"AWE THE WONDER"

"Filled with wonder, awe struck wonder, 
At the mention of Your name. 
Jesus Your name is power, 
Breath and living water, 
Such a marv'lous mystery." 
(Revelation Song Lyrics)

Isn't it just wonderful when The Lord jiggles you awake at 2:00 AM just to spend time with you?  It is 3:10AM now and I just had to pen some of my ponderings.  

Above are a portion of the lyrics to the "Revelation" Song.  I have shared with friends the fact that the last few Sundays in our worship service... I have set and wept at the mere thought of what I see The Lord doing around me.  Things that I have prayed about for years being transformed before my very eyes, not because of me... but probably in spite of me and my feeble attempts to make them happen.  Usually when I am awakened at this hour I feel lead to pray for special needs that I have been made aware of, or people who God places on my mind at that given time.  Tonight I did that very thing but then just sat back in "AWE" and praise of the mighty God that I love and serve.

I never want to lose the "WONDER"!

wonder  [ wúndər ]  amazed admiration or awe - something marvelous: a miracle or other cause of intense admiration - extraordinarily good: exciting admiration or amazement by virtue of being outstandingly good, effective, or unusual

Synonyms: surprise, astonishment, awe, amazement, admiration, incredulity

Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.  (Psalm 40:5)

GUEST TOWELS

It seems as if the Wolfe house guest bedroom has been a "revolving door" as of late.  There is nothing like company... friends and family coming to share a few days of visiting.  Talk, laugh, sit under the pecan tree, share meals together, just "catch up" unhindered by time.  We have had the pleasure to entertain my friend Susan and her son Benjamin (just to love on and minister to), Steve's Parents along with Brother Ed and his wife Suzanne (a long overdue visit & blueberry pickin'), and our dear friends the Feuquays (spent cherished days before moving).  In preparation for our "honored guests" the main bathroom in our home is prepared for it's new occupants.  Sparkling clean, scentsy warmer emitting aromatic fragrance, and fresh linens await.

I don't know about you but in our "guest bathroom" hang "guest towels"!  You know, the ones that no one is allowed to use.  Well, in ours hang plush black towels that took eons to find just the perfect ones.  Also, I am sure that you are aware of the fact that when black is laundered... fuzz attracts and is almost impossible to remove.  I say all of that to say... our "guest towels" are not even used by "guests".  

It is a case of "look but don't touch"!  It is even a humorous issue between Steve and I that he takes great pleasure teasing me about.  What brought all of this to mind was, I read a funny bathroom sign yesterday which said:  "Guest towels are to be used by guests, non-guests will please dry their hands on their clothes." ... Snicker!

So ridiculous are the material things that we place value on... no one worthy of its use.  I am so thankful that when I come into the presence of our Lord... nothing good is off limits... "no good thing" does He withhold.

"For the LORD God is a sun and shield:  the LORD will give grace and glory:  no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."  
(Psalm 84:11) 

A "SANCTIFIED" MARY

It seems that i have so little time to blog anymore but something happened this week that I had to record.  When you read the title you will think that maybe I am referring to a "well known" Mary... maybe Mary the Mother of Jesus, or Mary Magdelene whom Jesus cast seven demons out of, or possibly Mary of Bethany (the sister of Lazarus and Martha) who loved learning the teachings of our Lord.  Oh but no, the Mary that I am referring to is just the opposite of all the above... the Mary I am referring to is an atheist.  Let me explain:

On Wednesday Evenings a very special friend and I go to the local women's homeless shelter to do a Bible Study with the ladies presently living there.  You can't help but build a bonding relationship with these precious women.  There is a particular resident there named Amanda.  This past Wednesday Night she looked at me and asked if I was "kin to" a Mary __________ that lived in _____________.  After some pondering on my part, I replied:  "Not that I am aware of, why do you ask?"  She then proceeded to tell me about a dear friend of hers (named Mary) that I reminded her so much of.  She told me that she had prayed for this friend for many years because she was an atheist.  She then said something that I have rehearsed over and over in mind since... "I am going to have to take a picture of you and that big smile you always have on your face, send it to her and tell her that this is what she would look like if she knew the Lord... A SANCTIFIED MARY."

I do not know this Mary (this look-a-like of mine) and will probably never meet her face to face, but the Lord knows exactly who she is.  I'm asking that you join me in praying that Mary will truly one day soon, be sanctified.

(Acts 20:32)  And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace,  

which is able to build you up , and to give you an inheritance among all them 

which are sanctified . 

(Acts 26:18)   To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from 

the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and  

inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. 

(1 Corinthians 6:11)   And such were some of you: but ye are washed , but ye are  

sanctified , but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and  

by the Spirit of our God.

THE CRIES OF A MOTHER'S HEART

So it seems as if it has been forever since I shared my heart with my "blog followers"!  Good intentions often are interrupted by life it's self... and times passes by.  Then something happens and we remember the safe spot where in the past we have shared musings and others have listened.  Even if there is no audience - there are times that I just need to record my thoughts.

For three years, my son has pedaled a bicycle. I've witnessed 25,000 miles of asphalt and tears mix, evaporating him into a shell of the son I once knew, down at least 50 pounds from where he began. 

Uncertain of where he was "pedaling to" or "pedaling from," my heart ached that I couldn't wrap him in my arms like momma's do when they are "little boys" and fix his broken heart. His dad and I witnessed one who once was the "life of the party" go to saddened silence.  He ceased talking, he ceased caring, he ceased laughing, but what he did do was grab a pencil and bleed his soul into pieces of paper. 

I dare say, since the day Stephen was born, I've prayed diligently that the Lord would find favor within him and use him for His good and His glory. I've wept oh so many tears watching my son 'run', wondering if God was listening, if my prayers had fallen mute, failing to remember that we trained up a child in the way he should go, and in the end, he will not depart from it. I think God allowed Stephen to throw his temper tantrum, to lose his balance, to get lost, because the joy in being found is a joy unspeakable, but also, the experience of feeling 'hopeless' can reach the masses.  The "I've been there" experiences that opens the ears of the deaf that brokenness has muted.

Stephen has never once came to Steve (my husband) or I and asked for help, he simply pedaled away the memory, but I knew however he chose to deal with his pain was justified - I merely needed to be an encourager, a constant source of love.

Stephen occasionally would come to me with shreds of paper with thoughts and stories he had written. My heart would shatter reading and listening because the way of his pen was so dark, defeated. Little did I realize he was garnering an audience with these writings from others who seemingly could not put similar thoughts into words. Stephen became their voice, their chance of reason, their platform to be heard - as I've heard described - 'Stephen enters their mind, and pulls the words they couldn't say off their tongues.' 

Fast-forward to this afternoon, and I would be honored to say that my son has stopped pedaling... He has not, however, I have witnessed a healing that just months ago, I was unsure would ever take place. But beyond his healing, those shreds of paper that shredded my own heart, were helping heal others in a world I couldn't entertain. Suicide, cutters, mental health disorderlies, don't belong in the church, our "legalized" Christianity teaches us, but here my son was ministering unto the least of these. 

Stephen began this journey with a notebook - in his words, that notebook is 'a collection of receipts of stolen souls imprinted in his mind, branded on his heart.' In my words, it's the work of my Savior helping my son find his way "Home".

This is my shameless plug to all my friends to like his page - it is new, it has just been launched, but it is his prayer within the coming days and months that this page will be a community of love, focused on breaking the silence on suicide, self-harm, mental health and beyond. Tentatively to be out this fall, his journey, his journal, he's titled: 'Beautiful Sprinkled, Speckled, Spackled Snails'  will be published and released!!

https://www.facebook.com/BeautifulSprinkledSpeckledSpackledSnails 

THROUGH RAGING WATERS

Today I was thinking how so many times we face trials that seem to be as raging waters trying to consume our very being.  During these testings in my own life... I have seen God choose to calm those raging seas, or part them so that I could pass through on dry ground, unscathed by the tempest that roared around me, unmarred by the mud that I trod upon.  But then there are other times such as now... that He chooses that I go through those furious torrents... waves of testing all around, batting me to and fro as a ship with no anchor nor sail.  All the while in the midst of the tempest I hear Him softly whisper to me:

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Fear not: for I am with thee:"  (Isaiah 43: 2 & 5a)

STICKS and STONES

Today I read this quote from Paul Sevillano... "Sticks and stones may break my bones... But words can tear apart, and break my heart."  It took me back to my childhood days when we would use a similar statement to ward off bullies and their unkind words... "Sticks and stones may break my bones... But words can never hurt me!"  Even then "words" may have not caused physical pain - but I dare say there are few to be found that "words" did not cause lasting wounds that even time has not healed.  I also recently read a statement that said... "Be careful with your words, once they are said, they can be only forgiven, not forgotten."

I wonder if that is not why in Proverbs 18:21a the Bible says:  "Death and life are in the power of the tongue:" or James 3:8 which says:  "But the tongue can no man tame, it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."

As I ponder the power of words to lift up or tear down... encourage or discourage... bring joy or despair... repair or destroy, I am ever more cautious in what I say and how I listen to the "words" around me.

STICKS, STONES, AND WORDS

CAN DEEPLY HURT US!

Santa for The Lord

Painting by:  Artist Michael Garland 1996

Today I joined the masses... looking for fun things to surprise my family with under the tree.  My daughter Jessie, son Stephen Jr., son-in-law Jeff, and "adopted into the family" daughter Jodie... all have outgrown the "Santa stage" and usually it is best to allow them to pick-out gifts, tell me what they want, or give them gift cards or money!  That pressure I have succumbed to... but still insist on a couple of things unexpected to make them smile.

I think one of the most exciting and magical traditions of the Christmas season is gift-giving.  Beautiful packages wrapped in brightly colored paper with bows and ribbons are placed beneath the Christmas tree, to be shook, squeezed, rattled, and guessed at it's contents.  Each gift under the tree offers a blessing, both to the recipient and the giver.  The custom of giving gifts began even before the wise men brought gifts to Baby Jesus.  The Romans gave gifts that symbolized specific blessings.  If one received a gift of sweets, it was a wish for good things for the coming year.  A gift of a lamp ensured light and warmth, while small presents of gold and silver symbolized a blessing of wealth and prosperity.

Today I read these verses in Matthew 25:37-40 (KJV)

"Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?  When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?  Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?  And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

These verses challenged me to pause in the midst of my Christmas hustle and bustle... and consider ways that I can reach out to others and make their lives better.  There is always something we can do --- whether it's prepare a meal for a family struggling financially, share toys with a child, or spend time with someone who is alone.  The size of the gift doesn't matter - it's the love behind the gift that matters.  I once again had to stop and ask myself this question, "What has God placed in my hand today... that was meant to be shared with someone else... and not kept for myself...???  My desire is to be used as a "Santa for The Lord," blessing the lives of others ! ! !  Can you imagine how different Christmas would be if each of us found one person to bless... can you imagine how different we would be?

Dear Lord, are there those that You would have me to reach out to this Christmas Season?  Show me, I'll be watching... Speak to me, I'll be listening... Guide me, I'll follow.  AMEN 

It's not about the Presents.... but the Presence

As Christmas is approaching... and I - like most everyone else, am scrambling to purchase that perfect gift for those that I love.  For a couple of years Christmas was a very sad time for me.  In 2008 my sister & I lost our mom and a few days before she died... our daughter Jessica and her family left the U.S. to serve on the Mission Field in Thailand.  Those losses... took their toll. 

Now, over 3 years later... I am looking to Christmas with anticipation.  For

Our Grandchildren:  Sophie, Caroline, Jackson

myself though... It's not about the Presents... but the Presence.  There were years that "getting" that perfect gift was exciting and Steve and others have given me some very special gifts... but the older I get - I can honestly say - there is NOTHING that I want that can be wrapped.  The "presence" of family and friends and their well-being - are the most precious gifts of all.  To have Steve, my children, and grandchildren, Lord willing, with me this December 25th will be enough and worth more than anything "money" can buy.  The only thing that could even begin to make it better is the "presence" of more family and friends, and health and healing for some very special people in my life!

I can't help but feel that way about the Lord also.  He has blessed me with many things (blessings) over the years but... It's not about His Presents that He gives... It's about His Presence in my life that is most important.  I don't want to live one minute that His Presence is not with me... leading and guiding my everyday!

(Psalm 139:1-7)  "O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?"        

Don't RUSH the SEASON

Today while I was out doing my Thanksgiving Dinner shopping... I was a little confused as to the Holiday we are about to celebrate.  The Salvation Army bell ringers were out and wishing those of us who dropped money in their little red buckets... Merry Christmas.  Poinsettias greeted me stacked like a Christmas Tree when I entered the store's double automated doors... Christmas stocking stuffers and Christmas candy lined several aisles... and Christmas music was playing in the Electronics Department.  As I walked through the Ladies Apparel the first article of clothing was a festive Red Sweater with candy-canes dancing on it's bodice... then peeking through the Men's Department, I was faced with "Santa Boxers"... and Rudolph "red nose" socks.  

I looked at my list and checked it twice to make sure what I was shopping for!  Stuffing... Gravy... Sweet Potatoes... etc.  Yep, I'm here because of Thanksgiving!

I'm not being a scrooge... I LOVE CHRISTMAS... but just haven't got that "Jingle Bell" spirit as of yet!  Also if you have... I'm not knocking it!  I just want to savor Thanksgiving first - then I'll prepare to "deck the halls" and bring out the Christmas decor.

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."  (Psalm 100:4)

EUCHARISTEO

The anticipated package arrived... day before yesterday... and again I am amazed at the Lord's timing!  I had heard so much about the book:  "one thousand gifts" by Ann Voskamp.  The Amazon box was opened and out fell three copies of the book.  I love reading and when I find a wonderful book... I like to share... so that is the reason for the three copies.  Yesterday the journey through the white crisp pages began.  By the end of the second chapter --- I had grown a love for my new "favorite word"... EUCHARISTEO... the Greek word for "thanksgiving" or "giving of thanks"!  Actually as the writer breaks down this word it contains (grace, thanksgiving, and joy) all packed neatly in its 11 consonants and vowels.  How appropriate for the time of year we are in.... fall - November - the month of Thanksgiving.... Oh, but I feel the Lord has much more for me in the pages of this little book than just something for this time of year.

I have pondered much on this excerpt from Chapter 1:

"Standing before that tree, laden with fruit withheld, we listen to Evil's murmur, "In the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened..." (Genesis 3:5 NASB).  But in the beginning, our eyes were already open.  Our sight was perfect.  Our vision let us see a world spilling with goodness.  Our eyes fell on nothing but the glory of God.  We saw God as He truly is: good.  But we were lured by the deception that there was more to a full life, there was more to see.  And, true, there was more to see: the ugliness we hadn't beheld, the sinfulness we hadn't witnessed, the loss we hadn't known."

I have often thought of all the things lost in the Garden of Eden... but had never really considered that this is the place where the catalyst of all sin began:  "ingratitude!"  In the following words - I found my "cynical self":

"We eat.  And, in an instant, we are blind.  No longer do we see God as one we can trust.  No longer do we perceive Him as wholly good.  No longer do we observe all of the remaining paradise.  We eat.  And, in an instant, we see.  Everywhere we look, we see a world of lack, a universe of loss, a cosmos of scarcity and injustice."

Is it ever enough... do I always want more... something bigger... better... newer... do I compare my blessings to those of others... do I really view God as always GOOD????  In just the few chapters that I've read - I've had to face the reality that there are things that I'm grateful for - but just the same - there are things that I'm not satisfied with - times I've asked WHY - times I've asked WHY ME - times I've asked WHY NOT ME - I complain and gripe - I'm often afraid - I worry --- and the list goes on.  I have had to admit that I am also that person that she mentioned:  someone who is "born again but still so much in need of being "born anew!"

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."  (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV) 

"Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world."  ~Sarah Ban Breathnach

I look forward to reading, as Paul Harvey would say... "the rest of the story" ;)

"BUSY BULLDOZER"

Five busy bulldozers,

Friends so keen and strong.

They lift and dig and zoom about,

Working all day long!

When our first grandchild "Jackson" was born... "boy toys" again began to appear in the toy boxes of our home, and books about dump trucks, airplanes, boats, and bulldozers!  All the things "little boys" like.  The other day while pulling out the stash of story-books because the grandkids are home from Thailand... I happened upon the "Busy Bulldozer" book, purchased for Jack several years ago, and I read it one more time.

Today while going to meet a special friend for lunch I was early for the appointment, and so I sat and watched a busy bulldozer hard at work on a site being made ready for a new building.  While sitting there and contemplating the work the bulldozer was doing and watching it's movement... I couldn't help but think... I wonder if that dirt - that has been there for possibly hundreds of years really wanted to be moved??  Or that tree that had grown it's roots deep into the fertile soil was ready to be knocked over??  Then I thought of times when people have made me feel "bulldozed" by their pushy attitude, boisterous spirit, or just their presence.  Times when I've felt pushed out of a situation that I wasn't ready to make an exit... or times when I was accomplishing a task and felt someone moved in and pushed me over... accomplishing their own agenda... or just felt belittled by a persons attitude.

There was a time in my life during my "younger" years that I was probably the "bulldozer"... but after years of mellowing, aging, and "wimping out" - I am a lot more like the tree or the dirt.  When I find myself in these situations... I often hang my head and retreat to safety - while tears flow for my feelings of insecurity, rejection, and hurt. 

Somewhere central in the swing of the pendulum between "bulldozer" and "dirt" is where I'd like to rest.  Finding strength and boldness in and from the Lord but accomplishing my tasks with love, caring, and humility...  Never making others feel "pushed out" - "scooped up" - nor "bulldozed over."

Ephesians 3:12  "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him."

Psalm 28:7 "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him."

The Things We Cling To

Entrance to Neighborhood

Looking from inside the house into the yard

Neighbors leaving with their important belongings

The above pictures are of the flooding in Bangkok, Thailand in the Province of Nonthaburi where our daughter and her family live.  Our son-in-law Jeff wrote this concerning the flood waters:

"As much as we prepared and tried, we couldn’t keep the flood waters from coming. As we watched districts all around us succumb to the floods, it became clear we wouldn’t be spared.  Our neighborhood received about three feet of water in just over two hours, and since our house is raised just a little bit, we have about 6 inches of water standing in the first floor." 

As I've read the reports and looked at all the devastation in pictures from Thailand Newspapers and Internet News Websites.... I seemed to be focused on the devastation of all the things these people have lost.  The Lord has such a way of teaching us lessons... and this evening I read something that I felt the Lord placed into my path of view.  As I read the following words my heart was so convicted:

He doesn't want us clinging to His gifts,

He wants us clinging tightly to Him.

 "My soul clings to you;
   your right hand upholds me." 
Psalm 63:8

 

Here is one of the last posts our son-in-law made before leaving Thailand to come to the States for a long awaited furlough (which will be interrupted in a few weeks for him to return to Thailand to clean up the mess): 

Is there any better way for us to evaluate our first term on the mission field than to lose some temporary, material possessions? What have we accumulated that is of eternal value? Thankfully, we can look back at souls won for Christ that water can't touch, no matter how high it rises.

 

Thank you Lord for your tender teaching!  

May all who read this... please pray for the people of Thailand whose lives have been affected by this devastating disaster and pray their hearts will be drawn to cling to the Lord!

 

BUILT ON THE "ROCK"

Today as the flood waters rise in Eastern Bangkok Thailand in the Province of Nonthaburi, the home where our daughter and her family live is being surrounded by water.  As I talked with our son-in-law Jeff this morning, I could hear concern in his words.  When I asked how they were doing... his reply was "not too well". They had gone back to Nonthaburi on Monday afternoon to check things out as the water came closer to where they call "home".  Jeff had Jessie and the children leave to go back to the Hotel where they are staying until time to return to the U.S. later this week and he was going to stay the night.  After placing sandbags & plastic at all the doors and gate... and watching the water rise even more... he decided it best for him to leave also.  This was his comment:  "Well, when the water comes, there's nothing you can do. Not in the house yet, but can't imagine it not being in the morning. It's all in God's hands."

We all have sang the children's song, "The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock"... but this truly is an example of just that.  Although most of their "earthly belongings" reside in that house... that is not where their "HOPE" lies... because their house is built on "The Rock" and like Jeff said... "It's all in God's hands."

I have thought and prayed so much about this the last several days and for the Thai people whose lives have been devastated by this disaster.  It is so easy being on the outside to "glibly" say:  "As long as you all are safe... THINGS can be replaced." - but when it is "YOUR THINGS" it takes on a whole new light.  We watched as they prepared to go to the mission field several years back and got rid of most of what they had here in the U.S.  For me it was emotional watching them have to part with things they loved because they could not take them.  They left with only things that could be packed in suitcases.  For them though... it was what had to be done to follow the calling the Lord had placed on their lives.  Now to see them have to face losing the things they have purchased there... it just rips this momma's heart out.  

I must say... it is evident that the Lord gives them strength and it puts me to shame at my lack of faith.  So proud of them and what the Lord is doing in their lives and through them there in Thailand.  Can't wait until they are here with us but I'm sure that their hearts will remain with the people they love in Thailand.   Please pray for the Gordon Family and the Thai People!

"My Hope is Built on Nothing Less"
by Edward Mote, 1797-1874

1. My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

2. When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

3. His oath, His covenant, and blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When every earthly prop gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

 

Lord, Carve Me Into Your Image

I just love the "fall season" and can't help but get excited about all the things going on around me this time of year.  Leaves are falling, the harvesters are in the fields, the air is cooler, crockpots every where are filled to their brims with homemade soups, the aroma of cinnamon and cloves simmering in pots of cider, outside firepits are filled with wood for chilly evenings under the trees, mums of all colors line steps and porches and decks, and children (and adults) are enjoying the fun of decorating and carving pumpkins.  Even the ladies at our last fellowship meeting at church seemed to get in the "fall spirit" with a Pumpkin decorating contest (Me Included).

I listened to a song the other day that reminded me of pumpkin carving and of my desire for the Lord to shine His light through me.  It is called "Sun and Moon" by Paul Wickham... here are part of the lyrics:

If You are the sun -Then I wanna be the moon 
I want to reflect the light - That shines from You 
And if this is war - Then I'm gonna draw my sword 
This time I know what I'm fighting for  
God I wanna let You know I want everything You are 
I'm waiting for the morning light 
To show a fire in the dark  
Shine Your light - I want to feel You now 
God I need a miracle - Take my heart, make it glow 
Shine Your light - From the inside out 
I wanna be more like You
If You are the sun Then I wanna be the moon
If love is a choice - Then I need You to hear my voice 
I'm the one knocking on Your door - Making all this noise 
Whatever it takes - I'd give it all away 
I want to show my love in a thousand ways  
God I want to let You know I love everything You are 
I'm waiting for the morning light To show a fire in the dark

And I can't live a single day without You
And I don't even want to try
And I won't take another step without Your light

If You are the sun - Then I wanna be the moon
I want to reflect the light - That shines from You

  

There are times in our Christian walk that we must "be still" and "carve out" quiet moments in our day, in order to discern what is from the hand of the Lord and what is diversions handed us by our "too busyness".  Without the quiet moments the waves of our own desires, the deceptions of the devil, or the opinions of others... are a current that can easily sweep us away, washing us off course and out of His will.

This is my prayer for God to carve and mold my life into the likeness of His Son... so that I may reflect the Light that Shines from Him!

{cut off top of pumpkin}  Lord, open my mind so I can learn new things about you.  {remove innards}  Remove the things in my life that don’t please you.  Forgive the wrong things I do and help me to forgive others.  {cut open eyes}  Open my eyes to see the beauty you’ve made in the world around me and to see others through your eyes.  {cut out nose}  I’m sorry for the times I’ve turned my nose at the blessings you provide.  {cut out mouth}  Let everything I say be pleasing unto You.  {light the candle}  Lord, help me show your light to others through the things I do. Amen

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."  2 Corinthians 4:6-7