Monthly Archives: January 2015

The Great Lord of Love

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May the Geat Lord of Love answer you

When you are troubled and feeling blue

May He clothe you in his cape of enduring love

Keeping you safe for his majestic home above.

May he send you help and assurance from up high

raining hope and mercy from the heavenly skies.

May he remember all you have done;

Your many kindnesses and your works of love.

May the Lord give you the wishes you’ve impart

so deeply inside your yearning heart.

And may His mighty hand gently lead you

on a path of abundance and saving truth.

So that your lifelong journey may lead

to a place of splendor and  joyful victory.

Where his blessings like the morning dew

shower your days with peace and happiness too.

Yes, oh yes, may the Great Lord of Love

Who sits enthroned in the heavens above

Grant you kindness, joy, and grace everyday

for you to treasure while traveling along life’s way.

Listening to the Night

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Chirping choir of crickets sounding

As the thickening darkness surrounds me

A soft and gentle breeze blows

Brushing my arms, cheeks and nose

A lone owl hoots in the night;

Somewhere beneath the faint moon light.

Increasing wind swishes and sways in the trees;

A rhythmic lullaby like a lapping, churning sea.

Zigzag flashes of dancing bright lightening

Trail across the black distant horizon

Soon peals of crashing thunder is heard

Creeping ever nearer and nearer

Raindrops patter and strum

In a steady, staccato hum

Finally, the beating rain slowly recedes

As morning arrives softly caressing the scene.

Friday Verse Journal Jeremiah 29:11-13

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God keeps proving over and over again that he loves me and wants me to keep loving and trusting in him. Today he provided for me when faced with several unexpected situations at work. I needed to change my schedule around making a number of adjustments. My work day started and ended completely different than I had anticipated. I had my mind firmly set on one path but the Lord directed me along a very different route. Instead of being like a straight and direct highway, my days are more like a winding, bending river and I don’t were i will finish the journey before my work is done. It was a long and tiring day but also one full of opportunities in showing love and kindness. I was out all day meeting and helping people when I expected to be in the office working on  admin tasks. When God answers my prayers and displays his love to me, I know he wants me to turn around and show that same compassion to others. In the job I have, I am able to do some of that every day. God is so good!

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (New International Version):

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Journeying Towards TOMORROW

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Twilight descends darkening the horizon

Over is this day as night time settles in

Mindful in prayer of all God has done

Overwhelmed by his mercy, grace, and love

Reminiscing  of the days and years swiftly passing by

Renewing my heart in hope while dreams fill my mind

Onward I look towards a new dawning day

Walking in the sunshine with Jesus leading the way

What Jesus Sees in Me

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Jesus sees in me all my pain and all my fears

Also all my insecurities hidden inside for years

Jesus sees in me all my failures in my daily journey

And each inhibiting unkindness inflicted on me

Jesus sees in me my brokenness and hopes unfulfilled

He hears my hidden sobs when the nights are still

Jesus also sees in me an inquisitive and curious person

Who stares at the wildflowers and studies the heavens

Who walks through the forest and across the prairieland

Also along the seashore sinking her feet in the sand

Who tries to find lasting beauty in everything she sees

And strives to be gentle and kind to everyone she meets

Jesus sees in me a person who journeys nearly every day

And reaches out to help others along the way

Some days are filled with unseen trials and others are fine

But Jesus knows the way through the tangled briars and the brine

Jesus also sees in me my dreams and inspirations.

My visions and perhaps too lofty aspirations

Of all that I still hope and desire to yet do

He sees my determined endurance to see each day through

Jesus sees in me quiet inner beauty

When I only see shyness and insecurity

Finally Jesus sees in me, the perfect person I will be

At home in heaven where I will live for glorious eternity

Jesus is the GOOD SHEPHERD

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Gentle lamb who took away my sins

Omnipotent; he is mighty and all powerful

Omnipresent; he is everywhere

Daily Provider of all my needs

Sees my triumphs and my tears

Hears my sobs and my quiet laughter

Ever with me and never forsaking me

Prince of peace, joy and love

Holds all things in place, the earth and the universe

Eyes ever watchful for wandering souls to save

Remains forever in my heart, my soul, and my life

Deliverer of hope, restoration, and eternal salvation

Friday Verse Journal Colossians 2:6-7

 

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Through prayer, contemplation, and in my daily faith walk with Jesus, I am continually being revived and renewed by the Spirit. That is when I do take the time to just be with Jesus; to just be still and remember he is God. And then just let his cherished words seep inside of my heart and spirit. I have also been recently reminded through my personal Bible study to not let others judge me. Some judge and draw inaccurate conclusions without taking time to understand and I have see this a lot recently. It is very hurtful but there is no point to try to explain to some because I can tell they are just set on what they believe.

For my part, I am trying my best to do what I believe God is teaching me through my personal study, sermons, daily endurance, and the wisdom of other believers. Along with that I am being challenged to continue on a Thankfulness Journey which I have embarked on even when trouble brews and precious plans go awry.  On the other hand, God has shown me love and gentleness through the love, kindness, and generosity of others. Due to a recent blizzard for instance, a loving family took me into their home providing warm shelter and warm meals when I could not safely travel home. Therefore, God gives me plenty of reasons to remain thankful.

Again, this is two days late, but I am being determined not let another obstacle get in my way of posting a new verse for this week. As I have said, I am making a determined effort to continue with the attitude of thankfulness in my mind, soul and heart.

Colossians 2:6-7 (Holy Bible English Standard Version):

“Therefore, as your received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

Guest Writer Kathy B January 5 2015

 

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Once again my sweet cousin, Kathy, is at it again. She has taken her beautiful thoughts and put them to paper and pen! I hope you are enjoying her sweet and encouraging words as much as I am. So, here again is Kathy in her own words:

NEW YEAR 2015

New Novel beginning, a fresh start
Eternal joy and great happiness
Wondrous gift of love.

Young Babe that came from God and Mary
Exultant lifting those up from despair
Appreciate those who truly love and care for you
Renew your spirit, mind and soul.
These are gifts that I wish and I hope
For you, those I keep in my heart.

Journeying FORWARD into the New Year

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Facing boldly the unknown future

Overcoming obstacles and barriers

Remembering that God is always with me

Walking with Jesus forever beside me

Achieving new dreams; reaching new heights

Renewing friendships and strengthening family ties

Determined to press on in love, peace, and joy of life

Guest Writer Kathy B January 4 2015

 

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Once again, my wonderful and delightful cousin, Kathy, has kindly put her encouraging and inspirational thoughts in writing. She has composed a short poem and wanted to share it here on this blog. I hope you find her kind and encouraging words uplifting for you today. Now, once again, here is my cousin Kathy in her own words:

The Dream – A Gift

One night I had a dream that I met God at Heaven’s gate,

 “Do you think that you deserve to enter my Kingdom?”

“No, I do not,” I said. “I have done so many wrongs – too many of them – in my life.”

I hung my head, feeling the weight of shame heavy on my heart.

“Remember, my beloved child, I will always love you.

Nothing will keep me from it because I know every hair on your head.

I know the hurts you have felt. When you shed tears, I shed them along with you.

Nobody knows your true heart better than me.”

With that, he threw open the gate and the most beautiful light enveloped me.

I bowed my head once again. “Father, I want to be worthy of your precious gift.”

“My precious child, don’t you see?” God asked.

“You are worthy because I know you and you know me.

Give me your shame and I give to you a beautiful life eternal.”