Thanksgiving Freedoms

Many years ago my husband kindly sat me down and gently reprimanded me. I had been complaining about all sorts of things and he lovingly pointed out that I was ungrateful. My complaints were not about him, mind you, but about the things I had or didn't have. I was taken by surprise, but knew that it was true and a change was made in my heart.

This year I have taken the dare to write down 1000 gifts and be thankful for them. Ann Voskamp, in her writings, has revealed the truth about thanksgiving and living minute to minute with a grateful heart. A new change is beginning in me and every day I see things and people more and more as gifts. My heart is full of gratitude for the gift of Ann and her words that seem so timely right now.

Yesterday, I read one of her blogs that listed 6 Reasons Why to Teach Kids to be Grateful the research can only support Scriptural Truth. (Froh, Sefick, Emmons, 2008) I was immediately aware that this is not only truth for children but for everyone. Here is what I read and how I see it work in my life.

1. Better Attitudes - Thanksgiving grows a positive attitude even in the hard soil of challenges, disappointments, or failure.

2. Better Achieve Personal Goals - The discipline of writing down our gifts spills over into life goals and the stream of grateful words becomes a river of life change.

3. Closer Relationships, Greater Happiness - We all need closer relationships and long for greater happiness. Seeing people through the lens of gratitude makes them a happy gift to us that gives joy to our days. People are lovelier and friendlier when we are thankful for their presence in our lives. Being surrounded by a beautiful crowd of people makes us smile, doesn't it?

4. Better Grades - Now it may seem that we as adults are not graded, but we are evaluated by many in our lives. The authority in our lives grade us on many things. Employers evaluate our work, banks and credit card companies watch our performance with money and treat us accordingly. Children watch us closely too.

5. Greater Energy, Attentiveness, Enthusiasm - The start of writing down gifts is like wading in mud, but soon the mud becomes a trickle and then a stream and a river flowing out into the ocean of gifts awaiting for our pleasure and filling our grateful hearts.

6 Greater Sensitivity - Gratitude opens our eyes to the world around us. We see clearly the needs of others and our hands are ready to reach out and help because we know it, too, will be a gift.

Finally the article ends with the consequence of not practicing gratitude. The young people studied showed less satisfaction with their lives. They were more aggressive and took more risks and the list went on. Similarly we adults live in a world of our making, good or bad, depending on our attitude of gratitude.

Today is July 4th and the U.S.A. is celebrating our independence and the blessings of our country. We are a nation that complains way too much, maybe because we have the freedom to do so. I wonder what changes we would see if we became a nation of gratitude? I think it would truly set us free!

Our Father in heaven, You are the author of freedom. You are the Giver of Good gifts! Forgive us for our murmuring and complaining. We fail to see Your good hand in so many things, but You are there working out the good for us. Thank You for my country, Lord. I am blessed to live here by Your choice. Thank You for all of the good people that live with us here. Help us to see the good and work hard to change the bad. Bless America, Father! Bless her with a revolution of thanksgiving!

Contentment

"...For I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. " Phil 4:11b (NAS)

This verse was at the center of our Sunday School lesson yesterday. It has grabbed a hold of me and will not let go. I am wrestling with this virtue of being content in whatever circumstance I find myself. But am I to be content in all things?

I do believe God wants me to be content with my material goods. I do not need to chase after the things of this world that will never satisfy, nor last. It does not matter that my household furnishings do not make a fashion statement. I can find contentment in my clothes, food, and shelter, but should I ever be content with my walk with God? Or a less than satisfactory relationship with those around me?

In searching my heart I cannot say that I am content with my Christian walk. I, like Paul, press hard toward Christ. I want to be a disciple that does what I have read and heard, but I know that I am not there yet. I have far to go before I can be content in my daily living for Jesus. The same is true for my relationships with others.

I cannot sit back and pretend to be content with my marriage when I too often love myself more than I love my husband. My failures as a friend or neighbor also produce discontentment and urge me to discipline myself to be better.

Contentment. It is a two faced coin of being and striving. For me, my heart must continually chase after God and His place for me. It is only in Him that I can be content. Therefore I can only be content in the place where I am running hard after Him.

You, O Lord are my Hiding Place! You are my Strong Tower and my Refuge! It is only in You that I find safety and contentment. But, Lord, I will never rest contentledly and completely in You until Heaven is my only home. Forgive me, Jesus, for the times when my feet are slow to follow You; when my eyes focus on this world and fail to see that You have planned much more for me. Thank You for making me thirst after You. Thank You for allowing short moments of contentment to tempt me onward to find more of You! Fill me with a desire for Your holiness and You completness. I will forever need to seek more of You.

Believe the Truth

It must be very sad for people that are very alive to find out that they are presumed dead. Of course if they want to disappear and not be found, it might be a relief. Then there are those who are estranged from family or friends who might find themselves erased from the other persons' "alive" list through no desire of their own. What must God feel when people declare Him dead?

I think it is apparent that if someone should say God is dead, they must have believed at sometime that He was alive. The question I would ask them would be, "How did He die?" I might even want to know the where and when of His death. Then there is the fact that if God is God and He is dead, who is holding everything together? Ultimately saying that God is dead is a silly and unfounded premise except in the mind of fools.

What does an estranged family member feel when they discover that the other person has declared them dead? Anger may cause them to push away futher allowing the deception to continue til the ultimate of separation takes place. Grief could encourage them to work toward a solution which may never be resolved if the other person refuses to believe in a resurrection. In any case it is very sad when hate destroys relationships.

I wonder how Jesus felt when walking on the road to Emmaus talking to two of His followers that believed He was dead. They didn't recognize Him until He revealed Himself through His unique way of communing with them through the bread and wine. These men, and even Mary Magdalene, who met Him near the garden tomb, were blinded by their belief that Jesus was dead. They could not see the truth standing in front of them until He revealed it to them. I can imaging His saddness that their belief fell short of letting them see Him alive. He did not want them to grieve over him because He lived! He had won the victory over the grave for them and their little faith was not even enough to allow them to se the truth of Him standing before their eyes. Jesus, did not turn away from them and let them stay in their unbelief, but gently revealed himself and then went on his way.

Believing in the truth helps us to see past the grave. The truth that surrounds us in all of creation will prove God still lives! The truth that misspoken words and thoughtless actions can be resolved, will enable relationships to be resurrected to live in strength because of the working through the storm. The truth of history and the fulfillment of all God said in his word proves Jesus' resurrection from the dead. We only need to believe truth.

Father of Truth, You cannot lie. You ask me to trust You and believe all that You have said, and what I have experienced in the world that reveals You. I am so sorry that I have failed to believe fully sometimes. I have been as Mary and the disciples. I have seen the truth in front of me and failed to believe. Reveal yourself to me as You have done for them! Thank You for not being a respecter of persons, for You will offer me and my loved ones the same opportunites for faith as You did Your disciples. Thank You! Thank You!

Search Me, O God

Looking within my heart is tough. It is most difficult after I've been accused by the devil or someone I care about. It is tough to hear my failing from God, also, but He brings love and forgiveness along with His correction.

I've been searching through my relationships, my actions and my thoughts to see if there is any thing within me that goes against what I know to be true. I haven't liked everything I have seen. It makes me sad and I know repentance is the cure.

Some of the questions I have asked myself are:
* Am I being transparent and totally honest with myself, my husband, family, and friends?
* Am I being kind and loving in the honest communication I am involved in?
* Am I doing what I know I should ? Am I obedient to God in what He has revealed in His word and in His urgings throughout my day?
* Are my thoughts centered on the truth and what is good and pure? Am I choosing to forgive others and put them higher than myself?

There are more questions, but you get the idea. Tough questions. Sometimes the truth hurts. Sometimes I must confront myself more than I'd like to confront others!

My truth rests in God. He sheds light in the dark places of my heart. He reveals my failings only because He loves me. He is with me in the revelation, in the decision, in the repentance, and in the healing and restoration. Unlike those who would point accusing fingers, He opens His arms to welcome me into His embrace.

O Ancient of Days, You alone have the right to judge. You judge rightly! You are merciful, loving and faithful in Your judgements.You are truth! I fail so often along the way to the eternal home You have provided. I need Your presence to lead me into truth and to make me more like Your Son Jesus. Thank You for being God! Thank You for the power to overcome by the blood of The Lamb and the word of my testimony. I trust You! "Search me O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24)

Being Brave

I have a job. In fact I have about three or more that keep me more than busy. However, they do not pay a regular or sufficient salary. I am a housekeeper, a childcare worker for my Grandchildren, and a poet and Inspirational Speaker. Each one of these jobs have many tasks that beg to get done on a daily basis. So, why am I looking for another job?

I don't really need anything more to do. I have a list waiting and growing as I sit here. A different job will replace and limit some of what I do now, but not all. I don't like the idea of looking for employment outside of my home. It has been too many years and I've become comfortable in my present employment. I would prefer to set my own hours (I work best late at night), and plan my days according to the voice of God, not man, but I do see advantages in new employment.

The greatest advantage I see is that I can contribute to our retirement in a more substantial and regular way. Patrick and I have dreams to which we strive. If I can help make them happen it is worth the apprehension I feel about going outside my home to work.

Our dreams push me toward this search. My prayer is for God's direction and perfect and complete will to be done in me. I choose to be brave in taking this step with determination and faith.

Father, You are the Planner of my life. Your plan is good and perfect. You are my Lord and I want to do Your will in all things. The only thing is that I sometimes take my eyes off of You and look to the world to find my answers. Thanks for calling out to me as I take this path. I want to follow You and not a fading dream. Lord, I place the outcome of this in Your hands. I ask You to give me courage to proceed. I also place my passion for writing and speaking in Your hands. I know your plan and purpose for my life will be fulfilled.

Face to Face

This morning as I drove to a doctor appointment, I listened to a talk show devoted to modesty. The arguments given about the state of immodesty in our country were not new to me. I kept listening hoping they would mention my own thoughts about "Modest" dressing. Though the show centered on dress for women I believe modesty is meant for both women and men.

The show host finally asked the question: "Where does relationship start?" From that he let it be known that it starts with the face. When we wear immodest clothing the eyes travel away from the face to other parts of the body. This was what I wanted to hear. Years ago I judged my children's' attire by looking and determining where my eye landed. I spoke to my daughters' often about wearing clothing that would draw they eye upwards to the face and their beautiful brown eyes. I mentioned this to my 10 year old granddaughter this past week too.

Too tight jeans, or pants hanging low so that the hand holds them up in a conspicuous place, or low cut blouses, or any distracting attire is not becoming, nor modest. Maybe I am old fashioned, but I pray the revival of our hearts will be seen in our dress. No, I don't think it necessary to remove slacks or bright colors from our wardrobe, nor do I think we need to wear our skirts around our ankles. Christians are given freedom in Christ and we are responsible to use it wisely!

Our choices should draw others to look into our eyes and see the joy and wonder of God! We should let our faces be transparent and reflect the light of Christ!

Are you wearing Christ? Are you framing His reflection with what you wear? He has earned the right to be the focus in our lives. Romans 12:1....present your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him!

Holy Father, You are worthy. You deserve my concern over how others see me. Teach me to be modest, humbling myself so that You might be glorified! Thank You for living in my heart and giving me a light to show others! I love You!

Standing Watch Continued

Yesterday I told you about my friend who is taking his last steps here on earth and slowly drawing near to his eternal reward. I spoke yesterday about us standing watch while he travels his journey. I also mentioned that God understands because He stood watch as His Son, Jesus, took the journey. Today I am contemplating another aspect: Was there anyone else who stood watch for Jesus?

The answer is "Yes." There were many who stood watch while Jesus died. Scripture tells us there were people all around, but not all stood watch. Most of the people around the cross were there to mock or do their duty, making certain He died, that the order of execution was complete. Some were just passing by. There was also John, near Jesus' Mother, and other women who had followed Him and ministered to Him. Those were there to stand watch.

I've been asking myself what it means to stand watch. What is the purpose if we cannot change the course of matters? Is it for the dying or is it for the living who are being left behind? For me I think I must stand watch for both.

I stand watch in prayer for the one making the journey. He, like we all, need to know we have been loved. He needs to know he will be remembered. We all want that. We all want our lives to matter to others. Standing watch says, "Yes, you do matter to me!"

I stand in watch for those who are closest to the sojourner. Their loneliness is greatest as they watch their loved ones depart. They need the warmth of friends to stand nearby and to offer comfort. They also need to know their loved one was loved and will be remembered by others.

It takes courage, faith, hope, and great love to stand watch.

Father, Again I come to tell You that You are more than enough for us at times like these. You are our strength and hope. We can never fill all that our loved ones need at this time. Thank You for caring, understanding, and loving us through it all. Be with Will as he lets go of this world and all he loves in it. Be with Carol as she lets go of Will and all she loves about having him here with her! We trust You in all things.

Dandelion Dew

This picture was sent to me by email. I don't know who took the picture but it is fabulous! It is simply dew on a dandelion. Kudos to the photographer!

Seeing this makes me wonder if I could ever choose man made beauty over this kind of God breathed majesty. I certainly know my limitations in creating beautiful things. I have seen artwork that stuns me with the amazing talent it takes to draw from ordinary materials and birth a unique creation, but God surpasses them all.

What do you see in this picture? I see beauty, but even more than that I see life! I see life in its most fragile state. One wisp of a breath could shatter the glorious balance of dandelion dew. I also want to see myself in this picture. I want to see the weeds of my soul sprinkled with living water. I want the things that are weedy in me to be used to glorify the One and Only Creator.

Creator God, You are Amazingly Brilliant in how You make the world come together. You teach and reveal Yourself through Your Creation. You open our eyes to see You in the tiniest and the grandest displays! Thank You for letting us see Your glory.

Small Package

Today my #2 Grandman was welcomed into the family He arrived in a 6lb. 11oz. package about 19.75 inches in length. The package was decorated with lovely red hair , blue eyes and a sweet little mouth that seemed to move in all directions making funny faces. I sat amazed at that tiny little present sent from heaven.

It may be awhile before we get to know the gift inside our little package. The outside will grow and we will be delighted in the new things this little man will teach us. We will see the world through new eyes and discover the unique value of the gift inside the body that holds the personhood of Jacob Ronan Scully. In all this discovery I pray one prayer: Jacob, may you live a long life. May you come to know Jesus early in life and walk closely with Him all of your days!

Father, You are an amazing Creator and Giver of ALL Good gifts. Thank You for the gift of Jacob! Thank You for the beautiful and special way You packaged Him! We are delighted! We praise You for Your works are wonderful and amazing and great!

Voices from the Past

Three voices from my past visited me this week. They were surprises that delighted my soul!

The first actually began two weeks ago when I received an email from a little sister of a past boyfriend. I had been trying to contact her older sister who is my age. Their brother was killed in Vietnam while I was dating him. Losing contact with the family was easy. We reminded each other of better times, and soon after the funeral we stopped communicating. Through the wonder of email I was able to send a message to her. Yesterday, I opened my inbox to find her much too brief description of her life over the past 36 years. My heart aches to know more! I have hopes of renewing a dear friendship even if only tied together with the email. God has blessed!

The second one also came through the email! A High School friend that reconnected with me briefly at our 40th class reunion last year, emailed me a forward about aprons. She shared some of her memories and I was able to offer her a glimpse of my memories. We also shared a few tidbits about our personal lives! I feel a connection to her that has at times, been stretched very thin over the years. My heart desire is to grow deeper roots with her through correspondence. My life is blessed to know she chose me to share her memories.

The third voice came over the phone. No name came up on the caller id and I was tempted to not answer. I did, and the gentle older woman on the other end of the phone said, "Hello, this is Brigid." I chuckled a bit under my breath and replied, "Brigid, who?" When she told me she was Brigid Flannigan I knew immediately that she was "Sister" Brigid, a former nun who taught me in grade school. She was the choir director and we all loved her, maybe because she was young and full of joy and energy! We had a long talk. I was blessed to know she was sending my Grandbabies #4 and #5 each a blanket she had made. God has filled her life with many interesting adventures and yet she still remembered me and my family! Her desire to be welcomed back into my life was surprising and wonderful!

Voices from the past have brought a rainbow of sweet enjoyment to my week! I treasure the words, written or said, recalling them over and over so I won't forget. These lives have been a part of who I am today, and their voices have made me thankful that I heard them day after day over several years. These voices were not as precious then as they are now. The passing of time has made the sound of their voices an uplifting hymn of praise for a God who gives the best of gifts!

Father I love that You are able to delight me with treasures of relationships and the joy of finding something I thought lost. Thank You for the gifts of these three voices. Thank You for Brigid, Marj, and Linda! You are an awesome and wonderful God!

Loving to Learn

I have lived many years. My Granddaughters think I am old! In all my years I have been delighted to learn new things, ponder new ideas and, though change is not easy for me, I will change if I find it to be a good thing.

I am learning new things now that my life is turning in a different direction. Relationships will be different. Surroundings will not be the same. My work will change. I am preparing myself for these changes, but I know that some of the learning will take place as I walk in the new places that God is ordaining for my life.

God will be my teacher. He will lead me by His Spirit. I will know the way is good because of Him!

Learning is fun! Learning is part of living! Learning is a great inheritance! I learned to love learning through my Mom and Dad who taught by example! Thanks Mom and Dad! I love to learn!

Rabbi Jesus, You are the greatest of Teachers! You are the Source of all answers. You wisely gave us a world of wonder and awe to explore! I can never know all that You know, but more than anything I want to know YOU! Thank You for giving me curiosity and questions! I want to learn about You and the world You have given me to explore! Lead me! Teach me!

Truth?

I am blessed with good friends. Friends who really care tell you what they think and will give you their "honest selves." Fred Rogers of Neighborhood fame said that "The best thing you can give others is your honest self." I agree, and I do try my best to let you see the real me.

After reading my last blog entry, a good friend confronted me about my confession to being prideful. She was adamant that she saw no pride in me at all. She provided proof through scripture and through her experience with me. It was humbling to listen to her espouse what she saw as my virtues. After thinking it over, I had a few thoughts of my own: 1. If truth is absolute, we both cannot be right in the assessment of the pride issue of my heart. 2. If I am to give others my honest self, I must also be honest with myself. I must look to God for the truth in my heart. I must accept the true condition of my heart as revealed by God. I must tell myself the truth before I can tell the truth to others.

I must admit that my friend may see only part of my inner life. I do struggle with being puffed up with pride, believing myself to be better than others at times. I don't want to be that way, and so I keep watch over my heart in that matter. When those thoughts come, I do battle and I must say most often I am victorious.

My blog yesterday was a glimpse into my thoughts. It was meant to be more about Jesus' sacrifice of His reputation as God in the flesh for me who failed Him in my sin. So, Yes, I battle pride, the puffed up image of myself as better than others. Yes, I have not lived pridefully towards others. Yes, I gave you my honest self.

Whatever good you might see in me, it is the work of the Holy Spirit. Whatever truth is to be known must come from the God who knows all and discerns the truth in each heart.

God of all knowledge, You see all of who I am! You have knitted me together and You know my strengths and weaknesses. You lead me with love, patience and truth. Thank You for keeping me honest before my dear friends. Teach me to open my heart to You first and to the world with Your direction. I rely on You alone!

Humility in the Flesh

My pride surfaced again the other day. Unfortunately, when my pride raises itself up I don't like what I look like! I had to stand in front of a mirror held out to me by my beloved Savior, and see myself through eyes of truth. Not easy.

I am proud of my good name. I am proud of the reputation I hold in the church and community. It is not easy to let someone elses' failures to reflect on me. But that is exactly what has happened. I saw my pride and then I saw what my Savior Jesus did for me! He took my messed up "Reputation" as His own. He took my failures and let them be on Him!

Jesus has told me to love as He loves me. He is humility in flesh. What am I to do? I am to let His thoughts of me be more important that the thoughts of men. I can rejoice more completely in His sacrifice as I take on my sacrifice for the ones I love. It is a hard lesson, but worth the revelation of God in my life!

Lord Jesus, You are Humble and gentle with sinners. I am a sinner. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me and allowing me to partake of Your suffering, even in such a little way!

Living Abundantly

We are a busy people. When asked how we are doing, we so often reply that we are busy and much is happening in our lives. It is true! We are busy.

I awoke this morning making my mental list of things to do and planning for everything we want to do this summer. The list is long! Even this blog is on my list. Listening to God as I went through my list, I heard Him say that my life is full. I had to agree. My cup overflows!

I admit I sometimes would like less overflowing from my cup, but when I think of it, I certainly look at each activity as a gift. I am living life fully! I live life in relationship with Jesus, family and friends. I live a life of abundance that demands stewardship. I live a life of communication that compels me to share.

Are you busy? Maybe we all need to change our "Busy" response to the "How are you?" question, and make it "Full!" We are blessed and God is giving us abundant life. Let us make the most of every day, especially in building our relationship with God and others!

God, my Father, You are More than I could ever dream! You are the Fullness of everything good! I am not proud of the way I sometimes push away Your abundance in my life. I know that relationship is important to You and I do not always make time for those dear people You have given me. Thank You for my family and friends. Show me how to treasure them in my heart and make time for them in my full life! You are so Good!

Friends in High Places

I have friends in high places that pull me up when I am feeling low. How about you? If your friends are in low places, they will pull you down with them. I have a few low down friends too, but most are in high places communing with the Most High God!

Thank you to Corrine, Jenny, Carol, M.E., Connie, and so many many more! You lift me up when I am down and you also push me to greater things! Thanks for being ready with a thoughtful and encouraging word! I hope that I am a Friend in high places for you as well!

Most High God, You are a Friend to me when no one else can be! I need you and rely on You to send me friends who speak Your words of encouragement! Thank You for being so generous with You gifts of friendship! Help me to be a friend to others as You are!

Greater Love

Service. Sacrifice. Laying down your life for a friend is a greater love. Today we remember those who have given so much, loved so much. Memorial Day 2010 will be filled with fun outings for families and good food and fellowship with friends. It is all made possible by those brave souls who protect us from enemies who would take it away.

Memorial Day is set aside to honor the soldiers killed in battle , but if we are truthful with ourselves we must admit that anyone who has walked in a uniform of the military has made sacrifices. They have given so much for all of us. A soldier may have a job far behind the front lines, but they work as a unit to fulfill the duty of maintaining our freedoms. We honor those who have fallen. It is right to do so. It is also right to thank the soldier who has lost a part of themselves when their buddy has died. Thank you!

Today, I remember family and friends who have served with patriotic hearts. They fought in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Most came back with only the frightening memories of horrors from which they protect us even now. Lance Corporal Leslie Wayne Williams did not come home. He died in Vietnam, far from the comforting voices and touches of those who loved him. He was only 20 years old. He fought hard to come home, but his injuries finally overcame his bravery. I will always remember him. I will always have a love for him.

Father God, You are Love. You weep over the loss of life. You desire that life is lived in peace. We fail to live as You desire because of our pride and arrogance. We thank You for the courage and love placed in the hearts of those who would protect innocence from evil. We want to live our lives as a living sacrifice, giving all we can in love for others. Pour your love and courage into us!

Healing Wounds

Wounds that come from words spoken can sometimes be healed by the words of the wounded to someone willing to listen. It need not be the one who caused the pain, but it could be.

The speaking out about the feelings, reaction and changes that occurred with the wound is like the cleansing needed to prepare for the healing balm of forgiveness. It is not easy to do this without overwhelming emotion, but to look at both sides with truth is the important surgery needed to restore relationship.

Healing does not always turn back time to restore anew the feelings and communication, but the relationship can produce new and wonderful connections. Healing may still leave a scar. The scar remains only to remind us of the vulnerability of one another and our need to be kind and gentle. Scars teach us to watch out for words that become weapons and to freely use words of compassion and tenderness, especially when confronting or revealing a truth. Healing takes time and patience. It is a work of God for all involved not just the one who suffered the wound.

Healer God, touch us with Your love and tender mercies. Wipe away our tears and teach us Your way of forgiving. Cover our relationships with love and grace. Heal us from the inside out and remind us to rely on You for our strength and hope! Thank You for resurrection power that lifts, restores and frees us from the death of friendships, marriages and other relationships caused by our words.

People Thoughts

People are everywhere. Unless you are a hermit you will meet people and in some way and you will relate to them. Come to think of it, even a hermit will be influenced by the people of the world. He may not see or communicate directly with them, but he will be touched by the events happening in the world because we affect our environment and it has no boundaries.

Keeping in our own space and respecting others property and space helps us to get along in the world of relationships. However, this rule must be broken if we are to ever have an intimate and deep relationship with someone. I think we can only have a few of those types of relationships though. too much of a good thing will turn sour.

Here are some random or not so random thoughts about this:
* Our first and most intimate relationship is with God.
* To have an intimate relationship we must become vulnerable.
* We should never be forced or intimidated into allowing someone into our space.
* When we violate anothers' space we must be willing to suffer the consequences.
* Intimate relationships must be agreed on by both parties.

I am certain my thoughts are not the entire wisdom of this topic. They are simply a few thoughts. My point is that even though I may want a deeper exchange with another person, they may not be willing. In this light I must remain in my space and let them remain in theirs.

In that regard it is a blessing of God that we find a mate or a best friend. God, Himself, shows us how in Jesus Christ. He became vulnerable. He reached out and when we allow Him in, He accepts the invitation. He will not cross the line if we say "No. "

It is not easy to let God or another person invade our space, but the experience is far more than we can comprehend totally! So, with God, a mate or a friend let us be open, tread lightly and enjoy the blessing.

Deeper Still?

One of my deepest desires is to connect with people. I try very hard but it seems that I don't do as good a job with it as I want to do.

I don't want to talk over the weather, or frivolous activities. I want to really know people. I know I can't do that with everyone, but it seems that family would be a good place to start. I guess what I want is to have safe and sane discussions about who the person is and what they stand for. Not an easy task when our emotions get in the way.

Like my sister tells me all the time: Shallow is good! To which I respond: But can't we go just a little deeper?

The desire of my heart is fulfilled in Jesus! He lets me dive in and go as deep as I want! He is a deep well of experience and person hood that delights me! I am just waiting for another to come with me into His depths so we can share. It needs to be someone safe, where I can reveal my heart. They must also be sane, truly seeking truth. This will be a person of accountability, fun, and spiritual pursuits.

Maybe I ask too much. Maybe God is enough!

Relationship Road

Taking a new step in a relationship is scary and risky. Even when the relationship has traveled many years together, the road can become quite bumpy and hazardous. When new events, circumstances, people and feelings enter, changes need to be made by both parties. If one turns onto another road the other must choose to go or the relationship fails.

But sometimes it is so hard to follow down the new path. Sometimes the unfamiliar makes one slow down while the other races ahead in the adventure. It takes patience, work, determination and persistence in coming alongside each other and navigating the terrain together.

God knows how it is done because Jesus came to help us navigate the road of relationship with God. He can help us when the driving gets rough and we seem to be lost on a pot holed road of sin and selfishness. He is the oasis ahead. He shines the neon lights to guide us to the place where we can find a map and a guide.

Don't wait till it gets too tough! Pull over and ask for the help you need. He is waiting to help!