My Place of Grace

Busily, this little bee, gathers pollen dillegently. Flower to flower landing, pollinating for expanding; Beautiful color, fragrant smell, fostering growth, all is well. God's creation works together, intricate complexities untether... Before our eyes, the once concealed; Becomes a gift of awesome wonder revealed.

If you've got an itch then scratch it Take a lesson from this squirrel. That nagging little feeling Could be the making of a pearl. Just as a grain of sand Get stuck inside a shell, The itch unscratched will bother But with scratch, the itch will quell. Giving time to question, Why the itch was there? Was it just a passing notion Or something meant to make aware? Just as the grain of sand, Over time becomes a pearl. The itch unscratched can fester Causing damage to this squirrel. Thank you God for speaking to me the way you do, through photographs and nature to get Your message through. No one else may get it...and for me that's quite OK. Just like to share the words You spin into my brain each day. Thank you for the pleasures that knowing You affords. I pray that we come to know you better as you open all closed doors. The itches could mean something that you intend to teach, so that we may grow close to You, should we dare to reach; and s...

Thank You Lord, For twilight moon. Shining bright Through dark of night. Shedding light Upon the earth, Assured that morning sun Will be there soon.

Boats sit in wait for occupants to hop on in and take them for a spin. Patiently still, they reflect themselves on mirrored lake. Anticipating the voyage they will take.

An island is the home to these gangly looking trees. An ugly mess to some, but beautiful to me. Their roots sunk deep into the earth, sipping water every day. Free to grow in all directions creating this display. They've stood the test of time, with flood and wind and storm. They've been shed bare in winter, and in spring they've been reborn. Drawing all their nourishment from the river they call home, They've become a sanctuary, a refuge all their own. Shade for weary visitors, shelter from the sky. Their branches shield from predators, providing ample place to hide. Trunks have made a fortress, surrounding lapping shores; To sit and watch the world outside, till minds becomes restored. I never would've found this place, had I not explored, The island full of tree's with my kayak and my oar. These trees are an example of how God wants us to be Planted by His living water, sipping continually. Then we too will grow in righteousness and strength Proving a place ...

Graced by his presence this regal bird looks on Perched atop the wire, stretched across my lawn. Chirping periodically, in his sweet singular note. Letting me know he's watching in his red feathered coat. Thank You God for the detail, and creative fashioning Of every living creature, that upon this earth You bring. May we just enjoy the beauty and revel in the prize Of experiencing Your artistry that's right before our eyes.

Feeling the darkness inside, Confined by the walls I abide Built over years of time, Keeping me from the world outside. The window holds the view Of all that I'd like to do Seen from inside out My heart longs to fly but dark brings doubt. Wandering ever near To the glass in panes so clear, Evokes a burning desire To break the walls of fear. To open window wide Where fear and free collide Climbing upon the sash Dare I spread my wings and fly?

Sun is on the rise Breaking cloud filled skies Instilling awesome wonder, Dazzling the eyes. Capturing this moment... Of Divine surprise.

Daring to Believe Eager little things Waiting for the food Their faithful Mama brings To fill her hungry brood Mouths open to receive, Trusting Mama's care. Daring to believe, She'll always be there.

I pray amidst your busy days, You take some time to breathe, The fragrant aroma of springtime's Flowers, it's soft and gentle breeze. To gaze upon the landscape That sits within your reach, And marvel at the wonders That God's grace gifts beseech. Taking time for moments To recognize His hand, Helps us in the seeing Of what's hard to understand. I pray for you remembering , Cause we all tend to forget; The Creator of our universe Is busy too...Working for our best.

In quietness and rest, you hear my still small voice. I speak in gentle whispers Attentiveness is your choice. Attune your focus on Me in the chaos of the day. Come to me with your burdens, I'll chase your stress away. My yoke fits you perfectly, making your work light. Learn the way I do things, As you labor by My side. It is in trusting Me, that your path will remain straight. Obey my word as you walk the road On your way to heavens gate. I go before you and behind you, I am on either side; I make the darkness shine as day, When in Me you abide. I hold all things together with My strong and mighty hands. Shielding you from danger. Helping you to stand. Amidst the raging storms of life, I am the gentle breeze, That blows across the choppy waves, And calms the threatening seas. Peace is what I offer, when you choose to live for Me. Contentment in the craziness Of life's complexities. So sit with me and listen as I whisper to your heart Healing words of restoration That I am eag...

You ask things of me every day As you kneel before my feet to pray Answers come and answers go Sometimes noticed, sometimes no. I listen faithfully to each request Figuring carefully how to answer best. Taking into consideration Your hearts desire and consolation. How will my answers affect your life? Will it grow your faith, or cause you strife? My answers aren't always what you expect But they're always for your benefit. I bend down low to hear your cries Your needs and wants and questions why? I know your voice, it's precious to me Now listen for mine and you will see Entrusting your heart into my care Will bring a peace beyond compare With anything that can be measured More valuable than the greatest treasure. It's my delight to answer prayer Be still and know that I am there. Live your life like you believe It's in your faith that you'll receive. The blessings that I have in store As you seek me even more. Love God

Ever feel like your always struggling to stay atop the mountain high? Or treading water in a stormy sea that threatens to drown the harder you try? Do you fight to keep your chin up, as worries fill your head? Relying on your own strength to chase away the dread? Is your energy depleted from your crazy hectic pace? Has your constant busyness drained the smile from your face? Does it seem that all the world has taken aim on you? And every way you turn there is a wall you crash into? "Well, I have a little secret. You're right where you ought to be. I, your God, knows what's best for you, and that's learning to rely on Me. So when you find that life is weighing heavy on your mind. I want you to switch channels, I will help you to unwind. Sit in My holy recliner, lean back on Me and relax. Trust Me to be in control, and I'll pick up the slack. You no longer have to struggle, I will bring you rest As you follow in My footsteps, knowing I, your God, knows best."

Jesus, you are my rock, the foundation on which I am built. Unmovable, unshakable, steady, secure. Helping me to endure. Jesus, you are my fortress which around me stands. Strong, sturdy, impenetrable, reinforced. Shielding me from evils course. Jesus, you are my defender, who fights for me. Unwavering, protecting, confident, sure. My fearless warrior through the war. Jesus, you are my comfort, who eases my hurt. Encouraging, loving, soothing, healing. Gently held in you're hand, concealing. Jesus, you are my joy, who makes my heart sing. Blessing, revealing, surprising, giving. My whole reason for living! Jesus, you are my strength, which never fails. Faithful, trusting, patient, true. In you there is nothing I can't do. Jesus, you are my peace in the midst of life's storms. Encompassing, calming, trustworthy, present. On my voyage through the unpleasant. Jesus, you are my redeemer over sin and death. Victorious, persevering, uncrushable, triumphant! Overthrowing the impos...

The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."...Exodus 33:14 Lord, our lives get so busy, We lose sight of what is true. Productivity become our idol Always seeking more to do. It's a trap we all fall into, Thinking more is always best. Relaxing seems a waste of time And it's laziness to rest. The world keeps moving faster. We try hard to keep the pace. Feeling worthless when we're tired; And need a break from life's cruel race. Lord, You never called it lazy Taking time to spend with You. It's in those quiet moments That Your presence can shine through. Let us just remember As we go about our days In His presence rest is given When we follow in His ways. M.D.

"This is what the LORD says—he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun , whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams." - Isaiah 44:2-4( NIV ) Have you ever gone through a dry season in your life or in your ministry? Listen to Gods words through the prophet Isaiah... "Do not be afraid"...could it be in those dry times in our lives that it is fear that is our drying agent, leaving us cracked and thirsting for that life giving water? Fear can cause all progress to stop. It paralyzes, limits growth, creates doubt, holds us back, and sucks us dry from the joy and prosperity that God has planned for us. The antidote for fear is faith. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is being sure of what we ...

Spirit of God, wash over me Cleansing my mind of impurity Fill up the cracks, revealing my leaks Wash away all the obstacles keeping me weak. Rush over my soul with waves of Your power Strengthen my faith hour by hour. Renew my heart with Your life giving rain Quenching my thirst, removing my pain. Plant me by a stream where Your waters flow. As continuous nourishment to help me grow. "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers."... Psalm 1:1-3

Trust in the Lord with all your heart Lean not on your own understanding. When we try to go it on our own We're in for a bumpy landing. Faith in God requires action Stepping out, so fear steps back Relying on God to move us forward Any way else, our courage will lack. If we find ourselves looking inward Dwelling on our own efficiency The only answer is acknowledging God Submitting to His sufficiency. Then we can rest in God's provision Faithful, He meets all our needs. Never will we have to worry When we walk the way our Father leads. Let us then take heart, and not grow weary With our hope in Christ, we're not alone Each step we take, we lay up treasure For the day our Father calls us home. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. ...Proverbs 3:5-6 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in...

I've been working on a publishing a book of poetry for the past several months. I am feeling this stirring of excitement as it nears it's completion. To be able to hold the compilation of my thoughts all together in my hands is to me, like scoring the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl or the game winning home run in the World Series. I started writing this collection of poetry a few years ago, during a difficult time in my life. In many ways it is my journey with God through that time. Thus I entitled it "Hand in Hand with God" He has been my "coach" so to speak, in this experience, and I give Him all the credit for training me to score! I wanted to share a little bit about this journey in my life, because I think so many times God uses difficult circumstances to reveal the direction and purpose He has for our lives. He reveals diamonds in the hard, dirty walls of our caves, and shines light and perspective in dark places of our lives. God brings beauty fr...

I'm reading a book right now called "Embracing Your Freedom" by Susie Larson(an excellent book by the way) In this particular part, it was talking about reclaiming the stolen areas of your life due to fear. Susie gave the analogy of a basketball team that had practiced for an important game, they knew their stuff and were on the court and ready. When the other team stepped onto the court the first team just looked at eachother in defeat, this other team were seemingly from the land of the giants. Fear welled up in the team who had practiced and was ready, they were ready to give up before they had even begun...until their coach yelled to them to look at him, and told them to remember they are ready, they had practiced, they knew the drills...now play. they played their hearts out keeping focus on what they knew and ran circles around the mammoth team. (so here's what came to my mind) Are there Giants in your land? Threatening to take you down? It's faith in God th...