Flickers of a Faithful FireFly

Let go to hold on

2012-02-15T14:25:00.000-06:00

I keep trying to grasp hold of time

and the intro to the old soap opera repeats in my brain

"like sand through an hourglass, so are the days of our lives"

I keep trying to grasp hold

I keep trying to

grasp

and it slips

slips faster

my fingers stretched tight

strained, tension cramping every fibre

yet in the Kingdom of my citizenship

the place that seems so twisted,

upside down

when compared to this world
I have so much to learn

for here
one must let go
to hold on

trying to grasp hold

of anything

but Him

is like attempting

to trap

the wind

and He is always

here, right here

in my hand

in my heart

no stretch, no strain

palms open

breathe

Sharing with Jennifer and others who see His hand moving...

True Valentine

2012-02-14T08:41:00.000-06:00

For Christmas I wrapped a present for Jesus. For Valentine's Day I wrote Him a love letter. As the true lover of my soul, He wrote back, words like:

Is it hard for you to understand My ways? I spoke to My disciples in parables. But let Me be clear now. My love is here and My love is true. Nothing will change My love for you.

Click here to read more, where I'm sharing about love letters today at Internet Cafe Devotions

Sunday offering

2012-02-11T20:33:00.000-06:00

We must offer ourselves to God

like a clean, smooth canvas

and not worry ourselves

about what God may choose to paint on it,

but at each moment,

feel only the stroke of His brush.

-- Jean Pierre de Caussade

Beginning the week with worship, thanksgiving and surrender

Joining Deidra's Sunday choir to glorify His name.

Hush

2012-02-11T10:14:00.001-06:00

Rare, this moment

His night orb yet bright

in the dawning of the day

We have been hushed by the same moon, the same God, the same love

Joining Sandy in the stillness...

Love came late

2012-02-10T13:28:00.001-06:00

Love came late, hard
not a babe, no, fully formed.
With so much time already wasted
Yahweh-jireh, the One Who provided
urged me to jump, dive in deep
unwrap the gift of my beloved
the man He chose, sealed as mine.
Here am I still, submerged
giddy with wonder, joy
untying ribbons to learn more each day
the secrets of who Rick is
who I am
and Who He Is
Who brought me to this moment
lovesick in time.

Joining Bonnie as we unwrap love this month

The Voice New Testament - Ecclesia Bible Society

2012-02-08T14:31:00.000-06:00

If you look around our house, you will find bibles of every shape, size, colour and translation. We simply love The Word of God. I use Biblegateway.com when I am writing or preparing a message because it is an easy way to compare texts and discover which version best captures exactly what I am trying to convey. I am always eager to acquire a translation I don’t have. When I read the following words by the publisher about The Voice New Testament by Ecclesia Bible Society I admit I was both intrigued and a bit uncertain:

The Voice™ Bible translation is a faithful dynamic translation of the Scriptures done as a collage of compelling narratives, poetry, song, truth, and wisdom. The Voice calls the reader to step into the whole story of Scripture and experience the joy and wonder of God’s revelation. Created for and by a church in great transition, The Voice uniquely represents collaboration among scholars, pastors, writers, musicians, poets, and other artists, giving great attention to the beauty of the narrative. The heart of The Voice is retelling the story of the Bible in a form as fluid as modern literary works yet remaining painstakingly true to the original manuscripts. This translation promotes the public reading of longer sections of Scripture—followed by thoughtful engagement with the biblical narrative in its richness and fullness and dramatic flow.

I sat down with this new volume and my NIV study Bible, a New King James Bible and an Amplified Bible and I was delighted to find that although the words are not the same, the team of writers and artists have indeed remained true to original manuscripts. Unlike The Message, (which I do enjoy and quote often) I find The Voice better able to stand on its own without my needing to check it constantly for the faithfulness of its translation.

There is information added in italics that will help readers in these modern times understand what the original readers would have known. The in-text commentaries add cultural and historical information that I also find quite valuable. The introductions to each Book are well written and helpful as well.

God longs to speak into the heart of His people. I believe this will be a powerful tool to enable many hearts to hear His voice.

New Testament has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson

The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My true romance...

2012-02-07T12:24:00.000-06:00

I have a confession to make. Here, among friends I can trust, I need to be open and transparent. Today, while we are talking about romance, I will be brave:

My husband Rick does not have sole ownership of my heart. My thoughts stray. There is another romance that invades my thoughts, sleeping and waking. Yes, my mind wanders, in dreams and in visions.

I can see myself walking beside another, reaching out to grasp his hand as our legs step in unison. We are on a windswept beach, or in a meadow, or climbing rolling hills. I look into his eyes and know that they gaze directly into my heart. There is nothing he cannot see and in that knowledge of total exposure comes unexpected freedom. I have nothing to hide. I am simply who I am, and loved despite my faults. He knows my questions before I ask and answers with wisdom and truth. He is the one I come to with my fears and my sorrows. I pour myself out in his presence and he picks me up and puts me back together.

He doesn’t mind that am I married to Rick, in fact, he has blessed our union. Yet he continues to make plans for another wedding. A feast. A celebration unlike any ever known before. He himself will be the bridegroom and his desire is for me to be a perfect, spotless bride.

Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready Revelation 19:7 NIV

I am awestruck that he would choose me. I am lovesick. This One, this Jesus, has captivated me and He is my Lord.

Who has ownership of your heart today? If you have not given all of yourself to Christ, try it today. You will soon discover that you have more to give to your husband and to your marriage as well.

Joining Peter Pollock and the rest of the crowd where the word is romance.

Every breath of life...

2012-02-04T20:13:00.000-06:00

Let everything that has breath

and every breath of life praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

(Hallelujah!)

Psalm 150:6 Amplified

Joining the Sunday chorus of praise at Deidra's

Open ears

2012-02-04T14:08:00.000-06:00

My Mom - who has unimpaired ears!

I have known for quite a long time (as have many of you who engage in face to face conversation with me) that I have struggled with hearing loss in my left ear. Too often I need to ask for words to be repeated and even then I often give up in frustration before truly understanding what is being said.

I have attributed this to aging and genetics and grown somewhat used to turning my good right ear toward sounds I am trying to capture. I've gotten accustomed to missing much of what is said in movies or on television. I've even used the impairment to my advantage, pressing my good ear hard into the pillow at night so I don't hear Faith when she goes on a barking spree.

I have both complained and made jokes about the problem. It was only when the ringing and roaring in my ear became a constant distraction that I decided to seek help.

A visit with an ear, nose and throat specialist confirmed my difficulties. Monday's testing with an audiologist measured the extent of the problem. Something has damaged the nerve, the loss is defined as permanent and an MRI is scheduled for the end of May to investigate the cause.

It seems like a long time to wait and ponder. I will continue to release all of this into His hands, willing to be a sign and a wonder if He should choose to restore what has been called unrecoverable.

I will continue to open the ears of my spirit, which operate on a different wavelength. Hearing His voice doesn't need my damaged nerve, it simply needs my hungry heart.

Awakening

2012-02-04T08:29:00.002-06:00

Slow

morning fills

with His fire

colours glow

Breathing in the stillness with Sandy today...

He knew where home was...

2012-02-03T14:52:00.000-06:00

Some of you know the story of my first face-to-face encounter with my beloved. I have posted the tale in parts, but it is a story I love repeating. so here we go again...

My bags were packed; plans were made for my mother to drive me to the airport. It was the night before my flight, and there was nothing left to do but talk with Rick on the phone and sleep. I was excited, but also nervous and listening yet again to fear and doubt, words that were not coming from the mouth of God.

“What if you decide I'm too ugly” I asked “I'm scared. I'm sure of God but not sure of me.”

“Why don't you take a tranquilizer or sleeping pill if you have one” he said. “You need to get some rest tonight and not worry so. Unless you develop Elephant Man disease overnight, there is nothing to worry about.”

Somehow his words and the time we spent in prayer together soothed me and I was able to get a little bit of sleep. I rose ready to face whatever the Lord was about to do.

When my mother was dropping me off at the airport, she asked “Are you going to come back married?”

“Maybe so” I answered, not wanting to admit that they had already planned for that.

“Will you call when you get there, to let us know you're safe?”

“Of course I will Mom, and don't worry.” A quick hug and kiss goodbye and I walked into the airport terminal and a new beginning.

Once the plane had reached cruising altitude I did what came naturally. I pulled out my journal and began to write:

It is so bright up here in God's light. Surrounded by the light this morning on the first part of journey. But.. I have had His light around me for weeks now. I am so sure of Him, in a way I had not previously felt.

Oh my precious Father, what new words can I find to praise You? How to best let Your name be glorified? Let Your light shine through me, Lord, for every living soul to see Your reflection in me.

I ask for guidance this morning Father, trusting that You will lead me where You want me, but not quite trusting myself. Let me not chase after my own desires, but continue to seek what You desire of me.

The time spent in prayer and reflection soothed my spirit. Stashing the journal back in my carry on, I was ready for the plane to land and to walk into the arms of the man who waited for me.

I stood in the immigration services line with my passport, thinking it odd that Canada was a foreign country. When I was called to the desk, the officer asked me “What is the purpose of your visit, business or pleasure?”

“Pleasure. Definitely pleasure” I replied, while thinking “and about my Father's business”

The officer stamped my passport and I was free to retrieve my bags when they came around on the carousel. The two suitcases were bulky and hard to handle and I felt foolish for packing so much.

One more line to wait in for the customs agent, who simply took my declaration card and said “Welcome to Canada” and I walked through the doors to find Rick, wearing the hat he said he would wear so I would recognize him, just in case he looked different than his picture.

After weeks of imagining what it would feel like, I was held tight in his embrace. Then he whispered very clearly in my ear “a hundred and ten percent, baby.”

I remembered his words to his pastor when he had asked Rick how he could be so sure I was the right woman for him. “I'm 99 percent sure now. When I meet her at the airport I'll be a hundred percent sure.”

“Hundred and ten, eh?” I laughed, feeling every bit of apprehension drain from my being. I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be, at last.

It was a 3-1/2 hour ride from Winnipeg to Rick’s home town. We talked and laughed as if we had known each other all our lives and were continuing a conversation where we had left off. There was a comfort and familiarity between us that surprised us both.

Rick told me a story about his coworker trying to convince him that I was probably some weirdo who had undergone a sex change. While he was laughing, I turned to him, with quite suddenly a very serious look on my face.

“Oh rats! Now you know! I was hoping to keep it a secret.” I said sternly, but I couldn't maintain the serious expression and started to giggle, then chuckle, then laugh heartily.

“I'll have to check it out for myself then” Rick snickered.

“Not until we're married” I warned, wagging my finger at him “And by then it will be too late.”

The laughter felt wonderful, from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet. Joy filled the car. With the joy came the peace that only God could provide.

Every time Rick had to pause at a stop light he would lean over to kiss me. There was a new kind of thrill that moved through my blood, different than any man had caused before. If someone had asked me to describe it, I would not have had words. I simply knew that this was stronger, deeper, more right than any touch from my past.

Once we got away from the city, the highway narrowed to one lane each direction. There was very little traffic. It was unusually warm for so early in May as if God had shifted weather patterns to make for an enjoyable day of traveling. Rick named off the towns as we moved through them, and I watched the unfamiliar landscape passing outside the open window.

There was mile upon mile upon endless mile of open fields. Farmers, using various kinds of large equipment that I did not yet know the names of, were busy preparing the ground for the coming season of planting. Barns, and old farm houses and grain storage bins reached out into the fields.

“There's nothing but land” I exclaimed. “Land extending out forever no matter where I look. It's unbelievable.”

"Yep” Rick nodded, smiling. “I'd expect that reaction from a city girl.”

There was space, blue sky, bright sun and fresh air. I inhaled deeply and let everything inside myself settle. “I'm here” I thought silently “here where you've sent me Lord.”

We were getting closer to his home town, approaching a lake that he wanted me to see. Rick asked if it would make me nervous if he pulled off onto a side road.

"Well, if you're going to kill me now, have at it” I laughed. “I've trusted you and come this far, why stop now.”

He slowed and pulled the car to a stop, parking near the driveway of a beautiful home.

“If we go to the beach from here we don't have to pay to get in and park” he said, taking hold of my hand, and we started walking.

It felt good to be out of the car and stretch. I noticed that we walked in the same rhythm, legs moving in unison. We were walking on a well trodden path through bushes and trees. Rick stopped frequently to pull me into his embrace and kiss me with all the passion that had been building up over the past weeks.

"Wow! I guess I hadn't needed to worry about chemistry” I said, my knees weakening at his touch.

When we emerged from the path onto the beach I erupted with delight.

“Did I ever tell you how much I've always loved the water?”

“I don't believe you did” Rick replied, shaking his head. “There's lots of things we have to learn about each other, and we'll have lots of time to learn them.”

Linking up with Jennifer at Getting Down with Jesus and The High Calling Blogs where we're talking about both the joys and struggles of marriage.

Surfacing...

2012-02-03T14:46:00.000-06:00

I was hit hard
blindsided by pain
dragged down by some unknown virus
submerged

Unable to concentrate
focus blurred
words scurried away
even my prayers mere groanings

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. Romans 8:26 The Message

I am just now
surfacing
breathing in fresh air
allowing Him to renew my strength

Posts that were partly done, half done, almost done will appear here shortly. If their order seems choppy, so were the seas I've been sailing on this week.

Free indeed

2012-01-29T09:13:00.000-06:00

So if the Son liberates you

[makes you free men],

then you are really

and unquestionably free.

John 8:36 Amplified

Stopping this morning to rejoice in Who He Is

with Deidra and the chorus of awe

Ordered steps

2012-01-25T17:18:00.000-06:00

Day begins
a slice of light
mornings wake earlier now
time not just rolling on
no, but spinning
faster than breath can catch

In the quiet dawn
He speaks truth, promises

Ask of Me and I will order your days. Those things that weight heavy in your estimation may be totally unnecessary to Me. Let me show you how to choose the better part as you linger with Me - more will be accomplished than you can comprehend.

My usually quiet week has filled with lunch dates and other things to do I had not expected.
But I listened.
And I asked.
And I will allow Him to order my days.
I will go where He sends me, do what He requests.
And I will come back to His feet.
The better part indeed.
Grace runs wild. Free.

The very steps we take come from God; otherwise how would we know where we're going? Proverbs 20:24 The Message

Joining Jennifer and others as we cherish His presence.

and sharing also with Emily and the broken beloved ones.

The Emancipation of Robert Sadler, Chapian & Sadler

2012-01-24T17:07:00.000-06:00

I was intrigued when I read the following description of The Emancipation of Robert Sadler The Powerful True Story of a Twentieth-Century Plantation Slave by Marie Chapian and Robert Sadler.

Over fifty years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Robert Sadler was sold into slavery at the age of five--by his own father. Originally published in 1975, this is the no-holds-barred tale of those dark days, his quest for freedom, and the determination to serve others borne out of his experience. You won't forget this poignant true story of good triumphing over evil, of God's grace, and of an extraordinary life of ministry.

I knew this would not be an easy read. My heart was torn as I read these powerful words about man's inhumanity to his fellow man writen from a very personal perspective. I admit to having a bit of trouble reading the conversations written in the regional dialect, but I am glad that I pressed through.

This story is a testimony to God's faithfulness to save and protect those who choose to surrender their lives into His hands.

My favourite tales were those of Sadler's ministry adventures, how God blessed his obedience by showing Him wonderous example of His power in miracles of healings and salvation. We could all learn a lesson here about both listening and really hearing God's voice.

Marie Chapian is a Christian counselor and author or coauthor of more than thirty books, including the bestsellers Telling Yourself the Truth and Free to Be Thin. She founded Marie Chapian Ministries in 1982 to teach and equip the body of Christ. She lives in Southern California.

Robert Sadler (1911–1986) was born near Anderson, South Carolina, in 1911. He was sold into slavery at the age of five and escaped at fourteen. Eventually he moved to Ohio but traveled extensively sharing the gospel and ministering to others at every opportunity.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The opinions I have shared are my own.

Beyond reason...

2012-01-22T08:45:00.000-06:00

Joining the Sunday chorus at Deidra's this morning...

Feet

2012-01-20T12:54:00.000-06:00

How beautiful on the mountains

are the feet of the messenger

bringing good news,

Breaking the news that all's well,

proclaiming good times, announcing salvation,

telling Zion, "Your God reigns!"

Isaiah 52:7 The Message

Sharing with Claire, Kelly, Sarah and others as we look at anatomy

Talking about Faith at Internet Cafe

2012-01-20T08:50:00.000-06:00

With acres of space and no neighbors in close proximity, it was time to add a canine member to our family. Enter a three month old border collie crossed with husky or malamute and who knows what else.

Was it love at first sight? You bet! I knew that I was to name her Faith. Young and small as she was, the joke became "Oh, you of little Faith."

click here to read the rest of the story...

Compiling joy

2012-01-19T14:13:00.001-06:00

It is the stillness of fresh fallen snow when the wind calms at last
Steam fogging windows that speak of warmth within
A welcome
The gentle laughter that sparks love
The touch transforming spark to flame
Eyes whispering "I know you" without a word
Prayers that praise, protect
connecting us to Him Who created one from two
The keeping of promises
The slogging through when light seems yet far off
In all that is contained in not only keeping a house
but a home
not only "making a living"
but the building of a life.

Did I ever once imagine I could hold this kind of joy?

Jamming with Bonnie to the tune of joy

and linking with Emily and others loved in their imperfection

Extreme

2012-01-18T16:47:00.000-06:00

January cold presses in
warnings abound
wind chills are extreme they say

so I snuggle in
resting under mighty wings
the warmth of the One
Who exemplifies
extreme

extreme mercy
extreme grace
extreme love

Please join me in prayer for those who do not have shelter tonight and for those who do not know that He Is always there to care for them.

You've always given me breathing room, a place to get away from it all, A lifetime pass to your safe-house, an open invitation as your guest. Psalm 61:3 The Message

Linking up with Jennifer today. Stop here to read what others have shared.

Quiet here

2012-01-17T21:02:00.000-06:00

I have been quiet here
words have been elusive
and I have chosen the wait
instead of the chase

His love settles around me like
the snow
the falling temperatures
the warmth of this home

I'm in the best of hands...

Empty hands

2012-01-14T16:18:00.000-06:00

In my head this morning I was hearing the words of David from the Psalms:

O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.
Thus I will bless You while I live
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
Psalm 63:1-4 NKJV

So I sat in the quiet of the new day, seeking for what He would share, and He said:

Come to Me and lay down all that burdens you. We will sort through things together, you and I.

I saw Him kneeling beside me on the ground, sorting through piles of what I knew was my stuff. I was embarrassed by all the ragged edges and by just how much was spread out before us. Often He turned to smile at me as He tossed something aside.

If there is anything in the piles you are meant to keep, I will return it to you and give you the ability to carry it. Things are heavy when you have chosen them on your own without running here to Me and asking.

Don't worry about what you leave with Me, it is well tended in My hands.

I realize now that
there was nothing at all
that He returned to me.
My hands are empty.
With extraordinary lightness
I lift them in worship.

I delight Him?

2012-01-12T13:59:00.000-06:00

I almost feel like it's God-Bumps and God-Incidences Wednesday all over again! I had no idea what Bonnie's word was for today when I sat down this morning with the Lord, but obviously He did! This is what He shared:

How quickly you learn My lessons, little one.
Turn to Me. Run to Me. Cling to Me.
This doesn't annoy Me - it delights Me

In surrender is your peace. Often you can't hear My plans while you are busy making your own. When you stop your ears open, only then do you hear Me.

He knows all things; the end before the beginning, every little detail of our lives, and when I learned that the word Bonnie chose was delight I was delighted indeed!

Do you ever worry that you rely on Him too much? Does the world shout that you use Him like a crutch? This is exactly where He wants you. He delights in our need. Don't take a step away, move ever closer.

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Psalm 37:23 NKJV

Jamming with Bonnie today about delight

Where am I looking?

2012-01-11T17:10:00.001-06:00

I sat quietly with the Lord early watching the snow falling soft in the dim waking light.

He wanted to know if I would fix my eyes upon Him or upon my troubles.

"Upon You, of course" was my quick reply. I'm not sure if I heard Him laugh.

The day grew light, snow continued to fall, exceeding the forcasts, and though beautiful, it spoke of potential dangers.

I have found joy in finding myself beginning to form an fitness habit again since we now have a recumbent exercise cycle in the basement that we purchased for an excellent price. It was reduced due to the fact that the person who first tried to assemble it stripped the threads on the pedal crank. It was returned to the store in Winnipeg where it was purchased, fixed by welding the pedal on permanently, and sold to another resaler in a town nearby. This is where we found it. If the only problem was a pedal that was welded so it couldn't be removed, well, that wasn't a problem at all!

Silly to think that anything is permanent...

Yesterday the pedal began to wiggle. Today it has broken off. Problem.

I decided to try some strength training floorwork instead. Ouch! The floor is too hard, my body too stiff, the lump on my backside too sore. Problem.

I'd like to make plans to travel South to spend time with Mom but still await the scheduling of medical tests of my own. Problem. Problem. Problem.

And now I truly do believe I hear His charming snicker and I remember His pre-dawn question, and I'm fixing my eyes, fixing my heart, casting it all upon Him.

Sharing with Jennifer and feeling the God-Bumps

and sweet loving Emily and the others imperfect but loved

Stuck - dvd based study by Jennie Allen

2012-01-11T12:58:00.000-06:00

When Stuck was first released I received a sampler version of the book and dvd to review. This was my review of the little bite I received:

As I clicked the play button I was quickly set at ease by the soft music and the tone of Jennie's voice as she humbly presented herself as a woman just like the rest of us, broken, unsure and tired of hiding her "stuff" from those around her. In the introduction Jennie writes:
So my prayer is this study will be a safe place to explore God and your own heart. The state of our hearts and what we believe about God are the two most important things about us.
This study is intended to be shared in small groups that create a safe place for women to openly share the things they may have been hiding for years and allow God to begin to bring healing and wholeness to those places inside that are broken.

The workbook provides opportunities to dig deeper into scripture, pray, spend time pondering with the Lord, even draw pictures.

I feel as if I have been given an appetizer and it has indeed made me hungry for the rest of the meal. I need this study and suspect that most of the women I know need it as well. My mind is busy churning the idea of hosting a small group at my home, seeing a vision of freedom as we break through and become un-stuck!

Thomas Nelson soon made available a limited number of the complete study and my idea of a home study became a reality. The study kit includes:

8 sessions on DVD
Study Guide with story-driven teaching, Scripture study, and short five-day-per-week lessons
Leader’s Guide for facilitating group study
Conversation cards help to facilitate more spontaneous and authentic conversation
Promotional resources for churchwide campaign

I am happy to tell you that this study is practical and easy to use. The leader’s guide supplies valuable tips and the box of questions fit into the lessons well and provide great openings for honest sharing.

One of the most valuable tips was to bathe the entire study in prayer.

I look forward to using this tool again with other groups of women and celebrating again the joy of freedom as God helps them become “un-stuck”.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Freshness in the ancient ways

2012-01-10T16:19:00.000-06:00

Bread rising, baking, cooling on racks
flowers, sweet and vibrant
citrus oil from fresh cut oranges
all fill a house with the warm scent of fresh

and we hunger

We are a people easily bored
seeking new without a moment to absorb old
crying out to the Lord for a fresh word
a change of direction

This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’ Jeremiah 6:16 NLT

May we find our delight in the ways He leads us
as He seasons this new season
with His Spirit
always fresh.

Joining Peter Pollock and the rest where the word is fresh

Obedience's reward

2012-01-09T19:13:00.000-06:00

In the middle of work at the computer

I felt a nudge to start dinner heating

It seemed a bit early, but I didn't argue

This is the sight that met my eyes

as I looked out the kitchen window

Day's end streaking the sky

What else might we be missing

in our slowness to hear

reluctance to listen?

This evening's lesson learned -

He always rewards obedience

But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22 NLT

As long as...

2012-01-07T18:24:00.000-06:00

As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest,

cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.

Genesis 8:22 NLT

Breathing in His truth today with Deidra and others

A place for everything

2012-01-07T16:37:00.000-06:00

Image by istorija via Flickr

Spring may be the time we feel drawn to clean our houses, but there is also something about the start of the year that calls out for a new order.

Today was the day to attack the kitchen pantry, sorting, sifting and placing things back on shelves. There is something so satisfying about stacking beans with beans, grains arranged side by side, cereal boxes pressed close to the back wall, cans placed neatly like with like.

There is a freedom that descends
when chaos departs
the ability to breathe deeper.

Inhale.
Exhale.
Peace.

Now, to sort through my thoughts in like fashion...

Less of me

2012-01-06T15:52:00.000-06:00

Twelve years ago
I surrendered
to the Son of God/Son of Man

The small, hard pebble
that was my heart
softened and swelled as He entered

good, this is good indeed
my spirit heard His approval

Then the flesh
surrounding the pliable heart
softened and swelled also

twelve years on
my spirit has learned to submit
while my flesh has run wild

Yesterday, in exercise and praise
I was singing a familiar chorus
"more of You and less of me"
and my spirit vibrated
a resounding "yes"

I am getting ready
to be ready
to jump when He says jump
seeking lightness
the ability to fly
when He gives me wings

In all ways of the spirit
I have tried to live the words of John
now I resolve, with the strength of Christ
in a tangible, physical sense
"I will decrease"

He must increase, but I must decrease.

[He must grow more prominent;

I must grow less so.]

John 3:30 Amplified

The Resolution for Men by S. & A. Kendrick

2012-01-04T14:23:00.000-06:00

The third and last book I read related to the movie Courageous is The Resolution for Men by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Randy Alcorn.

This is indeed a book by men, for men and about men, but because I love my husband and want the very best in life for him I felt I could glean important information within the covers of this book. I was not disappointed.

The first page, even before the introduction, begins with the following words:

Weak men will not be able to handle the contents of this book.

Wow! I pray that statement challenges men to dive in, for there is much to be digested here.

Each chapter concerns a different resolution, written with direct and specific approaches to confronting sin. I cannot imagine anyone being able to read without feeling the power of God stirring in their spirit.

There is also a great wealth of information in the nine appendices, from finding peace with God, to forming accountability groups and avoiding pornography. There are also discussion questions that can be used alone or with a group.

My husband read through this quickly and with great hunger and said he wants to begin again, working through it slowly this time. allowing God to work changes through the pages.

If you are a man, you need to read this book. If you are a woman, this will help you understand God's plans for the men in your life.

Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from B&H Publishing Group.

The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Words for 2012 Courage-Focus-Trust

2012-01-04T11:31:00.001-06:00

It has become a habit as a new year begins to seek the Lord for a word or scripture to centre my spirit upon. Not sure if what I was sensing was indeed from Him, I sat down and spent some quiet moments in His presence, journal open, pen in hand.

Lord, this calendar year is drawing quickly to an end - is there something You want to share? I sense the word You are giving me for 2012 is three in one -courage, focus, trust. Have I heard You or my own thoughts?

We have grown so close this year, little one, that often your thoughts are My thoughts.

Yes - believe that, even if it makes you pause. The desire for oneness comes as you abide.

It will take more courage than you have before exercised to stand strong in what you believe in the days ahead. The enemy of your soul will try to convince you there is too much on the line, but if you are with Me, I Am with you, so none can truly be against you, no matter what it looks like.

I will hone your focus. What seems like scattered flames will be drawn together into a raging fire of purpose and passion. Continue to look through My eyes. pay heed to what you see and worry not about what you don't see. You will not need to search for things to spend your time and efforts on; I shall set in clear sight those things I require of you. Like Moses' bush, they shall blaze too brightly to ignore.

And trust, little one, always that I Am here, around you, within you. You are not stepping out alone. You are correct to place no trust in your flesh, but -- you can trust the Me in you.

You have some far. There is yet far to go.

Jamming with Bonnie about our words for 2012

and relishing His touch with Jennifer

The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer

2012-01-03T14:17:00.000-06:00

My next plunge into books related to the film Courageous was The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer. The three sections of the book ask you to explore and understand the following:

This is who I am.
This is what I have.
This is what matters to me.

There is something here for every woman, married or single; childless or raising many. As Priscilla explains, God had a special reason for creating each one of us.

We were each created by God to do our part. And if we fail to do it because we don't think it's valuable enough, great loss will be suffered. Someone, somewhere needs you - in all your uniqueness - to step up to the plate of your calling.

Your creation was supernaturally superintended by Almighty God. You are extraordinarily significant.

We need to know and understand the person God created us to be and learn to accept her.

Many of us spend so much of our lives wishing or pretending we were somebody different from who we are, we never get to experience the sheer freedom of just being ourselves.

But rediscovering and celebrating the you that God originally created is paramount for any woman who desires to live out her primary purpose.

Priscilla's words helped me move ahead in my journey to be the person God desires me to be, not necessarily who the world asks me to be, not even who I might have chosen for myself to become.

If you want to live with integrity, with purpose and with grace leaving a Godly legacy for others to follow, then this book will surely help you as you move toward those goals.

Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from B&H Publishing Group.

The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Courageous Living by Michael Catt

2012-01-03T13:12:00.000-06:00

I watched and was greatly moved by the film Courageous, and when I was offered the opportunity to review books related to the film I gladly accepted.

The first book I read was Courageous Living Dare to Take a Stand by Michael Catt. I think I was expecting this book to be the story that the film dramatized, but by reading the following on the back cover I knew I was in for something more:

Catch a fresh wind of bravery through the bold biblical accounts of Abraham, Joshua, Ruth and many others in Courageous Living by Michael Catt, pastor and executive producer of the unforgettable film Courageous.

Because we are called to take a faithful, fearless stand in all that matters, Catt sheds new light on the stories of people in the Bible who displayed great courage when it would have been easier to play it safe. They challenge and inspire us to keep moving forward, to examine our priorities, and to deal with anything that brings fear to our heart.

The stories on these pages were compelling in their application to our own lives. I was challenged indeed to examine the way both myself and the corporate church have been living. Are we walking in faith or fear?

Fear is believing a lie, listening to negative voices, and not taking God at His Word. Faith is fear that has said its prayers.

Am I, are we, willing to allow God to work through us, strengthen us, make our lives count for the Kingdom, or have we become content with just getting by, living lives that would be called "average"?

We don't have time for average. Average is climbing halfway up the mountain and stopping.

I don't want to go only halfway and I don't believe God wants His body to stop before reaching the goals He has set for us.

Do you need to have your passion reignited or are you content with the status quo? I suggest you decide before you pick up this stirring book.

Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from B&H Publishing Group.

The opinions I have expressed are my own.

In His hands

2011-12-31T17:08:00.000-06:00

Rollercoaster ride
dizzying heights
mind numbing lows
fireworks or deep black
another year finds an end tonight.

I could not have predicted the trials
or planned the blessings
learning again and yet again
these things are best surrendered
to His hand.

As you look back
and forward
rest in His promises --

No one's ever seen or heard anything like this,

Never so much as imagined anything quite like it—

What God has arranged for those who love him

1 Corinthians 2:9 The Message

A year of encouragement

2011-12-31T11:29:00.000-06:00

This is the time of year when people look back and post retrospectives on their blog. Many choose their favourite posts or those that drew the most traffic. Because God has created me to be different from the crowd I have decided instead to share some of my favourite comments from 2011, one for each month of the year.

January 8th Bonnie Gray who blogs at The FaithBarista left these words on my post Persevere and Expectation:

I love coming by here for my cup of brew. I'm getting used to coming through the door, that you leave ajar for me. :) I feel today you're standing up and letting out a battle cry, as I read the last part of your post. Wonderful words matching persevere & expectation! loved your link.

February 15th Brian Miller of Waystation One commented on Heartstrings:

having heard a string or two break in my day...it is a powerful image...and the restringing bringing the instrument back to life as well...

March 2nd Jerry of Under the Door Frame noted on Icy Heart:

A heart of ice melted into living water... A heart of stone transformed into a heart of flesh. Thank God for his pursuit...and our often hesitant response. Good. good.

April 27th Nance Marie of various blogs added to Finding light:

grace of the Lord
to cover the sea of bitterness within
the light of the Lord
to shine into my dark soul

May 11th master encourager Glynn of Faith, Fiction, Friends said this on Shouts and whispers:

Beautiful, Karin. Prayer is like an ongoing conversation, "heartbeat to heartbeat," punctuated by those whispers and shouts

June 21st the poet Dustus left this comment on In the blood:

"how the eyes see a laugh so familiar it turns the heads of those who hear" This passage made my head spin. So good and expressed through multiple sense modalities. Great composition.

July 14th Debbie of Heart Choices commented on For each other, by each other:

Very interesting post on faith. If only more believers would be transparent and share their struggles with one another. We can then encourage one another and turn our eyes on Jesus. It helps to know we're not alone

August 8th Linda added these thoughts to Be still:

Oh, my.... That's gripping stuff. I've experienced times like that, too, so my heart goes out to both you and the new pastor. God bless you both as you remain still and rest in the Lord; and wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him. He is good and He is at work, even if you can't see just what He is doing right now

September 30th Beth Werner Lee (link not active) commented about Finding my voice in His:

Thank you, so right you are to ponder on Jesus saying he spoke only what he heard, and was sent to say. Oh, that I could be like him! Only through his Spirit who does the same. Today we were just studying James 1:19,20: quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger...I need to apply this now, daily! Thank you, writing from the fire.

October 4th Sandra Heska King left words on Season of seasons:

I love the contrasts.
Moving too fast while stuck in place.
Softened and hardened.
Decay and hope.
And the spices and scent and aroma and fragrance.
Oh, and that photo. Clever girl.

November 7th Nancy of Out of My Alleged Mind shared her thoughts on Believe?:

I'm really good at trusting God theoretically. Not so much when I can't connect the dots to see how the plan is taking shape. I keep trying to remind myself to look back toward his faithfulness in the past and asking him to increase my faith, even only enough to take the next step.

December 24th Doug Spurling commented on Christmas Tears:

Amen. You are opening the greatest of Christmas presents with your tears, your heart meshing with His to seek and save that which is lost ~ His Presence.

Though I write in obedience to my Lord, not for hits or applause, words of true encouragement help greatly along the way. Please take a moment when you can to visit the blogs of those who so richly blessed me.

I also thank each and every one of you who has wandered about inside these words, even those who never leave a trace of themselves before they leave. You are truly a gift to me. May the coming year bring with it the richness of His love.

Back to work / wings

2011-12-29T16:54:00.001-06:00

Courage. Focus. Trust.

Three words stacked, shuffled, played again and again in my spirit.

November was a frenzy of word output in the midst of the chaos of life and when I had met the goal to reach 50,000 words I set my novel aside and granted myself sabbath, the month of December to be still through advent and rejoice in Christmas. Now December draws to a swift end.

As the new year begins I must begin again, with courage, focus, trust and with perseverance.

Here's another little bite of what I've been cooking:

Jessie opened her Bible again to read:

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

“I like sparrows” she thought “they’re small like me, at least I feel small. But this keeps telling me not to worry, just like the calm voice tells me.” She closed the book, resting her chin on her hand, thinking about small birds and wings and wondering if God counts feathers too.
Johnny interrupted her thoughts, placing a steaming dinner plate in front of her, saying “Wings for my Angel with wings.”

“What??” she chirped, astonished.

“You said surprise you, what’s the matter. You don’t like wings?”

“How do you do that?” she asked him, starting to laugh, shaking her head.

“Do what? What did I do now?” Johnny looked confused.

“Well, God must like to talk through you or something. When I dreamed about fruit you offered me fresh fruit. Now this.”

“What? What? I still don’t get it.”

“I was just reading where God takes care of me and loves me more than sparrows, and I was sitting here thinking of feathers and wings…”

Johnny slapped his hand down hard on the table and released a loud roar of laughter. “And here I come with a big plate of wings. That is strange. Kind of scary if you ask me.”

“I think God just wants us to know He’s paying attention” Jessie answered. “And by the way, I do like wings, and these smell wonderful.”

"Weird, that’s what I say” Johnny pointed his thumb toward Bobbie. “We’ve gotta tell Roberta and see what she says about all this. Weird.”

Jessie didn’t answer for a moment. Her mouth was too full, savouring the taste of lemon, garlic and oregano on the wings. “Why should I be surprised that you’d make Greek wings?” she laughed.

“Hey Johnny” Bobbie called from the table where she had seated the couple with the wet umbrellas. “These nice folks said whatever it is you just brought out that smells so good, that’s what they want too.”

“Wings” Johnny said. “Greek wings. Anyone else want some?”
Hands went up around the room.

“Alright then, you got ‘em. Wings all around” he said, disappearing back into his kitchen.

As Jessie ate she let her mind wander, seeing wings and feathers and heads covered with hairstyles of all shapes and colours. The anxiety of the afternoon drained away.

“I’m not sure why I feel so peaceful all of a sudden” she spoke silently “but thank You.”

That’s My peace, and thank you for realizing it was Me.” The voice was strong, kind and clear. It almost felt like she could wrap it around her shoulders.

Fix your eyes

2011-12-28T12:53:00.000-06:00

The Lord's word for me this last little while has been focus and the desire of my heart is to keep my eyes fixed upon Him.

Can I look at Him and not the obstacles in my path, hearing His call, His command?

Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go Joshua 1:9 Amplified

Strong and vigorous? There may be times I could be called strong in spirit or vigorous in faith but surely not often enough. As for the skin this spirit inhabits, vigor and strength have been absent for far too long.

Focus. Fix your eyes.

To the driving melodies of gypsy guitar I pedaled on our new recumbent stationary bike. Stiff and sore I relied on His promise to be with me. As my temperature and heart rate began to rise I found a new rhythm of breathing, almost like prayer

What I can't do, You can do
Fix my eyes on Him not my pain
Courage will triumph over fear

I repented of being hindered by both sides of the same cloth, fear of failure and fear of success

What if I can't keep cycling for twenty minutes? What if I can?
What if my written words never reach into another's heart? What if they do?
What if God's promises aren't true? What if they are?

Twenty-five minutes I cranked the pedals and fixed my eyes. Stepping away coated in a shine of sweat, I found myself both weaker and stronger, two sides of the same cloth, but wrapped in His love.

Sharing today at Jennifer's celebrating Him.

Christmas fulfills

2011-12-25T15:55:00.002-06:00

As dawn breaks on this Christmas morning

Rejoice in the One Who fulfills the ancient words –

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,

the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD

Isaiah 11:1-2 NIV

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches.

I am the Root and the Offspring of David,

the Bright and Morning Star.”

Revelation 22:16 NKJV

Christmas tears

2011-12-24T09:32:00.000-06:00

It has been an Advent of searching and finding and rejoicing in His love. Tonight we will gather to join hands and hearts and sing of His miraculous birth.

But today, as I wait, I am awash in tears. I am reminded that the same thing happened to me last year, so I share the words I posted, true then, true now...

Having time to ponder the glory of His coming, into a world as stark as this --

Yet come He did, and come again He will, not as a child but as our King. Yes, I rejoice in the wonder of His promises and the completeness of His gift, indeed my praises rise.

Still today my heart is troubled for those who do not recognize His birth or hope for His return; those who cannot see the light behind the clouds. Tears flow as my spirit aches, a groaning deep, an exhalation of sighs, every breath a prayer.

Lord, may they know You.

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. John 1:9-10 NIV

Divine exchange

2011-12-24T08:27:00.000-06:00

In the quiet, in the waiting, I have been listening for what the Lord would share:

Even as a tiny baby I Was and Am big enough

to hold and carry all that concerns you.

This then is the magic of Christmas.

Your worry for My peace.

Your grief for My joy.

Your bondage for My freedom.

Your wrong for My right.

In all the unwrapping of gifts,

do not forget this divine exchange.

Now thanks be to God for His Gift, [precious] beyond telling [His indescribable, inexpressible, free Gift]! 2 Corinthians 9:15 Amplified

Did Mary know? Do I?

2011-12-22T09:04:00.001-06:00

Image via Wikipedia

Did Mary know
when the angel came
what her surrender
would accomplish?

Then Mary said, Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be done to me according to what you have said. And the angel left her. Luke 1:38 Amplified

Questions will remain unasked,
unanswered
not every stop will be marked
neatly on a map
I may not know the why
but must believe that the Who
can sort out the how
and my part
the simplest and most difficult
is to say "yes"

because nothing I can imagine
can compare
and all that is good, in me
is His

according to His Word
according to His will
let it be done to me
let it be done through me

Jamming with Bonnie and unwrapping Jesus

also joining the others imperfect but redeemed at Emily's

Slow and slower

2011-12-21T16:56:00.000-06:00

In the quiet of yesterday morning, I sought the Lord and what He had to share with me. Opening my journal I captured His heart:

Step by step, little by little. I know My people like action, fast results, drama. But this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Step by step, little by little. You want to fly but I Am asking you to walk, so slowly at times that you do not even realize how far you are moving.

Giant leaps almost always leave you needing to retrace your steps, missing important lessons - and the need to go back loses the time you thought you gained.

Step by step - maintain forward progress - without grumbling and complaining about what I ask of you along the way.

And you will remin in My perfect will, in My love and in My care.

When I sensed that He had no more to say, I picked up the book I wanted to start reading, The Resolution for Women. I will share more about this book as well as The Resolution for Men later in the month.

In the introduction is the thirteen point resolution. As I read #1 the chills of knowing that God had just prepared me ran through my spirit:

I do solemnly resolve to embrace my current season of life and will maximize my time in it. I will resist the urge to hurry through or circumvent and portion of my journey but will live with a spirit of contentment.

Just as He had said: Step by step, little by little.

Sharing with Jennifer and others at Getting Down with Jesus

A quiet waiting

2011-12-20T10:41:00.000-06:00

I have been muted
this may surprise
you
who know me louder
words falling free

I close my eyes
to look through His
shut my ears to hear

Often expectation comes
with shouts and cheers
impatient applause
to call forth
that which we await

This year the quiet
is a choice
expecting in stillness

His coming
His living
His dying
His coming again

In the silence
the space between breaths
I worship

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come Revelation 4:8b New Living Translation

Joining Jason and the other warrior poets writing about expecting

And listen...

2011-12-17T17:05:00.000-06:00

And listen! You will become pregnant and will give birth to a Son,

and you shall call His name Jesus.

He will be great (eminent) and will be called the Son of the Most High;

and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His forefather David,

And He will reign over the house of Jacob throughout the ages;

and of His reign there will be no end.

Luke 1:31-33 Amplified

Joining Deidra and others in the quiet Sunday chorus

1000 posts

2011-12-17T11:31:00.001-06:00

This is a place where words spill out
my heart exposed
in poetry, prose
random or structured
in colour
or black and white
thoughts of the day
dreams in the night
and all with the prayer
that anything that shines
reflects His glory alone

This post marks one thousand times I have clicked publish
but cannot count the hearts that I have met along the way

Thank you for joining me on this journey
with all of the twists and turns
valleys and mountain tops.

May we find Him with each and every step we take.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 NIV

Books for Christmas

2011-12-17T09:24:00.000-06:00

I was blessed to be born into a family that loves to read. Books were valued, cherished and are still given more often than any other gifts.

If you feel the same, here are a few outstanding new books that would be perfect to wrap up for your favourite people. Don't forget to keep a copy of each for yourself too!

Glynn Young, a constant encourager of other writers has written his first novel Dancing Priest that I have not yet had the opportunity to read, yet I can recommend it, knowing the power of his words. It is available here at amazon.com in both paperback and digital versions. Visit Glynn at his blog Faith, Fiction and Friends or his novel page.

There is never a wrong time to give copies of Billy Coffey's novels. His new book Paper Angels was released in November and should not be missed. You can read more about this delightful novel at Billy's site. While you're there, wander about and read his blog, I'm certain you'll be captivated.

And then there is the new book on writing by author and poet L. L. Barkat. Rumors of Water: Thoughts on Creativity & Writing speaks into the heart and spirit of anyone who feels God's call to pick up a pen or lay hands on the keyboard. You can find L. L. at her blog Seedlings in Stone or at The High Calling where's she is an editor or at Tweetspeak Poetry and T. S. Poetry Press

These should help you finish up your shopping, or perhaps cause you start all over again!

Always more to know...

2011-12-15T18:06:00.000-06:00

I set aside moments each day for quiet
to find the hush in the rush
knowing He will meet me
right here
right now
just as I am
and there is never enough time
to drink in all that He can pour out
fresh wisdom
new insights
laughter, tears
and boundless love.

He must delight
in surprising me
keeping me always
running back
crawling back
climbing back for more.

Jamming with Bonnie today at Faith Barista

also sharing with Emily and the imperfect

The Names of God Bible - Ann Spangler

2011-12-15T16:28:00.000-06:00

I have not grown tired of spiritual things as I grow in my faith, but I find instead a greater hunger to know God more. The publishers of The Names of God Bible by Ann Spangler say:

One of the best ways to get to know God on a deeper level is to know his names and titles as revealed in Scripture. Now the bestselling author of Praying the Names of God and Praying the Names of Jesus uncovers the richness of God's character and love found in his names right within the Bible text.

It appears that the arrival of this Bible was in perfect time, for I have been sensing God asking me study His names.

The original Hebrew names have been inserted where we are used to only seeing the translations "Lord" or "God" adding a richness not found in other editions. I find myself understanding in a more profound way aspects of God's character. There is a page on each of God's names that mention key places in scripture where the name is used, backgound information and other specifics connected to the name.

One of my favourite features is the marked reading path for each name that leads me from the first passage where the name is revealed to the next and the next and so on. I will find this useful as I plan to study each name, in depth.

I find the God's Word translation refreshing and the overall layout and print easy to read.

If you are searching for a way to draw closer to Yahweh, this should prove to be a helpful resource.

Bible has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The opinions I have expressed are my own.

His voice, His presence

2011-12-14T13:13:00.002-06:00

Today is the day we share God-Bumps and God-Incidences at Jennifer Lee's place. I have chosen to rework a post from 2008, for I believe it bears repeating.

One might expect God to speak in an audible, thundering voice, but for most people this doesn’t occur. The voice of God is most often experienced as a fleeting, spontaneous thought, in many ways much less dramatic than one would imagine, but no less powerful.

God also speaks through His written Word when it suddenly seems alive in a new way, speaking His truth into situations in your life. I have had words seem to leap off the page and felt a yes in my spirit, amazed that it was exactly what I needed to hear at that moment. That same yes in my spirit accompanies His voice, no matter what form it has taken. Although He will often speak to me in a style similar to my own, He speaks things I know I would not have thought of in my own mind. He doesn’t seem rushed. There is no sense of pressure. In fact, in my experience, if there is a sense of urgency, or pressure to act immediately I am almost always sure it is not God speaking, but the enemy.

His voice, whether audible, seen (as in dreams and visions), or sensed, will always line up with His Word, the Bible.

I have only heard His audible voice once. One morning, I was still in bed, in my quiet time of prayer, and my husband was down the hall in the den checking mail on the computer and preparing for work. I heard a male voice speak my name Karin. I shouted down the hall “Yes, what do you want”. My husband said “What do you mean?” I said “You called me.” He insisted that he had not spoken. “But I heard my name” I said “and there is no one in the house but you, me and the cats”. He then wisely spoke to me the same words Eli spoke to the young Samuel:

So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” 1 Samuel 3:9 NIV

All I could do was pause in wonder, thanking the Lord that He would regard me.

I had been praying one night, asking the Lord to show me His love in a tangible way. The next morning, while still in bed, again during my quiet time of prayer, with one of my cats curled up beside me, I could feel God’s arm around me. I remember telling the cat “We’re not going to move, God is holding us.” Some years later I was talking with the Lord and reminded Him about how He put His arm around me. I could sense Him laughing as He replied My arm? My child, that was just My little finger. I thought, of course, He is so very big, I would fit in the palm of His hand.

Some years ago, I began to hear a quiet, gentle, metallic tinkling sound like wind chimes. This could happen anywhere, and there were no chimes present. After the chimes I would sense a thought from God, a short word of comfort, encouragement or direction. This happened so often that I began to realize that He had gifted me with the sound of chimes as a sign that He wanted to speak to me, so each time I head them I would become silent and still, waiting in faith for Him to speak. He never disappointed me. I regret that in the busyness of life I often miss hearing and have even totally forgotten the chimes for long periods of time. When I remember and mention to the Lord in prayer that I have not heard the chimes or His voice, I sense Him saying simply You have not been listening.

Joining Jennifer and others today at Getting Down With Jesus

True gifts

2011-12-13T14:39:00.001-06:00

There are packages under our Christmas tree that glitter beneath the lights. These are small trinkets brightly wrapped in snowmen and angels and cheerful winter scenes.

But not everyone is facing a cheerful Christmas. Some do not expect to have food to eat, or safe water to drink; some have never known what it is to feel healthy, many are dying.

That is why, again this year, as has become our habit, we did the majority of our shopping online. No, not at Amazon.com or Sears or Ebay. We selected gifts using the Compassion Catalog, helping those in need as a way to honor our loved ones and our Lord.

Won't you take a few minutes to visit Compassion's Website; watch the videos, browse through the selection of gifts and give a gift this year that truly makes a Kingdom difference? I believe it is what Jesus would have us do.

Praising down

2011-12-13T13:42:00.000-06:00

It is a cloudy mid December day
I'm thankful that temperatures have behaved in an unusual fashion
rising instead of falling down.

It would not be at all strange
to have many feet of snow drifted at my door
yet there are only flurries
scattering down slowly.

I continue to unwrap Advent
counting blessings with a heart overflowing
nights I am sheltered from cold
by a heated mattress pad
a down duvet
and the arms of a devoted husband.

I am living a life I would never have known
if everything I thought I believed
had not been turned upside down
by a God Who's love was so profound
He sacrificed heaven's throne
coming down to walk among us
teaching love with every step.

My heart bows down before Him
in worship, adoration, honour
due to Him alone

So come, let us worship: bow before him,

on your knees before God,

who made us!

Psalm 95:6 The Message

Joining Peter Pollock today where today's word is down

also unwrapping the gifts of the day with Emily

Come

2011-12-10T20:50:00.000-06:00

Our celebration of the coming of our Savior in history,

is opening us up to experience his coming to us this year,

and preparing us to await his coming in Glory.

Come, Lord Jesus.

Come and visit your people.

We await your coming.

Come, O Lord.

from: Third Sunday of Advent

He Who gives this warning and affirms and testifies to these things says,
Yes (it is true). [Surely] I am coming quickly (swiftly, speedily).
Amen (so let it be)! Yes, come, Lord Jesus!
Revelation 22:20 Amplified

joining Deidra and others in the hush of a sunday morning

Nearing Home by Billy Graham

2011-12-10T19:34:00.001-06:00

I visited the medical clinic recently for a far too long postponed physical check-up. I walked out with a long list of tests that needed to be done, mostly because of my "age". Though far from elderly, the years are adding up, and when Billy Graham's Nearing Home was released I thought it a good idea to dive in.

The publisher's page promises:

In what may be his most powerful message of the last decade, Billy Graham speaks to all on this side of Heaven as he covers the importance of four key areas:

Building strong foundations and understanding the gift of years; Facing life’s transitions, including the passing of years, retirement, and when loved ones die; Making wise decisions; Understanding our glorious hope

As one would expect from such a hero of the faith, this book is laced with wisdom from God's Word. The same truths that have sustained him, Billy Graham passes on to us. I found that I needed not question his advice because it came from God Himself.

Covering issues that many of us would rather not think about, Billy is not without a humorous side:

A headline on an Internet site read, "Death, the nation's #1 killer." The point was obvious - death is inevitable!

No one can outrun death. It will catch up to all of us eventually. When I was interviews by Newsweek in 2006 and asked to give a statement about death, I commented that I had been taught all of my life how to die, but no one had ever taught me how to grow old.

With this book in my hands, I can not make that same statement, for I am being taught by Billy Graham how to live, how to grow old and how to finish the race well, things well worth the learning.

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.

The opinions I have shared are my own.

Rejoicing in the season

2011-12-10T17:31:00.001-06:00

It is a time of baking, candy making, gift wrapping and ribbon tying.
Thinking of the One Who came.
Tree lights sparkle, reflect in glass angels, small nativity scenes, patridges, owls and doves.
Rejoicing in the One Who Is here.
I place my gift for Him beneath the tree, an emptiness for Him to fill.
Waiting for the One Who will come again.

Yearn for the waiting

2011-12-08T10:55:00.001-06:00

It is a time of noise, static, rush
while hearts yearn
wanting without knowing
the season of waiting

My spirit, jealous for silence
turns to the Lord
asking for words
from His heart alone

Image via Wikipedia

Centre. Focus. Come to a place of stillness. The rush of the world leaves no room to breathe, to be.

I, even I, had to go away to a quiet place, to be restored, to talk with My Father, to drink in life.

The world can twist and crush you with its needs and demands and yes, temptations. Come away to find Me.

When you step inside, the expanse is vast, the air is rich. It is here you will find all you truly need.

Praying you find that sweet spot, beneath the shadow of His wings, where you can rest your head upon His chest, inhale His fragrance and find the true meaning of the Advent season.

Unwrapping Jesus with Bonnie

Also sharing with Emily and the imperfect.

His hand rules all

2011-12-07T10:29:00.001-06:00

Rick met me in the living room, in the breaking light of day, as is our habit, to read to me from the Our Daily Bread devotional. I had enjoyed my quiet time of communion with the Lord, listening for His voice and noting what He shared in my journal.

Rick always reads to me before I share my journaling with him. God-bumps covered my flesh as he read:

“At this my heart pounds
and leaps from its place.
Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice,
to the rumbling that comes from his mouth.
He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven
and sends it to the ends of the earth.
After that comes the sound of his roar;
he thunders with his majestic voice.
When his voice resounds,
he holds nothing back.
God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways;
he does great things beyond our understanding.
He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’
and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’
So that everyone he has made may know his work,
he stops all people from their labor.
The animals take cover;
they remain in their dens.
The tempest comes out from its chamber,
the cold from the driving winds.
The breath of God produces ice,
and the broad waters become frozen.
He loads the clouds with moisture;
he scatters his lightning through them.
Job 37:1-11 NIV

My eyes were filled with tears, I mumbled something like "just wait till I read you what He said this morning."

Rick put down his Bible and picked up the Our Daily Bread booklet with a strange look on his face. He couldn't seem to reconcile the devotional with the scripture passage he had just finished reading.

"Now I see why" he said. "I was supposed to read from Psalm 37 not Job 37!"

I could hardly wait until he finished reading the devotional so that I could share my morning "word":

It is I Who forms the snow and rains, no ice freezes without My touch. No, not mother nature or any other god. Weather bows down at My command.

Sometimes what you see as punishment is simply that I have allowed you to suffer through consequences of your own design, faulty stewardship of the land you have been given.

Remember, when the storms rage, that I Am your shelter, I Am your place of calm, safety and peace.

Let the world around you grumble and complain if they must, but remember to meet each new day with thanksgiving, as a gift from My hand, no matter what the day holds.

"Do you still think that you made a mistake?" I asked, or was God just trying to put an exclamation point on His words?

What do you think?

Join us at Jennifer's and share your God-Bumps

Unwrapped peace

2011-12-06T10:22:00.001-06:00

Silence, stillness,
the fluttering wings of birds at feeders
seeking their winter provision.
Peace that comes
with the knowledge that I am back
exactly where God has rooted me
in this season of waiting
for what we know we have already received
for He Is here
Immanuel
God with us.

What gifts have you unwrapped today? Come share at Emily's.

Home, yes home

2011-12-03T17:31:00.001-06:00

Home
scent of familiarity
a place to let go
it seems my body
recognizes the safety
of this place
and after struggling
to hold together
I break down
into the arms
of those I trust
my husband
and my God

Both will love me
through the picking up
of tattered pieces
the regaining of strength
the coming back
to myself

Home
I am here

2011-11-30T08:26:00.001-06:00

Hello???

Is anyone still here?

I will soon be back, up to my usual poetical ramblings.

NaNoWriMo has been conquered for another year, and even a day early (she says puffing up her chest)

My time down here with Mom comes to an end in mere hours and I fly home to my love and my life.

Tomorrow is a day of road travel and reconnecting....

but Friday....

who knows what will pour out here

I've missed you

Remembering Christmas by Dan Walsh

2011-11-29T21:13:00.001-06:00

With Christmas drawing ever closer I was happy to be able to read and review Remembering Christmas by Dan Walsh. The cover notes hint at the riches within:

Rick Denton lives his life on his terms. He works hard, plays hard, and answers to no one. So when his mother calls begging him to come home after his stepfather has an aneurysm, Rick is more than a little reluctant. What was supposed to be just a couple days helping out at the family bookstore turns into weeks of cashing out old ladies and dealing with the homeless guy who keeps hanging around the store. The one bright spot is the lovely and intriguing young woman who works at his side each day.

As Christmas nears, Rick's old life beckons, the hurts from his past loom large, and the decisions he makes will determine more than just where he spends Christmas Eve.

Walsh seems to have a way of making even unfamiliar characters feel at home in your life as you meet them through his words. The twists and turns in these pages seem to make perfect sense in God's world. Old ways of life fall to make way for the new, the "better than you ever expected".

This is the first of Dan Walsh's novels I have read. It will not be the last.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The opinions I have expressed are my own.

I'm still here

2011-11-28T09:55:00.001-06:00

I seem to have been away. I miss wandering in this space. November will soon come to a close and my time here will return. Here's another little taste of what i have been working on:

Jessie went back upstairs with her legs feeling shaky and weak. “I don’t know if I’m ready for this yet” she thought.

“You are ready indeed” said the steady voice. “Look for the words I speak about truth in your Bible. It’s time.”

She hung her new coat in the closet and flopped into the armchair, picking up her Bible as she was told.

“How do I find the words about truth” she thought and then remembered there was a kind of index in the back, not a dictionary, she thought, more like a table of contents. She looked for the word “truth”. There was a long list of page numbers and places where truth was mentioned with the beginnings of the passages listed too. She didn’t really know where to start, but as her eyes moved down the list they noticed these words in John:

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free

“It is freedom that the calm voice keeps talking about” she thought and though there were many other things on the list, she thought that this is what He really wanted her to know.

“Free from what?” she pondered.

“Free from the lies. Truth will silence the voices. You have already seen a bit of this.”

“Yes, I think I have. When I listen to you, they have no more words to say” Jessie answered out loud.

“Truth is light. This is why I tell you to bring everything into the light. Lies cannot live there.”

Jessie was comforted by His words, yet once again the voices rose.

“You think you’re hearing from God? You silly girl, you’re making it all up.”

“No!” Jessie answered loudly. She held up the Bible in her hand. “I didn’t make this up, did I?”

There was no reply.

Jessie snorted, boldly saying “No answer to that huh?”

Closing her eyes she slipped into a place of dreams.

She found herself walking into an old house. The floor creaked with each step and she could hear the sounds of crying and voices arguing. She walked from room to room and each time she flipped a switch and turned on the lights there was silence in that room and the noise moved to another room. Over and over again, the voices scattered away when the light was turned on, only to move to a room that was still dark. Only when she had turned on a light in every room of the house was there silence and a sense of peace.

“This is what You have been trying to tell me” Jessie said, waking suddenly. “I have to turn the lights on everywhere so that the lies have nowhere left to hide.”

“Yes. You are letting Me teach you”

“But I am still afraid” Jessie thought aloud. “There is so much that no one knows.”

“I know. I know all of it. And I will be with you.”

“And if I don’t tell? Then the secrets will still have power over me, right?” Jessie asked.

“You already know the answer to that” replied the calm and steady voice.

“The truth will set me free
The truth will set me free
And then I can be
Who I was meant to be
Maybe everything before
Was really just a lie
And when I turn the lights on
You can teach me how to fly”

Coming and going

2011-11-20T08:08:00.001-06:00

The last minutes before leaving my country home behind
traveling from gravel to ten days of concrete
I say goodbye and hello

leaving home and going home

Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.

Deuteronomy 28:3 NKJV

joining Deidra's Sunday gathering.

Knowing Your Master

2011-11-19T07:36:00.001-06:00

The air has taken on the chill of late autumn and we know that it is time to begin making preparations for the winter that is soon to come. With leaves crackling underfoot, my husband Rick moves back and forth around the yard, putting away tools, covering the most fragile plants with straw and cultivating the gardens before the snow falls.

Each time I catch a glimpse of him I notice he has a shadow: our dog Faith....

to read the rest of the story, click over to Internet Cafe Devotions where I'm sharing today.

From snow to grow

2011-11-18T16:31:00.001-06:00

Snow again covers the ground
birds have returned to the feeders
how can a year have passed so quickly
what lessons have been learned
and have I grown from then to now?

Has my heart expanded?

Is there fruit to not only display but feed
to those who need a taste of Him?

Are there fewer spots, more wrinkles pressed away
as He calls His bride to prepare?

He provides all the nourishment
I could ever need
to grow
to look less like the world that surrounds me
and every day reflect more of Him.

And so the snow
in silence drifts.

While all around me
begins to freeze
may my spirit thaw
and grow.

Joining Lisa-Jo, the Gypsy Mama - writing for five minutes about the word grow

Thankful for choice

2011-11-17T09:44:00.001-06:00

Sharing a bit of a snip from my work-in-progress:

“That was a big dinner” she thought “and I’m so full. But I still want to try to eat more of God.” She sank into the sofa and opened her bible, continuing on where she left off.

You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. Matthew 7:16-17 NLT

“You know what kind of tree you are” the voices sneered.

“Are you going to listen to them?” asked the calm One.

“No, I am not” thought Jessie. “Help me to not hear them.”

“Choose to not listen. Choose.”

“Okay” Jessie whispered aloud. “I only want to listen to you.” She closed her eyes and breathing deeply, drifted into a dream.

She was in surrounded by trees. Everywhere she looked she saw lush green leaves and more types of fruit than she had ever seen before in one place. There were apples of every colour, peaches, pears and every sort of citrus fruit. She wandered from tree to tree and noticed that there was not a single blemish or spot on any of the fruits. Each one looked perfect. She couldn’t resist tasting them, and found each one rich and sweet, totally ripe and ready to eat. The juices dribbled down her chin.

The sound of a car starting in the street below woke her. She laughed when she realized she had been drooling. Not juice, just a dream, a very nice, bright dream.

“Thank you God” she said as she rose to prepare for bed. “Thank you for showing me the good trees and not the rotten trees.”

“You can choose what you want to see” she thought she heard Him answer.

“Choices?” she smiled. “I never thought I had any choices. Might take some getting used to.”

Jamming with Bonnie about gratitude

Sharing with Emily and the others imperfect but loved.

Helping a miracle

2011-11-15T17:15:00.001-06:00

In his new book What's the Best That Could Happen, Jason Stasyszen shares insights and encouragement in the same way he shares on his blog Connecting to Impact.

I have always been challenged and spurred on by Jason's words, for example, in Chapter 15 - A Life of Obedience and Trust he writes:

There is a blessing in obedience that cannot be understated. It's a blessing of heart, mind, soul, and spirit. It proves we are who we say we are. If we confess to be followers of Jesus, obedience proves we follow Jesus. If there's not obedience to what He taught (and how He leads) then we aren't living in truth.

This strikes deep into my spirit, for my greatest desire is indeed to walk in radical obedience. It is in fact obedience to the Lord's voice that calls me to share this book and help both a friend and a child.

If you've never read Jason's blog, this book is a great way to catch up.

For regular followers, you likely already know that Jason and his family are believing a miracle will unfold around them as they raise funds to go to Japan to bring home the adopted son they have dreamed of for years.

Your purchase of this wonderful E-Book will help support their cause. Find out more about the book and how you can help by clicking HERE. If you don't want to purchase the book you can donate directly, and if you can't donate, you can pray. Follow the journey at Jason's blog Connecting to Impact.

Looking up

2011-11-15T08:41:00.001-06:00

Skies darken fast
once November comes
glory streaks rose
gold and hot
but doesn’t linger
the plunge into winter
complete

Look up into black
watch the sky
shatter
drift down
a billion silver
sparkling bits

Snow covers
fault lines
cracks
the daily dirt
what was broken
makes all things new

He sends the snow like white wool; he scatters frost upon the ground like ashes
Psalm 147:16 NLT

Taking a moment away from fiction writing for National Novel Writing Month to dive back into a random act of poetry with the prompt look up.

The Jesus Calling Devotional Bible

2011-11-12T17:02:00.001-06:00

The promotional material for Sarah Young's book Jesus Calling says:

After many years of writing in her prayer journal, missionary Sarah Young decided to listen to God with pen in hand, writing down whatever she believed He was saying to her. It was awkward at first, but gradually her journaling changed from monologue to dialogue. She knew her writings were not inspired as Scripture is, but journaling helped her grow closer to God . Others were blessed as she shared her writings, until people all over the world were using her messages. They are written from Jesus’ point of view, thus the title Jesus Calling.

Now Thomas Nelson Publishers have released the Jesus Calling Devotional Bible and I have been blessed to receive a sample to explore and review.

This New King James edition includes beautifully highlighted verses throughout, showing where God has spoken to His people through His Word.

There are intimate prayers written from the viewpoint of average people struggling to make sense of the world and on the facing page devotionals from one of Young's books that could be Jesus Himself answering the prayers with words of His own.

There is a topical index and an index titled When Your Heart Long For Help that directs you to the prayers and stories of people dealing with the same issues.

All this, surrounded by the truth and beauty of God's Word in New King James translation.

This is a Bible one can turn to in sorrow or joy, to find answers, comfort and truth and an edition you will surely want to add to your own colleciton or bless someone else with as a gift.

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson

The opinions I have expressed are my own.

His plans

2011-11-11T18:59:00.001-06:00

I have been scarce around here lately due to NaNoWriMo and I miss taking time to ponder blog posts and poetry. It is a struggle to stay away, when I would prefer to be here instead of waiting on God's words for my novel-in-progress.

But while I may be taking time away from many things, I have not taken a break from my morning time with the Lord. Here is what He shared with me yesterday:

For I know the plans I have for you and they are good plans and they will unfold just as morning unfolds in the Eastern sky.

Walk beside Me. Allow My light to fall upon you, not so that you have light, no, so that you reflect that light so that more would see Me.

Keep not the glory that is due My name.

As you shine, shine for Me.
As you speak, speak for Me.
As you have breath and live,
live and breathe for Me alone.

I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11 The Message

Paper Angels by Billy Coffey

2011-11-09T10:49:00.000-06:00

I was blessed to receive an Advanced Readers Copy of Billy’s Coffey’s novel Paper Angels which releases today from Faith Words - Hachette Book Group.

I’ve been waiting excitedly to tell you about it.

Andy Sommerville might not have had the very best life one could imagine, but it was a life. When an unexpected turn left him the victim of a violent crime his quiet community was shaken. So was Andy.

When Elizabeth, a woman he assumes to be a counselor appears in his hospital room he finds himself forced to face significant memories and events of his life.

As he revisits these memories, we not only learn more about Andy but are invited to dig deeper into the journeys of those around him.

In the same way Snow Day wove the stories of many into one complete tale, in Paper Angels Billy Coffey shows us how many parts add up to more than the whole.

I felt as if I was sitting next to Billy, in a rocking chair, on his favorite spot on the porch, listening to him spin words into stories of truth.

This is a novel not to be missed. And while you’re at it, if you’ve never read Billy’s first novel Snow Day, pick up a copy and read it too! In fact, pick up extra copies of both to give away for Christmas.

You can follow Billy as he weaves truth and God’s love into tales of ordinary life on his blog at http://www.billycoffey.com/ and find more infor about his books at Faith Words.

Not far

2011-11-08T09:33:00.000-06:00

I am not far from here
though it may seem I've been away

in the hush of new snow
I am waiting to hear
not His thunder
but His thin voice
the words too easily missed

the voice
that beckons me
"listen"

Believe?

2011-11-07T11:26:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I was asked to preach at our church yesterday. We have been working our way through the Gospel of John the last littel while, and I was given the John 4:43-54 to focus upon. Here I share a bit from my notes:

After the two days he left for Galilee. (Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country.) When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, for they also had been there.

Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.

“Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.”

The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”

“Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.”

he man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.”

Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed.

This was the second sign Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee.
John 4:43-54 NIV

It was probably not easy for this man to leave Jesus and go back home with only Jesus word that his son would be healed. I’m sure he wished that Jesus would have come to his home and touched his dying child but he was forced to simply believe in Jesus and take him at his word without doubt or hesitation. He was ready to return home and face ridicule and laughter because he trusted in Jesus' word.

I can only imagine the worry that must have remained in his mind. Have you ever received a promise from God yet couldn’t quite reason how He was going to make it come true?

Most of us can quote the famous scripture defining faith from Hebrews 11:1. The NIV version reads:

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

I like the wording of the New Living Translation:

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

Even so, while you continued on in your journey where there times that doubt began to settle in?

We are told that this man’s measure of faith was rewarded during the trip back to Capernaum. While he was on his way, his slaves met him, telling him that his son was alive and well. In response to his inquiry about when his son’s health improved, the slaves said, “Yesterday, in the seventh hour [about 1:00 PM] the fever left him.” That was the very time that Jesus had said to him, “Your son lives.”

Can you imagine the wonder that must have struck his heart, to think that his son began to recover as soon as Jesus spoke health over him? We’re told that therefore, he “believed” and so did his household.

I want to share a story about struggling to believe a promise I felt God had given to Rick and I.

It was October or November 2006 when we first received an email from Watoto Childcare. We were expecting mail filled with news and prayer requests, but this was a letter asking us to consider joining a Global Team going to Kampala, Uganda to build houses in November 2007.

We prayed and talked and talked and prayed and asked people we trusted for advice and counsel, and then we prayed some more. We sensed that we were to send in an application and if God wanted us to participate, the applications would be accepted.

It was hard to keep our mind on other things while we waited. In only a matter of weeks we received another mail that began “Welcome Global Team Members” !!

God had given us our answer. We were going to Uganda. We began talking, and praying, and writing letters seeking support, and praying, and speaking in churches doing presentations about our mission. We knew that when God calls you to missions He makes sure the funding is secured, even if you have to wait until the last moments…

We investigated flight arrangements. The travel agents quoted a price and said no deposit needed to be made until a month before we were travelling. What a wonderful escape hatch. If funds didn’t come in, we didn’t have to worry about paying for flights.

Then oil prices rose. The travel agent sent notice that if we wanted to freeze the rate we would have to pay within the next month. I remember saying to Rick “This is where the rubber meets the road. This is when we prove whether or not we really believe God will send us.”

We paid for the plane tickets.

We began charting our donations and mailing funds in to the Watoto Canadian office. We booked appointments for our required yellow fever, typhoid and other vaccinations.

Were we really going? It seemed hard to believe, and harder still when we were receiving no news from Watoto. We carried on, in faith, much the same as the nobleman returned home with just a promise.

When we finally received our next email, it included a detailed itinerary and asked for our arrival times. We found out later that they considered us firmly part of the team from the moment they sent the welcome letter, the very same time we knew that God had said “Go”

God had been true to His Word, but as we looked for signs in the natural world around us, we began to doubt.

So this morning I ask myself and I ask you:

Do we really trust in Jesus' word. Do we need signs and wonders before we can trust and believe?

Sharing today with Michelle and others who listen and act on what they hear...

First snow

2011-11-06T09:17:00.000-06:00

Overnight the world changes
and for the first time this season
we waken to white

May it be a reminder
of His cleansing love

wash and cover me Lord

glorify Your name.

In the deep

2011-11-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

"One man loved the pilgrim soul in you,

and loved the sorrows of your changing face."

Yeats

Joining Claire, Kelly and Sarah

Word Filled Wednesday - Children

2011-11-02T17:40:00.001-05:00

Jesus said,

“Let the little children come to me,

and do not hinder them,

for the kingdom of heaven

belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14 NIV

Visit Internet Cafe Devotions for more stunning combos of pictures and the Word

Strategy? What strategy?

2011-11-01T16:20:00.000-05:00

Image found at http://www.dreamstime.com/nib-pen-and-inkwell-thumb2029268.jpg

I should have a plan
that's surely what the world would say
what writing logic would say
50,000 words in 30 days
there must be a strategy to accomplish such a task
and yet

the only plan I can follow
is His
the only words I wish to write
are those He supplies

my only strategy
is surrender
to be a pen in His hand
leaking Jesus onto every page

joining Peter Pollock and others talking about strategy

November madness

2011-10-31T14:30:00.000-05:00

The last hours of October are passing quickly, with cloudy skies and temperatures well above normal.

It doesn't feel at all like October 31st.

But indeed, tomorrow is the first day of November. Though it seems as if only weeks or months have passed since National Novel Writing Month 2010 wrapped up, I will wake tomorrow to begin afresh for 2011.

Again I ask for your patience, your grace and your prayers. I may not be present here on my blog quite as often as I settle into the imposed (and much needed) discipline of daily fiction writing.

I am surrendering myself into the hands of the Lord, once again permitting Him to supply the stories and the words, in His way for His purposes.

I pray that He will be glorified in what gets accomplished.

Sunday morning praise

2011-10-30T08:53:00.000-05:00

Hallelujah! Praise God in his holy house of worship,

praise him under the open skies;

Praise him for his acts of power,

praise him for his magnificent greatness;

Praise with a blast on the trumpet,

praise by strumming soft strings;

Praise him with castanets and dance,

praise him with banjo and flute;

Praise him with cymbals and a big bass drum,

praise him with fiddles and mandolin.

Let every living, breathing creature praise God!

Hallelujah!

Psalm 150 The Message

Be blessed as you worship - today and all days

More, much more

2011-10-29T08:47:00.004-05:00

Seeking nourishment
a bit to nibble
crumbs
instead You spread
upon my table
a lavish feast

no scant drops
of water

You poured

the sweetest of wines

I needed shelter
from winds, rain
prairie snow
four walls
to make a home
"not just that"
You said
by giving us
rooms to spare
and acres of green

Yes, I would have

rejoiced

in cottons, coarse wool

practical clothing

but You've chosen

the finest fibres

of cashmere

wrapping me soft

in the riches of Your love.

God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Ephesians 3:20 The Message

My response to the cashmere writing project at T. S. Poetry Press

Relevant to who?

2011-10-28T14:37:00.000-05:00

I’m looking up relevant:

Having some bearing on or importance for real-world issues, present-day events, or the current state of society

I’m thinking of all the endless discussions about how the church must find ways to be significant to the world, as if Jesus Himself is not important enough.

He Is our God – He Is always relevant. That only becomes obvious to those that truly know Him.

Twisting in my thoughts today is the idea of turning this all upside down. Instead of thinking how we can be relevant to the world, perhaps we need to consider how to make the world relevant to us. Instead of hiding inside the four walls of our church buildings singing “this little light of mine” can we pray and ask the Lord to show us how to allow that light to really shine in the darkness?

Image via Wikipedia

Think about the way that Jesus lived when He walked among us. It was the broken, the hurting, the crippled and lame that caught His attention. He was filled with love and compassion for those who would never think to darken the doors of a temple.

These were the ones that were relevant to Him then.

These are the ones who are relevant to Him now.

If we claim the desire to be like Him, should we not feel the same?

Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 The Message

Joining Lisa-Jo and others where today's word is relevant

also bragging with Laura today

Can I forgive sharp teeth?

2011-10-27T17:51:00.000-05:00

This weeks poster is a familiar movie monster. I like what People of the Second Chance had to say:

Jaws represents the unprovoked attack. The terrifying unknown, preceded by reputation and worst-case scenarios.

And they asked:

So what do you believe? Do you have a shark in your life? Have you forgiven them?

I had to think for a bit to remember the "jaws" in my life. This lack of immediate memory helps me see how far I have come from the shock, pain and trauma.

I was thirty years old and seven years into a job at a major university. I had started as an hourly paid accounting clerk, receiving praise and promotions on a regular basis. Whatever work was thrown at me I handled with skill and accuracy, until I found myself moved into a salaried, more professional position as an admistrative assistant and office manager. I believed that I had good relationships with those who worked for me as well as those I reported to. The work was surely less than exciting, but the pay continued to increase. I put my time in while filling my nights and weekends with friends, drinks, music and other less than positive habits.

I had just been notified of another promotion and raise when I found myself summoned to the director's office. Seated around the desk were the director and assistant director of personnel for the entire university. I assumed the meeting was about an issue with one of my staff members. I felt a sudden and intense flush of heat overcome me as I listened to voices informing me that I was being put on suspension for an unknown period of time while they began to investigate a claim of sexual harrassment filed by a male employee who had quit a month prior. Not only was this totally untrue, but when he had quit he said he didn't really want to leave, but he had found a better paying job. I was told to leave immediately and not to make contact with anyone I worked with. The shark had bit, I left bleeding.

The days ahead included tears, anxiety and confusion. I actually believe the charges were fabricated as an excuse to force me into resigning. I never really knew what happened, and unless God chooses to reveal the scenario to me, I will never know. Life had to move on.

Years later, after circumstances that led to my encounter and surrender to Jesus I have come to realize that God used the situation to shake up my life in ways I never would have done on my own. I have been able to truly forgive all those involved, in much the same way that Joseph forgave his brothers:

Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people
Genesis 50:20 The Message

The sharks, like all God's creatures are never beyond forgiveness.

Visit People of the Second Chance to read more about Jaws

Word Filled Wednesday - Bearing fruit

2011-10-26T11:12:00.000-05:00

[Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age;

they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality]

and [rich in the] verdure [of trust, love, and contentment].

[They are living memorials] to show that the Lord is upright

and faithful to His promises;

He is my Rock,

and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

Psalm 92:14-15 Amplified

Come on over to Internet Cafe Devotions to enjoy more Word pictures

A Good and Perfect Gift by Amy Julia Becker

2011-10-24T22:03:00.000-05:00

Written across the back cover of A Good and Perfect Gift Faith, Expectations, and a Little Girl Named Penny by Amy Julia Becker is the line -

Sometimes joy shows up when you least expect it

Nodding my head in agreement because I know that God's plans and thoughts are higher than ours, I continued reading the rest of the cover:

Things don't always go as planned--especially when it comes to our children. When her first baby, Penny, is given a frightening diagnosis, Amy Julia's world comes crashing down. Could she continue to trust God's goodness through what felt like personal tragedy? But challenging surprises often lead to unforeseen joy, and disappointments can turn into blessings. This wise and beautiful book is more than a courageous story of raising a child against the odds--it is a journey through the unexpected ups and downs of life and the discoveries that come along the way.

Becker begins her story with the birth of her first child, born with unexpected challenges. She takes her readers along with her on a winding journey, from her child's first breath, the numbing words from doctors, the questions she has for herself, her husband and God Himself. We are welcomed in to her struggles to fight her own expectations of what life should be; her failed attempts to not draw comparisons to other's children; and an adjustment to a new "normal".

This book forced me to confront my own ideas about "special children" and the God Who doesn't make mistakes.

Becker's words flowed like good fiction and I hope she will write more about not only Penny, but her other children as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers a Division of Baker Publishing Group. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Blended promises

2011-10-24T14:12:00.000-05:00

I have learned
that man
can twist the truth
side step, embellish
using words
that falsify
or fantasize
but my God says
that He is not
a man
that He should lie
I must hear
His Words as truth
receiving all He promises
He leaves no room
for doubt
says in this world
you will have trouble

Yes troubles come
surprising
with their sting
and in the moment
of catching breath
I must hear
His Words as truth
receiving all He promises
He leaves no room
for doubt
I will never leave you

Promises mixed
in eternal blend
I tip the cup
to drink them all

God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
Numbers 23:19 NIV

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

Joining Jason and the other warriior poets talking about difficulties

A blanket for Sandy

2011-10-22T17:53:00.000-05:00

You capture slivers of beauty
in digital space
the sun's rise
and fall
wind on water
leaves adrift on the breeze
like taking a moment
to breathe
even when lungs burn

diving deep
to find Him
when chaos, fear
and sorrow close in
hoping that
somewhere
there is glory in all this

Hold on
when there is nothing
to hold
but the holding

I watch as
prayers of friends
strangers, angels
weave a blanket
to wrap you
in His love

and yes,
there is glory here.

Behind the Veils of Yemen by Audra Grace Shelby

2011-10-22T13:18:00.000-05:00

There are nations and peoples that I know nothing of, so I jumped at the opportunity to read Audra Grace Shelby's new book Behind the Veils of Yemen - How an American Woman Risked Her life, Family and Faith to Bring Jesus to Muslim Women.

Reading the excerpt paragraph on the back cover, I found myself transported:

Women began to arrive in the entry hall, peeling away their black outer coverings. I watched in amazement as shimmering bodies emerged from the black shrouds. One woman sparkled in a purple silk caftan, her arms gleaming with gold jewelry. I smiled to myself. If people only knew what was under those veils. I looked at their faces, artfully painted with makeup, not at all how they appeared in public: dark eyes in narrow black slits. They were like the beauties of Arab folklore. I was awed by the transformation.

Through each page of her story, Shelby painted pictures with her words helping me to experience with all of my senses what she saw, heard, smelled and tasted. Not only was she able to share what she learned about the hearts of the women she lived among, she enabled me to care for them as well.

This was no back patting scorecard of the number of souls she was able to save, like some missionary tales. In fact, there is no mention of any of the women actually making a decision to follow Christ. Instead, the reader is allowed access to Shelby's heart; her questions, fears, doubts and love for the people of Yemen. We are also able to glimpse God heart for the same people. Shelby scattered seeds of love and prayer everywhere she went.

Her story read very much like a novel and I was almost disappointed to come to the ending pages. I encourage you to pick up a copy and take this journey behind the veils.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions I have shared are my own.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Chosen, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Inside and out

2011-10-22T07:28:00.000-05:00

In church on Sunday, when I met the missionaries that were passing through town, headed for a placement in Kenya, I knew I wanted to spend some time together, sharing stories of Africa and how we too feel God’s call. I invited them for a meal. “Please, come for dinner. We’d love to spend time with you two.” Happy to be asked, they agreed.

“What was I thinking?” I asked myself on the day they were expected as I looked upon the disarray. “You can’t entertain new friends in this mess.”.....

click here to read the rest of the story I'm sharing at Internet Cafe Devotions...

What's beyond?

2011-10-21T14:11:00.000-05:00

Can I reach beyond what I already know. Can I release my imagination, allow it to expand? I know that I know that God is much bigger than my thoughts of Him, and that life is in His hands. I want to move into the new things He is creating, walk paths He has chosen. Already I have lived through things I never could have dreamed of ... and more waits around each corner.

May I have the patience to wait until He says go and the obedience to move without question. There is a history behind me, of failures and successes, hurts and triumphs, laughter and tears. There is also the taste and touch and smell of this present moment, the realness of what I can hold in my hand – just now.

Yet there is more. There is the beyond that I can not perceive. All I know is He is in it, so that is where I want to be.

Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]--To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).
Ephesians 3:20-21 Amplified

Joining Lisa-Jo @ Gypsy Mama and others talking about beyond

also linking to Laura @ Beholding Glory for Brag on God Friday