fall into the trap of lies that "no one cares about me" or "no one would understand" or "I don't need anyone". Satan knows that by discussing the Word, incorporating the Word into our everyday situations, learning how to apply the Word in our everyday lives, we release power. Life power. Power for good...power for transformation. The Word of God is alive and powerful.

We are encouraged to "make disciples of all nations", to "preach the Word, in season and out of season", to "speak Your Word with great boldness"...The Word of God is alive and powerful. Incorporate the Word of God into your conversations throughout the day and you will see God's power manifest Itself in the people to talk with and in yourself. The Word of God goes forth and does not come back void....The Word of God is alive and powerful!

Friends...

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

- John 15:13

"A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him I may think aloud."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me."

- Henry Ford

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

- Ecclesiastes 4:10

"I do not wish to treat friendships daintily, but with the roughest courage. When they are real, they are not glass threads or frost-work, but the solidest thing we know."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.

-Proverbs 27:9 (The Message)

WHO ARE YOUR FRIENDS?

Steadfastness

Clobbered again! Are we on fast forward all of a sudden?! I mentioned previously in a posting about the words that are significant to me in this season and as I looked back on other postings where I outline significant words, I realize that the word "steadfastness" has presented itself before and is standing out to me like a beacon of light from a lighthouse piercing the fog at night.

Merriam Webster defines 'steadfast' as:
1 a: firmly fixed in place : immovable b: not subject to change
2: firm in belief, determination, or adherence : loyal synonyms see faithful

From the Online Etymology Dictionary we find a break down of the word 'steadfast' revealing another layer of significance:
stead
O.E. stede "place, position, standing, delay," related to standan "to stand," from P.Gmc. *stadiz (cf. O.S. stedi, O.N. staðr, Swed. stad, Du. stede "place," O.H.G. stat, Ger. Stadt "town," Goth. staþs "place"), from PIE *stetis-, from base *ste-/*sta- "to stand" (see stet). Now chiefly in compounds or phrases. Steadfast is from O.E. stedefæst "secure in position," from stede + fæst "firmly fixed" (see fast).

fast (adj.)
O.E. fæst "firmly fixed, steadfast," probably from P.Gmc. *fastuz (cf. O.N. fastr, Du. vast, Ger. fest), from PIE base *past- "firm" (cf. Skt. pastyam "dwelling place"). The adv. meaning "quickly, swiftly" was perhaps in O.E., or from O.N. fast, either way developing from the sense of "firmly, strongly, vigorously" (cf. to run hard means to run fast; also compare fast asleep), or perhaps from the notion of a runner who "sticks" close to whatever he is chasing. The sense of "living an unrestrained life" (usually of women) is from 1746; fast food is first attested 1951. Fast-forward first recorded 1948. Fast and loose is described as "a cheating game played with a stick and a belt or string, so arranged that a spectator would think he could make the latter fast by placing a stick through its intricate folds, whereas the operator could detach it at once." [James O. Halliwell, "Dictionary of Archaic and Provincial Words," 1847]. The fig. sense (1557) is recorded earlier than the literal (1578).

After reading these definitions, the bells in my head are ringing like gongs!
Steadfast, remain steadfast...

After reading this, I went to BibleGateway.com to see where the word "steadfast" appears in scripture. I used the NIV translation and found 9 references of both the Old and New Testament. What stood out to me is the implication that steadfastness refers to or alludes to trusting God and remaining true to His Word.

Hmmmm....trust....trust. Remain steadfast in His Love, trust Him. God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose...Remain in Me and I will remain in you...I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you not to harm you...Trust Me, remain steadfast in My Love, in Me.

Steadfastness: Remaining in Christ Jesus.

A 'Revelationary' Moment

Well, I'll be...Did you ever have one of those 'revelationary' moments that strike you not only between the eyes, but straight to the core of your heart?? I just did. Oi! I have been sitting here for months (and months) trying to figure something out and then out of the blue, rather out of a rather painful moment of submission to God, it revealed itself.

If you are wondering what "it" is, I cannot - will not say, except that I had gone over every angle of my understanding, even stretching into the realm of absurd to bring sense to things. Though this 'revelationary' moment does not bring me complete understanding, it does, once again, reinforce to me, the absolute truth of the scripture that states, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55

How often do we look at a situation with our limited capacity to understand and presume to have it all figured out? We even go to esteemed others in our lives asking their opinion/interpretation of the matter and they spit out the same things you also have concluded...I mean, it makes sense right?! Others have done it this way and why would I be an exception, right? ...And then the Lord goes and opens our eyes such that we can see a bit clearer, a little further - and WHAM - revelation!

However, with this new insight also comes a new level of trust. There is assurance that God is indeed at work and that He still has your best interest at hand; there is also a renewed realization that He is bringing you closer and deeper into His heart - and that thought is exciting and terrifying all in the same breath! This means that I must steadfastly commit to Him, His Purpose for me, His Will for my life without compromise....This means self-discipline. (And in my mind, I am muttering to myself that 'procrastination' is now one of my enemies in the front lines of my battle, among others...) I need to trust Him wholeheartedly.

Am I up for the challenge? Am I battle ready?

Its time to consult with my King...the battle continues, my walk with God takes on a new stride, and my love for Him grows deeper and deeper...He really cares about me and He does have His Best intended for me...

Thank you Abba.

Let Roll

build it up, sing praise to the king

walk the lonely walk unhindered

praise

let go of the past move on

cherish the present - the present

live for the now

shine, the future is brilliant

the king awaits

glorify

walk the lonely walk, yet do not walk alone

you do not have to

I AM here for you

gratitude

sing

praise

begin...

To You

It is an absolutely beautiful brisk -22, and the myriad colours of the sunrise filled my soul with a continued appreciation of the awesomeness of our God. It is the dawn of a new day...

To the Lord of all creation, I give my life to you

To the King of Kings, you have my all

To You, may all glory be given - to You alone!

Hallelujah to Jesus Christ our Saviour!

Look to Him this day, eyes fixed firmly on Him alone, let nothing distract you from the Truth of His Love. Stand firm in the Faith, solid on the Rock of our salvation. Shalom.

Go here: Psalm 113

Revelation 13:1-10

Revelation 13:1-10 (The Message)

1-2 And the Dragon stood on the shore of the sea. I saw a Beast rising from the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads—on each horn a crown, and each head inscribed with a blasphemous name. The Beast I saw looked like a leopard with bear paws and a lion's mouth. The Dragon turned over its power to it, its throne and great authority.

3-4 One of the Beast's heads looked as if it had been struck a deathblow, and then healed. The whole earth was agog, gaping at the Beast. They worshiped the Dragon who gave the Beast authority, and they worshiped the Beast, exclaiming, "There's never been anything like the Beast! No one would dare go to war with the Beast!"

5-8 The Beast had a loud mouth, boastful and blasphemous. It could do anything it wanted for forty-two months. It yelled blasphemies against God, blasphemed his Name, blasphemed his Church, especially those already dwelling with God in Heaven. It was permitted to make war on God's holy people and conquer them. It held absolute sway over all tribes and peoples, tongues and races. Everyone on earth whose name was not written from the world's foundation in the slaughtered Lamb's Book of Life will worship the Beast.

9-10 Are you listening to this? They've made their bed; now they must lie in it. Anyone marked for prison goes straight to prison; anyone pulling a sword goes down by the sword. Meanwhile, God's holy people passionately and faithfully stand their ground.

Thoughts...

Have I forgotten you? Not at all!
I am trusting. God will make a way.

Have I forgotten you? Never.

I believe with all my heart. God is good.

I sit and watch as two cardinals, a male and a female, sit upon my apple tree. The tree I grew from a seedling. I am cheered to see these feathered wonders use my tree. It is not the biggest tree, it is not the prettiest tree, but it still has purpose.
I am Yours. To make such a claim is bold, to some, a provocative statement. Regardless, I choose to give myself to You.
To you who can do infinitely more than I could ever imagine, I give my day.
To you who knows me better than I know myself, I give my heart.
To you who is perfect love, I receive.
I live, I breathe, I humble myself, I trust, I step in faith, I hope, I look forward...to you.

repost reminder

SOAR

I have always been fascinated by birds. I love to watch them in the wild. I love to listen to their song. I am especially fascinated by flocks and how they soar and dive in unison. Isaiah 40:31 is one of my favourite verses in the Bible....They will soar on wings like eagles...They will soar...I occasionally have dreams of being able to fly...it is wonderful, I don't want to wake up - I just want to continue to soar.

Over the past few months, my interest in birds has led me to the ancient art of falconry. I was thinking about getting involved in this hunting technique which utilizes such birds as falcons, hawks, eagles, and even buzzards. Unfortunately, I live in the city on an 80x120 lot that is not conducive to keeping hunting birds. However, there is a place not far from here where you can learn the art of falconry using their birds. It is a good introductory program for people like me, who have an interest, but want to get a better feel for the art before committing to investing in a hunter. Which is a serious matter. These birds are not pets and require regular training and proper housing and care.

Falconry is defined as the art or sport of hunting wild quarry with a trained bird of prey. You can find out more about falconry here and here if your curious. If not, carry on reading because I want to challenge you.

I challenge you to do something you have never done before, something motivated by a passion of yours...go ahead, pick something...challenge yourself - Go beyond what you have done before or never have done, silly or serious. Try something new. Take a photography course, host a black tie event, snowboard, take a helicopter ride, dye your hair red, build a canoe or an orphanage....And let me know how you make out. I will keep you updated on how I make out with the falconry...

Now go....and SOAR!

Quiet...Will you join us?

You know, this morning I am feeling quiet and peaceful. It is in a place like this that I would sit with my King and reflect upon life...in the distance you can see us approach. Will you join us?

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Matthew 18:19-21 (in Context) Matthew 18 (Whole Chapter)

Communication - Its Not All About You

Its not all about you, you know.

What?! What makes you think I think its all about me?

Well, the last time we spoke, it was all about you.

No, it was not.

Yes, it was. What did you learn about me?

Well...you said you had a blah day. There. That was about you.

Uh-huh...do you know why it was a blah day? Did you ask me that?

...Ye...maybe...Okay, no. But I didn't figure there was much to a "blah day" worth talking about.

Right....so, talking on and on about the track of your snowmobile was worth discussing?

Well, yeah...

For 3 hours straight?!?

It was broken. That was important to me.

And I am not?

Just Personal Thoughts on the New Year

This morning the sun rising was an explosion of oranges against the cool blue of the sky beyond. It was beautiful! I have not been getting up at my usual 6am lately, for some reason I am still exhausted at that time, so I have been getting up around 7...or even 8 - but this must end, school starts tomorrow for all of us.

Lately, I have been feeling very restless. I was looking into moving to BC in the summer when I realized that I really need to step back on this one and seek out the Lord. I have learned over the years that a rushed decision is usually going to give you much head and heart ache, so I pulled back. Wherever the Lord wants me, He will make a way and I do not need to rush to make it happen (Which is in our nature, right? To take things into our own hands and make happen because we think we know best?!)

Anyhow, as I am sitting here this morning, I am wondering what exactly the Lord has in store for me.

2009....A new year....I can't help but think that this will be quite an interesting year for me personally and globally....I didn't make any resolutions simply because I am still working on ones from last year:) But, now, as I sit here, I think I should make at least one new resolution....To be more involved with my girls. Not that I haven't been - it is just that I am seeing how our busy-ness has left us going to do our own thing to relax that does not involve one another. I do my computer stuff, so does Sam, Reena does her thing....and there we are in different parts of the same house lost in our own world while we are here when we could be doing more together. I see this in other families, both the doing their own thing to the detriment of relationship and the doing together to the benefit of each and I have realized that time runs on too quickly when it comes to children and the time they spend under our care as parents, and I really want...really need, to make the most of my time with them. So, this will be my New Year's resolution: to be more involved with my girls...

On that note, I had better go wake them...daylight is a wastin'

God Bless you all (for my friends down south...y'all ;D ) ~mp:)

A Tender Heart...

A tender heart looks up to the sky~

Where are you?

Surely I am here. I have never left you.

A tender heart receives the Truth.

How beautiful you are to Me, my child
He sees me not as I am, but as I am in Him.
You are my precious creation
He sees me as value, as worth.
I love you
He loves me?! Me!

A tender heart gazes into the sky~

Here I am, my King.

I am glad you have come. I have been waiting for you.

A tender heart receives the Truth.

What Value is an Idol?

Of what value is an idol, since a man has carved it? Or an image that teaches lies?

For he who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak.

Woe to him who says to wood, 'Come to life!' Or to lifeless stone, 'Wake up!'

Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.


But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.

Habakkuk 2:18-20

What is the idol that captivates your heart? Do not let it be so, but always let the Lord reign - in your heart and in your mind. Breathe deep the Life given you and give thanks to our God - Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Let Him reign and He will guide your way to everlasting life. In this world we have many things we hold dear to us, but none compares to Him, to all that He has for us. Be released and go forth in the name of Jesus Christ to bring Glory to Him, to make the Kingdom of God known, here, now. Go. To His Glory!

Happy New Year!!!

Out with the old...

...in with the new

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4

~mp:)