My Rock and Refuge

New Pages

2006-02-20T11:41:00.000-08:00

I recently upgraded to the new iWorks and iLife, so I'm trying out the iWeb feature. I've created a new set of web pages, with new blogging and photos. Check it out.
http://web.mac.com/sherene57/iWeb/Sherene/Welcome.html

My Shield

2006-01-09T15:41:00.000-08:00

"I am your Shield"
Genesis 15:1

"But You are a shield around me O Lord."
Psalm 3:3

I believe and trust in that, because there is nothing else in this world that can give me that kind of protection. That kind of love. That kind of compassion.

Where You lead
I follow

Your footsteps
never falter

Where You lead
I follow

I choose life
the living stream

To belong -- to be connected
To belong -- to be filled
To belong -- to have purpose

To belong

Where You lead
I follow
(©01-08-06)

Christmas

2005-12-25T08:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas
Sunrise

A time to remember and a time to be filled with joy. Looking at the faces of children, I am reminded of the wonder of this season and how much joy there is. Their faces reflect excitement, anticipation, joy, and endless love. God fills us up at Christmas when we look into a child’s face and see His reflection.

“This is love; not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
1 John 4:10 (NIV)

That’s the eternal love we’ve been given as the ultimate gift.

Broken

2005-12-06T09:28:00.000-08:00

Broken

time carries words away
brokenness looks for healing
anchors pull back
hope rests in the darkness
looking for hope in between
the shades of grey

in between, in between
the lost and the found
in between
the want and the need
in between
belonging and longing
in between
uncertainty, doubt,
lost
in between.

(©12/3/05)

Belonging

2005-12-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

“We belong to the Lord”
Romans 14:8

Belonging to this world is temporary. Belonging to the Lord is eternal.

My Father watches over me.
He knows every move and choice I make.
He guides me and chastises me and changes me.
I belong to Him.
He is my place of safety.
He is my refuge.

I am in His hand.

(©12/3/05)

Hearts

2005-12-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

broken hearts
heal
slowly

mended hearts
are never
the same

patchwork hearts
are
confused

healed hearts
are
new.
(©11-20-05)

Love

2005-11-18T18:59:00.000-08:00

"It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.... Love never fails.... Follow the way of love." 1 Corinthians 13: 7, 8; 14:1

"Love is the point. Without love, no other gift matters." (WOF Bible note)

Love holds us together.
Reaching out without love is like touching darkness.
Having love is like a filled cup that is never empty.

"For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death, to the other the frangrance of life." 2 Corinthians 2: 15-16

Aroma
Smells
Comfort
Safety

The Lord's aroma fills up the space that once was dank and stagnant.

Just Breathe

2005-11-06T18:52:00.000-08:00

That's one line from the movie "Ever After" that I remember often. When life piles up and things get in my way, I remind myself to just breathe.

We're currently reading Job and he makes reference to that too. (Job 27:3) He reminds us that the breath of God is what creates and sustains life. He trusts in that and even in his despair, he holds on to what he knows is true. That God's breath gives him life. Job is a mixture of despair and hope. When his friends give him advice, it's out of their own ideas and understanding and not from God. Job chooses not to listen to them, but to hold on to his integrity, because he knows that God controls everything and breathes life into every being. The breath of God is the breath of life.

So, I breathe deep.

Draw deep from the well
of living water
draw up from the deep well
be filled with the living water
quench your thirst
be filled

breathe

Creativity

2005-10-31T13:20:00.000-08:00

So, I'm trying to get back into my creative mode and compose more poetry and writing, etc. It's always good to start at the beginning and jump in.

A river is flowing from the sea
filled with you
filled with me
growing and changing the landscape

It doesn't stop
continuing
Life is in the river
flowing from the sea

There is a river
surging, rising, growing
building momentum
force

Flooding into the
heart of the desert
filling dry places

overflowing wells of emptiness

There is a river
powered by One.

Compassion

2005-10-17T21:10:00.000-07:00

God knows our faults, our weaknesses, our desires and our failings. He also knows our heart, which is why I think He has compassion on us.

"Because of your great compassion, you did not abandon them in the desert."
Nehemiah 9:19

God doesn't leave us in the desert. He gives us hope, so we can keep going.

"Whatever you are carrying, take it to Jesus....There is healing in the will of God, a pulling together of all the pieces of our lives. It doesn't mean that we will always understand what is happening to us, but we bring our torn edges to Him who holds us together." Sheila Walsh

His hand is always there, even in the darkness.

Be Strong

2005-10-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

"Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong."
Zechariah 8:13

"When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted."
Psalm 138:3

When I think about how strength depends on belief and trust, I look at this and remember that my strength comes from God. His strength is perfect. His answers make me bold.

vacation

2005-09-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

Vacation.......Sometimes we need it more than we may think. I just returned from a relaxing vacation filled with quiet moments and walking among the trees and breathing clear air. God knows when we need to slow down and refresh our lives and connect with Him.

I spent time in Davis and walked and walked all over, exploring the art that is sprinkled around that city and on the campus. It was an adventure. Then, I spent a few days in Simi and enjoyed sitting and crocheting and relaxing with friends.

Taking time away and really getting away from where you live, creates a new perspective and rest that is needed.

"He will remove all of their sorrows and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever." Revelations 21:4

Hope for the next moment in time.

Hold on

2005-08-28T18:12:00.000-07:00

"I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance....Be faithful even to the point of death and I will give you the crown of life....To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it....I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance and that you are now doing more than you did at first."
Revelations 2: 2, 3, 10d, 17, 19

God sees everything we do and He knows when we have been faithful and given Him our best. He knows when we have held onto our faith, even when hope seems distant. He knows and promises us so much more as we continue to hold on to faith and trust in Him. He sees everything and He knows when we need Him. Hold on.

Love and Trust

2005-08-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

"I have loved you with an everlasting love."
Jeremiah 31:3
"Love comes from God....God is love....And so we know and rely on the love God has for us"
1 John 4:7-8, 16
"I will save you, you will not fall by the sword, but will escape with your life because you trust in me."
Jeremiah 39:18

Love and trust go together. You can't really have one without the other. Love builds trust and trust strengthens love. And it's all bound together with an everlasting love that we get from God.

"And this is love, that we walk in obedience to His commands....walk in love." 2 John 6

Love, obedience and trust, all ingredients we need to have. In order to love, we need to trust and obey God. He gives us love to share as we trust Him. Trusting in Him gives us freedom to love.

The Gift of Friends

2005-08-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

I'm back.

July disappeared and I don't know where it went. It's been a stress-filled time for me and I've lost track of where I am. But, I think I've been able to come out on the other side of it all with new perspectives and understanding. Change is always tough at first, but things always iron themselves out as everything falls into place.

The Lord has given me gifts of encouragement through so many people in the last month. Some came from people I would never expect encouragement from or even positive feedback. There have been days of discouragement and uncertainty, but underneath, God has given me a peace about everything I'm doing. There are things in motion that I am not certain of and am not sure where I'll end up, but I do sense His guidance and I'm trusting in that. Mostly because I feel as if He's been preparing me for something new and I have no control over what's coming next. I'm just trusting.

Every scripture I'm reading has some meaning for me. God's Word is so full of encouragement and hope, even in the Old Testament books that are full of His disappointment in people being disobedient. There is still hope buried in the midst of the correction.

Pastor Billy recently talked about friends and how we need to have friends to help us and how we're told not to be discouraged (Hebrews 10:32-36). This week he talked about gifts and trusting in the Lord. (Psalm 25:1-10) Both reflect where I am. God is giving me courage and strength and I am thanking Him for the gifts He has given me along the way. He is guiding me and I'm putting my trust in Him, because I can get through anything with Him. There is no other way than to trust and give Him all my worries and concerns and burdens. He's given me friends to help and encourage me as He changes me.

Persevering

2005-07-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

"...consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:3

Persevering takes effort. All we have to do is look at Jesus. He came up against obstacles throughout His ministry. Yet, he didn't give up. He didn't give up hope because His hope was in God who was His strength.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea." Psalm 46: 1-2

"Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him and so your faith and hope are in God." 1 Peter 1:21

Even in the worst times, there is hope in Him.

trust
hope
endure

Don't be deceived

2005-07-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wonder at how much perseverance I need and how much patience I need to hold on when life turns difficult. I'm holding onto the promise that there is more than what this life has for me. I have to believe there is more. God doesn't lie and he keeps His promises.

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12

"...humbly accept the word planted in you which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1: 21 and 22

Believe what God says--what His word says. It's the anchor in the wind that will hold us firmly to the Rock. It's the hope we need when it seems hopeless. Don't be deceived by the liar, Satan, who tries to get us to doubt. Keep the word of God anchored and planted inside, so then there is no doubt, only truth to draw on. That's my anchor. That's the seed that's inside me.

faith

2005-07-14T20:40:00.000-07:00

Believing in God is having faith in what we cannot see and knowing that He is there. He gives us the strength we need to persevere.

"Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Hebrews 11:6

Falling

2005-07-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

Today, I was reading about falling and rising again. That even if it seems as if I'm in a dark place, the Lord is my light. There is hope. Giving up is the easy path to take when you're in the dark. It's easy to give up, sit down and have a pity party. But, that's not God's plan. He gives us a light in the dark places and a hand to grab onto when we need to be pulled up. Persevering, getting up, trusting in His promise, that's harder, because we can't see it. Hope is intangible. It rests in the light. We have to trust that it's there, even when we can't see it.

I've fallen down many times, but I always get back up because I know that if I stay down it'll be harder to get up and keep moving if I don't do it right away. If I sit there and feel badly that I've fallen, the adrenaline starts to fade and it's much harder to motivate to move. But, by getting up and moving, I can use the adrenaline to keep going and make it to the end of my journey. It's the same with holding onto hope. If I leave it sitting in the darkness, it loses the momentum and the energy that it needs to keep me going. But, if I reach for it and hold onto it, I can keep the momentum I need to make it into the light and the future that God has for me.

"Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light."
Micah 7:8 (NIV)

Obedience

2005-07-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

"...be obedient...ready to do whatever is good...show true humility toward all men." Titus 3:1-2
Words that remind us of how we are perceived by others. If we walk in offence or anger, that is how people see us and we are not exhibiting an example of Christ.

Forgiveness
Paul taught Philemon that forgiveness isn't just a word. It's action and heart. "Full forgiveness where it is fully undeserved is quite a challenge. Yet that is exactly the forgiveness God has offered as in Christ: lavish, undeserved, and fully and freely given."(NIV - WOF)

Forgiveness incorporates obedience to God --unconditional, with grace.

"If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." Isaiah 7:9

Rest for Your Soul

2005-06-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

Last night, during my prayer time, I was reminded to lay everything down at the feet of Jesus. All my worries, my cares, my burdens that have become so heavy. I lay them down at the foot of the cross and seek His face.

Jesus said, "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11: 28-30 (NIV)

We aren't meant to carry the burdens of the world. We are supposed to care, but not carry them. Laying down all that weighs us down, we can be released from the heaviness that pushes in on God's light. The darkness of burdens can be shattered when we lay them down at His feet. He knows what we can carry and still walk and not fall under its weight.

I think we forget sometimes, that He wants us to take up His yoke, which is light. We think we can do it all on our own, that He really doesn't want all of our burdens. But, we can't do it all. Even the disciples went out in pairs to teach and preach and minister to people. They didn't presume to be doing it all alone, but with God's help. He was and is the miracle worker. Giving God everything opens the door to sanctuary. There is freedom in the place where He is.

When we're weary and worn out, we can come to His fountain and be refreshed and strengthened. His stream of life takes away all our pain and sorrow and washes it away. Thirsting for Him washes everything else away and fills me with hope.

Partnership

2005-06-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

Last night we had minor technical difficulties, and we couldn't record Pastor Billy's message. So, I'm sharing my notes.

Paul wrote letters to his friends from prison. He was thinking about the people he loved and how he knew Jesus was in their lives. In Philippian's 1:3-11, he expresses how thankful he is for them. He's confident in God who is continuing the good work He started in their lives. God's promise is that He will continue the good work he's started. He doesn't give up, but keeps working in the lives of the people who have chosen to follow Jesus. Even in those hard times when we feel unsettled, God is working. We can stand together in the hard times and the good times and the journey becomes more, because we're not alone. Love each other more and keep growing in Him.

Solomon was a very wealthy man. He had everything. He wrote in Ecclesiastes that having everything is meaningless. What really matters is fearing god and enjoying what He has given you. We're always thinking of more--what more can we get? Wanting more pushes out the incredible things God has for us. Enjoy the moment. Enjoy your life and work, it's a gift from God.

develop your relationship with God, cultivate relationships around you and enjoy the moment. It's just the beginning when we know Jesus. As we are connected, He wants to fill our lives. To be filled with the good things that Jesus has done for us. God is working on these things in us--the fruitfulness of salvation.

Don't miss out on what God has for you.

Struggling

2005-06-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

As I rode my bike this morning, I struggled to get to my destination. The wind was against me. It wasn't a gentle breeze, it was a fairly strong wind, pushing me. So, I had to expend more energy to move forward. All the while, knowing that I had a hill to climb at the end and would need my energy there too. So, I pushed against the wind and kept my momentum. I don't give up easily. I won't give up and walk up the hill. I gear down and continue building momentum before I get to it. I know I can do it, because I do it every day. I don't give up, partly because I don't like to be late and walking it would make me late and partly because I know I can do it if I just keep going and don't stop. Stubbornness can be a good thing sometimes.

Riding in to work, I thought about that struggle and how similar it is to life. We struggle to get our first breath, our first step, our first real understanding of life. We struggle with disappointment and heartache, life and death. Yet, we can persevere through struggles by knowing that we've survived something similar or worse and there is hope. God is there.

He never said we wouldn't have struggles, He guarantees it. But, He also tells us He'll be with us when we're struggling. Guiding, supporting, encouraging, and loving us. If we give up and give in to the struggles, we miss out on His support and love. We miss out on the hope that comes from struggling and being challenged.

It would be easier if we had the wind at our backs all the time, hardly peddling to get where we're going. Would we learn as much? Would we be able to relate and understand the struggles of others if we didn't struggle sometimes? I don't think so. We don't always have to struggle to move forward or to do our daily tasks, but when we do it's helpful to remember that we're not all alone. We have a God who is within reach. All we have to do is hold out our hand and He'll take it and give us the strength we need.

Be willing to reach out. He's there. He understands. He knows everything. Don't give up.

Seek

2005-06-12T17:44:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been so long since I have written anything. My journal says otherwise, but my blog is staring at me with blank eyes. Time slips away and I wonder what happened. I've been journaling and thinking and here's where I am today.

Seeking.

I was reading the Song of Solomon (also called the Song of Songs) and thought, how irrelevant it seemed for me. Then, I looked at it more closely. It's not just about a lover's relationship. It's about our relationship with Christ. We are His bride and He is our example of unfailing love.

"for love is as strong as death, it's jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love, rivers cannot wash it away." Song 8:6-7

Love is stronger than the obstacles that come up against it. When love is pure and sincerely given, it can survive anything, even death. We have the choice to nurture love or squash it. We have the choice to strength it and build on it and to let it flourish. Love is strength. Christ's love is our example. Our template. Our guide. To be unconditionally loved and filled with desire and passion and compassion. Love understood is love that is strong.

What we choose matters. What we choose leads to greater understanding or confusion and loss. Pastor Billy's message on Proverbs 3:6-10 reflected choice. Are we seeking God in our lives? If we do, God strengthens us. His love sustains us. His blessing builds on us as we choose to bless others. We can choose to love as Jesus loved and accept that His strength is perfect and can sustain us when we seek Him. God has a plan for each of us and if we're seeking our own desires and our own plan, we can miss out on the blessings and the gifts that He gives us when we listen and seek Him in everything.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." Philippians 2:3
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus...made himself nothing...a servant....he humbled himself...became obedient to death...God exalted him to the highest place." Philippians 2:5,7,8 and 9

Becoming like Jesus means putting yourself in second place, or last as the case may be. Being humble and considering others first as he did in his life here. He obeyed God. He sought God's direction in everything and God "exalted him." he gave Him the highest honor and blessed Him as He obeyed the direction He received. We are blessed by God when we obey Him and choose to seek Him. And we have the choice to share the blessing He gives. His blessing is then allowed to flow and escalate and multiply. His Word is for more than just me. His direction and touch is more than just for me. His gifts and blessings are for more than just me. His love is for more than just me.

As I thank Him for the blessings, I feel loved and cherished. He gives me moments with others that touch my heart with how much he is using me. Because I choose to love, even when it hurts. Even when it means loss. Even when it means giving up everything to Him. He gives me strength when I seek Him. His love is strong. It never changes and never leaves. That is the strength that I seek. He reminds to look outside of myself and see that His blessing needs to be flowing out. His blessing is for me, but not just for me. His love is strong and holds me steady.

Stories

2005-05-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

Stories are how we pass on our dreams, our hopes, our experiences.

"But your hearts must be fully committed to the Lord our God to live by His decrees and obey His commands as at this time." 1 Kings 8: 61

God hears us when we seek Him with our heart and are committed to His Word. When we are full of His Word, we are able to open our minds to the story He has planned for us. Unconditional love comes from Him. How do we pass that on to those around us if we are not committed to His Word? How do we become more, if we are not committed to His Word? How do we grow if we are not committed to Him?

Strength and Encouragement

2005-05-15T17:13:00.000-07:00

"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones."
1 Thessalonians 3: 12-13

The Lord is our encouragement and our strength. Our understanding comes clearer through His Word. He is our guide and purifies us as we seek Him. I pray for my heart to overflow with His love. That I will be strengthened by His Word and be able to stand before Him and be filled with His grace. He is my hope.

Today was the Global Day of Prayer and 20 churches gathered in Santa Barbara to pray and praise God. What an awesome time. God showered us with His presence and filled us up with the hope and love that only He can give. Praise God for giving us hope.

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."
Proverbs 16:9

Prayer and Fasting

2005-05-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day God has given me today. It's my birthday and I'm enjoying the sunshine and the view that He has placed in front of me. God is good - all the time.

Encouragement and strength come from Him as I spend my time fasting and praying this week.

We are in a season of prayer and fasting -- part of the Global Day of Prayer. And the Lord is giving us direction through His Word. Be Ready. He hears our prayers and is using us to make changes and we are praying expectantly. Waiting on the Lord and His promises. Fasting and prayer open avenues of change. More people are praying and more people are coming to know Christ and that is the direction we're are going. Prayer is spreading.

God's love is spreading. His love is infectious and pure, true and unfailing. Our prayers open the doors for His power to shine through and change us and those around us. He fills the darkness with light and our prayers give Him praise.

I want to be counted in His flock, when it comes time for the Shepherd to separate the sheep from the goats. I want to be ready and hear His words "Well done, good and faithful servant!" Matthew 25:23

With prayer and fasting we are obeying God--hearing Him, listening to Him and seeing His miracles.

Fasting is not easy, but it causes us to cry out to God in a more fervent prayer. Seeking Him instead of the thing we crave. Craving Him instead. It helps us turn our focus toward Him. Giving Him our full attention. He is our Father and desires our focus to be on Him. He is our hiding place and protection. He is the one who delivers us from evil and bathes us in light.

As we fast and pray and trust in Him, He surrounds us with His love. And that is what makes it worth more than anything else.

Pray, be ready, trust Him with everything, don't be afraid, and know His love is pure and true.

life and death

2005-05-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

Death is something we see or hear about, but don't want to touch. But, we can't avoid it. It touches us and we can't back away. We aren't allowed to avoid it. It's part of being human--a process of life.

When we see death around the world, it's abstract. It's not "real." Until it becomes personal. Then, we understand the loss, because it becomes more profound and the grief hurts. The emptiness is deeper and the grief almost unbearable. There is no experience that compares to it or prepares you for it. It happens and you have to make a choice. Do I try to work through it alone or do I rely on God to help me?

Strength comes from Him.If we seek His face and His comfort, He fills us with the ability to endure even the most tragic or untimely death. He fills us with compassion and comfort with a light in the darkness of grief. He's "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows" (Psalm 68:5) There is no greater comfort than His Word to ease the pain and the sorrow. He gives us words that mean something to each person in a unique way. "Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always." (1 Chronicles 16:11)

He is faithful. He is always there. All we have to do is call on Him and He answers us, even in our despair. We don't usually understand why one person dies and another lives. Only God knows that one. This life is temporal. Each day is a gift, to be treasured in its own way. God has us in His hand. He knew each of us before we were formed and He knows our life from beginning to end. He knows the importance of each life and cares for us, even in our imperfections and our selfishness. We may not know why good people die. Only God knows the impact of each person's life on those around them. Faith opens the door for strength from God to be able to pray and be filled with Him. To grieve in His presence and be comforted only as He can comfort.

We are not guaranteed a long life and that is plain when someone we love dies and we are left alone. Choosing to move forward and remember that person, requires trust and faith to know we're being taken care of by our Father. There is no formula for grief, only feeling and letting God heal the hurt it creates.

Being Blessed

2005-04-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

I walk at lunchtime and listen to music as I look at everything around me and drink in all the wonderful nature that God puts in my way. And I feel blessed.

As I was walking yesterday, I was listening to a song with these lyrics:

"More than I could hope or dream of
You have poured Your favour on me
One day in the house of God is
Better than a thousand days in the world

So blessed, I can't contain it...
So much, I've got to give it away,
Your love taught me to live now...
You are more than enough for me.

Lord, You're more than enough for me
Lord, You're more than enough for me"
(One Day, by Hillsong United)

It reminded me of how blessed I am. That I can't contain it. It pours out of me. I have to give it away, share it, and show it. When God blesses me, it's always so much more than I can contain. It's much more than I can imagine, because my scope is so much smaller than His. He gives me anchors to hold on to while I'm in the storm. And when the winds die down, he gives me safe mooring and blesses me for holding on and not giving up or giving in to my fear. It's like Peter stepping out in faith to walk on the water toward Jesus. As long as his eyes were on Jesus, he could walk safely. But as soon as he looked at the wind blowing the waves, he became afraid and started sinking. Jesus didn't let him drown. He reached out and saved him. And I think that's what He does for all of us. When we step out in faith and then have a moment of fear or doubt and we start to sink, He reaches out and pulls us to safety. He doesn't ever let us go.

This week my anchor is Psalm 121

"3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.." (NIV)

He's watching over us all and blessing is flowing like a river in all directions -- overflowing with His love and understanding. It's time to drink and be refreshed, because He is watching over us -- taking care of us.

Praise

2005-04-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

Today, as I was riding to work, I was listening to worship songs and singing and praising God. He gives me songs that break through whatever is in my head. He gives them new meaning, no matter how many times I've heard them. And that brings joy to my day and an attitude worth sharing.

The song I was singing to, reaffirmed how much we should praise Him and give Him everything. Trust, praise, worship, humbly bowing down to Him. That's what made my morning change and become more than just another day.

We can choose to listen and love Him and change, or we can choose to block Him out and be filled with ourselves. He gives us the choice to come close to Him and be filled with more. We have the power, through Christ, to crush the things that would block our progress and our joy. He fills us with joy and wonder and praise that can't help but spill out into everything around us. Choose joy. He will provide the means to feel it.

Marvelous Abundance

2005-04-08T20:56:00.000-07:00

We are given so much and sometimes we don't give thanks for everything we have. Continually giving God praise for everything, because He is the miracle worker.

"For you O God tested us. You refined us like silver. . . .We went through fire and water but you brought us to a place of abundance." Psalm 66:10-12

We go through hard times but we always have the Rock of God under us-- holding us up. He refines us and prepares us for the abundance He gives. Praises give Him the honor He deserves.

"Praise be to the Lord God, the god of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds." Psalm 72:18
"Your ways O God are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles." Psalm 77:13-14

God performs miracles, not men. Only He can make something from nothing. Only He can create the marvelous. He is the One who creates and reveals and guides. Listen to His Word and be transformed. Look to Him first for everything. He guides, He gives direction, He gives as we seek His face. As we are humble and give Him praise, He does the miraculous. His works are wondrous and give joy.

He provides our every need, even when we have no idea what it is we want or need. Turn a corner and see what He has for you. Every day there are miracles that He provides. Do we always notice? I don't think so. Sometimes we're in a man-made fog and can't see beyond ourselves. But, He shakes us up and breaks through just when we need something more. He is the One, the Rock. There is no one like the Lord. His "marvelous deeds" and miracles create the abundance of love and the gift of life that people crave. He satisfies our thirst and fills us up. Isn't it marvelous the abundance He provides.

It's all about You

2005-04-01T09:05:00.000-08:00

Today, as I was riding in to work, I was listening to a song that reflected what I was seeing. "I'm coming back to the heart of worship and it's all about You, Jesus."

As I was going through Goleta Beach, I looked out at the ocean and saw the islands. No clouds covered them today, just a little bit of haze. They were reflecting the sun and their beauty was rising above the water. It made think about how wonderful it is to live here and see that beauty and how God is in everything He creates.

The music I was listening to also reminded me of how much God provides for us and that we are such a small part of His creation. I am a piece of the whole. God is reflected in everything that I see. All the flowers and birds and even the insects that bug me. We're all a part of His love. And the heart of worshiping Him is all about Jesus. He's my focal point. My Rock. My point of worship.

The Resurrection is Personal

2005-03-27T17:09:00.000-08:00

Christ made the resurrection personal for Peter and for us. Pastor Billy's message last night gave us a new way to look at the resurrection. He said the power and the blessing of Christ's resurrection belong to us even as it belonged to His disciples. He knows us and loves us and we need to receive that love and acknowledge it and return it and share it. His love is boundless.

We are each called by Him--it's personal. Just as He singled out Peter. That Peter was especially included in those who needed to know He was alive and would meet them.

Don't just believe, know Him. Experience His presence, His power, His love.

Today I heard another message from Pastor Robb that seemed like a continuation of what Pastor Billy talked on. "The resurrection changes everything." That we can't know what real love is without the resurrection. He gives us real life. He chose us. And nothing is beyond God's power. That when Jesus told Mary to tell his disciples that He was alive, he singled out Peter. He knew that Peter was probably feeling that he didn't deserve to be part of the disciples after his denial, but Jesus made it personal, that He was coming to talk to Peter too. Just as He has chosen us. He wants us to see him and experience His love.

The resurrection of Christ is truely personal and it does change everything.

Listen

2005-03-26T09:31:00.000-08:00

"God is faithful...whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:13, 31 (NIV)
"But you are to hold fast to the Lord your God as you have until now." Joshua 23:8

Paul's example gives us direction and understanding. And Joshua gives us hope that if we hold on to the Word, we gain strength. The hope that there is someone to hold on to who will always be there.

Giving Him our attention and listening to His direction, being still and hearing Him. Waiting and listening, we can hear His voice in the quiet.

Understanding

2005-03-19T15:32:00.000-08:00

"Now that you have made me listen, I understand..." Psalm 40:6 (NLT)

"The hand of the Lord is powerful" Joshua 4:24 (NIV)

In Your Hand

I am covered
I am safe
I am blessed
In Your hand

Your hand holds back the sea
giving me safe passage
lifts me up
saves me from the darkness

Your hand
reaches out
to mine
cover me
with Your Hand.

The power of the Lord's hand stretches beyond my sight and my understanding. His power is unfailing and indefinable.

"If the Lord delights in a man's way he makes his steps firm, though he stumble he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand." Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)

Rain

2005-03-12T14:43:00.000-08:00

Fill me
spilling
......level
.........to
..........level

Rise up
Reach to the sky

drops fall
one
becomes
two

waterfall of
tears
fountain of
rain

rise up
reach to the sky

On My Knees

2005-03-05T12:06:00.000-08:00

On My Knees
...seeking You
...lifting my voice
...raising my hands

On my knees
...seeing Your face
...knowing You
...hearing You

On my knees
...there is peace
...there is joy
...there is love

You meet me there
...heal me there
...touch my heart
on my knees

On my knees
...You give life
...vanquish fears
... give

On My Knees
...I give You everything
...You are there
...opening my eyes

On My Knees
...I see
On my Knees
...believe

(Prayer is an extension of belief and trust in the One God. Meeting Him on my knees fills me up.)

Love never fails

2005-02-28T20:16:00.000-08:00

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy , it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude. It is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8.

When I read this passage, I pictured Christ as love. His life was filled with people wanting his touch, crowding him, demanding answers from Him, crying out to Him in distress. He could have easily turned His back on the crowds and on those seeking his healing. But He chose to have compassion on them all and showed them love. Love never fails, in the same way that God never fails. We can trust in His love, because He has more love than we can imagine. His love is always there. Always true. Always.

If we don't ever love, our actions, our deeds, our life is empty. Are we willing to love the way Christ loved? I think we can if we remember that love "always perseveres" and "love never fails". To believe love never fails is like having a constant light in the darkest places. If we trust in God and how much He loves us, we can be encouraged in the love we have to give and share, because His love will never fail. It is always filling us up.

Trust

2005-02-25T14:39:00.000-08:00

Walking at lunchtime, I was reminded how blessed we are to live in this place. The sun has returned after days and days of rain and everything is beautiful around me. We take for granted so much of the beauty that surrounds us, I think. When I walk I listen to music, but I leave myself open to hear the external music as well. Birds, wind, crashing waves on the beach. And I try to remember to really look at what is waving in front of me and around me. Flowers that weren't there a week ago. Plants that have blossomed and grown to add to the plush environment. What a blessing to be able to see and to hear and sense it all. A way to refresh and reflect on what it means to be. To exist. To be part of everything. And to think about how I fit in.

I think we all wonder about that at some point in our lives and it's a recurring question depending on where we are and what life has thrown at us. Life is said to be a journey and we make choices that take us one way or another. Sometimes it's uphill, sometimes it's all downhill, and sometimes it's like a rollercoaster ride. I try to think of it as learning all the time. Whether things are going well or everything seems to be going wrong, it's all part of learning to survive and feel needed and alive.

So, where does that leave me on a day like today? Encouraged and enjoying the day before another storm blows in.

Sunrise

2005-02-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

sunr011504,
originally uploaded by me.

Goleta Beach at sunrise.

Sunrises inspire me to have a good day. They make me smile and look for the positive in what I see.

Catching up

2005-02-23T15:09:00.000-08:00

I'm catching up and signing on to blogging. I don't know how this will evolve, but it's a start. A beginning. Something new and different. A way to connect.