Praising down

It is a cloudy mid December day
I'm thankful that temperatures have behaved in an unusual fashion
rising instead of falling down.

It would not be at all strange
to have many feet of snow drifted at my door
yet there are only flurries
scattering down slowly.

I continue to unwrap Advent
counting blessings with a heart overflowing
nights I am sheltered from cold
by a heated mattress pad
a down duvet
and the arms of a devoted husband.

I am living a life I would never have known
if everything I thought I believed
had not been turned upside down
by a God Who's love was so profound
He sacrificed heaven's throne
coming down to walk among us
teaching love with every step.

My heart bows down before Him
in worship, adoration, honour
due to Him alone

So come, let us worship: bow before him,

on your knees before God,

who made us!

Psalm 95:6 The Message

Joining Peter Pollock today where today's word is down

also unwrapping the gifts of the day with Emily

 

Unwrapped peace

Silence, stillness,
the fluttering wings of birds at feeders
seeking their winter provision.
Peace that comes
with the knowledge that I am back
exactly where God has rooted me
in this season of waiting
for what we know we have already received
for He Is here
Immanuel
God with us.

What gifts have you unwrapped today?  Come share at Emily's.

 

The moon was full

Sunday night
clouds cleared
the presence of the full moon
filled the yard
drifts of snow on glittering display
in the frozen chill.

Our eyes could see more
than they camera lens would capture
in the light
and the chill
of the moon
so full.

The magnificent spruce
that crowns our front yard
seems to have lost it's head
to the camera
when indeed branches reach up
almost high enough
to touch that same moon.

A reminder
that there is so much more
than what we think we can see
and the Lord we serve
continues to entreat us
"Look up. Look up and find Me."

After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” Revelation 4:1 NIV

Linking this morning to L.L. Barkat's Seedlings in Stone for On, In and Around Mondays

and Unwrapping this gift with Emily at Chatting at the Sky.

What His hand has done

Our favourite way to get to the city 2-1/2 hours away where we can find a variety of shops not available in our small town is to travel the main road through the National Park. Morning or evening, no matter the season, we never fail to see the beauty displayed there.

Snow covered ground
muffled the noise of traffic
speeding past
not taking the moment to savour
what open eyes could see.

How quick are we
to ignore the hand
that painted the frost
with such precision
on each twig
of each branch
of each limb
on every tree?

This day, we stopped, to capture just a glimpse, to praise not merely the creation, but He Who created, all for His pleasure.

Yes, it made the journey just a little bit slower, but richer and more joyful for the opportunity to worship and wonder.

And who do you think is the father of rain and dew, the mother of ice and frost? You don't for a minute imagine these marvels of weather just happen, do you? Job 38:29-30 The Message

L.L. Barkat hosts us as we write about place for On, In and Around Mondays. Find more at her blog Seedlings in Stone.

Also, stop by Emily's Chatting with the Sky and share what you're unwrapping today.

Tuesdays Unwrapped - Loving support

A word, a touch, a knowing glance, all these from the man who shares my life and knows me better than anyone else who walks the earth. He is the one who grounds me by reminding me to set my focus on the rock.

When I am scattered he helps me find my centre.

When I am battered by arrows flung by the enemy, he fights for me in prayer.

He makes me believe I can be better than I think I am.

Today I am unwrapping the gift of Rick, my beloved husband, the one who reminds me to breathe in the life Christ died to grant me. My prayer is that I offer him the same.

Stop by Emily's Chatting at the Sky to see what others are unwrapping today,

Tuesdays Unwrapped - Prayer

Today I am celebrating truths about prayer that my Father unwrapped for me this morning as I sat quietly with Him in my journaling time.

Thank you for covering your husband and friend as they worked on cutting trees - for you were praying almost without knowing, for that is how I made you.

Prayer need not be eloquent or comprised of many words - though I do enjoy the rhythms and pattern of your words when you allow My Spirit to grip you.

Prayer might be one word, no words, a hum, a breath, a tapping of fingers on the table. Prayer is a releasing, a surrender - a cry that you can't and I must. Prayer is a turning, turning from the world and fixing your eyes on Me.

My disciples asked "how then shall we pray" and I say unto you the very same - ask for the Kingdom and My will.

Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Luke 11:1-2 NKJV

Emily's back from her month of grace, so stop by Chatting at the Sky and share the gifts you've been unwrapping.

Tuesdays Unwrapped - All this

The last of the hot peppers have been sealed tight in salty vinegar water to heat our tongues some other day. Nothing from our harvest left to process but some carrots that want freezing, or shall I pickle some before the canner gets put away until next Fall?

I am rejoicing in the work that has been completed and the freedom from that work in the days to come. The season of gathering in is nearly over, the time of nesting soon upon us.

Because of where life was, I cherish ever more deeply where life is. The crunch of leaves underfoot, room to move, creatures that wander as they will on land they know as home.

And it is home to me as well, the exact spot where His hand settled me, with the man of His choosing.

My spirit breathes, my heart expands, and I pray I never lose this sense of awestruck wonder and gratitude.

For who am I Lord, that You would bless me with all this?

Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: "Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?"

1 Chronicles 17:16 NIV

Join Emily at Chatting at the Sky and share the gift that you're unwrapping today.

Tuesdays Unwrapped - Relief

I feel as if I've been away. There seems to have been a distance between myself and my life. Physical pain can do that, having the unusual ability to numb the mind even as the body screams. Thoughts become clouded, fuzzy and gray.

When the seasons change, many with chronic pain experience flare ups. We take our ability to move so very much for granted, until injury or inflamation hinders us.

Today I did again the simplest things. I prepared a casserole for tonight's dinner. I stripped the linens from our bed, replacing them with others crisp and clean. I smoothed corners and fluffed pillows, filled with both thanksgiving and praise

Who would imagine such tasks could create such an abundance of joy? I breathe in the relief like fresh air, relishing the moment of reconnection between mind and flesh, unpacking the deep truth that through it all, my spirit had remained free to fly unimpaired.

I rejoice in the promise we have been given by the One Who holds true to His Word:

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away Revelation 21:4 NKJV

What gift are you unwrapping today? Stop by Emily's Chatting at the Sky and share.

Tuesdays Unwrapped - Captured moment

click on image to enlarge

Last Tuesday I was blogging about laughter and refreshing and waterfalls of rain. The Lord had said:

Step into Me for a drenching.

For days the air had been heavy and humid, holding moisture that would not release. While I prayed that clear skies would continue over fields and crops that needed to be dry, I was also asking that our garden and flowers would get the rain they were thirsting for.

Ever faithful, later that same day, the Lord gave me a perfect unwrappable moment, to capture an image of His healing upon the petals of a lily, drops that quivered like silver, displaying His love.

While you stop by and visit Emily at Chatting at the Sky for more unwrapped gifts, will you also take a moment to pray in agreement with our farmers that God will bring the harvest He desires in this year of difficult weathers?

Tuesdays Unwrapped - Birthday Word from my Father

A gateway to a new year.

When Rick brought me my morning coffee I told him I was going to give myself a treat and stay in bed instead of following my usual discipline of moving to my special chair in the living room, opening my journal and spending time with my Lord. After all, it's my birthday and I thought I deserved to be lazy and sleep a bit more.

I'm glad that I listened to the prompting of the Holy Spirit instead of my flesh, and rising I took my place by the window with pen in hand.

Happy birthday, little one, for this is the anniversary of the day your earthly life began - a day and a life I had planned at a time before time - and you were brought forth for such a time as this.

Today is a day to know you are cherished - and though you will never again feel the arms of your father of flesh - you can always and ever run into My arms - and they are arms of love.

Take heart and be encouraged, child, for many things will take place that will surprise and amaze you - even so, why should My power surprise you? Do you not yet believe I Am the God of all possibilities?

What is your desire for the year ahead, little one? What would you wish to see in the days before you?

I want to learn more fully Lord, how to surrender who I believe myself to be, so that I might be a better reflection of Who You Are. I want a shower of cleansing to wash away the dirt of this world, the mud that the enemy flings at me; to step into a new level of holiness; to accept whatever call You choose for me, without complaint; to see with new spiritual eyes and hear your heart. I want to want more and more and more of You.

Child, you are choosing what is both the simplest and the most difficult way, indeed the way of the cross - where flesh dies and the spirit thrives.

Remember what you have asked for this day - for the One you have asked Is faithful.

Come on over to Emily's Chatting at the Sky where we unwrap moments that bless our hearts.

Surrender to the wind

I wasn't on the boat, but watching from the shoreline

longing for the freedom of release

a moment of letting go

to allow the Holy Spirit to fill my sails

and carry me

in the direction He chooses.

As the sail cannot direct the wind

but must surrender

so too must flesh, self, ego

give way to spirit.

Should the clay control

the hands of the potter?

“What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’ Isaiah 45:9 NLT

I want to rise each day

to die

that I might live

the filthy rags of self

exchanged
for the new that He offers

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Colossians 3:12-14 The Message

My flesh fights

as my spirit yearns

for less of me

and more of Him

to live the words

spoken by the beloved disciple

He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 NKJV

This was written in response to Bridget Chumbley's One Word At A Time Carnival - the prompt this week was "Ego" Come see what others have shared.

This time of fresh air and revelation was a special moment in my weekend so I am also sharing it at Emily's Chatting at the Sky - Tuesdays Unwrapped. Come visit and share your gift of moments.

Savouring His glory

I grasp the moments when I can

drink them in

like tasting wine

swish them around in my mouth

to savour hints of sweet, bitter, rich.

Seems like yesterday was Christmas

snow drifts, brittle cold

and tomorrow will be yet again.

But now...

Now in the mosquitos buzz

I allow the warmth of His sun

to invade my bones

as if it could be stored

for future use

my eyes absorbing

every lick of colour

to flash back against the starkest grays

of winter.

May my voice

join the chorus of the birds

in praise to the One

Who bestows these moments,

these gifts, priceless

for His pleasure.

You own the day, you own the night; you put stars and sun in place. You laid out the four corners of earth, shaped the seasons of summer and winter.

Psalm 74:16-17 The Message

Today I am linking my words of praise to Bridget Chumbley's One Word at a Time Carnival

and Emily at Chatting at the Sky's Tuesdays Unwrapped

Tuesdays Unwrapped - Moments shared

Today I am thanking the Lord again for knowing exactly the man that would fill my heart with joy. 

Together we share flurries of activity, seasons of spiritual warfare, and times of labour for the Lord.

But we are also able to share moments of stillness in the beauty of creation God has surrounded us with.  Today I am unwrapping the gift of faith that descends in the silence of His peace.

Come share the gifts that you're uncovering today at Chatting at the Sky.

Tuesdays Unwrapped - Hummingbirds

I cherish the ways that the Lord chooses to speak.  As I picked up my journal this morning I noticed the activity of the hummingbirds at the feeder we have hung outside the livingroom window.  Here's the journaling session that followed:

Another morning, another day, another chance to choose whether I will stumble about blindly in the dark or seek Your wisdom and revelation.

Yes, little one, I do allow you freedom in your choices.  My wish is to Be your desire - that you come to Me without force.  I will not manipulate, even when I can see you wasting time, energy and emotion following your own ways. 

I watch and I wait.  Sometimes I chuckle and shake My head - in the same fashion as you do when you watch the hummingbirds that come to drink the nectar you provide for them.  You laugh to see them using great quantities of energy, wings in constant motion, hovering, that they might drink.  And you know there is a perch that they might rest upon where they could stop their flapping and drink with ease.  But you can't tell them or show them, they must find it on their own. 

So too is it with the resting place I have for you in Me.  I cannot take you there, you must find it for yourself.  Yes, others may speak of it, teach of it, pray that the way is made clear, but each one must find it on their own, in their own time and manner.

You sing songs about preparing a resting place for Me - but never forget that that I Am the resting place for My people.

Pray, little one, for I have chosen you.  Pray that more will choose the way to My heart.  Yes, speak of Me.  Yes, teach of Me.  But pray, for I have made you righteous in My sight, and your fervant prayer accomplishes much more than you know.

The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with James 5:16b The Message

Do not forget the tenderness you feel for these tiny birds - such is My heart for you.  I provide you nourishment, shelter, rest and peace.  I Am the God of plenty, the God of more than enough.  But just like the birds, you so often fly off when others are near, letting your peace scatter.

Be still - be still and know.

Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!  Psalm 46:10 Amplified

There are great joys to be found in every moment.  Come share at Emily's Chatting at the Sky the gift you've unwrapped today.

Tuesdays Unwrapped - He Is

As I was thanking and praising the Lord with my journal in hand this morning, He poured out the following word.  Truly a gift meant for me to share.

And if the rains come?  Are you ready to continue to walk in faith?  Are you ready to believe Me on behalf of others - for the farmers you pray for and listen for?  Continue, child, to speak My words - over the harvest and over their hearts.

The enemy enjoys sitting back, watching you draw conclusions based on what you see in the natural - it takes little effort on his part then to drive you to despair. All he needs to do is distract your vision, turn your eyes from Me.  Stand fast and firm, little one, with your eyes and your heart fixed, yes, fixed on Me.

And I will move mountains or give you strength to climb them.

I will part the seas or give you power to swim.

I, Who can make water flow from a rock can bring forth a harvest from a desert or a swamp.

I may not deliver you from your circumstance but deliver you in that circumstance.  I may not remove obstacles but instead choose to give you victory over them.

Will you this day, allow Me to choose the manner in which I will provide My miracles?  For truly I tell you, every miracle is Mine, to glorify My name.

Do not pray for your miracle, watch for Mine.
And I will Be your Deliverer.
And I will Be your Healer.
And I will Be your Peace.
Come running to Me in the bright sunshine.
Come running to Me in the rain.
Sing as the birds sing, simply because I Am.

What are you unwrapping today?  Come share your gifts at Emily's Chatting at the Sky