Sunday, March 29, 2009

question/answer?

Who are you to doubt the power of God?
Who are you to question the purpose of the King?
You are naught but His creation
Who are you to seek relationship with Deity?
Who are you to desire understanding?
You are naught but His
Who are you?
Who are you?
...
You are a child of the Living God
born of blood, born by Spirit
born by Mercy
You are His.
Never doubt this.
...
Made for relationship
Made for Him
You do not seek His hand
You seek His face
You seek what He created you for...to know Him, to know Love, to know Him
Do you know Him?
Did you not know that He Is and all that you want
I AM - Spirit - Jesus - God - Life - Love - [words cannot express]

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Friends...

What do you get when you cross:

Gummi Bunnies, Smarties, Mike 'n Ikes, Lemon and Orange Slices, Sour Keys, Tootsie Rolls, Watermelon Slices, Grapefruit Slices, Fireballs, Sour Gummies, Sour Gumballs, and Toxic Waste, mini golf, movies

...and...

Nine 13/14 year olds???



A FANTASTIC TIME!!!

My daughter has some of the most wonderful bunch of friends I have ever had the privilege of knowing. They really care about each other, they laugh and cry together, they discuss world events and how they can make a difference. They tease and anger each other, but they always forgive and move on...it is a great thing to witness as these "children" move into adulthood.

I stand back and watch this interaction with a sense of accomplishment as a parent and with a bit of envy.

Kids seem to make and retain friends in an unconditional manner; whereas, adults tend to put so many conditions on friendships. We guard ourselves against hurt with fear in the driver's seat of our relationships (or lack of). Children don't hold back, and more often than not, engage in friendships with a pure, fearless heart.

I think of the scripture that talks about Jesus telling us that we must become like little children to enter into the kingdom of heaven -Matthew 18:3

Childlike faith, pure, fearless love...

When I consider the many people I interact with through out the day, and I think about the friendships I have, I cannot help but wonder how many wonderful souls I am shutting out because of my own insecurities.

There seems to be degrees of friendships in our adult culture as we rate how much we can trust our hearts in the hands of others; however, I think that if we take on that childlike faith, pure, fearless love and prayerfully allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, we would have many more friendships and many more opportunities to share the Truth and Love of Jesus Christ. I look at how my daughter interacts with her friends, how she shares Jesus more indirectly by her fearlessness to be a friend, despite differences, and how there is this beauty that contagiously emanates from this group impacting others "outside" this group...something you might expect from a bunch of born-again believers, but rarely see manifested. (That, I believe, is changing though - and I am overjoyed about it!)

Look - we can learn many lessons from children. I know that people can and do take advantage of children and those with childlike faith - we all know that. I want to encourage us to gird ourselves with the Love and Truth of Jesus Christ, and with the security of knowing that we belong to the King. Our identity is in Him and because of that, though we should be wise in our interactions with others (wise doesn't mean guarded out of fear), we should not be afraid to make friends and be a friend.

Right now, in my basement, are a wonderful bunch of friends laughing and singing karaoke without a care in the world - It brings my heart great joy to hear this...I hope to hear it more and more.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

You Are...

See this tree beginning a new life?
It rises on the remains of another tree - years later.
The beauty of this single green life is priceless.
It is beautiful and unique.
It has its own special place in the function and form of the forest.
Birds and creatures of a great variety will benefit from the life of this tree.

When was the last time you looked at a tree? Considered its life, its contribution, its beauty?

Now, when was the last time you looked at yourself in the same manner that I have presented above?

Do you realize that you are priceless, unique, beautiful in the eyes of God?

I cannot emphasize this enough. In this world, we are told directly and indirectly that we don't have worth, that we aren't (good, pretty/handsome, smart, etc.) enough, and there is this habit we have of labeling people (geek, hyper, do-gooder, drunk, metrosexual, born-again, etc.) for better or for worse - often times - worse.

The ironic thing to all of this is that, many a time, when you attempt to affirm others, they do not know how to respond. They brush off the affirmation as though it really could not pertain to them. What they have chosen to believe about themselves tends to be a far cry from the truth that has been hidden away beneath layers of self-preservation. If a person is told they are something (stupid, smart, beautiful, funny, musical, etc.) long enough, they will believe it and live it. And often time what they live and believe is a lie reinforced by the insecurities of others.

I want to be a person who speaks Truth and Life. I look around and see this savage battle we are in that sucks the life out of so many of us day in and day out - and I know that though I cannot necessarily fight in place of the individual, I can help build up their artillery...with words of Truth, Love, and Life...

You are created by God, in His image, for His Glory, by His Love - You are priceless, a treasure in God's own heart. You have purpose. There is a beauty in you that is yours alone, unique and wonderful, magnificent even! Let the Light and Love of Jesus Christ shine through you. Don't hold back the Truth!

Everyone has worth; Everyone has potential.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Assuming

Have you ever heard that saying that to "assume" makes an "ass" out of "u" and "me"?

How many times have you made assumptions about people and circumstances that have ended up being to your embarrassment?

I know I have done this many a time in the past and I have since tried to be self-aware so as to prevent myself from coming to faulty conclusions. Often, unfortunately, we tend to have a habit of feeding our own beliefs, biases, desires about things and people whether they are fact or fiction.

For example, you see a person you know coming in your direction and you are waiting for them to greet you, but they don't, they walk right on by, not even seeming to notice you. You start to make assumptions....perhaps you think that the reason why that person didn't greet you was because you are unlikeable....

Wait!....You're not?? I mean, you are likeable? You didn't offend them did you? ...No? Hmmmm...

Then why would you get all in a knot because that person did not greet you this morning? That person might have had something going on in their world that has greatly distracted them. Perhaps they need your prayer, not your insecurities?

Assuming can destroy friendships, marriages...any relationship. Assuming tends to be more destructive than constructive, ever noticed that? We tend to assume the worst instead of the best.

Remember in Acts 16 when the jailer assumed the prisoners had all taken off - That guy made a wrong assumption and was about to commit suicide! Thank Goodness that Paul spoke up to the Glory of God or that story may have had a very different ending!

My point is: assuming - don't do it. Don't make assumptions about people's motives to the detriment of your own heart, your own well-being. People do things for many varied reasons - right or wrong. Take your concern to prayer. Confront the person if you must (but in a Christ-like manner). Give the person the benefit of the doubt. Everyone has a story, everyone loses themselves in another world, everyone has bad days, everyone is fighting a battle. And remember, most often, assuming makes an ass out of u and me.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Words Exploring

Words exploring...it has been interesting...

Seasons
Poems
Thoughts
Scripture
Dreams
Emotions
Encouragement
....wandering here and there, learning as I go.
Learning about me, about you, about God...

There is a great adventure with words as my path, but more than that...words transformed into this and that, him and her, here and there...and then...

There are such that words I know cannot describe.
The Spirit speaks in and through - I am learning a new language
A language with dimensions more than 1, 2, or 3...that require more than my than my ears to hear and my mouth to respond - if I can respond at all...

Words exploring...the adventure continues...

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. John 1

Saturday, March 21, 2009

You. Him. One.

Do not be afraid.
Fear has no place in your heart.
Be filled with the strength of the Lord - His Spirit one with yours.
Do not be afraid.

Look to our King.
His leadership is trustworthy.
Commit your ways to Him - in all you do, seek to honour Him.
Look to our King.

Take courage.
Gird yourself with the armour of God.
The Truth, the Word...Him.
Let His promises run deep through your being and understand - He is faithful.
He will do it.
Take courage.

You. Him. One.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Trying Times

Well, things have been a little busy in the past week or so. I am looking forward to April...I have much to do on the home front and spring is finally here!!! Oh, the glorious sunshine!!! And the birds! I love to listen to the songs of the birds and watch them flit and fly about. One morning, this week past, I was out walking around 6:40 am, the sun was just beginning to wake the day, when a large flock of Canadian geese in their V-formation flew by, honking their song as they went. It was a fantastic sight and a wonderful start to my day.

Many opportunities have presented themselves over the past few weeks and now I have decided upon which doors to enter and which doors to close...for now. It has been a little intimidating...as I have expressed previously, deciding to go with one decision over another, not knowing whether it was the best decision, taunts me. I have made decisions in the past that I thought were good/right decisions and I, in the end, wished I had not made them. What I am learning is that I am responsible for the decisions I make and I need to make the most of the decisions I choose. God will work with me to smooth out the details, and I am to walk with Him.

That being said, I look forward to this upcoming season. And whatever anxieties I may face, I will hand over to God.

These days are trying for many of us, and I would like to encourage you to not become hopeless or weighed down to the point of exhaustion mentally, emotionally, physically, or spiritually.
~Take the time to inquire of the Lord around your circumstances.
~Count your blessings - really - thank God for even the little things - with a sincere heart!
~Sing. Sing a song out loud.
~Laugh - read the funnies or Google laughing babies on Youtube...laugh with them...
~Allow yourself to weep or cry. Don't hold on to the frustration - let it go.
~Go for a walk or a run. Exercise.
~Eat healthy - avoid (like the plague) foods with empty nutritional value - (You know, all the "comfort" foods - pop, chips, candy, etc.)
~Reach out to others (not to strangle them either... :) ) Offer to help others with whatever you can. Always remember: There are always others better and better off than you AND there are always others worse and worse off than you!!!

...And as I alluded to: cast your burdens onto Jesus, for He cares for you.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

To My SamD...


Wednesday, March 18, 2009

You are a part of All!

When you make a decision, you set the course of your life in that moment. When Jesus decided not to rush over to Martha and Mary's when Lazarus died, He set in motion events that would lead to a greater revelation of the power of God, His Mercy, and His Love....and we receive a glimpse of our God's heart for His creation. Jesus wept. ...Jesus, once more was deeply moved...

Now, this is just a personal opinion, but I prefer the word "weep" over the word "cry" in most instances. To me weeping suggests sincerity of emotion with less drama; whereas, when I hear the word cry, I tend to picture an exaggerated child-like response. I am thinking drama.

When I read about Jesus weeping, my heart becomes tender. I wonder what it was that moved Him so. What was he thinking? I mean, He knew Lazarus would be raised from the dead, didn't He? Why was Jesus crying? Was if for the people around Him, for their apparent loss? For their spiritual state of being? For what Lazarus was going through in death? Was Jesus weeping because He had a sense of His future? Was the moment just so overwhelming that Jesus, in His humanity got caught up in the moment that was filled already with mourning?

It would seem that everybody and their brother who studies this passage asks the question of why Jesus wept - and though we would like to have the answer dry and pat, it will be a bit of a mystery until such a time as Jesus speaks directly to our inquiry.

One thing we can be sure of is that Jesus was not afraid to let His tears flow - publicly even!

His show of emotion, I think, also endears us to Him. Knowing that our God weeps when we weep is reassuring. He relates to us on our level. This is comforting because it reinforces that our God is a personal God, not some untouchable, far off entity of unimaginable presence and power (although He is that too...). Our God, our Saviour cares about us at our level, sincerely, and passionately.

Jesus' decision to wait before tending to Mary and Martha revealed a greater, more intimate response to the needs of more than just Mary and Martha, but also Lazarus, each of the witnesses in attendance, the disciples, and then all those who heard or have read this great occurrence since...basically all mankind. Go figure. God's plan was not just for a few that He cared about, but rather His plan was a masterpiece to benefit all...All...not just a few.

By-the-way, you are part of All!

Romans 8:28 [ More Than Conquerors ] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:27-29 (in Context) Romans 8 (Whole Chapter)

The story of Lazarus can be found in John 11 - Read it for yourself :)

cry
c.1225, from O.Fr. crier, from L. quiritare "to wail, shriek," var. of quirritare "to squeal like a pig," from *quis, echoic of squealing, despite ancient folk etymology that traces it to "call for the help of the Quirites," the Roman constabulary. The meaning was extended 13c. to weep, which it largely replaced by 16c. Most languages, like Eng., use the general word for "cry out, shout, wail" to also mean "weep, shed tears to express pain or grief." Romance and Slavic, however, use words for this whose ultimate meaning is "beat (the breast)," cf. Fr. pleurer, Sp. llorar, both from L. plorare "cry aloud," but probably originally plodere "beat, clap the hands." Also It. piangere (cognate with Fr. plaindre "lament, pity") from L. plangere, originally "beat," but especially of the breast, as a sign of grief. Crybaby is first recorded 1851, Amer.Eng. U.S. colloquial for crying out loud is 1924, probably another euphemism for for Christ's sake.

weep (v.)
O.E. wepan "shed tears, cry" (class VII strong verb; past tense weop, pp. wopen), from P.Gmc. *wopijanan (cf. O.N. op, O.H.G. wuof "shout, shouting, crying," O.S. wopian, Goth. wopjan "to shout, cry out, weep"). No certain cognates outside Gmc. Weepy first attested 1825. Weeping willow (cf. Fr. saule pleureur, Ger. trauerweide) is recorded from 1731. The tree is native to Asia; the first brought to England were imported 1748, from the Euphrates. Replaced cypress as a funerary emblem.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

A Change in Plans...?


~
John 3:8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.
John 3:7-9 (in Context) John 3 (Whole Chapter)
~

today

Today, look to God for all your needs. Be joyful and thankful, honouring Him with what you do and say! Stand tall and give honour to our King...our Saviour! Grace and Peace, smiles and blessings...
~mp

He will provide.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Psalm 17...

~

Psalm 17:14 O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children.
Psalm 17:13-15 (in Context) Psalm 17 (Whole Chapter)

~

I had a dream of a man...

I had a dream of a man. I was living in his house and went down for a midnight drink of water. The man was not at home, or so I thought. As I gazed out the kitchen window at the night sky, I thanked the Lord for the peaceful beauty of the star filled night. Sensing that I was not alone, I turned. There he was, sitting on the couch quietly, watching me. Though I could not see his face, I knew there was something wrong. I got the impression that he felt defeated. As I drew closer to him, I could see that he had been physically beaten. He had a black eye and cuts and bruising around his jaw. He had been taunted and ridiculed and abused. Defeat was gaining ground in his heart to the point of apathy. My heart was broken. I immediately began to tend to his wounds, to his well being. "Let me help you," I said. But he refused with silence. He appeared confused before he began to weep and then into my arms he came. Weeping from deep within. I held him gently as he cried...Somehow I knew all would be made well.

Listen and Hear

My King, my Lord, how long has it been since I lay in your arms? Listening silently to your Presence? Focusing on You in all that I do has been a challenge at times this week. This morning when I got up, I saw where you hung the moon...it was beautiful against the dawning sky. Thank you for pointing it out to me. It reminded me of how You delight in giving gifts...I wonder how many gifts You have given that others (and I) have overlooked and missed out on...You are the Great Giver though, I believe we will have another opportunity to receive all that You have for us, mercifully, You are generous. Oh! I must thank you again for the waking song of the cardinal...I smile every day that I awaken to his song, knowing You placed him there for me and all who will listen to hear - to listen and hear...


Isaiah 45:12 It is I who made the earth and created mankind upon it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts.
Isaiah 45:11-13 (in Context) Isaiah 45 (Whole Chapter)


Revelation 4:11 "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 4:10-11 (in Context) Revelation 4 (Whole Chapter)

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Choices...


If i go this way...what will I see?
If i go that way...who will I meet?
If i go this way or that will I miss my one chance?
Choices of sense, of love, of desire...
Choices.

Far too often we are faced with choices that we feel will make us or break us, but we don't know which the choices are...so we take a chance. Usually a calculated chance. Weighing the pros and cons. Sometimes we pray about it...sometimes. And sometimes, it seems like our prayers are for naught...it seems...

Will i miss out on my heart's true desire?
Will i lose the opportunity of a lifetime?
Will i regret the decision i make?
Choices of sense, of love, of fear...
Choices.

Choices...

Proverbs 31 - Read Again?

The words below may be very familiar to some, especially verses 10-31; however, I would encourage you to prayerfully read through them again - not breezing through, but allowing each sentence to speak to your heart. Let the Holy Spirit give you a lesson in understanding this day as you listen to Him while you read and ponder these words.

Proverbs 31 (New International Version)

1 The sayings of King Lemuel—an oracle [a] his mother taught him:
2 "O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, [b]
3 do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.
4 "It is not for kings, O Lemuel—not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,
5 lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
6 Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish;
7 let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
8 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
10 [c] A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Footnotes:
Proverbs 31:1 Or of Lemuel king of Massa, which
Proverbs 31:2 Or / the answer to my prayers
Proverbs 31:10 Verses 10-31 are an acrostic, each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet

May God Bless your day with His Presence and His Wisdom, all to His Glory.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Romans 8:1-4 (The Message)

The Solution Is Life on God's Terms

With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.

God went for the jugular when he sent his own Son. He didn't deal with the problem as something remote and unimportant. In his Son, Jesus, he personally took on the human condition, entered the disordered mess of struggling humanity in order to set it right once and for all. The law code, weakened as it always was by fractured human nature, could never have done that.

The law always ended up being used as a Band-Aid on sin instead of a deep healing of it. And now what the law code asked for but we couldn't deliver is accomplished as we, instead of redoubling our own efforts, simply embrace what the Spirit is doing in us.

For more read here... Romans 8

...I love this version!! ~mp:)

Monday, March 9, 2009

SPOTLIGHT ~ David Hayward ~

'CLIMBING' BY DAVID HAYWARD

I thought I would take time over the next little while to spotlight certain entrepreneurs that I appreciate...I would like to start with David Hayward...a great artist, whose work offers an insight into the contemplative artistic side of this talented man -You may also know him as the Nakedpastor - a man unafraid to expose himself....(He also has a great sense of humour.)

David has many God-given gifts and his art work is just one of them. He works mainly in ink, watercolour, and acrylic - He also has a line of T-Shirts with his artistic touch!

If you appreciate art at all, I would encourage you to check out David's inspirations - He ships anywhere in the world!

By-the-way, the work above titled "Climbing" is in my collection... :D

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Till We Have Faces


"The complaint was the answer. To have heard myself making it was to be answered. Lightly men talk of saying what they mean. Often when he was teaching me to write in Greek the Fox would say, "Child, to say the very thing you really mean, the whole of it, nothing more or less or other than what you really mean; that's the whole art and joy of words." A glib saying. When the time comes to you at which you will be forced at last to utter the speech which has lain at the center of you soul for years, which you have, all that time, idiot-like, been saying over and over, you'll not talk about joy of words. I saw well why the gods do not speak to us openly, nor let us answer. Till that word can be dug out of us, why should they hear the babble that we think we mean? How can they meet us face to face till we have faces?"

~C.S. Lewis

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Hold On...

When the Spirit said, "Hold on, things are going to get bumpy," I embraced it for what it was...or so I thought. Since then; however, things have gotten bumpy and bumpier and now I am sincerely seeking out that place, that person, that gives me a sense of protection, security, and comfort.

Now, one would think, after saying that, that I went straight to Jesus. Well, yes and no. I prayed over certain things, but I went looking elsewhere for the comfort I was longing for (and still am longing for)...as you can read, it didn't happen...finding comfort, that is...

I wrote the following many months before. I was in a position where this concept of being safe was weighing heavily upon me and after this week past, the words I started to write below, come to mind.
~

Safe....what does it mean to be safe to you? When I think about safety, it goes beyond the physical and includes the emotional and the spiritual. - I am a physically strong woman...mostly genetics, and because of my workout regimen. Growing up, I was surrounded by strong, muscular uncles, and aunts that could hold their own (my mom is the eldest of 9 siblings - 5 girls and 4 boys). My mom's father, who I called 'Poppa' was, also, a physically strong man. I always felt safe in my Poppa's arms. He passed away November 28th, 1994 - I was there...I cried then...and I still cry on occasion when I want to feel safe in his strong arms again when my world feels unsafe. You see, my Poppa was about the only man I have ever felt unconditionally safe with; I felt protected in his presence. And, even though my Poppa was not an overtly emotional man, even my emotional distress was calmed by his smile or a word of acknowledgement.


As I was reminiscing about my Poppa and the safety in strength and emotion he provided for me, my heart took a turn to the topic of spiritual safety. I know Poppa believed in God, but I do not know much about what he believed about God...how much he trusted God. In the past few months, I have encountered people who are having trouble trusting God to work in their relationships, their finances, their children's safety/salvation. They question whether or not they can trust God with what they hold most dear to them.

There have been times when I, too, have doubted God. I did not feel I could trust Him with my problems, my concerns, my wants. I did not feel safe. I wanted someone to come around me, wrap me in their arms and tell me with full confidence that everything would be okay. I wanted the reality of a person I respected and cared for to be present with me in that moment. I wanted their gentle, affirming touch. I wanted them to speak the words that my heart desired to hear..."You are safe. I care. I will not let you get hurt. Everything is going to work out."

I was in essence, questioning what I believed about God. I did not believe God could provide for me the security I felt I needed. Do you see the theme in what I desired? Gentle touch, gentle words...to me that was what I considered safety, security. What I missed was the harm that was avoided - the hand of God that kept me spiritually safe. I could not see beyond the physical and emotional...

~

When I look back on what I wrote, I still see the struggle of what I face today. I am not "too feminist" (...at all) to admit that I desire to be protected...protected by a man. But there are times when there is not a man around who could provide the protection, the security, and the comfort I need...except Jesus.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Words in Season

tenderness
gentle
green
love
wind
scorching sun
rising
regal warrior
choices
Jesus
Hosea
water
purpose
reliance
picture
Song of Solomon

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Lord of my Life

As I was scrolling through some of my favourite blog sites this morning, I came across this posting on Morning Coffee with Renae which spoke to this scripture:

Mark 15:29-32 (NIV)
Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!"
In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! Let this Christ,[
a] this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. Mark 15

As I got to pondering these words, I wondered to myself how I would respond as I walked by Jesus hanging on the cross. At this point in my walk, I decided, I would be heartbroken to see His body hanging battered and bruised beyond recognition...In fact, I would probably be outraged...but I know who He is and what He is doing, so I would probably flank myself as close to the cross as possible with my face to the ground and weep - and I am thinking that it would be more than just a bitter weeping, but a deep groan of absolute brokenness that would pour forth uncontrollably from my body. That's my Saviour, my King, my Love hanging there....

A number of years ago; however, I could easily see myself walking right past the cross with little more than an attitude of disgust and a desire to get as far away from Jesus hanging on the cross as possible.

There was a time when I walked away from God. I was so angry at Him! He had failed me and failed me...or so I thought. The reality was that I really did not know God. I knew of Him, but I had a very shallow relationship with Him and to me, He was more of a 'genie' than the Saviour of my soul.

Yet, He is a relentless God of great patience and infinite love....

Mercifully, He did not give up on me and He worked things together such that I would come to know Him better and better. The Truth of who He is, of what He is...

He is not the 'genie' to my cater to my whim...He owes me nothing. I owe Him everything.

I attempt each day, to focus on Him and to offer my body as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-3) to the Lord and Saviour of my life - Jesus Christ.
Today, I give thanks to Jesus for enduring the cross - a gratefulness that is really quite insufficient to the One who saved me from my sin and set me free...Thank-you Jesus.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Feed My Sheep

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"

He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. ~John 21:15-17


Feed My Sheep
I would give my all to God
My life is in God’s hands
I would do a mighty work
Across the foreign lands
But God gently said to me
Feed my lambs
If God asked to give to him
My wealth or riches deep
I’d obey his every wish
Each promise I would keep
But God calmly said to me
Tend my sheep
Every mountain I would climb
However high or steep
Every canyon I would cross
However wide or deep
But God softly said to me
Feed my sheep
~by David Humpal

Monday, March 2, 2009

My Heart is Broken

This beautiful child - who are you? where did you go? will you not see the truth? You are fading away......
Yes, you are human, you are not a monster. You have so much potential - you must want help, you must ask...

Dear little one, you are so precious.

Will you work with us, let us help you?

My heart is broken to see you this way. Your perception is skewed - a refracted sight.

Oh dear one, if you could hear my heart cry...the sound of mournful weeping and wailing would haunt your day.

Hear me, precious child...Oh Dear God, let her hear. Save her from this life-sucking-demon...please...

Beautiful child, my prayers for you will continue - your image haunts my mind.

Don't give up...please keep trying...

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Happy March 1st! ???

Happy March 1st!!!
Today is the first day of the rest of my life....actually, I have decided that as of today, I will begin to move toward some new goals:

1) I am aiming to change my diet from that of apple strudel and chocolate frogs to a healthier menu of veggies and water....

2) I am going to limit my time on the computer, decreasing it from 12 hours a day to only 8 hours (a stretch I know...but I believe it is possible) - this will help with my tennis elbow or so I am told...

3) I am going to remove my derriere from my chair (with all that extra free time now) and get more exercise (and maybe walk the dog - she's getting a little soft too)....

4) I am going to learn how to type the accent agu and accent grave and I am thinking I will even attempt the cedille, might as well eh?! (Watch my blog for the changes :D )....

5) I am going to....
~
Seriously, I do need to change a few habits that I didn't even realize had become habits until recently. They have crept into my thinking and doing (or not doing) over the past several months and I now recognize them as being detrimental to my well-being. I spend a lot of time encouraging others on living a healthy (body, mind, and spirit) lifestyle and here I am contradicting my own advice.

Walk the walk you talk right?!

Anyhow, March 1st seemed to be as good a day as any to introduce some new resolutions, new habits, new goals into my life and so, here I am.

First though, I resolve to start my day always with a grateful heart...

~

Habit is something you can do without thinking, which is why most of us have so many of them. ~Frank Clark

Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing. ~Vincent Lombardi

Correcting bad habits cannot be done by forbidding or punishment. ~Sir Robert Baden-Powell

Habit is a man's sole comfort. We dislike doing without even unpleasant things to which we have become accustomed. ~Goethe

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 3:14

Featured Post

They Did Not Realize

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. ~John 21:4