How wonderful it is when plans come together and go 'as planned!' What happens, however, when they do not? THAT answer is completely up to YOU. Do you trust Him then?
We have our schedules and routines,
we know the week ahead;
we each know where to be and when,
as we are Spirit-led.
How we react, however, when
those 'set plans' go amiss
says volumes of our walk with God--
can YOU, friend, live with this?
This year has been most challenging
regardless of your 'faith!'
Some are shaken, yet press on
clinging to the words "Thus saith..."
others panic and give up...
some implode or explode...
BUT GOD, He yet retains control
regardless of the load!
That which has been...that which is now...
that which is yet to come--
it is completely known to Him,
and He also knows the sum!
So whatever you have 'planned' on,
know that such is NEVER 'set;'
press on, indeed, but trust HIS lead
and, the victory, you will get!
Make plans. Set goals. Know what your next move will be. But do not be so rigid in such that you be devastated if those plans change. For it may be God, Himself, making those changes!
9166
Monday, August 31, 2020
Plans
Sunday, August 30, 2020
Fishers of men
"Jesus--it is all about You--
Wherever is the Page alive
Whatever is my prayer, it should be
that men become anew!
Jesus--it is all about You,
You are not about the building, Lord,
You are about making whole!
And making whole the ones that are
not quite yet knowing 'grace.'
Jesus--I will surely find You
in the most unlikely place:
the hooker on the corner...
each of them have a need the same:
Jesus--You are in me, and I,
It's not the 'program,' 'denomination,'
Sure, there are plenty of good deeds, good books, good ___________ that be daily necessities for us, but there is one thing that is tantamount to all of it: the one-on-one sharing of the salvation of Jesus Christ with those in our world. And we MUST make time to do that!
Saturday, August 29, 2020
The Daily 'Everyday'
So fortunate be them that enjoy such. No matter how 'mundane' it may look to others, there are some of us that are so fortunate to experience and go on in 'the norm...'
When we cannot give everything
due physical estate,
the Lord steps in and does the rest,
and things turn out just great!
He knows the motives of the heart,
He knows each limitation,
yet He honors every effort--
so inducing celebration!
And when THIS man, he must retire
from the daily task,
they thank me for attempting to do
even what they ask!
I'm blest to be surrounded by
those who appreciate,
and blest to live with people whose
love does not have a 'rate!'
Gratitude and favor flow
without end from the heart
to GOD, and everyone in whose life
I have got a part!
I appreciate you each
more than you'll ever know!
Know that, in this temporary place,
you make a difference so!
So blessed and fortunate be this man to have an employer that is understanding, generous and kind! I know too many folk who do not use those words when they speak of their employment! Even more blessed be this man to have a wife and children who love me in spite of my limitations! YES, I AM BLESSED!
9164
Friday, August 28, 2020
Reason and sense
Is the same becoming 'extinct?' The more we watch the news anymore, such would be deducted...
Where has gone 'the voice of reason'
in this current land?
Has 'common sense' become extinct?
Is anarchy at hand?
Has 'getting my way' gone so far
it's damaging my brother?
If this is "The American Way'
then there must be another!
The Law of Love defies class, race
and 'nationality.'
It is the very opposite
of the lifestyle "Me! Me! Me!'
The Law of Love commands we serve,
submitting to each other;
said law is set by God Most High--
and there is not another!
For such flies in the face of what
some cling to with such pride!
And for the liberty in said law
His Son was crucified!
Not to 'lord' ourselves above
a person, color or race,
but to see them as ourselves
and genuinely embrace!
The many issues now at hand,
so prevalent throughout the land
would disappear if HIS law would reign,
and we love one another, without feign!
How many people would still be alive if we lived this way? How many 'borders' would exist if the same would be true? How much wealthier would we be?
Just pointless questions? Irrelevant ponderings? We shall see.
9163
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
His Welcome Visit
Summer afternoon out in the yard. A very welcome breeze visits as God and I have fellowship together...
Tender branches dancing in the breeze;
responding to God's whispers with such ease!
Finally, a respite from the heat
out underneath the trees the day's complete!
The tasks that were already have been done.
Most of them, quite honestly, were fun!
Most call them 'work,' or 'duties' in their plan,
but 'opportunities' so deems this man!
But they are done for now, and time for rest
is savored out here where God performs His best!
I see, off to the south, filling the sky,
the coming rain--so pleasing to the eye!
There are several hours yet before it's here,
so there's no rush at all while God's so near!
He visits me each day, somehow, somewhere,
to reassure me of His constant care!
His Presence pends not on the way feel,
(as, some days, the physical is not ideal!)
And He knows that, as right now, here in the yard,
the days of late have been taxing and quite hard.
He knows exactly what to say and Who to be
to uplift, restore and strengthen physically!
For 'perfection' may not happen every day,
but in our visits He knows just what to do and say.
Each and every circumstance He understands,
and exactly what one needs is in His hands!
I so treasure our each time of fellowship,
as I KNOW He ever has me in His grip!
For there be no greater assurance in this place
than relationship with God--The King of Grace!
Do YOU have that assurance? You can. It is availed to any and all who call out His Name and invite Him into the heart! Don't let ANYTHING in this life prevent YOU from such!
9162
Monday, August 24, 2020
Everyday Dealings
Relationships--they matter. Regardless who, what or where, what we do and the way we treat others have an affect on life!
Relationships we have in life,
but each of them so matter!
From industry to politics,
so harmful can be 'chatter;'
from 'occupation' to The Church,
and in the home especially,
the verbiage from the heart defines
what character we be.
Relationships--what do they mean
unto our daily lives?
Some 'use' them in so many ways,
it's what THE HEART contrives!
There are people of integrity
who have the best in mind;
the opposite would 'use' the same
to gain all they can find!
Relationships--they are necessary
for us to survive.
Treat those YOU know in such a way
that, in Heaven, you'll arrive!
Too many in this day and age
think only 'ME! ME! ME!'
But Jesus says the opposite
so, His face, we will see!
Relationships. So vital, so necessary to maintain in business, in society, in The Church, in ALL of life! Guard your heart, your tongue, and so guard your character that those relationships prosper the way that Christ designed.
9161
Sunday, August 23, 2020
THE God of 'Balance'
The summer heat...the rush of business...the ups-and-downs of all that goes on in 'the every day.' Sometimes, it can get to you. God, however, understands this fully, and He compensates for it...
The sky--so rich in color,
so beautiful and vast!
So flawless the reflection be
upon the waters cast!
And wealthy be the ones enjoying
Norfork on this day!
With God Creator watching over,
o what the poet say!!
A necessary pause from every
labor, every stress!
Those 'critical' activities
some refer to as a 'mess;'
But, truly, known as 'daily living
in a busy place--
without such, we'd be nothing, yea,
and that would be disgrace!
Father God, so generous,
providing everything:
that which causes us to strain
or causes us to sing!
He is the God of 'balance' and
today the scale leaned
toward ecstatic joy and peace.
Make sure your own be gleaned!!
Yes, the God of 'balance.' No matter how daunting or challenging life may get, God sees to it that there are equal times, if not MORE, of overwhelming joy and peace that surpasses understanding! He IS a good, good Father!
9160
Saturday, August 22, 2020
Praise Him Regardless!!
Life happens. The way it happens, however, has many crying out how unfair it is. "There is nothing new under the sun..." wrote the wisest. Though some would argue otherwise, the truth remains...
The Lord is just, the Lord is fair;
there's no one like Him anywhere!
He blesses them that call Him 'Lord,'
but grace to all does He afford!
To them that don't yet call Him such,
and them that flat refuse his touch,
though their lives may be vile and bent,
He yet allow them time to repent!
O praise the Lord! He is the Best!
Though suffrage comes, He knows what's best
and through the same He gives a song
to strengthen and help all along!
His mercies--for they never end,
and He would constantly extend
those mercies to those not His own
that His salvation may be known!
Yes, praise the Lord! He binds the hurts!
He guards when any danger skirts!
He's great in might, He's great in power,
and He extends the final hour
that many more would know salvation
before that time of desolation!
Oh, know His mercy, know His love,
that you may know Him forever above!!
Yes, praise the Lord! In spite of your current situation...in spite of the current political scene...in spite of the happenings around the world, He is still Lord and He is still in control. The world would sway you believe otherwise, BUT HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD, and so shall we soon and very soon!!!
9159
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Afternoon oddity!
Summer approaching it's end. This day, however, feels not like summer at all around here! It's wonderful!! The writer to savor it in the yard with pen in hand:
How still to be the afternoon
with August soon to retire;
soon the sky to be ablaze
with the evening fire!
But shadows now to occupy
the acres filled with peace,
as the trees have yet, their glorious
garments, to release.
The stillness of the afternoon--
appreciated so,
as all other days of week
have had us on the go!
BUT GOD has set aside THIS time
away from all events
to share His sweet, creative touch
with so much evidence!
The glory of the trees...
the cool and gentle breeze...
the lazy, billowed clouds...
the peace that, here, enshrouds...
His Majesty residing...
the song of birds exciting!
Impossible to grasp:
the scope of His hand's clasp!!
Wherever YOU find yourself, I pray that You will also find countless evidences of God and His incredible touch all about you. He makes EVERY day worthwhile!
9158
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Being 'One'
The Word says
'Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they two shall become one flesh...'
How much time does it take for two
to REALY become 'one?
Can minutes...days...weeks...years
declare the same be 'done?'
They say that 'give-and-take' must be
the same for such to be,
but, after almost 40 years,
she is far, far more than me!
For God has seen that she's increased
as, slowly, I've declined.
As my wits about me dissipate
He has made hers more refined.
As she stays more 'behind-the-scenes'
this man's been glorified;
truth be told, I'd not be much
without her at my side!
For somehow God has gifted her
to see we firmly stand.
Not much would function in this house
without her skillful hand!
Her budgeting...her driving...
her memory...her tact...
her handiwork and faith in God
have kept this house intact!
Sure, I write and work a bit,
and I'm in the public eye,
but without my wife behind me, lost
and destitute would be I!!
For God knew exactly how to make
the gift that I call 'wife.'
So blessed and proud and wealthy I
that she is in my life!!
I know too many men that, in too many ways, take their wives for granted. I see it every day and, unfortunately, this man has done the same...too often! BUT GOD has blessed my wife with the ability to forgive me and continue to be the gift that He created just for me. I AM SO BLESSED!
9156
Monday, August 17, 2020
Is there a limit?
How far does 'friendship' go?
Those in pain, they know!
Those who panic understand;
and 'life' happens--so 'unplanned!'
"Honey, I'll be late this afternoon.
I'm helping the police and Deborah find June!
She's 'somewhere' but her car is still at home!
The sheriffs and police are out to comb."
It was an hour later than usual when she picked me up. Security found June at the hospital in her husband's room at his bedside. She could not remember how she got to the hospital when we all asked her! The power of love. The power of friendship.
We know she couldn't walk that far. She has no cell phone. It is a week later as I write this, and she STILL cannot tell us how she got to the hospital. We can't think of anyone that she called. Nobody at her church said they gave her a ride, and I know EVERYONE at the local taxi service, and they have no record of her.
But everyone is safe today. Their children made it to town just in time to spend about a day with their dad before he left for Heaven. I KNOW that's where he is because of the life he lived! And a very full life!
It was quite a scare, but God showed us once again that when such as this happens, He strategically puts people where they need to be and when. Blessed be them that avail themselves when such necessities arise!
9155
Sunday, August 16, 2020
Sunday Afternoon
The chores of the week are done. The stresses and trials have been overcome. Even time in God's house has been enjoyed. Now, we sit back and look out over the canyon...
As breezes of the afternoon amass,
it brings a cooling to the mountain pass;
so welcome as we settle for the day
to see the wonders He has on display.
There is a single cloud that plays on high,
but it shadows little the awe before mine eye:
the hills...the canyon...the river, ever-flowing...
aaah...the blessing of God-knowing!
For He settles with us to enjoy the view
and says He enjoys OUR company, too!
For He made us each to, with Him, fellowship,
and assures us we are never out of His grip!
Even as we savor His grand creation...
even when we 'feel' we're 'out of relation...'
loving Father God is right beside--
His presence, it can never be denied!
Taking in the very gentle breezes--
the stresses of this life it surely eases!
And enjoying them with God, the Great Creator--
oh tell me, brother, what else could be greater?!
Sunday. Blessed Sunday. The only time to be refreshed as such? Of course not! But this one seems quite different, easier, more relaxing...after the week that we have had, it is certainly most refreshing!
9154
Friday, August 14, 2020
The Forecast
What is the forecast? It depends on who you ask and where they are in life...
Clouds may fill the sky above,
but they bring needed rain;
storms be necessary, yes,
and some may bring on pain;
but Him Who rides upon the storm,
He knows of each affect,
and no matter the severity,
His love--it will protect!
We may not see immediate
the benefits of such,
but certain is His care for us
and constant be His touch!
Lightning strikes...thunder rolls...
He is not moved at all.
He is the Maker of the same
and settled be His call!
Regardless of the storm,
the issues that would form,
we yet securely stand
as He holds us in His hand!
Yes, though clouds may fill the sky,
the heart is bright and dry
as therein dwells the Son,
the One and only One!
The forecast of the day isn't necessarily ALWAYS pertaining to 'weather.' For there are many folks going through storms of many kind. BUT GOD is ever-present, and His protection fails not ever!
9153
Thursday, August 13, 2020
The 'day in and day out...'
Tribulations be not permanent,
And as the pace gets faster in
Trust Him. With any and all things that are going on in and around you, trust Him. For He knows us better than we know ourselves, and HIS lead will cause us to be victorious!
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Neighbor
How far to go to be a 'neighbor?'
The purest of relationships
So be a neighbor, and forget
Someone down the street needed a 'neighbor' the other night. Due to God's incredible timing, our 'medical' daughter was home and knew exactly what to do and when to call the paramedics! They will certainly need 'neighborly' care again, and we WILL be there for them. I surely hope you have neighbors that will do the same!
Thursday, August 6, 2020
His Better Way
When the pain becomes too great, He understands;
When the pace becomes too great, He understands.
And when everyone about has got demands,
Yes, this world will eat you up if you allow!
This world is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, it would have you believe that the faster you go, the more you will get done. That MAY be true, but the more you obey that, the more worn out you will become! Live at GOD'S pace, and you will be surprised how He will prosper you!
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Familiar and Not!
So we must live by faith, believing,
BUT GOD, He is dependable,
Just when you think You have God figured out, He says or does something to completely blow you away and cause you to want more and more of Him. Such is the beauty and wonder of Him! HE IS SO GOOD!
Saturday, August 1, 2020
The Mood of the Day
Shall I repay with what I'm paid?
Already are too many means
Certainly, there are things going on in each of our lives that we may not deserve. However, our response to such has not only an effect on the situation, but on our health, as well.