Just for You

(Sunrise - Picayune, MS)

Next time a sunrise steals your breath or a meadow of flowers leave you speechless, remain that way. Say nothing, and listen as heaven whispers,
"Do you like it? I did it just for you."

~Max Lucado~

Now and then we just need somebody else to do the pedaling!


Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am He; I am He who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
~Isaiah 46:5~

Courage Doesn't Roar

Courage does not always roar.

Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying,
"I will try again tomorrow."
~Mary Anne Radmacher~

I will try again tomorrow . . .
because He promised to never leave me alone . . .
because He promised that His grace is sufficient.

Wings

A whispered prayer,
a simple child-like faith
that clings to His promises
can put a song in our hearts
and give us wings to rise above shaky circumstances.

And no matter where our flight takes us,
He's always there
holding us close
under His wings.

Seasons

Stripped bare,
they stand tall and stately
warmed by the same sun
that produces green leaves
when Spring comes.

And in the winters of our lives
stripped bare in the bitter cold,
we can stand in The Light
and know without a doubt
that Spring will come.

Pity Party Canceled

The following poem, written almost ten years ago, is a repost of my very first blog entry back in 2008. I wish I could tell you that I never had another such party, but that wouldn't be the truth . . .

I'm having a pity party -
Just me, myself, and I.
We’ll rehash all the hurts and pains,
Each punctuated by “Why?”

What, Lord? Are you invited?
Did my invitations include Your name?
No, Lord, I didn’t include You;
The party wouldn’t be the same.

For if I took just one look
At the nail prints in Your hands,
I’d be reminded of what You endured
And forget my party plans.

And then I’d look into Your loving eyes
And know that You suffered for me.
I’d know that it’s Your power I need –
Not pity – to set me free.

On second thought, Lord,
Would you come in and take a chair?
Forgive me of my selfish plans,
And lift me from the pit of care.

I’ll get out my very best cup, Lord,
And ask You to fill it to overflow
With Your power, Your Spirit, Your grace -
Then I’ll drink and in Your strength go.
~G. Thaxton - 2001~

I'm so thankful that God is patient and loving and understands each of the emotions and phases of my life - and yours! Because He became flesh and dwelt among us, He is able to feel every pain and disappointment and raw emotion that we feel. However, He reminds us to get our eyes off our problems and look to Him, the author and finisher of our faith.

Reuben Welch says it this way: Jesus entrance into our human situation was not a temporary visit but a permanent involvement! The God of the Universe involved in every detail of my life - on this day in 2011 and for the long haul! I like that! And if I remember that, there'll be no need to waste my time and energy having pity parties.

Fill my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord . . .

EDIT 1-13: Oops! Looking back at my blog, I realized that this poem was not the first post but one of several that I posted the first day of blogging - in Feb. of 2009.

Colorful Reminders

God must really enjoy splashing hues of every color across the world's canvas. Each season His handiwork shines - each piece of His colorful creation beautifully declaring His glory. Winter is no exception, even though browns and grays (and whites if you live in snow country) seem to be the dominant colors. But not all is drab! Look closely among the fallen leaves and the barren branches, and you'll find shades of blue and red and yellow - color with wings flitting from limb to limb . . . lighting on the deadness of winter . . . bringing cheer and song.

I'm thankful that as I continue to recover from the flu on the coldest days of winter thus far, I have been able to sit at the window and enjoy the color and antics of pine warblers, sparrows, goldfinches, blue jays, black birds, nuthatches, doves, a titmouse and the cardinals as they fed near the front porch.

And I remember that He watches over them all . . . and if His eye is on the sparrow, I know He watches me!

(These pics are not as clear as I'd like because my window needs cleaning!)

Tiptoe Ahead!

Patience walks with steady tread;
Faith with uplifted head;
but Hope,
tiptoeing on ahead,
sees first the sun arise!
~author unknown - printed in Reflecting God devotional~


Patience . . . Faith . . . Hope . . .
I want all three as my traveling companions this year!
I NEED all three as I face the unknowns of 2011!
However, the two little words "but Hope" speak the loudest to me just now.
. . . but Hope . . .

Problems will arise . . . but Hope
Obstacles may loom like impassable mountains . . . but Hope
Prayers may seemingly rise no higher than the ceiling . . . but Hope
Storm clouds will hide the sun . . . but Hope
. . . but Hope!
Always Hope!

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
~Hebrews 6:19~

And as one of my favorite songs by Ray Boltz says:
The anchor holds though the ship is battered.
The anchor holds though the sails are torn . . .
The anchor holds in spite of the storms.
(You can hear the entire song on my playlist.)