We have a small heart-shaped wooden plaque that reads, "All hearts go home for Christmas." Those six little words have long resonated within me as I've wondered--- where do the people, the hearts, go who have no home at Christmas? Where is home for them?
Created in the image of God, God himself has placed within our hearts a home, a home with hearth fires burning and a taste of sweet goodness. For no matter where we are in the world, our place or situation, God always extends the warmth of His love as He patiently keeps the home fire burning.
I believe St. Augustine got it right when he said, "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you."
May this be the Christmas our hearts find our home in our Savior, Christ the Lord.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
The Holy Quest
From an Advent devotional by Joel Heck, a story regarding King Arthur, Lancelot and the quest for the Holy Grail: C. S. Lewis, A Grand Miracle
Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? Matthew 2:2
Lancelot's quest began in Advent, and our quest, our preparation for Christmas, likewise begins in Advent. And like the Wise Men preparing for their quest, we need to set out to find our King, the Christ Child. When we begin our Advent season with Scripture and seek the Holy Christ rather than the Holy Grail, we are choosing wisely.
God grant us wisdom to choose thoughtfully our preparation for your coming in Jesus. Amen.
Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? Matthew 2:2
Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? Matthew 2:2
Lancelot's quest began in Advent, and our quest, our preparation for Christmas, likewise begins in Advent. And like the Wise Men preparing for their quest, we need to set out to find our King, the Christ Child. When we begin our Advent season with Scripture and seek the Holy Christ rather than the Holy Grail, we are choosing wisely.
God grant us wisdom to choose thoughtfully our preparation for your coming in Jesus. Amen.
Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? Matthew 2:2
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The Sparkle of Christ's Love
It’s late fall; the air is crisp and cool. It’s 44 degrees on my front porch and the breeze is invigorating. Often we think of the goodness of God through the blossoming of spring. But God also shares His goodness to us in the sweet, crisp days of winter. Listen to what He says to Job in chapter 38 verses 28-30.
“Does the rain have a father? Who gives birth to the dew? Who is the mother of ice? Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens? For the water turns to ice as hard as rock and the surface of the water freezes.”
Christ, the creator of all things, shares with us the beauty, the birth, of water freezing into delicate ice crystals that twinkle when lit by the sun. Jesus, the Son shines on even the most frozen day making it sparkle with the goodness of His love.
To God be the Glory! Amen.
“Does the rain have a father? Who gives birth to the dew? Who is the mother of ice? Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens? For the water turns to ice as hard as rock and the surface of the water freezes.”
Christ, the creator of all things, shares with us the beauty, the birth, of water freezing into delicate ice crystals that twinkle when lit by the sun. Jesus, the Son shines on even the most frozen day making it sparkle with the goodness of His love.
To God be the Glory! Amen.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Peace Prayer of Saint Francis
The days wane quickly, darkness covering the day in such a short time. Even the darkness of depression waxes and wanes but the abiding light of Jesus, the Living Light, infuses the darkness with hope. Regardless of one's state of mind the prayer of St. Francis can be manifested in the life of the Christian. As this Advent season begins it is the prayer of peace that helps to sustain me in the darkness and gives life through the ever-present Light making me an instrument of God's love.
The Peace Prayer of Saint Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Hearing God's Voice in the Wind
I like to listen for God's voice in the wind. Sitting on my front porch when the breeze blows puts me in a certain mindset that helps me to listen more readily for His voice speaking to my heart.
Most of the time the things I hear are whispered words of loving assurance. Today was no exception. I am learning in these quiet times with Him that no service is too small. Each person I serve brings Him joy. Loving my husband and children in the best way I can is every bit as important as ministering to other people.
Loving my family with the love of Christ is the first love. Listening to my husband, my son, my daughters speak their most heartfelt desires, sharing their doubts and fears, is the most precious gift I have to give. In serving my family I serve my Lord.
To God be the Glory! Amen.
Most of the time the things I hear are whispered words of loving assurance. Today was no exception. I am learning in these quiet times with Him that no service is too small. Each person I serve brings Him joy. Loving my husband and children in the best way I can is every bit as important as ministering to other people.
Loving my family with the love of Christ is the first love. Listening to my husband, my son, my daughters speak their most heartfelt desires, sharing their doubts and fears, is the most precious gift I have to give. In serving my family I serve my Lord.
To God be the Glory! Amen.
Monday, September 20, 2010
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever. Psalm 30:11-12 NIV
How strange that I can write on this blog that, hopefully, someone other than me is reading but it's extremely difficult to voice these thoughts and feelings to the people I love the most.
Jesus woke me early this morning and I had a thought I just had to get up and share regarding depression. That was a few minutes ago. Now I've forgotten it. I haven't forgotten this one thing, though. That even if I make my bed in hell, sweet Lord God, You are there. (Psalm 139:8).
Holding a thought is almost as difficult as holding sand in a spaghetti strainer. It's gives me the tateds (agitated, irritated, and frustrated). However, each moment brings me one breath closer to You, sweet Lord, regardless of the tateds. Your love infinitely holds all that I am even thoughts that flee like the wind.
To God Be the Glory! Amen.
How strange that I can write on this blog that, hopefully, someone other than me is reading but it's extremely difficult to voice these thoughts and feelings to the people I love the most.
Jesus woke me early this morning and I had a thought I just had to get up and share regarding depression. That was a few minutes ago. Now I've forgotten it. I haven't forgotten this one thing, though. That even if I make my bed in hell, sweet Lord God, You are there. (Psalm 139:8).
Holding a thought is almost as difficult as holding sand in a spaghetti strainer. It's gives me the tateds (agitated, irritated, and frustrated). However, each moment brings me one breath closer to You, sweet Lord, regardless of the tateds. Your love infinitely holds all that I am even thoughts that flee like the wind.
To God Be the Glory! Amen.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Living in Darkness
"...The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." Matthew 4:16 NIV
Most of us from time to time have felt a little "blue," or, "down in the dumps." We know this feeling is temporary and will go away in its own good time as we continue the routine of daily life.
For some people, however, this is not simply a feeling that goes away. It's an overwhelming sense of darkness shadowing every aspect of life. The darkness has a name---clinical depression.
A shameful thing, clinical depression not only is darkness but its very existence has to be kept hidden in the shadows. Depression is something folks whisper about behind their hand. It's odd to me, but I have never heard one prayer request for someone with a debilitating mental illness or sickness of the soul. But a severe physical illness will get you front page on the prayer request bulletin.
Clinical depression can kill as quickly as cancer and with far less compassion. Yet, there IS good news. Jesus came to shine the light of His love in every nook and cranny. Even the shadows of depression cannot resist the the dawning light of the Savior.
And even though we will experience all manner of sickness, trouble, and heartache this side of heaven, sufferers of clinical depression "wait for the blessed hope---the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:13 NIV). His light dispels all darkness, including the shadows of clinical depression.
To God Be the Glory! Amen.
Most of us from time to time have felt a little "blue," or, "down in the dumps." We know this feeling is temporary and will go away in its own good time as we continue the routine of daily life.
For some people, however, this is not simply a feeling that goes away. It's an overwhelming sense of darkness shadowing every aspect of life. The darkness has a name---clinical depression.
A shameful thing, clinical depression not only is darkness but its very existence has to be kept hidden in the shadows. Depression is something folks whisper about behind their hand. It's odd to me, but I have never heard one prayer request for someone with a debilitating mental illness or sickness of the soul. But a severe physical illness will get you front page on the prayer request bulletin.
Clinical depression can kill as quickly as cancer and with far less compassion. Yet, there IS good news. Jesus came to shine the light of His love in every nook and cranny. Even the shadows of depression cannot resist the the dawning light of the Savior.
And even though we will experience all manner of sickness, trouble, and heartache this side of heaven, sufferers of clinical depression "wait for the blessed hope---the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:13 NIV). His light dispels all darkness, including the shadows of clinical depression.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
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| Lake Chatuge |
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Sometimes when the pressure is just too much my sweet husband, Michael C., and I find ourselves longing for peace and quiet. We've been several places over the years but have found ourselves getting closer and closer to home.
We used to enjoy the road trip and still do if the road trip is less than four hours. Anything longer simply makes me irritable which doesn't add to our driving pleasure, if you know what I mean.
For the time being the perfect spot for us is a little cove in the mountains of northeast Georgia on Lake Chatuge. When we get there we tend to reflect on the goodness of God and all His blessings to us. It is a time to simply be and enjoy being in the presence of God with each other. (They also have boiled peanuts which I cannot stop eating once I start!).
We just got back from there as a matter of fact. Refreshed and ready to go again we resume our daily lives. I know the peace of God which transcends all understanding guards my heart and mind in Jesus. Sometimes, though, I just need a sweet place to settle in and listen for His whispered words of peace and love.
To God be the Glory! Amen.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
God Does Not Want You to Destroy Yourself
From The Inner Voice of Love by Henri Nouwen
Give every part of your heart and your time to God and let God tell you what to do, where to go, when and how to respond. God does not want you to destroy yourself.
God is gentle and loving. God desires to give you a deep sense of safety in God's love. Once you have fully allowed yourself to experience that love fully, you will be better able to discern who you are being sent to in God's name.
Give every part of your heart and your time to God and let God tell you what to do, where to go, when and how to respond. God does not want you to destroy yourself.
Exhaustion, burnout, and depression are not signs that you are doing God's will.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Vacation---All I Ever Wanted
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation and we have a priceless inheritance---an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. 1 Peter 1:3-5 NLT
Michael C. and I have been counting the days and it is finally here...vacation! We have a time share condo for the 26th week of the year at Daytona Beach where we enjoy friends, fun, sun, and food (lots of food). We are packed and ready to go. We have paid our fees and trust that this week has been saved just for us at Marine Terrace.
We're looking forward with even more anticipation to a vacation that some rarely think about. Our dues have been paid and we trust that a place has been reserved and saved just for us. It's a place that hurricanes can't touch and rust and decay can't destroy. This time share has a beginning date but lasts much longer than one week. Well...it lasts forever!
It not only lasts forever but it's beautiful beyond imagination. The King of that land bought the place for us and all we had to do was believe it. Now we just wait eagerly for that last day when we get to go to that primo destination spot...heaven.
Yes, heaven. The place where King Jesus, who bought our spot for us with His blood, reigns and lives. Heaven...a place where we will live and love forever. O, and food, there will be lots of food, actually there will be a feast of food.
The day of our expectation has arrived---Daytona Beach here we come! And...perhaps, the day of our Great Expectation, the hope of heaven, will be today. For that day is coming soon. Come, Lord Jesus, come!
To God be the Glory! Amen.
Michael C. and I have been counting the days and it is finally here...vacation! We have a time share condo for the 26th week of the year at Daytona Beach where we enjoy friends, fun, sun, and food (lots of food). We are packed and ready to go. We have paid our fees and trust that this week has been saved just for us at Marine Terrace.
We're looking forward with even more anticipation to a vacation that some rarely think about. Our dues have been paid and we trust that a place has been reserved and saved just for us. It's a place that hurricanes can't touch and rust and decay can't destroy. This time share has a beginning date but lasts much longer than one week. Well...it lasts forever!
It not only lasts forever but it's beautiful beyond imagination. The King of that land bought the place for us and all we had to do was believe it. Now we just wait eagerly for that last day when we get to go to that primo destination spot...heaven.
Yes, heaven. The place where King Jesus, who bought our spot for us with His blood, reigns and lives. Heaven...a place where we will live and love forever. O, and food, there will be lots of food, actually there will be a feast of food.
The day of our expectation has arrived---Daytona Beach here we come! And...perhaps, the day of our Great Expectation, the hope of heaven, will be today. For that day is coming soon. Come, Lord Jesus, come!
To God be the Glory! Amen.
Monday, June 14, 2010
I Am With You Always
Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere. Mark 1:45
Ultimately, we are alone. We came into this world alone and will leave this world alone. No human being can come close enough to fill that void within that cries out for companionship. We try to fill the void in many ways. We buy more stuff. We become addicted to substances that are supposed to make us feel better. We schedule every moment of our day hoping to drown out our heart's lonely cry with busy-ness. But in the end we're still alone.
Then...there's Jesus---Jesus Christ, Son of God creator of heaven and earth. Jesus lived and died just as we do with one exception---Jesus is God. Jesus is also a Man and as a man He knows what it like to experience loneliness. Surrounded by crowds of people most of the time, Jesus' need for companionship could not be filled by another human being. How lonely He must have been. There was no other person who could understand someone who was both human and divine.
Isn't that the cry of our heart? We need someone to understand. We have a void that can only be filled by God himself but the gulf between God and people is too great. Then...there's Jesus. In some mysterious way He took our wrongs and shortcomings, our sin, upon Himself and died on a cross. He was human and He died. But (thank God for the "but"), He didn't stay in His grave. He broke the chains of death and despair. He lives! God can finally have the relationship with people that only One who knows what it's like to be human can have.
And that's not all. Hallelujah, people---you and me---can now have a relationship with God through the only Man who has a perfect relationship with the Father. This Man that is God---is Jesus. Jesus is the One, the only one, that can fill the void inside us. We can experience the deep abiding love of God when we trust in Him, Jesus the Christ. In knowing Him, ultimately, we are never alone.
To God Be the Glory! Amen.
Ultimately, we are alone. We came into this world alone and will leave this world alone. No human being can come close enough to fill that void within that cries out for companionship. We try to fill the void in many ways. We buy more stuff. We become addicted to substances that are supposed to make us feel better. We schedule every moment of our day hoping to drown out our heart's lonely cry with busy-ness. But in the end we're still alone.
Then...there's Jesus---Jesus Christ, Son of God creator of heaven and earth. Jesus lived and died just as we do with one exception---Jesus is God. Jesus is also a Man and as a man He knows what it like to experience loneliness. Surrounded by crowds of people most of the time, Jesus' need for companionship could not be filled by another human being. How lonely He must have been. There was no other person who could understand someone who was both human and divine.
Isn't that the cry of our heart? We need someone to understand. We have a void that can only be filled by God himself but the gulf between God and people is too great. Then...there's Jesus. In some mysterious way He took our wrongs and shortcomings, our sin, upon Himself and died on a cross. He was human and He died. But (thank God for the "but"), He didn't stay in His grave. He broke the chains of death and despair. He lives! God can finally have the relationship with people that only One who knows what it's like to be human can have.
And that's not all. Hallelujah, people---you and me---can now have a relationship with God through the only Man who has a perfect relationship with the Father. This Man that is God---is Jesus. Jesus is the One, the only one, that can fill the void inside us. We can experience the deep abiding love of God when we trust in Him, Jesus the Christ. In knowing Him, ultimately, we are never alone.
To God Be the Glory! Amen.
Friday, June 11, 2010
The Dwelling Place
For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: "I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people." 2 Corinthians 6:16 NLT
God saw fit not only to give me everlasting life through Jesus but to actually live His life in my heart. How amazingly incredible that the Dwelling Place of the King of the universe is my heart. Does He dwell in your heart?
Father, today I ask You to quiet my mind so I can hear you and feel you move in my heart. I pray the life I live will reflect Your loving kindness and faithfulness in the way I treat others. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.
To God be the Glory!
God saw fit not only to give me everlasting life through Jesus but to actually live His life in my heart. How amazingly incredible that the Dwelling Place of the King of the universe is my heart. Does He dwell in your heart?
Father, today I ask You to quiet my mind so I can hear you and feel you move in my heart. I pray the life I live will reflect Your loving kindness and faithfulness in the way I treat others. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.
To God be the Glory!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
The Way
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6
Jesus Christ is the personification of Love and the only way to heaven. If I believe him, then I believe to pursue other spiritual paths is to move away from Love not toward love. Many Christians believe that a loving God provides many different paths to Love. Jesus himself says this is not true.
The love of Christ is so great that He gave Himself up to death out of love for you and me. He then arose to Life so that we could experience His great Love forever in His presence.
Therefore, the question is not how a loving God could send someone to hell. The question is how do we respond to the Gift our loving God provided through Jesus. He prepared a way for us to go to heaven.
In the end nothing matters in this life except our response to the Gift. We can accept the Gift of God's Son Jesus or reject Him. What have you done with the Gift?
To God be the Glory! Amen.
Jesus Christ is the personification of Love and the only way to heaven. If I believe him, then I believe to pursue other spiritual paths is to move away from Love not toward love. Many Christians believe that a loving God provides many different paths to Love. Jesus himself says this is not true.
The love of Christ is so great that He gave Himself up to death out of love for you and me. He then arose to Life so that we could experience His great Love forever in His presence.
Therefore, the question is not how a loving God could send someone to hell. The question is how do we respond to the Gift our loving God provided through Jesus. He prepared a way for us to go to heaven.
In the end nothing matters in this life except our response to the Gift. We can accept the Gift of God's Son Jesus or reject Him. What have you done with the Gift?
To God be the Glory! Amen.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Contentment
The fig trees are budding, and the grapevines are in blossom. How delicious they smell! Yes, spring is here! Arise, my beloved, my fair one, and come away.'" Song of Songs 2:13 NLT
Our deck is on the south side of our house where our garden is. That garden receives more affection from my husband, Michael C., than I do. (Just kidding!). He lovingly tends each tiny shoot that rears its head toward the rising sun.
Sitting on the deck yesterday with the warm breeze gently holding me captive, I looked out over the garden at the petunias growing alongside the upside down tomatoes. The confederate jasmine mingled with the scent of honeysuckle and Georgia hedge bush pleasing my senses tremendously.
For a moment, actually quite a few moments, I felt the very real presence of God through the joy of His creation. Contentment---the loving sensual experience from an adoring Father---if only for a moment.
In that moment I was aware of the Holy Spirit of God, Gardner of my Soul, tending His garden within me. For God is the Gardner and He is also the Garden. His Holy Spirit lives within my heart nurturing, pruning,and growing me into His image.
I pray my life will be as fragrant and smell even a tiny bit as sweet as the garden in my backyard.
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To God be the Glory! Amen.
Our deck is on the south side of our house where our garden is. That garden receives more affection from my husband, Michael C., than I do. (Just kidding!). He lovingly tends each tiny shoot that rears its head toward the rising sun.
Sitting on the deck yesterday with the warm breeze gently holding me captive, I looked out over the garden at the petunias growing alongside the upside down tomatoes. The confederate jasmine mingled with the scent of honeysuckle and Georgia hedge bush pleasing my senses tremendously.
For a moment, actually quite a few moments, I felt the very real presence of God through the joy of His creation. Contentment---the loving sensual experience from an adoring Father---if only for a moment.
In that moment I was aware of the Holy Spirit of God, Gardner of my Soul, tending His garden within me. For God is the Gardner and He is also the Garden. His Holy Spirit lives within my heart nurturing, pruning,and growing me into His image.
I pray my life will be as fragrant and smell even a tiny bit as sweet as the garden in my backyard.
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To God be the Glory! Amen.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Come Dine with Me
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will com in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." Revelation 3:20 NKJV
I truly believe that Jesus is coming soon to get those of us who believe in Him and love Him. We will dine with Him, feasting on the bread of life which is the Word of God, Jesus Christ. As a therapist, I tend to analyze most everything I think about to the nth degree. However, no amount of analytical thinking will help me wrap my mind around Jesus being the Word,the bread of Life.
No, my mind just simply cannot fathom this truth. My mind can't, but my heart can. I know in my soul and believe with my heart that Jesus is who He says He is. He is the great I AM the ever present Savior of my soul and Bread of my life. He is the energy Source of my life and the entire universe. He is before all things and in Him all things consist (Colossians 1:17 NKJV).
My heart cries, "Come, Lord Jesus, Come." To God be the Glory! Amen.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
How do we spend our energy?
In John 6:27 Jesus tells us to spend our "energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you." How much thought do we, do I, give to the way I spend my energy?
Having myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder that provides a limited amount of energy to my muscles, causes me to slow down and think about how I use my energy. Recovering from knee surgery adds to the low energy component. So, how can I spend my energy seeking the eternal life that only Jesus can give me?
For one thing, we all know we garner our energy from the food we eat. In this same chapter of John Jesus says, "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35). In order to seek Him I must first feed on Him for He is the bread of life. (You can see why folks in Jesus' day thought His teachings were cannabilistic).
To eat "the bread of life" is to study and learn the word of God, the Bible. Not to just know it but to hide this word in our hearts. Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."
As we grow closer to Christ the Holy Spirit will bring to our minds the Words we have hidden in our hearts. In this way God himself provides the energy we need to seek the eternal life only Jesus can give. God is the power source and God is the energy. To God be the Glory! Amen.
Having myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder that provides a limited amount of energy to my muscles, causes me to slow down and think about how I use my energy. Recovering from knee surgery adds to the low energy component. So, how can I spend my energy seeking the eternal life that only Jesus can give me?
For one thing, we all know we garner our energy from the food we eat. In this same chapter of John Jesus says, "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35). In order to seek Him I must first feed on Him for He is the bread of life. (You can see why folks in Jesus' day thought His teachings were cannabilistic).
To eat "the bread of life" is to study and learn the word of God, the Bible. Not to just know it but to hide this word in our hearts. Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."
As we grow closer to Christ the Holy Spirit will bring to our minds the Words we have hidden in our hearts. In this way God himself provides the energy we need to seek the eternal life only Jesus can give. God is the power source and God is the energy. To God be the Glory! Amen.
Monday, May 10, 2010
from Psalm 103 from The Message
He forgives your sins----every one.
He heals your diseases---every one.
He redeems you from hell---saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy---a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness---beauty eternal.
He renews your youth---you're always young in his presence.
He forgives your sins----every one.
He heals your diseases---every one.
He redeems you from hell---saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy---a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness---beauty eternal.
He renews your youth---you're always young in his presence.
Recovering from Knee Replacement Surgery
On April 29th I had total knee replacement surgery. During this time I have focused on recovery; physical, emotional, and spiritual. You might ask why I left out mental recovery. Well, God willing, that will all fall into place. When God heals us He heals us completely. (Of course, those of you who know me may think I'm a mental basket case, which is probably true...hmmmmm).
As His child in Christ Jesus, God has already completely healed me. The moment I placed my faith in Him I was healed. Living out that healing is something different. We live in a world of "dis-ease" called sin and the cure for this dis-ease, or sin, is Jesus. Jesus has cured me of sin. But until I leave this world I will continue to be affected by sin.
It's kind of like layaway. When I go to Walmart and put something on layaway it belongs to me because I have paid a deposit. When the time comes for me to pick up my layaway I pay it off in full and take my purchase home.
Jesus has bought and paid for me through the Cross but has left me here until the time comes for me to join Him. He has given me His Holy Spirit as a down payment. I'm His, I'm cured, and I have my guarantee in His Holy Spirit. But I still live here in the dis-eased sin world until time comes for Him to pick me up.
So...until Jesus comes for us or we go to be with Him we're still at Walmart, so to speak. The difference is that we have the opportunity to reach out to others for Christ. To continue the Walmart analogy, store items watch the layaway items to see how we, the layaway items, respond to the dis-eased sin world (Walmart). (Please don't misunderstand: Walmart is not sinful).
We, Christians, (or layways), must continue to encourage each other with the fact that our Savior will not leave us nor forsake us. Hopefully, the world (Walmart) will see how we wait for pick up and want what we have. To God be the Glory. Amen.
As His child in Christ Jesus, God has already completely healed me. The moment I placed my faith in Him I was healed. Living out that healing is something different. We live in a world of "dis-ease" called sin and the cure for this dis-ease, or sin, is Jesus. Jesus has cured me of sin. But until I leave this world I will continue to be affected by sin.
It's kind of like layaway. When I go to Walmart and put something on layaway it belongs to me because I have paid a deposit. When the time comes for me to pick up my layaway I pay it off in full and take my purchase home.
Jesus has bought and paid for me through the Cross but has left me here until the time comes for me to join Him. He has given me His Holy Spirit as a down payment. I'm His, I'm cured, and I have my guarantee in His Holy Spirit. But I still live here in the dis-eased sin world until time comes for Him to pick me up.
So...until Jesus comes for us or we go to be with Him we're still at Walmart, so to speak. The difference is that we have the opportunity to reach out to others for Christ. To continue the Walmart analogy, store items watch the layaway items to see how we, the layaway items, respond to the dis-eased sin world (Walmart). (Please don't misunderstand: Walmart is not sinful).
We, Christians, (or layways), must continue to encourage each other with the fact that our Savior will not leave us nor forsake us. Hopefully, the world (Walmart) will see how we wait for pick up and want what we have. To God be the Glory. Amen.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Work Around Your Abyss by Henri Nouwen
The following is an excerpt from Henri Nouwen's book The Inner Voice of Love:
There is a deep hole in your being, like an abyss. You will never succeed in filling that hole, because your needs are inexhaustible. You have to work around it so that gradually the abyss closes.
Since the hole is so enormous and your anguish so deep, you will always be tempted to flee from it. There are two extremes to avoid: being completely absorbed in your pain and being distracted by so many things that you stay far away from the wound you want to heal.
There is a deep hole in your being, like an abyss. You will never succeed in filling that hole, because your needs are inexhaustible. You have to work around it so that gradually the abyss closes.
Since the hole is so enormous and your anguish so deep, you will always be tempted to flee from it. There are two extremes to avoid: being completely absorbed in your pain and being distracted by so many things that you stay far away from the wound you want to heal.
The Wound
When I think of the darkness within my spirit I visualize a gaping, black hole oozing blood, a wound so deep and encompassing I didn't even know it was there. It had become such a part of me that I was completely unaware of its presence. I'm not sure what the catalyst was that awakened within me the presence of this wound. I only know that I feel it now. Not feeling is better for the short term. But I need to feel it for the long term.
When I picture this black hole I realize that Jesus is there. It's His blood covering the pain from the wound because He lives in my heart. He upholds me with His mighty right hand. It is Christ that wants to heal me and shows me I need to be healed. This is a tough journey. But not too tough knowing He will never, ever, leave me nor forsake me. "For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13 NLT).
Writing this blog is cathartic for me but extremely difficult. I'm a very private person and find it hard to share my innermost thoughts and feelings. I do this in the hopes that in some way God will be glorified. All I really want to do is tell people about Jesus. He loves us all so much. I'm so thankful to You, Lord Jesus. Amen.
When I picture this black hole I realize that Jesus is there. It's His blood covering the pain from the wound because He lives in my heart. He upholds me with His mighty right hand. It is Christ that wants to heal me and shows me I need to be healed. This is a tough journey. But not too tough knowing He will never, ever, leave me nor forsake me. "For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13 NLT).
Writing this blog is cathartic for me but extremely difficult. I'm a very private person and find it hard to share my innermost thoughts and feelings. I do this in the hopes that in some way God will be glorified. All I really want to do is tell people about Jesus. He loves us all so much. I'm so thankful to You, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Newnesss of Life
Reflected Light
Just as the sun shines
Brightly on the barren
Surface of the
Moon
Illuminating and shedding
Beauty
On an otherwise
Desolate landscape…
The light of the
Lord Jesus Christ
Illuminates the barren
Soul
Creating beauty and
Life.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 1:4
Just as the sun shines
Brightly on the barren
Surface of the
Moon
Illuminating and shedding
Beauty
On an otherwise
Desolate landscape…
The light of the
Lord Jesus Christ
Illuminates the barren
Soul
Creating beauty and
Life.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 1:4
Reflections on Depression
In Care of the Soul Thomas Moore says," Because depression is one of the faces of the soul, acknowledging it and bringing it into our relationships fosters intimacy. If we deny or cover up anything that is at home in the soul, then we cannot be fully present to others. Hiding the dark places results in a loss of soul..." (p. 125).
From a wellness standpoint I wonder how it is possible to accept depression as a "face of the soul." Our society attempts to eradicate any hint of "sickness" be it mental, physical, emotional, and I daresay, spiritual. Acceptance would then be tantamount to admitting defeat. I believe, true wellness comes from mining the depths of one's own soul with the couraqe to face that part of self that is deemed unlovely.
David Benner in The Gift of Being Yourself puts it this way," Christian spirituality involves acknowledging all our part-selves, exposing them to God's love and letting him weave them into the new person he is making" (p.54).
Like a beautiful tapestry God can take whatever we offer him, any part of who we are, and weave those parts into the very fabric of our soul creating newness of life.
From a wellness standpoint I wonder how it is possible to accept depression as a "face of the soul." Our society attempts to eradicate any hint of "sickness" be it mental, physical, emotional, and I daresay, spiritual. Acceptance would then be tantamount to admitting defeat. I believe, true wellness comes from mining the depths of one's own soul with the couraqe to face that part of self that is deemed unlovely.
David Benner in The Gift of Being Yourself puts it this way," Christian spirituality involves acknowledging all our part-selves, exposing them to God's love and letting him weave them into the new person he is making" (p.54).
Like a beautiful tapestry God can take whatever we offer him, any part of who we are, and weave those parts into the very fabric of our soul creating newness of life.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Joyful in Hope
Treatment for pseudodementia, which is reversible, consists of treating the depression. At this time I am being treated with medications and psychotherapy. One day I think I am completely well and the next day I think I'm losing my mind altogether. My husband, Michael C., is very supportive, loving, and understanding and loves me just as I am. Every one should be so blessed to have a spouse like Michael C.
Sweet Holy Spirit I ask You to make me remember Romans 12:12. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Thank you sweet God for never leaving nor forsaking me.
From: Experience the Ultimate Makeover by Sharon Jaynes
Every spiritual battle is won or lost at the threshold of the mind (p. 105). Becoming aware of what we think is the first step in stopping thoughts that distress, torment, or otherwise terrorize us. I have been fighting a dreadful battle with untreated depression which has resulted in pseudodementia a chemical rather than structural dementia. Please God help me for only You can. And You will. My feelings are not trustworthy. You are trustworthy and have proved this to me many times over. Thank you, Jesus, for loving me when I am not so loveable.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Follow the Pattern
Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.
Exodus 25:9 NIV
One Saturday a few years ago I bought a sewing machine at an auction our church held. I have no earthly idea why. My friend, Tiffany, assured me it was a good brand and even suggested I purchase Sewing for Dummies. Caught up in the excitement of the auction, I purchased the machine; after all, it was for a good cause.
I took sewing in Home Economics at Calhoun High way back when. However, I promised my self after about eight times of ripping out the collar of the dress I was making that this would be my first and final attempt at dressmaking.
Thirty some odd years later I have purchased a sewing machine. Go figure.
Moses may have felt the same amazement when God meticulously and specifically laid out the plans for the Tabernacle after the Israelites made the exodus from Egypt.
The Ark of the Covenant was to house the Law God gave to Moses on the mountaintop. Every measurement, every detail was to be made exactly like the pattern God gave Moses.
Every table, lamp, utensil, and drape was laid out by God in minute detail and was to be fashioned exactly according to the pattern God gave Moses. There were to be no deviations, no shortcuts. God left nothing to the imagination. His pattern was to be followed explicitly.
It really makes you wonder how people believe life on earth developed by chance. However, I digress. Let’s think about patterns.
We use patterns for so many things. Ask any carpenter you know. They will tell you it’s hard to build a house without a blueprint, a pattern. Or what about detectives, who use patterns of behavior to profile criminals?
One of Webster’s definitions for pattern says: prescribed route to be followed by a pass receiver in football. It’s typically difficult for the quarterback to deliver the football if the receiver fails to follow the pattern.
If the football receiver takes a shortcut the pass will be overthrown and could even be caught by a member of the opposing team. Sometimes a shortcut appears to be better, to be easier than following the pattern. There are times when we all want to take shortcuts rather than follow the precise pattern.
God, the Creator, the Savior doesn’t take shortcuts. His pattern for the Tabernacle was specific. His pattern, His plan for our salvation from sin is specific. He took no shortcuts although He could have.
The Lord Jesus Christ followed the prescribed pattern, death on the cross, to save His children that we might be with Him forever. His resurrection from the dead completed the pattern. His children, all those who call on His name for deliverance from sin, benefit from a perfect pattern.
The Lord God has even given us His word as a perfect pattern of love to live by. How can we Christians be pleasing to God if we never study the pattern?
The Israelites completed the Tabernacle with no shortcuts. I guess if I’m going to make me a dress I’ll have to follow the pattern with no shortcuts. I know without a doubt if I’m going to please my Savior I must do the same.
To God Be the Glory! Amen.
Exodus 25:9 NIV
One Saturday a few years ago I bought a sewing machine at an auction our church held. I have no earthly idea why. My friend, Tiffany, assured me it was a good brand and even suggested I purchase Sewing for Dummies. Caught up in the excitement of the auction, I purchased the machine; after all, it was for a good cause.
I took sewing in Home Economics at Calhoun High way back when. However, I promised my self after about eight times of ripping out the collar of the dress I was making that this would be my first and final attempt at dressmaking.
Thirty some odd years later I have purchased a sewing machine. Go figure.
Moses may have felt the same amazement when God meticulously and specifically laid out the plans for the Tabernacle after the Israelites made the exodus from Egypt.
The Ark of the Covenant was to house the Law God gave to Moses on the mountaintop. Every measurement, every detail was to be made exactly like the pattern God gave Moses.
Every table, lamp, utensil, and drape was laid out by God in minute detail and was to be fashioned exactly according to the pattern God gave Moses. There were to be no deviations, no shortcuts. God left nothing to the imagination. His pattern was to be followed explicitly.
It really makes you wonder how people believe life on earth developed by chance. However, I digress. Let’s think about patterns.
We use patterns for so many things. Ask any carpenter you know. They will tell you it’s hard to build a house without a blueprint, a pattern. Or what about detectives, who use patterns of behavior to profile criminals?
One of Webster’s definitions for pattern says: prescribed route to be followed by a pass receiver in football. It’s typically difficult for the quarterback to deliver the football if the receiver fails to follow the pattern.
If the football receiver takes a shortcut the pass will be overthrown and could even be caught by a member of the opposing team. Sometimes a shortcut appears to be better, to be easier than following the pattern. There are times when we all want to take shortcuts rather than follow the precise pattern.
God, the Creator, the Savior doesn’t take shortcuts. His pattern for the Tabernacle was specific. His pattern, His plan for our salvation from sin is specific. He took no shortcuts although He could have.
The Lord Jesus Christ followed the prescribed pattern, death on the cross, to save His children that we might be with Him forever. His resurrection from the dead completed the pattern. His children, all those who call on His name for deliverance from sin, benefit from a perfect pattern.
The Lord God has even given us His word as a perfect pattern of love to live by. How can we Christians be pleasing to God if we never study the pattern?
The Israelites completed the Tabernacle with no shortcuts. I guess if I’m going to make me a dress I’ll have to follow the pattern with no shortcuts. I know without a doubt if I’m going to please my Savior I must do the same.
To God Be the Glory! Amen.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. Romans 8:19-21 NIV
My kitty died. Actually, she was my husband’s kitty but I was her caregiver. And she died. We are devastated. She was fourteen years old and we wish she had lived to be one hundred. Let me tell you about her.
One day my son, Eric, called telling me his girlfriend had a cat with small kittens, but the mama cat had died. There was one kitten left, the runt of the litter. Would we like to have her? Sure we would!
My daughter and I picked her up and brought her home. Grey, with a white belly, she was so small she looked like a round tennis ball with huge ears. Monica, my daughter, named her Gizmo because she looked like a gremlin from a movie we had seen called Gremlins.
As a matter of fact, Gizmo was so tiny we were afraid she might get her paw hung in the floor vents. So the bathroom became her bedroom and we covered the vents for her safety.
Gizmo, ever the flirtatious female feline, took up with my husband, Michael C., and he became her person. If you have cats you know that people don’t have cats. Cats have people.
I actually read sometime ago about a civil suit involving damages regarding a cat who had destroyed some property. The judge ruled that although people own dogs, no one owns cats. Cats own themselves; case dismissed. The judge obviously was familiar with cats and probably was owned by a cat of his on.
Gizmo was a delight. She loved the smell of flowers burying her nose in a bouquet of roses every chance she got. When she was younger every time we opened the door she raced outside like a flash. She was an inside kitty and we wanted her inside, especially at night.
I’m sure the neighbors thought we were crazy running around in the dark with a flashlight calling, “Gizmo, Gizmo, here kitty, kitty, kitty.” Or chasing her all over the yard with a treat trying to catch her. As Eric says you can’t herd cats.
After she died we brought her home, wrapped her in a soft towel placed in a pillowcase inside a plastic bag. Michael C. dug a hole and we buried her. We cried until we couldn’t cry anymore.
That may sound silly to someone who doesn’t have a pet, but we loved her so very much. She was a part of our family, not simply a cat. Gizmo brought us so much joy and even as I write this my heart hurts.
I am comforted by Psalm 104:27-30 that speaks of all God’s creation and his love for everything He has made. When I read the passage above from the New Testament book of Romans I find solace in knowing that all creation, including animals, long to be liberated from the bondage of decay.
I think about how Jesus, a man of sorrows, familiar with all aspects of human suffering spoke tenderly of sheep, even describing people as sheep. Did Jesus shepherd his family’s sheep loving them, perhaps grieving over a sheep that died? I think He did.
Or maybe, He grieved the loss of a family pet. Maybe Jesus himself had a kitty of his own that died, hurting his heart just as my family’s heart hurts.
Regardless, I know Jesus loves his entire creation. The length, depth, and width of His love is so indescribable, beyond understanding, that I feel certain He loves Gizmo even more than we do. Knowing His love we thank Him for blessing our lives with Gizmo, kitty extraordinaire. We enjoyed every minute of her.
To God be the Glory! Amen.
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