Coffee with Billy Coffey and a Giveaway

For the three people 

tortured by their secret complicity 

in a young man's untimely death, 

redemption is what they most long for . . . 

and the last thing they expect to receive.

so begins the description on the back cover of Billy Coffey's latest novel The Devil Walks in Mattingly.

Billy has once again graced me with the opportunity to ask him a few questions about this new story and his work in general.  Pour yourself a cup of coffee or your favourite beverage and sit a spell with us. Don't leave too quickly, there's a giveaway brewing at the end of our chat.

Billy, I appreciate that you're willing to take a few minutes to once again talk about your work as your latest book launches.  I think I'll mix it up today, asking some deep and some more trivial questions.

Do you have more than one novel in progress at the same time, one getting captured on paper and others percolating in the background?

I do. I’m always looking for a story. I’m neurotic enough that I’m afraid those ideas will dry up sooner or later, so I like to keep a thick stack of them. I try to plan Novel B while I’m writing Novel A. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always work out the way I’d like it to.

Do you know as you begin a new work that you will need more than one novel to tell the tale?

I think there are two things going on with all of my books. There’s that single story, and then there is some mysterious overall arc that’s going on in this little Virginia town where all of these stories take place. I have no idea what that overall story is yet, but I’m hoping I will eventually.

The Devil Walks in Mattingly feels like your deepest and darkest book to date.  Did this story haunt you more as you brought it to life?

There were aspects of it that got into my head a little. Taylor’s character certainly did. Not so much because he did such awful things (which is certainly true), but that he did those awful things because of the deep pain inside him. I wanted him to be truly frightening at the beginning of the book, and truly pitied at the end.

What do you have sitting on your desk while you write besides coffee?

So much stuff. Books, papers, pictures. I have an old tomahawk head that was found in a cornfield near my house. A small bust of Leonardo da Vinci. And plenty of pens.

What tools do you use, paper and pen, keyboard or both?

It’s always paper and pen at first. I can write faster with a keyboard, but faster isn't always better. I have a Waterman fountain pen that I've used for a long while now. It’s my favorite thing. I’ll usually write a chapter longhand, type it into my computer, print it out, and then go line by line with a pen again.

The people of Mattingly all seemed quick to accept blame.  Do you agree that it is harder to accept credit for positive things?

It’s certainly true for me. There’s a fine line between carrying a sense of responsibility and being burdened by a sense of blame. There are people who believe themselves perfect and people who believe themselves horrible, and there’s little middle ground. Trying to find that balance that says yes, we’re flawed, and yes, we’re wonderfully made, can be tough. But it’s necessary.

Can we expect to read more about Jake, Kate and Zach in future novels?

The Barnett family is slowly becoming central to a lot of these stories, especially Jake. As sheriff, he’s more often than not the man standing between the town and all this darkness. You’ll see all three of them in the next novel, especially Zach. You’ll see Allie Granderson from When Mockingbirds Sing in that one, too. It’s called In the Heart of the Dark Wood, and it’ll be out this November.

Thanks for sharing your visions with us in such wondrous ways Billy. You leave us richer for the reading.

Thomas Nelson Publishers has been kind enough to make a copy of The Devil Walks in Mattingly available for me to give away to one lucky reader.  All you need to do is:

leave a comment below telling me your favourite hot beverage (helps me think warm thoughts in the middle of this, our extended Canadian winter) and you'll be entered into a random drawing. 

To earn extra entries, share this via Facebook, or Twitter or Google+ then come back and leave me another comment for each shout-out.

Keep watching here. Winner will be announced Monday when I post my review of this wonderful story!

 

sharp edges

cold leaves me

brittle, too close 

to the edge of 

breaking, when what I

seek is unity

wholeness, to be 

a welcoming place

not these fractures

splintered, sharp to the

touch, come near and 

you leave bleeding

if I claim

innocence, lack of

foul intent, the flow

of pain continues

unhindered, hot

and raw

so let me own this

and ask you now

for grace, forgiveness

patience, that you wait

with me for warmer days

hanging out at the pub with the poets
 

giving no power to darkness

I had more than four decades behind me

before I came to faith, forty-three years

of directing my own story

comedy, tragedy, horror film

I laughed at the idea of sin, hell

didn't worry me, I joked

at least there I would finally be

warm

my dive into Jesus was fast

hard and deep

total submersion, much like baptism

even before I took that step 

of public declaration

acknowledgement of my filth

and forgiveness of the same

walked hand in hand

the exchange of my wretchedness

for His righteousness

a transaction solid and complete

abundant grace

that still brings me to tears

not because of who I was, or am

or will be, but only because

of Who He Is

nothing I can do to make myself better

but surrender to what He has

already done

so I need not think long about sin

I need not give too much power 

to the darkness, no

I won't deny His sacrifice

I instead choose freedom

choose light, choose life

But in our time something new has been added. What Moses and the prophets witnessed to all those years has happened. The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ. Romans 3:21-24 The Message

joining Diana who asks What’s with all this talk about 'sin?'

 

Beyond Ordinary by Justin & Trisha Davis

I believe strong and healthy marriages are God's plan and desire.  I am also wise enough to know that there are many forces working against that goal.  I am always interested in stories of those who have fought to create and sustain their marriages so I was thrilled to be asked to read and review Beyond Ordinary by Justin and Tricia Davis.

In the publisher's website product details of this new book I read:

The biggest threat to any marriage isn’t infidelity or miscommunication. The greatest enemy is ordinary.

The authors share how they had begun to settle for ordinary and the damage that ensued.  I wonder how many of us run from the hard times instead of stepping fully into them and fighting for the dreams God has planted in our hearts and spirits, dreams for true intimacy, to know and be fully known.  We give up when we stop feeling like we are on the mountain tops, but as Justin and Tricia teach us:

it is often in the valleys that God meets us and sets us up for extraordinary

Do you desire to live a covenant marriage instead of simply fulfilling a contract?  Do you want to walk in forgiveness and acceptance?  Don't miss this chance to learn from the road these two lovers trod.  Read this with your spouse, praying as you work your way from ordinary to the marriage God knows you can experience.


Read more at RefineUs, the ministry site for Justin & Tricia

To learn about more great books visit Tyndale's website.

I received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.
 

I'll take His much

There is much that I have learned but more still left unknown
much I have held on to that I need to release into hands that can do much more than mine

Here are the words the Lord shared with me this morning:

Would you take things out of My hands into yours?
You who still must learn of consequences
while I know the end of things before the beginning
I know the reason for every bend in the road
for every break
for every pain
When all is black to you
still I see
Can you surrender to My knowing
even when you do not?
Can you open your hands
and let go?

I will take His much in exchange for anything this world can offer
much forgiveness, much grace, much love
all this and so much more waits for those who choose to live in Him.

And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts! 2 Corinthians 3:11 NIV





Joining Peter and the rest today talking about much


 

Can I forgive sharp teeth?

This weeks poster is a familiar movie monster.  I like what People of the Second Chance had to say:

Jaws represents the unprovoked attack. The terrifying unknown, preceded by reputation and worst-case scenarios.

And they asked:

So what do you believe? Do you have a shark in your life? Have you forgiven them?

I had to think for a bit to remember the "jaws" in my life.  This lack of immediate memory helps me see how far I have come from the shock, pain and trauma.

I was thirty years old and seven years into a job at a major university.  I had started as an hourly paid accounting clerk, receiving praise and promotions on a regular basis.  Whatever work was thrown at me I handled with skill and accuracy, until I found myself moved into a salaried, more professional position as an admistrative assistant and office manager.  I believed that I had good relationships with those who worked for me as well as those I reported to.  The work was surely less than exciting, but the pay continued to increase.  I put my time in while filling my nights and weekends with friends, drinks, music and other less than positive habits.

I had just been notified of another promotion and raise when I found myself summoned to the director's office.  Seated around the desk were the director and assistant director of personnel for the entire university.  I assumed the meeting was about an issue with one of my staff members.  I felt a sudden and intense flush of heat overcome me as I listened to voices informing me that I was being put on suspension for an unknown period of time while they began to investigate a claim of sexual harrassment filed by a male employee who had quit a month prior.  Not only was this totally untrue, but when he had quit he said he didn't really want to leave, but he had found a better paying job. I was told to leave immediately and not to make contact with anyone I worked with.  The shark had bit, I left bleeding.

The days ahead included tears, anxiety and confusion.  I actually believe the charges were fabricated as an excuse to force me into resigning.  I never really knew what happened, and unless God chooses to reveal the scenario to me, I will never know.  Life had to move on.

Years later, after circumstances that led to my encounter and surrender to Jesus I have come to realize that God used the situation to shake up my life in ways I never would have done on my own.  I have been able to truly forgive all those involved, in much the same way that Joseph forgave his brothers:

Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people
Genesis 50:20 The Message

The sharks, like all God's creatures are never beyond forgiveness.

Visit People of the Second Chance to read more about Jaws

 

Corrupt - but aren't we all?

Lies.  Corruption. Lack of repentance.
This could be a great time to throw stones.
Let's not.
Remember what Jesus said:

They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”  John 8:7 NLT

I now dwell happily in the Canadian prairies, but the majority of my life was spent in the Chicago metro area.  Political corruption wasn't an exception, it was the norm.  Yet each one that pointed a finger also condemned himself.

If one is beyond forgiveness then the same is true of all.  Instead of counting sins, why not look at the ways God can and will be glorified as grace flows and redemption arises!

All that passing laws against sin did was produce more lawbreakers. But sin didn't, and doesn't, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it's sin versus grace, grace wins hands down Romans 5:20 The Message
 
Living loud what my heart believes with others at People of the Second Chance

Loving the wounded and the wounders

Week piles onto week in the Never Beyond series.
With each new poster, God exposes a bit more of the darkness in my heart.
I continue to pray as David prayed:

Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  Psalm 139:23-24 Amplified

I am not proud with what has been exposed in me; doubt, anger, fear.

This week, we look at people who lived lives in God's service.  It would take too long to list those that they wounded; young children, parents, the innocent;  believers who placed their trust in those they thought God had chosen to lead them, then found they could not trust in God Himself.

A defensive spirit rises up in me spewing ugly words, "how dare they misrepresent our loving Father?" as if the Lord needed me to defend Him.

As I wait, in stillness, convicted by my own judgements, I hear His voice.

I love the wounded.  I also love those that inflict the wounds.
There is no wound so deep that I cannot heal.
There is no inflicter of wounds too far from the reach of My grace.
Go and live likewise.

Joining with others at People of the Second Chance, learning to walk in outrageous grace.

Who built the pedestal?

There is something in our nature that tends to elevate others above ourselves.  We build platforms, pedestals and altars for those we deem worthy of more than average praise.

Celebrities of all sorts, from musicians to actors to writers to ministry leaders are lifted up to where the air is thin as we circle around them in a sort of frenzied adoration.  The higher we raise them, the more room there is for them to fall.

As they lie bleeding and scrambling on the ground, do we offer a hand up?  Or do we snort and sneer and mutter "Just who did you think you were anyway?"

It is not for me to judge the intentions of Mel Gibson's heart, that job is God's alone.  Perhaps we would be well served to ask God for His opinion.  After all, we serve a God who called King David a man after His own heart, this, after David swan dived big-time.

I pray that hearts are open when viewing the new works of Mr. Gibson, that we do not count his errors against him because he couldn't sustain life is his high spot of elevation.  Before we judge his fall, let's ask ourselves, "who built the pedestal?"

Stop by here to read what others have shared and perhaps raise your own voice for Second Chances

Can I draw the line here?

I am scared of this poster.
There is a terror that rises deep within.
I am not afraid of being harmed by the KKK, I am white, favoured, safe.
What haunts me is a fear that I could very easily draw a line here.
I could shake my head and my fists and shout
"Enough of this grace stuff.  How can anyone forgive such hate?"

And once that line is drawn, who else would I place on the other side?
How high up on the ladder of judgement would I climb?
How many would I add to the list of those beyond forgiveness?

Yes, the KKK was/is a movement of hatred.
If I counter hate with hate then I join their ranks.

Lord, my flesh squirms, recoils and wants to deny the very thing You died for.
Help me extend forgiveness.
Help me walk immersed in radical grace.
Help me counter hate with love.

I am not beyond a second chance.
You, who are reading these words, are not beyond a second chance.
May we walk in this world believing the same of everyone.

At People of the Second Chance we are raising  our voices for second chances, to overthrow judgement and liberate love. Will you join us? 

Beyond another chance?

This week's poster depicts Mike Tyson.  I am not a fan of boxing so I admit to not knowing much good about Mike, all I ever heard about was the outrageous behaviors, the hurting, the biting....

I know nothing about his childhood, his upbringing, how much hurt he may have walked through and carried with him.  I don't even know if he knew Jesus.

I do know that hurt animals lash out, spewing forth from deep wells of pain.  Our Lord gave Himself to take that pain away, not just for those we think of as "good" but for each.one.of.us.

People of the Second Chance ask us to raise our voices for second chances, to overthrow judgement and liberate love.  Will you join us?

Is anyone beyond forgiveness?

The Lord continues to move my heart with the things that touch His as He works with His chisel to form and reform me.  I believe it is by His design (for there truly are no consequences) that I was drawn to People of the Second Chance a collection of those who want to move in the kind of grace our Lord walked in, people who know what it is like to be forgiven and redeemed.

I am both blessed and challenged to be a part of promoting the Never Beyond Poster Series:

We all have people we would and wouldn’t give a second chance — lines drawn and beliefs formed about who we could forgive. 

We will be sharing 25 posters representing well known historical, current and fictional characters who are believed to have harmed society. This campaign consists of digital and print posters and the full collection will eventually be displayed as a touring art exhibit.  

The campaign draws out themes of forgiveness, grace and what a pathway to a second chance looks like.

The images may at times seem a bit vague.  This is by design, for the faces could just as well be yours, or mine.  Haven't we all needed a second, or third, or 1,000 chance?  While we ask for forgiveness for ourselves we often withhold it from those we deem beyond redemption.  I pray that through the coming weeks we will be able to see through the eyes of Christ and allow His heart to pulse deep in our spirits.

This week, the kick-off poster is of Casey Anthony.  People were outraged that she was not given the punishment many felt that she deserved when she was indeed given a second chance.

Before joining in the cries for revenge, stop for a moment and ponder -- have you received the punishment you deserve for your sins?

I pray that many of you have set down the stones you meant to throw.

I'll be back next Tuesday with thoughts on the next poster.

For this very moment

Image by Scott Schram via Flickr

Yeserday's message began with the reading of Colossians 1:15-20 -

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:15-20 NIV

but there was one modification from the NIV text.  The pastor replaced pronouns to use the correct proper name - Jesus.

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Jesus all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Jesus and for Jesus. Jesus is before all things, and in Jesus all things hold together. And Jesus is the head of the body, the church; Jesus is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything Jesus might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in Jesus, and through Jesus to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through Jesus blood, shed on the cross.

The sound of Jesus name repeated over and over again dripped joy into my spirit.  Jesus is not just any other "he" or "him".  Jesus is the first, the One Who went before us, comes beside us, and calls us to abide.

In Jesus all things hold together and I recall how before I surrendered my heart, things in my life would regularly fly apart.  Jesus, His Father, His Holy Spirit, the blessed Triune God, knows all things, sees all things and uses all things to mold us, perfect us and continually transform us more into His own image.

There were words spoken about reconciliation and forgiveness, as it was a communion Sunday.  The pastor shared that every person that you have ever, or will ever need to forgive was placed in your life to teach you more about forgiveness. 

Whoooosh........ it was like a cleansing wind blew through the room.

I sat silent in His presence in the pew, allowing my mind and heart soak in the truth that my spirit was hearing from His Spirit:

Everything that has every happened in your life up until this very moment was to prepare you for this very moment.  The same is true for every moment that is to come.

With a grateful heart I shared in partaking of the body and blood of Jesus, knowing that I am safe and loved in His care.  His desire is for you to know that same peace.  Give Him a few minutes, even now, to speak life and truth into your life.

Stop by Melissa's to see what others have picked up on Sunday to use on Monday

Priceless

It cannot be wrapped
this gift
beyond price

best served fresh
with no invoice
or strings

stronger than steel
intricate and fragile
as spider lace

both vast
and intimate
enfolding and releasing

treasure most precious
whether given
or recieved

freedom, mercy, peace
braided
God breathed

Spirit sealed
holy offering
forgiving and forgiven

Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.  Luke 6:37-38 NLT

I am triple dipping with this post today  - linking to the following:

Stop by Peter Pollock's to read more on Treasure

Visit One Stop Poetry for more Wednesday One Shot poems

Submitting this to the next High Calling Blogs Random Acts of Poetry on Forgiveness

Who Is my Shelter by Neta Jackson

Who Is My Shelter by Neta Jackson tells a captivating tale.  Gabby Fairbanks has seen the life she thought she knew throw a few curves at her.  She is busy with the first residents of House of Hope, an apartment complex for homeless women and their children, finding meaning and satisfaction in her work.  There are many more twists in the road ahead. The husband who cast her aside, leaving her homeless suddenly asks for her forgiveness, leaving Gabby with more decisions than she can handle on her own, wondering if she truly can forgive and trust again.  She learns to turn to the only place truth can be found, the arms of God.

I enjoyed meeting the various characters in this, the forth book in a series of House of Hope novels.   Because I hadn't read the first three, I was worried I would feel left behind, unable to connect the dots, but I found myself able to jump right into the story with enough background information scattered throughout.  The author moves easily from one character's situation to another, weaving pieces together in ways only God could arrange.  I look forward to reading the next book, anxious to learn what happens next in the lives of these people I have come to know.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

 

Crushed to renewed

We walk as ones created to be perfect
through a world that suffers from the fall of our perfection
banging into one another
in ways intended or accidental
leaving bruises, cuts
wounds that leak bitterness, anger, fear.
Hearts once fresh, open and pliable
all at once, or little by little
become brittle, crushed, diminished.

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven  Luke 6:37 NIV

Believing the words of the Son
we strive to be pleasing
to the Father
as we forgive
in all the feeble ways
our flesh allows.

We open again
our crumpled hearts
smooth out the creases
mend the holes, the torn places
yet wrinkles remain
memory triggers cast shadows.

Why do we hold on
trying and trying again
when He promises
in His great love
not patched up, beaten hearts
but scars forgotten
renewed by His Spirit
total restoration.

Take all this then, Lord
that I have attempted to fix
by my own hands
it leaves an empty space
You best know how to fill.




Jamming with Bonnie and talking about forgiveness as we conclude a month of unwrapping love




Stop by Emily's as we share imperfect words

Only because...

Not because of who I was, who I am, or who I will become.

Only because of Who He Was, Who He Is, and Who He Will Be forever.

I was nothing more than dust, rags,

dirty fragments

made whole and holy

by a single drop of blood.

How then could I now be silent?

How can I not speak of His amazing love?

I am compelled by grace.

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—

Colossians 1:19-22 NIV

Stop by Bridget Chumbley's to read other views on reconciliation.

One Word Carnival - Condemnation

I stand accused
in my own eyes
projecting guilt
into the minds of others.

Perhaps they do judge me
more likely they are
busy, as am I
in self-critique.

In this
I find I am in opposition
to the very One
Whom I adore.

I am, we are
as the woman caught
to whom He extended His love

When Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you? She answered, No one, Lord! And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more. John 8:10-11 Amplified

Shall I then
continue
to deny such grace?

Shall I reduce
to nothing
His sacrifice?
Or perhaps add
yet another nail
to His cross?

No, let not
my own tears
wash away
the blood
He shed to cover me.

Not lost, but found.
Not bound, but free.





Join Bridget's Carnival for more words about Condemnation

Altar of Incense - a Magpie Tale

As I looked upon this bottle of fragrance, I was reminded of a journey I took through the outer courts, inner court and into the holy of holies to meet with my Lord.

I presented myself before each piece of tabernacle furniture –

in the Outer court:
brazen altar = cross
brazen laver = God’s Word (washing of the Word)

in the Inner Court the Holy place:
table of showbread = our will (ground to His will, like the flour for the bread)
golden lampstand = our mind illumined by Holy Spirit
altar of incense = our emotions aligned by worship

and in the Holy of Holies:
Ark of the Covenant = direct Spirit to spirit revelation

What would I sacrifice on this altar Lord, where the fire rages and the heat is more intense than any I have known? What would I hold back? You gave all You had and all You were and You ask for nothing less from me. I cannot be cleansed at the brazen laver, cannot be cleansed by the washing of Your Word until I am reconciled to this altar of sacrifice. So here I am, offering all that’s good and all that’s bad, all that is me. The scent of my flesh as it burns is sour. The pain is unspeakable, as the fire cuts in, hungrily consuming all that it wants. I don’t know if I am moaning or screaming or silent. I wait for the end with the taste of smoke everywhere.

I have passed through the fire, and ashes are falling off the charred remains of who I once was. Now I approach the brazen laver. The water looks like liquid silver, and as I dip my hands in there is no more pain, just a deep soothing refreshment. I splash the water onto every part of me. If this is truth every other part of me was lies. My self was left at the altar and this new skin seems to soak up every drop. Washed, cleansed and revived by Your Word, Your life, I am ready to enter the Holy Place.

As I come before the table of showbread I am amazed that there is so much of “me” left, that I still have a will after my time on the altar. I have been soaked in Your truth and my will transformed, but it remains never-the-less. You didn’t want to destroy my will, You just want to know I will bend my will to Yours. Surrender, submission and obedience, these You desire and would not be possible if I had no will at all. This seems surprising to me, yet You desire for me to be all You created me to be.

The lights from the lampstand may burn continually but not consistently, for they flicker and flare, at times the light much brighter than others. Even though Your Holy Spirit fuels the lamps, my very human nature filters the light, and so it is not pure.

I move on to the altar of incense, desiring to be a sweet fragrant offering to You, Lord. This is the last stop, the final door to the Holy of Holies, and I am not sure I have ever passed through. I do not know if I have ever abandoned myself in worship, there is still too much of me and this altar is much smaller than the brazen altar. Yet, I am so close, so close, let me be devoured again, but this time in awe and in reverent fear. It is not holy fear that has kept me from this place, but fear of man. I am drawn to my knees now, and I say “enough!” I need to know what is behind the curtain. I know You are waiting there and long for me to come. As I offer words of love, words of adoration, indeed I do now grow smaller as You increase. Is this the fragrance You long for?

And I find myself stepping in behind the veil and I cannot stand. The weight of Your presence compels me to prostrate myself before the Ark that holds Your covenant with Your people. And I, I am numbered among them and do not feel worthy. Perhaps that is why I have not come. I have doubted that You would want me. Who am I to come before You? Who am I that You are mindful of me? It is silent in this place, silent in the natural. But in the spirit there is rejoicing, for here we become one.

This is what I envision Lord, and yearn to know what You would say to me about going through this experience at this time.

You are learning so very much My curious child. You were not ready to take this journey until this very time in your life. You are strong enough now to be able to see how little strength you have, and wise enough to know how little strength you need. You have learned that to walk My road your strength must rest in Me alone. As you moved through the tabernacle your eyes were opened in new ways, to see Me and to see yourself. Yes, you saw flaws, but I am so happy that you pressed through. All of those imperfections and rough edges are simply the parts I am still working on. Thank you for offering them to Me.

When you feel unworthy, remember it is not yourself that makes you worthy, but I do. You are and always will be My creation, even when you were not yielded to Me. How much more so now? You will take this journey many times, but always remember the sweetness of this first entrance and how precious it is to Me.

Come read more tales based on Mag33 HERE