Sitting at the Lake

(photo from dissolve.com)

Jesus looked more tangible to me today, more fleshed-out, as I read in Matthew, “That day, Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake…he got into a boat and sat in it…” -Matthew 13:1-2 (KJV)

Can’t you just picture a man who’s staying at a lake house, walking out the door, making his way down to the beach and sitting down beside the lake?

I don’t know what time of day it was, but from personal experience, walking out to the lake first thing in the morning, as the mist rises from the water, is magical. Sitting there, listening to the sounds of creation, watching birds dive into the water for their breakfast, smelling the pines – it all filled my happy tank to overflowing. 

(photo from newspring.cc)

When God created the first Garden, He created man to take care of it. Clearly, it meant a lot to Him, right? I mean, as you’re reading Genesis, that’s the only reason I’ve noted, that God states He created us for: to take care of what He’d created. He takes as much joy in nature as we do, maybe more!

So, yes, this man at the lake house, ventures out and sits by the lake. Don’t you wonder what was going through His mind? Was He thoroughly enjoying His physical senses as He sat there? Sometimes we need to be reminded to be mindful of where we are; I somehow doubt Jesus missed a thing.

In the first chapter of John, we read that, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, the Word WAS God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men,” (verses 1-4 KJV)

(photo from pixabay.com)

Since Jesus is the Word, we can see that He is the One Who spoke everything into existence. I hardly think He sat there and thanked Himself, but rather, took in the beauty of what He’d created. (He really should have come to sit by a lake in Colorado! Ha! Who’s to say He hasn’t?)

For me, sitting there was about taking in what I saw, as well as thanking God for showing it to me, for allowing me to enjoy the breathtaking beauty, and be a part of it all.

Matthew doesn’t tell us how long Jesus sat there, but he does say that a crowd began to grow around him, so he got into a boat and sat down, then began to speak to them.

The very One Who spoke everything into existence was speaking to them! In the flesh, out loud in an audible voice, they could see and hear the very One Who’d created them.

(from pinterest.com)

For us, it’s an inner thing, an inner knowing that comes from the Word of God. Yes, our hearing comes from Jesus, Himself. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing from the word of God.” Romans 10:17 (KJV)

All of this, not to introduce you to what He was about to teach, but to introduce the notion that it was Jesus – the man, Who was speaking to them. The same Jesus Who speaks to your heart every single day, whether you’re paying attention or not.

Perhaps, by closing our eyes and imagining ourselves there with Him, by the lake, sitting at rest, taking it all in – we can hear Him a little more clearly. That opens us up to falling in love with Him, completely.

(from pinterst.com)

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.

Selah

(photo from beachhealthretreat.com)

There’s always so much more going on than just your thoughts. Your body is busy at being alive; your blood is always coursing through your veins, your nerves are continuously sending signals to your brain and a countless array of processes we don’t even have to contemplate to keep in motion. I’m quite certain I have no idea what my body is accomplishing at any given moment, merely to keep me functioning. And I’m just as certain that it would take few book volumes to describe the miraculous workings of the human body, so I won’t attempt to list them here in a short blog post.

In addition to everything that’s going on inside your body, the overwhelming activity that’s going on outside your body, even on a quiet sunny day while relaxing in the grass, is more than impressive. Every living thing around us is growing, and dying. Vibrations that cause sound and light waves are being generated, with or without our help. Whether we’re awake or sleeping, in a euphoric state or catatonic, happy as a lark or in the pits of despair – life goes on around us.

So, how is it we let ourselves get so wrapped up in our thoughts?

Yes, our thoughts can become words and our words have power, creative power.

We generally give our thoughts and our words the authority to run or to ruin our lives.

But, if we allow ourselves to stop our racing thoughts from becoming an avalanche, cascading down around us, and take a moment to simply marvel and wonder at everything else there is besides those thoughts – ahhh, what an incredible feeling. It’s a rush! Honestly, for me, it’s even more invigorating that thinking! And if you think I talk a lot (which I do), you should see the whirlwind of thoughts going on in this brain at any given moment.

There’s a word in the Bible that can mean to pause and consider; the Hebrew word for Selah. Hebrew words always mean more than our watered-down English versions, and are associated with pictures.

In the preceding paragraphs I’ve described my word-picture for Selah; that open-hearted moment when you simply stop what you’re doing, stop what you’re thinking and just “be”, experiencing what’s going on within you, as well as what’s going on around you. I encourage you to try it, today; right now, if you’ll allow yourself the time.

You’ll rest.

You’re marvel.

You’ll grow.

Your light will glow more brightly.

Your world will become endless.

“Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.” ~ Psalm 4:4 (KJV)

An Audience With The King

(photo from zazzle.com)

Imagine having a private audience with the God of the universe, the King of kings! Imagine sitting in full view of His splendor, knowing He hears every word you say and they matter to Him. Imagine Him putting everything else on hold and looking into your eyes, holding your hand and meeting your needs with everything at His disposal.

Whether you realize it or not, this happens every time His children pray.

Years ago, I sat praying, and my imagination showed me a giant wooden door opening slightly. A bright light burst through, and I gasped with awe, knowing that God was right on the other side of that door. Panic danced through my veins as I realized the door was opening for me. What would I say? Tears rolled down my cheek as I realized that this is what happens when I pray.

But, why would the almighty God of everything grant me an audience?

I have, at least a partial understanding of what I’m capable of, I’ve been around a few decades. But, in His great love for me, His grace and the awe inspiring idea that still, He allows me a private audience with Him – every time I pray, should overwhelm me, it should overwhelm all of us.

An all encompassing love is a love that encompasses all that I am, all that I was and all that I will ever be, even the broken parts and the ugly pieces.

There may be some who can’t get past my past. But, God has no problems with it at all, because He’s forgiven the sin and uses every struggle I’ve faced for my good and His glory. He purposefully called to me, drawing me to Himself and, at a time when I would hear Him, He revealed His love for me.

So many descriptive words can be used in conjunction with God’s love; unconditional love, never-ending love, whether-you-want-it-or-not love, whether-you-feel-you-deserve-it-or-not love, pure love, and so many more. But, I’m at a loss to find a perfect word that envelops God’s love, because He IS love.

His love forgives me, because it’s His loving kindness that draws me to repentance in the first place.

His love is wild; it cannot be tamed or controlled. Not deserving His love, or denying He is, cannot stop Him from loving us – or His desire for intimacy with us.

The next time you pray, know that you’re talking privately with Him, that He’s giving you His full attention; that you’re partaking of His splendor and majesty and know that He hears you.

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” – 1 John 5:14-15 (NKJV)

The Anointing in His Presence

(Now Faith available on Amazon.com)

Who’s rubbing off on you?

Our pastor tells about when he had a camel named Kramer. Anyone could tell when he’d been spending time with Kramer; he smelled like Kramer.

What scent do we carry with us throughout the day? Can people tell we’ve spent time with God? I think they can, if, indeed we truly have spent time with Him. I don’t just mean taking a few minutes to breeze through some passage in the Bible that we read as an obligation; but truly spending time in God’s presence.

Sometimes I’ll see a woman with a glow and marvel; she’s a Christian and it shows. On occasion, I’ve even approached her to ask. Of course, she beams with joy to discover Jesus shining through her to whoever may gaze her way. That ‘pregnant glow’ that we hear tell of, is alive in her, too. Though she may not be pregnant with a baby, God’s Word is growing in her, to birth all sorts of blessings He wants to pour out on those around her.  

I may have noticed that ‘glow’ in you, too, in person, or through something you’ve written or shared via Facebook.

Right now I’m reading a book entitled, “Now Faith” by Cheryl Stasinowsky. Each page reveals tremendous evidence that she’s spent time in the presence of God. Her words are anointed. But, just as everything has its season, her words may not jump into your heart immediately, as they’re doing to me. I think the readiness of our heart enters into the equation, as well. I’m reading it slowly, and purposefully, it’s overwhelming me. I feel like I’m entering a holy place, wherever I’m at when I read it. I was in a drive-thru line the other day and I pulled out the book, even there, I felt God; alive and in my car with me, tangible. I’m getting ready for a new level of fulfillment; of anointing!

Join me? Let me smell some God on ya! Let me see your glow!

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…. 

(To read all of Hebrews chapter 11, click on the blue link above.)

Are Praise and Worship Simply to Butter-Up?

(photo courtesy of christcenteredmall.com)

Jesus Himself said, “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is a spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24 (NIV)

Praise and worship is not to be used to “butter up” our Father. It’s given from a pure heart that wants nothing more than to climb up on to His lap and to love on Him and to take in His love. It’s not something we put out there trying to manipulate Him into giving us the things we want. He knows our hearts, our thought and intentions; do we really think we can our smart Him or put together a magic formula to make things go the way we want them to?

There are so many things I don’t understand. There are so many things I’d do differently than God is doing them – but only because I don’t always know why He’s doing them the way He does. I know that He sees the whole of everything, and that I merely catch glimpses of His kingdom as He sees it. Since I don’t see the end from the beginning like He does, I can’t possibly expect to see clearly why He does what He does, when He does it.

How many times have you said, or heard said, “Well, if I was God ____________”?

I’m relieved that none of us is God, with our limited scope of everything, we’d surely mess things up. And how many of us would have thought of grace all by ourselves?

The Psalmist wrote, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4 (NIV) He didn’t give us this instruction as a magic wand to gain entrance to the throne room of God for our own personal venues.

As Christians, we’re told, “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus…..” Ephesians 2:6 (NIV)

We not only have permission to enter the God’s throne room, spiritually speaking, we’re sitting there already, with Jesus our Savior, as joint heirs with Him. God welcomes our thanks, our praise, our worship, our love, our obedience – and yearns to take us in His arms and love us in ways we still feel so unworthy to receive.

Twice in the gospels Jesus says, “…how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” Matthew 23:27 & Luke 13:34 (NIV)

Let’s let go of our inhibitions, and like David, dance before the Lord, thanking Him, praising Him, honoring Him and worshiping Him with all that’s within us!

Matthew 6:33 tells us that when we seek first the kingdom of God, everything else will be given to us. So why do we seek the things and ignore the kingdom?