A Beautiful Life

All have retreated to their beds. The lights are all turned down for the night and my program has just ended. The only light that shines now comes from the soft white Christmas lights. I drink in the beauty of the room. In the stillness I see lit up faces, framed in moments of yesteryear all around. Once in their youth, now a young man and young ladies. One smile separated by thousands of miles between.

I sit here tucked within my warm blanket with loved ones and precious memories hung all around. I breathe in the deep serenity of this place in time. A gift. 

With a grateful heart I whisper, “Thank you for my life. For its richness in love, strength of Faith, and kindred spirits.” I truly have led a beautiful one. A life filled with many changes. One of joy and laughter. Trials and tears. Mercy and forgiveness. Hope and Grace. Yes. It is a Beautiful life!

My Memory Tree

Ever since we put up our Christmas tree, I find even a greater delight sitting in my front room, snuggled within the depth of the corner on my plush sofa, Christmas music softly playing as I take in the splendor of it all. Each ornament hung with care by the girls and I. Each one unique and special in its own intricate design. Some created by smaller hands many Christmas’s ago. Yes, I love this little corner of my world.

I love it because my ornaments are a reminder of who has gifted them, along with being passed down through the generations, or purchased while off on a small getaway. They are all priceless heirlooms to me for they are a gentle reminder of the ones I love and who also love me. A reminder of beautiful years that have past. A Precious year at hand, and many more to come.

It is in this time of reminiscing of my loved ones that prompts me to pray and give thanks for these beloved souls. To ask my Heavenly Father to watch over them this Holiday Season and that they may know fully of the love of our Savior who came down from Heaven. God made into flesh for the redemption of a broken world. A love so pure and real.

“I thank my god every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with JOY.” ~ Philippians 1:3-4

Letting Go and Watching Them Soar.

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It's quiet in the house. Silent. No more do I hear the friendly banter between siblings. The dribbling of the basketball coming from outside as father and son play. Laughter. Stories of College and stories of living across the country shared. The only sound I hear now is the ticking of the dining room clock, the running water spilling ever so gently unto moss covered rocks of my youngster's frog tank. The clicking on the key pad as I share my thoughts with you.

There is an immense joy that resides within. To see our four children adjusting and acclimating well in their different stages of life. But there is also an ache that lies inside the heart. It is the knowing that change is taking place. It is inevitable. It is good. It is watching the two eldest take flight, ascending higher and higher, into their places they were so intricately created for. It is standing back, acknowledging the second daughter readying herself to do the same in two years. Seeing this beautiful individual heeding to the voice of her Heavenly Father. It is seeing my youngest discovering who she is. Walking securely in that truth. Teaching me to do the same.

Yes. This is what parenting is all about. Letting go and allowing God to take over and to tenderly cover our pain with the healing balm of gladness.

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."  ~ Proverbs 22:6

The Heart of Christmas

It is November 1st, a Wednesday afternoon as I sit here at my computer desk contemplating a few lines from a Christmas movie that I have just finished. 'The Polar Express' played in the background as I stood at the kitchen table folding the mounds of laundry; the mound toppling over and landing down at my feet. There is happiness within my soul, rejoicing that I have the strength in me to tackle and accomplish some household chores at hand. There is also joy as I am a LOVER of EVERYTHING CHRISTMAS. The movies. The music. The lights. The decorations. The smells of delights baking in the hot oven, soon to be savored. Family. Friends. Gifts exchanged. And so I dug out a few family favorites. Placed one within the DVD player and begun my great adventure through mountains, lakes frozen over with thin sheets of ice, and finally then to the North Pole and back again.

The best scene, in my opinion, is when the protagonist of our story, a young boy is sitting upon Santa's knee and has just received the first gift of Christmas. A shiny, silver bell from Santa's sleigh. Now listen to what Santa's response is and allow it to sink into the depths of your heart. "This Bell is a wonderful symbol of the spirit of Christmas as am I. Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart."

My heart song rings out in joyful tones to this truth. Christmas is God with us. Immanuel. Love fills the star lit night sky. Soon snow will gently fall, blanketing the ground white as grace covers the soul. Love has come.

My Favorite Super Hero

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Last night I watched my favorite Super Hero movie, 'Wonder Woman'. It is not just her immense strength and agility in battle that draws me to this lovely and quite cool 'DC Comics' character, [The character first appeared in All Star Comics #8 in October 1941 Wikipedia ] but many other attributes as well.

To me it's her enormous heart that far outweighs the value of her strength. And the deep compassion she feels toward the weak and broken bodied. Wonder Woman's compelling will to "fight for those who cannot". And is appalled at the great injustice of our world. Yes. It sounds like this world would be a far better place with more 'Wonder Women' in it.

No. I have no sword to wield nor other armor to behold. But through the breath of scripture and the life it provides I do. A far better one in truth. It is found within the pages of Ephesians 6:10-18. I have empathy for those who are broken in body and spirit. I have a lap to comfort a child who yearns to be held. I have a hand able to pen a note of thoughtfulness to one who lacks encouragement. And I have a heart that overflows with love from forgiveness and grace that I pass down to all others. This is what I can do. How about you?

True Happiness

So I had a thought this morning and that is, what makes us truly happy? In years past I tried to buy my happiness through shopping at places such as 'Ann Taylor Loft', 'Marshall Fields', and outlet stores. That was not the case as the feeling of such grandeur dissipated once the bills arrived. So then the vicious cycle would begin as I would go shopping to ease my guilt and justify the need to make myself feel better. Let me tell you. That did not work. Even on those days that I could financially afford to do so. 

Here's what I have learned since then. These are some examples that bring joy and contentment to my soul. Crisp Autumn air. Brilliant colors on trees that spread through forests like wildfire. Walks within my neighborhood when physically able. Lending my time and photographic talents to those who otherwise could not pay elsewhere. Capturing that perfect photograph. Singing and praying over the sick and suffering. When a favorite song comes on the radio. A warm hug from my children. My husband’s fingers intertwined with mine. Deep belly laughter shared amongst friends. Days when I am well enough to attend church. And finding a good devotion to read when I am not. 

 Yes. I live a simpler life in a much different time. There is much to be Thankful for. All around me are the little things that really matter. Though I am still a work in progress and must remember on the bad days there have been worse and there is the promise of better ones to come. That’s what makes me happy. What brings you happiness?

Come Gather at My Table

"What can I do for you, Lord?" I've asked as my heart and soul is quite restless lately. There is a tugging. A yearning. A desire to do more for Christ's Kingdom. Yet, I did not know what? How? Where? Then Sunday my reply came through a question my Pastor asked the congregation from the pulpit, "What can you do at home?" The floodgates of my mind were opened as answers came pouring in from above. Now today also confirmed.

I have quite a unique situation, and if looked through the lens of optimism, is quite grand. I do not punch a time clock. There are no quotas to be had. No demands to be met. Only time. Time to pray. Time to rest. Time to maintain our home, providing love and care for our family of 6.

And I have a kitchen table. Made of sturdy oak, stained in places with vibrant colors by markers and spilled nail polish. Beautiful memories dance within my heart of loved ones gathered here to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and graduations. Coffee sipped. Tears shed. Joyful laughter. Hands held together in prayer. Yes. I have a table and it welcomes you.


"...Each life can be improved with a listening ear and a cup of tea when one becomes the conductor of life to all who will sit at their table." ~ Sally Clarkson

Learning to Let Go

I am learning to let go. Letting go of my son who has acclimated beautifully into his College surroundings. Letting go in the knowledge that my job as his mother has made a permanent change. It is the change that is our sole purpose as a parent. To untie the short, leather Jess strips that have helped keep my son securely placed in years of learning, growing, and transforming into the individual he was created to be.

Holding him now within the palm of my hands, I release him up into the sky with all of my might. A tear falls downward as my son begins to soar. My heart's aflutter with so many different thoughts and emotions. But the one that surpasses all is pure Joy. So much laughter these past 19 years. Such strength in character I have beheld as Tyler grew from a creative little boy, into the strong, tenderhearted, faithful young man he is today.

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you." ~ Isaiah 60:1

The Exhausting Act of Pleasing Others

My entire life I have struggled with an unmet unreality of performance to earn the favor and praise of others. The trophy, their love and acceptance. Have you ever found yourself doing the same?

Trying to find favor in the eyes of everyone is exhausting, not to mention down right impossible. Our motives become clouded and the view of ourselves distorted. Frightened to not live up to others standards and expectations, we lose sight of the only ONE who we should be chasing after. The One Who has adopted us into His family. A family where we are loved without condition. Received with open arms. The Lord knows every wort and wrinkle yet adores us just the same. He enjoys our communion with Him. Adorns us in joy through every victory. Rains His Grace down upon us when the days are hard. In each moment, day, hour, our Savior's love is relentless. Unchanging. Forever ours.

And you know what?! The ones we work so hard to please, I have learned they are delighted just to know us. Our kind presence, a gift. Their relationship for the taking. And for those who are quite not so genuine, rest in the knowledge of who you truly are. Priceless!

The Woman at the Alter

There was a woman at the altar today in my Sunday morning service. She was kneeling there, tissues in hand, raising it upwards to Heaven. If you looked a bit closer you could see this woman in the blue sweater was crying. Her quiet sobs gently shook her broken down frame.

Anyone who knows this gal, can attest to the troubles and ailments that inhibit her life. Her road has been anything but easy and now its terrain, more rugged. Its slope, slippery than ever. If you knew her as I, you can attest that despite her determination of will, optimism of heart, and tenacity of spirit, she was desperate for freedom from all that had her bound.

So that is what drove this anguished woman there. For she knows full well of her Savior's redeeming blood. She deeply believes that the stripes He bore upon His back represent every disorder and each disease. She embraces the power of the cross, all that it stands for and holds onto the Lord's unfailing love.

And even though her body may not have received specific healings, the true miracle is that her spirit did. She found peace for the taking. Strength for the moment. Making the choice of unyielding to an unknown future with an uncertain end. Yes. It is true. I found my Jesus there, at the altar, this Sunday Morn.

The Tree

There is this tree that I love. I have drawn much comfort through meditation and prayer beneath her long, large branches. Inspiration through her vibrant red and yellow leaves, so brilliant in the autumn months. She has been the backdrop for family portraits. And a prop for Homecoming pictures. Yes. I love this tree very much for she is one of the reasons we chose to purchase our home and almost acreage.

And now I have learned that this is most likely her last year, if she indeed makes it that long. You see, my tree has rotted from the inside out, caused by insects that are feasting deep within her bark. I cannot tell you how deeply saddened I am for our beautiful tree.

This must be similar to how my Savior feels when I falter. Falling deep into sin. Poisoning me from the inside out. Nothing good grows from its entanglement. Only decay to be my ruin. Death of my soul.

But there is another tree that I know and love. Its shape, a cross. Blood stained with love from Whom I adore. Relentlessly, He calls my name and cleanses my soul. Grace shines outward. No more sin. No more decay. I stretch my arms up towards Heaven with Gratitude flowing in my veins. Thankful that I'm alive.

The Table of Needs

"The world is indeed full of peril and in it there are many dark places. But still there is much that is fair. And though in all lands, love is now mingled with grief, it still grows, perhaps, the greater." ~ J.R.R. Tolkien. 

I would like for you to re-read the above quote again, but this time read it aloud, slowly. Chewing on each and every word. Alright. After doing so, did you taste the mixture of flavors that came together brilliantly? Such a triumphant palette to consume. Tolkien penned these words many many years prior and yet how the more for today. There has never been such a time as this for us to rise and take notice of our brothers/sisters around us. We are all created equal and in the image of God. How can we not choose Love for hate? Peace for destruction? Grace for hatred?

Friends, the time is now! Take a look around you. Take heed of your neighbor. Co-worker. Church member. Friend. Look deep into their eyes and what do you see? Are they hiding behind a mask of false pretense? Do they smile their pain away? Is there a need to be met? Take a step outside of your comfort zone and reach out a hand of humility, grace, and trust. Breathe compassion into their broken lives. Love them. Just as Christ has loves us.

And the Lord said, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me..... I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25: 35-36 & 40 NIV   

These Last Few Days

This world is ever changing, yet God Almighty remains constant. Never-ending. He is the One and only Sole being that we can count on. He is there when we arise, sleep, and in all things inbetween. He is 'The Bright Morning Star' (Rev. 22:16) that shines through all darkness. This brilliant light will guide us down the straight and narrow course He has laid before us.

In these last few days as my step-daughter begins her new life as a nurse in Seattle, my son enters college, and my two daughters return to school, my prayer is that they too will take this knowledge with them. To remember that though I love them but cannot always be with them, there is someone greater who can. Who is. Their Heavenly Father is ever present. His love holds no condition and was there when they were intricately woven together in the womb. He was there when they entered into this life. He was there when they spoke their first words and took their first steps. The Lord was with them in joy and heartache, triumph and trials. God will be there wherever they go and whatever they do. And with Him all things are possible!

Not my home

I was taking a drive out in the country two days ago. Wind blowing in my hair. Sweet smell of the crops in the air. Sun setting before me. And my favorite song from the album I was listening to was playing, 'Where I Belong', by Switchfoot. As I listened to the lyrics, it was clear that I had lost the reality that this is not my home. I am just passing by.

So caught up in this present life with all of its challenges and chaos that come my way, but also the joys and celebration that this world has to offer. Weddings, Anniversaries, Births, Vacations, and all the different Seasons in their Glory. Yes. When life is good, my vision is on the pleasures and not of my Home to come. Where I will live forever with my Creator.

On the days that are rough with pain, sorrow, and heartache, my vision becomes blurred with the here and now as well. Forgetting where my strength truly comes from. My Savior. God Almighty. Who Was, Is, and Forever will be. He is my rock on which I stand. My fortress in the storms of trial and adversity. Revelations 22:12-16, so boldly declares, "Behold, I am coming soon!...I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End....I am the Root and Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." AMEN!

Today I proclaim, "This body is not my own. This world is not my home....When I reach the other side I want to look You in the eye and know that I arrived in a world where I belong." ~ Switchfoot

Lost no more

Have you ever felt as if you have lost your way? Your purpose? I believe that on this crazy roller coaster called life, at one time or another, we all feel that way. I know I have.

We have been given a purpose. A beautiful story to fulfill. In "Ephesians 1 starting at verse 4, the scripture boldly proclaims, "For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight." But then goes on to say, 5"In love He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will." Now that's exciting!!

Do you understand what that means? Before the beginning of time, God has a plan for your life. He loved you before anything came to be. I can relate that may be quite difficult to wrap your mind around. To conceive the very thought that it is truth. I am here to say, without a shadow of a doubt, to proclaim those scriptures and that unconditional love to be as real as the living tissue upon my bones. The very breath within my lungs is the Freedom, Grace, and Mercy that I breathe each day I awake. "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding..." (Philippians 4:7) fills my mind as I lay my head upon my pillow to sleep.

Rest in the knowledge that He has a plan for you. More than likely you are already walking out that plan and perhaps may not feel the excitement, motivation, or challenge as when you first began. More so, even stale. Though the valleys may run deep and the mountains so high, it is in those valleys that we find rivers to quench our thirst. Soft grasses beneath our feet and a place to rest our head. In every area of our life's journey, He is there. Call upon His name. He surely will answer. Trust and take Him at His Word. It is the bread of life to which we eat and grow from.

Blessed Assurance

There is a Beautiful hymn that has become quite personal to me these past few weeks. It's lyrics by, blind hymn writer Frances J. Crosby in 1873. The title, 'Blessed Assurance'. It has become my spirits anthem through a trial that is extremely personal which I would like to share with you.

Mental Illness has been a journey of sudden torrents that then flowed into a steady stream of sadness and despair. A four year fight of keeping my head above the water. Suppressing the thought that this was my battle. The war that would seem to find a lull and then begin again with vengeance. Until very recently, with the help of my beloved husband, I was able to raise my white flag and to surrender it all. To find healing within the arms of a Savior who judges not, but loves wholly. To find restorative correction through the wise in their expertise.

But my story does not end there. Yes. As Frances composed well over 100 years ago, "Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest, Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love." My journey is far from over. In fact, it will be the one I follow as long as I draw breath. But I have a new perspective today. A familiar song within my heart. The Lord is beginning something new. Purpose and direction is the road I choose to follow. And with the help of my family and His guidance, I cannot wait to see all that is in store.

Brave

When laying out my youngest ones clothes for the day, per her request, I made sure her favorite pair of shorts were there. They are grey athletic shorts with the word, BRAVE, in florescent green boldly printed at the bottom.

I absolutely love that word! I believe there are many roots to its meaning. Especially in this time and age that we are living in. So many choices to be had. What comes to your mind when hearing the word, Brave? Here are my thoughts on the matter.

Arms outstretched towards someone who has caused us pain or offense. Holding onto Hope when all seems lost. Reaching out in admittance that we are in need of help. Unable to do it alone. Trusting in the One who calms the seas and makes away for us to walk out beyond the shore into the waves. Standing for Truth, no matter what the cost. Taking that step of Faith to follow your dreams and making the choice to believe not in the negative thoughts that tell you otherwise.

If there is at least one of these tugging at your heart, I believe whole heartedly that is the Lord softly speaking to you. Listen to His voice. He is calling you. He is uplifting you. He is making you, BRAVE!


"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." ~ Joshua 1:2 NIV

Joy in the pain

When you experience the deep grief from the loss of a loved one. When you see your hopes and dreams slip through your fingertips. When there are more bills than money in your checking account. When there seems to be no end in sight to pain, illness, and long suffering, what then?  Is there a choice to be had? Yes!

Each and every morning the sun shall rise. And if we awake with breath within our lungs, steady beats within our heart, clear thoughts within our mind, we have been given a precious gift called Life.

Yes. There will be moments of grief. Without grief there would not be the experience of love. Yes. There will be disappointments. Without these we would not know what it is to have joy. Yes. There may be times we must do without. If not, we would not learn the lesson of gratitude. Yes. There will be days of sickness and pain. Without them we would not understand how to extend the hand of empathy towards others.

Oh, Yes! Indeed we have been given a priceless gift. LIFE.

"Sometimes the joy can give you wings to fly. Sometimes the pain cuts your soul just like a knife. There's fear. There's faith. There's loss. There's grace. I have seen it from both sides. This is what it means to be alive." ~ Danny Gokey

We have a Choice

In this one precious life we live, we have been blessed with many, many choices. Free will if you may. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word choice as: 1: The acting of choosing: selection 2: The power of choosing: option 3 a: The best part: cream of the crop b: A person or thing chosen 4: A number and variety to choose among 5: A care in selecting. Yes. As I mentioned prior, many choices to be had.

Some days I find the following harder than others. How about you? The choice to forgive rather than holding onto what will only sprout the deep rooted seed of bitterness, growing immense in size. Choking out any joy that may try to grow in its stead. To be thankful in times of sickness and sorrow. Clinging to precious memories past and the promise of better days yet to come. "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." ~ Proverbs 17:22 NIV. The choice to find contentment for what we have been given and to focus not on what we are without. The choice to be kind, especially to those whom are not. The choice to love, as we all have been created by the same God who is the creator of the Heavens above. The earth bellow. And all that is in between. The choice to give life and not death. I speak of not just the taking of a life, "But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God." ~ James 3:8-9 NKJV. And we have been given the choice to, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me [Jesus]." ~ Matthew 16:24 NIV emphasis added. 

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." ~ Psalm 118:24 ESV

The right way

Have you ever found yourself so steamin' mad that you [justly, in your mind] allowed your angry words to spew forth from your lips instead of first walking away? To simmer down and think over how you should respond? If at all? Yeah, I have too.

The Good Book has many, many scriptures concerning this topic. Here is a scripture that formerly brought swift conviction to me, "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control." ~ Proverbs 29:11. Point taken!

If God continues to extend grace to us, [which let's face it, we don't deserve in the first place] ought we not to extend that very same grace onward? It is how we choose to react that is the lesson here. 

As we journey on this road called life we will have a plethora of opportunities to choose the right course. Step 1) Quietly explain that you need to walk away then do so. If you are in a position where you cannot, then clarify that you need to continue the conversation later.  Step 2) When able, find a place where you can be completely alone, isolated from distractions. Step 3) Surrender your thoughts and whole heart over to God. Step 4) Aloud, speak and release forgiveness to whom has hurt you. Feel God's Grace rain down all over you. Peace comes like a river. Step 5) Pray for the heart of that man, woman, or child and whoever else may come to remembrance. Step 6) Then LISTEN. He will show you the way. Most importantly, know the true enemy you are fighting against. His soul purpose is to divide and conquer and nothing would give him more pleasure than to do so! And remember, walk in kindness as it has such great rewards!

"If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals [of kindness] on his head, and the Lord will reward you." ~Proverbs 25:21,22 NIV ****emphasis added

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;" ~ John 10:10

That hard step towards Kindness

As I was attending last Wednesday evenings bible study, our Pastor said something quite profound. Forgive me if I do not recall verbatim, but it went something like this, "If you see someone as unlovable, then you should examine your heart." And then he proceeded with, "How about not only when it comes to our own heartache, but our child's as well? Or if the 'unspeakable' happens to them? What then? How will you view that person, let alone forgive?" Wow! I don't know about you, as that last one is a truly hard one at best!

A few years back I found myself in a situation when my elder daughter was being bullied at school. Not only did we find ourselves having to forgive the student, yet her mother as well. It was difficult to see them as lovable to say the least!

I now find myself in a similar situation where not only must we forgive, but continue to extend the hand of love and kindness. Hard to understand the latter until, ".....It all just seems to change when you see it as a life to save." ~ Manic Drive Yep! That is it. In a world where the words, "To Forgive", are hard to come by, we as Christians must lead by example. For in the end, "....We all bleed the same." Switchfoot


"...Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,....." ~ Ephesians 4:26

My son

Photo by: Wendy Martin

There is a young man that I admire immensely. He inspires me to be a better person. A better mother. A better friend. He walks a high standard in which the words, 'to compromise', are unheard of. This extremely slender, 6'1" athlete with dusty blond curly locks and his ocean blue eyes framed with black wired glasses has a smile to go along. Oh, and when he runs, such a pleasure to behold. Such determination. Such perseverance. Such grace.

He does not talk a lot. Quite the opposite of me, in fact. But when he has something to say, it is worth listening to. There is a rarity these days where one will think before they speak. He has that gift. I appreciate that about him. Unashamed to be known as the Faith living, Christ believer that he has been since the wee age of five, he holds the same tenacity when it comes to the relationships around him.

This almost 19 year old young man will shortly be leaving for college. I wonder if he truly knows how tremendously missed he will be?  Our conversations, times of humor and laughter, and just all-around presence within our home. You see, he is my son. He is my Tyler. And I love him.

To Trust

Bright blue sky greets me on this Monday morn. Birds chirping and the scent of fresh cut grass fills the air. Yet, I am struggling today due to extreme pain within my head and circumstance that lies before. I find myself wrestling with the word, Trust.

Wrong doings, shame, and worries were written down on white paper, then taped to a make-shift cross at a Good Friday service. "It is Finished." John 19:30. With apprehension that came in the dark of night, I slipped them back into the pockets of my mind. I have a choice to make. To lay it all down again. To leave it at the foot of the cross, seeking Freedom and Peace from the one I choose to Trust. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is My word that goes out from my mouth: It will NOT return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in JOY and be led forth in PEACE;" Isaiah 55:8-12a 

Long years prior I made a choice to trust in the Scriptures as what they are, TRUTH. To believe in a God that is unseen with human eyes, yet His evidence is all around us. His sweet aroma is found in fragrant blooms. His Might is seen within the crashing of the waves. His Light is reflected every morn in each magnificent sunrise. His Creativity is exemplified in each unique and colorful species of bird [approximately 10,000 to be exact]. And His Promises are declared within the brilliant colors of the rainbow.

I choose to take Him at His Word. Do you?

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a Known God." ~ Corrie ten Boom

His choice

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He did not need to take up position, leaning over that way, but it was His choice. With each, horrendous lashing upon His back, bore every disease. "...And by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 NKJV

He did not need to take up position, laying down upon that wooden cross, but it was His choice. With each blow of the mallet, drove each iron nail deeper and deeper within the palm of His hands and feet. The great amount of horrific, searing pain is unfathomable to me, but He endured it. Though He need not, He chose to. "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities;.." Isaiah 53:5 NIV

He did not need to take my place there, upon that ole rugged cross, but it was His choice. He took the place of a fallen humanity, which includes you and I so that we could be free. Free from sin that continues to entangle our hearts today. Through His death, He gave us life. Life eternal. "...the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him,.." Isaiah 53:5 NIV  And though we may fall, He continues to extend His unconditional Love, Mercy, and Grace to you and to me. Today and for all the days to come. Until we are Home.

"For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life." ~ John 3:16 AMP