I Am Never Alone…
Category: Godly
Live Wire…
Sometimes, we find ourselves in a place that appears to have no end in sight. Surrounded by darkness and uncertainty, all one can do is wait and listen for direction! Waiting can be so much work, what with everything being out of your reach, and all. Where does that leave a person, when already exhausted from all that waiting and worrying?
Oddly, the answer seems rather silly when you’ve worn yourself out with the overthinking bit. Are you ready for it? Some of you may already know the word that’s about to come out of my mouth this morning, but for those don’t, the word is stand!
Stand on the promises of God’s word, and simply hold yourself steady… that’s it… just let Him carry you… when you cannot see beyond the darkness! You know how they say it’s always darkest before the dawn? They are spot on… and yet, not!
Yes, the darkness is there to block your vision, but only what’s further than you can reach out and grab… I understand that part because I’m in the heart of it, just now. In truth, it’s actually very bright where I’m currently standing, mainly because God is pure light… and I’m resting just beneath his shadow!
By all rights, I should be mentally broken from all the isolation… but my mind is strong. We’re not much closer to finding housing, but I don’t much care… worrying won’t change anything about the outcome, so why waste the effort?
I suppose that I could get discouraged enough to stop writing, but it’s the one thing I CAN actively choose to do… For my God, for the joy of it and of course, for those who visit the Lobby.
As for all the unpublished everything I’ve been stockpiling… whether they ever see a printer doesn’t really matter, not if I believe that God’s got me in the palm of his hand. He is proud of the things that I put my heart into, which gives me more fulfillment than anything the world’s approval could ever offer!
Barnyard Business WILL become something… I’m just not sure what. Brutus is finished and I’m going to move forward with the other four novels belonging to that series… even if God is the only one to EVER see them… I don’t care!
I was made for these days, I think. God called me… by name!
He chose me!
This place I am currently in, it’s nothing more than a training ground, a holding place. I am assured of this, as I truly believe in the timing of things… all things!
I’m writing all these things down to hopefully encourage another, and honestly, for my own reassurance, as well. Quite probably, the Holy Spirit that dwells within me has prompted the writing out of my thoughts, so I can then accept the truth in them. Isn’t it kind of funny how writing out your feelings can help you sort things… you know, accepting the truths that are there, and sweeping off the debris of fear and confusion.
When it comes down to the heart of things, what we believe in as our truth, is the only thing that no one can take away… unless we allow it!
So, when I find myself somewhere between the darkness of night and the coming of dawn, surrounded by uncertainties, I choose to stand on the promises of my Creator… he left us the scriptures, which are His living and breathing words… HIS TRUTHS!
This is what I believe, therefore, I shall stand… I shall stand until my last breath if He asks it!
Rise and Shine, It’s Christmas Time…
Merry Christmas to all of my WordPress family! I truly love you guys so much that there’s no way I would put coal into your stockings… not when I’ve been planning and preparing for so long!
By the way, before we start unwrapping things, you’re never going to guess what Santa got me for my present, this year. When I opened my eyes this morning, there, sitting upon my chest and looking at me was none other than an adorable and cheeky little flying squirrel!
Yup! Apparently, Santa had a heart to heart with the Pinion King! It was gently pointed out that the little squirrel, while needed for his new princely duties, also had family at the barn… those that were with him from his earliest days. It obviously softened the old king’s heart and he actually agreed with Santa, allowing Squagon to come home for a whole week!
As I write this, the babes are all having a beautiful reunion with one another, trading presents, eating goodies and playing holiday games with Brutus and miss Tilly. I’ll have the rest of the day to spend at the barn, but this morning is reserved for you, my friends!
You’ll find instructions on the table beside the door that you just entered…
We must set the stage for what is to come
There are items on each table to get the job done…
First pick your jammies, then pick your robe’s
Don’t forget your slippers, you know how this goes…
We’ll all need some cocoa or coffee or tea
Don’t forget all those pastries, or hungry you’ll be…
There’s a cushion for each of you, there by the fire
Sit down and get comfy in your new jammie attire…
You’ll note there are bags placed all about the room
Inside are the gifts that I picked out for you…
There are journals for writing your feelings and thoughts
And the pens that go with them are just there, in that pot…
Now, for all of you pet lovers
You’ll find bags of treats and toys
No flurbies left behind this day
Even they need to feel some joy…
I didn’t forget all you wonderful crafters
whose needlework reflects so much charm
Look for the bright colored bag in the corner
filled with assorted knitting hooks and yarn…
There’s another for all you DIYer’s, filled with many bits and bobs
Cameras, glue and tool kits, for those who like doing odd jobs…
I can’t overlook all the athletic types
They come in all shapes and sizes
For runners or walkers or even sports talkers
This bag is full of surprises…
Last but not least
I’ve one more gift to share
For each and every one of you
to show how much I care…
Please pick out a magic puppy
They don’t shed or poop on your floor
Whenever you turn on your computer
They can greet you at the virtual door!
I wish I could mention you each by name, to show you how much you mean to me… all of you! In truth, there’s too big of a list! Just know that I see you… each of you… and I think of you and pray for you, often!
Yes, this is a silly virtual Christmas I’ve presented, but it’s the best I can do. If nothing else, it brightened everyone’s morning… mine especially!
I love you guys, the lot of you!
God Bless and have a wonderful day!
Without Words…
Beneath…
Safely and securely tucked
beneath the shadow of the Almighty…
is the place I’m most happy
from morning til nighty!
It’s a bit rough around the edges, but it get’s the prompt answered!
Here, have a cookie…
You Can, But Should Ya?
Ya ya ya… I know… I have puppy on the brain after this last weekend! You’re gonna have to put up with this for a few days, I fear. Sorry, not sorry…
The dog images should hopefully leave the impression with you, of thinking before you act on a thing.
I was watching an episode of Joyce Meyers the other day, and something she said stuck with me, regarding God’s guidance. There are times when we are about to say something, we might hear God whisper, “you don’t need to say that”, and when Joyce went on to talk about whether we listen to him or not, I felt like she was looking right at me through the television screen!
I’ve been studying a great deal about wisdom and thinking before I say things, lately. This chatty wordsmith has a tendency to say too much, or talk at the wrong time, so I’m a work in progress. I hope this satisfies the prompt.
Want a cookie?
Thursday Thoughts…
Today is this child’s Birthday, and for the first time in all my 56 years I awoke with a plan to celebrate it…. really spend the whole of the day in thankfulness for every single year of this journey!
I am loved!
I am whole!
I am forgiven!
God has given me such purpose!
I truly believe that I have a hope and a future, so I’m gonna celebrate it… all day!
I remember when my kids were young and I would escape for a breather… the whole time I was gone, all I could think about was if they were ok without me being there. I hoped they missed me but worried they would be sad. In the end, I felt better if I just went back home… silly, I know!
In a funny twisty way of thinking, I feel the same way about you! I felt like God was telling me to take today and do whatever I wished for my birthday, so I’d planned to take a break from WP and maybe read a book, or something.
From there, I thought that I would just pop in to check for messages… maybe post a few pics and call it good, right?!
Ever hear of that children’s book, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”, about one thing leading to another? Yah…. so here we are people, two hours into “Just” checking my mail!
When it get’s down to the heart of things… I like being here on WordPress, with you folks. I like your stories, your poetry, and your hearts… you draw me back to the lobby every morning and I end up hanging out in there all day. Why? Because, you visit at all different times of my day, being that many hail from countries around this beautiful globe!
Over this last year the lobby has become like a cozy coffee room, with visitors dropping by throughout the day. Many of you come from such a distance to share your views, your culture and your talents.
In an imaginative way, WordPress is like a village. There are streets lined with little cafe’s that overflow with romantic poets and gifted musicians. Other avenues are filled with book shops that offer some amazing literary artists. Down a few alleyways you might find those in need of encouragement, prayer and understanding. We even have our own business class! There’s newspapers that offer reviews of everything from movies and music, to authors and artists. Then there are the retailers, and magazine stands that offer comic books, craft ideas and food recipes.
Folks might share political views, opinions on the market, or their personal views about things ranging from birth to death… basically, a bit of everything!
That’s where Journey With Me fits in!
You’ll find the lobby nestled between several bookstore/coffee shops near the local park. Every community needs a bit of everything to keep the balance, right?! My hope is that the lobby can be of benefit to this community, no matter who you are or how you fit in to this village, as I’ve labeled it.
The front of the lobby holds an open doorway… there are no doors to open or close. Leave your attitude, your opinion, and any unhealthy motives at the doorway! The lobby does not produce judgement or push an agenda… it’s my heart, and my way of reflecting God’s love in the only way I can, at this time.
You just wait… my prayer is that perhaps one day I can do more, because deep in my heart, I believe that I was born for these days, for a bigger purpose. God is calling me for something more!
Warning!!! I am filled with the Holy Spirit and am highly contagious, so being in close proximity to the love of God might make you start doing strange things! In my defense, I am such a sucker for the whole grace, forgiveness and eternal love thing… I just cant help it!
Sorry, not sorry…
Here, you better take a cookie, just in case…
Live Wire…
With things being what they are currently, there’s been a great amount of obstacles, roadblocks, and dead ends to navigate! In all of it, I’ve felt a deeper sense of peace and assurance than ever before, oddly. There’s still no definite answers or directions, and things look rather impossible to overcome… but are they, really?
If God is who he says he is, if His word and promises are true, and if I am living and walking beneath His shadow… there should be no doubt, no fear, nor anxious thoughts, right? Ok, so yes, there will be moments when we feel some self-doubt, causing us to pause and assess things. A close friend wrote about this very subject the other day, so it’s been on my mind ever since. I agreed with him that some healthy self-doubt now and again is good for us. Sort of like safety checks!
It’s funny because, not more than a day or so later while I was reading in the book of Isaiah, I ran across a passage that caught hold of my heart.
“People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30: 19-21
When we pause from self-doubt, where do we see God in that moment? We are most often looking forward for signs, markers, and a big open doorway, right? God should be straight ahead of us and pulling us up with both arms, I thought! Why can’t we see Him waving a huge sign for us, leading us onward, and wooing us toward His path?
Here’s where the passage in Isaiah hit home for me… God isn’t in front of us, but behind us! He is the encourager, the Counselor; guiding and teaching us as we walk each day of our journey… that’s where He cultivates our faith! Sure, we will fail at times, but we are strengthened through the getting up and going onward parts.
Do not be fearful of falling, for He is there to catch us!
When your baby first walks, don’t you hover in front of and above them, until they get their balance? But, then you move out of the way, right? Where do you move? Most parent’s move to the side or behind, allowing their child to safely gain confidence and skill. So begins their journey of growth and development that will carry them along towards adulthood!
I think that’s how God teaches us, his children, how to spiritually walk as adult human beings.
It’s only a thought…
God Bless!
The Tale’s I Could Tell…
I could go on for days with the many stories of times I’ve made a right mess of things… but for now, I’ll just give a few tidbits.
For starters, I’m one of the worst Christmas light roller upper’s known to man… I’m better off leaving them on the house all year round, or tossing them in the bin!
I’m not one of the most patient people around and I’m notorious for making a mess of opening a package. I have a vivid memory of accidentally ripping a large bag of candy open and flinging it across the kitchen… the kids had a party cleaning that mess up!
Last but not least, there’s my habit of making a royal mess of a single bang trim. One tiny miscalculation… and my repeated attempts at correcting the error only end up making a bigger mess!
Yes, I realize that the prompt asked what I could do less of… and no, I’m not going to satisfy that question with an answer! Why?
Why would I want to do less of anything, when there is always something I could focus on doing more of?
I won’t write less, I won’t love less, no sense in trying less, or even living less. I live by faith not fear, so there goes doing less of the fear thing. I live by grace and forgiveness, so out the window goes less of self shame, guilt, and loving myself less. Sorry… I got nothin here!
I suppose I’m more of a do morer than a do lesser kind of girl!
And… I’m definitely a mess maker, too!
Here, have a cookie…
They’re messy, but Oh So Good!
Thursday Thoughts…
Sometimes, letting the current carry you along is the only option.
If the paddle isn’t helping, stop fighting the rapids and just hold on. Focus on saving your energy for when you reach land…
You’ll need it for climbing out of the boat you’ve been riding in!
Journey With Me! 