Withholdings

(photo mine)

Have you thought about?

You have a few things that God, Himself, cannot have unless you give them to Him, He won’t take them without your permission; and yes, they’re all things He filled you with in the first place.

You have a wealth of praise flooding through your soul. You can choose where you aim it and to whom you give it. We may praise our children for their beauty or a job well done. We may praise our spouses for taking such good care of us. We may praise the doctors and nurses for care given to our loved ones or to teachers for bringing out the best in our children. We may praise our favorite performers for their talent.  And, of course, we mean it all with sincere passion.

Believe it or not, there are self-centered, hurting people who have no praise on their tongue for anyone. You see them while shopping or dining out – or even in traffic, hurling anger at everyone in their path. Even their own spouse or children do nothing praise worthy in their darkened eyes.

Yes, our praise is something God desires from us; one of those things He allows us to choose to give to Him or to withhold from him.

(photo from leloveimage.blogspot.com)

Our thankfulness. Do we thank the one who prepared our meals? Or the ones that pour into our lives daily; the ones who let us have that choice parking spot or to cut in line ahead of them? What about the folks who pick up where we slack off?  Do we thank the ones who meet our tangible needs or the needs of our souls (our mind, will and emotions)?

Yes, we choose to be thankful. And we have to choose to thank God – for everything from the prosperity in our checkbook to our families and the multitude of blessings in our lives, to the very life in our bodies and our eternal salvation.

Our love. Where do we so lavishly pour out this priceless commodity? True, we can only express love to the degree we’ve received it and allowed it to work in our hearts. How I express my love might be entirely different than the ways you do it. Check out the book The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman. Here’s his quiz to find out your love languages: Click Here for the Quiz

Upon reflection, from whom do we withhold our love? The neighbor who made us angry? The child who hurt our child? The boss who makes us work too much? The God we perceive as letting us down? Yes – you know, the One Who created us and has laid out the plans He has for our lives – plans to prosper us and fill us with great favor. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Loving anyone is a choice. Loving God – is our choice.

Our hearts. We hold them dear, we hide them to protect them; we build walls around them to keep them safe from hurt and abandonment – sometimes even from the One Who has promised, with a promise that cannot be broken, to never leave us or forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5)

Is it even possible to love without allowing our hearts to become vulnerable? 

I think not.

(photo from A Woman of Faith, pinterest)

Is it worth pondering? Is it possible we’re withholding our hearts from God today?

In this season of Advent (advent means – the arrival of a notable person, thing or event), let’s seek this new adventure – exposing our hearts to God and giving Him what He so richly deserves and desire more than anything; our praise, our thanks, our love; our hearts.

“And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” – Deuteronomy 6:5 (KJV)

“Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;” – Deuteronomy 7:9 (KJV)

“Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” – Matthew 22:36-40 (KJV)

Hiding

(photo from viktorpersson.com)

Is it fair to respond, “I don’t know…” when someone asks how you’re feeling; or to just shrug your shoulders and look away?

I suppose it depends on the why we think they asked. But, by presuming to know the motives behind their asking, we put ourselves into their mind, where we don’t belong, because, truthfully, we don’t know what really goes on there.

We believe we can safely surmise what someone’s thinking or what their intentions are, sometimes based on their past subsequent responses to us.  If, in the past, they seemed not to truly care, we conclude that this time is no different. But, what if in the past they did truly care, but didn’t quite know how to communicate their concern to us? What if their “care button” isn’t broken, but their “communication button” works differently than ours?

There are many reasons we turn from the attention of others. Perhaps we don’t think they actually care, or their personality overwhelms us. Maybe we don’t have the time or interest to reciprocate that care. Sometimes we may just feel like our concerns don’t deserve a spotlight or we’d rather keep them to ourselves, insisting that no one could help us anyway. It could be pride or it could be privacy.

(photo from nickelvery.com)

It could be that we honestly don’t even know in our own heart why we run from the love or attention others offer us.

Personally, the way thoughts often jumble together in my own mind sometimes causes me to panic, not finding the “correct” response fast enough, forcing me to emotionally shut down to keep from exhibiting an emotional response that others might not find acceptable. Of course, rightly or wrongly, I probably base what is “correct” or “acceptable” on past responses or my own imagination.

I guess I’m writing this post to probe: Why do YOU run? Am I alone in my feelings? Am I basing my actions and reactions on deceit?

Logically, if forcing things down inside myself hasn’t worked to “fix” things in the past, why would I (or we) think that this time that’s the fix we should reach for?

Yet, if reaching out for help in the past hasn’t yielded the results we hoped for, why would we continue to reach out?

(photo from thesaleslion.com)

I believe that God created us with a need for each other; a need to connect with each other, as a means of meeting our other human needs. If this is true, then it makes sense that the enemy of Life would want to sever our relationships wherever possible. No? Satan’s most effective tools against us include deception; false illusions, and cleverly created evidence to back up those deceptions. As people, we can be very vulnerable, perhaps to the point where we run from the very help we seek.

The Word of God instructs us to bear one another’s burdens, while a few verses later we read that we have to bear our own burdens. (Galatians 6:1-5)

The King James version of the Bible uses the word ‘burden’ in both places. Upon looking into the meaning of the Greek words behind the word burden, we find that in verse two, where we’re instructed to help bear the burdens of others, the word reveals a weight, something heavy bearing down on us. The word burden in verse five divulges a task, or a service. So, while we are to help each other with the concerns/burdens that weigh us down, we are each expected to perform the tasks and services God asks of us. We’re each to fulfill our own purposes; our own destinies, but will likely require help along the way when the weight of being human becomes too heavy for one soul.

Throughout scripture we read over and over again that God is our help in time of trouble.

The writer of Hebrews encourages us greatly:

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:6 (KJV)

God often chooses to meet our needs through the hands and hearts of those around us. The only need I can think of that God provides Himself, personally, is that of redemption. When He redeemed us, saving us from sin and eternal destruction, He did that through the cross.

(picture from stock-clip.com)

Even as Jesus commanded Lazarus to come from the grave, He turned to those around him and instructed them to release him from the graveclothes that bound him. (John 11:43-44 KJV)

The burdens of this life serve as graveclothes. Through the grace of His redemption, we’re further blessed with the body of Christ - each other - to help tear away the confines of binding graveclothes.

Yet……we hide. Why do you hide?

All I Need

(photo from justbetweenus.org)

“The riches of Your love [O LORD] will always be enough…” – a line from a song we sing in church, got me pondering.

Are the riches of His love ever enough for us? For the most part, we’re a pretty discontented people.

When we women fall in love with the man of our dreams and he becomes our husband, we pledge “…as long as I’ve got your love, that’s all I’ll ever need.” Very romantic, but, soon we find ourselves realizing we also want a secure roof over our heads, good food on our table and as many of our tangible needs met as possible. We may also discover that in married life, the man of our dreams may not pour out his love in ways we recognize as love. Sure, he may work hard to provide for his family, but what about the affection and attention we assumed we’d get, too? Or hey, what about a little help with the half a dozen kids you helped me bring into this world? And, oh yes, I need some “me” time, please pencil that into your schedule.

(picture from layoutsparks.com

As wives, for the most part, it’s probably safe to assume that we believe most, if not all of that comes with the marriage package. (Not to imply that we can’t help make all of that happen.) Am I wrong? Most of us don’t think we’ll be sheltering under a bridge or waiting in lines at a food pantry or taking care of the kids like a single mom, or starving for affection like the single girls at the club. After all, isn’t marriage about provision, too? Now, of course, I realize catastrophes come into our lives; lost job, disabilities, etc. But, when we vow “for better or for worse” – who seriously imagines “the worst”?

(photo from sheknows.com)

When we enter into the relationship with God that redeems us, it’s tempting to expect things to be all rosy and sunshine as we walk with Him and grow in Him. But, being a Christian doesn’t mean life’s path will always take us where we think we need to go.

“The riches of Your love will always be enough…” While in essence, this is true, the riches of His love is truly all any of us need, for in those riches we have everything, yet, as humans, most of us continue to want more than we have. It can be hard to be content right where you’re at, especially for long periods of time in less than ideal circumstances.

Sometimes we expect God to change the will of those around us. Yes, He gave us freedom of choice, but, those around us don’t make good choices like we do! (Yes, I say that jesting.) But, wouldn’t life be easier if those around us didn’t disagree with us so much, or if they could see what we perceive to be the “greater good”? This is where we take on a God complex, thinking (consciously or subconsciously) that if we were God, we’d run things more smoothly here on Earth.

Sometimes we expect God to “get us that promotion” because, after all, we’re His children. Or we may expect that convenient parking place to open us just as we get there, because, yes, we’re His child. Or maybe we expect our teams to win, whether at sporting events or in games of chance. Maybe we just think life shouldn’t be “so hard” for us if we’re “in His Word”.

(photo from examiner.com)

In reality, the riches of His love will always be enough… is only true when we let God be God and bring ourselves into His plan, instead of wanting to write the plan for Him.

Paul tells us in Philippians 4:12 (NIV) “…I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation….”

We can learn contentment, too. It comes with trusting God, without reservation.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

“As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’S word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” – 2 Samuel 22:31 (NIV)

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

The Other Boots

(photo from linkedin.com)

Today we rightly give honor to our veterans near and far, those who’ve gone before us and those we stand beside daily. We should do so every day. God bless you all. Thank you for everything you’ve done for America and her people, and for so many others around the world. Thank you for every sacrifice and every sorrow; for every moment of frustration and every moment of fear. We celebrate with you every moment of victory and triumph and every moment of pride and your safe return from service. We salute you and bless you from the deepest parts of our hearts. And as you do, we bless and salute the ones you love.

(photo from plumdistrict.com)

To those you’ve left behind –

Your love is never forgotten.

Your sacrifices are not invisible.

Your hearts are bigger than the world will ever know.

Your voice is energy; your words are dynamic, even when whispered.

Your tears are saved in a special place as God’s treasure.

Your patience has been tried.

Your questions have gone unanswered.

Your faithfulness is often overlooked.

Your understanding of longsuffering is over-the-top.

Your songs, in your heart - carry tremendous meaning; unfathomable power.

Your pride is deserved.

Your creativity saves the day.

Your dreams are valid.

Your pain is real.

Your wounds are many.

Your confusion is misunderstood.

Your comfort is coming.

Your peace belongs to you alone.

Your joy is sometimes hidden.

Your self-control is tested.

Your prayers have often felt like they were ignored.

But, you are heard.

You are loved.

You count.

You are honored.

You are admired.

You are an over-comer.

You are victorious.

You are envied.

You are important.

You are fulfilling one of your greatest purposes, right now.

You are indispensible.

You are the mortar between the bricks; without you there is no strong tower.

You are the reason love marches forth to protect and defend and conquer evil.

There are no heroes without you, for without you, there is no need for heroes.

Thank you!

I give you all my love, now and always. 

“Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Bless are all who wait for him!” – Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)

“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters,

He refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” – Psalm 23 (NIV)

Sing!

(picture from netmark.com)

Somewhere in my past I heard it said, when you sing, you pray twice. Maybe because it takes you twice as long to get the words out of your mouth, but more probably, because putting melody to our praise and prayers seems to make them a little more powerful, at least from a human perspective. We can allow ourselves to take it further, to enjoy it more and to lift it up higher, and even to receive more from God. In receiving more (more freedom, more encouragement, more healing, more of God’s power released into our lives) the more easily and freely we share it.

Just typing “I will sing” into the browser at Bible Gateway (KJV) brings up twenty-five scriptures, some of which are songs I’ve sung for a long time. And those I haven’t sung have probably been sung by someone at some point. This morning in church we sang  a song that caused my soul to rejoice greatly. It brought to mind a lot of old scripture songs I’ve sung over the years, and it also brought to mind all the reasons I have to praise God through song.

Some of the scriptures I know as song include:

“I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider’s thrown into the sea... The LORD my God, my strength, my song has now become my victory… The LORD is God and I shall praise Him, my father’s God and I will exalt Him….

Miriam grab your tambourine and praise the LORD and dance and sing and tell the people to shout the victory… The LORD, my God, my strength, my song has now become my victory… The LORD is God and I will praise Him, my father’s God and I will exalt Him...” Exodus 15:1-2 & 20 paraphrased.

(picture from keepcalmandposters.com)

“Thou hast turned my mourning into dancing for me; Thou hast put off my sackcloth. Thou hast turned my mourning into dancing for me and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise unto Thee and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto Thee forever…” – Psalm 30:11-12 paraphrased.

“I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever, I will sing; I will sing. I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever, I will sing of the mercies of the LORD. With my mouth will I make known Thy faithfulness; Thy faithfulness. With my mouth will I make known, Thy faithfulness to all generations….” – Psalm 89:1 paraphrased.

“I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live, I will give thanks to my God while I have my being. My meditation of Him shall be sweet, I will be glad, I will be glad in the Lord! Bless thou the LORD O my soul, praise ye the LORD. Bless thou the LORD O my soul, praise ye the LORD…” – Psalm 104:33-34 paraphrased.

(picture from pinterest.com)

Other songs that are no doubt in scripture as well, but just don’t pull up with that tag line include:

“I will sing, I will sing a song unto the LORD, I will sing, I will sing a song unto the LORD, I will sing, I will sing a song unto the LORD; hallelujah glory to His Name.”

“Sing unto the LORD a new song, sing unto the LORD all the earth; sing unto the LORD a new song, sing unto the LORD all the earth. For God is great, and greatly to be praised, God is great, and greatly to be praised……”

Scriptures, such as Psalm 103:1 (paraphrased) may not use the words, sing unto the LORD, but we sing them anyway: “Bless the LORD, O my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy Name.

And Psalm 103:2 (paraphrased) “Bless the LORD, O my soul and forget not all His benefits, Bless His holy Name, Bless the LORD, O my soul and forget not all His benefits…”

“Trust in the LORD with all of your heart, lean not on your own understanding, acknowledge the LORD in all of your ways, He will make your path straight.” – Psalm 3:5-6 paraphrased.

(picture from revivalchurch.org.uk)

Psalm 61 is a beautiful song, as well. There are so many beautiful songs in scripture that as I look over them, my soul can’t help but rejoice and celebrate, taking me back to when I learned them and the blessings I was receiving at the time. Not only does my mouth sing, my heart sings!

How many of these songs do you know? Others you’d like to share with us? Where do they take you back to and what did God bless you with at the time? Where do they allow your spirit to soar now?

What Shakes Up Our Faith?

(picture from wwcconline.org)

How does an evil teach us to pray? Sunday morning Pastor Mark mentioned that while on his recent trip to Africa, a prominent African Christian leader told him that Idi Amin taught their people how to pray. Um, what? Well, no, he didn’t gather them together in an auditorium and share with them the wealth of power in prayer, or how to petition the Father of Life, or about the freedom found in praising God. No, he didn’t instruct them on the finer points of prayer at all.

But, he did force them into a corner, challenging their belief in God and the power and effectiveness of their prayers. And they responded, together and overwhelmingly. The tides are turning in their nation. We hear great reports from Africa regularly.

I looked for photos of the devastation under his regime. I couldn’t bring myself to share them here….

Is this what it will take for America to hit our knees? The rich outpouring of blessings from God has given us an entitlement mentality and has turned a great many of us from an attitude of gratitude to a gospel that simply promises financial prosperity and all the material wealth we seek after. The heart of the matter is fading in America. We don’t routinely hear of the miracles happening here on our soil that seem to be reported in abundance in the parts of the world where they don’t have “the privileges Americans enjoy….”

My depiction of an American bunny..... (picture from sustainableman.org)

Not that any of us wants to choose between a huge bank account and submitting our will to the Living God of the universe; surely we can have both. Can’t we? Well, can we?

I saw an article on the internet mocking American Christians in the south, living in some of the poorest counties in our nation. Yes, with toothless smiles, they praised God. Those who don’t share our faith in God laughed at them, saying, “You thank God – for what??”

Do I want to live in a shack or scrounge for my daily bread in a trash can? No. I admit it, I live quite comfortably and I like it. I’m not at all saying there’s anything wrong with abundance. Jesus said, “…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10 (NKJV)

(picture from joyfulbusiness.org)

 But, does the man at the top of the mountain of Wall Street have peace with God?

I’m not saying he doesn’t, but which is more important to you? Wealth or peace? I’ve heard Rockefeller died in misery, despite his millions; what did they gain him? Material possessions he couldn’t take with him; possessions that perhaps brought him temporary pleasure?

I have a friend who shares her definition of a Christian as one who would answer the door when Jesus knocks and drop what she’s doing to go with Him; leaving behind everything and everyone. Ouch! Not my babies! Not my lover! Not my things!

Jesus doesn’t generally ask us to leave everyone and/or everything behind, but if He did put that challenge to you, could you run into His arms and trust Him to take care of everything and everyone else?

Gathering possessions is clearly what not what life is all about. Most of us consider Mother Theresa to have been a very holy and righteous woman. Of course, she never claimed to be righteous in and of herself, but through Christ. Yet, her material possessions were few.

(picture from loscuatroojos.com)

Am I judging the rich televangelists out there? No. I’ll leave the judging to God. My own heart is the one I need to contend with. I’m not responsible for what you or anyone else does with their heart.

But think about this: if devastation (such as what Idi Amin brought to his people) visited your life and all you were left with is your faith in God, would you be able to embrace it with your whole heart? Or would you then turn your back on God? Some say that faith isn’t faith until it’s all you’ve got to hang on to. Personally, I don’t ever want to be in that position. But, like Job, if I lost everything I can see with my eyes, I’d want to hang on to all that I have in my heart.

What we can see with our eyes is sooooo temporary.

(picture from sallyandsam.blogspot.com)

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.” – Psalm 103:13-16 (NIV)

Yet, so many of us feel the need to accumulate “things” and consider them signs of success.

To quote an old Kansas song, “All we are is dust in the wind……” (Well, I guess dust does collect….)

(picture from sunsetevansville.com Lissy Elle)

Psalm 8:4 asks, “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?” (NKJV)

God’s love for you is eternal; forever and ever and ever – and unconditional. Nothing you could ever think or do can cause Him to stop loving you. What kind of a love is that??

When He comes to your door – run to Him! Don’t wait for persecution to learn to pray. It may come. And sooner than we think.

How amazing - He calls ME friend!

I AM A FRIEND OF GOD - ISRAEL HOUGHTON

A Long and Relatively Pointless Blog Post

When I travel alone, I write. I suppose that should be a relief to the passengers beside me; more writing, less talking. Less talking, somehow still joyful. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” – Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)

Wednesday, October 22^nd 6:05 a.m. - I don’t think I’ve ever flown into a sunrise before.

The clouds look like a dark ocean beneath me. Minutes pass and they the look more like gray bellowing smoke. A pink glow sits just beneath certain clouds like magical ponds of water reflecting a radiant light up through the haze. Some clouds build upwards and look like tidal waves; suspended in time, never falling and crashing, as if frozen, glacier-like walls of water.

A very light gray wispy line of clouds much higher than the rest passes beneath us, as if we crossed a heavenly goal line.

In time, the clouds seem closer and create the illusion we’re flying over a massive ice continent. The darkness is somehow illuminated, though the sun has not yet pierced the horizon. There’s a magic surrounding us as we fly into the sunrise. Every picture I take disappoints me, none doing this breathtaking view justice at all.

This can’t even be how earth looked in the first verses of Genesis. Below me is a gleaming mass of clouds, swimming over a shapeless planet, but as the Bible opens, even clouds and sunshine weren’t yet spoken into existence.

Can clouds freeze? They’re collections of moisture, right? What causes the glowing pink pockets that show up sporadically?

The brilliance of the sunlight peeking over the distant clouds of the horizon causes my heart to beat in my throat, as if the clouds are on fire! A rainbow of colors blend together as the life-giving orb rises above the clouds. My hands are clutched to my chest and I almost forget to breathe. And now – it’s daylight! Glory! Glory! Glory! Glory to God in the highest!

Surely the kind man beside me thinks I’m a little simple in the head as I keep interrupting him to show off the amazing display outside my window. He smiles as if I’m not bothering him.

I wish you could see the fancy rainbows on the wall beside me, dancing as I move the rings on my hands. The only light they’re reflecting is the sunlight through my window.

The sky below me looks like a sea of glass, could this have been what John saw amidst his revelation? He, too, was lifted up (though I doubt in an airplane). The hazy soft glow now washing over the clouds makes me feel like I’m watching God’s Spirit hover over the earth.

A week later, October 29^th 6:11 p.m. - The site of the top side of the clouds always delights me. I can extract all sorts of things from it. I’m on an adventure; a slightly out of the ordinary leg of my journey through life in the flesh – one taking place 38,000+ feet in the air. I’m breaking from my everyday routine. I’m seeing people I’ve never seen before and will likely never see again. I’ll endure frustrations (the loud child behind me) and welcome blessings (my java chip frappachino). I’ll see things I’ll seal into my memories and forget more than I realize I see. Most likely, I’ll never be in this exact spot again.

While traveling, I’m transformed from my daily tasks, which seems like a break from reality. I’ll observe behaviors and manners of dress I generally only see on television. I may try new foods or drink. I’ll most definitely formulate questions I wouldn’t have come across in my own car or at my own kitchen table. Yes, the top side of clouds indicate an exciting change; a portal to something new.

At first glance, I knew the passenger to my left is a man. But, the first class flight attendant takes me a few minutes to settle in my mind that yes, he, too, is a man. His accent is peculiar as he snatches our attention with his handheld microphone. Our pilot is chipper and much chattier than your usual pilot as he informs us we’ll be arriving in Dallas early. He’s using words like “glorious” to describe the evening.

The interactive map on the seat back in front of me is crazy cool! I can explore the whole world from any angle.

Even for my petite height there’s barely enough leg room to be comfortable. My left hip is complaining and the right side of my back and rib cage remind me of the abuse they took this morning when I hoisted my suitcase into the rental car trunk, a task my husband generally takes care of. I’ll need a muscle relaxer tonight.

Why do I think you’d care to read this? I don’t. I just need to write it.

I’d love to bother the man in the aisle seat so I could scurry back to the ladies room. But, I’ll wait. He’s sleeping already. Plus, I wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to get my half a can of soda! Maybe I’ll be assertive and ask for the whole can. Maybe they’ll just be in a generous mood and give it before I ask.

Blessing: the two pretty (yes, female) flight attendants back here tending to the commoners are smiling! First class isn’t so lucky.

(picture from noliesplace.com)

In Ohio, I barely needed moisturizer. Back home in Colorado my skin will suck it up like I drink water, that’ll be one readjustment. I’ll take a day or two to re-acclimate to the altitude, not quite as long to slide back into the feel of mountain time.

(Have I mentioned I love this picture?)

I’m totally looking forward to Dave’s huge arms wrapping me into his warm embrace. Funny, my eyes tear up at the thought. I’ve missed him so much!

I shared some of my daughter Sandee’s Paparazzi jewelry with family, a waitress and a dance instructor while in Ohio – but where did I tuck away her business cards? Some sales woman I am… (Her site? www.fivedollarfabulous.com) 

Yes! I got a whole can of diet Coke! I know, I should have asked for a bottle of water. And yes, I already had one in my carry on.

I was a little disappointed over not getting to hook up with a few old friends as I’d hoped to. Oh well, next trip. Perhaps I need to go “back home” more often.

I think in upcoming days I’ll Google information on cloud formations. Specifically, why do they form the way they do?

This is a two hour flight. Surely you won’t wade through my every thought with me. I’ll put my notebook away for a while. Sky Mall, here I come!

…Last week I flew into the sunrise; the dawn of day. Tonight, I fly into the sunset! It looks as though someone took a fat pink marker and highlighted the horizon; orange and yellows bleed into the sky as its bluish hues have turned gray.

It’s -49 degrees outside at 36,000 feet up. Yowza! How does ice not form on the wings?

I’ve never had such extreme ear pressure as in this descent into Dallas. No wonder the babies are howling.

I’ve discovered some crazy cool features of the interactive map, such as the view from the cock pit. We’ll be landing almost a half an hour ahead of schedule. That rocks! AND my connecting gate is right next to where we’ll pull in, time to stretch out.

The skies are growing darker blue with that beautiful dark pink glow on the horizon; lights galore below.

My connecting flight from Dallas to Colorado Springs allowed me no time to write, the man sitting next to me was more than accommodating with his words. Now I know what it’s like to sit next to me! It’s wonderful!

(picture from wifiministries.org)

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (KJV) Thank God you’re not trapped in my head with the myriad of thoughts that constantly swirl and fight for attention. Just kidding, it can be rather fun in here.

“Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, Rejoice.” – Philippians 4:4 (KJV)

(picture from frankdamazio.com)

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)   It’s always a season for rejoicing.

Royalty

Two real Princesses, Pamela Coulter and me

Everything has a flip side. With the chaos that often accompanies the plethora of thoughts that are a constant in a mind like mine, come ideas. Some of those ideas are flakey, some inventive, some are probably brilliant, but in the previously mentioned chaos, some of these ideas are lost in the shuffle.

On those infrequent occasions where I get to ponder just one point for a few seconds, I can enjoy a euphoria that’s impossible to explain. Many of these moments occur as I’m enveloped in peace and excitement while worshiping my King.

A few Sundays ago, we sang a song into which the song leader spoke the line, “Take a look at me now, I’m a wonder; I know who I am!”

I wanted to shout that declaration to the world!

“Everybody, take a look at me now, I’m a wonder; I know who I am!” – Because I know I AM!

Who I am is directly tied to Who’s I am. I’m royalty; I am a daughter of the King, the most high God! I am a real Princess. I’m endued with all the power a king gives his children. I’m privileged and in right standing with my Father, the Judge of the living and the dead. And I’m excited about it! Hallelujah!

Last week I was blessed to spend a few hours with a precious Princess [Pamela Coulter] and two of her children; all heirs of our Lord, Jesus. We talked about everyday things, everything and anything. We didn’t actually pray together, or even talk about church or how blessed we are. But just being in her presence brought me peace and joy and an excitement that comes from sharing the same space with another member of the body of Christ; a sister who loves God as much as I do; another real Princess. A special kind of energy is produced in that mix. I needed that lift. Despite the difficulties in either of our lives, we went our own ways spilling over with the kind of joy Nehemiah was talking about when he said, “….the joy of the LORD is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV)

If only we all recognized the grace we walk in; the privilege and power we possess. If only we saw ourselves as God sees us!

“Everybody, take a look at me now, I’m a wonder; I know who I am!” – Because I know I AM!

Take a minute and listen to the song [below] that took me away! Let God fill you to overflowing!