The Gentle Way of Love
February 18, 2015
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Light in the darkness
Peace in the midst of the storm
Joy larger than circumstance
Hope impossible
For those who believe in love
Death will have no hold on us
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Love demonstrated
A life well lived speaks loudest
I have decided
Today I will choose to trust
My heart, soul and mind in HIm
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I will name the enemy
The lie handed down to me
The empty dark way
My mother and father lived
And lost what really mattered
*
You are who they lost
Without love at the center
Everything breaks down
Religion; psycho-babble
Are built on the empty way
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Love’s the foundation
Peace is the gift that’s given
Work of the Spirit
Modeled in one man who loved
Courageous, gentle and kind
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You’re loved by God
The master truth of God comes
To those seeking truth
Who have the courage to stand
Who believe they are worth it
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After winter spring will come
After death you will be raised
One came to overcome death
And give life to all
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Darkness called me to seek light
Pain called me to seek healing
Through failure came forgiveness
Love came through a man
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David, King of Israel stated: “Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.” Psalm 108:12
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“Delta Blues From Darkness to LIght” is available at Amazon/Kindle for $0.99 cents.
http://www.coachinglifematters.com/delta-blues.html
I Believe
January 21, 2015
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“I believe in
Christ,
like I believe
the
sun
not because
I can see it,
but by it
I can see
everything”
C. S. Lewis
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Understanding leads to life
Knowledge will help get you there
Seeking with all of your heart
Will let the light come
Proverbs 21:16
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I know what to seek
It is righteousness and love
It leads to prosperity
With life and honor
Relationships will flourish
Real friendships are developed
Proverbs 21:21
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The word righteousness is not self-righteousness but it is the commitment to the best interest of the other person and justice for all.The book of Proverbs has fathered me giving counsel and insight into love, money, sex and power.
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Victory will come
Accessing a private time
Wisdom will be discovered
In stillness I come
Waiting with expectation
For the healing light of love
Proverbs 21:31
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Awake Expecting
January 8, 2015
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Awake expecting
To hear things you need to hear
From your Creator
Speak to my heart, soul and mind
Let love dominate my life
*
Human beings live
As reflections of your heart
We look just like you
No wonder you love us so much
Even though we have failed you
*
You bestow honor
And glory on all of us
Made in your image
At conception it’s given
Love never stops pursuing
*
My guilt is heavy
A burden too much to bear
Failure consumes me
Wounds fester and bring sickness
To my soul, body and mind
*
I sit in mourning
Feeble and utterly crushed
This searing pain comes
I groan with anguish of heart
My longings lay before you
*
My sighing is not hidden
“My heart pounds, my strength fails me”
The light has gone from my eyes
No friends are in sight
*
Neighbors stay away
Traps are set to destroy me
Deception is all around
I’m blind to your light
*
I’m like a deaf man
Whose mouth offers no reply
With no voice to speak
*
The reason I love
God found me in this condition
Lifted me out of the hell
Came looking for me
He found me in the darkness
Gently led me to the light
*
God is pursuing you now
Be still, focus and listen
Choose the voice you trust
One tested in history
Gave his life that we might live
*
I confess my wrongs
My iniquity is great
I am troubled by my sin
Hated without cause
Slandered when I seek the good
O Lord, do not forsake me
*
Lord, you are not far
In my darkest hour you came
Opened my eyes to see love
Touched my very soul
Gave me a language to hear
Your Spirit to know the joy
*
These promises were fulfilled
Stated in Psalm sixty-eight
We would all do well to look
And believe His word
*
Our God is a God who saves
Who daily bears our burdens
From him we escape from death
My heart fills with praise
*
I will never forget where I came from and the darkness I lived and grew up in this world. Hope against hope was the surprise that is not only for me but is for everyone. These reflections came in response to Psalm 8, 38, 68, 98 and 128.
Love Pours Down Like Rain
January 5, 2015
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I wait in expectation
Morning by morning I seek
To listen to your kind voice
To walk in the light
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Those who tell lies crush others
Homes are destroyed, children lose
The safety and love God gave
With two loving souls
*
No word can we trust
Hearts are full of destruction
Only action speaks
*
I found a place of refuge
Place I can be glad again
God can restore the real joy
Spread his protection
*
Those who love your name
Will find a place to rejoice
When we seek a pure heart
Our eyes are opened
Love pours down like the rain
We experience God’s love
*
Forgiveness from God
Is the greatest gift of all
Then we can forgive
The one we have hurt the most
The offense against our souls
*
We wounded ourselves
Lied to ourselves and others
Miracles of forgiveness
Comes to those who will repent
Accept God’s love and give it
*
God will run to receive you
Others will be unable
Celebrate this gift and give
Others time to heal
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Reflections from Psalm 5 with awareness of the Father-son relationship in Luke 15.
Your Story Matters http://www.yourstorymatters2him.com
Move to the Light
January 3, 2015
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It is not easy
To be a human being
With all the trouble
With all the failure we share
We inflict on each other
*
Children suffer most
What they receive they will give
What they hear they speak
These cycles can be broken
A gift from the Son of man
*
Forgiveness – the miracle
It breaks the cycle of death
Opens the window to joy
Freedom to be you
*
When there are hard times
I’ll stop and evaluate
And move to the light
*
No darkness exists
When the light of life is there
The Son of man came
To give life abundantly
He did it being human
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The movie “Unbroken” reveals the inhumanity to man. It illuminates the power of forgiveness in the midst of man’s inhumanity to man. Louis Zamperini’s overcoming reveals the greatness in a person who decides to never give up. He discovers the freedom to be Louis Zamperini. The book “Unbroken” reveals the rest of the story of how the move to total inner freedom came from forgiveness – the greatest miracle of his life. I John in the New Testament tells how to “Move to the Light.”
Living In The Light
January 1, 2015
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Two important things
Knowledge and understanding
Will equal wisdom
Knowledge applied at right times
Will give power and freedom
*
Waking up each day
Knowing a certain future
Anticipating real joy
Is a way to live
That is possible for all
Can be a daily practice
*
Circumstances cannot rob
Take away this joy in me
It’s based on knowledge and wisdom
I”ll live in the light
*
The world can hurt you
Sometimes it certainly will
I have found I have a choice
How I will respond
The power is in knowing this
Love is larger than all things
*
Pride is within me
Along with lust and the greed
Basic things to all of us
There is an answer
To keep these from destroying
My soul, body and my mind
*
The light in my soul
Will heal the wounded places
Received with great joy
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Happy New Year to those who choose to share this joy. I have chosen the word “light” to be my focus word this year. No resolutions just one word. This word brings clarity and understanding as I look into the heart of God through the light of His Son. May this be the best year of your life. One day at a time, walking after love, as revealed in the daily practice of interacting with the passion and compassionate heart of God, that is light to me. If you have chosen a word for the New Year, would you share that word with me in your reply? Thank you!
Worthless Idols
December 31, 2014
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The worthless idols
I can name them in my life
Easily deceive
*
They led me down to the pit
My soul was trapped by these lies
Beliefs handed down to me
From generations
*
It is good to name
The beliefs that will destroy
Turn from them as enemies
Their toxic darkness
Holds a person in prison
Until the light of love comes
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Moving to the light
Across the bridge of seeking
With an honest heart
Things that are true and noble
What is excellent and good
*
The barriers rise
Awareness of the sickness
Awakened me to the problem
My soul was wounded
And needed the healing touch
Of the Master Physician
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Wound – Abandonment
The lie is I must fix it
In me and in the others
I sat with no hope
I turn away from idols
“Be good,” “Perform” and “Be Strong”
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Repent of the lies
Revoke them as enemies
Replace them with real truth
Truth that heals the soul
I’m a beloved son of God
Practicing living in the joy
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I have found a spacious place
In the morning when I rise
A friend to always greet me
Welcome me to hope
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These are reflections after meditating on Psalm 31. There is power in naming the enemies and becoming aware of the enemies that lie in the unconscious. With knowledge, stillness and reflecting on things true allows the Spirit to dismantle the powerful unconscious feelings that tell us we are not good enough. Name them, turn from them, revoke them and replace them with the truth “I AM BELOVED” each day. Joy comes in the day as we practice believing what is really true about us. This will lead us into a “spacious” place in our souls. All the best for a wonderful 2015.. Your Story Matters http://www.yourstorymatters2him.com
Soul Maker
December 29, 2014
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No one understands
The depth of the human hurt
It is emotional
Runs deeper than the ocean
And higher than the heavens
*
I can go so far
Confess my limitations
Say, “I’m unable”
To be there on that level
I cannot comfort you there
*
I’ve tried that and failed
The deep places of the soul
Can only be helped
By One much larger than me
Only the “Soul Maker” heals
*
This mystery discovered
In the depth of my despair
When my soul cried out
I had no language to speak
The inner groaning of my soul
*
“Where is God,” I say
Why God if you’re really there
Do you let us suffer this
Desperate grief
*
I asked, “Who are you?”
When I began to seek you
You came in the deep darkness
Brought light to my soul
Gave me new information
About you and about me
*
Now I am hungry
Arise each morning to seek
Be still and listen
There’s someone who hears my cry
Who loves me as His dear son
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Psalm 28:6
“Praise be to the Lord,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.
The Lord is my strength and shield;
my heart trusts in him and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
And I will give thanks to him in song.”
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David speaks of where he found help!
Light
December 27, 2014
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To say I’ll walk in the light
Brings me joy and great sorrow
Because I can remember
And I am aware
*
When I walked in the darkness
I was blind and did damage
To myself and other ones
This is the problem
*
I lost some good friends
Who gave to me from the heart
I took and did not return
Give back the love gift
I know I’m hard on myself
That is still all about me
*
Growing up is hard
When one misses the stages
Others will suffer
Maturing comes through the pain
The trials and the hardships
*
What is good in me is this
I was looking for the light
Darkness is what held me captive
My tears called his love
*
Confusion and the chaos
Growing up was the challenge
Navigating the losses
Is what each must do
No one escapes the darkness
No one can hide from the light
*
Moments of silence
In the abandonment years
Came my life questions
Suicides, alcohol, grief
Love entered in little ways
*
Pinholes of light came
Little kindnesses given
A smile and a gentle word
Of affirmation
Were the surprising moments
Were embraced with great delight
*
Light brings the delight
Forgiveness breaks through with joy
For myself and the others
This love was revealed to me
Through the life of Jesus Christ
*
He led with real compassion
His gentleness drew me in
Religion orchestrated
Making sure he died
*
He died a horrible death
I cannot even fathom
The magnitude of this loss
Love it represents
*
He is my pinhole of light
My failure as a human
Is connected to his death
And resurrection
*
I have peace today
Forgiving myself right now
Forgiving others
Accepting the light of his love
And giving it to others
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I’ll make no demands on you
We can be a reflection
But not the reality
God is near to love
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These secret truths are revealed all along the way in the process of growing up and deciding to never give up! There is so much to learn on the journey and I hope to never stop learning. One thing I am determined to do is never stop moving toward the light even in the darkest hour. The movie “Unbroken” is a good example of light coming in the darkness and the power of never giving up. Love never fails. It must start with me and not the other person. Forgiveness opens the window of the human heart to the light of inexpressible joy!
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“Delta Blues From Darkness to LIght” can be reviewed on Amazon and is $0.99 cents on Kindle. It is my story of the painful but hopeful process of continuing to discover light.
^
Joy Discovered
January 15, 2014
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Beauty in the brokenness
Out of the darkness the dawn breaks
Through death we see life reborn
Joy is discovered
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What is it that needs to die
How can light come in the darkness
Why must I start with chaos
Is there a secret
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You’re not a human doer
You are a human being
Question: How do I be me
Freedom is calling
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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
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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
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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
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Children: the best recorders
Are the worst interpreters
Unless stopped will define you
Keep you in darkness
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You have been given a mind
You must train to think clearly
Face the struggle with courage
Who can set you free
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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
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“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Paul – Philippians 4:7
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“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
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“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
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Battles in the Secret Place
December 27, 2013
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“Our battles are won and lost in the secret places of our will in God’s presence, never in full view of the world….Not often, but every once in a while, God brings us to a major turning point–a great crossroads in our life. From that point we either go toward a more and more slow, lazy, and useless Christian life, or we become more and more on fire, giving our utmost for His highest–our best for His glory.” Oswald Chambers – My Utmost for His Highest
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I’ll walk in the light
The first thing I’ll do is sit
In the secret place
One minute, ten or twenty
Alone contemplating love
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How I interpret the facts
Will determine directions
Wisdom is needed the most
We are subjective
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And who defines love
My lived experience speaks
That’s my decision
This is subjective, I know
One life captures my soul
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Some things are true regardless
The sun rising and setting
The seasons will come and go
Death is a sure thing
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Who speaks to the death
What about the injustice
I will make a decision
Consider the facts
Interpret them in some way
I’m responsible for that
~
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“Since ancient time no one has heard,
no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you,
who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.” Isaiah 64:4
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“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Jesus – John 15:5
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“For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.” David – Psalm 36:9
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Delta Blues From Darkness to Light speaks to inward battle in the secret place – my new book available now at www.coachinglifematters.com
No One Can Fathom
July 6, 2013
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History tells us
The things that we need to know
Am I listening
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The wars, the innocent lives
The raw human suffering
With fear and trembling
But with confidence and hope
I will go with you leading
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I will enter the soul wound
Having been wounded and scarred
Broken by ill-equipped ones
Loved in the middle
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I’ll not lead with piety
I enter as a wounded soul
Aware of my own sorrows
Meeting in the pain
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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
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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
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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
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I’ll be wise as a serpent
Gentle dove as my model
Courageous as a lion
Move forward ln light
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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.
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Isaiah 9:6; Zecheraiah 9:9; Romans 8: 15-16; Exodus 3:5
A pinhole of light
June 16, 2013
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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!
Your Story Matters 