Check out new page content in “Writer’s Glen”
** Interesting Quotes on Writing **
Like Dry Bones!
When the Hebrew people were in the land of exile, home of the Babylonians, God first spoke to the Jewish priest named Ezekiel. He was only thirty years old! … God had allowed the people to be taken into exile because they had turned from Him, worshiping idols, offering their children as sacrifices, living immorally, violently, and selfishly.
God gave words to his new prophet Ezekiel to call them back to Himself, hard words and difficult messages. There were some really weird visions!
In one vision, there was a valley full of dry bones!
“Ezekiel, can these bones live?!”
“Only You know sovereign God!”
“Prophesy, speak to these bones. I will restore them and put breath back into them.”
And so, Ezekiel obeyed and God did as He said He would.
Wow! Dry bones. Dead. Without life. Unable to stand. To walk. To serve God and care for others. God speaks, breaths on those dry bones (on us), and restores life. Sinews. Flesh. Bones knitting together. We begin to take on God’s character. The breath of God’s Spirit fills us and He raises His children to stand in that dark valley of dry bones.
Shepherd us, oh LORD I pray!
Bring our dry bones to life!
Breathe in us Your very being,
That we may walk in You anew!
FREEBIES!
See the sidebar to the right.
🙂
For Freedom
Oh, Dance!
Graceful arms lift and reach,
Raising hands on high;
Expressions of tune and song.
Oh, dance in joyful celebration!
Rhythmic feet point and tap,
Upward sway and leap;
Ever forward, persevere.
Oh, dance in joyful celebration!
Faithful Father! Creator Lord!
Always by our side.
Moving in life’s daily dance.
Oh, dance in joyful celebration!
Let them praise his name with dancing… Psalm 149:3a
I will celebrate before the Lord. 2 Samuel 6:21
New Page Content!
CHECK OUT MATTERINGS AND MUSINGS ABOUT “FREEDOM”
This is a space for expression of those things in life which shape us all… that deep down desire for knowledge, understanding, peace, or simply an expression of those moments of awe.
Reflections on Hairballs
- Sometimes we swallow things that shouldn’t be swallowed.
- Those things we swallow, which we shouldn’t have, often come back up.
- When they come back up, we wonder why they were so appealing in the first place.
- Things often look much different when re-examined!
- In an effort to make things better, our methods may cause indigestion.
- Upheaval can be most uncomfortable; however, the end results can bring relief.
- To avoid hairballs, attend to personal care.
- When assisting others in their own personal care, be careful not to swallow things which are harmful.
- We were all offered the gift of hairball removal.
REFUGE
Have you ever noticed how a mother bird will spread her wings over her chicks to provide protection and to hide them from the eyes of predators? That space under the shadow of her wings is a refuge, a place of safety and comfort. The chicks trust the hen and so they stay close-by and are nurtured, protected, and guided.
What a powerful image that is for us when we feel overwhelmed, attacked, or swallowed by grief and despair! In the books of Ruth and Psalms, God is a loving protector who gathers us in the shadow of His wings. Like the chicks, we are His children, knowing our own weakness and need. When we come to Him, He offers us a place of security.
Ruth realized that her mother-in-law Naomi had something special; she came to God when all seemed lost. The psalmist said, “Hey, this is a good thing! I’m going to stay here with God forever, walking close-by and covered when times are tough!”
How easy it can be to wander off. Jesus lamented, grieved deeply, for the people of Jerusalem who had turned away those God had sent. “How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing” (Matthew 23:37 & Luke 13:34). At times my own thoughts churn endlessly, stressing over a day’s events or unresolved issues and troubles. This image of God surrounding us with His sheltering wings provides comfort, security, and hope for everyone and reminds us to stay close to Him.
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 36:7 (NIV)
The World is Not Flat
I Looked to God This Morning
I looked to God this morning
And thanked Him for this day.
I asked for Him to guide me
In all I do and say.
The promise of beginnings
Amidst our new farewells,
Greets renewed assurance
When questions would assail.
I know my Father loves me.
He cares for one and all.
Oh Father, ever with me,
May I be faithful to Your call.
