A Reflection of Myself!

Caterpillar or butterfly?

There are a lot of ways to see a reflection!

It could be a body of water. It could be a mirror. It could be a photograph.  

It could be an ugly worm that crawls or a beautiful insect that flies.

It could be a manger in a stall or a cross on a city dump.

When you look, what do you see?

Water is fluid and in motion, so sometimes the reflection is wavy almost distorted.

A mirror is crisp and still, just a glance at that time!

A photograph captures the moment, of setting and glare.

Caterpillar or butterfly?

Sometimes what you see is not who you really are!

The question is where will I find the best reflection?

Did you look in that manger? Have you tried Calvary?

There is no better place to see a reflection! Your reflection!

A Tribute to Nelson Mandela!

For the dignity and quiet strength that he demonstrated...

For the powerful lesson of how to forgive...

For the way he touched all people, no matter age, color, gender...

For knowing when to speak and when to listen...

For how he loved music, and dance, and soccer...

Well done good and faithful servant! Well done!

My Next Favorite Prayer!

Lyrics to a song by Deneice Williams titled "My Soul Desire: 

Lord, when you placed your hand upon me, I knew that I would never be the same!

For in that moment, I became your servant and since that time. I will never be the same!

My soul desire is to be used, an empty vessel longing to be filled by you.

My soul desire is to serve you Lord. 

To do your perfect will to work each day and build your kingdom. 

This is my soul desire.

Lord, I do not seek to claim the glory. 

I only want to be under your control.

For I know that you are alone are worthy and it's you that placed this longing in my soul!

My soul desire is to be used, an empty vessel longing to be filled by you. 

My soul desire is to serve you Lord. 

To do your perfect will to work each day and build your kingdom. 

This is my soul desire. 

Jesus, this is my soul desire!

In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray with excitement and joy and am waiting on You!

Amen

My Favorite Prayer!

Oh God my Father!

I need you right now. I need you to calm me down, so that you can fill me up with your power, your presence, and with your Spirit!

Be in my eyes and in my seeing. 
Be in my mouth and in my speaking. 
Be in my ears and in my hearing. 
Be in my heart and in my living! 

- A stanza from poem I learned in elementary school, I cannot remember the poet's name

Search me O God and know my heart. 
Try me and know my thoughts. 
See if there be any wicked way in me and lead me to the way everlasting

- Psalm 139: 23 & 24

I am weak and I need thy strength and power. 
To help me over my weakest hour. 
Let me through the darkness thy face to see. 

Lead me, O Lord, lead me.

Help me tread in the paths of righteousness? 
Be my aid when satan and sin oppress. 
I am putting all my trust in you. 
Lead me, O Lord, lead me?

I am lost if you take your hand from me. 
I am blind without your light to see. 
Lord, just always me your servant be? 
Lead me, O Lord, lead me?

Lead me, guide me, along the way? 
Lord, if you lead me, I cannot stray! 
Lord, let me walk each day with Thee? 
Lead me O Lord, lead me? 

-Doris M. Akers-1922

The Holidays and Grief

While the Holidays are upon us and they bring with them a certain level of excitement and sentiment, they also bring with them sadness for those who are mourning. 

Grief has no time or calendar, it could be recent or a long time.

Grief is a very powerful emotion, there is an aching void and emptiness in the heart and home. A treasured loved one is gone! 

What do I do? 

How do I pack away the clothes, the toys, the memories?

Should I pack them away? 

How do I file the necessary papers? 

Death certificates, ugh! 

Maybe if I had just fluffed the pillow or listened, then it might have been different. 

Is it my fault?

I cannot find my God...

There is healthy grief and unhealthy grief, during the holidays and in the off season. The difference is what activities and what company to keep. Avoid negative people, and situations that are dangerous to body, mind, and Spirit, (and especially bank account).
For those who face the holidays and look in the mirror of loneliness and grief, do not shy away from or even hesitate to reach out to someone with a safe and willing ear, an open heart and someone who lets you express yourself, and you know it is safe. 

Get it out! 

Cry it out! 

Scream it out!

Pray it out!

"Savior lead me lest I stray. Gently lead me all the way. I am safe when by Thy side. I would in Thy love abide. Lead me, lead me, Savior lead me lest I stray. Gently down the stream of time, lead me Savior, all the way?"

"Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me"