Miracle in Bloom

It was an impossible request, I know. But I was asking my Heavenly Father who is the God of all things possible -- so why not?

It was kind of like a fleece. And although it might seem silly to some, it had a special meaning to me.

I wanted just one bloom of Bird of Paradise when there were none among my three sprawling plants. I had three last year which were a special gift each in their own time of bloom.

So I asked for a bloom for a very specific reason of my own.

I have checked everyday. Ev-er-y-day.

Nothing.

The importance of this bloom was just between God and I and so I knew it just had to be there one day. And I don't mean next year during Bird of Paradise season. I mean during this season so I fully expected to see one appear somehow.

But still nothing; even as of this morning. Not even a sign of a future stalk that would carry a bloom.

But you know? That's alright, and I'll tell you why.

My dad called me one day last week as he does most mornings. Since my Mom went 'Home' my sisters and I check on him everyday since he is mainly housebound with health issues.

So he called and said, "Guess what I got this morning?"

"A Bird of Paradise." I answered. (I soooo knew!)

"Yep, and it's beautiful! I didn't even know it was there!"


The first thing that popped into my mind was a 'rainbow.'

A couple months back, life brought another one it's drastic changes. The kind that brings insecurities while altering someone's whole life and the first thing I did was talk to God about it. I was so unsure about 'things.'

It was dark outside and I was standing against the wall in a little tiny room which is the only place of secured privacy in my home. (OK, it was the bathroom, not a closet. And as long as no one notices you've been gone too long, no one bothers you.)

I needed something tangible from God that night. I earnestly asked for something tangible. But it was night, and it was dark and it was just a tiny little room.

While I was praying in the night of Florida, God created a rainbow in the Bayou's of Louisiana and my daughter took a picture and sent it to me.

It was waiting, and the first thing I saw after I left my prayer room and clicked my laptop out of sleep mode.

I claimed that promise, just as I'm claiming the promise of the Bird of Paradise.

And I don't mind sharing the beauty and wonder of these creations because the heart and lives they came into were blessed in a way that is just as personal between them and God.

Sometimes ... it's all the more special when a miracle is shared.


Oh, and my dad called yesterday and said, "Guess what I heard while I was praying?"

"Sand Hill Cranes." I said. (I soooo knew!)

"Yep, and it was beautiful. Mom and mine's favorite."




Look for that blessing today!
It's always there,
somewhere,
somehow,
someway,
everyday.
(Sometimes, we just don't feel like looking for it)

Unfailing Vision

He made his way to the very top of the highest point of the tallest peak in all the universe.
He had excellent vision.
He looked to the East, to the West, to the North and to the South.
Not one soul could he find, not one heart could he touch,
not one love could He embrace, but One.
Fathoms of eternity stretched out before him.

Time, space, darkness, void -- a kingdom would not make.

Love is pure ...
and there was light.

Love is kindness ...
and there was fruit, fragrance, beauty and living water.

Love is patient ...
and there was man in his arms resting ... filled with new breath.

And he loved them.

He made his way through lush earth of every created hue.
It was cool and pleasant – delectable fragrance swirled in his wake.
He sought his beloveds for his spirit elated in their company.
He called to them ...

Love hopes,
and hurts.

Love, man, hope, sin -- a kingdom could not make.

He made his way to the very top of the highest point of the tallest peak in all the universe.
Fathoms of eternal lives stretched out before him.
There was no other way, but One.

Darkness, once again, covered the earth.
The heavens cried out in agony.
Scourging flesh resounded its death song.
Love pierced his heart ... and bled.
The veil of sin was torn.

Love keeps no record of wrongs.

He now waits ...
He now perseveres ...
and fills mankind with new breath.
But for now, man’s vision is nothing more than a dark reflection of things to come.

Time, man, redemption, promises -- a kingdom will someday make.

He made his way into the heart of man into the deepest chamber of the innermost sanctuary of their soul ... and now dwells, anticipating, until…

We shall see him face to face.

For the Word was with Him from the beginning and has said, “I will live with them and walk with them, and I will be their God and they will be my people.”


Love, never fails.






Look for that blessing today!
It's always there,
somewhere,
somehow,
someway,
everyday.







2 Corinthians 6:16b NIV
1 Corinthians 13 interspersed throughout story.


Pat Guy
© 2009

Clear and Present Wisdom

I stood watching the moth beating its wings against my kitchen window -- the glass being a barrior it couldn't see. All it knew was the path ahead looked clear when in reality it was just an image of a place it wanted to be . . . an inviting place of possibilities.

But it was the wrong place, for if the moth had succeeded, it would have perished.

A kitchen is no place for a moth. Said owner of kitchen would have made sure.

Miss Moth will never know the fate that awaited if not for the wisdom of the Builder, so she was able to lead the life she was meant to.

The End. (but thankfully, not for Miss Moth)

But, I have no boat? (WFW)

This was the first picture I saw in my search for 'Word Filled Wednesday' and what struck me was its serene beauty. I love the sea. But then, I thought, "I have no boat!" I don't know why I thought that, but I did. Maybe I just wondered what I had to offer?

But anyway ...

We normally associate this verse with leaving everything behind and becoming a Missionary. The verse does say they "left everything and followed ..."

And I know I could apply this to a time when we should give ourselves up to God and His teachings to become fishers of men.

But I wondered, (like I always do) what does this really mean? Is there something beyond the obvious we can glean?

I almost feel certain they did not abandon their boats forever and allow someone else to claim them. Fishing was their livelihood, and family depended on its income and food. I mean, in this passage we see that James and John have a father at home named Zebedee so surely they were supporting him as was the custom. The previous chapter shows Simon Peter married because Jesus healed his mother-in-law. (Luke 4:38)

But we think of this verse as one who has left everything behind to follow Jesus.

So now, other than the obvious sermons we have heard on this verse, I've thoroughly interested myself in this passage to look further into the sequence of the story.

Jesus was teaching a group of people on the shore of Lake Gennesaret. He saw two boats and got in one of them. He asked Simon to row out a little ways and he then sat down and continued to teach. (Have to ponder the significance of that later.)

Then he tells Peter to cast out his nets in to the deep waters for a catch.

Of course Peter explains what Jesus obviously does not know. They've been fishing all night and haven't caught a thing! But he does so just because Jesus says so.

I don't really know if Peter really had any faith about the whole thing, I think he just did this in obedience, or just to show Jesus there were no fish.

Low and behold fish! Abundantly above all they could ask or think!

Peter is contrite for his secret thoughts because he surely didn't say to Jesus, "I knew there would be fish because you said so!"

No, Peter is beside himself because he doesn't even want Jesus to look upon him.

So what does Jesus say? "Don't be afraid ..."

Wow, how compassionately benevolent for God's Son, among men such as us, not give them the look that said, 'I told you there would be fish.' And not to say, 'For your lack of faith you shall be punished and you will not catch any fish for two weeks.' (Well, really, they probably had enough fish to last quite awhile!)

No, He said, "Don't be afraid ..."

I'd be shaking in my sandals. I'd be embarrassed. I'd be so sorry I'd probably fall at His feet! Especially after I thought of the other miracles He had done.

But He was very patient, kind and loving with them. How awesome it is He is the same with us even now.


So, maybe ... no, positively, when things seem impossible, and we've tried and tried our best, over and over again, and reaped no results; when God says try again, then do it, because He's going to do something abundantly above all we could ask or think.

I claim that promise.


Is God asking you to take your boat out one more time? Are you weary after a long night's toil and just plain tired? So am I, but Peter obeyed just because Jesus said so and I'm sure he was weary and tired from casting that net all night -- he figured it was no use.

He probably even resigned himself with a big huge sigh right there as he stood next to Jesus.

I can even imagine the look on Peter's face. It probably mirrored mine at times.

So Peter obeyed, just because,

... and God so blessed,

... filling two boats instead of one!




Look for that blessing today!
It's always there,
somewhere,
somehow,
someway,
everyday.






*Picture by Paul Lee at Heartlight.com

Got quote?

Terri Tiffany Inspirational Writer has a good discussion going on about critiquing called, "No ands, buts, or ors please ... ." http://terri-treasures.blogspot.com/ (sorry, can't figure out how to link!)

Take a look! I learned a very important thing over there today about keeping in mind the style of the writer when we critique. Often we critique through our own eyes which is probably good at first. I really want that very first impression from my critique friend. But then we need to review the style and make suggestions within the style of the author.

But that's really not what my blog is about today. (although I read some good stuff over there!)

It's about those inspiring quotes we gather and post around ourselves to keep us motivated -- whether it's for writing or just for our everyday lives.

Do you have any you could share with us? I'd love to have more than the one I have now. Our BFF Joanne posted one awhile back I kept . . . it's by Barbara Kingslover . . .

"Don't try to figure out what other people want to hear from you, figure out what you have to say."

Wow . . . that helps me!

No limits on inspirational quotes posts. We can never have too many!

Thanks BFF's (Bloggy Friends Forever!)

You are Here! (Monday Manna)

"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" Psalm 8:3-4

After God spoke wisdom, intricacy and unfathomable beauty into the heavens, He said, “Let us make man . . .” and I can’t help but wonder if He was reaching through, and beyond the last day of His masterpiece when He will speak once again and say, “Now my dwelling is with man and I will live with them. They will be my people and I will be with them and be their God.”*

This infinite beauty around us, above us and below the waters – this exquisite intricacy that delights and fills our senses is a promise of all that will be; not only for us . . . but for our Lord and Creator, who also longs for the day when all things are new and we can be with Him face to face – in His embrace – nothing to ever separate us again.

What a day that will be!

*Rev. 21:3


Look for that blessing today!
It's always there,
somewhere,
somehow,
someway,
everyday.





More Monday Manna right here!

Funky Funk

If I close my eyes I see . . . nothing. No words, no inspiration. Normally I can see so much! And feel so much! I live each word I write!

But, I don't know, it doesn't feel like writer's block, and I've noticed I've been typing the wrong words lately, and it feels -- too weird!

Writing gives my mind something to do. Otherwise I talk and write all the time -- in my head. Not good.

I have stories I've put on hold, and I have insights I've tucked away, neat things God has brought my way; and I don't want to lose my bloggy friend connections! We are such a part of each others lives!

So I'm just ramble-writing right now wondering what ya'll do when you are in a writing-funk.

Yes, that's what it is -- a 'writer's funk.'


I guess it takes the darkest clouds,
to make the heaviest rains,
to cleanse the earth,
releasing,
the sweetest fragrance.


Too deep for me to think about right now.

But I do hope this finds you productively and busily happy!

Don't forget me!

Life just seems out of control right now and I've missed blogging and my bloggy friends.

I do hope to finally revamp, rename, relaunch one day. These ideas in my head will drive me crazy until I do something about them. One idea I so want to get into is featuring different blogs so we can discover and make new bloggie friends. That would be fun.

I want to be in the loop and stay in the loop but my brain won't cooperate while being pulled in so many directions at one time.

So, please, don't forget me!

A Promise Waiting

Last night I needed something tangible from God as I was praying. It was just one of those times and my heart was sinking fast. And it was pitch-black outside so there could be no Cardinals flying by my window, no butterflies, no lustrous rays shining through a cluster of dark clouds . . . no unexpected blooms just for me like God has done in the past. I needed some kind of hope I could touch and hold onto.

It seemed God drew me to my laptop. But I thought it was just me. I'm always looking for answers somewhere and it's not too hard to get me on this thing but something in my Spirit had me plop down in my chair to see what it was I hoped to find.

I waited as the screen came out of 'sleep mode.' And there it was . . . waiting.

A rainbow. A full, perfectly beautiful rainbow on the very top of my Home Page at FaceBook . . . sent by my daughter with the caption, "A Beautiful Promise."

As I was praying in Florida's night with a heavy heart, God created a rainbow in Louisiana's dusk with a loving heart and sent it to me through a beautiful and loving daughter as a beautiful promise of hope.

He made a rainbow out of the darkness.

Two loves filled my heart last night. And both are held in my hand each time I make or receive a call, make or receive a text, or when I just want to look at "A Beautiful Promise" on the screen of my cell phone.

How more tangible can you get than that?

And I'm not letting go . . .


What special 'love promise' are you holding onto for what's going on in your life today? It's there, somewhere, just for you . . . He will not leave us comfortless.

And that's a promise.



Look for that blessing today!
It's always there,
somewhere,
somehow,
someway,
everyday.

Go For It! (Word Filled Wednesday)

Reach for it! Go for it! Do it!




Look for that blessing today!
It's always there,
somewhere,
somehow,
someway,
everyday.






More at http://susan2956.blogspot.com/ !


*Picture by Paul Lee at http://www.heartlight.org/cgi/heartgallery.cgi

WFW: Let Freedom Flow

More at . . .

A Rose in My Book.

God knows me like a book.

I've been thinking about editing. Something I have a problem with because I can never stop. I'm always thinking about what I want to change, what I want to tweak or a word that might fit better--I need the perfect word. Sometimes, that one elusive word will trip me up for hours. I'm hoping the challenge of blogging will temper some of that for me.

But, I am so glad God doesn't have this problem . . . He knows me like a book--a finished, perfectly edited, book.

I may think I know me . . . but I don't . . . not like God does.

But, I wonder . . . do I have a table of contents? And I would love to read the intro into the sequel!

Because that's one thing I'm sure of--my sequel.



Look for that blessing today!
It's always there,
somewhere,
somehow,
someway,
everyday . . . it's already been written, and edited into one of your chapters.

No wonder God isn't concerned about tomorrow . . . He's already been there!

Peace is spoken.

Mark 4:39

Can you imagine what this kind of peace felt like after such a turbulent and terrifying storm? As soon as His words were spoken . . . the winds and the waves ceased their fury, danger lost its threat, and all was calm.

What a promise!

Dear Lord Jesus, we ask you now, to speak into our hearts and lives . . . and those of our loved ones. Thank you for the hope that all things are possible with you.

In your precious name,

Amen

Check out http://www.allyouhavetogive.com/ for more sermons in pictures.

Picture by: John Bell at heartlight.org

Angel Glow

Birth: FaithWriters Weekly Challenge
Just in time for all the new births to our Grammy friends the week of September 7-11, 2009



Angel Glow

If it could be, it was almost out of rhythm, that slight flutter. But it never could happen you see, for the cadence of wings was always in unison praise to their Maker . . . and always in rhythm with the glorious chorus before Him. But there was a quiver of excitement and anticipation flowing through their majestic wings—especially for two of them. They had been chosen just as the time and moment had been chosen. They knew her name. I AM had spoken, and they knew that twinkle in His eye for it shone upon their face when He called them to His side.

Her time was near.

Fragrance so weightless, so pure filled their celestial being and they breathed deep its fresh softness. They lifted high the full radiance of their wings and spread their vast span of brilliance. Life was imminent. They swirled and whirled to melodic adulations of “Holy . . . Holy . . . Holy.” Their luminous wake carried by the winds of worship.

Yet their focus was on His every movement, their intent on His every gesture—and all it needed was one look—one twinkle . . . one smile.

And He did . . .

***

They hover in awe. They stand guard in wonder. They hover in reverence. They stand guard in honor.

She arrives. She cries. They flutter the glow of their wings. She cries. It does not work . . . and she cries.

Sweet fragrance of sweet life mingles with precious first moments. They swoop in close—so close. She opens her eyes. She stops her cries. Their faces reflect her Father’s delight and speak of His love; and they smile. Does she see Him? Yes, she knows. She is calm now. She rests in their wings and sleeps in their softened glow.

She will lose sight of them as she becomes more focused on the world around her. She will no longer hear the music of their wings as she becomes accustomed to this world and its offerings.

A pity . . . for after all—Angel glow is so beautiful.


But oh, sweet one . . . you are so loved.

You are so loved.



Matthew 18:11b "For I tell you that their Angels in Heaven always see the face of my Father in Heaven."


Written by,
Gramy of Austin, Hannah and Gracie Bug

A Project in the Making

I don't know what it's like around your neck of the woods, but I love how people around here put stuff on the side of the road hoping someone else will take it. And we're not talking about junk either.

I've done it myself! And it doesn't take long for someone to spot it, slow down and load it up. I love it!

Well, this past Saturday I noticed a yard sale while taking my Dad to the grocery store. He worked for Winn Dixie for several years after retiring from the Air force and had come to know many of the various of managers within the store chain. One is a special friend from way back who chose to stay close to home rather than move. My father enjoys these visits when we go shopping.

Hence the extreme desire to stop on a whim at the yard sale and not go to the store--which I couldn't do, of course--but I so wanted too! I was looking for a sturdy TV stand for my daughter's first, most cute little apartment and this place sure looked packed full of some nice stuff--and probably cheap!

So I just sucked-it-up to priorities and regrettably shoved it all aside.

My dad had a good time and I took him home.

Now, my Dad loves to study the Bible and he told me of his idea for a desk because he needed more room for all the reference Bibles he was using, and he needed more space to take notes. Right now he did everything on one tray trying to utilize the available spots around his chair. And that included eating. But it looked like it would be difficult to find something that would work in that limited space.

OK, a project to work out for another day. I only had a couple of days before my daughter arrived and the TV-stand for her very first, most cute apartment was my priority for now. Besides, it was going to be fun looking for one. She too, had limited space to work with, but the stand also had to be solid and stable--my grandbaby would be crawling around and curious!

As I left his house--you guessed it--the yard sale came to mind. It was like God saying . . . turn right, not left, go back down that road. And I really wanted to find the perfect TV-stand for my daughter's perfect first apartment. Her dad and I had been working hard to get it spruced up and ready. My hopes were high on finding it at the yard sale.

But all those glorious treasures were nowhere to be seen! And it was still early--not much past noon! Yard sales don't close up that soon on a Saturday. Going down that road felt like The Twilight Zone. Where was it?

Then I spotted these two pieces of furniture as I was poking along. A beautiful long desk and a not so beautiful but maybe perfect stand. (it could always be covered)

I stopped. (of course!)

The stand was solid, pretty nice, on wheels, very stable and had a flap that lifted up to give more space. I thought, this is cool, she could use this for anything down through the years but it would work great for the TV now. I was so excited!

The desk was way too heavy, too long, and too big for the space where my dad took his meals and studied so I knew that piece wouldn't work for him. But his need was a project for another day anyway.

I rolled the stand to the back of my van while someone else slowed down behind me. I'm sure they were just chomping at the bit to get it.

As I took off to my daughter's, a nagging thought popped up and I just shoved it aside. I had only one focus and I wanted to see it through.

I got to her place, took out the stand and the nagging thought shoved its way back in. I didn't have much choice other than to face it--this thing might work for my dad and I could always find something else for my daughter.

So I took a second look at the stand, gave up a respectable sigh expressing my reluctance to fully give up my goal and I left it by the van to go eye-ball the space where the stand was destined to go (I thought) and . . . of course it didn't work.

I called my dad.

I headed off back to his house and it was a perfect fit. His face literally lit up with pleasure for his new toy. I could see his mind working on how he was going to arrange his pencils, pens, Bibles, meds, scripture ink pads . . . his whole world.

He finally asked how much it was. I told him the story and that it must be a gift from God. He wanted a desk, it had to be a certain kind to work, and God told me to go back down that road--it was a gift from God!

He later called expressing how much he loved his desk.

The next day I went back to his house to pick up a few more things from "Nana" for her "granchillins" to add her touch to the apartment and I was such a busy-bee I didn't notice my dad's set up. My husband worked on a few things around his house and we finally got ready to leave but I forgot one more thing . . . then I noticed my mom's tray was gone. I know my dad probably had been waiting for me to notice because my sisters and I have an unwritten rule--no one takes anything without asking first, and our mom's tray was a part of her world next to her chair. My dad says "Good Morning" to her every morning when he fixes his breakfast.

So I'm yelling, "Where's mom's tray?" as I go into the Florida room where my dad basically lives and it was then I saw his "set-up."

I first noticed my dad's Air Force name plate that used to sit on his desk in the service. It now proudly adorned his 'new' desk. And my mom's tray stood right next to it.

Perfect.

I took pictures. And he smiled . . . sitting at his new gift from God.

And my daughter's TV stand? Well, she's decided to use something else.


No wonder God isn't concerned about tomorrow . . . He's already been there!



Look for that blessing today!
It's always there,
somewhere,
somehow,
someway,
everyday.

Grovey Hearts

I popped a CD in my car player the other day that unexpectedly moved me to tears. The emotions caught me off guard. I had heard this CD so many times already and I popped it in for that reason. It's one I love. In fact, the CD I have is messed up on two of my favorite songs so I pop it in from time-to-time hoping there would be no weird stutters and strange melodic garbles.

But, like I said, it had been awhile . . .

Until I received a package in the mail. A surprise package!

Dee Yoder of "My Heart's Dee-light" (http://deeyodersblogspot.blogspot.com/) ran a give-away a couple of months back of a CD by Sara Groves I coveted. Maybe that's why I didn't win. But like a good friend, to my good friend Sara Harricharan, I gave my profuse congratulations because I really was happy she won.

I tucked the loss away for another day to pity-party.

But I never did get to that party! Behind my back (like all good friends do) Joanne and Patty told Dee to give me the CD if they won. Yet, unknown to them she had a CD set aside to send me--but unknown to Dee, what she sent me was the same album I had that was messed up which I could no longer play regardless of how much I hoped would play perfectly.

I popped in my brand new gift CD, expecting to fully enjoy beautiful, wonderful, down-to-earth, spiritually sound, to the heart songs from "Conversations" that always moved me.

But what I didn't expect was how those first cords would really move me. They warmed my heart to the core for I felt the love from my friends who wanted me to have an album from an artist we mutually enjoy. How miraculous it is love and friendship knows no cyber-bounderies and how the heart can reach through that cold, dark world and touch another. Mine was so deeply touched!

And I thoroughly enjoyed each song. Especially my favorites--with no stutters and garbles.

Isn't awesome? If I had won, I would have lost! (well, not really, but you know what I mean)




Look for that blessing today!
It's always there,
somewhere,
somehow,
someway,
everyday.

To Blog or Not to Blog . . . but "Why?" is the Question?

This may be a sensitive subject for some, I don't know, but the blogging world has me confused and I need to think out loud to my friends for a few moments.

Terri Tiffany at Terri Tiffany Inspirational Writer (http://terri-treasures.blogspot.com/) brought up some good points in her blog a few days ago about promoting ourselves as writers and how blogging does or does not play a part in this.

I'm fairly new at blogging but have notice some things I'm not sure I'm comfortable with. I understand the concept of getting our name out there through social networking in as many ways as we can with the hope someone will click our links, pop on by our blog and discover we can actually write. And like it! But I'm uncomfortable with the feeling of the old, "Scratch my back and I'll scratch yours." philosophy that creeps in eventually.

You join mine, I join yours, I comment on yours, you comment on mine . . . and so on.

I know there is a purpose and a point of etiquette when blogging but are there lines drawn somewhere? When reading and commenting on blogs becomes a duty, expected and a job to face as part of our day . . . then it feels like the spirit of blogging has gotten lost along the way of "promoting" ourselves.

I want someone to visit my blog without any strings attached. A time for the reader to pause, relax and hopefully enjoy something I've written. I don't want someone to feel obligated to leave a comment because I left one on their blog, or to feel obligated period. Just to relax, and enjoy--no stress.

Now here's the tricky part; feedback is what a writer, an actor, an artist--anyone in the arts, depends on to know if their work has any meaning or merit--which is to please and touch the reader/observer. And we don't know if it does unless they tell or show us in some way.

So where is the balance?

We want and need to promote. (How is anyone going to know we exist? Maybe there is a "connection" out there somewhere that will help move us forward.)

We want and need feedback. (Are we any good? Does my writing stink? Does it touch anyone?)

We want and need bloggy friends. (Whew! She/he understands exactly what I'm talking about!)

"Why" am I blogging?

I started blogging as a means to develop my writing and to start writing again. Since my Mother went Home to be with the Lord, and since it was such an intense time, I haven't written much or written as deep and intense as I normally do. I also felt it might help with my tendency to over edit. I edit everything I write, even posts on message boards. Everything! I very rarely write something, do a quick edit and then post. I break out in sweaty arm-pits just thinking about it. (TMI?--Obsessive Compulsive Edit Disorder sufferers know exactly what I'm talking about. It's painful!) But I'm working on it!

I have found I enjoy sharing the deep wonderings of my heart, and the insights God brings into my life and soul. I've enjoyed meeting and making new friends--and their words.

I have found I'm so eclectic I can't settle on one theme for my blog but I enjoy the sharing part.

And that's why I blog. To connect. Not socially, but personally.

A writer's life is a lonely one, I think. And a hopeful one. We are always hoping, hoping and then hoping some more that our words will touch someone's heart and lift their soul, make them smile, challenge their thoughts, give them a moment of respite . . . connect with their Heavenly Father who loves them . . . and leave with a sigh.

And yet . . . there are so many of us out there!


I don't know if I have unmuddled my own thoughts about the network of blogging but thank you for listening my bloggy friends.


So now I am going to do a quick edit and post.


Veerrryy scary. (as she grabs her Dove deodorant)






PS. Ok, so, a not so quick edit. (as she fidgets and squirms in her chair . . . but written and edited all in a few hours! Whoop!)

Deep-Down Embrace

I squeezed my daughter real tight.


There is nothing, nothing, nothing like our children's hugs. Nothing can compare to the deep-down way they touch our hearts--a place they fill unlike any other.


I was soaking in the moments of my daughter's hug before she had to leave on her long journey back to Louisiana. I was thinking these precious thoughts about her as I was lingering, not wanting to let go, when I heard a voice deep-down in this very special place say, "I know."

I listened, kind of startled.

And then He said, "I feel the same about you."


What a shocker to know we touch something deep-down within God that brings Him pleasure surpassing all He has ever created. And not just "we" as a whole, but we, as in you and me...personally...as in...one-of-a-kind special.

For reasons we can't fathom, He wants to be with us. To talk with us, be close with us...to finally one day be able to hug us and not let go.

A chorus I love comes to mind,

"You are loved beyond your failures
You are loved beyond your past
The hope that you’ve imagined
Is now reality at last
You are loved with no conditions
You are loved with no remorse
The scars of your forgiveness
Are engraved upon the Lord

You are loved."


One day, He will hug us real tight, and it'll touch that deep-down place in His heart that only we can fill and He will take pleasure in every twinkling-of-an-eye-nano-second of eternity with each and everyone of us...as in personally...'one-of-a-kind' special.


It's so way beyond our understanding, but I've enjoyed thinking about it, and embracing it for the Eternity before me.


But I wonder (the bane of my existence)...how many of us will He be able to hold at one time?







Chorus taken from "You Are Loved" by Hopes Call.

WFW on Saturday night!

Strength and Hope for the weekend!






*Photo by Paul Lee at http://www.heartlight.org.

Why is it?

Why is it, when we finally talk ourselves into being thankful for being able to do something we don't want to do...we still don't like it?

Why can't our feelings change in light of being thankful that we can get up out of bed without assistance, get dressed, fix our own meals, drive our own car, do our own shopping for the foods we like...and so on and so on?

I have a window I cherish. It's in my computer/day-room. Windows are very important to me so I claim this one as my very own. The view is beautiful with the full spectrum of greens (one of my favorite colors) and soon I will have long, elegant fluffy plumes of feathery silk to gaze upon.

What is even more beautiful, and the most precious of all is the place God is/and has prepared for me. Can you imagine what that will be like when compared to what God has created for us here on Earth?

You would think the horrible, horrible Price for my salvation giving me eternity with no more pain or suffering of any kind should be enough to cover all inconveniences. Eternity of purest joy, all-consuming worship and close companionship with God should be enough to put a skip in my step.

So why do I still resent doing some, if not many, of the things I have to do?

It's so difficult to change perceptions. Especially when some things in my life are just not going to change.

And sometimes I get tired of crossing just "one more bridge."

Maybe that's why Hebrews 4:16 has become my life's verse...

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

I like knowing we can come to Him with confidence, and I surely know I need mercy--especially during my most ungrateful times, and how gracious it is of Him to give us so much when we deserve less than nothing.

So, I guess, until then, I'll have to "Grin and bare it." as they say.

HA! Fat chance!

"Grit and bare it." more than likely.



Look for that blessing today!
It's always there,
somewhere,
somehow,
someway,
everyday.