Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Christmas finally!

What a blessing to have a few days off to spend with family!
It is not often that ALL of us are together, but it is ALWAYS special and memorable when we do!

Christmas...finally to be
enjoyed with blessed family!
A few days late--that matters not;
what matters is the time we've got!
One be back now at her place;
the rest be here yet due His grace
and, oh, the fun that we are knowing!
(Even though it isn't snowing!)

"Christmas--
Thank You, Father God, for such!
Thank You for Jesus and His touch!
Thank You for Life--abundant so!
Thank You, Lord, for Your grace to know!"

I know that most of you have already celebrated and put Christmas away.  A whole 'nother year is only hours away.  Make sure every one of your hours is filled with the Presence of God and the ones who mean the most to you.
7999

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Greater than the storm!

When man says 'no,' God may say something else.
I have already told some of you, but God saw to it that our daughter made it home safely today after all! 
Beyond what the weather forecast says...
beyond what common sense says...
even beyond what we see with our eyes, God often says differently.

So faithful when we pray to Him,
He answers us always!
In spite of how we set our hearts,
His ways are not our ways!
Even when this world says 'no,'
He has the final say;
and as we follow in His steps,
He'll keep us on the way!

And once again He answers,
once more does He provide!
How very blessed and fortunate
that He is on our side!
"Thank You, Lord, for answering
and keeping her secure;
thank You, Lord, for helping us,
with victory, to endure!

Debby and I are celebrating.

There are, however, millions in the Midwest who are not celebrating because of injury and damage from these storms.  Please pray for them!  And even here, there are more storms on the way.  We do, however, serve and trust in God...for He is greater than the storm!
7998

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Joy remains!

If I did not have the security I have in God, I would be most miserable right now!
Thankfully, when you are alive in God, never is the "same old...same old..."

Christmas was a day ago...

Christmas is not yet...
So many issues rise that we
together, may not get.
But there is love, there is peace,
there is hope alive!
And I KNOW, in the days ahead,
our loved ones will arrive!

Life--sometimes, it's inconvenient,

we must understand.
We get a phone call that may
interfere with what is planned.
But God, for He knows all along
what will and will not be,
and continue I to trust Him
with my family!

Christmas was...and I know it

will be when it will be!
What matters most is JESUS LIVES,
and safe and sound are we!
Enjoy the moments, every one,
and worship Christ each day!
For He will see we get together
on the Narrow Way.

Debby & I spent Christmas alone yesterday.  We knew that we will all be together in a few days to celebrate Jesus once again...until the phone just rang.  Vicki will not be able to make the trip because of the snows that are hitting the Midwest as I type this.  Please pray for her safety, and for the heartbreak that we are all feeling.
7997

Friday, December 25, 2015

It's Christmas Day!

Glory to God!!
We celebrate today the birth of Jesus--the coming of the Lord!
But He is no longer just a baby in that manger...HE IS GOD ALMIGHTY, GOD ALL-KNOWING, AND GOD ALL-SUFFICIENT!
He knows what He is doing.  He doesn't need us or anything to accomplish that goal.  However, He allows us to participate in His process that we may know the wonder, joy and glory of it all!
You in?

A tree set up and decorated
in the room somewhere...
anticipating friends and loved ones
that will soon be there...
incredible aromas make
their way throughout the house-
laughter, fun and happiness,
the pain and tears to douse!

But even on that Christmas day
with only she and I,
there be a song inside the heart:
there's also God Most High!
He joins us as we celebrate,
he helps us through the pain,
and He makes sure joy to the world
without restraint will reign!

Yes, joy to the world, and even joy
to be throughout this home!
Though our loved ones, (at the moment,)
have no time to roam,
we will be together soon,
just adding to that joy
that she and I already know-
and NOTHING can destroy!

Debby & I pray that your house contains as much joy, love and contentment as ours does.  We are so blessed. 
We pray that you can enjoy this day by being with them that mean the most to you.
Thank you so much for your prayers and support of this ministry.
Jim
7995

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Merry Christmas

In the joy, wonder and life of the season, don't let the facts and fables steal it away...

How beautiful, the birth of Christ,
no matter what we think!
Don't let the many controversies-
let the yuletide sink.
It may not be the date exact,
it may not be the time,
but not to celebrate at all
would be an utter crime!
Too many are the arguments
that matter not at all.
What matters is we celebrate Christ
and obey His call!
The songs that we have held to over
centuries before-
what if God has other words, yes,
what if there is more?

How beautiful is Jesus and

the fact He even came!
At any time at all, sing out
and glorify His Name!
He is holy, He is worthy,
He is Lord of all,
and He is God, Himself--accept Him
and fulfill The Call!

Jesus Christ is born.

It may not have been in the dead of winter.  After all, it isn't winter everywhere in December.  What matters is that He came with one purpose and that is to forgive sins, and save the souls of them that give Him their hearts so that they can have relationship with God.
Merry Christmas.
7994

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Time for Christmas

It's almost Christmas!
IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS!!
But only once a year?

Jesus.
He is Christmas.  He is come
to do what no one can.
He is come that God can wrap
His arms around this man!
He is coming for so many
reasons I can't count!
JESUS.  HE IS CHRISTMAS!
God's love knows no amount!

So silent is the early night,
save for the mighty wind.
He stands ready for those words
"Forgive me.  I have sinned."
Ready, too, is He for just

the reaching of our hands,
ready to embrace us there-
no making of demands!

Father God...Jesus Christ...
Love and Love's own Gift.
Won't you join me on this night,
our hearts and hands to lift?
Not to voice a need or give
to Him a "shopping list,"
but "Thank You, Lord!"  "I love You, Lord!"
"I'm so glad We exist!!"

It's almost Christmas.  I cannot wait for the family to get here and the fun that we will have! 
The hurry and scurry is done for today.  The hustle and bustle is almost over.  I know it gets busy, but ALWAYS be available for that soul out there reaching for what Christmas is all about!  And don't forget to set aside that time to spend with only Jesus...What a Gift!!
7996

Monday, December 21, 2015

JOY TO THE WORLD!!

Joy.
Joy to the world!
How wonderful it would be if the world had more joy!

O feel it welling deep within-
you know that feeling well!
Joy in knowing Christ the Lord
is come, is come to dwell!
He comes just as was prophesied
so very long ago-
He comes so life abundant
each and every heart would know!

Joy to the world!  Joy to the heart,
unspeakable the same!
Christmas is reality
and Jesus is His Name!
O breathe that joy so deep within,
release with laughter real!
Let nothing of this fleeting life
that Joy alive conceal!

Joy to the World!  The Lord is come,
and JESUS is His name!
O revel in His life anew-
for that is why He came!
Come that we may have that life
naught else could e'er provide!
Jesus Christ--so wonderful!
O keep Him not inside!

Jesus Christ is alive inside of you?  WONDERFUL!  But do others know it?  They need to!  As we celebrate his coming into the world, won't you share his coming with someone who needs to know?  They are closer to you than you think.  And it will bring joy to their world.
7993

Sunday, December 20, 2015

Making it new again

Lest we get caught up in things that do not matter, go over it with me again, won't you...

Again, the days...the days that are...
"Behold!  There, in the east, a Star!!"
And so began to follow they
the ONE--the Truth, the Life, the Way!

So many are the truths alive
of Christ our Savior to arrive
and be, to us, The Victory!
New life for you!  New life for me!

O magnify the Lord in song!
To God, Himself, shall we belong!
Miracles are happening
of which the hosts of angels sing!
"Who are we??" the heart-felt cry,
belonging unto God Most High
in God Himself--the Holy Son?
SING VICTORY!  FOR HE HAS WON!!

The days that are...o celebrate!
God so good and God so great
has come to us this holy Day--
the ONE--the Truth, the Life, the Way!
Much more than words from long ago,
but living Truths for us to know!
Accept ye Jesus in your heart
and stake your claim in glory part!

IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS!!
Of course, they did not know the fullness of what was happening.  Could we even grasp its scope if such went on in our time!  Oh, but this we know, JESUS CHRIST IS LORD AND HE HAS COME TO SAVE OUR SOULS AND GIVE US NEW LIFE!!
Oh celebrate, won't you?
7992

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Presents

The afternoon is 'still.'  Not a cloud in the sky.  A very gentle breeze is present...AND IT'S COLD!
However, just a few miles away, it is so busy that folks are forgetting what this time of year is all about! 
When will we learn?

'Joy to the world' to be resounding
through these living halls...
'The Lord is come' is evidenced
upon the many walls...
'Silent night' is present here
but over hills afar,
there is anything but silence
as the shuffles are!

O make it ye a celebration
of Christ Jesus come!
A 'competition' make it not;
it's NOT about the sum!
The days that are, for they're about
Lord Jesus come for us-
yet we scurry here and there
and it becomes a fuss.

Is it possible at all
to even out the score?
To apply that principle
that tells us "less is more?"
How much more enjoyable
would be the 'holidays?'
Perhaps more people would refer
to them as "holy days?"

The afternoon is still.
I think I'll stay right here with loved ones and enjoy those wonderful gifts that money cannot buy.  Those gifts that are right here...presents that are present whenever we are present.
7991

Thursday, December 17, 2015

"Father God, I want..."

The beginning of another day.
Hmmm...what do I want...

"The sun is reaching out his arms-
I know I will survive!
But God, I want much more than that!
O God, I want to THRIVE!
Manna--it is satisfying
for the "day-to-day,"
but I want to bless so many others
on the Narrow Way!

I want to bless my wife, oh Lord,
in ways I cannot now,
to give to her what she desires;
oh God, You know how...
I want to bless my friend, oh God,
the way he blesses me...
I want to bless a total stranger
that YOU he might see!

Lord, You bless me, You have blessed me,
and You always will.
O use this man to show these people
that You love them still!
Use me to show my friends and family
Your reality!
O Lord, a tool inside Your hand,
but let me always be!

In JESUS' Name,
Amen."
7990

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Early in the 'season'

Early, early.  First light.
Before anything else is, I enjoy Jesus...

In the silence, in the stillness,

in the season nigh,
there is a voice I love to hear--
the voice of God Most High!
He is so real in telling me
about the days that are;
and when I pray to Him, I know
the answer is not far!

It is Christmas!  It's the season

of our Savior's birth!
In coming, He once more affirms
how much, to God, we're worth!
Coming as a human to
endure what we cannot;
coming in His purity
to rid us of each blot!

Yes, it is Christmas!  Happy Birthday

unto Jesus Christ!
The only One existing that
could ever have sufficed!
O celebrate Him!  He is Truth,
He's life, He is The Way!
He'll speak to you if you will listen
each and every day!

Yes, listen to Jesus.  He is Christmas, but He is more than 'seasonal.'  He is The Constancy that is needed in the days that are...and throughout eternity!

7989

Sunday, December 13, 2015

This Holy Season

Jesus Christ the Lord is come!!

Holy, holy, holy be

the season of the day!
The holy Child of Bethlehem-
the Truth...the Life...the Way!
O the celebration, oh
the wonder of it all!
O tune the ear unto the heights
and join ye in the call!

O the joy unspeakable
of those upon the wing,
yet there be room to harmonize
so enter in and sing!
For He is worthy of it all,
the Savior of my soul,
come to save the lost and dying,
come to make us whole!

Holy, holy, holy be
Jehovah's very Son!
Humbly in a manger lay,
His sovereign will be done!
Enthroned in glory evermore
and, soon, to claim His Bride!
O the wonders of the season
cannot be denied!

This Holy Season.  May it be filled with JESUS CHRIST ALONE!  He is worthy to be praised, honored and adored!
2912

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Nightsight

A humble birth, out in the middle of nowhere?
A baby born...someone anonymous that family and a few friends will ever know?
So it goes with life.  Normal life.
Oh, but this Baby and this life was and is anything but "normal!"
As I ponder the birth of Jesus, it really excites me as I think of some of the details: being so far away from city lights, no metropolis on the horizon in any direction, the stars that night were quite amplified!  Can you just imagine how beautiful, clear and crisp the sky was?!  Almost "holy."

O take me there!  I want to see
the glory of Him come!
O take me there!  Did anyone
there present know the sum!
Hallowed environs as
they travelled from afar;
Hallowed the Baby come
beneath that glory star!

People, why don't we take a break from shopping and scrambling around that the next few weeks represent, find a quiet place somewhere where nothing interrupts, and just listen, look and behold the glory and the wonder of being alone with God?  Trust me, you need it.
7988

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Essentials

There are so many 'things' in this life that are 'essential.'  Many a writer and thinker have taught that life is so simple.  It is, IF you take care of the 'essentials...'

I need that living water that

is used upon my thirst...
I need food lest life itself
would start to be reversed!
I need Jesus Christ and all
the life that He can give,
and, lest I throw it all away,
I NEED to forgive!

I need to let go of that 'thing'

that sucks life out of me...
I need to let go of those folks
I do not want to see...
I need to 'those' situations
to, somehow, slip my mind,
so that, the liberty of Jesus,
I can freely find!!
There is no point in hanging on
to what was said and done.
I'd rather let them go and fully
cling to God's Own Son!
There is healing, there is living,
liberation, too,
as I leave behind the past
embracing Christ anew!

Yes, I need that Living Water.

Jesus is His Name!
To quench my thirst--but it is but
one reason that He came!
For He is The Essential--needed
so by one and all;
a Gentleman, though, as He waits
for all our pride to fall!

You need Jesus.  I need Jesus.  He is as essential as water to not only arrive at that life beyond this one, but to help us through every day until then!

7987

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

The Roaring Silence!

I had a few chores to do outside this afternoon.  After getting what I needed for them, I had to just stop and take in the glory of the beautiful day that He created...

"The silence of Your Presence, Lord-

yet creation hears!
You whisper through the branches and
You catch our "spirit ears."
You make the time more beautiful
than even what appears.
Due Your glory's constancy,
we're never in arrears!

So wealthy, Lord, that I may see You
as the season's change...
so fortunate to know the order
that You prearrange...
so blessed to be Your handiwork,
enveloped in Your palm...
the wealthiest with You beside
conversing in the calm!

So wonderful, the afternoon

in all that You create!
But greater, Lord, to be with You-
the same to celebrate!
Visible, invisible,
the silence and the roar!
The Presence of You, Jesus Christ-
oh, all I want is more!!"

More of Jesus.

I pray that such is at the top of our list this Christmas...and constantly!
7986

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

"Business?"

Taking care of business.
Doing what must be done before the day is done.  It is heightened now that Christmas is only weeks away.
But must it be ALL business...

Christmas--that most holy time
that most of us enjoy.
Reject the 'stress' that season brings-
for that's the devil's ploy!
There is so much to be glad for,
such cause for celebration-
the greatest is that, now, with God,
we each may have relation!!

Christmas!  Holy, holy time
to gather from afar
them that be so dearly loved...
or them that with you are;
celebrate the wonder and
the joy of Jesus King!
Celebrate the perfect peace
that only He can bring!

CHRISTMAS!  Celebrate each day
the coming of the King!
Join the very angels as
to Him, they brightly sing!
He is Life, He is living,
this life and beyond!
Yes, Christmas be eternal in
the One we place our bond!
HE IS JESUS!!

Again I implore you, don't let the stress of the season overwhelm you.  That is the LAST thing that Jesus would have, yet it seems to be the thing that most come away with!  Enjoy the time!
Keep it simple.
Keep it genuine.
Keep it festive.
KEEP IT JESUS!!
7985

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Jesus Celebration!

Celebrate!  Celebrate,
then celebrate some more!
So glorious, this time of year,
and JESUS it is for!!
Activities, they multiply,
so present, too, be stress,
but celebrate with Christ the Lord,
and Jesus--He will bless!!

Yes, celebrate...but even if

your feelings would resist,
do it anyway!  For He
will bless you!  I INSIST!
So vital be His adoration-
healing it will bring!
Restoration is that song,
so sing, ye people, SING!!

O celebrate, ye people, Christmas-

JESUS CHRIST IS KING!!
He was...He is...He is to come;
Jesus--EVERYTHING!
He is Christmas...He his holy...
He is God the Son!
O join the celebration, knowing
Jesus--HE HAS WON!

Focus, people.  Focus on Jesus Christ.  HE IS CHRISTMAS!  The world would have you in a whirl trying to please everyone with everything, when the greatest thing remains us STOPPING and spending quality time with Christ and one another.  Don't let anything hinder that celebration!

7984

Saturday, December 5, 2015

The peace of Peace

Peace on earth.  What will it take?  It will surely take more than a season of 30 days.  It certainly takes more than singing Christmas carols.
But what WILL it take?

Peace, o peace that all desire,
why do you evade?
But are you only an 'emotion'
that, somehow, is 'made?'
We know how to obtain it and
maintain the very same,
but most be in denial in that
Peace--He has a Name!

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus-
Prince of Peace is He!
Peace, itself, cannot exist
apart from Christ, the Three!
Surrender to His lordship so
that you can know that peace!
Let go of each agenda and know
Jesus' true release!

What will it take?
I don't want to answer that, because it means that I may have to change.  It means that I may have to think differently. 
Perhaps too many of us want peace without having to know Peace?
7983

Friday, December 4, 2015

Intolerant Christmas

Jesus...Jesus...Jesus.
That's what Christmas is all about.
That's WHO Christmas is all about.

Joy, joy, joy
to all the world and more!
It is that time of year again
and JESUS it is for!
Celebrate Him, honor Him,
give Him the glory laud!
Hallelujah!  Christ is born-
the very Son of God!

Joy to the world!  Cry out!  Sing out,
and make your song alive!
Healing, mercy, grace and love
on this day to arrive!
Celebrated on this day,
but living constantly!
Turn, turn, turn to JESUS CHRIST-
your Lord and Savior be!

Joy, joy, joy...but is it
missing from your day?
Repent, submit and cling to HIM-
the Truth, the Life, the Way!
For He alone is God forever.
Why, then, not start now?
Of all gifts given at this time
give HIM your heart and vow!

Jesus.  Not another. 
God sent His only Son to that we would have relationship with Him.  There is no other way.
O give to God your heart and soul through Jesus Christ right now, won't you?
7982

Monday, November 30, 2015

"On and on and on..."


"The day goes on and on..."
Have you ever felt that way?  Have you ever used those words?
Have you ever thought "What difference does this make.  The day goes on and on, and no one is ever around to encourage us."
But God reminds me

The day goes on and on and I,
I do not stand alone!
While I go about the tasks
my efforts, they are known!
No matter what size is the list
of all that I must do,
I do it all amidst the ones
who cheer me on and through!

The Word, The Word itself declares
that I be not alone:
"So great a cloud of witnesses"
about this man be known
cheering and encouraging,
together all in prayer.
Whatever comes about today,
I've VICTORY to declare!

"So great a cloud of witnesses..."
so glorious, The Word!
So alive--to be devoured,
seen and felt and heard!
Jesus Christ--the Word alive--
as so progress the days
protecting me, progressing me
in ways above my ways!

I know that some of the tasks and duties we have may seem mundane and minus glory, but don't forget Who your true Supervisor is, and that great cloud that cheers you on!  You DO make a difference in this life, as long as you do all things to the glory of God, enabling Him to move through you in all things!
7981

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Gift of 'us'

Thanksgiving is over?  NEVER!!  Let us ever be grateful to God for every facet of our lives at all times!  November, however, is almost over.  How will you spend the next 4 weeks?

The holiday is over,
The holy day ahead.
O may we focus on the Lord
and on His birth instead!
So many the distractions that
the world calls "season,"
but let us cling to JESUS CHRIST-
the One and Greatest reason!

The busyness, it seems to rise
but sooner every year!
Let's not get caught up in it, let's
keep our agendas clear.
Let the giving and the getting
not become a 'sport-'
but, unto 'giving from the heart,'
may each of us resort!

I do not have the means to keep up
with consumption's lie.
When will we realize that it
is o.k. not to try!
I'd rather you 'spend' time with me-
it needs no warranty!
You and I and Jesus Christ-
that's Christmas unto me!

Is there someone in your life that would rather get a phone call from you than a gift?

Are there any in your life that would rather hear your voice than get a card?
This Christmas--and all year--let's give each other something that money cannot buy: ourselves.
7980

Friday, November 27, 2015

Harriet

Hi! Remember me?
I'm the one at the other end of the phone...
I'm the one across the table from you...
I'm the one you smiled at...
I'm the one you reached out and held even though you didn't know who I was...
I'm the one that you associate with when no one else will...
I'm the one this world calls 'disabled,' but you always see purpose in me...
I'm the one you sat and ate with because the others went to another table...

As we look at you, we wonder
Does she have any clue at all
how much she means to whom?
But thoughts of such, inside her heart,
they have not any room!
Does she have but an inkling
of her affect on life?
All the way around the world
she helps to lessen strife!
Does she realize at all
How God is moving through?
There's evidence of Jesus in
her words and deeds so true!
She is in pain so often.
The hurt--it is so real!
Yet she continues helping others
overcome and heal!
She inspires others by
revealing God to them-
but loving us and listening
we're closer drawn to Him!

"Harriet, my sister,
Harriet, my friend,
you listen and you understand.
Our love shall never end!
That relationship established
by a God of love;
you are His representative
until you're called above!"

Thank you for being who you are.
Thank you for not letting all that happened to you stop you from having such a positive, life-changing effect on me...on southern California...on Arkansas...on the world...on all Heaven!"

In HIS Service,

Jim

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Thanksgiving view

So grateful for LIFE this day!
So grateful that I am able to see this day that HE has made...

The mountain wears a cap of mist

as the eagle soars...
The day is kissed with favor
as the Lord restores;
beautiful to greet the pen
from east unto the west,
and God is at His station
hearing each request!

Overcast before the pen-
behold His touch throughout.
Though vision is to come and go,
I'm not, I'm not without!
Not without a reason for 
to worship and rejoice,                              
and not without hearing life
uplifting its whole voice!

All of life rejoicing-
o join the willing pen
uplifting gratitude to Jesus Christ
in sight of men!
But none in sight as I behold
creation in this hour-
Thanksgiving with Creator God-
gratitude and Power!

Happy Thanksgiving. 
Happy Thursday. 
Happy ALL THE TIME as you and yours reside in the palm of God's hand! 
HE IS THANKSGIVING!
7958

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Observing

Many years ago, Pastor Venable reminded us of the benefits and blessings of being somewhere, standing back and watching people.  (It makes for great sermon fodder, and You learn a lot that way!)
This morning, I had another opportunity to see the GOOD in people in action.
A lady in drive-thru said "I want to pay for that car behind me."
"Yes ma'am.  Their order is $2.17."
"Is that all?!" she said.  "Here is $20.00.  Make it go as far as you can."
A few hours later, I had someone pay for their order, and ask to pay for the car behind them.  When I told the car behind them that their order had already been paid for, they said "OK.  Let me pay for the one behind me." And so it went...for the next seven cars!!  Praise God!
It's not just a "Thanksgiving" thing, I see it everyday that I go there.  There is a lady that comes by every day, same time.  She orders the same thing, and then pays for the car behind her.  Last week, there was no one behind her.  She then proceeded to fold the $10.00 bill, put it in my hand, and told me spend on Debby & I.  God is so good!
These may be very minor things in some eyes, but in light of everything we see on the news these days, (and what we are about to see in the name of 'black Friday!') I just wanted to remind you that "good" still happens, most people are nice to each other, and God is still in control...blessing us!
Just stand back and watch. 

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Thanksgiving

Gratitude.
Thank You.
I appreciate that.
I stand tall and cry out my gratitude to God for the way that He blesses me.  Nothing wrong with that, but I better thank Him for blessing everyone else, too, because I am no better than they are.

"Along with standing tall and crying
out my thanks to You,
I bow down low and cry because
I know You are not through!
You gave me yesterday, oh Lord,
today remains a gift,
and due Your promise of tomorrow,
praises I can lift!!

Thank You, Lord, for blessing me
that others I may bless.
If not for grace, Lord, all or us
would be in quite a mess!
Some of us be in that mess,
but we cling to Your hand
knowing that, no matter what,
You see and understand.

Thank You, Lord, in spite of what
may happen in this life!
You cause me to be grateful even
in the midst of strife.
You cause me, Lord, to smile in spite
of what be on my heart,
because I know You are aware
and YOU WILL do Your part!"

It's Thanksgiving.  Are you thankful?
I know that there are quite a few out there in pain.  You are thankful, but you are also going through things that are far too great for you to bear alone.  Don't!  Turning them over to God is not a sign of weakness.  It takes a very strong person to realize and confess "This is too great for me."
Turn to God.  Turn to Him with a thankful heart.  Give Him yourself and your problem(s) and He will surely respond!
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Friday, November 20, 2015

Time for Glory

Once again, I find myself in need of That Place where Jesus is Present.
Oh, but it is a Place I WANT to be, also...

"Oh God, oh God, Your glory is

my transport to that Place.
The spectacle of  Majesty
as we are face-to-face!
When you look into my eyes, Lord,
all facades, they fade!
And there, when we are heart-to-heart,
holy I am made!
O God, Your Presence glorious
makes all else disappear!
For I want nothing, not a thing at all
when You are near!
Only to enjoy Your presence
as I'm in repair...
only to enjoy the wonder
Your grace is to share!

Greater is Your glory, Lord,
than anything we know!
Your love so liberates our souls
and sets our hearts aglow!
Even, Lord, if just a moment
in your Place, so great,
the same to give me reason to
rejoice and celebrate!"

One of the things I love about belonging to God is His hours.  No matter what time it is, He is available!  And He is there...even if want to just behold His glory!!
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Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Enemy

"That's them!  I don't want to eat here if they are here!!  NO WAY!!  THE SAME TABLE?!"

Dining at the table,

the enemy across.
If, on the discord, I should dwell
the meal be a loss.
If I should think not of the pain,
iniquities dismiss,
the moments I will tolerate,
the meal we won't miss!

I've been with Jesus since it happened,
Christ has been with me;
and, though a common ground is yet
to find, is yet to see,
somehow, here at the table are we
able to converse.
The injury and pain may drift,
behind, though, be the worse!

Dining at a table
with the enemy?
Once again, somehow, though we
don't understand or see,
I can speak to him and we
can savor time once more.
The enemy is truly he?
But there's an Open Door!

Whatever that is that is causing you to avoid someone, is it worth it?

"But God, have You any idea what they've done and gotten away with?!?"
Yes.  God is fully aware of ALL that happened and He already knows what He will do about it.  What WE must do about it is what Jesus would do and commands us to do.
Whatever/whoever angers you controls you.  Will you give up control?
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Tuesday, November 17, 2015

At Your side

Tuesday night.
It's already been a long week.
So emotional...so draining...so busy...I need an escape.
I know exactly where to go and Who to be with!

"At your side, dear Lord.
Worshipped and adored!
Your peace, Your grace are real;
oh Lord, I need to feel.
This life, as well, so real.
To You, thus, I appeal!
I want Your Presence here-
real love so near!

At Your side, protection is,

serenity also;
at Your side there is emotion
words just cannot know!
At Your side, there is so much
that, freely, I receive!
At Your side is life abundant
for ALL who believe!

At Your side, my God and King,

but You are at my own!
You accompany this man
and I be not alone,
for I be resurrected when
the day would tear me down 
because You are inside my heart
and Your love be my crown!"

Tuesday night.  I can make it.  YOU can make it!  I know that the days are filled with things that none of us plan on, but I also know a God Who is aware of EVERYTHING AT ALL TIMES!  It is Him that I trust in, rely on, depend on and love!

Join me, won't you?
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Monday, November 16, 2015

Another gone

Once again, I open the paper this morning to find the obituary of another beloved hero.  AGAIN?!!

Heaven once more calls.
Another hero falls.
The number of his days
were far above our ways!
Some of those days were spent
exactly as were meant:
laughing...crying...talking...
next to me slowly walking.

Max is now with God.

His life do we applaud.
His military time...
not every day had rhyme!
Some days were full of pain,
and I have godly gain
by being in those days
and helping him to praise.

Often, I was on the other end of the phone while that pain was happening.  Sometimes, I didn't even know the extent of it!
I share this with you to encourage you to keep yourself available to the moving of Holy Spirit.  Were it not for His leading, I may not have been able to be there for Max.  Is there someone in your life that may be waiting to hear from you?
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Sunday, November 15, 2015

The Gamut

Few and far between, there are those days where you run the whole gamut of emotion in a single day.  Today was one of those days.
I woke up this morning to a brand new year with my beautiful wife.
We had a message at church that touched on almost everything that we are going through.
We had a funeral service this afternoon, bidding a very dear friend "See you later!"
And this evening, we are receiving even more news about tragedies going on around the world.

Another year approaches end-
life has happened here.
So very broad the scope to be,
and, at times, unclear!
People come into this life,
each one has effect...
issues rise and fall, each touch
direct or indirect.

Are only good the ones that come
making us feel good?
But do we not learn from those that
we would miss if we could?
God has so enabled us
to endure this life-
in the joy and happiness,
in the grief and strife.

Another day approaches end-
this day has seen it all.
But I retain stability
as, Jesus' Name, I call!
He sees, He knows, He understands,
and faithful, He, always!
And He remains unshakeable
through years...events...and days!

Stability.  It is something that every saint must possess.  I admit, some have different amounts than others, but it all comes from the same Source!  No matter how your life is going, Jesus is alive and available to assist you.  Don't let anything in this life prevent you from calling Him!
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Saturday, November 14, 2015

Hearts know no distance

Answered prayer.  But are they not ALL answered?

In an amount of time that only
God could understand,
something happens causing great
disaster on the land.
Within moments, within seconds
someone celebrates?
At that moment, the human race
once more degenerates.

Tonight, our hearts are heavy for our friends and loved ones in Paris.  Please pray for them.  God will respond.
Don't give up on God.  He DOES answer every prayer.  We just may not know what that answer will be until we are with Him.

In HIS Service,

Jim
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Thursday, November 12, 2015

Still in love...

...even after 34 years...

In the purple, red and pink
no moving is to be...
in the mirror just below
what image life to see!!
In the company of God,
Creator of it all,
I am steeled yet again
and, to my knees, I fall.

And in the glory of the even,
one is on my mind.
For decades has she been with me-
together yet we find!
Continues she instructing me
in love and life and such,
and I find myself, even now,
desiring her touch!
How many are the years amassing?
Does it matter, though?
For I love her and she loves me-
that's all we have to know!
For God created her for me
as only Father could;
He looked upon us, even then,
declaring "It is good!"

Yes, one is on my mind and she

will be back in a few.
And when I look into her eyes,
it all becomes anew!
I am so very fortunate
that, in my heart, she lives,
and I'm so blessed, partaking of
the constant love she gives!

Even after 34 years, I cannot wait until she gets back home.  Even if she is only going to town to pick something up, I look forward to seeing her again.

I am so blessed!
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Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Thank you so much!!

What to write about?  Hmm...
Truth be known, there is no limit to writing, but I want it to say something!
I am married to the same woman for 34 years this week!  I should write about her...
I am surrounded by veterans to whom I am ever-grateful!  I should write about them...
I serve God, THE Creator of all and everything!  I should write about Him...
However, I will do what I have done for over 45 years to find out what to write:
"Father God, here I am again, a pen in Your hand.  Speak, oh Lord..."


As the day goes by, each of us have things to do...places to go...people to meet.  But just what do we know about those people?  The ones we know AND the ones we do not know, yet we rub elbows with them every day.

Mixing with a mixture

of folks of every age.
That girl looks just out of school...
but him, a gifted sage...
you cannot always tell which ones
have memories of hell!
You cannot always use the eyes,
a veteran, to tell!

How can I tell, just by looking,

who to give thanks to?
I want to look them in the eye,
shake hands and say "Thank you!"
The effects of battle may
stay hidden deep inside,
but my gratitude for you
I do not want to hide!!
So "THANK YOU!" every veteran
inside my life to be!
And "THANK YOU!" every veteran
that I may never see!
I surely do appreciate
what you've done for this land!
I hope to look into your eyes
and firmly shake your hand!

Yes, so many thing going on in life.  So many things to write about every time I grab this pen.  But I may not always have the opportunity to thank YOU for your service to this country.

"THANK YOU!" to America's veterans!


In HIS Service,
Jim
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