February Peace

In February I am going to focus on the word PEACE as described throughout the Bible. In today's troubled world I believe that turning our hearts and energy into this particular focus might be helpful in comforting our souls.

I am reminded that God speaks of a peace much greater than any the world can offer. Lately I've been anxious and troubled about several key things and each time those things enter into my mind, my heart is frozen and I am fearful. It is not an easy place to be. So I have started a different approach. When these concerns grip me I put them aside and focus instead on the promise of God. His undying promise to always be available.

At church Sunday there was a particular song that resonated with me. A song about a light house and God's ability to shine light into our lives and lead the way if we just let go and allow it to happen. Too often I hold tightly to my abilities, my direction, and my decisions when instead the release of control into God's hand is a powerful tool.

How can we find peace in troubled times if we do not release the burden we carry and give it to God. Trust of others is such an illusive thing but trust of God should be central in our lives.

So many of the things we spend time worrying about never come to be. We have robbed ourselves of living a life of joy through concerns that never materialize. And sometimes those things do happen and even then we need to go through the process, walk the path, and accept the outcomes that are not always to our liking. Often just around the corner is the answer we seek, a better set of circumstances, or another path to travel.

Hugs to each of you, may you be blessed with God's shining light leading the way.

Would You Recognize Jesus?

 

 

 

"The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Matthew 25:40

 

Would you recognize Jesus? Would you think His appearance too scruffy?  Sometimes we think a lot about "finding God in strange places" or seeing the hand of God in the beauty of the world. How is "recognizing Jesus" different? 

 

To me recognizing Jesus has to do with "becoming". Where God is the supreme being, Jesus is that glory manifested in human form. Jesus is the helper, the worker, the selfless provider.

Often though we fail to recognize Jesus and we miss opportunities to bring Jesus into "being" here on earth. Sometimes it's opportunities like feeding the hungry, talking to a friend in need, offering assistance to someone. Yet I think it is also "sharing" of ourselves in other ways; using a talent, nurturing a family, being present in the lives of others.

 

 

 

"You can find Him in your Momma's eyes, or in your Daddy's face,

                             You can find He's always there to help you win the human race,
                             You can find Him in the mountains, downtown, or by the sea,
                             And brother, here's hoping someone can find him, in you and me."

                                                 Lyrics: Would You Recognize Jesus

Hugs to everyone and I hope you recognize Jesus in the world today. Muse about the ways that you can let someone see Him in you.

 

Snowflake Philosophy

 

A year or so ago I wrote a musing called "snowflake philosophy" and since we are supposed to get MORE snow I thought it might be a good time to revisit the musing. I have a copy of the original somewhere but I'm musing about it from memory here tonight.

 

I proposed two basic premises to my snowflake philosophy. Neither are particularly original. First that like snowflakes each of us is unique. Not a new thought for sure! The important thing to ask though is "why" is each of us unique? What purpose does the uniqueness serve?

 

For the second part, let's think for a moment about snowflakes. Each one tiny, delicate, fragile and unique. Yet together they are not tiny, delicate or fragile. They are quite powerful. Think avalanche! That's a pretty strong force made up of millions and millions of little flakes of snow.

 

 

The accumulated force of all those tiny snowflakes can be destructive or beautiful.

 

 

The last piece of snowflake philosophy is to apply it to yourself in relation to the world and to others.

You are unique like a snowflake. What is the purpose of your uniqueness? God didn't just throw you together for the heck of it. There is a reason you have the specific combination of gifts and talents that you have. To me my spiritual quest is to understand the path God has set before me and travel it with humility and love.

 

 

So snowflake philosophy says simply that you need to discover the reason you are you. That along the snowy path there is a special journey God has in mind for you. Second, it reminds us that "together" like snowflakes we have the power to do many things. Why are we each unique? Like a puzzle our uniqueness fits together with others to create a powerful force. We complement each other, we blend together, each bringing something important to the "blizzard." Each of us, tiny, delicate, fragile, softly falling into the snow banks of life. Together we create a force as strong as an avalanche.

 

"It's all God's children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns

 

And all the powers of darkness
Tremble at what they've just heard
'Cause all the powers of darkness
Can't drown out a single word"

 

Lyrics: He Reigns

 

Hugs to you.  Stay warm and safe during the expected storm. I hope that during the snowfall that you will take some time to muse about your snowy path and reflect on what you bring to the "blizzard" of life.  

 

Questions to muse:

 

1. What do I bring to the blizzard?

2. How does it fit with the other "snowflakes" in my life?

 

 

 

Blessed Be Your Name

I think I mentioned in an earlier post that sometimes when times are the darkest, the nearer to God we feel. That it is in times of great despair that people need faith and turn toward God and not away. True sometimes people curse God for the "darkness", for horrible events, and for grief and hardship. Yet for those with faith those times are supported by God's loving presence. God can "transform" even the most overwhelming darkness into an opportunity to know Him.  It's impossible to understand the reasons for things of this world yet God is there to guide.

 

 

What strikes me as odd is that in times of great joy and abundance sometimes we "forget" God. We don't feel that incredible "need" for his presence and therefore we miss opportunities to celebrate God in our lives when things are good.

 

"Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name"

                                             Lyrics Blessed Be Your Name (Matt Redman)

It's important in our spiritual lives to "find" God in both times, good and bad. To foster a relationship with him in all aspects of life. How we do this falls into that "spiritual" realm I wrote of earlier. How you find God cannot really be defined by religion but rather in your own spiritual relationship. Religion can give you an idea, a starting place, a framework to foster this closeness but to fully utilize your ability to connect with God, spiritual awareness has to exist not only in the religious but in the mundane aspects of life.

Mundane: 1. lacking interest or excitement; dull. 2. of this earthly world rather than a heavenly or spiritual one

Either definition can be applied to what I am musing about today.

Sometimes there are every day aspects of life (ordinary, lacking excitement, rather dull) but if we look for God in them it changes the whole nature of the experience. For example: answering a question about scheduling at the middle school, (an earthly experience nothing really spiritual about it) It's rather mundane but when you reflect on the fact that this is the FIRST time for this person, that their nervousness at letting go of their child comes into play then you see God in the experience. To guide or help someone past their fear rather than just answer a question.

Of this earthly world rather than heavenly, God is present here on the earthly realm in correlation to our ability to "bring" him here. I know, I know, He is here all the time but when we bring him into "earthly" matters He enters the realm of human existence again just as Jesus did when He walked the earth.

"I love those who love me; And those that diligently seek me, will find me."  Proverbs 8:17

"I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Seeking-God#sthash.qQUzI0l3.dpuf

"I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Seeking-God#sthash.qQUzI0l3.dpuf

Hugs to each of you. Two points to reflect on from today's musing.

1. How can we seek God in times of "being ok" as well as times of need?  Celebrate the good with God as well as seek Him during the difficult times.

2. How do we bring God into our everyday lives, into the mundane tasks that comprise so much of each day?

"I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Seeking-God#sthash.qQUzI0l3.dpuf

"I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Seeking-God#sthash.qQUzI0l3.dpuf



Do You Remember Me?

Oh do Lord, oh do Lord
Oh do you remember me?
Oh do Lord, oh do Lord
Oh do you remember me?
Do Lord, oh do Lord
Oh do you remember me?
Way beyond the blue

 

Lyrics: Way Beyond the Blue

 

Do you ever wonder...or maybe even doubt, with all the million and one things going on in this world...how does God remember little old you?  I have to admit, sometimes I do. It's almost like....REALLY you have it pretty good....God has a lot of other important "stuff" to be dealing with.

At times I hate to admit I feel that way about prayer. When some small thing is upsetting me or even a larger thing but nothing "earth shattering" I almost feel like I need to apologize to God if I pray about it.

 

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."  Matthew 10:29-31 

 

 

 

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God."   

Luke 12:6

 

It's at times like that I am reminded of the "sparrow" Bible verses. For if God cares and knows the lowly sparrow then God knows me. It is hard to really comprehend this because we are stuck in "worldly" thinking but God is "heavenly". What seems overwhelming here to us as mere humans is manageable under God's careful guidance.

 

God doesn't want to know us only when we have something BIG....He wants to be a part of daily life with all the little ups and downs. I have to tell myself that's it's ok to pray about anything at anytime. I can trust God to sort it all out and decide what needs immediate action and what doesn't!

Hugs and hope to each of you!

 

 

 

 



Angels, Questions, and Strength

"For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."
Psalms 91:11

Today's one of those days where I need to remind myself of the angels. Where I need to feel the reassuring presence of God.

 

Lord,

 

Be with me

 

As I  question the deeds of this world

 

Lord,

 

Wrap your loving arms around me and others that need your calming embrace.

 

Give me strength and the courage to be your hands and feet.

 

 

 

 

"But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way"

 

Lyrics "If We are the Body" Casting Crowns

Hugs to all of you and may an angel watch over you each day!

   

A Love So Amazing

 

 

"He became sin
Who knew no sin
That we might become His righteousness
He humbled Himself and carried the cross

 

Love so amazing
Love so amazing"

 

(Jesus Messiah lyrics)

 

Sometimes we do not feel loved but one only needs to think about Jesus and His great love for us to know that love is a powerful source of strength. Without a great strength, how could He suffer and die so that others need not?

 

 

Love so amazing indeed.  I often draw strength from His love because as frail humans our strength, even the mightiest of us, is so weak in comparison. When I'm lost, it is there. When I am happy it is there. When I am seeking it is there. When I think I'm strong enough to stand alone, it is there. Quiet and steady, waiting.

 

I think that our ability to feel love, even though ours pales in comparison is a great gift. With the ability to love, also comes risk and sometimes sadness. At times one may even question the advisability of even opening that source inside us, the tender part of our souls that allows us to feel love. It has dangers but also great rewards.

 

 

Yet, to me, our ability to love (and allow ourselves to be loved by others) is in relation to our ability to reach our soul. To connect with that part of ourselves that has almost a direct connection to God.

Take some time to reflect on love and know that God has given you an ability to reach the deepest level of your being.

 

Hugs and love from me to you!

 

 

 

 

Better is One Day in Your Courts

                                                    "Better is one day in Your courts
                                                      Better is one day in Your house
                                                      Better is one day in Your courts
                                                      Than thousands elsewhere"
                                                                                        (lyrics Matt Redman)

Another inspiring song based in part on

'Better is one day in your courts
    than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
    than dwell in the tents of the wicked."

Psalm 84:10  NIV

Which took my mind in several directions but I want to think a little about the house of the Lord and our perceptions of it. I know many have pondered the idea that the church (the building) is not the more global definition of the term "church". Where do you find God? Where would "your courts" be.? Traditionally, I'm sure the courtyards of the temple but I'm not very good at sticking with "traditional" these days.

I would suggest that the "courtyards" are broader in definition. "Better is one day in your courts" Better is one day in the presence of God than thousands elsewhere. No brainer, right? But how do you "define" in the presence of God?

 

Beautiful, isn't it. However beauty is not a good definition of God's presence. He may very well be here in this lovely church and the history of this traditional church setting certainly causes one to catch their breath at the beauty of the spiritual setting.

 

But how about here....

 

 

Or here.......

 

 

Or here.....

 

 

Or even for that matter....here.....

 

 

And I would further hypothesize that God's presence is also in horrific and quite ugly places not just in the beauty of nature or church gatherings. I won't bother you with horrific pictures of storms, earthquakes and a multitude of other disasters and "ugly images"

 

'Better is one day in Your courts" pertains to those places just as much if not more so than the places or moments of beauty. In fact "to find You in the place Your glory dwells' could refer to being present in the most horrific places, as well as seeing the beauty of God in rainbows, majestic mountains and other lovely sights. God's glory dwells everywhere not just those places we are "comfortable" seeing it. In fact, God's glory is most likely needed more so in those horrific times, those times of grief, those times of being lost.

 

I will remind myself of this. "Better is one day in Your courts" isn't covered just by attending church on Sunday. I need to seek and find the glory of God (be in His courts) at all those other times too. Comforting a sick friend, helping the hungry, taking the time to listen even when I'm busy, being patient even when I'd rather not, finding the right words to say, finding the right direction to head, and finding the right thoughts to share here on this blog. All of those fit...."one day in Your courts" and "find You in the place Your glory dwells."

 

I feel I rambled a bit today, forgive me, soul musings are often messy, and complicated and incomplete....they take time to formulate and resonant.

 

Maybe you will take some time to reflect on "Your courts" and "the place Your glory dwells.'  Please leave a comment if you'd like to share your thoughts. As you can tell I am transformed by the stories I hear, the ideas people share, the songs people sing...anything can be a gem for soul musings.  

 

 Hugs and may you know that your stories are the breath of life and meaningful.

Whom Then Shall I Fear

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back, I know you are near"

 

@Matt Redman lyrics

Anyone that has attended church even briefly probably knows "The Lord is my shepherd" verses. "...though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil."

I'm no biblical scholar, nor spiritual guru....so this blog is about my own personal soul musings. Soul musings are at the core of the soul. Thoughts, ideas, ponderings, reflections that touch the very essence of the soul and make connections. My musings aren't for the sake of theological arguments and I won't even argue they are necessarily "right". They are simply my thoughts on this day and at this time about some snippet that has caught my attention.

This song has been in my head now for a couple of weeks. It's something the praise band played at church a few weeks back but it's also a song they have performed before so WHY is it stuck in my head right now? In fact the part stuck in my head is a very small snippet: "whom then shall I fear." Crazy right?

"I will fear no evil

For my God is with me

And if my God is with me

Whom then shall I fear

WHOM THEN SHALL I FEAR" 

 

I believe in "messages from the universe". That may seem like a term that is too "non religious"  Call them whisperings from God if you like that term better. I couldn't argue with the idea because I have no idea where they come from. I, often, however find that they lead me to a "truth" or to a "direction" that is exactly what I need. So I was thinking...."gee, I hope I'm not walking through the shadow of the valley of death." That seemed a little spooky and I really hope to live a good many years more! I discarded that idea rather quickly because that little snippet seemed much more "helpful" in nature..."whom then shall I fear."   Seems I've been worrying a lot lately, mostly about things I have no control over..."whom then shall I fear." It took quite a while...a few weeks to get my attention but isn't it saying..."why are you so fearful, there is no need to be, stop and trust" 

OH no You never let go through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go in every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go, Lord, You never let go of me"

 

(Matt Redman lyrics)

 

Then in the process of reflecting I realized there's a personal message and a larger message also contained within. If you look at the images I selected for this post you realize that the "valley of the shadow of death" doesn't have to be "the end" or death.

 

 The first image is more inline with the "valley of death" as associated with death itself. The second a "shanty town in Ghana" could certainly fit the term equally well. There is fear there, and hope, and a courageous determination to survive. The third, right here in the USA in Cleveland. "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil." 

 

Now I'm not suggesting we spend the night under that bridge in Cleveland and fear no evil. That would be just plain dumb!  Yet I think there is a message there...we are surrounded quite honestly with what I consider a decaying societal structure yet we should fear no evil. Whom then shall I fear?  Fear only yourself and your lack of faith. At least to me that is the only fear that might seep in and really impact the future, But take strength....He never lets go...even when faith is low....

 

"Oh no, you never let go, Lord, You never let go of me."

Hugs to all of you and may you always remember that God never lets go.

 

Please feel free to leave respectful comments. I am open to all religions and points of view. I do not condemn you for yours so I  ask the same respect for mine. This blog like all my others is set to "moderate comments" so your comment will not appear immediately Thanks!