The Journey

More of you and less of me.
I am small, but my heart you see.

Every detail and thought, nothing is too trivial.
You are there even when I cannot feel you.

Your strength is magnificent and your truth is pure.
You desire more for us than just to endure.

To rise and fly and be captivated by you,
To be humble and meek as you make me new.

Sharing your love and giving freely to all,
Having a big vision and being willing to answer the call.

Living a life of purpose, yet simple and true.
Being a servant to all and showing love in all that I do.

Resting in your faithfulness and facing the tough things,
Embracing your journey and the adventure it brings.

The path is narrow, rocky, and new.
While trusting and holding your hand-there isn't a better view!

Be Still

Be still. I am pretty sure I have said that to my son more than a zillion times! Getting him dressed for school is a form of exercise, for all of us! I have learned to cherish those very few moments when he rests beside me or falls asleep on me. My daughter does a little better about resting. She tends to move a little slower like her mom. However, even in her stillness she hates to rest. She has to be reading, watching television, or playing.

I love naps! Stealing a nap when the little one sleeps is a definite treat for an exhausted momma! Just a moment to stop and be still. No cleaning, diapering, dishes, or laundry. Just hit the pause button. The only bad thing about a nap is that when you wake up, it's time to get moving and nothing has changed. You are just a little more capable of handling your day.

Choosing to be still in God's presence is more powerful. It's actually supernatural. I often believe that if I can just keep going with God, choose to have a better attitude, and keep believing all will be fine. There is only one problem, nothing has really changed. I am still filled with my empty, striving, and powerless self. When I choose to quiet my soul, quit trying, and rest in his ultimate and all powerful presence, something happens. He becomes God in my situation. His authority, comfort, power, and peace is transferred to little old me. My role is to choose to be still. His character does the rest. In my humility and need he rescues me and fills me. The laundry, bills, trials, and circumstances are still there, but I am different. Who knows, He might even encourage me to take a nap!

He says," Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth."
                                                               Psalm 46:10

Everyday Miracles

Miracles. There are many definitions, but a simple one is: that which only God can do. We are daily surrounded by many opportunities for God to show off. But, nothing as unique and timely as him re-creating us in His image. It is very contrary to our human perspective of perfection, but so very God. In my weakness, in my shortcomings, and even in my biggest mess-ups he is making me new. He is working a miracle in me. He is revealing truth, breaking chains, and setting this captive free. My innate desire is to want get it right the first time or avoid anything difficult. Not make the mistake...for lack of a better description: be perfect or have life be easy. But, this relationship with Christ is so much richer. Ultimate dependency on Christ alone. He is my strength, my joy, and my peace. If I didn't need forgiveness or wisdom, I would have no need for Him.

It is in my trials that I see Him clearly. I rest in His presence and wait for His guidance. The obstacles of life can be blessings of opportunity to become more like Him. When we find ourselves broken and poured out He gently rescues and comforts us through the sculpting of His image. The canvas of my soul sometimes feels like a roaring ocean instead of a peaceful river. But oh, to know the one who calms the storm. He makes all things new. He gives life, more abundantly.

A New Year: Your Path

Wow, January has come again. Do you hit a point in your life when you choose not to think what the year ahead could behold? Do you realize you are not invincible and life will happen to you, regardless. Perhaps, you have your year mapped out. How things will go and what you plan to accomplish with a nice and neat time chart. You have your goals..desires..and agendas. The question could be, which one is right? Do I simply let my life unfold before me? Do I have goals and dreams I wish to accomplish? Do I set out to make those things happen? Where does God fit into this picture? What are His plans for my 2012? In my opinion, the answer is yes.

Living a life of faith is holding to the fact that there will always be the unknown. Areas of our lives where we have no control and situations present themselves upon us. We don't have all of the answers. However, God continuously guides, speaks, and directs our steps. He will give us dreams, speak truth to our hearts, and lead us on His path if we choose to follow. Seeking His plan is not always easy. The road is sometimes bumpy and the path might just have to be cleared. But, His word is clear and His way is truth.

So as the new year begins to unfold there is a mix of excitement, joy, and uncertainty. What adventure ever begins by  knowing each and every detail of your journey? You are given a map to follow and the true journey begins only when you take a step. The excitement comes on the path. Each and every circumstance will contain details, joys, struggles, and triumphs. Enjoy the journey! Listen to your guide, follow the map, and rest in His guidance. Don't be surprised if your path hasn't been traveled before, each of our journeys are unique....scripted by the hand of our maker. Happy New Year!