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Tag Archives: devotion
I Cry
Usually, tears bring me to write. Something that touches my very core. Something that moves me. Something that triggers passion, or emotion – a memory, a thought, an image, or a prayer.
Lately, I’ve been silent. Silent in writing. My drive for writing once ignited with words and expression within the depth of my soul had to be released by putting pen to paper, fingers to keyboard, now nebulous and dim from what it once was.
I admit this year has brought about shock, uncertainties, and even dread. My tears flow. Lord, what has happened? God, what is happening?
America: land of the free and brave! Are you still among us?
I sang as a child:
America! America! God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
And:
This land is your land. This land is my land
From the California, to the New York Island
From the Redwood Forest, to the Gulf stream waters
This land was made for you and me.
Who can forget singing proudly in school with friends:
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father, brothers all are we …
Lord, I can’t speak for others. No one can walk in my shoes. I certainly cannot walk in their shoes, nor would I want to. We all have our own crosses to bear. But please lift this burden from off of us and lighten the load, I pray. You are a God who is able. But even if You chose not to make the pathway easier, or the roads brighter, then help us as individuals and help us as a nation to allow You to be God again in our lives, at home and abroad, and within our own families.
I chose You, Lord. Whether I understand things or not, whatever tomorrow may bring, I know that I need You more now than before — and that has not changed. Your Word says there is a season for everything under the sun. Although I am not liking the season we are in right now, I know that You’re not a God of confusion but of peace, for You are merciful and Your love never-ending.
Humility, respect, order, and compassion are all it takes. Heal us, oh, Lord. We are sick, we need a healer. Please heal our hearts. Please heal our land.
“It is the LORD who goes before you.
He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you.
Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Filed under America, Reflections From the Heart
I Did, and I’d Do It Again
His laughter lit up my shadows. His eyes were trusting, his voice soothing. He took my hand and led the way. We danced on through the night.
On April 6, 1994—three years after meeting my soul mate and best friend—we joined hands and hearts, locked eyes, repeated our vows before God, family, and friends, and announced, “I do.”
To my beloved husband:
If I never said that I was grateful to you, I say it now. Thank you for being my quiet strength, the voice of reason.
If I didn’t tell you that I loved you, I say it now. I love you with all my heart and can’t imagine my life without you.
Here’s to the rest of our lives.
Filed under Wedding Anniversary
Oil of Joy
What exactly is joy?
I’ve heard it said, “The world didn’t give it to you and the world can’t take it away.”
Joy: a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. At least that’s what I read online. Sounds good to me, but I know from experience that pleasure and happiness don’t last. Let’s face it, most of us look to others to please us. We look to others to make us happy, just as we look to things to make us happy and bring us pleasure. But if we’re honest, that in itself is fleeting, isn’t it? Before you know it, we’re needing another fix!
So, how is “joy” different?
The Bible teaches that the joy of the Lord is our strength. (Nehemiah 8:10b); I love that! But can one experience joy while going through everyday life with its many toils, twists, and turns? To be honest, during times of trauma, the thought of joy escapes me. I mean, I am not necessarily thinking about joy during these times.
So when I read my bible and am reminded that the joy of the Lord is my strength, this is what it means to me: It’s a joy unspeakable and full of glory!
I may not be able to explain it, put my finger on it, or even see it. But I know it’s there – I know it in my knower. (Bear with me please, I’m fully aware this isn’t “correct” English.) But I just know that I know. It’s not an “in your face” kind of thing. It’s not necessarily a giddiness. It’s not even a denial of difficulties. For me, it’s a reassurance that everything is going to be all right. I may not understand some things, even while having a meltdown, feeling sad, or grieving.
The pain is real. The battle is real. But so is the joy real. This joy is indescribable knowing that come hell or high water, I am safe and secure in my Heavenly Father’s arms (just like when I was a child in my earthly daddy’s arms). Even in the midst of pain and sorrow, here is where there’s strength and comfort. This joy floods the heart, it brings inner peace and strength even though everything else around may be chaotic.
I didn’t always know this or believe this way. But through my experiences, I’ve learned some things. Life happens. Happiness is fleeting. Pleasure is temporary. But the joy of the Lord is constant regardless of circumstances and situations.
Joy is the best makeup – Anne Lamott
Excuse me while I put some makeup on.
Have you experienced this joy?
Filed under Devotional, Isaiah 61:3
Reflections From the Heart 