we shall soar on wings like egrets...

...but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles...

Yes, I am aware this is not an eagle. It is, instead, a great white egret. But, for some reason, this photograph keeps bringing to my mind the "soar on wings like eagles" verse. I think it's the beauty and majesty of the flight. Really... look at that great big gangly body, and yet, the bird lifts it gracefully and majestically from the earth and takes to the sky!

One would think it would require great effort (and, not being a big bird, I cannot be sure what effort is required to lift it from the ground!). Yet, the bird is doing what it was created to do. And in the verse above, God tells us that when we do what WE are created to do --to hope in and wait for the Lord -- we will have the strength of a bird in flight. We will have the sustaining power of the Wind (the Holy Spirit) beneath our wings to cause us to soar -- to lift us and carry us at great heights --like an eagle!

For He gives strength to the weary and power to the weak... that we may soar...

Do you not know?

Have you not heard?

The LORD is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

~Isaiah 40:28-31

(photograph taken at Bolsa Chica wetlands, Bolsa Chica, CA)

a plan larger than our own...

In pain,

we learned the value of joy

-- in falling down,

we learned the value of standing

-- and in trust,

we will learn the value of a plan larger than our own.

~Laura Teresa Marquez

independence day

This morning, in celebration of Independence Day, I decided to read the words to several patriotic songs. So many of them are so very good--full of love for country and love for God! Contrary to what many liberal folks would have us to believe, our nation truly was built on the foundation of God Himself... and His principles. I was especially moved today by the last verse of the Star Spangled Banner, our national anthem. I had never heard this verse before...

The Star Spangled Banner (final verse)

~Francis Scott Key

O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

Between their loved home and the war's desolation!

Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust.'

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Let us never forget to praise Him Who is the very Power that made our nation and has preserved it thus far! If we are to stand strong as a nation, we must continue to proclaim--"In God is our trust."

Dear Father... thank You for our country! Thank You for our freedoms! Thank You that in You we may place our trust!

God Bless America!!

trust...

Trust the past to God's mercy,

the present to God's love

and the future to God's providence.

~ Augustine

go ahead...be wild...have fun...break a leg!

I saw this on the back of a t-shirt the other day and couldn't resist snapping a shot of it...

I love it! In our overly-cautious-due-to-living-in-an-extremely-litigious society, here is someone saying-- Go ahead! Do it! (You know you want to!!) Be daring! Be wild! Do the crazy stuff!!

Now, this is an "ad" for Glacier National Park, and I do realize the "go ahead and be wild" mantra is being chanted tongue-in-cheek by the paramedics whose livelihood depends upon you doing these very things...and getting hurt.... Nonetheless, doesn't it just feel so freeing and exciting to have someone encourage you to step out into the wildness of life and DO stuff? (or is it just me who almost cannot resist the lure of these words??)

I think this is an example of how God wants us to live... being wild, enjoying life, revelling in creation, stepping out and being bold, taking risks, being excited about life! I want to live the life this logo represents. I want to be thrilled with this place where God has planted me. I want to enjoy what (and who) He has made. I want to be brave and bold and to trust Him to lead me into grand adventures! And I want to be willing to take the risks when He gives me a choice of safety and mediocrity or risk and abundant life!

Thank you, God, for the reminders You give us... the signposts along the path of life we are traveling. Thank You that You desire for us a life that is FULL...

"I am come that they might have life,

and that they might have it more abundantly."

~John 10:10

the heart of Mary...

Yesterday I posted the Bible passage in Luke (1:26-38) where the angel Gabriel came to Mary to tell her that she was going to become pregnant by God, and though a virgin, would give birth to a child... the Messiah, actually. Wow. Talk about a conversation that would wake you right up!

Here was Mary, a young girl (12 or 13 is my understanding). She was engaged to be married. And all of a sudden, an angel drops in for a visit! (That alone would probably be enough to send most of us running!) Not just any angel, but one of the 'big guys'-- Gabriel. And he tells Mary that God is pleased with her and that she will be the one through whom God's son, the Messiah, will be born. In other words, she's going to be pregnant. And not by her husband-to-be. The angel also tells her the child will be great--a King--and His kingdom will never end.

Now, I don't know about you, but I would have a whole long list of questions about all of this! I would want the details and would be trying to figure out how God would be protecting my reputation and my betrothal and ....and... and... so very many more questions. Yet, all Mary asks is: "How will this be since I am a virgin?" One simple, practical question is all she asks.

Gabriel gives her a one-line answer.... and she seems to be content with that. Once again, I'm sure I would be asking for all the specifics! And probably playing 'Devil's Advocate' to every answer... figuring out how it wouldn't work, and...and...and...??

But Mary... her response is simple. And beautiful. She says only: "I am the Lord's servant; may it be to me as you have said." Wow. That is amazing to me. Simply amazing.

Even Moses, mighty leader of God's people and friend of God, questioned God and made excuses when God called upon him: I'm not good at public speaking. No one will listen to me. What if...??? (Exodus 3)

Even Gideon, mighty warrior of God, asked many questions and requested signs to show that what he was being asked to do was truly from God: How can I save Israel as I am the weakest of my family which is the weakest of my clan? If I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. (Judges 6)

And then there is me-- who must have answers before stepping out in faith... who questions every little word and wants to know all the details beforehand...

But not Mary. Her answer was simple. Her answer was an unequivocable "yes, Lord." She acknowledges who she is and Who God is by her words: "I am the Lord's servant." She acknowledges that, because of her relationship with God, she will do His bidding without questioning, without arguing, without excuses.

And her words of acquiescence to His will: "may it be to me as you have said." Her response was one of complete obedience out of reverance for Who God is and who she is in Him. I'm sure she was afraid. And I'm sure she had questions. But Her heart was toward God completely, and she places her everything--her life, her reputation, her betrothal, her future--in His hands. Immediately. Completely. Whole-heartedly.

Now, that's trust. That's complete confidence in God. And that's the example I want to follow in my relationship with Him. Each day, each moment, may my heart be ever toward God, and may my words and my actions reflect this. May I say, as Mary did...

"I am the Lord's servant; may it be to me as You have said."

living in the now...

Neither go back in fear and misgiving to the past,

nor in anxiety and forecasting to the future,

but lie quiet under His hand, having no will but His.

~ H. E. Manning

A fellow blogger had posted this quote on her blog today, and I thought I would also share it. (I hope you don't mind, Robin!) It seems to perfectly address where I, and I'm sure many others as well, am at emotionally and mentally the past couple of weeks.

So much of the time, we struggle with living in the here and now. Many times we think about what "was"--whether it was good or bad. Regrets for mistakes or poor choices. Sadness over loss. Wishing for circumstances to be as they were "back when." Or, on the other end of the pendulum swing, we focus on what is to come. Anxiety over the 'what ifs' and uncertainty of the future. Worrying about what may or may not happen. Waiting for some elusive day in the future when it will be the time for this or that.

I don't think it is only I...but I know I do have to battle to stay "in the now." To focus on the present...on each day while it is here. I believe that is what God has called us to do. He tells us not to worry about the future: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:24) He tells us to stay in the moment, to focus on today. He tells us to trust in His care (Matthew 6:29-32); He knows our needs and will provide.

Though you may have heard it said before, it is worth repeating: God does not call Himself "I WAS," nor does He call Himself "I WILL BE." God says His name is "I AM"...the God of now, of the present, forever. And that is where He calls us to live... in the now, where He is. May this be the prayer of our hearts today--that we would not look at the past or the future but rest ourselves quietly in the I AM...

...and as I promised yesterday, the answers to the curiosity questions:

• a - the sand 'stood up' like that because the morning was very cold on the MI beach, and there was ice around the little formations which had melted by the time we saw it!!
• b - oh my, yes! this little plant is as soft and fuzzy as a kitten's tummy fur!
• c - those are the 'skeletons' of a wonderful sea creature called a "By The Wind Sailor" which 'sails' on top of the ocean in groups... not common to see but beautiful (Google them if you get the chance! they're a marvelous blue color under their sails)
• d - the tree bark was wonderfully rough and scratchy mixed with smooth silky spots
• e - there was nothing up those hidden stairs...not any longer, anyway. they were part of an old home foundation.
• f - it was a jellyfish of sorts (no tentacles), and it was extremely firm and rubbery to the touch (heavy, too).
• g - that sea creature is an anemone out of the water. it holds bits of stones and shells to its body as a sort of camoflage. it is extremely squishy if you poke it! : )
• h - the thistle was prickly but also soft if brushed in the direction of the pokey bits.
• i - I don't know who set the chair up there in the first place, but I did take my turn sitting in it to gaze out to the ocean!
• j - we are not sure what these are! I asked a marine biologist friend of mine, and he believes them to be the eggs of some sort of mollusk or octopus. they're very, very small and amazing in color and shape! (look like Christmas lights to me!) if you know what they are, please, by all means, let me know!!
• k - I'm really not sure why sometimes we can see the moon so perfectly in the day time! I really need to research that... but I do find it fascinating!

fall cleaning...

Today I am doing some serious fall cleaning. You know, like spring cleaning but a bit further into the year! As I've been cleaning, I've been praying-- for and about many things, but mostly peace. Peace, not as the world gives, but that amazing and inexplicable peace that only comes from God:

...My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives...

~John 14:27

Our nation and our society are in the midst of some very uneasy and disconcerting times right now--an upcoming election with many serious issues and much at stake, a devastating financial crisis on Wall Street that will affect most of us in very tangible ways, high gas prices, continuing drought in some states and damaging storms in others, people losing homes and jobs, world terrorism... this list seems to go on and on. None of it sounds good. Most of it sounds disheartening and downright frightening. There are so many reasons for people to be anxious and afraid and worried about what the future may hold.

I found myself over the past few days feeling very anxious as well... how will this financial crisis affect my job? what will I do if...? what will it be like if the opposing candidate wins the Presidency? Big things and very worrisome things... if I focus on them... if I focus on the uncertainty... if I lose focus of Who is in control, of Who holds my future, of Who holds me in the very palm of His hand.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

And so, this morning while cleaning my bedroom, I prayed and began to clean house in my heart and mind as well. I was reminded that though I cannot know what the future holds, I DO know Who holds the future. (if you'll pardon the overused saying) And, as I dusted my ceiling fan and poured out my heart to my Father--my doubts, my fears, my anxious thoughts, my worries-- He helped me with the heart-cleaning as He listened. And He reminded me that He cares about this big ol' world far more than I ever could... and He cares about me far more than I could ever comprehend.

And we came to a place of agreement for today... that I will give it all to Him to worry about, that I will CHOOSE to trust what He has told me in His Word, and that I will believe, that no matter what the situation LOOKS like here, He is not only in control but also right with me in the midst of this scary (and joyful thing) we call life. And He, in return, will give me peace... peace beyond my understanding, peace that defies the current circumstance, peace that is deep and lasting and life-giving.

I think it is a good agreement. As Kicking Bird said to Lt. John Dunbar in Dances With Wolves, "Good trade." I do not fool myself thinking it is an easy task. It's not. It's hard work, and it takes perseverance, but it is a good trade... a great trade, really. I give my worries and cares to a loving Father, He takes care of making the world go 'round, and He gives me a peace in the depths of my heart and my mind that is beyond anything I could come up with on my own. He'll do the worrying for me... I just have to trust in Who He is. Good trade. And, now, I think I'll get back to my cleaning...

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ~1Peter 5:7

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

~John 14:26, 27

sail my own ship...

I am no longer afraid of storms,

for I am learning how

to sail my own ship.

~Louisa May Alcott

It's not about me, on my own out on the open ocean, but about God and me-- traveling together on this "journey" called life.

It is about me --recognizing God's presence, His voice, and His grace--and joining in what He is doing in my life. It is about me--learning to trust Him and not being afraid--because God is at the helm with me. He will navigate for me; I just have to be courageous, set sail, and trust Him as He leads...

Load the ship and set out. No one knows for certain whether the vessel will sink or reach the harbor. Cautious people say, "I'll do nothing until I can be sure". Merchants know better. If you do nothing,you lose. Don't be one of those merchants who won't risk the ocean. ~Rumi

This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters...: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" ~Isaiah 43:13-19

into the great unknown...

(photo: cable car on Pão de Açúcar --Sugarloaf Mountain-- in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

This is one of my all-time favorite photos I have taken-- a picture of traveling into "The Great Unknown," moving forward without being able to see ahead. So very much like these lives we live. We cannot see ahead of us into the future, so we blindly forge onward... into the unknown. It can be exciting at times, or downright terrifying!

Most of all, it is a journey of trust: trusting that God has laid out the path before us; trusting that He knows what's ahead, even though we do not; trusting that He will walk beside us on the journey, no matter what the terrain, no matter what we encounter along the way.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me

and the light become night around me,"

even the darkness will not be dark to you;

the night will shine like the day,

for darkness is as light to you.

~Psalm 139:9-12

do i trust You...?

Yesterday a friend was talking with me about a battle that is currently being waged in her life--one that, due to today's economy, is facing quite a few home owners. It is the fight to keep their home. Because of various circumstances in their lives over the past year, they are engaged in legal action and fighting for their home. It is not only a confusing and frightening battle but emotionally and mentally exhausting as well. They continually give it to the Lord, place it in His hands, but must also fight with themselves to leave it there.

Yesterday I also read a posting on Ann Voskamp's blog, A Holy Experience, about their battle to bring in their overly-ready wheat harvest. The wheat was ripe and needed to be harvested, yet they had had rain for days and could not harvest in the rain. The one day of sun on which they could have harvested was a Sunday, and they had committed that day to the Lord as the Sabbath, the day of rest. They, too, had a battle to fight-- to honor the day which they had committed to the Lord--even at the expense of losing their entire wheat crop.

Both of these situations, like so many in our lives, require a courageous and frightening trust in God and in His love and care for our lives. Both of these can be faith-shaking experiences. We know that He loves us. We know that He has promised to care for us. But sometimes that love and that care don't look quite like what we think they should. Sometimes that love and that care allow us to be taken to the very ends of our endurance and strength, and beyond, in order that we may learn to trust Him more deeply and completely. Or so a miracle may occur and He may receive the glory.

Whatever the outcome of these difficult circumstances in our lives, we must hold to the TRUTH that our Father loves us...that He is bigger than all of this... and that we must trust Him.

I was reminded of an old Twila Paris song that I used to love called "Do I Trust You?"...

Sometimes my little heart can't understand
What's in Your will, what's in Your plan.
So many times I'm tempted to ask You why,
But I can never forget it for long.
Lord, what You do could not be wrong.
So I believe You, even when I must cry.
Do I trust You, Lord? Does the river flow?
Do I trust You, Lord? Does the north wind blow?
You can see my heart, You can read my mind,
And You've got to know I would rather die
Than to lose my faith In the One I love.
Do I trust You, Lord? Do I trust You?

I know the answers, I've given them all.
But suddenly now, I feel so small.
Shaken down to the cavity in my soul.
I know the doctrine and theology,
But right now they don't mean much to me.
This time there's only one thing I've got to know.
Do I trust You, Lord? Does the robin sing?
Do I trust You, Lord? Does it rain in spring?
You can see my heart, You can read my mind,
And You've got to know I would rather die
Than to lose my faith In the One I love.
Do I trust You, Lord? Do I trust You?

I will trust You, Lord, when I don't know why.
I will trust You, Lord, till the day I die.
I will trust You, Lord, when I'm blind with pain!
You were God before, and You'll never change.
I will trust You. I will trust You.
I will trust You, Lord. I will trust You.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose... Romans 8:28

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." ~Joshua 1:9

Take heart, my friends; He is faithful!