tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84756994877987344092024-03-13T01:51:01.624-07:00Our Great RomanceDreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-32967542727935092862014-10-17T07:20:00.003-07:002014-10-17T07:22:34.704-07:00Unhinge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-Qf3XInBPmOVR64ZDPC9qMcuyUZSfB6kaidxVLwM09gIyYu6xf-Wf0rTPYWB2bCcmjeWZkAz-ZJ3fXkq7dm7zBJf-XyJIvJadfCrIfGjz_TgsBCer9LVMS73eRVEaQkz-gLKEn_gT4Zr/s1600/Unhinge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-Qf3XInBPmOVR64ZDPC9qMcuyUZSfB6kaidxVLwM09gIyYu6xf-Wf0rTPYWB2bCcmjeWZkAz-ZJ3fXkq7dm7zBJf-XyJIvJadfCrIfGjz_TgsBCer9LVMS73eRVEaQkz-gLKEn_gT4Zr/s1600/Unhinge.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sustain me according to Your promise, and I will
live, do not let my hopes be dashed. –Psalm 119:116</span></i><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: 12pt;">I am a bud, clasped
shut.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: 12pt;">I breathe vulnerability,
preach openness, yet the fingers remain curled over my heart, tightly bound.
The garden’s locked, the creek bed is bare. What keeps me from looking up in
expectancy and letting myself be amazed at what You want to do in me? Why is it
that I refuse to shed the armor and expose the skin of my soul?</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: 12pt;">You
have made promises to me. Good and true and lasting commitments that can turn
out better than I imagine. You have said You’ll keep me safe, so why am I so
scared to take the step and fall? What prevents me from believing You to be
big, and taking You at Your word? Have I not seen, time and time again, how You
cradle me in Your arms and take care of me?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
know I must unhinge the hand squeezing my heart, must give my heart space to
breathe, to pump in time again and flow through me. But I am afraid, though I
must trust in You. Massage my heart, make it real and ready again. Deliver me
from my doubt, spread Your loving presence around me, and warm me in Your
reassurance that all will be well. Just unbind the strings sealing me shut.
Peel open the petals; show me how to bloom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Prayer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Andalus, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, I am holding onto
my heart. It has been burned before and while I know Your truth, my fear causes
me to be careful not to get too close. Help me believe You have what’s best for
me, and that untying my heart will help me grow in ways I never imagined. Help
me want to open up. Amen.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-55989839295928357872014-09-03T12:47:00.004-07:002014-09-03T12:53:22.013-07:00Yearns For<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNbdi57xfLf5lISRFEM-R56eYMOlt4RmelaEOumsGNF6GOHtCqyANWc86O2HlG0-Df5rIW_B0WCk5Iae6e6FjY13Rm8NpJ7KAQ3ZSXI5k_zHYO3C5eDUcUECxSmG2Kgt-xyQoi2Zb-MEH/s1600/Yearn+For.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNbdi57xfLf5lISRFEM-R56eYMOlt4RmelaEOumsGNF6GOHtCqyANWc86O2HlG0-Df5rIW_B0WCk5Iae6e6FjY13Rm8NpJ7KAQ3ZSXI5k_zHYO3C5eDUcUECxSmG2Kgt-xyQoi2Zb-MEH/s1600/Yearn+For.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif";">My
soul yearns for You in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for You.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif";">-Isaiah
26:9<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif";"> What
does your soul long for?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif";"> What do the inner spaces of your
heart burn for? What strikes the match and sets your passion aflame?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif";"> In the most sensitive chambers, your
most tender pieces, what is it you really and truly yearn for?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif";"> Surface. You keep it all above the
surface, bobbing in the abyss and hollowing up your heart with a soft smile and
simple greeting that tells the world you’re fine, that you’re simply floating
through this life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif";"> But that’s not what you’re meant
for. You know it, in the terrible tremors that rattle your ribcage and keep you
up at night, breath heaving, head spinning. Reach your fingers beneath the
waters and delve into the inner workings of your hidden secrets, the closed
doors that dare not come unlocked. Turn over the tables, smash the lamps and
watch them shatter across the floor. Let out the lion that prowls within. Open
up, admit to yourself that what you seek is more than surface words and clever
conversation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif";"> There is something you crave. In the
caverns of your chest, it pulses, murmurs, reaches out with ready hands. You
cannot keep control if you’re meant to lose your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif";"> So what is it you can’t keep washed
down? What is it that fills your eyes with purpose, that lingers on your lips
with sugared satisfaction? What is it that keeps you up in those marble
midnight hours, trembling and flapping its wings, daring itself to unclasp the
hinge of its cage?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif";"> Purple hearted, bleeding beauty that
penetrates your armored skin. There it lies, ready and willing to fight with you.
To launch your cause and blow this world into another orbit souls have never
seen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif";"> Go into that sacred space. Train
your eyes to the darkness and feel around until you find its wriggling form,
eager to be unleashed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif";"> What is it your soul longs for?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif";">Prayer:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Footlight MT Light","serif";">Father,
my heart bleeds. Even when I don’t want to admit it, can’t find the way into
those sacred chambers. But You have instilled these longings within me, these
passions I can’t shake. Please help me know what to do with them, to admit to
wanting more and steady my breath to linger under the surface. Take my heart
and turn it to Yours. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-21205256412326603952014-03-02T11:51:00.000-08:002014-03-02T11:55:46.913-08:00Fulfill My Lonely Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrg45yyi9sTTg4owu7wJOj0hWuF4CqibMuwvUGCDhmM8NQxDct8eCAgiUD58eAi70kyeOUc_QWpD8-pO4Hl8P-T2B_Cs9D8c_PullmgYtTsitGMz7471gDLiaTJ68H8Im7o4vDbG8RuTx/s1600/Fulfull+My+Lonely+Heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrg45yyi9sTTg4owu7wJOj0hWuF4CqibMuwvUGCDhmM8NQxDct8eCAgiUD58eAi70kyeOUc_QWpD8-pO4Hl8P-T2B_Cs9D8c_PullmgYtTsitGMz7471gDLiaTJ68H8Im7o4vDbG8RuTx/s1600/Fulfull+My+Lonely+Heart.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him;</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">He hears their cry and saves them.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">-Psalm 145:19<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This
snow keeps spilling from the sky, folding itself over the earth, white with
purity wrapped in puckered pain forgotten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Its beauty steals my breath,
silences my wavering doubt that shivers, brittle, beneath the earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The wind is fierce, cold and
penetrating, slapping my face and shaking me to expose myself to the thoughts
that vie to break me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am still together, founded on my
faith, trusting in all that moves unseen. The snow still clothes bare branches
with modesty and reason. In my heart, beneath my breast, the flurries pile and
pierce my tender places, chipping away at the edges, and I am one more flake
away from fully covered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What if I admitted that I’m lonely?
That my heart is hungry for attention and turns to the sky and seeks shelter in
Your arms? What if I said I’ve lost my confidence and need You to swoop in and
show me just how much I’m worth in Your eyes?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What if I told You the restlessness
in my heart won’t settle and is burdened by being so far from what I’ve held so
close? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You tell me that You alone can
satisfy, so why am I flailing my arms, trying to grab onto anything that stops
my spinning, drinking any drop that slides down my throat to keep me from falling
to the floor in uncertainty?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My soul burns for You to blaze in
front of me and remind me that You are here with me, fervently fighting for my
honor, rising up as a lion and roaring in protection. I want to feel You in my
bones, screaming in my sinews and ardently pursuing me in my dreams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I want to feel You, hear You, call
to You so passionately my throat dries and dents in protest. You tell me You
are with me, but my heart has so far sunk into my chest it’s threatening to
bury itself in the sands of my aching. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Do what You need to do in order to
bring light to my eyes once again, to soothe me with truth and stamp Your seal
upon my heart. For I am small and needy, curled up against the crowd and
ducking down to be unseen. I have found familiar comfort in shadows, in
shrinking. You believe me to be more, to be bold and brave and beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Help me to see it, help me to feel
the intensity of Your stare and sweetness of breath against my lips. Revive me,
restore me, melt my hardened heart afraid to hope and set me high in Your
heavens, set above the sparkling snow that builds its base in Your commands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am all of the above, I am waiting
with fervency for You to crash into me and tear new fulfillment into the fibers
of my chest.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Prayer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, I am
alone and in the unknown. Each day I am wandering, seeking, and yet I do not
find. Fix my eyes on Your majesty, Your beauty and Your great desire to call me
Your own. Help my heart, let it be consumed by You. Call to me Lord, with
urgency and undying affection. Amen.</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-49938939171875781412014-02-13T16:55:00.003-08:002014-02-13T16:56:58.937-08:00Receive with an Open Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwkTzlk9RDjfVqTB250BiJl6NUMcbtJPs71ilqKTcxv4MQic_L_IxnTkTk5H_JoICP0paMQK2eTvrNK2nEKlaVSjhw5loBcj5Rmrc-bBBQNYm2ZZEKU4WOJ1ymK0bR6kLfbNaoxUjGwrJ/s1600/Receive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwkTzlk9RDjfVqTB250BiJl6NUMcbtJPs71ilqKTcxv4MQic_L_IxnTkTk5H_JoICP0paMQK2eTvrNK2nEKlaVSjhw5loBcj5Rmrc-bBBQNYm2ZZEKU4WOJ1ymK0bR6kLfbNaoxUjGwrJ/s1600/Receive.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire
is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have
more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from
Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable
sacrifice, pleasing to God.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">-Philippians 4:17-18<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">An
unusual transaction in my bank account. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I didn’t go in and add money, but
there it was, more than what I had the day before. A gift, apparently, from a donor
for my adventure and to sustain me until I get my first paycheck at the end of
the month. My parents relayed this to me, because they somehow took a few of my
deposit slips from my bank book before I left. My body recoiled against the
news- how dare they deal with my account and go in and add a sum to my account
without my knowledge or permission! I burned with red hot anger and my pride
ruffled and rampaged on the defensive. I’m a grown woman, and I don’t need pity
offerings to keep me on my feet because I’ve chosen the road less traveled for
the past few years and made just enough to break even. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I rushed out a check for the amount
back and slipped it into a letter I wrote to home. I mailed it and told them to
remember and tell whoever sent it that I would not accept handouts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I
don’t like to receive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I don’t want to take charity from
anyone, but I am stuck with nothing to do but accept what I have no control
over. Receive the kindness of strangers, the offering of time and homes and
meals. Receiving gifts family and friends send, monetary and otherwise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It’s been a struggle for years. I
like to give, hate to receive. I hate to use the word hate because it has such
strong, vibrant implications, but all of me cries against the gifts that show
up on my doorstep with no return address.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m
bad at accepting things. Always have been. I don’t even know why. I love to
make others happy, like to surprise them with a small something- a cup of
coffee, a beautiful journal waiting for their thoughts and ideas, a note of
encouragement to tell them how beautiful they are. I love showering them with
love in a way I pray portrays God’s love and how special they truly are in His
sight. I don’t like others to think of me. I am simply God’s servant, doing my
tasks for Him as is my duty. I do not expect, nor look for, anything in return.
Which is why at the first sign of generosity my guard goes up and I back myself
in a corner, ready to spring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve
railed against this act throughout my life, and it’s noted most closely by my
family. As my mom likes to joke with a sad truth to her tone, “It’s a wonder
you’ve been able to accept God’s grace in Christ.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">That’s
a true statement, and it makes me think. Has there been a time where I have
readily or eagerly accepted a gift? Have I opened cupped hands, cherishing the
object or kind word lovingly placed in my palms?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>How can I be so resistant while
others take so freely, almost to the point of greed? They think nothing of the
action and I sit and mull it over and brace myself for the resistance that
coils so electric inside me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Call
it undiscovered pride, call it stubbornness or a blinding false belief. Or just
plain believing a lie. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I can make it on
my own. I don’t need help. I can’t let anyone give me something because it will
make me look like a freeloader. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A
few days after sending the letter home my family received my returned check and
gave me a call. I tried to keep my voice down while discussing the offering.
Then I found out who it was from and wept. My heart softened at the thought and
care and generosity that this person carefully constructed to provide me.
Because this person loved me, because I was off on my own venturing into this
new life God has called me to, because of what I mean to them, they wanted to
show me the same kindness I’ve shown to them through the years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My
family tore up the check and I am keeping this sweet offering. And after my
tantrum, when the emotion flees from my body and I sit mentally crumpled in
surrender in my room, a thought comes to me, quiet but poignant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In
refusing the gift, I refuse the giver. In turning away a great offering that
takes time, thought and effort on the part of the person offering, I do them a
disgrace and say they are not worthy of my acceptance, that if I turn away
whatever it is they stand before me holding, I am not allowing them into my
heart, I am not allowing them to show me this same love of God that I strive to
share.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">God
loves a cheerful giver. But He also smiles upon a cheerful receiver. One who
knows where the gift comes from and willingly acknowledges His presence in the
present. One who looks upon the giver and sees the heart inside the act, the
quiver of excitement in sharing the moment and seeing the delight shine in
grateful eyes. To give is to receive, but to receive offers up a selfless, holy
gift, as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’d
like to say I’m changed forever. That it’s a quick fix and I’ll never again
fight against something slipped into my hands. I know this new realization will
take time to sink in my head, tie around my heart. This will be an ongoing
process, one I will continually have to check my behavior and actions and seek
Christ’s demeanor in this sacrifice. For it is a heavenly offering, a sacrifice
sweeter than the works I grind out each day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Still
this stubbornness. Look the gift head on and see beyond to who offers and
humbly accept what God gives. Be glorified in the gratitude, fellowship with
the donor, whoever they may be, and receive with an open heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Prayer:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Lord
I thank You for opening my eyes to see my stubbornness. I thank You that You
want to work with me to see receiving as an act of worship, a gift to You to
bring joy and gladness to not only myself, but the person who gives to me, as
well. Please help me to keep this perspective as I struggle with accepting, and
may I continually be thankful for the gift You gave in Your Son Jesus. Amen.</span>Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-59897999610061214502014-02-04T21:32:00.000-08:002014-02-04T21:32:01.444-08:00Just Be<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqYt8Mp6zr9LbWJHwbxGcpFckDYjAPk4IGaXpYk-QIprCEMdWXrpeJNNbKH4WpG9T2kp-ZPuU8GB_xgunKwmPTz8U3VZnuySJ4VZ_V0luIknYjMJuyVIzrTtuX7zT8PHdlj9khr3QTm9u/s1600/Just+Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqYt8Mp6zr9LbWJHwbxGcpFckDYjAPk4IGaXpYk-QIprCEMdWXrpeJNNbKH4WpG9T2kp-ZPuU8GB_xgunKwmPTz8U3VZnuySJ4VZ_V0luIknYjMJuyVIzrTtuX7zT8PHdlj9khr3QTm9u/s1600/Just+Be.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Because of the tender mercy of our God, by
which the rising sun will come to us from Heaven to shine on those living in
darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">-Luke 1:78-79<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It’s Christmas. Snow sparkles on the
boughs of trees, crystal flakes floating through the air, breath escaping lungs
and dancing into the cold. Streets bustle with last minute activity, families
gather, laughter bright and echoing. The world rejoices, but only after items
are crossed off wish lists, stockings are stuffed and minds are filled to the
brim with any and every last minute details.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You, my dear one, are craving a
moment to quiet your heart. I see it in your beautiful face, lines etched with
pressure of performance. You fidget, you flounder, you fear this Christmas will
be forgotten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Slow
down. Still yourself in the slur of frenzy and a race to rush ahead. Forget the
gifts, glitter and ribbon glow, the wrapping, the cookies warm and full in the oven.
Stop your straining.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Just be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Be a silent night, an inky softness
in the eve, velvet, expectant and pregnant with wonder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Be
a blazing light, when angels lit the sky and sang melodies no mortal ear has
ever heard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Be
a believer, like shepherds who heard of a King and eagerly raced to a manger
and tell the town of what they saw.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Be
a Mary, storing her baby boy deep in the pockets of her heart, pondering the
glory in a mud-stench stable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Be
a star, stretched high above and bringing good tidings to all men, a burning
glimmer greeting the earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Be
grace-filled. Brimming with the Life that lay swaddled in cloths and pumping
tiny fists against straw. For what this tiny child came to do. And how you are
helpless to DO anything but receive Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">O
come, let us adore Him. This small and silent Savior, who saved our sanity
while saving our souls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Prepare
your heart for the miracle of the nativity, the miraculous in the mundane and
the blessed rest your core is ready to claim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Prayer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, let
this be a silent night to savor You. To remember the world as it was thousands
of years ago. Take me to that night, that wondrous miracle that unfolded in a
stable. Quiet my heart. Help me to rest and remember all that You have done and
all this season means. Please slow me down to discover the beauty and glory of
this Christmas. Amen.</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-71075672428100162542014-02-04T21:26:00.000-08:002014-02-04T21:27:12.387-08:00Golden Boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhm6s4yr6_xEn21ljOs1xT5oLSiMXwad8RpxsEgxkQ_2YawbrkQI73A_g9awZ993Qlyphw_MSKsLL-geOKR8hE2qp10vlkZ86C-jvhrNmZztQTeXbOpINLLB5KaBCXN4bjDzlOs8nuVtHf/s1600/DSC_0193_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhm6s4yr6_xEn21ljOs1xT5oLSiMXwad8RpxsEgxkQ_2YawbrkQI73A_g9awZ993Qlyphw_MSKsLL-geOKR8hE2qp10vlkZ86C-jvhrNmZztQTeXbOpINLLB5KaBCXN4bjDzlOs8nuVtHf/s1600/DSC_0193_edited-1.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Whoever welcomes one of these little <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">children</span> in My name welcomes Me; and
whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me but the One who sent Me.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">-Mark 9:37<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have always loved you from
afar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When I
first saw your photograph, the smooth, cinnamon of your skin and round,
imploring eyes, my heart cried out for you. My soul leapt across oceans to find
you and soothe your fears. “Yes,” it whispered. “I have found you. I choose
you. I am molded to your heart. I will love you with all I have.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And so I
read of your world through letters, poured my eyes over the lines to learn of
all you liked, and prayed with hope lifted for God to hold you close because I
couldn’t. At night I dreamed of your laughter and wrapped my life with yours.
Thoughts and questions danced in my mind, tinkling like wind chimes lulling me
to sleep. Who do you want to be? What is the color of your heart? Do you ever
think of me? I don’t know if you could feel it, but I sent a piece of myself in
every photograph and card I could never send fast enough. For years I gave my
heart to you, over a distance that carried promise and love in a thousand
translations. In the deepest, most timid spaces of my heart, I kept the desire
to see you tucked inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You were an
angel haloed in Heaven, and I could not touch you with earthly fingers reaching
and climbing to your castle in the clouds. I always yearned for you, soaking in
the colors in your drawings, noting how you always painted a sun that brightly
shined in the sky.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And then, a
miracle. My arms, flying to yours. I prepared for months, thinking of things
you’d like and stenciling your smile in my mind. Each day was another breath,
drawing the space between us closer, each month a planet orbiting around your
light. I was in your pull, and it was all I could do to keep from running the
miles and countries between us until I found you in the breaking daylight.
Patience was a thorn in my side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I crossed
borders and skylines to be with you. As I waited to meet you, my stomach jumped,
full of tiny crickets that chirped to see your face. My eyes devoured the
doors, watching for the chocolate hair and secret smile. I became the earth,
anticipating the moment when you streak into my atmosphere, a burning ball of
beautiful boy. My heart was a stuttering record, skipping and scratching
against my lungs. Seconds seeped by, trickling onto the pavement until I saw a
pair of black shoes stepping towards the door. Air caught in my throat and my
eyes drank you in- every curve of your face, each strand of hair blowing in the
quiet breeze, the wide eyed innocence and shyness pooling in those endless
brown eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I knelt to
you and found my hands reaching for you and suddenly the softness of your shirt
was knit to me and your tiny bones found space between mine. The span of your
arms reached around my neck and wrapped me to you. And I held on, breathing in
the life beating before me and the particles arranging to make us one. You are
flesh and bone before me, with a heart so wide and gentle, generous and joyful.
My world ignited this day, fanned by the flames of your unabashed laughter, the
sheer radiance of your spirit. My life burns brighter because of you, because
of the unquestioning acceptance you give me; no hesitation, only happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You are my
sun. You move me in ways I never dreamed possible. I am yours, and it tears me
apart to say goodbye. Here I sit, thousands of miles in the air, staring at the
steams of golden light woven in the clouds, crying next to a stranger because I
am moving away from you. I mourn the distance growing between us, and I have a
crazy thought to demand that the pilot turn around and bring me back to you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But still,
you are here with me. Cradled in the softest pocket of my heart, your smile
sewn on my lips. Your blazing eyes fused in mine, the web of your small hand
still pressed in my own. We will be together again. We will float through the
universe of our dreams and our love will be transferred between God’s
messengers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have
loved you with a closeness that transcends mortal ways of wonder. We are welded
in one another, and what God has matched together, no man can take apart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You are my
heart. You are my golden boy, my teacher, my admiration. I am forever changed
because of you. Shine brightly. The radiance of our Lord is bursting out of
your sun-swept soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Prayer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Lord, thank You for this experience that goes beyond words.
Thank You for the privilege of helping Freddy grow and learn of You. Watch over
him, guide him, and keep him close to Your heart. Please be with the children
waiting to hear of Your hope and love, may they keep the joy that radiates
within them, and may You call upon Your men and women to step up and give voice
for the voiceless. Amen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMq8C_-Pe0_rddVS6IoP8e8JoV0EEUxjER1oTJdZ1UXHiJ9-lpyzGHU6326zUAWhU3I_yYsIDSybT2mviGge_xSkEO-ovoQ9IDSZZbmt_Vp8TvbGeUrXNDsD97HV0aI1y9ZrkWXMPh6DIT/s1600/Freddy+and+Sarah.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMq8C_-Pe0_rddVS6IoP8e8JoV0EEUxjER1oTJdZ1UXHiJ9-lpyzGHU6326zUAWhU3I_yYsIDSybT2mviGge_xSkEO-ovoQ9IDSZZbmt_Vp8TvbGeUrXNDsD97HV0aI1y9ZrkWXMPh6DIT/s1600/Freddy+and+Sarah.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-78850135267026202362014-02-04T21:16:00.000-08:002014-02-04T21:16:01.312-08:00Coming Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgMP-o5vWpM35SxFxWNJ8b4oM1Eutgkob95Zx68ejSsMQJE83lp-Hsc-k3pubvD1F2gmkOP7xsXiu4P2hbDKkWwB28m7e4OJ7RCcrTCFuHEkNczrtTHMEiOrCVaJ1cyEpnmMsa_r_K63g/s1600/Coming+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgMP-o5vWpM35SxFxWNJ8b4oM1Eutgkob95Zx68ejSsMQJE83lp-Hsc-k3pubvD1F2gmkOP7xsXiu4P2hbDKkWwB28m7e4OJ7RCcrTCFuHEkNczrtTHMEiOrCVaJ1cyEpnmMsa_r_K63g/s1600/Coming+Home.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I know
that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while
they live.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-Ecclesiastes 3:12</span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your words are like coming home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Each line, like a gate enveloping a warm butter yellow house, latch loose and
swinging open easily to walk the path up to the painted wood porch that awaits
me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Meaning blooms from the page of Your persistency, fragrant violets and azaleas
assailing my senses as the roots You plant in me strike deeply in the soil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I will not give you up.” Each
letter delves into the fervency of Your declaration. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You are Mine.” Each syllable strikes
through the thunderstorms raining down on me, seeking to drown as I reach for
You.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I was
a vagabond. Dust-drenched and dry, cracking in a stagnant stubbornness. My own
wandering quickly caught me in a trap of thistles. The more I shook to escape my
discomfort, the tighter all the thorns stretched around me. I was becoming a
wilting vine in a weary plot of land. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But You saw my snare and leapt to
pull me from my folly. Tearing apart the weeds wrapped upon my soul, You
snatched me from the thicket and brought me to a garden of refreshment, wrapped
along a porch filled with laughter and dazzling sunlight, and wide, welcoming
arms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I reveled in the attention and
listened to the winds whisper my arrival. How eagerly they swept in to see me,
how languidly they lingered and let Your breath wash them through my stains. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is a retreat and revival I have
never known. This is the front porch peace I’ve always dreamed yet never seen.
And You are the bright burning streak of light that glistens in the twilight.
Your smile stretches across the covered caverns of my heart, filling the void
with color and scent central to my prayer. You drift along my memory like a lilac
and rose scented sky.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am here. I am happy. I am closer
to the clouds than I have ever known. Wrapped in a blanket of bliss, I serenely
stare at the waltzing world, laughing and dancing and waving to me in shared
revelry. And as You shift into the seat beside me, I turn to take in Your
vibrant eyes and find the space my heart has forever longed for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prayer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For the first time in a monument of memories, I am happy. I
am hopeful and serene and settled securely in the soothing truth of Your care.
You have found me and saved me from my searching. Restore my heart to fill with
Your favor and savory sweetness. Amen.</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-82417515516532296492013-11-19T16:57:00.004-08:002013-11-19T16:58:11.967-08:00Wrestling with Your Wonder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrtRaqgwWplwSzfpXuz4MprjQ6H3vbDPzSHXbLQATKiF5Nx3A9SNqWlzNmJGwr_W0Wg0PEsnPAp38b_kpgMm-0trOU04vfKHCRd3fKXCol2HGaH-5f4M128hI3HocjySsEMr1pq2uajo7/s1600/Wrestling+with+Your+Wonder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrtRaqgwWplwSzfpXuz4MprjQ6H3vbDPzSHXbLQATKiF5Nx3A9SNqWlzNmJGwr_W0Wg0PEsnPAp38b_kpgMm-0trOU04vfKHCRd3fKXCol2HGaH-5f4M128hI3HocjySsEMr1pq2uajo7/s320/Wrestling+with+Your+Wonder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Then
the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not
go unless you bless me.”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">-Genesis
32:26<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Imagine
me, so shy and shaking, rising above my fear and daring to dance with the
flashing of Your eyes. Were I to lift my chin with certainty, could it stay
stoic and brave?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
have humbled myself in the dust, knowing my place before You. At one light kiss
of air I could disintegrate into no existence, pulled away by Your power. But I
have been created in Your image, and seen as good. I am part of Your people,
painted into Your world and placed with purpose to fill the vacancy void. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
must be worth something. You must see me as more than cunning claims me to be.
I am Your child, and as such I can be sure You want what’s best. Which means I
can make my way through a bruise-filled night where a pressing pushes in around
me, and I am held by iron hands. I can push back and bring a turning tide
towards the dawn. And though I am weak, I will hold steady to the truth that
You listen to my requests. “Bless me,” I will mutter, mutely at first, because
I am uncertain myself at what I ask, but my heart will strengthen and grow
grander in its gusto. “Bless me,” I will repeat, louder, steadier, matching the
rhythm of my heart. Because You are good and have come to claim me as Your
prize. My hands close around your coattails refusing to loosen because I
believe in Your blessing, that it will fall upon me and shine like the sun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
will receive your inheritance. I will be firm in step for following You. And I
will come out touched and changed for holding You to promises You have held for
me until the perfect time, after wrestling with Your wonder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Prayer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Father, thank You that You long to bless
me and teach me Your ways. I am stubborn, and I struggle to see what You have
before me, but I long to grab onto You and wrestle with my past, present, and
future and refuse to stop until You promise You are with me wherever I go. Help
me to hold on to Your promises, and reach for Your love. Amen.</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-40748667170973195072013-11-19T16:03:00.002-08:002013-11-19T16:03:59.476-08:00Crash Over Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMrZHnsYdUVfj__ECVtrsVEJHYsPICUomgUuBmM9KDRJsk87OIFdHmGh741I9oS6oFIa7yK9IRnbx4_hwt4D1hXTmiUwC6Xg9enJjj2v0FYHQTrSBcMB6vC3DpVOyHgOqi9WiQlOA7xmT/s1600/Crash+Over+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMrZHnsYdUVfj__ECVtrsVEJHYsPICUomgUuBmM9KDRJsk87OIFdHmGh741I9oS6oFIa7yK9IRnbx4_hwt4D1hXTmiUwC6Xg9enJjj2v0FYHQTrSBcMB6vC3DpVOyHgOqi9WiQlOA7xmT/s320/Crash+Over+Me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">I
wait for the Lord,</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">My
soul does wait,</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">And
in His word</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Do
I hope.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">-Psalm
130:5<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">I am eager to hear from You,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">to hear the rumbling of Your voice</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">as it crashes over me</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">I wait for Your direction,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">to tell me where to go,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">who to love,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">what to do with all </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">You have lain present</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">inside me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">I want to make You proud,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">yet I fear I am too timid</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">to cast a ripple on the water.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">You are the ocean</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">through my tide,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">You press into me with cool,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">wet hands.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">I stand with Your love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">lapping at my ankles,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">and in the gulp of waves to shore</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">I hear You whisper,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">telling me to rise </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">with Your water sprayed wind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Prayer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Splash me with Your love, spray me with
Your truth and saturate me with the healing waters of Your love. For I am
static on the shoreline and watching for Your waves to come crashing in. Find
me and fill me, Lord. Amen.</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-67231586311301594432013-10-18T08:47:00.000-07:002013-10-18T08:47:20.726-07:00Cloud of Witnesses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TsnCzpjZxs8L5uqRXuKndT2gu3wRsXq7BTwfaqmP5JbqPCuZzdS3Yem3eFGzs5sNSnLBumn0th8aDUD2p7fcSy13mihMtTEkpbPlZTM2ycnTl5g0c-zPjsjOMBkOfoLt0ExycZMlxBX0/s1600/Cloud+of+Witnesses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TsnCzpjZxs8L5uqRXuKndT2gu3wRsXq7BTwfaqmP5JbqPCuZzdS3Yem3eFGzs5sNSnLBumn0th8aDUD2p7fcSy13mihMtTEkpbPlZTM2ycnTl5g0c-zPjsjOMBkOfoLt0ExycZMlxBX0/s320/Cloud+of+Witnesses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Therefore,
since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off
everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run
with perseverance the race marked out for us.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">-Hebrews
12:1<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Am
I running in an empty arena, the echoes of my footsteps clearing out the
cobwebs? Does my breath sound labored to my ears only? Do I dare keep my pace
if there is no one to push me forward? I am lagging, my shoes slipping against
the pavement, brain telling me I can go no farther.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A
figure catches my eye as I chase around the turn. She stands, watching me,
counting my steps. I turn across the straightaway and see her face. It is kind.
She lifts her mouth into a smile and I hear sweet words unfold into the air:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Keep
pace, Dear One.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
legs pump beneath my body, buoyed by her encouragement. I continue on while she
makes her way into the stands, taking a seat in the front row.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
am moving quicker now, feeling light in my limbs. I finish my lap as another
figure slips into the foreground. His strength is noticeable, softened by the
tenderness of his clapping hands. He, too, has something to say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Breathe,
child. The air is sweet and your lungs are strong.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
head nods in acknowledgement, and I circle around while he walks to the first
guest and sits beside her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
breathing is even, mind beautifully cleared. One by one, they trickle in, passing
words and hope to me each turn I take. Soon one section is filled to capacity,
then a second, a buzz building through the stands. They are cheering, slapping
their hands in noisy jubilation, gazes trained on me. Through the electricity
of the now filled stadium, I am shocked into new life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
start the last lap. The crowd erupts into an ear piercing plea for my finish.
My feet are fast, eyes ahead, finding the prize just within reach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Half
a lap to go. It’s madness in the stands. They are to their feet as I round the
turn into the home stretch. My name begins somewhere from the top, flowing
through the crowd like a rushing river. They believe in me. They believe I can
do the impossible and succeed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
their voices there is hope. And I hear with an urgency that propels me closer
and closer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Just
a few more steps. One more push. Screams and cheers ignite. I have crossed the
line. I have finished. And my heart fills with gratitude and overwhelming joy
at the turnout who came to see me through, at the One who stands at the end of
the track as I collapse in completion into His arms. His eyes are ablaze with
the race results, and His smile stretches across the coliseum. When He speaks,
His words wash over me like a much desired shower:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Well
done, good and faithful servant.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Prayer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Father, let me run my race with
precision, with perseverance and with passion. For the trail is scattered with
temptation and roadblocks, and I do not want to stray off course. Thank You
that You run with me, and that You send others through the course to cheer me
on and encourage me in the life I live. May I run strong, and keep Your heart
in my eyesight. Let me focus on my finish, and finding You smiling and pleased
as I cross the last line. Amen.</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-34740472676475779252013-10-18T08:44:00.003-07:002013-10-18T08:46:04.268-07:00Yours Alone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5Ptvfzl_V8FnZZ_tvn29vMFdwZIi1r2fcQPZ4BIF02NUykI4-E5BVuq6yzS8AiNXGH5ahaGDBOZXp9Af8BOcI0mKqrAwx8K4FZf02rP99yBy1MZDzHN5YpvRPl2iwJUaTDJh80KQ2m20/s1600/Yours+Alone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5Ptvfzl_V8FnZZ_tvn29vMFdwZIi1r2fcQPZ4BIF02NUykI4-E5BVuq6yzS8AiNXGH5ahaGDBOZXp9Af8BOcI0mKqrAwx8K4FZf02rP99yBy1MZDzHN5YpvRPl2iwJUaTDJh80KQ2m20/s320/Yours+Alone.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Find
rest, O my soul,</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">In
God alone;</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">My
hope comes from Him.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">-Psalm
62:5</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">I was born to love You,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">spun with the fibers of Your fingers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">to settle around Your shoulders.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">I was meant to love You</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">with every match struck inside me,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">igniting a fire that laces around my soul</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">but is never consumed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">I was created to be Yours</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">and Yours alone,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">so why do I stray and search for love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">in so many different places,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">filling my time with doubt and </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">hoping with the most tender fibers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">that this time, I won’t get it wrong?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">I am a creature in Your form,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Stitched by Your soul.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">I am at home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="color: #666666;">Nowhere else am I meant to
roam.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Prayer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">You continually draw me to Yourself. I
tend to stray, but You set me straight and show me how I am pieced together by
You with purpose. Help me to remember where I am, and Whose I am, as I walk
beside You. Amen.</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-69668957968414813662013-10-18T08:42:00.001-07:002013-10-18T08:42:50.872-07:00Ways Unfamiliar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBhxaoV0IX6gF4b4l6tNl8d5l-gG9kGZMvOi4We-6mV55ujxV8n_j-av8oTeZYHn1K2n5l5H2R0ItTDFJ_KR7K95tS-sQsWPZX9Gwcmhukn1or2gg-HftgRdRJbfd88SK5aAif8z2atFQ/s1600/Ways+Unfamiliar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBhxaoV0IX6gF4b4l6tNl8d5l-gG9kGZMvOi4We-6mV55ujxV8n_j-av8oTeZYHn1K2n5l5H2R0ItTDFJ_KR7K95tS-sQsWPZX9Gwcmhukn1or2gg-HftgRdRJbfd88SK5aAif8z2atFQ/s320/Ways+Unfamiliar.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">I
will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will
guide them.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">-Isaiah
42:16<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Here
I am again. Headfirst into the unknown. Wrapped in curiosity and blinded by
events unforeseen that thrust me into a new beginning. It seems like I have
been in these shoes and walked this way many times before. This time, I feel
helpless to do anything. This time, all I can do is throw my hands up in the
air and exhale, “Surrender! I surrender to You.” It is here I have to trust
that where I see spots, You see the whole of the picture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Life
is a grand adventure yet again. Did I plan to exit out of the comfort that
carried me each day? No. Did I think I’d need to once again build myself up and
burrow in Your wings for strength? No. But perhaps that’s what You’re intending
with all this turmoil. Maybe my eyes were straining too far into the fields to see
You standing beside me, and now You’ve rearranged my attention so we can walk
this road together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It
isn’t easy feeling insecure and discombobulated. It isn’t fun heading up the
mountain when starting from the bottom. There’s such a long way to go, and the
trail just keeps curving. But I am walking like I always do, one small step in
front of the other. And You see what I cannot. I must trust. I must believe in
what I cannot see. I must make this trek with Your heart in mine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Because
I am stumbling yet again on this gravel laced path. I am heading into ways
unfamiliar and will not be overcome. I am turning to You to see Your face that
will calm me and direct me. And I am waving my arms to catch Your steady grasp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Prayer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Lord, once again I am thrown into
uncertainty. I am in a land I do not know as I make my way through the
wilderness. It is unexpected and unnerving, but I have to trust that You have
made this choice for me, that You have paved the way and are waiting for me to
walk with You. Please help me to keep my confidence in You and take this trail
before me. Amen.</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-16408017898210471152013-10-18T08:41:00.002-07:002013-10-18T08:41:16.059-07:00No Easy Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcynjgddiHK9b08gDsXrc_dDO2hGufaBeSiwhxCExd5RjsjTHPM5E2NluWf-9m3YW1PvZ6uCWC_GHq0askWoV2NsuDEpDTvM6mjq6SLTlGJJas-tssibL1EDL2uM2pRX1hnNZWrr15pYB/s1600/No+Easy+Way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcynjgddiHK9b08gDsXrc_dDO2hGufaBeSiwhxCExd5RjsjTHPM5E2NluWf-9m3YW1PvZ6uCWC_GHq0askWoV2NsuDEpDTvM6mjq6SLTlGJJas-tssibL1EDL2uM2pRX1hnNZWrr15pYB/s320/No+Easy+Way.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Your
path led through the sea,</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Your
way through the mighty waters,</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">though
Your footprints were not seen.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">-Psalm
77:19<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What
part of this did You say would be easy?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You
didn’t say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span></span><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You
never guaranteed safe passage through this voyage of life. Never said we
wouldn’t struggle, that we’d never be thrown curves in a series of fastballs. You
said we would have troubles in this life. But You also said to take heart and
not be afraid, because You have taken care of all things terrifying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And
that You would be with us every length of the way. Even when Your footprints
are not seen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You
keep coaxing us out of the boat, to take a leg and swing it over the side to
stand on water. To take one step into the sea, and then another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So
we do. Warily, confidently, we lift our eyes to the light a thousand yards
away. We move as if our feet were touching pavement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then
we sneak a glance over our shoulder and realize how far from the boat we are.
And how far off You still seem to be. Suddenly, the ground beneath us shivers,
and we find ourselves sinking. How fast our faith has faltered. How easily we
sink beneath the surface.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
are weighed down, but You arrive where we have fallen and reach beneath the
surface to grab our arm and anchor us up. You brush off our bruises and hold us
as we begin to understand the need to keep straining for the shore. You hand us
a life vest in case we slip again, and guide us once more through the waves.
And we want to please You, so we keep moving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You
never guaranteed clarity in this murky world. You never stretched the winding
streets before us into straight passage. You only warned us that the air would
be full of flying arrows aimed at our heart. But You gave us a shield and a
strength to navigate and protect us once we hit the open road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And,
along the trail, lingering beside us, a pair of footprints follows, closely
entwined with our own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Prayer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">You never said it would be easy to take
up my cross and follow You. You simply encouraged me to take heart that You are
with me along the way. The road is long, the course uncharted. Please navigate
me and reach out to me when I veer off course. You promise to be with me. I am
holding You to it. Amen.</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-6110993441934330952013-10-18T08:38:00.004-07:002013-10-18T08:38:57.972-07:00Today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwB0a2MmEWx4tpryJ8bult674CAsHzVbhKKNlk00LtK20t187rEbCVrcGSZyofinF36iSV2H-SGjchVp5FJR8x6Q3-Nu6McJmipNRq753Maecjf_t3HMIT_2HKwy2t4lspkXwbVJOj2C9W/s1600/Today.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwB0a2MmEWx4tpryJ8bult674CAsHzVbhKKNlk00LtK20t187rEbCVrcGSZyofinF36iSV2H-SGjchVp5FJR8x6Q3-Nu6McJmipNRq753Maecjf_t3HMIT_2HKwy2t4lspkXwbVJOj2C9W/s320/Today.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">“You
are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not
here.”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">-Mark
16:6<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today
looks no different than any other. Same bare branches scraping across my
window, same metallic gray and blue fusing together in the sky. Same sweet wind
pushing through a thawing song. People wake, the earth sighs. Life arises to
begin again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But
inside me, I am teeming with newness. Inside me, I am seeing a day much like
today. A rocky hole, birds singing, women trekking to the tomb. A blinding
light, an angel flashing the news- Whom they seek is not here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Confusion
on their faces, trembling excitement in their chest, the women flee to make
sense of the scene. Wondering. Hope emitting the tiniest flecks of embers in
their heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then
You appear. Full fleshed, with scars on Your skin and light in Your eyes. You
smile. You see the women who now recognize the prophesy come true. You watch
their surprise turn to joy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And
You turn Your face to me. Same fire ignited in Your eyes, same great grin. I
touch the hands that held the nails, trace my fingers across Your side, feeling
the fabric of my soul stitched in Your wounds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today
is a day that started like any other. But You have come alive again and stand
before me, beaming with victory. My heart is rising, and my voice can be heard
shouting Your name in glorious gratitude. My lover. My life. My knight that
fought the battle for me and won. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
day started like every day, but oh, how the light and triumph streaked across
the sky and captured today as the day I was finally set free with His arrival.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Prayer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Hallelujah! You are alive! Up from the
grave, You came and conquered death so I may live. The battle won, the smile
set, Your voice resounds in my head. Thank You for the gift of Your life
through death, so I may be tied with you forever. Amen!</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-87209619659500950172013-10-01T14:19:00.003-07:002013-10-01T14:19:52.022-07:00Hosanna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8IdlCWBaVJMqP_ckTm6jHL72VnWsPM2IRMATCy2FEkZYTksiUZ_pQNR3brm-N5VQkTaptOG8Wp8sn23QuAUVDSJu72ndQvcOMJy0oaQxAxvyNzQztjhOHGbBzK-OzRzuxjRVF_fI6swm/s1600/Hosanna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8IdlCWBaVJMqP_ckTm6jHL72VnWsPM2IRMATCy2FEkZYTksiUZ_pQNR3brm-N5VQkTaptOG8Wp8sn23QuAUVDSJu72ndQvcOMJy0oaQxAxvyNzQztjhOHGbBzK-OzRzuxjRVF_fI6swm/s320/Hosanna.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">They
took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">“Hosanna!”
</span></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">“Blessed
is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">-John
12:13<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What
did the people think, as they saw You heading towards the Jewel City? What did
they believe they would see? The survival of Your people? The placement of a
new King? They had waited for Your arrival for millennia, and now You appeared,
shifting Your weight on the seat of a donkey’s foal. How their eyes must have
lit up, sparked to life by the glimpse of their Savior. How the whispers glided
from mouth to mouth: “He is here! He has come! To free us from our chains of
burden!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Branches
snapped away from trees, laying as pavement on the dusty road ahead. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">“Hosanna!” They shouted,
dirt-specked faces full of hope.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">“Blessed is He who comes in
the name of the Lord!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Sandaled feet slapped the
ground as the crowd ran beside You, arms and palm branches swaying in the air
as You continued Your entrance into Jerusalem. How excited they grew. How
expectant they were of Your reign.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">You saw them coming from a
distance. Felt their eagerness in Your heart. To fulfill Your Father’s words,
the final stretch was spent on the back of a placid mule. The chanting reached
Your ears. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">“Hosanna!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">“Blessed is He who comes in
the name of the Lord!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">A bittersweet smile crossed
Your lips. You had come to diminish darkness, but not from the seat of a
throne. Rather, You would rule from the ruins of a tree, splayed in shame,
broken for our burden. You would fight for Your people, without words, without
lifting an arm in attack. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">You knew what lay ahead, You
knew what You would suffer. And You knew that the crowds welcoming You in with
happy faces would turn sour and be among the first to seek to slay You.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Steadily You rode on,
following the trail of palms and entering the city which waited to close in on
You. To take You and beat You, drag You out and hoist You on a cross atop a
hill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Hosanna. Blessed is He who
comes in the name of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Prayer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">You took the fall for me. You knew what
was in store for You and You rode on, into the grasp of darkness to turn it
into light. Blessed be the One who comes in the name of the Lord. Amen.</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-36887148603909885342013-10-01T14:18:00.000-07:002013-10-01T14:18:15.355-07:00So Many Hopes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHNht26dOdC0P5z_N5m8PI7zQb-LJmX-MJ7foBwInzELd4R1S3nyff25msfuf2nEer5xgxKL_LzgdchZT8F65Lj_53702teb2OPCAn-XrEucmbvNJnQeYpxTIbHzhUpfnn_owtla9M3xu/s1600/So+Many+Hopes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHNht26dOdC0P5z_N5m8PI7zQb-LJmX-MJ7foBwInzELd4R1S3nyff25msfuf2nEer5xgxKL_LzgdchZT8F65Lj_53702teb2OPCAn-XrEucmbvNJnQeYpxTIbHzhUpfnn_owtla9M3xu/s320/So+Many+Hopes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">I
have put My words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of My hand- I
who set the heavens in place, Who laid the foundations of the earth, and Who
say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">-Isaiah
51:16<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">What is this space that
statically floats around the atmosphere? Where does the void appear, blinking
and endless, full of fangs and shadows? What gives the darkness permission to
permeate the minds of humanity?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">We are not eager for our
destruction. Voices call out. Around and around they swirl, covered in excuses
to stay stagnant yet growing a desire to grasp at grace. To hear a sound that
becomes a symphony, to see a drop of water churned into a sea. To touch Your
face and find a beauty unparalleled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Reaching limbs, longing to
bud and bloom in a soil stirred by hands of healing. Eyes that stretch to the
farthest lands to appraise what can be built upon a fruitful foundation.
Floundering fancies, carried and disbanded through the wind, breaking apart a
brittle search for strength. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">So many hearts, ripping
themselves out of their cages. So many hopes, waiting to be revealed. So many
searching, seeking after the answers to fill the gaps inside their souls. So
many walking about this earth, aimless and empty of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">If You hear our plea, hurry
to our side. Skies are draped with despair and the air is heavy and smoky in
our lungs. We are a desperate people, pleasing the sins of our soul, chained in
lies and carrying around the weight of weariness on our crooked shoulders. We
slip closer to the edge, defying the quiet inside us to catapult into chaos.
Strangers in our skin, we scratch to be released into something more
comfortable, a craving carried back in the caverns of our core.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Revive us. Breathe beauty
back into our lungs and color our world with Your palette. Sing to us with
lyrics our minds long for. Rescue our hearts before they bleed into oblivion
and fight for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Find us. Search the galaxy to
bring us back and turn our truth to You. Tell us all we desire to hear, all we
store sweetly in our cracking bones and aching arteries. Set our flesh to mold
to Your loveliness and light. Lead us to the highest mountain we can climb to
find Your face, to hold the favor of Who our singeing chests must burn for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Prayer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">We are a people too familiar with going
our own way. We have lost ourselves while trying to find where we belong.
Direct our hearts to You, to all You promise and all You can give. Open us to
see that You are Who we crave, that Your ways are really ours, too. Heal us in
our breaking. Amen.</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-72446293251113241802013-10-01T14:16:00.003-07:002013-10-01T14:16:46.167-07:00Hidden Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIc1vC060yAXZbqUGMnrj-p8bQS_ZsStcsfP-LjTR7WTyfCGqW3oXwvnBDha0t8doJCdS72T2S0C8oM8eo7yHK21lwObSf4bdK_GNXF0hbO3xSPHoIkZ9JDkb2PDeU2XIxUIxLE5oc5JDj/s1600/Hidden+Hope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIc1vC060yAXZbqUGMnrj-p8bQS_ZsStcsfP-LjTR7WTyfCGqW3oXwvnBDha0t8doJCdS72T2S0C8oM8eo7yHK21lwObSf4bdK_GNXF0hbO3xSPHoIkZ9JDkb2PDeU2XIxUIxLE5oc5JDj/s320/Hidden+Hope.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"></span></i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"></span></i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">For
You have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">my
confidence since my youth.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">-Psalm
71:5<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">My heart trembles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">with vibrations<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">of a hidden hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">I have barred it <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">below my belief,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">anchored it to my<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">blackest box <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">stored underneath<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">a bed of dreams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">But You see it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">You push away<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">the dust and reach,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">cradling it between<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Your gentle hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">“Open it,” You say,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">and though You <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">are holy and <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">towering above me,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">I refuse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">“Open it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">The words repeat,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">softly, urgent<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">in my ears.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">A spark, quick <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">and bursting,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">catches under my skin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Something calls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">With shaking fingers,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">I transfer the treasure<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">between us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Prayer:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Lord, You know my hidden hopes, the
deepest dreams that dwell within me. You know how much I long for them to see
the light. You remember my hopes. You see my dreams and wish to breathe into
them. Help me to live for you, to align my heart to Yours and let it beat in
time with all You have in store for me. Amen.</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-48820783866240784392013-10-01T14:13:00.001-07:002013-10-01T14:13:39.738-07:00By Your Mercy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuPZLh0-JYHhTpCyLdil3u5fhHFtqMisaRwyy25OLD4XqNe7moxlAVrnW8Yzm0xSe_dmbuCWu02xAygKuH0FyzvtVgtyj6FhFbdo-eZxnySB3A8GQ6L_Xcc-gIxygnyjT9S8YJGrMpzM8/s1600/By+Your+Mercy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuPZLh0-JYHhTpCyLdil3u5fhHFtqMisaRwyy25OLD4XqNe7moxlAVrnW8Yzm0xSe_dmbuCWu02xAygKuH0FyzvtVgtyj6FhFbdo-eZxnySB3A8GQ6L_Xcc-gIxygnyjT9S8YJGrMpzM8/s320/By+Your+Mercy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">But
when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because
of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">-Titus
3:4-5<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There
is a rawness in my chest, red and welt-fed from scraping across my rib cage each
morning as I wake to find my place in the this world, and each night as I lay
in scrutiny at whether my life produced any worth throughout my given hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
am hopeful. I am easily persuaded of my faults. I am fearful that I will never
be enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Though
I know that You are with me, I cry within my depths at the necessity of being
of value in Your eyes, bringing value to Your cause. I worry about finding
purpose as I rise and set to sleep each day, and I wonder whether I am where
You need me to be. I crave to be. I crave to know that all my effort is
effective, all my smiles will stay in the hearts to whom they are given.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Will
You ever let me know if I am living as You like? Will you affirm my actions and
confirm my trust? Will You shape me to move in ways that lift You into the
light?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
the deepest wells of my soul, I desire to please You. To make You happy, to see
the good You see in me that I sometimes can’t even see in myself. I know You
tell me to rest in You, but how can I rest when I want to rejuvenate others
with the grace and good news I know?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You
are the keeper of my hope, guardian of my desire. I am shy with my wants, but
You see through my mask and dive into the depths of my longings. You save me
from my darkest thoughts, the temptations that hook me and reel me in. Shout
into my soul, the lengths You reach for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You
are my desire. It is in Your innermost being that calls me to keep my heart in
expectancy, to hope and to keep myself moving along the road arranged for me.
Each day I am allowed new breath, let each exhale exalt Your precious name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Come
to my aid, Lover of the unlovable. Shower me with warmth; remind me why I am
Yours and how beautiful I am in Your sight. By Your mercy, I am saved. Not by
what I have done, but because of who You are. Remind me how finding refuge
under Your safety is enough, and how Your presence is the grace I crave to
cover the holes in my heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Prayer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Lord, I struggle with knowing my place in
this world. I wonder whether all I am doing is enough, and if it is pleasing to
You. I desire Your approval, crave Your comfort and love. Please remind me to
just rest in You, to savor Your presence and burrow in Your unwavering
endearment. Amen.</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-35596119541637694842013-10-01T14:11:00.001-07:002013-10-01T14:11:32.942-07:00Everyone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUe37IK1xmj0-1jcuUvSlrFU-AGCTNXBsZdFN9l0gdo9LE63nmXd4AU3SKz9c-eStaEWHp-8Y_uBbfI8lk4N21JnEUt4agnDMFNcDEHC2G3dCp2l-uLwrdQ8uRp4KRfQcJ1p4e5TI6u_f/s1600/Everyone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUe37IK1xmj0-1jcuUvSlrFU-AGCTNXBsZdFN9l0gdo9LE63nmXd4AU3SKz9c-eStaEWHp-8Y_uBbfI8lk4N21JnEUt4agnDMFNcDEHC2G3dCp2l-uLwrdQ8uRp4KRfQcJ1p4e5TI6u_f/s320/Everyone.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">May
the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone
else, just as ours does for you.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">-1
Thessalonians 3:12<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Everyone wants to leave
footprints.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Everyone
wants someone to follow those prints and find them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Everyone
wants to be held. Be wrapped up in comfort and have their bad dreams driven
away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Everyone
wants to find the truth and be unchained from the baggage that’s pressed them
down.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Everyone
wants to see a smile radiating from a face that shows they are special.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Everyone
wants to laugh from their core, joyful and unrestricted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Everyone
wants forgiveness, reconciliation from a past that keeps pestering and won’t
relent.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Everyone
wants to feel their heart burn for something spectacular.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Everyone
wants someone to sit down and just listen, to what they say and what they
don’t.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Everyone
wants to be remembered.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Everyone
wants to never be forgotten.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Everyone
wants to find stillness in the midst of a chaotic and cluttered world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Everyone
wants to be redeemed, washed in the waters of grace and dried fresh and free.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Everyone
wants to be loved, deeply, purely, without reason or clause.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
all want more from our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It’s
true.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And
you know it’s true because all of it is what your soul cries out for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
those footprints in the sand.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
the footprints to follow.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
the smallness of your troubles when nestled in safe arms.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
discovering reality and eyes opening to a bright and believable realization.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
the kindness of a stranger.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
that lighthearted laughter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
being big and admitting mistakes, and having someone bigger tell you they are
no more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
an ignition sparked in your soul.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
the willing ear and hearing heart.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
memory in your honor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
never letting go.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
the quiet gently covering that chaos.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
that grace so readily given.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
a love that never ends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Prayer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Father, hear my heart’s calling, for the
tremors deep within me that cry out to be heard, for their story to be told.
Amen.</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-68574352399740029502013-10-01T14:08:00.000-07:002013-10-01T14:08:33.824-07:00Radiant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqw98LLtBWYydVrSRZuAa5TaqntJardBgsM1aKXp_rZ70_ryV_3SMxtKbOvK3LwfbtdO1TyBi59y4nYfAn3K_0encdAQyDXPnezdSQ_zGlMhLED1dEfRQsUk3TXiPyXKXOrjOAN7vLHzXv/s1600/Radiant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqw98LLtBWYydVrSRZuAa5TaqntJardBgsM1aKXp_rZ70_ryV_3SMxtKbOvK3LwfbtdO1TyBi59y4nYfAn3K_0encdAQyDXPnezdSQ_zGlMhLED1dEfRQsUk3TXiPyXKXOrjOAN7vLHzXv/s320/Radiant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the
Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he
had spoken with the Lord.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">-Exodus 34:29<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">What I wouldn’t give</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">to have my face radiant</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">because I’ve been</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">talking to You!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">To be in such close</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">communication,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">to hear Your voice,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">the blending timbres</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">breathed upon my face,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">to feel Your heart strings</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">vibrating in my soul.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">And as I descend</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">from the mountain</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">the people all around</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">me hover in awe, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">for they have never seen</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">a light so gloriously</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">upon me, pouring out</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">through my pores,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">and their deductions</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">that I am touched</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">by You, that You</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">have spoken and </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">shattered all that </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">divided us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">“Surely this one</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">has been with the Lord,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">they’d cry.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">And Your hand</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">would reach out</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">to their aching hearts,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">lead them up to</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">where You wait and</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">reveal Yourself </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">in an exuberant</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">display of glory.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">When they return,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">our robes would match</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">and all our eyes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">would roam the dazzling</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">white light bouncing</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">from face to face,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">and I would respond,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">“You, too, have been</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif";">with God, and it is good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Prayer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Lord, how I long to see Your face. How I
long to be filled with Your radiance and stand as an example of Your glory
glowing through my life. May I be drawn to You so people see my heart and long
to know the lightness in their own. Amen.</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-87254965046261899932013-10-01T14:04:00.000-07:002013-10-01T14:04:20.219-07:00To Such As These<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb922AXsYPfI6MGDV8T9iHbi72IPYfL9opmGWV1x26ijnb6awV83Ea8XNeGnxrShrzvakh6kl4_Aepc_t45YSoqxFjDOXPR1i8JQtvxMHXk5SvIel4YUt8afqcbz8ZNsQWpn2RHXoPAKNi/s1600/To+Such+as+These+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb922AXsYPfI6MGDV8T9iHbi72IPYfL9opmGWV1x26ijnb6awV83Ea8XNeGnxrShrzvakh6kl4_Aepc_t45YSoqxFjDOXPR1i8JQtvxMHXk5SvIel4YUt8afqcbz8ZNsQWpn2RHXoPAKNi/s320/To+Such+as+These+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">But
Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me,
and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">-Luke
18:16<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">This is me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
have a name, but it is not easy to remember or pronounce and the person to whom
it is attached to holds no real value. Or so people tell me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">I am small. And the world
around me is so big.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There
are things I want. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">To be comforted in the black
pit of night. To raise my eyes and see sunlight streaming through my window,
instead of waking to a smudged scene as dim to my heart as to my sight. To know
if anything I do, any words I can stumble from my mouth, are worthy enough to
catch praise. For my father to take notice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For my mother to smile with her heart. But my
wants are met with a silence, cold and loud that speaks of my insignificance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
am afraid to lift my eyes and meet the ones I long to light with love. But they
look past me, a void between the brows, glazing as if I am not in the room. Or
they are full of lead and heaviness, a dark pool of pain that turns on me. They
are cruel. And all I can do is cower, hoping it won’t take long to extinguish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sometimes
my stomach trembles for days, feeding off itself because I don’t remember the
last time I had a meal. Or even a scrap to keep me scraping along. My tiny
belly bloats, and a tiredness takes root inside me that makes playing even seem
impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother wants to fill my
hunger. You can see it in her waning eyes. But there are so many mouths to
feed, and there is so little provision…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Maybe
one day the tasks I do will help. Maybe one day all the hours at the market,
begging with my flea-specked hands outstretched will bring a loaf of bread or
basket of fruit, something to sustain us and give us hope. Maybe one day my
arms will be strong and I can work the fields so my mother doesn’t have to.
Maybe my father will come back and care for me, like he once promised to do so
long ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
such a small heart, it sure sits heavy inside of me. I long to love and be
loved back. I have so much to give. I have a bright, wide smile that rejoices
in simple games and gentle gestures. If you were to slip your large, clean hand
into my small and dusty one, you would find our fingers fit perfectly together.
I’d like to crawl into your lap and delve into the depths of your care. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
want to be heard. I want to be seen. I want to be filled with an endless love,
grace poured out to me like the river I bathe in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Tonight, I’ll lay on the
floor in the corner of my mud-caked hut, chilled by the cool earth and sleep a
dreamless sleep. But it’s ok that I don’t dream. You get used to forgetting
what once gave you hope. What you once looked forward to. Tonight I’ll trust
that I survived another day. That I am alive. That has to count for something,
small as my life may be. And if I wake into another day, I will rise and wander
the streets again, looking for leftovers or tatters of clothes to sustain me and
my family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">This is me. This is my life.
Wanting to cling to someone who will look into my drooping eyes and tell me
that I am worth something. Anything. I just long for a little bit to believe
in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Help me believe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Prayer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Jesus, help the children. Help the little
ones who want, who wander lost, lonely and in despair. Help me to help heal
them, however big or small my role may be. For Your kingdom belongs to such as
these. Wrap them in Your comfort, let them feel the warmth of Your overflowing
love. Hold onto them tightly, Lord. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Every
day, thousands of children go to bed hungry, dirty, and afraid, full of
desperation and a lingering loneliness. They look at the crumbling world around
them, seeing no answers to the unasked questions they seek. Their families are
grasping to keep together, battling unemployment, depression, and starvation.
Sometimes, there is nowhere to sleep but on the ground, covered in dirt and
garbage and a saturated hopelessness. They go to sleep wishing for a chance to
survive, grow and live.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You
have the chance to help. Through Compassion International, you can feed and
clothe children, help them receive medical attention that can be deadly to them
though they are easily treatable, and give them an education that builds up
their hearts and heads to provide a new and hopeful life that they otherwise
might never know. You can change the plight of these children. You can
encourage them that their future is glowing brighter by the day. Whether it’s
sponsoring a child for a mere $38 a month, donating to medical treatment,
disaster relief or the unsponsored children, or offering to pray for their
hearts and homes, you will be making a significant difference in the life of a
child who lives in poverty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It
only takes one ripple to cause a tidal wave. It only takes one snowflake to
start an avalanche. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It
only takes one person to teach and live out the love of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Please,
consider changing the life of a child through Compassion International. What
you give comes back tenfold and the greatest blessing is the joy blooming in
you knowing a little boy or girl will have enough to eat, will be encouraged
that their life is beautiful and worth so much, and that they receive the love
of Christ to fully satisfy their craving heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Visit
www.compassion.com for more information and various ways you can help, or send
me a message. I’m more than happy to answer any questions you may have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God
bless you, and may you sincerely seek to help these broken, beautiful children.</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-40288746969682412552013-10-01T13:59:00.001-07:002013-10-01T13:59:58.034-07:00Good Morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aTZu2FLt_24UvSIrFEPQOB4CjMy4x2zUZvGln7CpOcPI0K1gI2rq-m3X1K0cEGekbfE8TRmS5e4Fp4DcOCMAGO42E1b78ji5EPq85M6ysZpOJViMhyphenhyphenb7E1wKcilY3kCCq1_oOIj92OHm/s1600/Good+Morning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aTZu2FLt_24UvSIrFEPQOB4CjMy4x2zUZvGln7CpOcPI0K1gI2rq-m3X1K0cEGekbfE8TRmS5e4Fp4DcOCMAGO42E1b78ji5EPq85M6ysZpOJViMhyphenhyphenb7E1wKcilY3kCCq1_oOIj92OHm/s320/Good+Morning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Let
the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in
You.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">-Psalm
143:8<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Good
morning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Did
you sleep well?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Are
you ready for another day?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Will
you spend it with Me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Listen
to those first quiet breaths as you linger in your bed. Feel the rise and fall
of your chest; your lungs giving you life. I want you to treasure today, to see
all of its potential. Because it’s brimming with untouched beauty, waiting for
your heart to explore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Can
you see the sunrise? Go, take a look out your window. Notice the colors? The
blushing pinks and laughing lavender? They reminded Me of your skin and the
softness of your smile, so I had to paint them in the sky in hopes you’d see
and be reminded of Me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You’re
going to stroll down into the kitchen, aren’t you? I can tell because of the
gleam in your eye that’s visualizing a fresh, strong cup of coffee. The song in
your soul is light as you take delight in your simple pleasure. And I’ll be
sitting in the chair next to yours, watching the way your lips curve to the cup
and the way you relish that first sip. You are beautiful when you are content.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
want to keep the sun on your face, use it as a spotlight to see your smile and
the glow of your countenance. I want to serenade you with the sky, gift you
with flowers from My garden. I want today to be your best day ever. I want you
to know that it is Me with the warmth in my heart at hearing the joy of your
voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
Love, be happy today. Let this morning lead you into peace and passion and the
hope that rises softly in your heart. You are precious, your life unfolding
like this early morning’s sweetness; dew upon your dreams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
hope You see me in all you do. I hope My heart is wrapped in yours. I hope that
you never forget Me. I just want you to love Me, and see how certain I am of
you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Savor
this morning, My Love. May it fill you with the delicate echoes of My
heartstrings tugging at yours and let you say that it is a good morning,
indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Prayer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Lord, thank You for this beautiful day
that You have created with me in mind. Thank You that You have woken me into
another chance to walk with You, to savor Your nearness and breathe in Your
beauty. Let me be reminded of Your presence and how deeply You love me. Amen.</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-89935191241702627422013-08-24T17:54:00.002-07:002013-08-24T17:54:16.911-07:00Satisfied<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLZ1AkfHbsf_GoZtb3DlBWxg0Y6YRQQZ5SSyXk6U15RMY-SJbNuq9nSa6jshDE7Vv60QzDY7jx3veLgqWC35uFzFKjiuabQGmdxTmlx2VuXAIr4gEPGJ8wt78GimUdTQZvhPU31Qer5xh/s1600/Satisfied.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLZ1AkfHbsf_GoZtb3DlBWxg0Y6YRQQZ5SSyXk6U15RMY-SJbNuq9nSa6jshDE7Vv60QzDY7jx3veLgqWC35uFzFKjiuabQGmdxTmlx2VuXAIr4gEPGJ8wt78GimUdTQZvhPU31Qer5xh/s320/Satisfied.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Satisfy
us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be
glad all our days.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">-Psalm
90:14<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Let
me ask you a question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Are
you satisfied?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You
may say you’re happy. Say you have plenty of friends, full nights and someone
to keep you warm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You
may say you’re content. Say you have enough food on your plate, a roof over
your head and a hard day’s work that keeps you going through the hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You
may say you’re doing what’s expected of you. Say you feel the right way, do the
right thing, and play the part that was written for you in the play of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You
want, you receive, you listen, you learn. You mark off a checklist of things
accomplished, adding to it with newfound fervor. You are driven by duty and
bound by blood to find the life you’ve always dreamed about. And when it never
surfaces, you settle for everything that sifts to the bottom of the barrel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You
are complacent and carried away by the shifting sands that stretch across your
heart and come to you in images of strength and truth yet fade in the
realization of a crumbling façade.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You
are all of the above.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But
are you satisfied?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That
settling in your heart that strikes your veins and trails your spine into your
core. The light the bursts inside because you know where your worth comes from.
And that deep rooted revelry that propels you each day because you know there’s
more ahead- beauty and love and endless joy and surprises. You crave it. All of
it. And deep down, you know what you need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To
be fully satisfied is to treasure the eternal moments boxed into the ordinary.
To sit in silence and feel the spring in your heart coil and launch into the
orbit of your soul. To feel the warmth of love, pure and real and reaching
across time and death to be ignited by your acceptance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Satisfaction
is in the truth of Christ, how He has taken your brokenness and pieced it whole
again. How His scarred hands hold your trembling ones, refusing to let go. And
how life is transformed because you are His.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Do
you have all that you desire? Is there still something scratching at your soul
after the lights are turned out and you’re remembering your day in the deep of
night?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Let
me ask you again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Are
you satisfied?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Prayer:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Lord, how I keep searching for things
that please me in the meantime, while my heart yearns for more. Help me to
truly look for You, to see what You have done and reach for Your outstretched
hand. Let me be satisfied in the only love that lasts, the only one that ever
completely fills up a lonely heart. Amen.</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-57067503753943764852013-08-24T17:49:00.001-07:002013-08-24T17:49:49.057-07:00Not to Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHynvXbosh3VeucDxeNNIVapnO-8EiUqk0NThly9SsPS6he_LTsal03LfsKrBHdVeWHwpUC6VVe481Coh8wFKmzljCv4q3djeQdjWJ-dfLCJb6U74byPgohdqHK-lVsXR-HbG_Mxb0GkC7/s1600/Not+to+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHynvXbosh3VeucDxeNNIVapnO-8EiUqk0NThly9SsPS6he_LTsal03LfsKrBHdVeWHwpUC6VVe481Coh8wFKmzljCv4q3djeQdjWJ-dfLCJb6U74byPgohdqHK-lVsXR-HbG_Mxb0GkC7/s320/Not+to+Me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Not to us, o Lord, not
to us</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">but to Your name be the
glory,</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">because of your love and
faithfulness.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-Psalm 115:1<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wipe the me from my heart,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">erase the selfish thoughts</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">hidden away in the </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">secret of my soul.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For no matter what I do,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">what I say, it is Your word</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">that guides me,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">not my own.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your star that burns</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">in the morning sky.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your voice that resounds</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">through the ages.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Not to me, Lord,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">not to me,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">but to You be all the</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">sweet and holy glory.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You have called me </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">from darkness into the</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">blinking light of Your love,</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">to proclaim to all </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Andalus","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">who honor belongs to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Prayer:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Lord, turn my eyes to You. Let my focus
be on what You would say or see or do, and let it be more of You that others
see, instead of me. Help me in my failings, and grow me in Your grace. Amen.</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475699487798734409.post-51764720017920562002013-08-24T17:46:00.001-07:002013-08-24T17:54:50.609-07:00Grow in Grace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgTv7QMx9__n7msEdHoF17l5YDNCIryyS0kcDEaLUKSmh8cfcf52raywpBvBb1nFOXXeksAaYZTVxacNo7VyI-Fu9XJqxwVWyhaO54X7n1aEO6oXDnrbIIXCWGPCKkGHrOEgkVwOPWpXb/s1600/Grow+in+Grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgTv7QMx9__n7msEdHoF17l5YDNCIryyS0kcDEaLUKSmh8cfcf52raywpBvBb1nFOXXeksAaYZTVxacNo7VyI-Fu9XJqxwVWyhaO54X7n1aEO6oXDnrbIIXCWGPCKkGHrOEgkVwOPWpXb/s320/Grow+in+Grace.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">But
grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">-2
Peter 3:18<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">If I could teach you how to
live, I’d plant a dream inside your heart and gently fold the earth around its
flesh. I’d water it with pools of laughter, sweet and coaxing in the secret of
your smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
it grows warm and wide and tender, I’d open up the seed that has sprouted from
the soil of your soul and lay it out before the sun, where a drop or two of
promises will climb into its core and take root in your veins. I’d watch your
hopes unfurl, delicate and dazzling and reaching to the sky to stretch your
newfound faith. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
you have found that fire, that sparkle in your eyes that bursts and blooms from
many sleepless hours under a pale, moonless night. Now, light has lain upon
your breast, sifted through the layers where your deepest inspiration danced to
find its melody. Now, the music rises, now the life has been unleashed outside
the walls in which you kept yourself imprisoned. In this star-studded symphony
you have grown into your waiting grace and gladness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You
live, a rich and ruby pulsing through the chambers of your garden, once small
and sorely tended, now big and bright and brimming and swims above the heights
that you have risen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Prayer: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Andalus","serif";">Lord, how You long to watch me grow, to
stir up my soil and see me stretch to new and nurturing heights. You have put a
song within me, and it waits for me to give it life. Let me grow in the love
you have for me, for the grace and peace and wisdom that can come from only
You. Amen.</span></div>
Dreamer12http://www.blogger.com/profile/08720743608755758870noreply@blogger.com0