Don’t know about you but I’m tired! Also very glad it is Friday.
As I sit down to write this I can’t help but ponder on what God has been showing me lately. I have been walking with Him for many years. Yet... somehow ... it’s almost like I never knew Him. The pictures He has imprinted on my heart here lately have left me with a sense of awe and wonder at His love for me.
God the Almighty - the Creator - the Holy and Sovereign Lord - the Great I am - this same God who is the Alpha and Omega lovingly and compassionately reaches down and meets me - meets you - right where we are. This same God - who is beyond my ability to understand or comprehend - calls me to come and find rest in His arms ~ allows me to call Him Daddy.
What do you need tonight? Are you tired?
“Come all you who are weary and I will give you rest”
Are you afraid?
“The God who watches over you will never slumber nor sleep”
If you learn nothing else remember that the God of the universe wants to be the Lord and Father of your heart.
Can you see Him over there? He is sitting in that big overstuffed chair ~
He is waiting for you.
Waiting patiently.
He won’t demand nor will He push.
He will wait.
Go ahead~
It will be worth it!
I promise~
Originally Written 1/11/2002
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Show Me Your Glory
Good evening and I pray this finds you all resting in the arms of your Father tonight. I think I decided today that this thinking stuff is tiring! It’s wearin’ me out! BUT God seems to be using it to show me more of Himself as well as helping others who maybe need it.
So ...... Would you come over? Pull up a chair and have a seat. Just rest for a few and let me share what God laid on my heart today. Actually - He has put many things on my heart today but we would be here all day if I put them all down. So, for now let me share just one with you.
I would like to go back to Moses - specifically in Exodus 33:18-23 and 34:5-8. I encourage you to read both of these chapters but let me give you an overview. Israel has just broken their covenant with God. Moses pleads on their behalf even offering his own life just so God will spare His judgment. God calls Moses to come back to the Mountain so that He can renew the covenant with Moses and the people.
But there was something in this passage that I missed - Can you see it? Don’t skim over it so fast that you miss it. Re read it - Do you see it there? I think it is one of the most revealing passages and I missed it! You don’t see it? Well, here - let me help you~
Moses asks God to show him His glory. He prays for that in 33:18. I wonder if Moses knew what he was asking? I wonder what he was expecting to see? But God honors Moses’ desire and in 34:5-7 we see God revealing to Moses His glory. Read that! Take it in! Sit back and consider all that Moses saw pass before his eyes! Soak it in and then look at how Moses responded in verse 8.
“And Moses made haste to bow low toward the earth and worship.”
Moses saw God’s entire character pass before his face. God gave Moses what he asked for. I don’t think Moses realized all that God would reveal to him. And Moses could only do one thing - made haste (means quickly) to bow and worship.
Would you - would I be willing to pray that way and expect God to answer?
You know - I don’t even now how to finish this off tonight so I am going to leave you here for tonight. Have someone waiting for me - He is waiting for you too.
Originally Written 1/10/2002
So ...... Would you come over? Pull up a chair and have a seat. Just rest for a few and let me share what God laid on my heart today. Actually - He has put many things on my heart today but we would be here all day if I put them all down. So, for now let me share just one with you.
I would like to go back to Moses - specifically in Exodus 33:18-23 and 34:5-8. I encourage you to read both of these chapters but let me give you an overview. Israel has just broken their covenant with God. Moses pleads on their behalf even offering his own life just so God will spare His judgment. God calls Moses to come back to the Mountain so that He can renew the covenant with Moses and the people.
But there was something in this passage that I missed - Can you see it? Don’t skim over it so fast that you miss it. Re read it - Do you see it there? I think it is one of the most revealing passages and I missed it! You don’t see it? Well, here - let me help you~
Moses asks God to show him His glory. He prays for that in 33:18. I wonder if Moses knew what he was asking? I wonder what he was expecting to see? But God honors Moses’ desire and in 34:5-7 we see God revealing to Moses His glory. Read that! Take it in! Sit back and consider all that Moses saw pass before his eyes! Soak it in and then look at how Moses responded in verse 8.
“And Moses made haste to bow low toward the earth and worship.”
Moses saw God’s entire character pass before his face. God gave Moses what he asked for. I don’t think Moses realized all that God would reveal to him. And Moses could only do one thing - made haste (means quickly) to bow and worship.
Would you - would I be willing to pray that way and expect God to answer?
You know - I don’t even now how to finish this off tonight so I am going to leave you here for tonight. Have someone waiting for me - He is waiting for you too.
Originally Written 1/10/2002
Wounds
Good evening to all of you~
I don’t know about all of you but I could crawl into bed right now and not have to think twice about falling asleep! For some reason it’s been hard to keep the eyes open but now that I have had some dinner I wanted to sit down and share with you for just a few. I must confess that I have been enjoying the time together. I look forward to sitting down and sharing with you a piece of my heart - some aspect of God that He lays on my heart to share. I pray that He will continue to use whatever is put here for His glory.
Today has me still thinking on yesterday’s post. In some ways it was a very hard post to write. It is an area of my heart that is very tender. An area where God has had to do a lot of healing. Little by little He cleans out the wounds that go deep and puts His healing touch - not all at once but only as much as we can handle. I must confess that at times of healing it feels as if He is making it worse instead of better. It doesn’t feel good at all! But each time it gets a little easier - each time the wound heals a little more.
When one of the children at school falls and scraps their knee or their hand the tears fall as if the world has come to an end. As a teacher and a caregiver I will do everything I can to make it better but I have to wash it off first. I have to clean the wound so that infection doesn’t get in there and make it worse. Have you ever tried to clean the wound of a child who is crying??? Tis not a fun thing! They cry and push you away claiming that it will hurt too much. Actually had one child tell me that they didn’t care if it got infected or not - it was not worth it to them to let me clean it out.
Once you can get past cleaning the wound and putting a band aid on it (which usually does the trick) then you can spend the time holding them and letting them cry - letting them find comfort in your arms. Pretty soon life is okay again and within no time they are off playing as if nothing ever happened.
I wish it were that easy. I wish it were as simply as putting a band-aid over it and sending you on your way. I know that for some of you reading this that it hurts - you would much rather live with the wound then go through the pain of letting God clean it out.
Trust me! I know! It’s very hard and very painful. BUT this I also know that He who started the work will complete it and make us into who He wants us to be. That He loves you and me so much that He collects our tears in a bottle~ That the very one who cleans out the wounds is the same one who will hold us in His embrace and never let go.
I am so very grateful that we have a “Daddy” that loves us that much.
Originally Written 1/9/2002
I don’t know about all of you but I could crawl into bed right now and not have to think twice about falling asleep! For some reason it’s been hard to keep the eyes open but now that I have had some dinner I wanted to sit down and share with you for just a few. I must confess that I have been enjoying the time together. I look forward to sitting down and sharing with you a piece of my heart - some aspect of God that He lays on my heart to share. I pray that He will continue to use whatever is put here for His glory.
Today has me still thinking on yesterday’s post. In some ways it was a very hard post to write. It is an area of my heart that is very tender. An area where God has had to do a lot of healing. Little by little He cleans out the wounds that go deep and puts His healing touch - not all at once but only as much as we can handle. I must confess that at times of healing it feels as if He is making it worse instead of better. It doesn’t feel good at all! But each time it gets a little easier - each time the wound heals a little more.
When one of the children at school falls and scraps their knee or their hand the tears fall as if the world has come to an end. As a teacher and a caregiver I will do everything I can to make it better but I have to wash it off first. I have to clean the wound so that infection doesn’t get in there and make it worse. Have you ever tried to clean the wound of a child who is crying??? Tis not a fun thing! They cry and push you away claiming that it will hurt too much. Actually had one child tell me that they didn’t care if it got infected or not - it was not worth it to them to let me clean it out.
Once you can get past cleaning the wound and putting a band aid on it (which usually does the trick) then you can spend the time holding them and letting them cry - letting them find comfort in your arms. Pretty soon life is okay again and within no time they are off playing as if nothing ever happened.
I wish it were that easy. I wish it were as simply as putting a band-aid over it and sending you on your way. I know that for some of you reading this that it hurts - you would much rather live with the wound then go through the pain of letting God clean it out.
Trust me! I know! It’s very hard and very painful. BUT this I also know that He who started the work will complete it and make us into who He wants us to be. That He loves you and me so much that He collects our tears in a bottle~ That the very one who cleans out the wounds is the same one who will hold us in His embrace and never let go.
I am so very grateful that we have a “Daddy” that loves us that much.
Originally Written 1/9/2002
It Would Have Been Enough..
Good evening
I pray this finds all of you back into the routine and doing well. I pray that God is giving each one of you all that you need as you seek Him out.
As for me, it’s been a good start back to the routine. A bit tired tonight but that comes with age. I started back with my Bible Study today and that is always the highlight of my week.
We have been studying the life of Moses this year and what a great study! Each week I find things I want to implement - I want to live my life as Moses did but I fall so far off the mark. What an incredible man of God!
Something that was shared this morning seemed to hit me between the eyes and go right to my heart. So, if you don’t mind I thought I would share it with you. I have been praying all afternoon that God would use it to touch someone else.
If you go through and read Exodus you will find that God was trying to establish a history with His people. They had been in captivity for 400 years. Now that it was time for them to come out and be their own Nation, they needed to know who God was. God did numerous miracles to reveal Himself to them. Not just because He wanted them to know He was God but He wanted to have a relationship with them. He wanted to not only be their God but He wanted to be their Father.
Someone made this statement; “it would be enough if God did nothing more then save us - to offer us forgiveness and eternal life. But God did even more. He gave us the right to call Him Dad - Abba Father - Papa God.” It would have been enough .... But He gave us the right ....
Can not even express to you how that touched my heart. Now I know that this world has a warped view of what a dad is. Some of us have been harmed by our earthly fathers so much so that it is hard to think of God that way. Let me encourage you tonight~ Do not compare God to what this world has to offer - please! What God has to offer us is so far beyond our comprehension that it should cause us to fall down at His feet in humble worship.
But you know what will happen when we do that?
This God who we fall in front of to worship will call us into His arms and cradle us as His child. This is a picture that I hold onto.
Will you, tonight, worship Him and crawl into the very arms of the best Dad you could ask for?
Rest~
Fall into His everlasting grip of Grace and let Him give you His love ~ His peace ~ rest. Please?
Think someone is waiting for me so if it’s okay with you - I’m gonna go spend sometime with my Dad. Good night
Originally Written 1/08/2002
I pray this finds all of you back into the routine and doing well. I pray that God is giving each one of you all that you need as you seek Him out.
As for me, it’s been a good start back to the routine. A bit tired tonight but that comes with age. I started back with my Bible Study today and that is always the highlight of my week.
We have been studying the life of Moses this year and what a great study! Each week I find things I want to implement - I want to live my life as Moses did but I fall so far off the mark. What an incredible man of God!
Something that was shared this morning seemed to hit me between the eyes and go right to my heart. So, if you don’t mind I thought I would share it with you. I have been praying all afternoon that God would use it to touch someone else.
If you go through and read Exodus you will find that God was trying to establish a history with His people. They had been in captivity for 400 years. Now that it was time for them to come out and be their own Nation, they needed to know who God was. God did numerous miracles to reveal Himself to them. Not just because He wanted them to know He was God but He wanted to have a relationship with them. He wanted to not only be their God but He wanted to be their Father.
Someone made this statement; “it would be enough if God did nothing more then save us - to offer us forgiveness and eternal life. But God did even more. He gave us the right to call Him Dad - Abba Father - Papa God.” It would have been enough .... But He gave us the right ....
Can not even express to you how that touched my heart. Now I know that this world has a warped view of what a dad is. Some of us have been harmed by our earthly fathers so much so that it is hard to think of God that way. Let me encourage you tonight~ Do not compare God to what this world has to offer - please! What God has to offer us is so far beyond our comprehension that it should cause us to fall down at His feet in humble worship.
But you know what will happen when we do that?
This God who we fall in front of to worship will call us into His arms and cradle us as His child. This is a picture that I hold onto.
Will you, tonight, worship Him and crawl into the very arms of the best Dad you could ask for?
Rest~
Fall into His everlasting grip of Grace and let Him give you His love ~ His peace ~ rest. Please?
Think someone is waiting for me so if it’s okay with you - I’m gonna go spend sometime with my Dad. Good night
Originally Written 1/08/2002
Come as Children
There is nothing better then working with children.
I will be forever grateful that God a allows me to work with them.
I can be having a horrible morning - walk out to the play yard and have one of the kids run over for a hug - suddenly the morning isn’t so bad.
Within a split second my perspective has changed.
I have often wondered why Jesus said that we must come as little children.
Children are so immature and naive.
They usually have runny noses and dirty faces.
They usually have their hair messy and their clothes dirty.
But they also have an innocence and a purity that we as adults don’t have.
Most kids will accept you at face value.
They will love you unconditionally and they are very forgiving.
Jesus said for us to come as Children.
So... I guess ... I am to come to Him just as I am and accept what He has to offer - without question?
And what do I gain in return?
He will take and clean up the dirty face - wash me thoroughly - give me His robes of righteousness.
And best of all!!
He will give me His name.
I will be called His child.
With that name will come a shared inheritance - with Jesus Christ.
Don’t know about you but feels a bit overwhelming.
Originally Written 1/07/2002
I will be forever grateful that God a allows me to work with them.
I can be having a horrible morning - walk out to the play yard and have one of the kids run over for a hug - suddenly the morning isn’t so bad.
Within a split second my perspective has changed.
I have often wondered why Jesus said that we must come as little children.
Children are so immature and naive.
They usually have runny noses and dirty faces.
They usually have their hair messy and their clothes dirty.
But they also have an innocence and a purity that we as adults don’t have.
Most kids will accept you at face value.
They will love you unconditionally and they are very forgiving.
Jesus said for us to come as Children.
So... I guess ... I am to come to Him just as I am and accept what He has to offer - without question?
And what do I gain in return?
He will take and clean up the dirty face - wash me thoroughly - give me His robes of righteousness.
And best of all!!
He will give me His name.
I will be called His child.
With that name will come a shared inheritance - with Jesus Christ.
Don’t know about you but feels a bit overwhelming.
Originally Written 1/07/2002
Renewal
Once again I am sitting in my chair at my desk. Now I will tell you that I started this over two hours ago but the sun comes right through the window. It felt so good that I sat back to take it all in. Very relaxing! I’ve been told that if I were a cat I would have been purring:)
As I sit here trying to take in the warmth of the sun I was thinking about the last two weeks. I know that for some of us life starts again tomorrow. Schools go back in session and some of us go back to our regular jobs.
You know - I don’t want to go back yet. I miss being with the kids but I’m tired. This has not been a restful vacation for me. I need a vacation from my vacation;)
Do you ever feel that way? Do you ever wish that you had a button you could push so that you could stop the merry-go-round anytime you wanted? I do and if you are honest you have those days too.
So, what do we do when we face a day like that? Well, for me - today - I fell asleep in the sun or at least dozed off for a few. But from a spiritual standpoint we do the same. We find our rest in Him. We renew our strength as we spend time with Him. We gain renewed vision for His purpose not ours
Think I better try and get some things done - thanks for letting me spend this time with you. You know something - I pray that each one of you will remember that despite your circumstances - God is still God - and as we keep our eyes focused up on Him He will give us times of refreshment. Times when we can bask in the warmth of His light ~ a very restful and relaxing place to be.
Originally Written 1/6/2002
As I sit here trying to take in the warmth of the sun I was thinking about the last two weeks. I know that for some of us life starts again tomorrow. Schools go back in session and some of us go back to our regular jobs.
You know - I don’t want to go back yet. I miss being with the kids but I’m tired. This has not been a restful vacation for me. I need a vacation from my vacation;)
Do you ever feel that way? Do you ever wish that you had a button you could push so that you could stop the merry-go-round anytime you wanted? I do and if you are honest you have those days too.
So, what do we do when we face a day like that? Well, for me - today - I fell asleep in the sun or at least dozed off for a few. But from a spiritual standpoint we do the same. We find our rest in Him. We renew our strength as we spend time with Him. We gain renewed vision for His purpose not ours
Think I better try and get some things done - thanks for letting me spend this time with you. You know something - I pray that each one of you will remember that despite your circumstances - God is still God - and as we keep our eyes focused up on Him He will give us times of refreshment. Times when we can bask in the warmth of His light ~ a very restful and relaxing place to be.
Originally Written 1/6/2002
Boundaries
Today I write to you from my chair at my desk - with the sun
streaming through the window about to put me to sleep. I realized as I was
sitting here that I never told you all about the Jetty. I had made a comment
that I didn’t know what the purpose was for the Jetty in an earlier
post. Thanks to those who helped bring this concept even closer to the
heart.
So, if it’s okay I’d like to go back and sit at the beach with
you and tell you about the purpose for the Jetty. I never stopped to think it
had a purpose other then something to walk on and see if you can or can not get
wet - But it’s purpose is quite interesting.
The Jetty is put there to help protect the shoreline from the
constant pounding of the waves. They apparently help with directing the current
as well as help with erosion.
As you sit and watch the waves come in one right after the
other - the Jetty appears to take the biggest force of the water. Just as
constant as the waves coming in one after the other - so is the Jetty. unmoving
and steady. It takes the force of the water so that the land does not have to
be exposed to its destructive force.
As we sit here watching the waves come in and slam against the
rocks - we can be grateful that we are on the shore and not sitting in the
rocks. If we were to go and stand next to the Jetty where the water hits we
would easily be tossed against the rocks. Most likely won’t feel too good
either~ But if we stay on the shore or stay on the jetty itself we have a much
better chance of not being harmed by the water.
Do you realize that as believers God has provided us with a
Jetty to protect us from the pounding forces of the enemy? Through His Word and
the Holy Spirit indwelling us we learn what His boundaries are. We come to
experience His protection.
But when we step out of His boundary - step in front of the
very thing that He intended for protection we will be pounded and tossed by the
things this world will throw at us.
Plant in you minds the picture of the waves slamming into the rocks. The
next time you think about stepping out of His word - going against what you
know is right - remember - it will hurt.
You know - you can stay awhile - enjoy the view. Take in the
sights and sounds - feel the power of the water. One can draw great strength
from it or one can be hurt by it. I pray that each one of you will draw His
strength from it. Enjoy~
Originally Written 1/05/2002
Originally Written 1/05/2002
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Team Work
If it’s okay with all of you I’d like to take you back to the office with me. I know! I know! Hey it won’t hurt - I promise. And besides you only have to be there with your imagination I had to be there for reals:)
It was sunny today yet enough of a cloud layer that those mountains were still not visible. It is such a nice view though! To the left you can see the ocean and a few white puffy clouds dotted against the blue sky. As one pans to the right you can see the low lying hills and one can actually follow the skyline for a little while before the inland clouds obscure they view.
There are crews out today setting up the sprinklers in the fields so that the newly planted crops can get what they need to grow. It must be hard work! I watched them as they move the long pieces of pipe and placed them in just the right spot. It wasn’t just one or two of them - it was quite a few. I ran out of fingers and toes trying to count them;)
They all seemed to know what to do without even thinking about it - now they might have been talking back and forth but from my vantage point they worked like a well-oiled machine. They job was completed sooner and hopefully it made the day go faster for everyone.
It made me wonder if that is what God sees when He watches His children. Does He see people working together towards one goal? Does He see teamwork? Maybe He sees separation? Isolation? People stepping on other people just to get the job done instead of stopping to help the one who has fallen?
One of my favorite verses is Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. And rather then write it out I challenge you to go read it. Then ask God to show you who you can come alongside or who you can help. Maybe you are reading this and you need someone to come along side and help you - Ask God to help you and remember you will never walk alone - I promise~
Thanks for sitting with me. And the sun didn’t stay out too long - wasn’t too long before what little bit one could see was once again blocked. It’s a good thing I know those mountains are there!
Originally Written 1/3/2002
It was sunny today yet enough of a cloud layer that those mountains were still not visible. It is such a nice view though! To the left you can see the ocean and a few white puffy clouds dotted against the blue sky. As one pans to the right you can see the low lying hills and one can actually follow the skyline for a little while before the inland clouds obscure they view.
There are crews out today setting up the sprinklers in the fields so that the newly planted crops can get what they need to grow. It must be hard work! I watched them as they move the long pieces of pipe and placed them in just the right spot. It wasn’t just one or two of them - it was quite a few. I ran out of fingers and toes trying to count them;)
They all seemed to know what to do without even thinking about it - now they might have been talking back and forth but from my vantage point they worked like a well-oiled machine. They job was completed sooner and hopefully it made the day go faster for everyone.
It made me wonder if that is what God sees when He watches His children. Does He see people working together towards one goal? Does He see teamwork? Maybe He sees separation? Isolation? People stepping on other people just to get the job done instead of stopping to help the one who has fallen?
One of my favorite verses is Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. And rather then write it out I challenge you to go read it. Then ask God to show you who you can come alongside or who you can help. Maybe you are reading this and you need someone to come along side and help you - Ask God to help you and remember you will never walk alone - I promise~
Thanks for sitting with me. And the sun didn’t stay out too long - wasn’t too long before what little bit one could see was once again blocked. It’s a good thing I know those mountains are there!
Originally Written 1/3/2002
Jesus Loves Me~
It’s funny how you can do the same routine over and over and them one day - BAM! God shows you something that you hadn’t seen before. Had something happen the other day that I wanted to share with you. It’s just taken me a couple of days to piece it together without taking up ALL the BB. :)
I have two little ones that I baby sit from time to time. Very easy kids to watch and I love the time with them. Well on this particular night the youngest one was not feeling really good. He was very fussy and there was nothing anyone could do to make it better.
I went ahead and went into the bedroom where it was fairly dark and very quiet - then began to walk with him singing to him as I did so. Now I have the same list of songs that I go through when I sing them to sleep - always start with Jesus Loves Me and end with it.
I love the song - so simple yet so profound.
But you know how little ones are - He fought me something fierce. He did everything to keep from putting his head down. There was no way he was going to go to sleep no matter what I did! As I stood there trying to comfort him and assure him that it would be okay the thought occurred to me - Is this what we do with God?
As I started to sing “Jesus loves me” for the last time it hit me like a ton of bricks! All God wants us to do is to come and find rest~ He is waiting and ready to give us all that we need. But what do we do?? We fight Him - We push against Him - We resist resting in His arms. And just like this little one - once we stop fighting we find sweet rest - His perfect love - His arms holding us ever so tightly~
“Jesus loves me this I know - for the bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong - they are weak but He is strong! Yes Jesus loves me! Yes Jesus loves me! Yes Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.”
Amazing isn’t He~ Well if you’ll excuse me I have a Father waiting for me.
Oh yeah ....
The little one settled down before I could finish the last phrase. Guess he found rest as well~
Originally Written 1/2/2002
I have two little ones that I baby sit from time to time. Very easy kids to watch and I love the time with them. Well on this particular night the youngest one was not feeling really good. He was very fussy and there was nothing anyone could do to make it better.
I went ahead and went into the bedroom where it was fairly dark and very quiet - then began to walk with him singing to him as I did so. Now I have the same list of songs that I go through when I sing them to sleep - always start with Jesus Loves Me and end with it.
I love the song - so simple yet so profound.
But you know how little ones are - He fought me something fierce. He did everything to keep from putting his head down. There was no way he was going to go to sleep no matter what I did! As I stood there trying to comfort him and assure him that it would be okay the thought occurred to me - Is this what we do with God?
As I started to sing “Jesus loves me” for the last time it hit me like a ton of bricks! All God wants us to do is to come and find rest~ He is waiting and ready to give us all that we need. But what do we do?? We fight Him - We push against Him - We resist resting in His arms. And just like this little one - once we stop fighting we find sweet rest - His perfect love - His arms holding us ever so tightly~
“Jesus loves me this I know - for the bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong - they are weak but He is strong! Yes Jesus loves me! Yes Jesus loves me! Yes Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.”
Amazing isn’t He~ Well if you’ll excuse me I have a Father waiting for me.
Oh yeah ....
The little one settled down before I could finish the last phrase. Guess he found rest as well~
Originally Written 1/2/2002
Great Heights
Okay - I need a show of hands. How many of you are afraid of heights? Come on now! We are all friends here. No need to be afraid. Well I am! And not ashamed to say it. Always have been and always will be. So why do I ask you say? Glad you asked!
One of my favorite places is Zion National Park in Utah - USA. It is the closest thing to heaven here on earth (my opinion of course). A very dear friend of mine introduced me to it almost 17 years ago. One of the trails you can take is called Angels Landing. Now they call it that for a reason! It sticks out by itself and they figured Angels were the only ones brave enough to go out there!!
Well - guess some people figured they are angels because someone decided to let people climb out there just to see the view. This friend is one of those people but she kept telling me it was worth it! She promised and that she would be there all the way to help me. She did everything to prepare me - showed me pictures - encouraged me that I wouldn’t have to go through with it if I didn’t want to.
I must admit that I was pretty nervous heading into it because I just don’t like heights. I like my feet on very low stable ground. Of course being in this area it’s not always stable! But you know what I mean. We got to the last half mile - which is walking along the top of this rock formation - which from my viewpoint looked about the size of a pencil! Just kidding - but seemed that way.
After climbing over rocks and grabbing chains to pull you up (or hold onto for dear life!) we made it out to the end. Let me tell you! It was well worth it! You can’t get a view of the canyon any other way. So we sat down - ate lunch and enjoyed to scene that God had placed before us. To sit and take in the awe and splendor of His creation! Wow!
I must admit that I was feeling pretty proud of myself for making it out there and not freaking out. But Barb was really good about reminding me to look up and not think about what was down - alll the waaaayyy down there:) So as we headed back I was feeling pretty confident about getting back down. Down being the operative word - the formation slopped down and so it forced your eyes to look down instead of up. I was doing fine until we hit one spot in the formation where it is at its narrowest point. I believe it is about 2-3 feet wide and the span was about 3-4 feet to cross. As I came down to that spot all I could see was the canyon floor way down there on both sides.
I froze - I could not move! The thought crossed my mind that I could stay here! Really I’ll just live here for the rest of my life. But I knew I didn’t have a choice. But I could not move!
Yet waiting for me on the other side was Barb:) She reminded me to look up and get my focus off of what was around me and look straight ahead. After what seemed like an eternity I managed to cross the little span (which seemed like 16000 ft long) and we went on our way. Now I will tell you - I seriously thought about getting down and kissing the ground after we got down but I refrained.
Have you ever felt that way? Maybe you are there now? You are standing still out of fear. You can’t go forward - what is ahead seems very dark and scary. It seems so much better to just stay where you are! But someone is beckoning you on. Calling you to move forward. Out of love and care for your well being they remind you to look up and come on ahead.
As the New Year is now here I want to encourage you to do two things.
1. Ask God to show where you are standing still. I promise that even though it may “look” scary He always has your best interest at heart. Trust Him - He will prove Himself Faithful!
2. Who has God put in your life that encourages you to look up? Who in your ‘circle of friends’ has influenced you in your Spiritual walk? Do two things:) Make sure they know how much you appreciate them - tell them. Then Thank the One Who gave them to you in the first place.
Oh by the way - I went back on that trail several more times because it was worth it and I learned the first time.
Originally Written 1/01/2002
One of my favorite places is Zion National Park in Utah - USA. It is the closest thing to heaven here on earth (my opinion of course). A very dear friend of mine introduced me to it almost 17 years ago. One of the trails you can take is called Angels Landing. Now they call it that for a reason! It sticks out by itself and they figured Angels were the only ones brave enough to go out there!!
Well - guess some people figured they are angels because someone decided to let people climb out there just to see the view. This friend is one of those people but she kept telling me it was worth it! She promised and that she would be there all the way to help me. She did everything to prepare me - showed me pictures - encouraged me that I wouldn’t have to go through with it if I didn’t want to.
I must admit that I was pretty nervous heading into it because I just don’t like heights. I like my feet on very low stable ground. Of course being in this area it’s not always stable! But you know what I mean. We got to the last half mile - which is walking along the top of this rock formation - which from my viewpoint looked about the size of a pencil! Just kidding - but seemed that way.
After climbing over rocks and grabbing chains to pull you up (or hold onto for dear life!) we made it out to the end. Let me tell you! It was well worth it! You can’t get a view of the canyon any other way. So we sat down - ate lunch and enjoyed to scene that God had placed before us. To sit and take in the awe and splendor of His creation! Wow!
I must admit that I was feeling pretty proud of myself for making it out there and not freaking out. But Barb was really good about reminding me to look up and not think about what was down - alll the waaaayyy down there:) So as we headed back I was feeling pretty confident about getting back down. Down being the operative word - the formation slopped down and so it forced your eyes to look down instead of up. I was doing fine until we hit one spot in the formation where it is at its narrowest point. I believe it is about 2-3 feet wide and the span was about 3-4 feet to cross. As I came down to that spot all I could see was the canyon floor way down there on both sides.
I froze - I could not move! The thought crossed my mind that I could stay here! Really I’ll just live here for the rest of my life. But I knew I didn’t have a choice. But I could not move!
Yet waiting for me on the other side was Barb:) She reminded me to look up and get my focus off of what was around me and look straight ahead. After what seemed like an eternity I managed to cross the little span (which seemed like 16000 ft long) and we went on our way. Now I will tell you - I seriously thought about getting down and kissing the ground after we got down but I refrained.
Have you ever felt that way? Maybe you are there now? You are standing still out of fear. You can’t go forward - what is ahead seems very dark and scary. It seems so much better to just stay where you are! But someone is beckoning you on. Calling you to move forward. Out of love and care for your well being they remind you to look up and come on ahead.
As the New Year is now here I want to encourage you to do two things.
1. Ask God to show where you are standing still. I promise that even though it may “look” scary He always has your best interest at heart. Trust Him - He will prove Himself Faithful!
2. Who has God put in your life that encourages you to look up? Who in your ‘circle of friends’ has influenced you in your Spiritual walk? Do two things:) Make sure they know how much you appreciate them - tell them. Then Thank the One Who gave them to you in the first place.
Oh by the way - I went back on that trail several more times because it was worth it and I learned the first time.
Originally Written 1/01/2002
Walking by Faith
I am sitting at work waiting for something to finish printing and thought I would sit down for a break - maybe share something that has been running through my heart today. Guess my heart is still on this whole area of "walking by faith." Which I guess as Christians we should be in constant thought on that - it is how we should live our lives.
The office where I am working has lots of windows and the view is incredible! Now it ain't the Sierra Mountains but to look out across the fields that have been furrowed and prepared for planting and to follow them right on up to the top of the hills with the green grass and trees. Then just beyond that we have a mountain range that gets it's share of snow during the winter. I love being able to stand at the window and take in all the beauty of the scenery - reminds me of the Creator.
Today's view was a little different. I had stopped to have a cup of coffee and sat back looking at the scene that usually puts a smile on my face but today - today it was gray and foggy. It's been raining since Saturday which I don't mind - but for some reason today - it blocked my view of the hills and mountains.
I was scanning the entire range just for a glimpse of what I knew to be there. I know those mountains are there! I have seen them with my own eyes. I have been there and experienced them personally. But today what I know to be real is not seen by the eye - only seen by my memory.
Do you suppose that is what it means to live by faith? That despite the gray and the clouds that block our view of who God is - we believe He is there because He has etched Himself in our hearts and in our memories. Believing that the God of the past will be the God of the present and will remain as He promised into the future.
Humm - well the printer has finished and it is time for me to get some more work done. Thank you for letting me sit with you and share my heart. God bless you all as you face a new year and remember He loves you so very much!
Originally Written 12/31/2001
The office where I am working has lots of windows and the view is incredible! Now it ain't the Sierra Mountains but to look out across the fields that have been furrowed and prepared for planting and to follow them right on up to the top of the hills with the green grass and trees. Then just beyond that we have a mountain range that gets it's share of snow during the winter. I love being able to stand at the window and take in all the beauty of the scenery - reminds me of the Creator.
Today's view was a little different. I had stopped to have a cup of coffee and sat back looking at the scene that usually puts a smile on my face but today - today it was gray and foggy. It's been raining since Saturday which I don't mind - but for some reason today - it blocked my view of the hills and mountains.
I was scanning the entire range just for a glimpse of what I knew to be there. I know those mountains are there! I have seen them with my own eyes. I have been there and experienced them personally. But today what I know to be real is not seen by the eye - only seen by my memory.
Do you suppose that is what it means to live by faith? That despite the gray and the clouds that block our view of who God is - we believe He is there because He has etched Himself in our hearts and in our memories. Believing that the God of the past will be the God of the present and will remain as He promised into the future.
Humm - well the printer has finished and it is time for me to get some more work done. Thank you for letting me sit with you and share my heart. God bless you all as you face a new year and remember He loves you so very much!
Originally Written 12/31/2001
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Empty Piano Bench
The piano bench was empty!
No longer occupied by the one who use to sit there.
It sat quiet.
They will find a replacement and soon someone will be using it to help lead people in worship.
But for this morning it sat in silence.
A very sad silence.
The one who use to play it with seemingly no effort has moved on.
For reason beyond my understanding God has moved them onto other things.
“We walk by faith - not by sight” II Cor. 5:7
When we walk by faith not by sight we live believing that God will remain faithful regardless of what is taking place around us. If I believe by sight - then that piano bench will remain empty - And the one who use to fill that spot is gone for good. If I live by faith then I know that God will bring the right person along to fill that spot. And the one who moved on will remain close in heart because of Who brought us together in the first place.
Ever feel like something is missing?
That there is a hole - something that is not there that was before?
Ever wonder if you will survive?
Maybe you even question why God would allow things to happen the way they do
Maybe you are even angry with God.
Let me encourage you. God is still God!
He loves you and despite how it feels or how it looks that will never change.
How do I know that? By faith! By my past experiences with Him! Because I know that despite what changes around me God remains the same - Yesterday, Today and forever!
Remember that rock you are standing on is solid!
If you are anchored to Him you are secure.
Believe that by faith not by sight!
Originally Written 12/30/2001
No longer occupied by the one who use to sit there.
It sat quiet.
They will find a replacement and soon someone will be using it to help lead people in worship.
But for this morning it sat in silence.
A very sad silence.
The one who use to play it with seemingly no effort has moved on.
For reason beyond my understanding God has moved them onto other things.
“We walk by faith - not by sight” II Cor. 5:7
When we walk by faith not by sight we live believing that God will remain faithful regardless of what is taking place around us. If I believe by sight - then that piano bench will remain empty - And the one who use to fill that spot is gone for good. If I live by faith then I know that God will bring the right person along to fill that spot. And the one who moved on will remain close in heart because of Who brought us together in the first place.
Ever feel like something is missing?
That there is a hole - something that is not there that was before?
Ever wonder if you will survive?
Maybe you even question why God would allow things to happen the way they do
Maybe you are even angry with God.
Let me encourage you. God is still God!
He loves you and despite how it feels or how it looks that will never change.
How do I know that? By faith! By my past experiences with Him! Because I know that despite what changes around me God remains the same - Yesterday, Today and forever!
Remember that rock you are standing on is solid!
If you are anchored to Him you are secure.
Believe that by faith not by sight!
Originally Written 12/30/2001
Anchored
Yes - It’s me again - Hope you don’t mind but can we go back to the beach? One more time? Please come and sit just one more time. I want to show you what I saw today.
The Ocean really is an amazing place! I have already shared with you how it shows so much of Who God is - hard to put into words. Today it was raining - Gray dark clouds everywhere you could see. One could not even see the Islands that sit not too far off the coastline.
I decided to venture out on the Jetty - see if I could get a closer look. As I stood and watched wave after wave come in - crashing all around where I was standing - I realized that despite the power of the waves the rock I stood on did not move. The rock stayed sturdy and secure.
One of my favorite authors tells the story of how those who own boats have to be sure that they have their boats securely anchored to withstand the storms that may come along. Now if they fail to tie off that anchor to a secure post they risk losing the boat by it drifting away or just being destroyed in the storm. Now that is not to say that the boat won’t get knocked about - maybe even have some damage but it will not be a total loss.
Now - come back to the jetty - the rock doesn’t move despite the strength and power of the ocean. The foundation we put our feet on needs to be one we have confidence in - one we know will withstand whatever comes along. Just like the anchor line - it has to have a solid foundation to attach to. Otherwise one drifts and you are tossed by the circumstances that life throws at you.
So my question to you is - Where is your anchor line attached? What foundation are you standing on? When Life comes in and knocks you around do you know beyond a doubt who holds you secure? As believers we should have only one answer. If you are reading this and you are not a Christian - Well come on and let’s chat - I have someone I would love to introduce you to :)
Originally Written 12/29/2001
The Ocean really is an amazing place! I have already shared with you how it shows so much of Who God is - hard to put into words. Today it was raining - Gray dark clouds everywhere you could see. One could not even see the Islands that sit not too far off the coastline.
I decided to venture out on the Jetty - see if I could get a closer look. As I stood and watched wave after wave come in - crashing all around where I was standing - I realized that despite the power of the waves the rock I stood on did not move. The rock stayed sturdy and secure.
One of my favorite authors tells the story of how those who own boats have to be sure that they have their boats securely anchored to withstand the storms that may come along. Now if they fail to tie off that anchor to a secure post they risk losing the boat by it drifting away or just being destroyed in the storm. Now that is not to say that the boat won’t get knocked about - maybe even have some damage but it will not be a total loss.
Now - come back to the jetty - the rock doesn’t move despite the strength and power of the ocean. The foundation we put our feet on needs to be one we have confidence in - one we know will withstand whatever comes along. Just like the anchor line - it has to have a solid foundation to attach to. Otherwise one drifts and you are tossed by the circumstances that life throws at you.
So my question to you is - Where is your anchor line attached? What foundation are you standing on? When Life comes in and knocks you around do you know beyond a doubt who holds you secure? As believers we should have only one answer. If you are reading this and you are not a Christian - Well come on and let’s chat - I have someone I would love to introduce you to :)
Originally Written 12/29/2001
Eyes to the Hills
Well, it’s me again. If you don’t mind I thought we could go back to the beach today.
Would you come and sit on the sand with me? Just for a few minutes?
I would like to tell you about my morning.
I hope that’s okay.
Today I said goodbye to a very close friend. God has moved her onto a new chapter in her life. I know that God has new and exciting things waiting for her but ya know - life will be different. Not having her as part of my daily life will leave a big hole. It seemed fitting that after we said goodbye and started down the freeway that we stayed alongside each other for awhile but soon the road split - her going one way and me the other.
Which is what brought me here - to this spot at the beach. As I sat there taking in all the strength and energy that the waves had to offer it started to rain. Then God gave me two things to remind me of His love and His goodness.
Psalms 121:1-4
“I will lift up mine eyes to the hills - Where will me help come from? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow my foot to be moved; He will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel (Sheri) shall neither slumber nor sleep”
There is more in that chapter but for me today I know where my help comes from and I have to keep my eyes up - looking at the One who will be my strength and shield.
As believers we sometimes believe despite how if feels. Sometimes we hold onto His promises because we know that is all we can do. So, I will hold onto what I know of who God is and His promises for me and for my friend.
I am not writing this for sympathy - I write this to somehow encourage someone who reads this who may need the reminder God gave me today. I don’t know your life circumstances - I don’t know what you are facing. But this I do know - God is faithful and He will do what He says He will do - even if from our perspective it doesn’t feel good.
Thank you for sitting with me - I pray that God touches each one of you - and that you will hold onto the hand of Him who will never let you go
Originally Written 12/28/2001
Would you come and sit on the sand with me? Just for a few minutes?
I would like to tell you about my morning.
I hope that’s okay.
Today I said goodbye to a very close friend. God has moved her onto a new chapter in her life. I know that God has new and exciting things waiting for her but ya know - life will be different. Not having her as part of my daily life will leave a big hole. It seemed fitting that after we said goodbye and started down the freeway that we stayed alongside each other for awhile but soon the road split - her going one way and me the other.
Which is what brought me here - to this spot at the beach. As I sat there taking in all the strength and energy that the waves had to offer it started to rain. Then God gave me two things to remind me of His love and His goodness.
Psalms 121:1-4
“I will lift up mine eyes to the hills - Where will me help come from? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow my foot to be moved; He will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel (Sheri) shall neither slumber nor sleep”
There is more in that chapter but for me today I know where my help comes from and I have to keep my eyes up - looking at the One who will be my strength and shield.
As believers we sometimes believe despite how if feels. Sometimes we hold onto His promises because we know that is all we can do. So, I will hold onto what I know of who God is and His promises for me and for my friend.
I am not writing this for sympathy - I write this to somehow encourage someone who reads this who may need the reminder God gave me today. I don’t know your life circumstances - I don’t know what you are facing. But this I do know - God is faithful and He will do what He says He will do - even if from our perspective it doesn’t feel good.
Thank you for sitting with me - I pray that God touches each one of you - and that you will hold onto the hand of Him who will never let you go
Originally Written 12/28/2001
Focused
Well now let’s see ... I don’t want you all to think this is going to be a daily thing! As soon as I stop thinking I’ll stop posting.
So if you all don’t mind I would like to share another visual picture that God gave me this week. We will have to come away from the ocean though.
Some of you know that I work with preschoolers and for those of you who don’t - you do now! I love working with the children - consider it the best job in the world! The best part is the love the children have for those who take care of them. It is unconditional and pure. They long for the embrace of the ones they love.
Well I have one little one that has captured my heart. I know you are not suppose to have favorites but this one most certainly is one that I would take home in a heartbeat. He is 4 now and already life has been hard for him. He has faced issues that someone his age should not have to face.
But looking at him you would not know the hard things he has been through. He is a happy kid - and I must say that he has good taste:) he likes Miss Sheri (just kidding). He seems to think that Miss Sheri is one of the best things in his life.
This past Sunday in church they gave everyone a chance to greet one another - to give hugs and wish others a Merry Christmas. This little one had his eye on me. He pushed his way through whoever was in the way - he had one goal in mind. He had to get to Miss Sheri! When the path was clear he ran into my arms and gave the best hug one could ask for. He was very quick to say, “I love you Miss Sheri” and very slow to let go.
As I took this all in the thought came across my heart - Is that how we are with God? Do we yearn to run into His arms? Do we push everything else aside remaining so focused that nothing else matters? Are we quick to tell Him how much we love Him? Slow to let go?
His love for us is so far beyond what I can even begin to comprehend and yet I wonder if I can be like this little child and longingly search Him out just so I can run into His arms. I hope so! There certainly is not a better place to be then in the arms of our true Father. Hummm - think I’ll go spend sometime there. Praying that you will too - you might find you like it:)
Oh yeah - one more thing.... you may let go but He won’t. His arms are wide enough and strong enough to hold on to you .... Forever - it’s a promise~
“Who am I that You would love me so gently?
Who am I that you would recognize my name?
Who am I that you would speak to me so softly?
Conversation with the Lord most high - who am I?”
Originally Written 12/26/2001
So if you all don’t mind I would like to share another visual picture that God gave me this week. We will have to come away from the ocean though.
Some of you know that I work with preschoolers and for those of you who don’t - you do now! I love working with the children - consider it the best job in the world! The best part is the love the children have for those who take care of them. It is unconditional and pure. They long for the embrace of the ones they love.
Well I have one little one that has captured my heart. I know you are not suppose to have favorites but this one most certainly is one that I would take home in a heartbeat. He is 4 now and already life has been hard for him. He has faced issues that someone his age should not have to face.
But looking at him you would not know the hard things he has been through. He is a happy kid - and I must say that he has good taste:) he likes Miss Sheri (just kidding). He seems to think that Miss Sheri is one of the best things in his life.
This past Sunday in church they gave everyone a chance to greet one another - to give hugs and wish others a Merry Christmas. This little one had his eye on me. He pushed his way through whoever was in the way - he had one goal in mind. He had to get to Miss Sheri! When the path was clear he ran into my arms and gave the best hug one could ask for. He was very quick to say, “I love you Miss Sheri” and very slow to let go.
As I took this all in the thought came across my heart - Is that how we are with God? Do we yearn to run into His arms? Do we push everything else aside remaining so focused that nothing else matters? Are we quick to tell Him how much we love Him? Slow to let go?
His love for us is so far beyond what I can even begin to comprehend and yet I wonder if I can be like this little child and longingly search Him out just so I can run into His arms. I hope so! There certainly is not a better place to be then in the arms of our true Father. Hummm - think I’ll go spend sometime there. Praying that you will too - you might find you like it:)
Oh yeah - one more thing.... you may let go but He won’t. His arms are wide enough and strong enough to hold on to you .... Forever - it’s a promise~
“Who am I that You would love me so gently?
Who am I that you would recognize my name?
Who am I that you would speak to me so softly?
Conversation with the Lord most high - who am I?”
Originally Written 12/26/2001
Wet and Dry Sand
If you would allow me to once again take you back to the ocean for a few minutes. Take a seat and put on your imagination caps.
As you are sitting there watching the waves crash and pound into the shore you feel a power that can’t be matched with anything else.
You feel the spray of the water as it hits your face
As the sun sets it throws colors of orange and red across the sky
You have just spent time in His throne room & been a witness to the majesty of His creation.
But it is getting dark outside.
Time to head home and wait for another day.
As you walk back across the sand you realize that as you move farther away from the water the harder it is to walk.
As the sand gets dry it gets harder to walk in.
Now depending on how far you have to walk to get home
This can be a long and hard journey.
You long to be closer to the water
Closer to the wet sand so that your journey isn’t so hard.
But you move on because you know it’s the right thing to do
And you know that tomorrow you can come back and take in some more
That you can come back and enjoy the majesty and splendor of the ocean and the waves.
How many times have you had a wonderful time in His throne room and walked away only to walk into some hard times?
The further you get into the day the harder life gets.
You begin to wonder if you will make it through the day.
The sand gets dryer and it makes it hard to walk.
Our times with the Father are so crucial
Without that time we lose our strength
We don’t get the refreshment we need and
we have to work harder to get through the day.
As we celebrate the birth of our King and recognize that He is Worthy to be worshiped and adored - that He is worth our time - He will in turn give us all that we need to face whatever life throws at us. Remember that the baby in the Manager was the King that held the hope of the world - Hope for you and hope for me.
Feeling tired? Feeling weary? Go back to the water - spend time gazing into the face of your King. Enjoy the majesty of His creation and the splendor of who He is.
Merry Christmas!
Originally Written 12/25/2001
As you are sitting there watching the waves crash and pound into the shore you feel a power that can’t be matched with anything else.
You feel the spray of the water as it hits your face
As the sun sets it throws colors of orange and red across the sky
You have just spent time in His throne room & been a witness to the majesty of His creation.
But it is getting dark outside.
Time to head home and wait for another day.
As you walk back across the sand you realize that as you move farther away from the water the harder it is to walk.
As the sand gets dry it gets harder to walk in.
Now depending on how far you have to walk to get home
This can be a long and hard journey.
You long to be closer to the water
Closer to the wet sand so that your journey isn’t so hard.
But you move on because you know it’s the right thing to do
And you know that tomorrow you can come back and take in some more
That you can come back and enjoy the majesty and splendor of the ocean and the waves.
How many times have you had a wonderful time in His throne room and walked away only to walk into some hard times?
The further you get into the day the harder life gets.
You begin to wonder if you will make it through the day.
The sand gets dryer and it makes it hard to walk.
Our times with the Father are so crucial
Without that time we lose our strength
We don’t get the refreshment we need and
we have to work harder to get through the day.
As we celebrate the birth of our King and recognize that He is Worthy to be worshiped and adored - that He is worth our time - He will in turn give us all that we need to face whatever life throws at us. Remember that the baby in the Manager was the King that held the hope of the world - Hope for you and hope for me.
Feeling tired? Feeling weary? Go back to the water - spend time gazing into the face of your King. Enjoy the majesty of His creation and the splendor of who He is.
Merry Christmas!
Originally Written 12/25/2001
The Jetty
Had some more stuff to share - hope you don’t mind - I pray that it touches someone.
Guess I am on the ocean theme these days. Again if you would sit back and listen as I try to paint another picture for you.
For those of you who may not be familiar with the ocean - most ‘city’ areas have what they call Jetties sticking out - the one’s here are made out of rocks just piled up - to be honest I don’t know their purpose but when the waves hit them it looks pretty cool:)
One can walk out on these Jetties and depending on how brave one is determines how far out they might try to venture. Now depending how far out you go will determine whether one gets wet or not.
As you walk out on the rocks you can see where the water has been - there is evidence - puddles; wet rocks; - signs that tell you what rocks have been touched by the water. But most people being human and all - rather then look for the signs - have to find out for themselves - they push to see how far they can get without getting wet. Now some go out so that they can actually get wet - they want to be touched by it.
As believers I think we do that with God some. We can see the effects of His love - we see evidence from others who have been touched - we have our own experiences as well. Some of us walk out boldly hoping to get wet and others of us approach Him with apprehension - we approach Him cautiously.
How do you approach God? Do you run to Him hoping to be so touched by Him that you will be changed forever? Or do you do so with fear and apprehension afraid that He will change your life forever?
Will you let God touch you in a way that will change you - make you into His likeness? Will you let Him give you a glimpse of who He is? Go ahead! I dare you to run out! I dare you to challenge Him to reveal to you His love - But I warn you - be prepared to get wet!
Originally Written 12/24/2001
Guess I am on the ocean theme these days. Again if you would sit back and listen as I try to paint another picture for you.
For those of you who may not be familiar with the ocean - most ‘city’ areas have what they call Jetties sticking out - the one’s here are made out of rocks just piled up - to be honest I don’t know their purpose but when the waves hit them it looks pretty cool:)
One can walk out on these Jetties and depending on how brave one is determines how far out they might try to venture. Now depending how far out you go will determine whether one gets wet or not.
As you walk out on the rocks you can see where the water has been - there is evidence - puddles; wet rocks; - signs that tell you what rocks have been touched by the water. But most people being human and all - rather then look for the signs - have to find out for themselves - they push to see how far they can get without getting wet. Now some go out so that they can actually get wet - they want to be touched by it.
As believers I think we do that with God some. We can see the effects of His love - we see evidence from others who have been touched - we have our own experiences as well. Some of us walk out boldly hoping to get wet and others of us approach Him with apprehension - we approach Him cautiously.
How do you approach God? Do you run to Him hoping to be so touched by Him that you will be changed forever? Or do you do so with fear and apprehension afraid that He will change your life forever?
Will you let God touch you in a way that will change you - make you into His likeness? Will you let Him give you a glimpse of who He is? Go ahead! I dare you to run out! I dare you to challenge Him to reveal to you His love - But I warn you - be prepared to get wet!
Originally Written 12/24/2001
God's Love & The Ocean
One of the advantages of living on the West Coast of the USA is that the beach is not too far away. Now unlike others who go to the beach to swim or get a tan I don’t go for that reason. I go to the beach to find peace - to spend time with God - to somehow be able to hear His voice or feel His power. I have often found that the time I spend down there finds me thinking. Yes I know! Many of you would say that is not a good thing - but guess we all have to do it from time to time.
As I was saying - I find myself looking and thinking on the things of God. And since I have been spending some time out there lately - I want to share something's with you all. So, if you don’t mind - sit back and let me share my heart with you.
Have you ever considered the power of the ocean? Ever considered the awesome majesty of the waves as they pound against the shore? Ever wondered what keeps the water from leaving the shore and completely destroying all that it touches? I think of those things as I sit and watch the waves crash one after the other - pounding the shoreline. Sometimes the water comes up higher than other times. Sometimes it feels as if it will consume all that is around it.
Is that how God’s love is for us? There are times when it feels so overwhelming that you can’t contain it all. It’s as if it will consume us and swallow us up. Sometimes it feels so constant that we take it for granted - almost forget that it is there. But we do know that God’s love never changes! We change and we are shaped and molded into His likeness as we get to know the fullness of His love - as we begin to understand what is the depth and the height and the breadth of His love - It is beyond my puny little brain the awesomeness of His love for me and for you.
The next time you see the waves of the ocean or even the water flowing in the river think about God’s love - think about what that means and then worship Him for doing just that - For Loving you and me.
Originally Written 12/23/2001
As I was saying - I find myself looking and thinking on the things of God. And since I have been spending some time out there lately - I want to share something's with you all. So, if you don’t mind - sit back and let me share my heart with you.
Have you ever considered the power of the ocean? Ever considered the awesome majesty of the waves as they pound against the shore? Ever wondered what keeps the water from leaving the shore and completely destroying all that it touches? I think of those things as I sit and watch the waves crash one after the other - pounding the shoreline. Sometimes the water comes up higher than other times. Sometimes it feels as if it will consume all that is around it.
Is that how God’s love is for us? There are times when it feels so overwhelming that you can’t contain it all. It’s as if it will consume us and swallow us up. Sometimes it feels so constant that we take it for granted - almost forget that it is there. But we do know that God’s love never changes! We change and we are shaped and molded into His likeness as we get to know the fullness of His love - as we begin to understand what is the depth and the height and the breadth of His love - It is beyond my puny little brain the awesomeness of His love for me and for you.
The next time you see the waves of the ocean or even the water flowing in the river think about God’s love - think about what that means and then worship Him for doing just that - For Loving you and me.
Originally Written 12/23/2001
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