I'M A MESS

Children that are not even three years old yet and have no access to a mirror can tell you that they are all messy or very dirty. I am so thankful for family, every day each of their lives are a narrative that I keep watching and learning from. Taking notes, making my requests known, receiving a love that I could never deserve.

Lord, I am so thankful that even though I am a mess most of the time, your love completely washes me and makes me clean.

TRUE RICHES

Promises written in a letter
What could say it better?
Spending time with family and true friends
Taking a walk and being moved by love
Observing the greatness of heart in my nieces and nephews
and being a part of their little lives as they grow up
I am one of the least of these
So thankful for the hot tea and the hugs
Protector Brothers and Dad and Mom
Prayer Warriors that stand with me
Interceding for me and my family
Daughters of the King
Who sit at Jesus feet and live for Him daily
So thankful for the opportunities to face fears
That there is a true friend that sticks closer than a brother
Though I am imperfect pile of dust, bones, and blood redeemed
True riches I believe is The Kingdom of God within me

SNICKER DOODLE

In hopes of giving someone a laugh I thought I would review a few moments of absolute silly-ness in my life. Besides falling up the stairs carrying groceries, body slamming myself down in a cow pasture, hanging upside down in my first few attempts to repell one time after climbing, opening a cardoor so hard I about knocked my own lights out, but instead I just broke the skin enough to give me a huge knot on my head. Poured out a half a jar of salad dressing on my plate on accident over at a friend's house for dinner. Jumped a fence that appeared to be locked but was actually open and not only that, but called a friend to help me get my computer bag over the fence after I had jumped it. Once I was safely on the other side, he leaned on the gate accidently and it opened. Lit a fire in a fireplace not too long ago while housesitting, and spent hours sword fighting the air with a half of a broom in attempts of ridding the house of three to five wasps. More than a few times now have started boiling water to make hot tea, the phone rings, and by the time I remember to check on the water I was boiling there are barely two drops left in the pot. This has happened more than a few times now.

I am sure I could keep thinking of others, but I think I will end with this one. As one of the outdoor leaders on a canoeing trip with the youth this last summer. Two of the kids in particular were not getting along, so me and another female counselor were discussing some solutions to the problem. Somehow within a few seconds we were launched up on a boulder rock in the middle of the river. Alot of the teams gear was strapped to our canoe (inflatable). While every one else watched us like we were America's funniest, her and I proceeded to dislodge ourselves through prayer and some super silly motions. It was ridiculous to say the least. We kept paddling and laughing so hard we could barely breath. And the unexpected worked wonders...the others were so distracted by our predicament they totally forgot they had any problems at all.

THUNDER

In the middle of the night I heard extremely loud cracks of thunder and lightening. It was so loud that it made my heart pound and woke me from deep sleep. I was awake long enough to say, "Every one will fear God, the whole earth will fear you Lord." Then I layed back down to rest. Awoke this morning to continual downpours...it's early afternoon and it's still raining out.

"When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightening of the thunder...And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding."Job 28:26, 28

"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness..." II Peter 3:10-11

"For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." Romans 14:11

STAYING IN SHAPE?

I was listening to an old sermon yesterday and thought it would be beneficial if I shared these things with you. Eight things that shape your life whether you think so or not.
1)The literature you read will shape you
2)Songs you sing and the music you enjoy will determine what you are like inside
3)Pleasures you indulge in will influence your spiritual and physical life
4)Ambitions and what you think about
5)Places we go
6)Words we speak
7)Friends we cherish
8)The thoughts we brood over will determine the condition of our lives, the choices we make.

CERTAIN WOMEN

..."And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities...which ministered unto him of their substance." Luke 8:2-3 Jesus went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, and certain women...

Ladies ~ do you go where He goes? Are you ministering to Him out of your substance? Where is your alabaster box? Is what you value most being poured upon Him? Do you think the woman that came to the Pharisee's house in the midst of a great gathering let her fear or insecurities stop her from falling at his feet and touching him? No. By the sound of things she was beside herself with adoration and thanks for who He was. While others ridiculed her in their thoughts, the King of Glory speaks aloud of her actions and tells her that her faith has saved her. Forgiven much. Loves Much.

KINGSMEN

"ON THAT NIGHT THE KING COULD NOT SLEEP...he requested the book of records be read." A noble matter had apparently been overlooked, but it was remembered and rewarded. The very man that hated the jews and planned destruction for Mordecai and His people was chosen to take the king's royal robes and horse and escort Mordecai through the city streets proclaiming, "THUS SHALL IT BE DONE UNTO THE MAN WHOM THE KING DELIGHTETH TO HONOUR." ---Esther 6

THE KING AND THE KINGSMEN ARE THINKING UPON GREAT MATTERS...THAT SHALL BE DONE.

AGAIN and AGAIN

I have noticed lately some friends of mine that find themselves in circumstances that seem to be reoccuring again and again. They find it somewhat annoying and instead of attempting to see it positively for what it is, they are leaning more towards defensively explaining away or maybe even blaming someone else for what keeps happening to them. I can recall a few times that the same thing has happened in my life. Every thing does happen for a reason. Maybe it could be another chance to do or say what we did not do or say last time.

Maturity recognizes opportunity and does not overlook the possibility that there could be a lesson to learn in every situation, especially when it involves another person. No need to overthink things, but if you notice a particular difficulty or circumstance repeating itself in your life again and again...I believe it might not be far from the truth that there is definetely something that you are not getting or understanding. So maybe ask God, "What am I not getting or what am I missing here? Please show me what I need to know and teach me what you want me to learn in this."

It is important to consider what we might not be considering. Otherwise, round and round we go in our own thoughts and continually disregarding reality. What great gifts God has given to us in our friends...to make us more like Him.

FEW DAYS AWAY

God is so faithful and I am so thankful for the little get-a-ways He provides to run right into Him. Such a great provider He is. No matter how busy and crazy life gets, there is nothing like a few days away to refresh and renew right perspective. The little things that are immeasurable, like the embrace of a friend...can heal so much. What relief to be surrounded by people that love you to HIM and pray for you and your family as if your cause were their very own. Lord, how perfectly Your love chases after us, until we are running with everything we have to fall upon You.



Beautiful blanket of stars I gazed upon in Oklahoma a few days ago. It was so dark out the brilliance of the stars seemed brighter than they have ever been, or maybe it was just because I was with an old friend.

GOLD IS TRIED IN FIRE

Job 23:10 "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."

We all have different trials. Different weights of gold have different metals or coppers added in the process of being tried. Gold when it comes forth is like a mirror, very clear and transparent.

I have turned my face to the wall a few times this month lately. Crying from the pain of struggles. Telling myself not to give up, not to faint in my mind. I will see the harvest in Jesus name. There will be restoration, reconciliation, and healing in my family and in the Body of Christ.

It helps to remember that I am not the only one being tried. Others have asked me many months ago to pray for them and their families. God has answered. Now will I wait and believe and hope for the things that are to come in my life and with my family? I expect nothing less than clear, glowing transparency and beautiful reflections of God's glory to be when the answers come.

To quote one of my dearest friend's songs, "I WAS MADE TO OVERCOME..."

FEELING NEEDY?

I am attaching this little clip for you sent to me from my friends in Guatemala and then a whopping size email from a brother in Encinitas, California below that. Maybe you would like to familiarize yourself with the reality that others live in daily. Is it possible to be a little more challenged in your thinking concerning church, your involvement, your rightful place, and just how much need there really is in this world before Jesus comes? I believe so. Feeling needy? Read on...

Anup Shah, Poverty Facts and Stats, GlobalIssues.org, Last updated: Wednesday, September 03, 2008

What would "church" look like if... by Tim Crozier
November 12, 2008

I heard a startling number the other day. It was the estimated value of land and buildings held by the church in North America. It was something to the tune of 70 Billion dollars! Yes, billion! With that much invested in real-estate, the question has to be asked, is it worth it? Is having that much invested into a structure and an address really helping the church be her best?

I've been wondering lately about what the church would and possibly will look like if all of that real estate were to go away? What is the fore-closure scence begins to include the churches and other non-profit organizations? Would the "programs" and people they are running and numbering still remain intact? Who will oversee them? Where will they be held? How will they be funded?

If there is no Senior Pastor, no executive board, no elder board, pastoral support teams, facilities crews, grounds keepers, etc...how will the church continue? What will that look like? When there are no more Sunday sermons, mid-week Bible studies, book stores and the latest releases on CD, DVD, Book or other; what then? When Saturday nights "contemporary service", Sunday mornings at 8, 9:30 and 11:00am services and Sunday nights are no longer held because there is no pastor, no teacher and no place to gather for the 'service'; what will church look like?

What if, God forbid, but very possible, it becomes a crime, punishable by imprisonment or worse, to preach from and teach from the Holy Bible the name and gospel of Jesus Christ? What will church look like? What if there were no bulletins listing all the different care ministries offered by the church and staff because the church has been closed permenately; what will church look like? When the pastor of the church you used to 'go to' has been arrested and sent to prison or even put to death for hate crimes? What will church look like then?

I know these scenarios and ponderings seem afar off...but are they really? And how do we know just how far off they are? Did Germany see the Holocaust being "far off"? Did America see Pearl Harbor and 9/11 as "far off"? Did Thailand, India and Indonesia see the Tsunami's as "far off"? Did Noah see the flood as "far off"? Did Jesus see the Cross as "far off"? Did the person who just died in the last 5 minutes since you've been reading this see their death as "far off"?

My point really in writing this is to try to get you to consider what church would look like if these and many other potential circumstances were to happen in our time. In our generation. In the generation after us. As I've thought about these things what comes to mind is the "early church". Which, interesting enough, is still the church that is alive today just as the adult of 50 years of age was an infant 49 ½ years ago. It's still the same person isn't it? If this is true, then the "early church" is just a time description of an era and not of something different at all.

So we would see the church of "today" with all of its additives being forced to reduce, like mom's pasta sauce on the oven. The longer it sits on the flames, the more it reduces it's ingredients down. Do we really need all the "bells and whistles" in order for the "wheels on the bus to go round and round, round and round"?

Let me put it to you straight. What would YOUR current church experience look like if at the very least some of these things were to happen? If the economy never recovers? If the government continues to eliminate the religious freedoms that make it legal to gather for "religious causes and instruction"? If the police, state or federal, were rounding up "church leaders" and taking them to prison? Would you still have a "church experience"? Or, quite possibly, would you find yourself experiencing church for the very first time in your life?

What do I mean by that? I mean would you remain part of a family that knows you as intimately as you do each of them? Would you still come over to each other's house to eat, worship, pray and read the Bible together; all 6 of you? All 4 of you? All 3...or 2 of you? Would you be able to read the Bible for yourself and hear the voice of your Father in heaven? Would you still come to serve the poor, but instead of the shelter downtown it would be at your front door? Instead of going on short-term mission trips you would see your neighborhood for the first time as your mission field? Would you become so dependent on your brothers and sisters in Christ just to survive daily, that you put aside theological differences of when a person is officially saved or not, baptized or not, sprinkle, emersion, flipped or dipped! Pre, Mid, Post, or not at all, it just wouldn't matter at all! Would you begin to see every person around you as a "minister" within the group of "friends" you now live with?

Are you seeing the difference? Do you want to see the difference? Could it be that when the world is at its very worst, Christ's Bride, THE Church, will be at her very best? Will these kinds of changes be so drastic you might not recover from them, or would it be more like going over a speed bump? That all depends on your current "church" experience; is it living and breathing, or stale and stagnant?

If it's not like that found in the book of Acts, and yes that includes all the messes and mistakes, the tongues and the prophecies, the healings and the deliverances, the salvation of the 1 and the thousands, the shadows and handkerchiefs of apostles healing people, the radical opposition of the government and "religious leaders" of the time, the hatred of the world and those given over to their evil nature, the intense manifestations of God's Spirit in numerous ways, the signs and wonders, the sweet gatherings of people who follow Jesus together in their homes or wherever they possibly could, the letters of others being passed from community to community to encourage and give direction to the believers in them, to sharing of everything owned with others, the eating together out of desire and necessity, the love of God which would rather suffer for doing righteously rather than to compromise and give in to sin and evil even at the cost of your life. If it's not, maybe "change" really is the word for our generation. Maybe it's been the word to many generations? Maybe change is what's needed most? I trust you with that conclusion.
Your brother in Christ,

Tim Crozier,
Encinitas, CA

tim@therootschurch.org

IMAGINE THAT

Imagine what life would be like if we grabbed our Bible as frequently as we grabbed a snack. I find myself snackin alot, I'll admit it if you cannot. In fact, I am eating some pumpkin spice cake my sister made earlier today, and I am accompanying the slightly sweet snack with a hot cup of boiling water with a little bit of milk mixed in to help with digestion and warming the body and making one sleepier than they already are.

Another friend brought it to my attention the constant use or knowing where our cell phones are at all times. What if we treated The Word of God as valuable and as necessary as a cell phone or computer for that matter?! We would be labeled a bunch of freaks. Hmm just something to think about.

And if practice makes perfect...hadn't we better start practicing what it is that we say we believe?! Praying for intance or Jesus being the reason why we live.

KNEE DEEP

Life is not a can of roses. Have had a few friends call me lately and tell me just how deep it's getting. If they are not telling me of their own situations and hardships, they are telling me about friends that can hardly stand it anymore they are severly struggling. This just confirms the absolute necessity that we stay constant in prayer. How much more do we have to hear and see before we believe the need is great? Great enough to take some action and pray?

Let's not make the same mistake over and over again. Instead of consulting anyone else, depending on future plans, relying on a government, or trusting in ourself... let's inquire of the Lord and seek Him who knows all things. Let's do more listening than we do talking.

Want to keep from falling? Pray. Want to see change? Pray. Need help? Pray. Want to keep others from falling? Pray.

RESTING ON THE ROCK

"REST IS THE CLIMATE THAT FAITH GROWS IN." It is incredible how much clarity comes when I decide to rest in the Lord. Trust is the rest I am speaking of. Learning to inquire of the Lord. To be still and listen for what He will say. Commanding every other whisper to be silent in Jesus name, as there are many other voices in the world. Discerning with understanding the Word of God, the will of God, His ways that are so much higher.

I took a few minutes the other day in between running errands to sit on a sidewalk, and listen for the voice and counsel of my Father. I heard a few words and wrote them down. Couldn't help but think: what if I listened longer? Wonder how much more I would hear? I notice that many of us frequently have one-way conversation with one another, and I can imagine it is not much different when we pray. Much talking, hardly any true listening. We miss out on alot. Rest on THE ROCK, He is solid. He cannot be moved, and neither should we by anything other than His voice alone.

THE TRUTH IS

The choices we make today effect not just our own lives, but the lives of those we know and do not know. Our daily decisions are not just between us and God, our lives effect the rest of the Body of Christ as well.

The law of gravity is in effect whether we believe it is or not. Sowing and reaping and the changing of season will be, whether we think so or not.

FIRST WORKS

Remember when we first confessed Jesus as Lord? Self was the last thing on our minds. So much joy, earnestly seeking Him, great expectation losing self, huge hopes, lifesize faith. We would go about doing good every where we could. Seeing all of life through Heaven's eyes. Forgiving, forgetting, and loving at last. Living the life that was truly life, living love.

The other day driving down the road I called a friend and she encouraged me to remember to focus my attentions on what I cannot see. Wrong will be made right. Holdfast. There has been some difficult situations and strains going on in my family and between family members. It is very uncomfortable and disheartening to witness and go on each day feeling the yuck of what is lingering in the air. It literally feels like it is sucking the life right out of me and those I love.

Worries and cares choke out the Word of God --- is this happening to you?

I was almost home, still driving, and this came to my mind. YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE KEYS TO THE KINGDOM. IT IS YOUR FATHER'S GOOD PLEASURE TO GIVE YOU THE KINGDOM. GIVE AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU. FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS. HOW MANY TIMES SHALL WE FORGIVE? SEVENTY times SEVEN. LOVE KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS. Right then, I confessed out of my mouth and decided in my heart to examine who I had not forgiven and why. I FORGAVE in JESUS NAME. I WANT TO BE FORGIVEN. Suddenly words came and prayers for individuals that I had not had a heart to pray for up until that point. I was released from a burden I had picked up by not laying my understanding down. I was compelled to love by speaking the Word of God over all involved and thanked God for their freedom and mine, that they would be released from their debts and be helped and healed at once.

It is time for God's people to REPENT and return to the first works. Loving God like they loved Him first, with a childlike abandon and determination.

SPIRIT vs FLESH

Alarms going off. Waters boiling over. Toast is burning. Things we hear, feel, and see. Little indicators and possible reflections of something deeper than the surface. Attitude check normally does not happen until it's too late. Seems if I put off what is necessary until later, later becomes something I regret or I would have done differently had I been living according to the spirit instead of the flesh. Interesting how EVER WORD OF GOD PROVES TRUE. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. (Proverbs 30:5)

If only I would come to HIM more than I do. Taking His word to heart and mind and obeying the truth...laying my thinking down and taking no thought for my life and realizing it is my Father's good pleasure to give me the Kingdom, so fret not. Life is a constant state of spirit vs flesh, but I rejoice in knowing that HE WHO HAS OVERCOME THE EVIL ONE lives to make intercession for me and HE IS DOING THE WORK and FINISHING what HE has begun in me.

HAZY DAYS

Stepped outside about 4pm to hear the birds chirping and singing their songs. Looked out across the water and saw a bit of haziness that is overshadowing the water even though the sun is shining strong. Interesting how going outside can really help get some perspective on life and the day. I know Jesus you are shining strong in me even though I feel like I am moving in slow-mo sometimes and barely making any progress. I am thankful for Your Word, "Let the weak say I AM STRONG..."

And that's what I am going to think about on hazy days like today. GREATER IS HE WITHIN ME THAN HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD. You are so much greater Lord.

GLADLY HEAR IT

Pondering in the night how I still am up and morning is not far away. Slight discomforts that kept me up throughout the night lastnight, reminding me how much more I need to call upon the Lord and let him hold me. And then just a few minutes ago I was thinking how many of us know at least a few people who are 'not talking' or 'at odds,' (in the Body of Christ) and as children of the living God, ambassadors of reconciliation I am wondering what we are actively doing about these things we know about?????? The very least we should be doing is fervently praying on their behalf.

Today I was meditating on Galatians 6:1-10 especially the first part of the verse.
"BRETHREN, IF ANY PERSON is overtaken in misconduct or sin of any kind, YOU WHO ARE SPIRITUAL should set him right and restore and reinstate him, without any sense of superiority and with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also." I pray that you will gladly and prayerfully read the next nine verses on your own and comprehend what is actually being said to each one of us.

POURING RAIN

Awoke this morning early to the sounds of thundering and lighting and pouring rain. Received a phone call not long afterward from a friend in Michigan that was very excited to share of the Lord's faithfulness in her house, neighborhood, and in her daily life. All that she was telling me was causing me to remember details of God's generosity in my life. Her sheer joy to give of what she has been given and then to watch how God chooses to refill the storehouse is really something worth hearing. Coming to a beautiful understanding of "blessed are the poor in spirit..."

The Lord has supplied more than enough bread for her and her house and so they are going to start sharing with their hungry neighbours.

"NOW HE THAT SUPPLIES SEED TO THE SOWER AND BREAD FOR THE EATER, AND MULTIPLIES YOUR SEED SOWN, AND INCREASE THE FRUITS OF YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS..." II Corininthians 9:10

Each conversation I have with others increases my desire to pray more for others and to realize that this too is sowing and reaping.

DISCERNING THE TIMES

Lots going on around the world, alot going on inside of me. Mostly just thinking about seasons changing and am I living what I believe? Lord, how I pray that all those who have children are not slacking when it comes to spending time with them and speaking to them the truth that will prepare them for anything that comes. I pray their faith will make them fearless to face obstacles, and their little minds will be exercised to trust that God is unfailing and is able to deliver and keep His every promise.

How fearful the unbelieving will be when all that they have trusted in vanishes away. God please help me to pray as I should for those who have come to a reality of the truth, but are thinking there is more time to do your will later. Please help us to obey you now, the first time, be willing to give our lives away now so that we will be able to not love our lives unto death when difficulty and persecution arise.

AFFECTIONATE FATHER

Just finished reading 137 pages of letters written in 1821, by the hand of William Sprague, an adoring Father to his motherless daughter. Could not help but be deeply moved as I read these letters, each one addressed to "My Dear Child." Subject after subject this Father wrote his thoughts down for His daughter that she may have detailed instructions concerning the practical matters of christian life directly from His heart. Each thought was completed as he signed it, ~Your affectionate Father.

Remembering back when I was ten years old and crying out to MY FATHER IN HEAVEN who knew me since ever I was...how He whispered to me, "I will Father you..." Twenty years later I am living proof of my affectionate Father. Reflecting back upon His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to me...those letters I read might as well have been addressed to me. God disciplines those He loves. I am certain of His love as He has not left me to myself. He has instucted me in the way that I should go and I will not depart from it.

HEADS UP!

If you care at all and you see a foul ball flying into a crowd of people that are pleasantly distracted and unaware - YOU WILL BE SHOUTING, "HEADS UP!" Lately I have been thinking about that with concerns for those around me that seem to be simply oblivious to their own self righteousness or spiritual tiredness.

To think about or talk about doing God's word is one thing, and actually living it out and doing it is quite another.

I can think about reading the Bible all I want, but until I actually take time out to study it and make a conscience effort to put it into practice what I read, then I am deceiving myself and failing to renew my mind according to God's word. Same with praying. Lots of people talk about praying, but how many actually do?

BODY BUILDING

DEAR BODY:
It has come to my thoughts more than a few times now to write these things down.

If one part of the body is weak the rest of the body comes to its aid. There are times when a particular member is repeatedly hurt in the same area. It tries to heal, but occassionally weathers more abuse or accidental bruises and scrapes, it might need to be left alone or guarded more carefully as to not repuncture the wound or cause more injuries to the damaged area. Each member when functioning properly contributes willingly to the growth and maturing of the whole body. Picking at the wound is generally discouraged as it could cause infection that could be sore, and most unpleasant...causing other parts of the body to suffer.

If you are bleeding or wounded you would most likely attend to it immediately. If the situation is ignored it could get worse and lead to more serious injuries. You absolutely would not cut off that particular piece of your body...every part is necessary and needful and must be restored to its rightful place.

As I listen to others I cannot help but compare what they are saying to what God's word says. In doing so, I realize many are daily making agreements with the enemy about themselves or in their perception of others. It's easy to pick up on things when it is happening to somebody else, but when it is going on inside me (accusations etc.,)I tend to dismiss it as just being negative or receive it as something I should seriously consider (which turns from well meaning to condemnation very quickly.) So recently I made two lists entitled: What God says about me and what the liar says about me. Thought I would share it so that you can make a list of your own and speak the truth over yourself.

What God says about me: Daughter of the King. Worthy. Faithul. Pure heart. Reflection of God's glory. Truthful, sincere, right motives. Feminine. Lives to please her Father. Knows her place as a woman. Committed to doing God's will. Directed by the Holy Spirit. Obedient. Taught of the Lord. Strong in discerning, submissive, teachable, fruitful, honorable, and loved.

What the liar says about me: Unworthy. Failure. Wrong motives, lives to please herself, does not know her place as a woman. Male characteristics. Following her own desires, doing her own thing, Jezebel. Mislead, deceived, unfaithful, untrue, disobedient, poor discernment, indecisive, talks too much, has not fruit, misdirected, dishonorable, unloveable annoyance.

Thank God for the Blood of Jesus. Thank God for His report! Thank God that we can walk by faith, love being our motive, and be free from fear. Thank God there is grace and forgiveness with God and that mercy and truth come by Jesus Christ alone. Thank God that He first loved us. Thank God that He has called us to love one another as HE HAS LOVED US not as we have loved Him. We have failed at all points, we deserve hell. But Love is the greatest thing in the world! Greater is He that is within us than He that is in the world!

RIO DE LA VIDA

I WHISPER SECRET WORDS OF PEACE EACH TIME I PASS YOU BY

A SONG OF JOY I SING WITH YOU WHEN RAINDROPS FILL THE SKY

I AM FOR YOU A SWEET ESCAPE FROM CHAOS PAIN AND FEAR

I WELCOME YOU TO SIT A WHILE AND LEAVE YOUR BURDENS HERE

I COME FROM SOMEPLACE FAR AWAY YET FURTHER STILL I GO

I FIGHT TO MAKE MY WAY YOU SEE THIS JOURNEYS ALL I KNOW

I'LL SHARE WITH YOU A PART OF ME IT'S ALL I HAVE TO GIVE

SO DRINK OF ME YOU THIRSTY ONE -I AM- THAT YOU MAY LIVE!


Sharing is not just having good manners. It is the kindness of God. A dear friend wrote this to me in a card and gave it to me after I had rested a little while at her home, and we shared some of our hearts with one another. With all thankfulness I must pass it on and share the sweet little things God gives to me as I am passing through. I pray that you take the time to sit a while, listen, be still and reflect on God's faithfulness to you, in you and around you, every day.

TO KNOW AND BE KNOWN

SO THAT WE WHO FIRST HOPED IN CHRIST [WHO FIRST PUT OUR CONFIDENCE IN HIM HAVE BEEN DESTINED AND APPOINTED TO] LIVE FOR THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY. Ephesians 1:12

My friend's Dad reminded me tonight how much God loves us. No matter what. His love is big. He loves us despite all else. He loves us regardless of failings. He loves us when we are having a hard time loving ourselves.

Your love is redeeming, freeing, joyful and I am so rich indeed!
That you would answer me so faithfully, visiting me in the night with Your truth and unchanging glory. My eyes are fixed upon You ---- and do not dare to move.
Every fear is fading as I behold the Beauty of Love.
I will be still and quiet and wait as You redefine all I have known.

Ok Ok ok

My niece seems to say, "Ok ok Ok" alot. Normally, her body language is saying that's enough! No more for me thanks. No matter where I go I seem to hear her little voice saying "Marce" or "Is that better?" I am ok when I remember that I am not the one in control of the this big world. And it is better once I realize that the burden was never mine to begin with. One day I was flying to see a friend, aboard the flight I wrote these words:

Babies crying, people coughing
regenerated air
overhearing multiple conversations
Of casual laughter and seemingly concern
Am I losing oxygen before take-off?
Thinking in slow mo
a little tired, a lil hungry
Thank you for these hours alone with you Lord
Lost in the crowd - I know deep down
You are right here with me...
In this almost crash landing.

There is alot going on in this busy world. It is a real task to not allow yourself to be sucked into the everyday distractions around you. Sometimes people get lost in routine and do not even realize that time is sifting away. It does not matter what you choose to do whether it is stay at home or travel. If one is not mindful of it, they can do the same things out of habbit anywhere they are. The times when I am most attentive and comforted is when I am talking to God and reading His word.

SONG IN THE STAIRWELL

I WILL SEEK YOUR FACE AS LONG AS I HAVE BREATH
I WILL NOT LOVE MY LIFE UNTO DEATH
IN EVERY PLACE I WILL LIVE YOUR WORD OUT
LOVE. THANKS. PRAISE.
DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO LORD.

COME LET YOUR LOVE LIVE HERE
OVERCOME THE DARKNESS DRIVE OUT ALL FEAR
RESCUE YOUR LITTLE ONES.
FOR NOT ONE WILL BE LOST WHO KNOWS YOU.
DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO LORD.

LET MY LIFE FEED THE POOR
MY MOUTH SPEAK YOUR NAME OH LORD
LET EVERYTHING I DO BE JUST FOR YOU
AND MY LIFE BE THE LIVING PROOF
DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO LORD.

ATTITUDE

Interesting how life can take on a whole new meaning depending on your attitude. I have been noticing lately how subtly I can be doing something with my family, and how easy it is to let attitudes go unchecked or get the feeling of wanting to blame someone for something when circumstances are somewhat undesirable.

According to God's word we are to "have an attitude that of Jesus Christ." The only way we are going to do that is if we are "studying to show ourselves approved of God," and "being renewed in the spirit of our minds."

HELP

O Lord, you are quieting me and sending help from your sanctuary. I will hope in You alone.

OFF ROAD

For the last two months I have been at home visiting with my family. I have had a few times now that I have felt almost dizzy for the busy-ness and exhaustion that comes from juggling so many different circumstances in a day. Then the days pile up. I have noticed that lack of prayer can cause a state of confusion to come on strong. Focusing on what I feel or see invites delusion and self pity. I have learned alot. It might take me a while to share it all before Jesus comes. I will attempt to do so, at least in bits and pieces.

Please join me in praying for my family, especially my brothers and my mom. And though this might sound like a silly prayer request - please pray that I will pray. God's will be done, His name be glorfied to the ends of the earth.

TRUE LOVER

A lover loves that's just what a lover does
A lover loves through and through
A lover leads deeper into love by every way that is true
A lover lays down His life
A lover comes for His Bride
And continually gives his all and nothing less
He never tires of the fight
He ever lives to make intercession and to bless...

"AND ABOVE ALL THESE THINGS PUT ON LOVE, WHICH IS THE BOND OF PERFECTNESS."
Colossians 3:14

CRICKET CHOIR

It is 4am and I am listening to the cricket choir now in session as I sit in this cool night air. Morning is almost here. My eyes have yet to close, my mind has thought upon a great many things I suppose. Mostly just waiting...

How thankful I am to have showered and received such grace to forget my mistakes. To be able to sit outside through the watches of the night, and look forward to meeting a new day. Thank You My Father for Your love.

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/index.php

Day after day goes by that we are unaware of the hurts and pains of a lost world. Let us pray and seek God's face like we never have before. We cannot afford to be lazy at this point in our lives. We must fast and pray, inquire of the Lord for direction, hope and believe, and be still and listen for the voice of our Shepperd.

"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of sorrows." Mark 13:8

"And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven." Luke 21:11

BESIDE THE STILL WATERS

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."

Psalm 23:1-3

It is true that He leads me beside the still waters. Romancing my heart like no other. He calls me. He comes for me. He takes me away with Him into His quiet strength. I hear His whispers in the wind and His beautiful words as I walk the path through the trees. He takes me to the mountains and teaches me what I long to know. Alone with Him, trusting His protection, I have unbroken rest. He listens intently and intercedes for the very depths of my needs. He sings over me. By His side distractions are far away. I lean against the rock of my faith. Laying beneath the stars, exhausted from the climb...His presence covers me strong into night. I need nothing else when I am with Him.

EMO

It is difficult not to be emotional when life is in your face, you see just how weak you are, but realize any strength you have is not your own. And all of this is for something so much more than you ever could possibly think or imagine. If you will just focus your eyes on Home. Eternity.

Be content right now where you are
Don't wish this time away
Feel what you feel
Do all that you do with your heart and pray
There are places yet to explore
Trust God and Obey
Casts your cares upon the Lord
Patiently continually wait

HEART ADVENTURES

In the back yard playing with my Niece, we were going to kick a huge ball around. As we were walking to open the fence to play out front --- she saw a dragon (well, a wagon). Ocassionally, no matter how old we are I think we have a tendancy to rename things. And is it me, or don't we all sometimes want to be somewhere else? If we are in front yard we want to be in back. If we are inside the house we want to be outside. She dropped the ball and immediately wanted to play with this old, rusted, but still good-for-rock-collecting wagon. She likes to find rocks and drop them down the little holes in the sewage lid, so she can hear the little splashing sound it makes. She actually calls the drainage sewer a bridge...makes sense to me.

Once we started walking with the wagon, I took note of how often she would look back to see how far we had come from where had left. I watched the tug of war going on in her thoughts of trying to decide to turn back or keep on going...exploring. Her want to keep on going reminded me of the lingering feelings I have had since childhood as I have become an adult. Knowing good and well God is right there watching me. Patiently waiting for me to take the next step. Allowing me to decide and realize what it is that I really want. When my niece would be walking down the middle of the road or looking slightly confused as she was hurried forward...when she listened for my voice...instruction came...understanding and joyful peace.

I am encouraged to know regardless of the steps I take; every choice I make deepens my dependance upon God for comfort, counsel, and trust. There is alot I do not know in where I am going, but if I will listen for His voice...instruction will come...understanding...and assurance that He knows and sees so much more than I do.

LUKE 17:24

FOR AS THE LIGHTENING, THAT LIGHTENETH OUT OF THE ONE PART UNDER HEAVEN, SHINETH UNTO THE OTHER PART UNDER HEAVEN; SO SHALL ALSO THE SON OF MAN BE IN HIS DAY.

PSALM 29

"GIVE UNTO THE LORD THE GLORY DUE HIS NAME; WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HIS HOLINESS. THE VOICE OF THE LORD IS UPON THE WATERS: THE GOD OF GLORY THUNDERETH: THE LORD IS UPON MANY WATERS. THE VOICE OF THE LORD IS POWERFUL; THE VOICE OF THE LORD IS FULL OF MAJESTY...

THE VOICE OF THE LORD SPLITS AND FLASHES FORTH FORKED LIGHTENING."

CONSIDER THE JOURNEY'S PATH

Inside the house flickering candle light
Outside flashes of light - lighting up the evening sky.
I stare into the dark of night
Watching out the window the pulsing flashes of light
Listening to the wind hiss and howl
Come and go and be no more
My thoughts ponder the path of
Time and eternity and what this is all for

GOD'S HEART IS BEATING SO POWERFULLY -----

The silence between flashes in the dark
After or before the wind whips by
Reminds me of life in all its seasons
Struggles and endless questions why

Fearless if ever I was
Listening obeying the voice of God
Remembering that I was once unknown
To every one except to Him
and He was with me even then. . .

In my mother's womb...in the darkness
In the silence, listening to the pulse of life beating outside
He was, He is the life blood speaking life to my insides
He was, He is with me through the storms of life
and He is holding me and helping me for all times.

"I was cast upon You from my very birth; from my mother's womb You have been my God."
Psalm 22:10