Taking that hand. Trusting that hand would rescue from the swirling water. Knowing before that the water would be a sure-footing underneath unsteady feet. But looking down pulls one down. But looking full into the face of the One that saves rescues from the chaos below. And He gently reaches down and lifts the hand without yanking. Because in His love there is a gentle touch. Knowing His strength so that harm doesn’t come in the helping. Are you fully trusting in His strength this hour, this moment? Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying…
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Cutting through the mindless hours wasted doing nothing of eternal benefit. Sitting in front of light that gives me no path for my feet. Feeling numb or befuddled because I haven’t engaged into meaningful fellowship. Facebook doesn’t count as meaningful fellowship! But hearing my girl on the phone trying something new. Again. Her using her desire for beauty in this world, making something small to add a little touch of beauty. Does she know that the beauty is in her by doing? That the love He placed within her is where the real beauty comes from? Not the small something…
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She walked in with a vase of flowers and a small bag containing bread. But she carried more than just that. She came bearing something greater than the items in her hands. And she explained how there were others she had already seen and more she intended to see on that day. She wasn’t looking for anything in return. Her mission was to provide a simple touch of compassion. She came to see what else may be needful in a difficult moment. Maybe we were able to give back by being attentive to her presence. Another one walked in with…
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I am sad today. No specific reason. Maybe this is what is normal for us women that have crossed the great divide of middle age. Or maybe this is just me. Kind of a melancholy washing over me with great waves of nostalgia. Like the clouds hanging lightly dark shadowing the glorious sunrise bathing the changing sycamores this morning in a golden yellow of light. Longing for that light to touch my face with a friendly whisper reminding me of the Light. No great theological debate over beliefs. Just knowing and resting and simple quiet reflection of Him, in Him.…
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My last post asked you to join me in praying and you did. And I hope and pray you will continue, not only for me but for all believers. I am just one in a multitude that will struggle with situations within the context of a group of fellow believers in Jesus Christ. And the fact that Jesus is Lord of all should allow each of us to come to a place of reconciliation and love in whatever the situation. During this time, I have struggled with belonging. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are…
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I have been struggling with some big questions lately. They are so much bigger than anything I can answer. They stem from some behaviors and words. And I am left completely bewildered and confused. First, I know Satan is having a big time with this. He is loving the confusion he has planted in me. Anyone who knows me, knows how crazy my hair can be. Curly, messy, frizzy. Lately, I feel like my brain has taken the form of my hair. And it is a tangled mess. I won’t go into details but suffice it to say that my…
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Bound around my waist, in the center of my body, a belt squeezes me tight. No room to shift around under this belt. It has a sure hold. The grip is undeniable. Although, my waist wants to push it off and become flabby with exorbitant delicacies that belt holds tight. It is a certain length and cannot be added to. I have found that it is actually much shorter than I once thought. That belt points up to my chest where a protective covering sits. This covering protects my heart. The lifeblood that pours through me is filtered underneath this…
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It is sad. This chair I am sitting in. It has some pretty ugly scars. It is still incredibly comfortable. I can prop my feet up on the ottoman or pull my legs up in the chair with me. It is even big enough for me to lay on my side and catch a short nap. At one time the fabric was my favorite. I still enjoy the colors. I still enjoy having this chair. But it is unsightly now. I am not really sure if the quality of the fabric was not durable enough for the beatings we have…
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She has always seen me differently than I see myself. She looks through eyes of love and forgives my imperfections. She knows they are there but doesn’t get bogged down in the trivial. Her hugs are all encompassing. She wraps her long arms around me and doesn’t hold anything back. She isn’t shy about displaying how she feels. She has hugged me all my life. There is a picture of her and me. I was just a baby. They had put a wig on my head that made me look like a little Native American with long dark braids. But…
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Haven’t I been guilty of the very same thing? Singling out those that may disagree with me and knowing they oppose my thoughts. It doesn’t make me dislike the person or become angry because they think differently than me. Just offers me an opportunity to love regardless of our differences. Offers me an opportunity to reflect on my beliefs and lay them down beside God’s Word for a self-check. Am I believing truth? Or do I need to readjust my beliefs to bring them in line with where He wants them to be? Or do I need to hold…