Last weekend at my church (Church at Charlotte) we had our annual Christmas "Stories" production. To me it seemed grander and excelled even past experiences. As I soaked it in I asked God to impress on me a thought regarding the birth of His Son. Unexpectedly I saw the tiny little hand and delicate fingers of the 3 week old baby in "Mary's" arms rise up as if grasping for heaven itself. I was struck in a much greater way just how frail and dependent Jesus allowed Himself to be on my behalf and that of all mankind. His willingness to humble Himself by coming to earth would change the course of countless stories through the ages.
Last year I pondered Mary's story and what it must have felt like to walk in her shoes or ride her donkey as it were. Surely if I had been writing her story I would have spruced up her circumstances and made life a little easier on her. After all she was the mother of the Son of God and this was a very important occasion. I had to wonder if she experienced some doubt as things unfolded in less than perfect ways. As my story has unfolded at times I have found it very hard to imagine that things were going according to God's plan. However, its true to say that even when I have not been able to understand my circumstances He has been with me the entire time and made His total peace available to me.
Just Perfect
She rode on a donkey
About to give birth
For the Son of God
Was coming to earth
No place to stay?
How can that be?
God are You there?
Did you forget me?
Accompanied by animals
She gave birth to a son
In a manger she laid him
Could this be the One?
But make no mistake
All was going to plan
This humble beginning
For the Son of Man
In a field close by
Shepherds cower in fright
God’s glory blazed down
Like no other night
A great and joyful event
For all people worldwide
A chance to receive
A peace you can’t hide
Circumstances not perfect?
Why all the fuss?
Immanuel is here
God with us
12-5-08
Matthew 1:23
"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."
John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Its A Date
My dear friend, Karen, gave me a book when I turned 50 called Women of Substance - A Collection of Estrogen-Rich Cartoons by Revilo. My favorite would have to be of a woman free-falling with an unopened parachute strapped to her back saying "I skydive to relax. For sheer terror I date." Ha! What do you think...dating in your fifties - fun or frightening?? Actually from my experience its both and I have to say its takes courage to put yourself out there. There's a reason why you should do this while you're young!
I have discovered that God is delighting in using this new arena in which I have little experience. He always gets my attention eventually when I don't know what I'm doing! It's surprising though that my immediate reaction is not always going to Him for insight and wisdom! Even so I am starting to see that my view of things is often far from reality. I need His take on things. In His graciousness He has allowed me to find many hidden treasures along the way for which I am grateful. Some born out of pain and some out of pleasure.
We all find ourselves in circumstances we may not have necessarily chosen and have us feeling out of our depth. Whatever these are for you I encourage you to look to God for the unexpected treasures and lessons that lay on the path ahead. Even though the path is dimly lit and a little frightening at times rest in His wisdom.
Entangled Treasures
You lead me Lord
On paths I do not know
Sometimes at quite a pace
And others very slow
Requiring faith
To follow just the faintest light
Not knowing if it leads
To pain or much delight
It's likely both
Are intertwined like cords
Entangled treasures hide
Fit for Queens and Lords
Inquire my soul of Him
My ever-faithful Love
Lay aside your twisted view
Rest in wisdom from above
11-28-09
1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared
for those who love Him."
I have discovered that God is delighting in using this new arena in which I have little experience. He always gets my attention eventually when I don't know what I'm doing! It's surprising though that my immediate reaction is not always going to Him for insight and wisdom! Even so I am starting to see that my view of things is often far from reality. I need His take on things. In His graciousness He has allowed me to find many hidden treasures along the way for which I am grateful. Some born out of pain and some out of pleasure.
We all find ourselves in circumstances we may not have necessarily chosen and have us feeling out of our depth. Whatever these are for you I encourage you to look to God for the unexpected treasures and lessons that lay on the path ahead. Even though the path is dimly lit and a little frightening at times rest in His wisdom.
Entangled Treasures
You lead me Lord
On paths I do not know
Sometimes at quite a pace
And others very slow
Requiring faith
To follow just the faintest light
Not knowing if it leads
To pain or much delight
It's likely both
Are intertwined like cords
Entangled treasures hide
Fit for Queens and Lords
Inquire my soul of Him
My ever-faithful Love
Lay aside your twisted view
Rest in wisdom from above
11-28-09
1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared
for those who love Him."
Monday, October 5, 2009
May I have this dance?
Right now I feel like the ground underneath me is shaky, moving up and down and side to side. Not a lot feels very firm and secure in my life right now. So much is coming and going...kids growing up and leaving home, selling my house after being here for 13 years (the longest I've lived in one place by far!), my place in life, income, career, relationships, emotions and hormones! My world doesn't quite feel upside down although it could.
Even when you are in a bad place for long enough (in my case a bad marriage) it becomes familiar and in a weird sense "stable". At least you think you know what you've got no matter how bad it is. You sort of know what to expect. The routine is the same and so is the dance...as dysfunctional as it is. Mine had become the dance of the zombie, the music was morbid and the moves way out of step. Nonetheless it was predictable. Was I fulfilled and healthy...no!
In reality my life was way more topsy-turvey and less secure than it is right now - it just took me a while to realize it. The life I live now is far more healthy and fulfilling but in someways harder too. Sooner or later you have to acknowledge that it's not what's going on in life that completes you but rather your walk (or dance) with God.
As I have pondered Psalm 16 lately God assures me that He is the one who assigns my "portion and my cup". Sometimes that cup is a bitter one and hard to swallow. Jesus asked for His to be taken away. Yet He trusted God, His Father, and was committed to doing what He wanted so He drank it. Psalm 16 went on to say that He "makes my lot secure" and places "boundary lines around me in pleasant places". I have a delightful future ahead of me...in part here but culminating in heaven with Jesus. I have seen enough of life to know full well that life here is guaranteed not to be what I expect but far better. This will be virtually impossible to see at times of that I am sure. However He will be there to guide me every step of a dance I'm not very good at yet.
It doesn't matter how unstable life seems He remains the same...as steady as a rock. I will not be shaken for He is with me. That's a lot to get excited about! I can relax in that/in Him. I know for sure that the One who was willing to die for me will certainly not abandon me leaving me to be tossed about by the quakes or tsunamis of life.
God has shown me a new dance - so different, so alive, so beautiful. This one brings deep joy, excitement and assurance. It goes on forever gaining more and more momentum and grace...culminating perfectly in heaven. Perhaps you're still doing the old, miserable yet familiar dance. It takes guts to get out there and join Him on His dance floor. Questions flood our minds...Do I trust Him to lead me? Can I keep in step? Will I trip and look stupid or hurt myself? or Will I look into His face and forget what's around me?
He stands before you asking "May I have this dance?
Psalm 16
1 Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing."
3 As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.
4 The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips.
5 LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 62:5-7
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Even when you are in a bad place for long enough (in my case a bad marriage) it becomes familiar and in a weird sense "stable". At least you think you know what you've got no matter how bad it is. You sort of know what to expect. The routine is the same and so is the dance...as dysfunctional as it is. Mine had become the dance of the zombie, the music was morbid and the moves way out of step. Nonetheless it was predictable. Was I fulfilled and healthy...no!
In reality my life was way more topsy-turvey and less secure than it is right now - it just took me a while to realize it. The life I live now is far more healthy and fulfilling but in someways harder too. Sooner or later you have to acknowledge that it's not what's going on in life that completes you but rather your walk (or dance) with God.
As I have pondered Psalm 16 lately God assures me that He is the one who assigns my "portion and my cup". Sometimes that cup is a bitter one and hard to swallow. Jesus asked for His to be taken away. Yet He trusted God, His Father, and was committed to doing what He wanted so He drank it. Psalm 16 went on to say that He "makes my lot secure" and places "boundary lines around me in pleasant places". I have a delightful future ahead of me...in part here but culminating in heaven with Jesus. I have seen enough of life to know full well that life here is guaranteed not to be what I expect but far better. This will be virtually impossible to see at times of that I am sure. However He will be there to guide me every step of a dance I'm not very good at yet.
It doesn't matter how unstable life seems He remains the same...as steady as a rock. I will not be shaken for He is with me. That's a lot to get excited about! I can relax in that/in Him. I know for sure that the One who was willing to die for me will certainly not abandon me leaving me to be tossed about by the quakes or tsunamis of life.
God has shown me a new dance - so different, so alive, so beautiful. This one brings deep joy, excitement and assurance. It goes on forever gaining more and more momentum and grace...culminating perfectly in heaven. Perhaps you're still doing the old, miserable yet familiar dance. It takes guts to get out there and join Him on His dance floor. Questions flood our minds...Do I trust Him to lead me? Can I keep in step? Will I trip and look stupid or hurt myself? or Will I look into His face and forget what's around me?
He stands before you asking "May I have this dance?
Psalm 16
1 Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing."
3 As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.
4 The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips.
5 LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 62:5-7
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Morning Prayer
Friday at last...I feel exhausted. I find myself looking for an escape, something to run to, something exciting, new, fun...but would that really do it for me? Perhaps in the short term - yes. However, judging from the past I would feel more empty than before as its "peace and joy" are hollow or momentary at best.
The fact is nothing fills the place only God is big enough for. I know that. Why is it then that I gravitate to the temporary, those things that can't deliver? Perhaps it's my independent "I'm big enough - I can handle it" mindset. Maybe it's my lack of trust that He will come through with what I think I need. Or more to the point, my unwillingness to wait on the Lord until He delivers.
He has been SO faithful to me over the years, He has come through in ways I could only have dreamt of with perfect timing and so generously too...yet I find myself in this place again. What is wrong with me?! The fact is I just don't have what it takes to live the life of faith.
That's enough to send me to my knees.
Morning Prayer
Lord, here it is another day
Please fill my life anew
I am bereft of what it takes
To live this life for You
Deliver me from futile efforts
To walk with dignity and power
Impose on me Your very essence
As in the beauty of a flower
Cleanse me from the inside out
Eradicate my mess
Ooze Your being through mortal me
Or I am nothing, I confess.
9-24-07
John 15:5
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
2 Corinthians 2:14-15
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
John 7:38
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.
Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
"But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength..."
"Those who hope in (trust in, look expectantly to) the Lord will renew their strength." Their weakness will give way to God's strength (NIV Study Bible). In fact "they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
The fact is nothing fills the place only God is big enough for. I know that. Why is it then that I gravitate to the temporary, those things that can't deliver? Perhaps it's my independent "I'm big enough - I can handle it" mindset. Maybe it's my lack of trust that He will come through with what I think I need. Or more to the point, my unwillingness to wait on the Lord until He delivers.
He has been SO faithful to me over the years, He has come through in ways I could only have dreamt of with perfect timing and so generously too...yet I find myself in this place again. What is wrong with me?! The fact is I just don't have what it takes to live the life of faith.
That's enough to send me to my knees.
Morning Prayer
Lord, here it is another day
Please fill my life anew
I am bereft of what it takes
To live this life for You
Deliver me from futile efforts
To walk with dignity and power
Impose on me Your very essence
As in the beauty of a flower
Cleanse me from the inside out
Eradicate my mess
Ooze Your being through mortal me
Or I am nothing, I confess.
9-24-07
John 15:5
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
2 Corinthians 2:14-15
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
John 7:38
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.
Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
"But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength..."
"Those who hope in (trust in, look expectantly to) the Lord will renew their strength." Their weakness will give way to God's strength (NIV Study Bible). In fact "they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Through Trials
My position is not to simply endure, just waiting for relief but to grow in faith and appreciation for the One Who carries me and mercifully moves me to another place. I must also keep before me the big picture of bringing sons to Him and glory before all men.
Through Trials
“To know You is to love You”
I heard this as a child
But to experience this through trials?
Now that is truly wild!
You’d think that only good times
Would make me love you more
But no, that’s just the time You prove
Your love and what’s in store
It’s not until I suffer loss
And am in Your comfort bathed
I realize more of Who You are
And from what it is I’m saved
Not only that but soon it’s clear
What they reveal in me
When squarely faced and embraced
I live authentically
6-22-07
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Lamentation 3:22-24
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
2 Timothy 2:9b-10
But God's word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
Through Trials
“To know You is to love You”
I heard this as a child
But to experience this through trials?
Now that is truly wild!
You’d think that only good times
Would make me love you more
But no, that’s just the time You prove
Your love and what’s in store
It’s not until I suffer loss
And am in Your comfort bathed
I realize more of Who You are
And from what it is I’m saved
Not only that but soon it’s clear
What they reveal in me
When squarely faced and embraced
I live authentically
6-22-07
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Lamentation 3:22-24
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
2 Timothy 2:9b-10
But God's word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
All the Difference
2 Timothy 1:6
'Fan into flame the gift of God which is in you..'
This morning as I looked out on my day and pondered an event that would stretch me I was reminded again that even our spiritual gifts are in 'the process of becoming'. They need to be developed through use. The early stages of exercising a gift or using it in a new way can be a little frightening and can push us beyond our comfort zone. However according to Paul that's no excuse not to go there. 2 Timothy 1:7 says:
'God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power, of love and self discipline.'
When I'm timid that's means I'm operating out of the old me. According to this I don't need to settle for that for God has already given me a spirit of power, love and self discipline. All it took was an acknowledgement that I needed Him and a request for Him to move through me with power, love and self discipline. It was fun to see how others noticed the difference and saw something in me that they didn't realize was there before. Thank You, God, You make all the difference.
'Fan into flame the gift of God which is in you..'
This morning as I looked out on my day and pondered an event that would stretch me I was reminded again that even our spiritual gifts are in 'the process of becoming'. They need to be developed through use. The early stages of exercising a gift or using it in a new way can be a little frightening and can push us beyond our comfort zone. However according to Paul that's no excuse not to go there. 2 Timothy 1:7 says:
'God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power, of love and self discipline.'
When I'm timid that's means I'm operating out of the old me. According to this I don't need to settle for that for God has already given me a spirit of power, love and self discipline. All it took was an acknowledgement that I needed Him and a request for Him to move through me with power, love and self discipline. It was fun to see how others noticed the difference and saw something in me that they didn't realize was there before. Thank You, God, You make all the difference.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Waiting Rooms
I have waited in a few waiting rooms in my time. At first it can feel like quite a relief as so often I have hurried to the appointment and am glad to find that they are not waiting on me. I usually look around the room at my "competitors" to see if any look at all like they might want to engage in a little friendly conversation. However, usually they all have their "don't talk to me, I'm busy waiting" face on. At that point I pull out the book or project that I brought with me so I don't waste time. The thing about waiting rooms is that you never know when you will be called on to meet with the person you are there to see. It could be in 30 seconds, 30 minutes or what seems more like 30 hours. It's impossible to know when they will call your name but you would really rather it be now! Then what's really upsetting is that you see someone who came in after you being ushered into the next room. What's with that?!
I'd have to say though that the worst I have ever experienced has been in God's waiting room. It always seems like a long wait there. You'd think, wouldn't you, that at least God would arrange it so that you don't have to wait! At times He's left me waiting for what seems like years and in some cases actually was...many years. For whatever reason He has left me there I'm almost certain He's forgotten that He and I even have an appointment. Sometimes I'm in a great deal of pain and desperately need Him to take care of it...but often times it appears He is in no hurry at all. That's so frustrating because I know He could fix my aches and pains in a second if He chose to. What's He doing?!
The other day I waited 2 hours to be seen at the doctors office. Eventually I was the only one left in the waiting room - had they forgotten about me? But no after 1 1/2 hours they took me back to the doctors office...where I waited some more. If I could just see what was going on outside of the waiting room perhaps I would understand and be able to appreciate the necessity of the wait. It turns out that one patient had a blood clot in his leg and two others had major problems as well. But don't you wish that God would just give you a glimpse at what's going on out there sometimes?
It seems that God is not in the business of just fixing things. When I think about it He likes things to grow...like our faith, our love relationship with Him and others, not to mention who we are as His 'ever in process' creation. One of the benefits of being 'in process' for a while is that you can look back and for the most part see that He knew what He was doing. I have found that God has used His waiting room for many things in my life. Things like getting my attention, making me stop and face the realities in my life that need addressing, producing character and perseverance, sometimes it has even been for the benefit of others and often times providing protection I don't even know I need. There are times when I simply have no idea why all the waiting...but I don't need to know. When it comes down to it, all I really need to know is that my God is totally trustworthy, faithful and good.
Waiting
Waiting is a killer
It requires me to be stiller
Stiller than ever I’m contented to be
When the future is hazy
It makes me feel crazy
Crazy with frustration over what I can’t see
In Your arms I must rest
But it feels like a test
Test and know my heart, that’s my plea
As one in the dark
Bring Your peace to my heart
Heart of trust so that fear may will flee
I will know no disgrace
If I live by His grace
Grace and power that’s sufficient for me
7-3-06
Psalm 139:23, 24
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Isaiah 50:7,10
Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame...Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
I'd have to say though that the worst I have ever experienced has been in God's waiting room. It always seems like a long wait there. You'd think, wouldn't you, that at least God would arrange it so that you don't have to wait! At times He's left me waiting for what seems like years and in some cases actually was...many years. For whatever reason He has left me there I'm almost certain He's forgotten that He and I even have an appointment. Sometimes I'm in a great deal of pain and desperately need Him to take care of it...but often times it appears He is in no hurry at all. That's so frustrating because I know He could fix my aches and pains in a second if He chose to. What's He doing?!
The other day I waited 2 hours to be seen at the doctors office. Eventually I was the only one left in the waiting room - had they forgotten about me? But no after 1 1/2 hours they took me back to the doctors office...where I waited some more. If I could just see what was going on outside of the waiting room perhaps I would understand and be able to appreciate the necessity of the wait. It turns out that one patient had a blood clot in his leg and two others had major problems as well. But don't you wish that God would just give you a glimpse at what's going on out there sometimes?
It seems that God is not in the business of just fixing things. When I think about it He likes things to grow...like our faith, our love relationship with Him and others, not to mention who we are as His 'ever in process' creation. One of the benefits of being 'in process' for a while is that you can look back and for the most part see that He knew what He was doing. I have found that God has used His waiting room for many things in my life. Things like getting my attention, making me stop and face the realities in my life that need addressing, producing character and perseverance, sometimes it has even been for the benefit of others and often times providing protection I don't even know I need. There are times when I simply have no idea why all the waiting...but I don't need to know. When it comes down to it, all I really need to know is that my God is totally trustworthy, faithful and good.
Waiting
Waiting is a killer
It requires me to be stiller
Stiller than ever I’m contented to be
When the future is hazy
It makes me feel crazy
Crazy with frustration over what I can’t see
In Your arms I must rest
But it feels like a test
Test and know my heart, that’s my plea
As one in the dark
Bring Your peace to my heart
Heart of trust so that fear may will flee
I will know no disgrace
If I live by His grace
Grace and power that’s sufficient for me
7-3-06
Psalm 139:23, 24
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Isaiah 50:7,10
Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame...Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Your Love is Extravagant
Your Love is Extravagant
Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
I feel like moving to the rhythm of Your grace
Your fragrance is intoxicating in the secret place
Cause Your love is extravagant
Spread wide in the arms of Christ there's a love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known: You consider me Your friend
Capture my heart again
I think Casting Crowns song "Your Love is Extravagant" is beautiful. I have been enjoying it lately as it puts words to how I feel about God and all He means to me. This morning as I came aside to listen to Him and worship Him my heart seemed full and yet I couldn't seem to get into words what I would have liked to say to Him. Honestly, that was frustrating and in the end I had to just say "For what it's worth, Lord, here I am - no amazing words that encapsulate even a whisper of Who You are and how I feel about You." Then as I scrawled down the following poem He gave me perspective. You've gotta love Him!
No Other Place
I feel there’s so much to say
But I can’t get it out
I’m blown away by Your ways
I’d like to sing and shout
But my less than vibrant soul
Seems unable to respond
I long to be whole
And relish in our special bond
You know I am but dust
And could by a breath be puffed away
So on You I am thrust…
…that’s perfect I would say
For there is no other place
I would rather be
Than gazing in Your lovely face
With Your arms around me
7-3-09
Psalm 27: 4-6
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
I feel like moving to the rhythm of Your grace
Your fragrance is intoxicating in the secret place
Cause Your love is extravagant
Spread wide in the arms of Christ there's a love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known: You consider me Your friend
Capture my heart again
I think Casting Crowns song "Your Love is Extravagant" is beautiful. I have been enjoying it lately as it puts words to how I feel about God and all He means to me. This morning as I came aside to listen to Him and worship Him my heart seemed full and yet I couldn't seem to get into words what I would have liked to say to Him. Honestly, that was frustrating and in the end I had to just say "For what it's worth, Lord, here I am - no amazing words that encapsulate even a whisper of Who You are and how I feel about You." Then as I scrawled down the following poem He gave me perspective. You've gotta love Him!
No Other Place
I feel there’s so much to say
But I can’t get it out
I’m blown away by Your ways
I’d like to sing and shout
But my less than vibrant soul
Seems unable to respond
I long to be whole
And relish in our special bond
You know I am but dust
And could by a breath be puffed away
So on You I am thrust…
…that’s perfect I would say
For there is no other place
I would rather be
Than gazing in Your lovely face
With Your arms around me
7-3-09
Psalm 27: 4-6
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
The Storm
Sometimes it seems that all of life converges on you at once, doesn't it? The last few weeks have been like that for me. Even though they have been filled with wonderful celebrations like my 'forth and final' graduating from High School, going to her orientation at the college she will attend in the fall, and waving goodbye as she left for a 5 week vacation in New Zealand these joys leave behind them a wake of losses for me. These joys also bring up broken dreams that I had for our family which divorce has turned into something, that at these times, still feels like a nightmare. Once I would have brushed these things aside and tried to convince myself that they didn't hurt or that I just needed to get over it. I was the only one who fell for that...that is until I would have this incredible sadness and numbness I couldn't shake. Today I try to meet these things head on. However, when they come in like a wild storm that you weren't expecting it can knock you off your feet. The effort it takes to survive the havoc requires all the strength you can find.
As I tried to process what was going on for me this week the following poem emerged and with it an assurance that all was not lost.
The Storm
completely worn
and undone
up against a storm
and overcome
my spirits weak
and quite frail
some peace I seek
within this howling gale
it’s hard to hear
above the roar
inducing fear
over what’s in store
my way uncertain
debris piled high
a thick, heavy curtain
stretches up to the sky
yet His constant presence
I can feel
His love and essence
is very real
hidden in His palm
until it’s passed
peace and calm
shall come at last
6-22-09
Psalm 139:5
You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
As I tried to process what was going on for me this week the following poem emerged and with it an assurance that all was not lost.
The Storm
completely worn
and undone
up against a storm
and overcome
my spirits weak
and quite frail
some peace I seek
within this howling gale
it’s hard to hear
above the roar
inducing fear
over what’s in store
my way uncertain
debris piled high
a thick, heavy curtain
stretches up to the sky
yet His constant presence
I can feel
His love and essence
is very real
hidden in His palm
until it’s passed
peace and calm
shall come at last
6-22-09
Psalm 139:5
You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
Monday, June 15, 2009
For His Glory
For His Glory
When I think about my life
And where I think its heading
Of all the things I want to do
I find there is one thing I’m forgetting
You are the One Who stretched out the skies
And spread out the earth below
You give life’s breath to everyone
By You all things thrive and grow
You are the One Who holds my hand
Sustaining courage, support and strength
You keep me close and guard my way
Loving me at astounding great length
It’s hard to imagine that such a One
Full of power and miraculous ways
Would even remember that I exist
And His character through me display
Yet He called me to reveal Who He is
Shedding light on blinded eyes
Freeing those bound as captives enslaved
Release from certain demise
6/28/08
Isaiah 42:5-8
This is what God the LORD says—he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it:
"I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
"I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another ..."
When I think about my life
And where I think its heading
Of all the things I want to do
I find there is one thing I’m forgetting
You are the One Who stretched out the skies
And spread out the earth below
You give life’s breath to everyone
By You all things thrive and grow
You are the One Who holds my hand
Sustaining courage, support and strength
You keep me close and guard my way
Loving me at astounding great length
It’s hard to imagine that such a One
Full of power and miraculous ways
Would even remember that I exist
And His character through me display
Yet He called me to reveal Who He is
Shedding light on blinded eyes
Freeing those bound as captives enslaved
Release from certain demise
6/28/08
Isaiah 42:5-8
This is what God the LORD says—he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it:
"I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
"I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another ..."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
