God: First Person, Present Tense

Exodus 3:14-15

14. "And God said to Moses, 

"I AM WHO I AM".  And He said, 

"Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 

I AM has sent me to you."

15. Moreover God said to Moses,

"Thus you shall say to the children of Israel:

"the Lord God of Your fathers,

The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob,

has sent me to you.

This is My name forever, and this is 

My memorial to all generations."

We studied this in our Home Bible Study this morning.  Do you realize that "I AM" is in the present tense?  Therefore, God is self-identifying Himself in the first person, present tense. He is announcing to Moses and to all the children of Israel, and to US today, that He is a PRESENT GOD, in the PRESENT tense...therefore, He is ALWAYS PRESENT...ETERNALLY PRESENT....  

So, my friends, if you are ever feeling discouraged, thinking you are all alone, just stop and think about what God has said.  Who is He?  I AM.  First Person, Present tense...always present...yesterday, today, and forever...always present - eternally!  

Remembering Mama ~ or "A Kiss from Heaven" Updated from 2013

5/10/2014   5/7/2015: 5/7/2017  5/7/2018

NOTE: I originally wrote this on May 7, 2013.  I can honestly say I still feel this every time I put on that sweater.  No wonder I find myself wearing it often.  Read on....


May 7, 2013:
Do you ever long to just be close again to someone you loved so much...? I know I do.  My Mama left this world for a far better place seven years ago today. (2018 = 12 years ago today!) I still have to pinch myself when I realize that it has been that long already...and yet she still seems so near.  Only those who have experienced this understand what I mean.

Dorothea  May Tedlie Mursch
January 6, 1917-May 7, 2006
This picture taken in 1987 at age 70

 As you can see by the picture above and these others, my Mama was a beautiful woman...even at such a great age as 87, as seen in this picture below, which was taken on her 87th birthday.  That's me on the left, and my sister Doris on the right. You can tell we are all related by the cheekbones, right? Yeah, that's the Tedlie claim to fame...we get our cheekbones from our Mama, and her Mama, Flora Sheets Tedlie.

She was  beautiful too.  But this is about my Mama.  

Mama and her girls on her 87th birthday

Mama and her girls on Mother's Day 2003

My Mama loved so many pretty things...like the beautiful dolls she collected, the African Violets she somehow managed to keep growing when mine just all withered away. She loved lilacs, but sadly couldn't grow them in Florida, and oh, how she missed them!
(See "Flowers for Mama", originally written in 2010, and updated each year)

Me, Remembering Mama tonight  (2013) (notice the sweater)

Recently one cool spring morning  I was looking for something to put on my arms to take off the chill as I drove to work...and something that I could wear in my office when the air conditioning gets a bit too cold in my part of the building...and others are too warm in their section.  As I skimmed through the clothes hanging in my closet, I discovered something I had almost forgotten that I had...my Mama's sweater.  You know how "older ladies" always keep a sweater handy just in case they get chilled? (yeah...I'm learning about that...)...well, we used to tease my mother that she wouldn't go anywhere without her sweater, even in the heat of summer.  She always kept one in the car in case it got too chilly in a store or restaurant or church. Even though I still frequently tend to have those horrid "hot flashes", I can just as quickly have a "cold flash"...so I need something that is easy to put on and take off in a hurry...(you ladies know what I mean, don't you?)...alas...a sweater!

Anyway, on this particular morning I grabbed that sweater off the hanger and quickly put it on as I was running late to get to work. (What else is new?)  As I settled into the driver's seat in the car, adjusting the defroster, the radio, and my seat, I suddenly had this wonderful feeling of warmth...a soft comforting warmth enveloped my body...and my heart. My Mama's sweater wrapped around me and caressed me with her love. I felt it. It was almost as if Mama was right there in my sweater with me, holding me close, cradling me in her arms so tenderly once again. I felt it. I knew it. I was overwhelmed with the sense of her presence. It was a tender, loving, embrace straight from heaven. Yeah, I know it was just her sweater...but it was more than that. It was a tangible part of my memories of her...and it gave me tremendous comfort. I found myself wanting to talk with her again and just tell her how much I loved her...and I thanked her for touching me with her "presence" once again.  I also thanked the Lord for allowing me that little "kiss" from heaven. He knew that I needed it in more ways than one at that particular moment.  Essentially, it was a gift from God, sent especially to me...a reminder of His divine Presence in my life.

I hope you won't misunderstand these thoughts and think I'm some kind of kook.  I really don't care if you do think that. (probably won't be the first time...or the last!)   This is what happened, and it brought such peace and joy to my heart. God knows what we need and He can choose to bless us any way He wants. 

Perhaps you have had such "kisses from heaven" as well. My thought is that when something like this happens...

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever!"  Psalm 107:1 (NIV)

The Secret Garden Chronicles: Are We On the Road to Emmaus?

First, let me say that I am trying to get back into the "groove" of spending time with the Lord in the Secret Garden.  It seems as though I was on a little hiatus from there for a spell...not really on purpose, but perhaps by God's design. Perhaps there are times that we have to pull back from something we want to do so badly and let God re-direct our thoughts again so that they are in line with His thoughts.  Anyway, with Easter coming and going, and all of the other activities around here (the fence, etc.), I kind of got out of the habit of sitting before the Lord each day.  Now things seem to be calming back down, and I pray that I will be more consistent.

Oh...by the way...I finally came to the end of the first little journal booklet that I was using for the Secret Garden Chronicles...and now have begun a new one.  They certainly are colorful, aren't they? (Family Dollar specials). Better than that...I love what God has asked me to write inside. That's where the real beauty is.

Earlier this past week we were reading in our devotions from Luke 24:13-35, the story of Jesus walking with the two men on the road to Emmaus.  Apparently this was the same day of Christ's resurrection from the tomb, and He had not yet appeared to all of the other disciples...only to Mary Magdalene in the garden.

(This old picture is printed on foil, and is very special to me. It didn't copy very well because of the foil, but it has an iridescent quality to it that makes it just shine. )

These two men were very sorrowful as they walked and talked together, and they did not realize that it was the Lord walking with them.  When He asked them why they were so sad, they were astonished that He didn't know about the crucifixion of Christ and the news that His body was no longer in the tomb...and that the women had seen two angels who told them that Christ was alive...but they were all confused and unsure of what to think or believe.

As they walked further along with Christ, He began to tell them all the scriptures about everything that actually pertained to Himself.  The two men still didn't realize this was Christ.  When they drew near to the village, they asked Him to abide with them for the night.  Jesus came inside and sat down with them at the table...and when He took the bread and blessed it (see verse 30), their eyes were opened and they recognized Him...and as soon as they did, He disappeared from their sight.
However, they were so excited when they realized who He was that they got right back up and hurried all the way back to Jerusalem (seven miles!) to tell the other disciples that they had seen the Lord!

I'm wondering how often we are just like those men on the road to Emmaus...we carry our sorrows and burdens on our shoulders and hearts, and are so weighed down with our cares and concerns that we fail to recognize Jesus when He comes to carry our burdens for us.  Perhaps He comes to us in the form of a friend or neighbor...a nurse or counselor...perhaps even a total stranger...and we are so caught up in our own little world of fear or doubt or distress that we can't see how God has come to meet us...possibly not until later, when the crisis is past, and we have a chance to catch our breath and pause to look up and we say,

"That was You, wasn't it Lord?

That was You...who brought me food when I was hungry...

or provided transportation when my car broke down...

or gave me a break  on a big unexpected expense so that it wasn't as much as I feared...

That was You who smiled at me and waved me ahead in line when I was so weary

and couldn't stand much longer...

That was You, Lord, wasn't it?

You calmed my fears,

met my needs,

carried my burdens,

when I was without strength to go on..."

Lord, help me to keep my eyes open to ALL of the ways and places You are already there to meet me.

I want to recognize You...

and not miss out on the blessing of knowing 

Your Presence here with me.

And then help me to be eager to tell others

about Your great love, mercy and kindness.

Let my feet be swift to go to share the Good News of Your power to save and bring healing and comfort to others.

Help my hands to be ready to show forth Your praise as I pass on Your kindness to others,

as You have done for me so many times.

Thank You, Lord,

for being with us on the Road to Emmaus today.

Amen.

The Secret Garden Chronicles - I Keep Repeating Myself-But I Am Not Alone!

Well dear friends out in blogland...Thank you for your kind comments on yesterday's post, "Sheltered and Protected:"  (Seen in this link: ) http://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-secret-garden-chronicles-sheltered.html

Apparently this is a message that the Lord wanted us to hear again...because after I posted it, I realized that I had just posted a very similar message in January from the Secret Garden: (seen in this next link:) http://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-secret-garden-chronicles-day-6-he.html


And then, on further examination, I realized that I had written about this a few years ago as well:
http://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2010/10/he-hideth-my-soul.html

So now, what am I to deduce from these repetitious messages?  Either I am going senile and can't remember what I wrote even  a little over a month ago...or it is a message that the Lord is wanting to get across to not only me but others out there in blogland!  I prefer to think of the latter as the truth rather than the former...even though I was at the Doctor's office with my husband today, and the Dr. gave my hubby a "memory test"...you know,  gave him some objects to remember...and then came back to it ten minutes later and asked again what those three objects were...and I hate to admit it that we both missed one of the three objects...our favorite fruit...apples!!!  Yikes!  The other parts of the test were also a little challenging...I was glad that I wasn't the one being tested...and then I come home and realize that I keep repeating myself here...and well, help!! 

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has issues like this...but it is a little embarrassing to put it out here for all the world to see!!!  However, maybe that is a good sign...I am still coherent enough to recognize that this could be a problem rather than just continuing to do it over and over and over again and people start whispering behind my back that I keep repeating myself, and...and...Okay...enough of this!

So, friends, what have YOU been up to lately?  I have confessed my frailties...please tell me I'm not alone!

Speaking of alone...This is the only picture I took today...of this Sand Hill Crane standing all alone down by the pond in our neighborhood.

I have a feeling she/he really wasn't all alone, as this is most likely their nesting season...and she/he may have been standing guard near the nest.  I know I heard the cranes calling each other not long after I passed by here, so I'm sure they were close by.  

You know, we are never really alone either...even when we may think there is no one else around us...we are never truly alone...

Here are a few verses that I read today that I found interesting...

Genesis 28:15-16

(God was talking to Jacob in a dream...this is from the famous "Jacob's Ladder" story)

15.  "Behold I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land;

for I will not leave you until I have done 

what I have spoken to you."

16.  Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said,

"Surely the Lord is in this place, 

and I did not know it."

I wonder how often we have felt the Lord's Presence in a certain place...and perhaps didn't realize at the time that is WHO it was...but maybe later we recognized that it could only have been the Lord...

I know I've had those kinds of experiences in my life...how about you?

Here is another verse that I read today in my devotional time that brought a sense of comfort and peace to my heart:

Psalm 34:7

"The angel of the Lord encamps all around

those who fear Him,

and delivers them."

The "Angel of the Lord" is thought to be God Himself, according to my understanding of scripture...but, even if it isn't God Himself, it is His angel, sent especially to set up camp and totally surround us, giving us complete protection and deliverance from any foe.  I love this verse. I have it highlighted in my Bible, and a note written in the margin that this verse was read to our son Matthew on the day before he slipped away into heaven. He had expressed some fear and had asked the Hospice chaplain to pray for courage a couple of days earlier.  (Click HERE for more about that story, written just a few days before Matthew passed away) I know the Lord was there with him...and with us during that extremely difficult time.

Just a few verses later, in verse 18, we are told that

"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,

And saves such as have a contrite spirit."

I know there are many of you who could attest to the truth of that statement...and so could I.  When our son did pass away, we truly felt the Presence of the Lord surrounding and undergirding us with His strong arms, giving us the strength to move forward even in our grief, knowing that our son was no longer suffering and was definitely standing in the very Presence of the Lord at that moment. And He is still here with us, almost three years later...giving us that strength and comfort that only He can give.

Throughout our lives we will experience God's Presence in happy times as well as sad times...because He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. (see Deuteronomy 31:6, 8)  I know I've repeated that verse many times in the past  (Click HERE for one of those times)  But, even God has repeated that message many times over and over again...so I guess I'm in good company after all!!

It's very comforting to know that I am definitely not alone!! Amen?

Just another picture of the chickadee, standing guard near the nest in the bird house...I decided to stay clear of there today and give them a chance to finish building.  

The Super Bowl is On and Here I Am

Yes, the "Super Bowl" is on TV, and here I am...getting caught up on my friends' blogs, Facebook, and writing to you.  I'm not a huge football fan, but I am in the same room with the guys, so I can hear what is going on in the background...and can turn around and watch the commercials (if my hubby doesn't mute them first), and can enjoy the comradery of father and sons laughing and yelling out loud at the actions of the teams/coaches/officials, etc.  It's a great sound. Gives me a sense of comfort and peace having my men folks here enjoying this game together.  So thankful.

It's been a busy week and weekend. I really haven't had much "down time" lately, so I feel rather out of touch with my friends and family, both here in blogland and cyberspace, as well as in my inner-space. I think sometimes we get too bogged down with work and other stuff so that we begin to lose touch with reality. And reality is where life really is. The here and now...the people that we love...the life that we enjoy living...our home and family and friends...and God. Ah..yes...and GOD, most of all. When I get too bogged down with the world out there I tend to forget about the GOD in here...in my heart...in my inner-space...in my heart...in my soul...right here close and personal.

My One Word for 2015 is "Focus"  (I believe I've already told you that several times)Here, Here, Here, Here, and Here...,   and well, it looks like God just keeps reminding me to come back and refocus...draw nearer, get closer...stay focused...why?  Well, here's one good reason:

"You will keep him in perfect peace,

Whose mind is stayed on You.

Trust in the Lord forever,

for in YAH, the LORD, is

everlasting strength."

Isaiah 26:3-4

When I stay focused on the Lord, I will be kept in "perfect peace"...When I trust in the Lord forever, I will find "everlasting strength".  This tells me that my focused attention on God won't be in vain. This is the way to "perfect peace" and "everlasting strength".  Now, who doesn't need a large dose of that?  I know I do, and I'll bet you do too.

So, no matter which team wins the Super Bowl tonight...no matter what challenges this old world throws at me this week, I can be "kept in perfect peace", if I will just keep my mind focused on the Lord God. I will have the strength I need to conquer any foe...not just today or tomorrow, but for EVER!  I love that!

Ok, back to the ball game...May the best team win...

A "Jesus Calling" Experience...

Today started out with an unusual experience.  My usual routine when I first get to work in the morning after my forty five minute ride through the forest and the city is to head straight to the ladies' room before I do anything else. (enough said!)  To reach the restroom in the church office where I work I must walk through the very well equipped library. This often leads to detours either going or coming, as I peruse whatever new or different books are facing me on the shelves, vying for my attention. Lately I've noticed a little book tucked neatly on the shelf just beside the restroom door and each time I pass it I think to myself, "I need to check out that little book...it seems to be calling me..."   The name of the book is, you guessed it, Jesus Calling,  by Sarah Young.
 I've heard a lot about this little devotional book, and have noticed that several of my Facebook friends often quote it in their posts for the day.  So I've been meaning to check it out for some time now, and always on my way in to the restroom I think of it as I see it there...but on the way out from the restroom I have always forgotten about it by the time I walk back through the library to my office to start my day.  Chalk it up to short term memory...or perhaps overloaded mind getting ready to face the work on my desk.

Today started out just that way. Except this time I made a point of telling myself (on the way into the restroom) to be sure and pick it up on the way out...and guess what I did?  I walked right past is again! I really did! I know, I can't believe that I did that myself!  Well, Jesus apparently wasn't going to take my ignoring Him that easily today.  As I started up my computer and opened up my work emails the very first email I looked at was from a dear lady who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and has just had surgery and is getting ready to undergo radiation treatments.  She is having to give up teaching her line dance classes that she holds at our church each week, and has been in a lot of personal turmoil throughout this whole process.  I have been communicating back and forth with her and assuring her of my thoughts and prayers as she endures this ordeal and basically trying to encourage her as best I can.  In her response to me this morning she asked me if I had a copy of the devotional book...you guessed it again...Jesus Calling by Sarah Young?  I was flabberghasted at her question and suddenly remembered that I had forgotten again to pick up that little book this morning as it "called out to me" from the bookshelf in the library!  I told her that I was just this morning planning to check that out from our church library and I thanked her for reminding me!  I said that I was going to march right back in there immediately and check it out before something else came along to distract me!  And so I did.

When I came back to my desk and looked at her next email response, she said, "You really need to have your own copy, and I am going to bring you one the next time I come back to the church."  I thanked her and was so blessed by her thoughtfulness for me when she is the one going through the trial right now...it truly amazed me.

Well, I had to wait until I came home tonight to start reading this little book that I checked out...and as I started to look it over more closely, I noticed the subtitle on the front cover under the title of "Jesus Calling"..."Enjoying Peace in His Presence."  Remember I was just talking about my  One Word for 2013: Presence (click on title for post)...and  again here: "Fill My Cup Lord", plus several in other places throughout the past year as I practiced “presence”

Seeking god’s

Presence

In the ordinary

And

Extraordinary

Places of my life

In 2013

As I started reading the introduction I further discovered that Sarah Young's "life changing verse has been "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).  (see page XIII, Introduction Jesus Calling).  Wasn't I just telling you all about that verse last week? (Click Here for THAT Post) .  The more I read into this little book, the more I knew that Jesus truly was calling me to come and seek His Presence within these pages.

And so here I am...sitting in my recliner, reading several different pages throughout the year, particularly some special dates, not wanting to read the whole book since I will soon have my own personal copy to treasure...and yet, I find that Jesus is calling to me from within these pages...I believe He is summoning me into His Presence yet again...and I am in awe.

Is Jesus calling YOU into His Presence today?  You don't have to read a special devotional book to enter into His Presence, but it helps.  I find that I am in His Presence in so many places every day...I only have to be aware of His calling me...and listening for His voice. Today was a pretty clear indication that He wanted my attention...what do YOU think?

The reading for today says:

"Leave outcomes up to Me. Follow Me wherever I lead, without worrying about how it will all turn out. Think of your life as an adventure, with Me (God) as your Guide and Companion. Live in the now, concentrating on staying in step with Me. When our path leads to a cliff, be willing to climb it with My help. When we come to a resting place, take time to be refreshed in My Presence. Enjoy the rhythm of life lived close to Me. You already know the ultimate destination of your journey: your entrance into heaven. So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to Me." 

 Scripture readings: Psalm 27:13-14; Exodus 15:13 ~  Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, page 338

Pretty good stuff, huh?  Yeah...I'm glad I finally listened to "Jesus Calling"...

UPDATE: For the sequel to this little story, go to : "Opening Another Advent Window".  Be blessed, my friends!

The Presence of God...and the Ninety and Nine

This past January I selected a new "One Word" for 2013: PRESENCE.  (Click on the word Presence  to see that particular post).  Today in my morning devotions I was reminded again of that word, "Presence", particularly as we think of the Presence of God in our daily lives.  As I ponder God's presence in the ordinary places I find myself throughout the day, week, or even at any given moment, I realize that He is always so close that if I actually take the time to pay attention I could practically, literally reach out and touch Him.  I actually wrote about this as well back in January, HERE, in "Watching in the Ordinary Things".

Today's scripture reading leads me to give thanks to the Lord for all His mighty deeds and wondrous works...

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord!

Call upon His name;

Make known His deeds among the peoples!

Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;

Talk of all His wondrous works!

Glory in His holy name;

Let the hearts of those rejoice

who seek the Lord!

Seek the Lord and His strength;

Seek His face evermore!

Remember His marvelous works

which He has done,

His wonders, and the judgments 

of His mouth,

O seed of Abraham His servant,

You children of Jacob,

His chosen ones."

Psalm 105:1-6

I give thanks to the Lord for His Presence in my life each and every day. Even during the night seasons He is with me. I experienced this in particular during the night just before dawn today.  I was having a dream about a childhood/school friend, who passed away over thirty years ago.  In the years since this friend died I have struggled with his untimely death, primarily because I was not certain in my heart whether or not he was actually in heaven.  (I wrote about this on one of our "Random Journal Days" here...).  I'm not sure why he came to my mind again in my dreams at this time.  Perhaps because I was reminded of him last weekend when I visited the church youth camp where we both attended as teens, and then today I was going to go to a funeral at the church we attended for the wife of our former pastor that we both loved.  In my dream he seemed to be sad that no one had ever really loved him here on earth. I found myself cradling him like a little child, and rocking him back and forth and telling him that he is loved, and that he is loved with an everlasting love.  

This dream was very troubling to me, and I shared it with my husband when I woke up because I just couldn't shake it.  I told him that this dream seemed so very real, like I was actually talking to my friend, and then when I woke up I realized that I couldn't be talking to him because he is dead.  My husband, wise pastor/counselor that he is, said something that brought great comfort to me and settled this quandary for me once and for all.  He said, "Remember what Jesus said to the Sadducees concerning the Resurrection,

"But even Moses showed in the burning bush passage that the dead are raised, when he called the Lord  'the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.'  For He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him."  Luke 20:37-38  "

This may not make any sense to you...but it made perfect sense to me...because I realized then that my friend really isn't "dead".  It was a comfort to me to finally put it to rest...it was as though God's presence was reaching through my dream...and then my husband, to assure me that my friend is alive and well...in heaven. My doubts about his salvation were because his life took a wrong turn as an adult, at least in my mind, but as I looked back over our childhood experiences together in church, youth camp, I realized that first of all, I am not the judge of whether or not a person is "fit" for heaven...that is God's business, and that sometimes things happen in people's lives that hurt them so deeply that they wander away from the fold of God, thinking that no one could possibly love them.  That doesn't necessarily mean that God no longer loves them, or that He stops reaching out to them.  Actually... God goes out and searches for that one lost sheep...and brings him back safely to the fold.   Listen to this wonderful old song.The Ninety and Nine...which tells the story of how much God loves His wandering children.  (You can read more about this story in  Luke 15:3-7)

I keep this picture in my Bible to remind
me that Jesus always watches over His sheep, and
He will seek and recover the one lamb who goes astray.

This whole story may be more than you really care to read about...and you may think I've gone off my rocker talking to people in my dreams, etc.  Sorry if you feel that way. I'm here to say that God works in mysterious ways to bring comfort and closure to His children. For me it was a dream. For you it may be something totally different.  You see, as I quoted earlier, "He is not the God of the dead, but of the living..."  Why? Because He lives!

"I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today;

I know that He is living,whatever men may say;

I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,

And just the time I need Him,

He's always near.

He lives, He lives,

Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me

along life's narrow way.

He lives, He lives,

Salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives:

He lives within my heart!"

("He Lives", Alfred H. Ackley, 1887-1960)

I hope that you know this wonderful Savior, and that He is living in your heart today.  "Just the time I (you) need Him, He's always near!"   Experience His loving Presence in your life right now. That's where the peace comes from.

Random Journal Day: Yearning for a Home...

The first Friday of each month is also known as "Random Journal Day" for those of us who dare to share our  private journal messages from the past with our friends...The day we select a journal off the shelf (or out of the drawer...this time from the drawer of my vanity...)...and open the book and let you have a glimpse at a day from the past...

One of my "fancier" journals...

So here goes...this comes from October 12, 1991!  Written from our days in the ministry, far away from our family home...and longing for that home... Here's what I was thinking on that day so long ago...

"It's difficult to be so far away from loved ones and feel so helpless.  I would love to be able to have more frequent visits together while there is yet time.  And yet I'm reminded in God's Word that:

"No one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the Kingdom of God will fail to receive manytimes as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life." Luke 18:29-30

I suppose that means that because we have left our homeland behind to follow God's will we will receive greater blessings than our earthly home -  in heaven - and it also says in THIS AGE as well!

I do know that God has supplied all our need in Christ, and that our physical needs have been adequately taken care of.  Even though, there is this constant yearning in my soul to have a "real home" - a place in which to feel truly at peace and joy~a home that is a haven from the stresses and strains of this world.  A place where I can rest at the end of a fruitful day knowing that there is a great sense of comfort and protection in that house.

Perhaps God wants me to feel that peace no matter where I am~just by resting in Him.  And in my soul, I do have that peace.  I know my eternal home is safe and secure~my faith in Christ has purchased that home for me. But I believe God wants us to feel that peace here on earth too.  There again~I know many of God's servants never have a "real home" here on earth.  They are many times forced to live in "tents" or small huts or cottages in foreign lands. Yet they do so willingly~they choose to serve the God Who has chosen them to be His servants.

So what am I trying to say?

I guess the older I get, the more I long to have a place to put down some roots and grow awhile....

I'm ready to stay put and work in the harvest field of wherever that home may be located for many years to come.  I'm tired of moving so often and not having any "real friends".  It seems as though as soon as we'd begin to make friends and find a place of genuine service, it would be time to move on to new pastures.
It would be nice if the next move we make could be the LAST for many years~but I don't ever want to stand in the way of God's will for us and block the path by selfishness and stubbornness.  Nor do I wish to attempt to dictate to God what He should do with regard to our future.

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside quiet waters,

He restores my soul.

He guiedes me in paths of righteousness

for His Name's sake"

Psalm 23:1-3

Perhaps this is what I'm longing for right now, Lord~to lie down in green pastures~beside still waters~and have my soul restored! "

FAST FORWARD TO THE PRESENT:

That was written 22 years ago!  We've come a looonnnng way since that day...in miles as well as life events.

We did eventually work our way back "home"....and we were able to once again live near our loved ones, helping them in their latter days on earth, and serving the Lord at the same time.

Now it seems that we have finally reached that place where we hope to stay for many years...and it is our prayer that God will continue to work in our present home to make it a haven from the stresses and strains of this world...a 'real home'-a place in which to feel truly at peace and joy.'   Not just for us, Lord, but for anyone who crosses our threshold...a place of comfort and protection from fear and alarm...a sanctuary for the weary and worn. A place where others will feel Your PRESENCE. This is my prayer, Lord.  I believe You are already providing the answer to my prayer from so many years ago. Thank You, Lord Jesus. Amen!

I hope you have enjoyed this journey back in time and place. Come again next month for another "Random Journal Day".  No telling WHERE our journey will take us!   Feel free to click on this link to read other journal entries from some of my other blogging friends at the Random Journal Day linkup.  You are welcome to join us anytime! We'd love to hear YOUR stories!

"Steal My Show..."

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."  Galatians 2:20

I've been listening to a new song on the radio lately by TobyMac entitled "Steal My Show" (click here to go to YouTube Video of TobyMac "Steal My Show").   I know I'm probably not your typical TobyMac fan...I've never seen him perform, but he does have some "cool songs" for Jesus. ("cool" really dates me, doesn't it?)  This morning as I was listening to this song while on my way to work I started thinking about what these lyrics were truly saying.  TobyMac is a dynamic Christian contemporary artist, with a unique style.  In this particular song he's asking Jesus to come and "steal my show"...take it over...see the lyrics below...

                                                                    "Steal My Show"

"Another cold night
Another late flight
It's almost show time, and Diverse City's waitin' on me
We got a packed house, the crowd is callin' out
They want the beat to drop, but what we really need is You

[Chorus:]
If You wanna steal my show, I'll sit back and watch You go
If You got somethin' to say, go on and take it away
Need You to steal my show, can't wait to watch You go
So take it away

So now the crowd is hype, that you showed up tonight
Anticipatin', cravin' somethin' more than smoke and lights
So I'll step out the way, I'll give You center stage
Alight
Spotlight
Give 'em what they came for ...

[Chorus]

When You arrive, we come to life
Our hearts collide, they're beating in the same time
You're comin' through, all eyes on You
Our hearts collide, they're beating in the same time, beating in the same time

No matter who we are, no matter what we do
Every day we can choose to say ...

[Chorus]

My life
My friends
My heart
It's all Yours, God
Take it away
My dreams
My fears
My family
My career
Take it away
Take it away
It's all Yours, God
Take it away
Take it away
It's You I wanna live for"

Why did this particular song catch my attention? Well, it's what I've been asking God to do with this blog...especially this year, with my "One Word" for the year "PRESENCE"... I am imploring God to "Steal My Show"...by allowing His MIGHTY PRESENCE to shine through...whether it be in a story about a walk in the woods, or pictures of the many examples of God's creation all around us in the flowers, birds, bears, trees, rainbows...or even a story about an old broken down door I found (see "This Old Door")...whatever the subject, whatever the story...I want you to see Christ living in me...and in this blog.  I want Him to "steal my show"...to "take it away"...."It's all Yours, God...Take it away...It's You I wanna live for"...

If that message doesn't shine through, then I need to reevaluate my purpose here. Yeah, I want to have a good time, making new friends, sharing special moments in my life with you, having a "virtual cup of tea" together,  but if Christ is not the One in the limelight...the One making it happen...then I've focused too much on me.  I, in myself, do not have the answers to life's questions. I do not have all wisdom, knowledge, and strength. I don't even have that much compassion to be of any comfort to those who are hurting.  But I know WHO does...and I want HIM to take center stage.  I want the spotlight to focus on Him...because Christ is the One Who has it all, and He's the reason I'm here...just in case I haven't made that clear before this.

Music video by TobyMac performing Steal My Show (Lyrics). (P) (C) 2012 ForeFront Records. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction is a violation of applicable laws. Manufactured by EMI Christian Music Group,