Thoughts and reflections on us as people with much in common.
Blossoms open wide
To greet the day
Shining beauty
Draws in warmth
Joyfully raises its head
Living fully in day’s light
Heart-shaped leaves
Declare love’s touch
Healing and happiness
Radiate for all who see
So may we too take note and
Live life as a morning glory
Please leave a message… Message me… Our phone rings or lights up; our computer chimes. Flash, blink, music, or buzz.
In our world today, messages have never been easier to send, or to receive. Text messages, emails, and audio-video chats and messages are now the norm for communication. The word “message” itself has become a common verb.
Many of us battle overflowing emails addresses or have given up to overwhelm… either watching them pile up or deleting all indiscriminately. The deluge of information, requests, and offers may lead to “brain freeze” when it comes to discerning what is needed, important, or positive.
So, when we come to those times when our world slows or stills, that spinning churning chaos which has become such a part of our daily lives may need time to slow as well! It’s like stepping into a brightly lit room from a darkened hallway. We blink, breath, and refocus. Our brains gain time and space for deeper reflection.
Whether a slow down time or a shift in normal routine is a result of conscious decision or thrust upon us unexpectedly, it presents a good opportunity. I am thankful for moments where I am able to better see and to receive the positive. Despite the stresses around me, it is like a pocket of calm in the tumble of activity.
I am reminded of Paul in the book of Acts as he stood before King Agrippa. He shared his story of meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus and reminded Agrippa of the words of the prophets and Moses, that the Messiah would suffer, would rise from the dead, and would bring the message of light to all people. * What a gift that message of light is! Just as we enter into a brightly lit room and pause to blink and refocus in order to better see what that light reveals around us… so do our times of reflection and thought allow us to settle closer to God, to receive His reassurance, presence, and peace… and to think of the great price He paid for it and the great love He has for us.
The people living in darkness have seen a great light! **
My prayer for us this week is that we would draw close to God, take notice of that incoming message of light, and be strengthened and comforted to meet the days ahead.
*Acts 26:22-23, **Matthew 4:15-16, Isaiah 9:2
• Cherish the moments you have each day
• Unfulfilled need is a deep distress
• We need each other to clean up messes
• Soft and comforting words bring relief
• Absorb the good qualities of others in your life
• Consider the commonplace to gain appreciation
• Recognize what is important before it is gone
• Knowing we are useful gives us confidence
• Extend your vision and respect each other
• Inner quality brings joy and contentment
• Chewing on worries only creates new worries
• Look to the Maker and know He is close at hand
Step lightly now
Amidst the hush
Of morning dew
And sleeping dreamers
To greet rising sun
And dawning day
Scattering mists
And breaking clouds
The air it freshens
Breathed in deeply
Cool grass greets
Bare feet and soft touch
Step lightly now
In mornings sparkle
Hearts flame lifted
Life’s hope renewed
Strength in adversity
Take courage take courage
Facing great challenges
Danger and pain
Bearing uplifting
Through lengthy days
Sustaining each other
Persistent endurance
Remaining steady
Overcome fear
Mind body faith
Fortitude
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
Think now of the mule, the donkey, the goat…
Such creatures as this who bear a great load!
Such poor reputations and so misunderstood
For services provided on a regular basis
Now Jack, now Jenny the sun is well risen…
Come on! You’re well rested! Time for a new day
Let’s go! … Please?!
Hey, wake up! Ah well…
Here Sweetly. You too HeeHaw.
You can join your friends in the cow pasture.
Guard duty today. No, over here…
Ohhh! I’m your friend. Run everyone! Run!
Billy! Where are you going?
Get out of the way! Don’t eat that!
…There we go. All settled now?
All in a day’s work for my unappreciated friends
What’s that? You’re considering getting a camel?
Hey! Watch out! He’ll spit in your eye!
• The bits and pieces we leave behind speak of life lived
• We gain in wisdom as we are shaped
• The remnants we leave are our legacy
• A protective surrounding will shelter and nourish new life
• Warmth and support bring contentment
• A soft bed and peaceful rest are not to be taken for granted
• The smell of worked wood inspires creativity
• The unfolding of outer layers can be difficult
• An artist forms things of wonder and beauty
• The Master’s hand can form beauty from the roughest exteriors
Be firm determined
To take action
Stand up
For truth and right
Making decisions
With careful consideration
Seek wisdom
Solutions and answers
Focus purpose
Unselfishly and steadfast
Dedication commitment
Resolve
A brick is but a paper weight;
Alone it has no greater fate.
But with its kin in ordered state
Can build a wall that’s true and straight.
** By Guest Blogger – Fred Allen **
Papers please… Don’t forget to renew by… You must have… Payment due… Reports needed!
Life seems to be a never-ending cycle of requirements just to keep the daily gears turning! How do I keep up? Sometimes things come all at once. I get flooded with extra work to do, insurance payments, certification and dues renewal, vehicle registration and inspection, extra commitments, and more.
Honestly, sometimes I wish that I could just sit back and let go of some of my responsibilities. Don’t we all feel overwhelmed sometimes? Whether from a paid job or volunteer positions, there are always associated requirements.
Yet in the midst of all of that, I am ever aware of the richness of life and I am thankful. A job and income provide basic necessities. I have a car, which enables me to drive so that I can work. I have a home to live in and family around me. There are friends to share with. Church, music, dance, and writing have special places. My life is full.
As I think about that, I am reminded of what Micah, a prophet living in Judah in the early 700s BC, said. “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” * In that is the true stuff of life, isn’t it?!
Even when I tire of the many requirements, they are a part of all we do and are not always a negative thing. They provide direction, maintain what is needed, and allow us to follow our call. What does the Lord require of us? To give our all, to extend His love to others, to walk humbly… with Him! Despite all the craziness or stress, the pain and grief we may encounter, and the loss of loved ones… in those words there is fulfillment and contentment.
*Micah 6:8
The Still Small Voice 