Wednesday, April 23, 2014

earth day

The most glorious thing happened.
My nine year old requested that we celebrate earth day
with a trip to the beach.
I'm all for celebrations, and all for earth day.
So off to the the beach we went.
First picking up some food for dinner and
my most favorite healthy treat.
And all of a sudden we realized there were whales.
Migrating whales.
These pictures don't do them justice.
It was amazing.  And beautiful.
And it felt like a gift.
God was sharing his wondrous creatures
with us right in the middle of our earth day celebration.

We ran along the shore, following 
their journey as long as we could.

My tween was slightly embarrassed.
Worried people were noticing us.
I remember those days.  The self conscious years.
But I said, "They're not looking at us, they're
looking at the whales.  They really could care less 
about us and will never see us again.  
Just enjoy this moment."

JUST ENJOY THE MOMENT.
I wanted to soak it in forever.
This special visit, by these mighty creatures
so close it felt like you could
touch them if you were brave enough.

And though so many scriptures could fit this moment.
The one that came to my mind was Ephesians 3:20.

"Now all glory to God, who is able,
through his mighty power at work within us,
to accomplish infinitely more than we might
ask or think."

He gifted us with so much more than I could have
ever even imagined to ask or think.

And in the same way, his mighty power at work
within us, can accomplish more than we might
ask or think.

And it takes the weight off doesn't it.
Knowing his power is doing a mighty work.
It's not on us at all.
And what he can do is beyond what we could even imagine.

And to that I say it was a beautiful earth day.
A memory I will cherish.



Sunday, April 20, 2014

alone, yet not alone

More than anything I hope you know you are not alone.
He who gave his life to save yours is with you always.

This day we celebrate His defeating sin, and death.
He rose again, and is alive, 
with us every step of every day.  
Giving strength, guidance, protection, comfort,
faithful love.
Every perfect gift.  
I cannot imagine walking through this life without Him.  
I hope you know this comfort too.

Whatever you're facing today.
Know that you can walk through it without fear.
His mightiness is your shield.
His love is now revealed.

This song was composed by a friend's dad.
There was much controversy around it.
But that is ok, because in the controversy more heard the words.

Jesus works in even the things that seem unfair, unjust.
We just don't always see the whole story, or the end. 
But he does.
And he has already conquered it all.
There is already victory in Him.

This song is sung by Joni Eareckson Tada, her life story alone, and the fact
that she was even able to hit these notes is a miracle.
The second painting of Mary with baby Jesus in this video 
has hung for decades in my parent's home.
I would pass it many times a day.
A source of inspiration in my own journey.

"I will not be bent in fear.
He is the refuge I know is near.
In his strength I find my own.
How mighty is his shield.
For his love is now revealed."

"I'm alone, yet not alone."
Amen friends!

Thursday, April 17, 2014

another giveaway

Happy Easter week, and Holy Thursday friends.
What a special week this is for all of us.
I want to share another giveaway and a little interview about me
over at CAST TEAM.  It's the Christian Artists Street Team where 
I'm a member.  They do a featured artist post, and this week I'm
the featured artist.  
I hope to get back on here with more resurrection thoughts before the week is out.