I Light Up My House
December 29, 2012
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This morning I lit a candle. I dropped to my knees. I said The Lord’s Prayer slowly and thoughtfully, meditating on the words: “Father,” “kingdom,” “your will,” “on earth as it is in heaven,” “forgiveness” and “temptation.” Then I moved into a focused reading of Psalms 16, contemplating David’s interaction with God. As I did these things, a metaphor came to me.
My body is the tabernacle of God. Mentally, I go throughout the tabernacle lighting the candles in each room. The light of love from the Father illuminates the main room. As I move from room to room, I light the candle that brightens its darkness. I light the candles of peace in each room. Forgiveness is the brightest light that brings the gentle presence of God with his awareness of my story. The candle of joy is lit and affirms the power of His indwelling presence that will never leave or forsake me. The rooms are filled with comfort as the light illuminates the deep grief and loss I have no words for …. Then there is the candle of hope, the certainty of a God who will always keep all of His promises.
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My temptation is to let all the noise of my heart, coming from the dark rooms, draw me into action, before I let the light in that guides me in this treacherous wonder-filled journey. I then awaken to the joy of the house I live in and continually listen to the counsel I receive.
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“God is light and in him is no darkness at all.”
I John 1:5
*Tabernacle=dwelling place
God the Initiator
December 16, 2012
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I have heard his voice
The voice of the Beloved
My God and my friend
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He speaks in the night
And comes to me by day
My part is to seek
To surrender all my heart
My mind and my soul today
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He has already spoken
Through the life of his dear son
If you need more he will give
He knows what you need
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I trust the one who loves me
Who kept silent at his death
And raised him from death to show
Everlasting love
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I know my first love
There is no one to compare
Fifty one years I’ve followed
Stumbling in his arms
Only to discover this
God’s the initiator
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God initiated his love by sending his only son. He need not speak again, but he does. He will come to you when you need him, in the way you need him. His voice speaks loudest in the sending of his only son into the world. I pray the world is listening. I pray I am listening. I pray the advent of his coming into the world means he comes into my heart like a fresh spring today.
The Invisible Factor
December 7, 2012
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Looking back I see
The invisible factor
In solitude I found it
A love without end
The people I hold sacred
Are the treasures of my life
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Two things are invisible
Hidden wanting to be found
There are evil intentions
Then there are the good
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What takes place in me
My emotions and feelings
My invisible thinking
Will direct my life
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You will not see it
You’ll know it by my actions
There are no secrets
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So I’ll guard my heart
I’ll decide where I focus
The gift that I have
Is I get to make the choice
I choose invisible joy
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I am free to go
Follow the internal lead
Choose who I will trust
Looking back I am aware
Of a love who seeks me out
Reflections written after meditating on the words of Jesus in Matthew 10:29-31; and Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:18; Colossians 2:2-3. and in Hebrews 11:27. The invisible factor will always rule the choices. No exceptions!
I celebrate this morning I get to choose who it is that will be the most influential thinker in my life today. The book “Jesus Calling” is a good place to start. I have learned that I am powerless under my feelings. They will dictate the choices unless I recognized and understand where those feelings are taking me. The invisible lies must be exposed. Also, it helps to know where they come from. If you will train to think through your choices, to look down stream at where those choices are taking you, to seek help from those you see are living in joy, and to call on the One who brings this mysterious love, you will find your way to joy.
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Your Story Matters 