If…

If you take the beauty from all over the world; the Black Forest in Germany, the Beaches in San Diego and beyond, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Yosemite in California, the mountain ranges in Washington State; and remove all of the man-made entities in between, then we’d literally be in heaven; in yet heaven will be so much better because He will make all things new.  It is AMAZING how every piece of God’s creation gives us just a little glimpse into what heaven will be like.  I am so glad I am going there, how about you???  Trust Jesus as your personal Savior and you will!!!  If for no other purpose, this is why I write, so others might see HIM.  That they would open the door of their hearts and let HIM in, so that they will taste and see that HE is good—so that I will see them one day around HIS heavenly throne!!!

I think of you now

I think of you now

and it is almost as if

I were right there beside you

holding your hand

I think of you now

and I want to know you better

to hear your voice

whispering my name

I think of you now

and how I want to be closer

so much closer to your heart

lost in your arms

and your warm embrace

that never fails to melt my heart!!!

(This can be read two ways—yes, about my long lost love, but also about God my Savior who beckons me to come to HIM—to fall madly in love with HIMSELF because HE is more than enough for me—after all, HE is crazily, madly in love with me—the love of my soul!!!)

Never Alone

Although you may think

you are the only one

you rarely are

there are many

who are going through

the exact same trial

the exact same issues

at the exact same time

or maybe have just recently

gone through it

During these times

Be anxious for nothing

His grace is sufficient

You are never alone

He is refining

and preparing you

for all He has in store

Think about such things

those that are pure, noble, trustworthy and true

He is able

and He will bring you through

You are never alone!!!

“Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always (Psalm 105:4).”

Never in my Life

Never in my life

have I ever felt this much freedom

the possibilities are endless

as dreams are unfolding

God has blessed my life so much

I just want to live it out

I want to be wherever I need to be

with Him as my guide

He is always by my side

He goes before me

I never will fear

because

never in my life

has freedom been so clear

with adventure around the corner

and life to be lived each day

Never in my life…

This poem describes my life exactly.  Not too long ago, I was scared.  Fearful to step away, to leave the place I knew and loved.  I was afraid to get out of the boat and walk on water like the disciples who stayed in the boat.  I was scared I would fall, that I would sink.  I wanted to stay as close to what I knew as possible.  I wanted to be comfortable.  That all changed, when God finally got through to me.  The choice was clear.  I either had to take that step knowing he would be with me to lead me on the greatest adventure of my life, or stay close to what I knew which may have worked out alright but not have been as thrilling and faith driven.  Since I decided to take that step, there is no turning back.  He has led me through the fire, and I will come forth as gold.  He has led me through the joys and the pain, and my life will never be the same.  Although it is not easy, I have chosen the path that has so far led me on the greatest adventure of my life, and this in turn has given me the most freedom and peace that I have ever had.  As the old hymn says, “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.”  Yes, follow Jesus wherever He leads and do not turn back!!!

…and then there was YOU, My LORD and My GOD!!!

and then there was YOU

strong and mighty

faithful and true

so beautiful

YOU make all things new

and then there was YOU

YOU strengthen

YOU renew

YOU draw me to your side

and there my heart will reside

and then there was YOU

YOU sustain

as I remain

and then there was YOU

YOU are all there needs to be

nothing compares with who YOU are

YOU go before all things

YOU hold everything together

YOU were

YOU are

YOU will always be

forever and ever

and then there was YOU

there need be no one else

because every blessing comes from YOU!!!

“My hand will sustain him; surely my arm will strengthen him (Psalm 89:21).  Blessed be the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing from the heavenly realms, for He chose us in HIM before the foundations of the world to be holy and blameless before HIM in love (Ephesians 1:3-4).”

Courage—a tag on a friend’s awesome writing!!!

“It is not about being strong and together; it is about depending on God in the midst of my fear and inadequacy. In the gospels, Jesus did not show the disciples how capable they were; he brought them into situations where their complete lack and utter dependence on God, on Him, were revealed. The storm pushing the sides of the ship as the expereinced fishermen believe they will die. Jesus calms the storm. Send the crowds away, teacher. They are hungry. Jesus looks at his disciples, You feed them. With what? they reply. Jesus feeds the multitudes. Again and again Jesus reveals that He is enough; He is all. It is in Him that we live and breathe and have our being.”

“Do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you-I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).”

…and then there was you!!!

and then there was you

I knew it was true

by the look in your eyes

amidst all other guys

and then there was you

you saw me in the crowd

and you never looked away

and then there was you

so faithful and new

you reached out your hand

and forever we will stand

together

as we walk through this life

holding, trusting, confiding

in each other

and then there was you

the one who saw me

and reached out

in love

and loyalty

the one who loves me

and will pursue my heart

and I will be forever by his side

and then there was you

as a gift from heaven so true!!!

(Dedicated to the man of my dreams)

Uncertian Times

Although times are uncertain

and things in life may seem full of ambiguity

that can go in so many different directions

it is the Uncertainty

of these times

that draw me to YOU

It is the Uncertainty of life that makes it

worth living

It is the Uncertainty that makes it

all the more exciting

because

I walk by FAITH

not by sight

Dear LORD Jesus,

Thank you that you are in control

of these uncertain times

in my life

Thank you that you are in charge

of the next steps I will take in my life

as you reveal them to me day by day

at exactly the right time

as I walk closely with YOU

This is the day that you have made

I will rejoice and be glad in it

wherever I am!!!

I love you,

Amen!

A Quote off of a good friend’s blog—SO TRUE!!!

In waiting we begin to get in touch with the rhythms of life – stillness and action, listening and decision. They are the rhythms of God. it is in the everyday and the commonplace that we learn patience, acceptance and contentment.

No matter what you are waiting for to happen in life, it is worth it.  Whatever we think we have to wait the longest for, turns out to be the best thing ever.  There is no time that is too long to wait, God’s plan is never late or early, but right on time.  As hard as waiting is, it is worth it because of what He does in and through us.  He is preparing us for whatever the next steps are in our lives.  He wants us to need HIM and fully rely on HIM for everything.  What are you waiting for today?  Give it to HIM in full surrender, and watch what HE will do!!!

During Testing Times in our Lives…

If life was a piece of cake, we would never see our need for God (the author and sustainer of our lives).  It would be as if HE were not needed in our lives.

HE wants us to realize our need for HIM.

HE wants us to trust HIM; to rely fully on HIS perfect ways.

HE wants to work HIS strength through our weaknesses.

For when we are weak, then we are strong

because of HIS power working through us

But we must trust

we must pour out our hearts to HIM

For HE is our refuge and strength

an ever present help in times of trouble!

LORD,

I need you

I need your help

I need your strength

I need your power to help me

when I am so weak

I need your hand

to lead and guide

I need your love

as I daily abide

I need you during the joys

I need you during the pain

I need you every day

no matter what may come my way

LORD,

I need you

I love you

Amen!

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’….For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).  Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to HIM, for God is our refuge (Psalm 62:8).”