Christmas Conversation
December 22, 2014
I rise to see you
To come into your presence
Through faith I see love
*
I am not a fool
The one who made the eye can see
The one who made the ear can hear
The beauty of life
The masterful creation
Speaks to the honest human
*
Honest questions discovered
As one experiences life
Leads to a surprising joy
Of human greatness
*
Taste and see the Lord is good
He will not “should” on your life
You’re responsible to seek
Search out what is true
*
Most people react
Don’t look at the obvious
Look past the problem
Understand yourself and God
I discovered real friendship
*
When you’re seventy
It is time to speak and say
Truth I have learned to live by
Brokenness and peace
The freedom of forgiveness
Joy that surpasses knowledge
*
This painful process
I have sought to know what is true
Many failures and loses
Have taught me to listen well
In suffering I find found peace
*
I have hurt many
I have been failed by many
There is one who has not failed
His love forgives me
And I forgive the others
Who I hope can forgive me
*
My failures and yours
Will not stop me from loving
For I can give what’s given
Love the unlovely
That is in me and in you
It’s the work of God’s Spirit
*
So when Christmas comes
It’s time to begin again
Remembering the Advent
Love Demonstrated
One human who made it clear
How to bring peace on this earth
*
Reflections inspired by Psalm 20 and 50. May God’s peace be in you that sits above the circumstances. May the joy of Christ’s Presence fill you today.
Dedicated to Steve Brumfield
Two Emotions Experienced
February 15, 2014
~
As a Valentine gift, my book, Delta Blues: From Darkness to Light, is free on Kindle: February 15-16, 2014.
~
When I come into the light
Two real things happen to me
One of them is the great joy
The other is grief
~
The joy of being forgiven
The grief is the damage done
I meet the joy and sorrow
I’m broken by both
~
Looking back I can see it
I see the love that pursued me
I see the darkness I lived in
The joy and grief merge
~
I ask my children to tell me
What I failed to give to them
They are reluctant to say
They are being kind
~
But I know the truth
I could not give them something
That I did not have
~
I am forgiven
It’s ok to realize
I had direction
I did not have perfection
The truth can still help me grow
~
I live in my Father’s love
A gift I receive daily
We meet in private each day
His invitation
~
So joy and sorrow
Come with walking in the light
Love overcomes all
~
Hear his gentle words
He says, “Do not be afraid
My Peace be with you”
~
So sometimes I weep
With no language for the pain
For the hurt I caused
The compassionate Christ comes
Gives me His Holy Spirit
~
Yesterday I went to a prison to speak to the inmates as they begin a study of the Sermon on the Mount. His words have brought me a way to practice how to live in the reality of both the sorrow and the joy. His brilliant words practiced lead to real life. They are using Jim Woodroof’s book ,“Famous Sayings of Jesus”, that breaks open His teaching in Matthew 5, 6 and 7.
~
My book, Delta Blues: From Darkness to Light is highlighted today on my daughter Sara’s blog “A Spacious Place”.
www.coachinglifematters.org
Awake with Hunger
January 27, 2014
~
I recognize Him
His presence in other ones
His presence in me
His power works in weakness
That is why I qualify
~
I awake with a hunger
To be near the one who loves
Who will give me a fresh look
And teach me new things
~
Remember where you came from
Touched by His loving kindness
No one can fathom this love
Another worldview
~
Taught me how to look at you
Taught me how to look at me
Teaches me how to live in joy
Controlled by His love
~
How you view yourself
With your head, heart and your gut
Is a transforming process
A life time journey
Living one day at a time
A disciplined focus
~
The beauty of this
Found in the relationship
You are taught by God
God himself is your teacher
Question: “Do you believe this?”
~
It’s been my experience
When I come with a hunger
To know what is reallly true
God surprises me
~
I meditate on His thoughts
I decide what I believe
His story captures my soul
New energy comes
~
Faith comes in my weaknesses
This love surpasses knowledge
His thoughts rekindle the fire
In my inner soul
~
I’m introduced to friendship
I’m being chosen and loved
A friend who will never leave
Says, “Don’t be afraid!”
~
I’m introduced to friends
I never knew I needed
Friends who share the same deep love
My community
~
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.” Moses – Deutoronomy 31:6
~
“Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfailing beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” Peter – I Peter 3:4
~
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us.” Paul – 2 Corinthians 4: 6-7
~
“But he said to me, My grace(My favor and loving kindness and mercy) is enough for you (sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully), for my strength and power are made perfect in (your) weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weakness and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!” Paul – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (Amp)
Dedicated to our family friend, Michelle
Leaning
January 22, 2014
~
I’m leaning on you
In a world of unbelief
May we be like stars
That shine in the deep darkness
Beauty of your handiwork
~
I choose where I look
A secret discovery
Comes when I focus
I’ve learned just one thing matters
I have been surprised by joy
~
Be clear on one thing
Think it through with all you are
Your head, heart and gut
~
Purge your imagination
Truth is what I must pursue
Relationships are dying
Therefore, I will seek real love
And I found it in one man
~
He has ignited my soul
Refreshed me in solitude
Rekindled the fire in me
And guided my steps
~
His Spirit awakens me
His loving kindness comforts
His presence surprises me
Radiant love comes
~
Trouble will always be there
It’s the landscape of this world
It’s the reason God showed up
Became one of us
~
He gave a way to follow
Those who practice discover
The way of love is narrow
And few will find it
~
If you will practice these things
Recorded on that high hill
You’ll discover a new way
That’s certain and true
~
Sermon on the Mount
These famous sayings practiced
Matthew five, six and seven
Will show you the way
They tell about the one thing
They will bring light to your path
~
The book ,Famous Sayings of Jesus , by James Woodroof is the clearest writings of how practicing these teachings work out in real life. A.A. (Alcohol Anonymous) practices these all over the world and millions of lives and families have been saved because these teachings are being practiced.
~
“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make at right and plain your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (Amp)
Joy Discovered
January 15, 2014
~
Beauty in the brokenness
Out of the darkness the dawn breaks
Through death we see life reborn
Joy is discovered
~
What is it that needs to die
How can light come in the darkness
Why must I start with chaos
Is there a secret
~
You’re not a human doer
You are a human being
Question: How do I be me
Freedom is calling
~
Question your worldview
Who defines reality
Whose voice do you trust the most
That’s your decision
~
The question is not “What works?”
The question is “What is true?”
Whose voice can I truly trust?
Challenge core beliefs
~
The beliefs you adopted
To survive and be secure
To gain some significance
To have some control
~
Security/Survival
Searched for by the unconscious
Are developed by a child
By the time they’re twelve
~
Affection/Esttem
A real unconscious longing
In the heart of all
Will determine your actions
In the world you live
~
Power and Control
How others will perceive you
The image you will present
To hide the true self
A powerful protection
Is toxic as an adult
~
These beliefs were gifts
As a child when growing up
Now they are toxic
That leave the mind in chaos
Hidden idols that must die
~
Children: the best recorders
Are the worst interpreters
Unless stopped will define you
Keep you in darkness
~
You have been given a mind
You must train to think clearly
Face the struggle with courage
Who can set you free
~
These beliefs destroy
No one can measure up to
Be perfect and perform the best
Always be happy
~
Where do you begin
Choose to go against the lies
That have worked so long
Die to these and replace them
With the higher love of God
~
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Paul – Philippians 4:7
~
“Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me.” Matthew 14:30
~
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
You can find more information on this subject in my book:
Delta Blues: From Darkness to Light www.coachinglifematters.org
~
Anchor Point
December 28, 2013
~
I will choose an anchor point
A way to look at the world
A way to look at myself
And other people
~
There is a fresh spring
Of living water to drink
Each morning I arise with
A thirst for real life
~
There is a fresh joy
An intimacy given
To those who seek truth
The transcendent will show up
In surprising ways and times
~
Develop the discipline
Trust the process not yourself
Have faith in something bigger
And never give up
Looking for the unseen truths
That give insight to the soul
~
I build space, reflecting
I choose the focus of life
That’s a privilege I have
I will trust in someone
The question: “Who will that be?”
I’m responsible for that
~
The people were delighted
Seeing the wonderful things
Love demonstrated
For the broken and lonely
For the sick and afflicted
~
One man has captured my heart
He told about the mustard seed
That grew into a tall plant
How leaven changed things
~
Reflections written after reading Luke 13 out loud, and meditating on the following thoughts.
~
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever present help in trouble.
Therefore I will not fear, though the
the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the
heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with
their surging.” Psalm 46:1-3
~
“Blessed are those who learned to
acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence.” Psalm 89:15
~
Question: What are some surprising ways the transcendent has showed up for you?
~
Tender Vulnerable Times
December 23, 2013
~
I’ll be with you in
Tender vulnerable times
That’s God’s promise
~
Lightning of life will strike you
Leave a scar on your sweet soul
I will heal all of your wounds
Bring joy, make you whole
~
I’ll lead with forgiveness
Through the door of compassion
Touch you where needed the most
Give understanding
~~
There will be no obstacle
I can’t overcome in you
God does the impossible
For those who seek him
~
“The great thing to remember is that though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.” C.S. Lewis
~
“Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever.” The writer of the book of Hebrews, chapter 13.
~
“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he makes your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6
~~
If Christmas time makes you cry — this post is dedicated to you …
~
Longings
December 17, 2013
~
Two things will anchor your life
The first is God does not lie
You can overflow with hope
Heaven is for real
~
The Holy Spirit
Gives you the power to see
And experience the hope
Overflow with joy
Anchored in reality
Illuminated by love
~
In marriage a struggle comes
Aware of the weaknesses
Others failings and my own
There’s war in the soul
~
What do I yearn for
What is my greatest longing
Is it for real love
The ever lasting friendship
Of the beloved who’s near
~
We unconsciously expect
For a person to provide
Those deep internal longings
It never happens
~
Only God can give
A deep soul rhythm of joy
And dance with the soul
Others can participate
Celebrate with you his love
~
There is a separateness
For there to be a oneness
A paradox discovered
When we come in trust
~
This is discovered
Through a life time of seeking
Making choices to trust him
With impossible
Circumstances we live in
We choose his voice to follow
~
“God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which (1) it is impossible for God to lie, (2) we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor of the soul, firm and secure……” Hebrews 6:16-18
~
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
~
“….we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently….” Romans *:23-25
Tears Water the Soul
July 13, 2013
~
Time for crying and laughing
There is a time for all things
Yes, grieving and believing
Tears water the soul
~
With joy we will rise
Out of the ashes we come
It’s a time to look closely
At what matters most
~
In my deepest darkest time
When there was no hope to rise
I became aware
Incomprehensible love
Swept my soul into the joy
~
I will concentrate
On listening to the person
Knowing their story
Understanding their world view
And what controls under stress
~
Who will call the shots
When I am in the crisis
Will I be prepared
To love as I have been loved
To give as I’ve been given
~~ ~
I have found a key*
That will unlock one’s story
I found God in the middle
Of each person’s life
A secret that’s been hidden
Ten thousand stories tell me
~
No one can fathom
The intimacy of this love
One who counts the tears
Who knows and understands you
Who comes in your darkest hour
~
*The key is a tool that I use during my life coaching sessions.: Coaching: Life Matters
Psalms 56:8; Revelation 17:14; John 15:13-15; Romans 8:26,
Jesus Calling – Sarah Young
No One Can Fathom
July 6, 2013
–
History tells us
The things that we need to know
Am I listening
–
The wars, the innocent lives
The raw human suffering
With fear and trembling
But with confidence and hope
I will go with you leading
–
I will enter the soul wound
Having been wounded and scarred
Broken by ill-equipped ones
Loved in the middle
–
I’ll not lead with piety
I enter as a wounded soul
Aware of my own sorrows
Meeting in the pain
–
In my darkest grief
Losses inexpressible
The darkest room in my heart
A gentle light came
A pinhole of light to give hope
There was joy to be found
–
The God I know forgives me
He came to me in darkness
Showed me what a child is worth
Opened me to love
—
Every soul I meet
Help me never to label
Or eliminate
Each person has a story
Each one is beloved by God
–
I’ll not live in fear
I will go with the light of love
With courage to act
With the power of presence
Staying close with compassion
–
I’ll be wise as a serpent
Gentle dove as my model
Courageous as a lion
Move forward ln light
–
The wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace will be our guide. With the Spirit of sonship we will go where we are led. His promises held high we go forward to meet the prisoners with a message of healing, hope and forgiveness. As Moses led the way for the slaves in Egypt, Jesus calls us to join him in bringing the light of life to those trapped in darkness.
–
Isaiah 9:6; Zecheraiah 9:9; Romans 8: 15-16; Exodus 3:5
The Big Question
July 3, 2013
~
Two things offend God for sure
When we judge one another
And indulge in self hatred
Who gave us this charge
~
The higher love comes
Magnificent promises
For those who listen
~
Getting past yourself
Arising to behold God’s love
He knows your story
Decision each one can make
A painful but joyful choice
~
Thinking clearly brings power
It cuts through the distractions
Awakens a whole new world
From the inside out
~
Transformation can take place
Energy is ignited
When I decide to give thought
And take the action
~
Distractions follow feelings
Feelings are ruled by the mind
Winds of desire can destroy
Or they can give life
~
So the big question
Is what do I really want
The answer shapes the vision
Then the questions form
I follow seeking knowledge
Being shaped by the answers
~
Respect for myself
And for all those around me
Even enemies
Leads me to reconsider
And think about what matters
~
I will decide that
Not a generational
Relational lie
That will revolve around me
But revolves around life
~
Thank you, Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling, for your thoughtful comments on the following passages.Luke 6:37; 2 Timothy4:8; Titus 3:4,5; Romans 8:1
http://www.coachinglifematters.org
Our Father’s Heart
June 17, 2013
The reason I’m here …
To reveal our Father’s heart
Good news for the poor
Freedom for the prisoners
He releases the oppressed
The blind will see the light
The sick will be healed at last
The lonely friends will have friends
His promises restore life
His forever love renews
Focusing on Jesus
I have trained to listen each day
My friend forever
I have no greater joy here
Than living with his presence
Enduring the pain
Incomprehensible loss
Grief that overwhelms
He holds me close to his heart
His love secures and gives hope
My lived experience says
I have a friend big enough
To enter my losses with love
And understanding
His compassion draws me
His story is compelling
What mattered to him captures
His mind is brilliant
He always sees the person
Religion has kept hidden
Incomprehensible love
That is in the now
I cannot fathom
The depth of our Father’s love
In silence I come
Laughter breaks forth in my soul
Joy enters the darkest room
The story revealed in the Bible in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John have focused me on a real man. The daily practice of choosing who would be the most influential person in my life (over the last fifty years) has led me to inexpressible joy. This is poetry from my soul. It comes out of a lived experience through pain. This gift of joy is available to all.
A pinhole of light
June 16, 2013
~
A “pinhole of light”
Comes in the deepest darkness
Hope found me waiting There’s a room of loss
In the heart of everyone
I go to the pain
http://www.coachinglifematters.org/delta-blues.html
Comes in the deepest darkness
Hope found me waiting There’s a room of loss
In the heart of everyone
I go to the pain
Death cannot hold me
I am not afraid to live
A gift I receive
Joy is to my soul
What blood is to my body
This belief I hold
A certain unseen
Available to each one
Unspeakable love
Everyone has an amazing story. I believe each person is being pursued by inexpressible love. Make time to reflect. I am indebted beyond words to so many who have made that love real to me by the way they live. These things, along with my personal story, are discussed in my book “Delta Blues – Darkness to Life”. It will be available in the fall. The introduction to my book is on my new web site:
http://www.coachinglifematters.org/delta-blues.html
Thank you, Landon Saunders for this deep true heart felt line I heard you speak 16 years ago: “Joy is to your soul what blood is to your body.” Thank you, Paul, for what you said from prison about not fixing our eyes on what is seen and but on what is unseen because what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal. Thank you, Sarah Young for sharing your interpretation of Jesus’ invitation,”When you approach me in stillness and trust, you are strengthened.” Thank you Rebecca Greer for your words, “pinhole of light.” Your story inspires me beyond words. Joy is my lived experience!
Joy and Pain
May 3, 2013
~
This is a mixture
They seem to go together
A choice can be made
Joy and pain are “twin sisters”*
A surprised discovery
I began this life with joy
The pain was hidden from me
Then surprised me with vengeance
And joy sustained me
A well-spring of energy
Like living water it came
It found me in the despair
Offering me hope
The memory compelled me
I am larger than my pain
I discovered this secret
Made in God’s image
This huge discovery came
A love affair ignited
One that cannot be explained
Pursued by God’s love
There is great wisdom
Pay attention to questions
Reflect on your life
Give yourself to the seeking
God is searching to find you
He is running to meet you
With the deepest compassion
You find it in the story
Of God’s unique Son
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:16-17
“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11
*I got the phrase “Twin Sisters” from a poem my wife Charlotte wrote years ago.
For my nephew Kirk, on his birthday
The Invisible Factor
December 7, 2012
~
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
~
Two things are invisible
Hidden wanting to be found
There are evil intentions
Then there are the good
~
What takes place in me
My emotions and feelings
My invisible thinking
Will direct my life
~
You will not see it
You’ll know it by my actions
There are no secrets
~
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
~
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.
~
Your Story Matters 