Christmas time, how I love this time of year. It just feels good! For a few weeks a year there seems to be a change in the mood of most people. A happiness , a closeness, a general feeling of love toward one another.
As for me I am overwhelmed with the Christmas story year after year. The greatest love story ever told. The "plan" for mankind, the love of a Father for His children.
The quiet beauty and the steadfast love of a Son for His Father...obedient to the end.
My wish for each and everyone of you this Christmas Season is to embrace that love that was meant for all of us.
Let us live as if it was Christmas everyday, let our gifts be kindness, patience, love and tolerance toward one another.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New year
Luke 2:1-20
Friday, December 2, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
My Complications/God's Sweet Simplicity
I don't know about you but I can really lose my focus
and life can get complicated.
Battles seem longer, fiercer, unbearable , and lonely.
Even when I know to wait, have faith, trust GOD, and
allow HIM to provide the answers, I steam ahead mucking things up.
Then before you know it, it is complicated.
I say GOD where are you? I cannot see you.
I am trying to listen but I don't hear you.
I feel alone I cannot feel you.
I so need to feel your heart beat in tune with mine,
that I feel afraid when I do not.
Then I see a red bird that lands on a branch above me
and you say, "I am here, can you see me"?
A dove coos sweetly nearby and you ask "I am here can you hear me"?
The wind picks up and a breeze brushes my face, and you ask "I am here can you not feel me"?
You are here, I am safe , we are good !
Isaiah 40: 31
But they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their stregth; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. KJV
Really excited about this Devotional it was chosen by Judson Press to be in the spring issue of The Secret Place..
and life can get complicated.
Battles seem longer, fiercer, unbearable , and lonely.
Even when I know to wait, have faith, trust GOD, and
allow HIM to provide the answers, I steam ahead mucking things up.
Then before you know it, it is complicated.
I say GOD where are you? I cannot see you.
I am trying to listen but I don't hear you.
I feel alone I cannot feel you.
I so need to feel your heart beat in tune with mine,
that I feel afraid when I do not.
Then I see a red bird that lands on a branch above me
and you say, "I am here, can you see me"?
A dove coos sweetly nearby and you ask "I am here can you hear me"?
The wind picks up and a breeze brushes my face, and you ask "I am here can you not feel me"?
You are here, I am safe , we are good !
Isaiah 40: 31
But they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their stregth; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. KJV
Really excited about this Devotional it was chosen by Judson Press to be in the spring issue of The Secret Place..
Friday, October 14, 2011
Another Season is upon us, soon leaves will be changing colors
and falling from the trees
The air will become cooler and days will become shorter.
It amazes me to think how intricate the system GOD created when
HE made our world. HE knew and planned for every season.
Springtime is all about new beginnings.
Summer a time for growing.
Autumn is for harvesting and reaping.
Winter is for rest and refreshing.
With each Season we can see the physical changes that they bring.
Sometimes harsh weather, failed crops and at other times
beauty, blessings and abundance.
Is it not the same with the Seasons of our lives. We don't always
embrace the changes that befall us, and we wonder and
question the reason and meaning of every trial, storm and
difficult situation that we travel through.
Life is so full of changes, some are good and successful, others
not so good with devastating results.
As difficult as it sometimes may seem we must trust that GOD has laid the same intricate plans for our lives as HE did when HE created the earth that we live upon.
HE is a loving Father who established the Seasons of our lives and we must trust in the plans HE has for us.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you and unexpected end. KJV
and falling from the trees
The air will become cooler and days will become shorter.
It amazes me to think how intricate the system GOD created when
HE made our world. HE knew and planned for every season.
Springtime is all about new beginnings.
Summer a time for growing.
Autumn is for harvesting and reaping.
Winter is for rest and refreshing.
With each Season we can see the physical changes that they bring.
Sometimes harsh weather, failed crops and at other times
beauty, blessings and abundance.
Is it not the same with the Seasons of our lives. We don't always
embrace the changes that befall us, and we wonder and
question the reason and meaning of every trial, storm and
difficult situation that we travel through.
Life is so full of changes, some are good and successful, others
not so good with devastating results.
As difficult as it sometimes may seem we must trust that GOD has laid the same intricate plans for our lives as HE did when HE created the earth that we live upon.
HE is a loving Father who established the Seasons of our lives and we must trust in the plans HE has for us.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you and unexpected end. KJV
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
The Hummingbird
This morning as I was leaving for work, I glanced at our Hummingbird feeders that hang near our garage.
On one of the feeders there was a Hummingbird lying on his back , stuck in between the rail of the feeder.
He was struggling to right himself but could not do it.
I thought he must have been at it for quite sometime because there were small feathers stuck to the sides of the feeder.
I reached up and the moment I touched him he stopped struggling, this allowed me to get him out of the feeder rail and right his situation.
As soon as my hand opened, off he flew.
I thought of my own life and the many times I have struggled unsuccessfully just like that small bird against life's obstacles.
Fighting against all odds to overcome things that I knew I could not do alone.
Something in that bird this morning knew the instant I touched it that I was there to help.
Therefore he quit struggling and waited.
That is what I must learn to do also, trust and wait on the LORD.
I know the minute HE touches me I need to struggle no more...
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
On one of the feeders there was a Hummingbird lying on his back , stuck in between the rail of the feeder.
He was struggling to right himself but could not do it.
I thought he must have been at it for quite sometime because there were small feathers stuck to the sides of the feeder.
I reached up and the moment I touched him he stopped struggling, this allowed me to get him out of the feeder rail and right his situation.
As soon as my hand opened, off he flew.
I thought of my own life and the many times I have struggled unsuccessfully just like that small bird against life's obstacles.
Fighting against all odds to overcome things that I knew I could not do alone.
Something in that bird this morning knew the instant I touched it that I was there to help.
Therefore he quit struggling and waited.
That is what I must learn to do also, trust and wait on the LORD.
I know the minute HE touches me I need to struggle no more...
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Heavy Heart
I am burdened today for those who do not know you....
I cry out to the heavens and ask you to hear my plea for them....
They do not see your signs, they do not hear your thunder, they ignore your shakings....
They explain you away....
Why do they choose to believe liars and their lies...over Your Truth....
They believe the words of men who say "good times are coming", a time of hope and change....
Do not be deceived good neighbors....only His Laws Govern the Earth....
I cry out to the heavens and ask you to hear my plea for them....
They do not see your signs, they do not hear your thunder, they ignore your shakings....
They explain you away....
Why do they choose to believe liars and their lies...over Your Truth....
They believe the words of men who say "good times are coming", a time of hope and change....
Do not be deceived good neighbors....only His Laws Govern the Earth....
Friday, August 12, 2011
Peace
Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm
In celestial like strains it unceasingly falls
Oer my soul like an infinite calm
Peace, peace, wonderful peace
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!
What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace
Buried deep in the heart of my soul
So secure that no power can mine it away
While the years of eternity roll!
I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace
Resting sweetly in Jesus control
For I'm kept from all danger by night and by day
And His glory is flooding my soul!
And I think when I rise to that city of peace
Where the Author of peace I shall see
That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing
In that heavenly kingdom will be
Ah, soul are you here without comfort and rest
Marching down the rough pathway of time?
Make Jesus your Friend ere the shadows grow dark
accept of this peace so sublime!
W.G. Cooper
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm
In celestial like strains it unceasingly falls
Oer my soul like an infinite calm
Peace, peace, wonderful peace
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!
What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace
Buried deep in the heart of my soul
So secure that no power can mine it away
While the years of eternity roll!
I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace
Resting sweetly in Jesus control
For I'm kept from all danger by night and by day
And His glory is flooding my soul!
And I think when I rise to that city of peace
Where the Author of peace I shall see
That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing
In that heavenly kingdom will be
Ah, soul are you here without comfort and rest
Marching down the rough pathway of time?
Make Jesus your Friend ere the shadows grow dark
accept of this peace so sublime!
W.G. Cooper
Friday, May 13, 2011
Moving On
Our backyard has been blessed this year with a nest of Blue Birds.
They have taken up residence in and old birdhouse I use as decoration on my fence.
On the sly I have watched two very small blue eggs hatch into birds.
As I near the nest now I hear tiny "I'm hungry" cries so they are growing and getting stronger everyday.
I've watched as Mama and Papa have protected and nurtured their little home.
I imagine as parents they have the same types of worries as we do for our children.
Will they be safe, will they be able to fly when the time comes, will they meet a nice bird to share the rest of their life with.
They like us teach the fledglings the fundamentals of "bird life" then they allow them to fly away on their own, hoping they have done a good job.
If we teach our children to put God first in all that they do, they will take flight and soar.
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
They have taken up residence in and old birdhouse I use as decoration on my fence.
On the sly I have watched two very small blue eggs hatch into birds.
As I near the nest now I hear tiny "I'm hungry" cries so they are growing and getting stronger everyday.
I've watched as Mama and Papa have protected and nurtured their little home.
I imagine as parents they have the same types of worries as we do for our children.
Will they be safe, will they be able to fly when the time comes, will they meet a nice bird to share the rest of their life with.
They like us teach the fledglings the fundamentals of "bird life" then they allow them to fly away on their own, hoping they have done a good job.
If we teach our children to put God first in all that they do, they will take flight and soar.
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Garden
Hidden here among the trees a place I call my own
sights and sounds of birds abound in their secret garden home...
The sky is blue and streaked with light, night passes into day
The sun gives a nod to moon and stars and sends them on their way...
Morning Glories all in bloom their colors fill the sky
They stretch and yawn and wink and wave to all that might pass by...
Lilies dressed in all their best are dazzling in the sun
Butterflies dart through the air full of carefree fun...
The air is filled with sweet perfume, it refreshes heart and mind
Like God's own incense specially made a rare and unique kind...
As petals fall upon the grass and needles from the pines
They make beds so soft and fragrant, restful and divine...
I could spend all of my days here just talking to the King
Enjoying His very nearness and discussing everything...
I hear His voice inside the wind, what joy those breezes bring
I run to Him so full of Love, he makes this sad heart sing...
Lying neath the evergreens, yellow sunshine warms my face
I wonder how so much beauty could be captured in one place...
Then my thoughts drift Heavenward and suddenly I know
God has many "Gardens" where His children learn and grow...
We are all God's Gardens, we are His flowers, plants and trees
He the Faithful Gardener forever tending to our needs...
Ezekiel 28: 13 You have been in Eden the Garden of God;
sights and sounds of birds abound in their secret garden home...
The sky is blue and streaked with light, night passes into day
The sun gives a nod to moon and stars and sends them on their way...
Morning Glories all in bloom their colors fill the sky
They stretch and yawn and wink and wave to all that might pass by...
Lilies dressed in all their best are dazzling in the sun
Butterflies dart through the air full of carefree fun...
The air is filled with sweet perfume, it refreshes heart and mind
Like God's own incense specially made a rare and unique kind...
As petals fall upon the grass and needles from the pines
They make beds so soft and fragrant, restful and divine...
I could spend all of my days here just talking to the King
Enjoying His very nearness and discussing everything...
I hear His voice inside the wind, what joy those breezes bring
I run to Him so full of Love, he makes this sad heart sing...
Lying neath the evergreens, yellow sunshine warms my face
I wonder how so much beauty could be captured in one place...
Then my thoughts drift Heavenward and suddenly I know
God has many "Gardens" where His children learn and grow...
We are all God's Gardens, we are His flowers, plants and trees
He the Faithful Gardener forever tending to our needs...
Ezekiel 28: 13 You have been in Eden the Garden of God;
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
One More Time
All around me I see that Spring is ready to burst forth
Birds no longer linger at my feeders, they are busy with their nests
Green buds appear on bare branches
Hyacinth's and daffodils grace the fields in dazzling spring outfits
The smell of spring dances on the warm wind of the Chinook
One more time the world is given a chance to be re-born again.
We till the earth, we plant the seed, we water and fertilize
in expectation of the harvest to come.
Are we as diligent in our Spiritual life?
The Bible tells us in Matthew 13: 37 -40
He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the Field is the world; the good seed are the children of the Kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
The enemy which sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world, and the reapers are the Angels.
As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
The time has come for us to tend our gardens well !
Birds no longer linger at my feeders, they are busy with their nests
Green buds appear on bare branches
Hyacinth's and daffodils grace the fields in dazzling spring outfits
The smell of spring dances on the warm wind of the Chinook
One more time the world is given a chance to be re-born again.
We till the earth, we plant the seed, we water and fertilize
in expectation of the harvest to come.
Are we as diligent in our Spiritual life?
The Bible tells us in Matthew 13: 37 -40
He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the Field is the world; the good seed are the children of the Kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
The enemy which sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world, and the reapers are the Angels.
As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
The time has come for us to tend our gardens well !
Friday, January 21, 2011
Soverign
I have had a hard week; I have fought with Satan almost every day.
I have felt physically and spiritually exhausted.
Of course, Satan knows our weakest points and strikes us where we are most vulnerable. This was not our ‘first” fight, we have sparred many times!
As we battle, my mind tells me exactly what Satan is doing, but my heart does not always except the advice the mind has to give.
The battle resumes, he thinks he is victorious!
Then my God steps in and says “ENOUGH”!
The speed and accuracy of His deliverance leaves me spinning: there was no way, now there is a way.
He reminds me once again of His love for me and teaches me yet another lesson from yet another battle.
He so shook me last night that I am still reeling from His touch. He told me I am a Sovereign God; I am the Ultimate Power over your life. I reign Supreme throughout this Universe that I created. You have nothing to fear!
Grow your trust! Nothing can happen to you unless I allow it, and if I allow it then I am in the midst of it!
The word Sovereign burns in my heart. God has total control over my life and yours. Nothing happens without His knowledge. He is the Supreme, Permanent Authority.
All things are either allowed by Him or caused by Him for His own purposes, through His own timing and perfect will.
He is Creator and His Knowledge is perfect, His presence is everywhere, he Alone deserves the Glory.
He sees every battle, every heartache, need, and tear.
Romans 11:36 For of Him, through Him, and to Him, are all things; to whom be Glory forever.
I have felt physically and spiritually exhausted.
Of course, Satan knows our weakest points and strikes us where we are most vulnerable. This was not our ‘first” fight, we have sparred many times!
As we battle, my mind tells me exactly what Satan is doing, but my heart does not always except the advice the mind has to give.
The battle resumes, he thinks he is victorious!
Then my God steps in and says “ENOUGH”!
The speed and accuracy of His deliverance leaves me spinning: there was no way, now there is a way.
He reminds me once again of His love for me and teaches me yet another lesson from yet another battle.
He so shook me last night that I am still reeling from His touch. He told me I am a Sovereign God; I am the Ultimate Power over your life. I reign Supreme throughout this Universe that I created. You have nothing to fear!
Grow your trust! Nothing can happen to you unless I allow it, and if I allow it then I am in the midst of it!
The word Sovereign burns in my heart. God has total control over my life and yours. Nothing happens without His knowledge. He is the Supreme, Permanent Authority.
All things are either allowed by Him or caused by Him for His own purposes, through His own timing and perfect will.
He is Creator and His Knowledge is perfect, His presence is everywhere, he Alone deserves the Glory.
He sees every battle, every heartache, need, and tear.
Romans 11:36 For of Him, through Him, and to Him, are all things; to whom be Glory forever.
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