Thursday, October 31, 2013

Embracing the Silver





I’m beginning to embrace these silver-gray strands in my hair.

Reminders of life lived so far
And wisdom that comes with years.

Isn't silver something precious?

Why do we try to color away our perceived imperfections?

Seeing tarnish instead of brilliance?  

Why do we listen so intently to what the world says “should be”?
And sadly try too hard to be something we were never meant to be?

Whose approval is it we are seeking anyway?

And in the striving for this ever-elusive approval,
What are we truly missing?

I don’t want to miss the beauty in this moment.

None of these moments are ever a promise,
But each, a precious gift

From The One

Who is painting silver-beauty

Into my life.


“Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God
till I declare Your power to the next generation,
Your mighty acts to all who are to come.
~ Psalm 71:17-18

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Splashing in Light




Morning light

comes streaming in

through wide-open windows. . .




and spills

all over the floor.

Inviting me to jump and splash,

to splatter warmth

and golden beauty

all around.




And the joy in the moment

whispers to my soul,

Arise and shine...

Shine


His glory.




There is something so hopeful in watching the sun rise. The promise of a fresh new day, where for just a moment, you imagine all the joyous possibility of it. Remembering what has been, but with a prayer in your heart, moving forward in God’s grace.

"Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting in You. Show me where to walk,
for I give myself to You."
~ Psalm 143:8

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Flames of Praise



It was something I wasn’t expecting…

To witness worship that morning.

A routine drive into work, eyes fixed on the road, mind running through the day’s list, fingers tapping on steering wheel to the beat of happy song.  The crisp fall air was glowing with the season’s first frost and seemed to sparkle to a song of its own.

It’s easy to drowsily drive through the morning and not take notice of surroundings, but something wonderful caught my eye and so clearly, it spoke to my heart.

It was trees…  the leaves…  the color…  a row of majestic maples standing all ablaze in glorious red!

Each branch reaching high toward heaven.

Those leaves on fire for God ~ burning with praise for their Maker!



The scene brought to mind a verse in the book of Luke where Jesus said something like, if His disciples kept silent, the stones would cry out with praise.  It seemed on this particular morning, it was the trees crying out with praise that only His ears could hear.

And oh, in that moment of quietly captured beauty, a spark ignited in my heart. My soul filled with gratitude, and awestruck, my spirit bowed down low to join in this worship of the One who made it all.

With the fiery vision burning in my mind I began to reflect on how small at times was the flame burning inside my heart for Him, and in repentance, this prayer of poetry I lifted to my LORD;

Refine me in Thy holy fire
And melt away all my selfish desires
Transforming this cold heart of mine
To burn as one that's wholly Thine

I give my life to You my LORD
And drench it in Thy Holy Word
Until my soul is burning bright
And Jesus is the only Light

That shines from every part of me
No more darkness, finally free
To discover all You've made me for
On wings as eagles, made to soar

High above the grip of sin
As Thy Holy Spirit lives within
This heart, that You're refining still
Making pure… To do Thy will



With my spirit now humbled, silent and still before Him, a new prayer began to rise. . .  

Oh LORD, stir my soul into flames of praise! 

Whatever it takes! May this fire never be reduced, but always burn passion for You! 

Refine my faith and make it pure, for Your glory, in the holy fire, that never fades!


“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”  - Luke 19:40

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; 
the mountains and hills will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. 

- Isaiah 55:12