I Love the Reign (revisited)

It started when the sun took its rest beyond the trees

That perfect, random rhythm on the roof that makes you stop and listen

You know it's nothing you've created - it's the work of the Lord

It's out of your control.

I've waited all day for the gentle song of peace that now feeds my soul.

I've spent a restless, uneasy day - shifting moods and stumbling around with the clouds

As if switching unsteady dance partners in a darkened room

But then, I hear the voice in the rain:

"Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations.

I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10) NIV

He brings the sun and the stars, and the wind that grows my strength

It's the work of the Lord - it's out of my control

He gives vision to see more clearly the blessings that surround me

He brings the dark when the day is done that I may take refuge in Him

And he brings the sweet song of rain on my roof that I may simply stop....and remember

It's His reigning power over my life and my home that comforts me

It's the work of the Lord...and I'm so glad He is in control.

"And he who searches our hearts knows the mind

of the spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's

people in accordance with the will of God.

And we know that in all things God works for the

good of those who love him, who have been called

according to his purpose." (Romans 8:27-28) NIV

Oh, To Be Refinished...

I remember the day my father-in-law brought it. He made the 6-hour trek down to our house and delivered my beautiful buffet; a cabinet from around the ‘40s in well-loved condition though bearing a few “wrinkles” here and there, just like the rest of us. He and my husband wrestled with it through the door and settled it in front of the living room window. I immediately thought of how I’d decorate it for the holidays and how pretty plants, candles and family photos would look displayed across the top.

It’s become more worn since then. A few more signs of life have marred the surface and a couple drawer handles are now broken. I’ve thought about refinishing it, but quickly shy away from the work involved. I considered maybe just adding a layer across what’s been done before, but why do a restoration job half way? When such a thing is meant to fool the eye, we’re only fooling ourselves….right?

I, for one, would never want to be refinished half way.

It only produces a dull surface to add layer upon layer in an attempt to get the full results. It takes the strength of the Lord to get to the heart, to peel back those layers and expose the true wood grain that lies beneath with its natural beauty and character. It takes the complete stripping away of failed attempts made over the years to receive the perfect work of God’s “refinishing,”

He doesn’t just add one more layer upon our failed workmanship.

There are no shortcuts to the process when we’ve set our minds to be fully restored in Him. I’m so thankful today for the God who doesn’t shy away from the work involved….aren’t you?

Lord Jesus,

Hear the hearts of those who wish to be fully surrendered to your workmanship. Refine and bring beauty to all who are seeking the perfect work of your mighty hand that we may bring glory to you and be a blessing to others in Your name.

Amen

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10

As We Go Along...

My husband bought me an awesome camera for Christmas. I love it! It does amazing stuff…..I think :/ I’ve taken a few pictures with it, but I confess it’s a little confusing.

So, I took a few minutes to sit down and actually check out the instructions (duh?). Easier said than done. The print is so small, or maybe it was bad lighting….or my eyes are getting old. Either way, I got frustrated and decided I’d have to just figure it out as I go along.

Funny thing about that way of thinking. Making the decision to figure things out as they come sort of obligates us to accept the easy along with the difficult; the trials AND the triumphs.

In a sense, it’s kind of like becoming a Christian. We have this brand new and wonderful thing in front of us. We know it will bless us and change our lives…maybe even change the lives of others…but the “user’s manual” definitely takes some studying to understand all that it’s capable of doing, as well as just how to use it! So, in faith, we say, ‘Ok, I’ve made this decision to follow you, Lord, to trust in you for all things and to walk in your ways. I don’t have it all figured out, but I want to 'use it anyway' (just like using my brand new camera). And when I stumble and make mistakes, maybe get things a little ‘out of focus,’ I can go back to the manual, figure out what I did wrong and make it right again.”

The blessing can only come about when we study the Word and learn all we can about the indescribable gift of knowing Jesus. If we go about it blindly, using the gift with limited knowledge and never bother exploring its full capabilities, we miss out on the true blessing…..sort of like clicking pictures in the dark without a flash.

Cleaning out the Corners

We’ve had such beautiful weather here in California. Seems strange to go through the holiday season with temps in the 70s, but I’ll take it.

In fact, the warm sun and singing birds drew me out to my favorite room in the house over the New Year’s weekend…my back patio. My pond is there with the little waterfall and goldfish. My comfy whicker settee gives me a great view of the garden and chickens that scratch around in the coop. From there I watch the dogs (and sometimes husband and kids) at play on the lawn and sip iced tea on warm afternoons.

I decided to tidy things up a bit so I set to work on the pond; out with the murky water, in with the new. I moved plants around, swept and watered until I was a dirty, sweaty mess….and thoroughly enjoying every minute of it.

There’s something spiritually cleansing when we dig in and give attention to the little things, don’t you think? It sets the mind at peace when we move away the debris, sweep out the hidden corners and address the thorough cleaning that needs to be done.

It makes me think of all the “corners” of my life that could use some attention; all the relationships that could use a little sprucing up.

Convicting? Yes.

Hard work? Yes.

Impossible?

No.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
(Philippians 4:13)

And looking at them Jesus said to them, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
(Matthew 19:26)

Lord Jesus,

I pray for the reader of these words. I ask that you help guide her to the corners; those hidden away places that require the very light of your love and mercy, for it’s in the darkest corners where you shine the brightest. As we each arm ourselves with the power of your Word, may you strengthen us all to go boldly into each situation we face. In Jesus’ Name…Amen

In the Forefront

It was time to change out the old screen saver; the one with the Christmas tree loaded with gifts, the cozy fire, the candle light and the cookies and milk on the coffee table.

The season has passed and the year ahead looks bright.

So I browsed through my photo selection on my computer to find the one which best defines my current state of mind.

Too early for light and airy spring-type stuff with our rainy season just around the corner.

Not really in the mood for the deep and abstract.

Animal pics? Nah.

Hey! The coffee cup and Bible – that’s it! I’m all about a great cup of coffee, especially when paired with the Word of God.

But wait…the coffee cup is in the forefront and the Bible is blurred out behind it.

What does this really mean? Does one screen-saver photo really matter all that much when the Lord knows my heart better than anyone?

The picture’s cute, but I wanted to reverse it – put the Bible in front and blur out the coffee cup.

Hmmm…how many times have I done this very thing in real life?

How many times have I sat down and opened a dusty Bible searching for the answers when it suits me? Seeking to be fed and deciding when to be led down the divine path? When I’ve fallen into that rut of exhausting all other resources FIRST only to finally flop down as if to say, “OK, Lord. I’ve done all I can with this – now it’s your turn!”

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

(Matthew 6:33) NIV

We’ve all heard it before: “God doesn’t want our leftovers.” But isn’t that exactly what we’re doing if we’re living with other things in the forefront and in clear view keeping God’s Word just out of reach to be used as a last resort?

I have to ask myself: what am I putting in the forefront today? There is nothing bigger or more important than the Word of God except God himself. But is that how I’m living?

Is that HOW you’re living?

"Glory to God in the highest..."

8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid.

10And the angel said unto them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!"

(Luke 2:8-14) KJV

Wishing you the indescribable peace of Christ. May he forever dwell in your heart. Many blessings, Debbie

What I Really Signed Up for 23 Years Ago

It’s been 23 years since I agreed to unconditionally love, honor, cherish and yes, obey my husband. We’ve come a long way since our "deep-fried days" before I learned to cook. Wow – 23 years! Who really knows what you’re signing up for when you’re young and in love? In reality, I should have said, “I vow to…”

· look for something cute about the way you snore and keep me awake

· keep your sock drawer full (most of the time)

· listen to you “practice” your trumpet each day at the stroke of 7:30am

· keep your dinner warm until you stumble in late from work

· smile from the inside out when you play guitar and sing mariachi songs…to the dogs

· not complain when you leave the toilet seat up and I find out the hard way at 2am

· learn to pack a travel bag for your 5-day business trips at a moment’s notice

· be your partner through life’s rainy days…and walk with you in the sun

· appreciate your drive and ambition

· appreciate your passion

· appreciate your heart

· learn when to hold back…and when to let go

I agreed to compromise, overcome, accept and adapt, to understand, to forgive, to see straight through to the heart of the man my God and savior chose for me – and to be truly thankful for him. I agreed to grow old and gray together with my best friend, to trust and believe in forever.

Still looking forward to spending my forever with you, Matthew. I love you and thank God for you always. Happy Anniversary!