what my spirit hears

can you hear

the sound of a mother’s tears or

the wail of a young wife left homeless

her husband newly dedicated to the ground?

can you hear

the stretch and strain of nations 

as they attempt to birth themselves

raging against the darkness?

can you hear

the flap of wings not fully formed

desperately unable to fly

breathing thunder

in a silent roar?

have you listened?

can you hear?

beauty here

there is beauty bursting forth

contrast of colour

against red dirt

weaver birds blazing 

yellow feathers and blue bills

jacaranda trees stretch 

lavender blooms against the sky

and the frangipani opening fresh

dripping sweetness

there is beauty bursting forth

here, and something new

being birthed

in our hearts

 

Birthday word

I took my hot coffee to what I call my "Jesus chair" with anticipation this morning, opening my journal to wait for what He would share with me, on this my fifty-fifth birthday.  I knew that I would be receiving words of blessings from friends near and far, but I wanted to receive His words first.

Fifty-five years have you wandered in this world, child, and none of them out of My sight.  When you did not know Me, I knew you, watched you, waited for you.

My Father formed you to belong to Me and what a blessed homecoming it was when you turned and saw Me at last and I was free to gather you in.

It was then, little one, that I imparted My heart in you.  A heart that bled and still bleeds for those who are lost.

I have given you eyes to see pain - take it as a gift to be used for My glory.

There will yet be a greater scattering, and your heart will break with mine.

But, We will gather.  This is what you were created for, to love Me, know Me, speak of Me and love as I love.

Fifty-five years are but a flash when eternity waits.  Take these moments.  Love well.

On this, your birthday, I and My Father and My Spirit agree as One:

"This is good.  Yes, good indeed."

Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.
Genesis 1:31a NKJV

Expectation

Today the hope of Spring floats warm on the breeze as I take time to taste time.  Days have lengthened and the light so tangible that the clouds, though gray, seem somehow less substantial.

So is the light that dwells in me, seeds ready to burst and bring forth new life.  I do not know the shape or size or sound, but surely something of Him is being born.  Not without stretching, pain, the rupturing of old beliefs will the new thing arrive.  Not without trial, trembling, thoughts of turning away will it come gasping fresh into the light.

I have surrendered my heart, my spirit, to be womb for His creative work.  I water with prayer, soak in His Word, and swell with the expectation of joy.

Join Emily for more words imperfect but redeemed.

Time to bring forth

Image by Monica and Joe via Flickr
My time of journaling this morning leaves me trembling in holy fear and expectation (one of my words for 2011).

The ways of My Spirit cannot be understood with human reason.  Hold what I show you until the Spirit reveals its truth, even if no one else can see.

You dreamed yet again of being in late stages of pregnancy, at the hospital ,ready for delivery.  You were trying to explain to the nurse why you were so old.

And truly I tell you, the moment is here and your dream has twofold meaning.

It is indeed time for you to be delivered from any and all fear of man and the ways of man.  You are ready for delivery, there is no need to explain why or how or apologize - it is My timing. always My timing.

The second meaning is the birthing - for indeed you are carrying what I have conceived and it is time to bring it forth.

Yes, this is the novel We are writing - yet perhaps there are non-identical twins, for there is also something to be born in the Spirit, something you do not yet know but will recognize when you see it, when it takes its first breaths and begins to grow on its own.  You are a carrier of this new thing for you have been willing to be used, just as Mary was.

Do not be afraid, little one, as the birth pains continue - all is well and I will always be with you.

And I replied:

Yes, Lord, I am Your servant, may it be unto me as You have said.  Have Your way Lord.

Will you stand with me in prayer as I submit and obey and allow His work to be accomplished?