I Will Pray

'Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.' ~Colossians 4:2~

"I will pray for you."

What do you think it means when someone says that to you? You hear it from loved ones, friends, or a random person you've bled your heart to for the past half hour.

My personal take: Yes, I'm going to take more of my time to think about you. I'm going to speak on your behalf; back you up before the Creator (whom already cares deeply about you).

This is the standard I hold myself to. 'Never be lacing in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.' (Romans 12:11-13)

Why? For Christians, prayer is our adamant communication with God. It is the countermeasure for everything our sinful, broken (beautiful) world throws at us:

'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ~Philippians 4:6~

'Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him... And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well... Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.' ~James 5:13-16~

Prayer is the highway where we spill our feelings, desires, and thanks toward God. They are spontaneous, yet concentrated. Solitary, while practiced (and encouraged) in partners or groups. Sometimes spoken, sometimes not even whispered:

'In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.' ~ Romans 8:26~

However, when we fall to our knees (or press our forehead to the steering wheel, clutch a pillow to our chest, or smile with tears through our closed eyes), it's not just us we're lifting up. Those around us, seen and unseen.

'Be joyful always, pray continually ; give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.'~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18~

'But I tell you; Love your enemies (those who curse you in other translations) and pray for those who persecute you.' ~Matthew 5:44~ 

I disclose the agony of prayer to to steal from the joy and hope of its spiritual intimacy, but to more fully paint its picture to those we pray for. And to you, yes YOU, I leave this much more:

'I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope in which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints...' ~Ephesians 1:16-18~

'I will pray for you'... what's your definition of that? 

'And pay in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.' ~Ephesians 6:18~

So Selfish!

 

'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~

Even in the face of this assurance, people can, will, and do argue how selfish God is. How dare He! Everything goes by his will, his plan, his course of action (Romans 12:2b). Doesn't He care about us? Being the creator, shouldn't caring about our desires be a no brainer? 

Have you looked up the word 'selfish'? It means being devoted only to oneself; primarily concerned with one's own benefits, beliefs, welfare, etc.

God is indeed driven by purpose, his purpose as we can relate to. For work, for family, for self-fulfillment, we understand what it is to reach each day for the endgame. But there is an important detail to remember with this- the anchor of any of God's motives and plans. Which is OUR needs!

'Blessed is the one whom God corrects, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty' 

~Job 5:17~

This is spoken to JOB. The same Job who lost everything! His property, his wealth, and all of his children. Actions that all revolved around this man's ability to trust in God's purpose. A purpose that is lead by a singular love for His child.

So why does something so loving and selfless come across as self-centered? Because, well, we are the child. And a child's understanding is always pigeon-holed of their parent's discipline, restrictions, and the ever-resounding 'NO!'.

'A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.' ~Proverbs 29:15~

God sees the needs for our hearts, minds, and bodies- the ones we can see and more vitally, those we can't see. Our biggest need is an eternal life and relationship and Him. For believers, this is where all roads lead. The rough part is remaining on these roads and remaining assured of where they lead;

'Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law; you grant them relief from days of trouble till a pit is dug for the wicked. For the Lord will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.' 

~Psalm 94:12-14~

We are human; we have ideas about how life should go. But, we are humans loved by the One who is always picturing the best life for us! 

Connections

If you've ever attended church or Sunday school, you've undoubtedly been asked the question, 'What's your favorite verse?'

Maybe even 'what's your favorite book in the Bible?'

I've got nothing against these questions... their answers have become somewhat automated at this point; Galatians 2:20, the Psalms, and Colossians 3.

I could go the predicted route and probe you to ask 'why' is this or that your favorite, but I'd rather talk about the books or passages that AREN'T your favorite. The other passages and books of the Bible that don't immediately catch your eye or pertain to your life experiences (for the moment anyway). Because, when you look hard enough, you'll find that the Bible speaks its message in more then one place. Attesting to the careful planning God put into His words for us.

A common thing I do in my Bible is put like-minded verses in parentheses, if I spot a connection between them. (Psalm 37:3-9 and 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4) This could mean that they have a similar message or parable, talk about the same event, or are even word-for-word references to one another; an easy occurrence since much of the Old Testament is quoted within the New Testament.

Psalm 37:3-9... Notice the verbs used in deepening one's relationship with God

1 Thessalonians 1:2-4... How do the words connect back to the passage in the Psalms?

You might be thinking that''s quite a stretch, or 'you're reading a little too much into this don't you think?' To an extent, I have. I can dwell and overthink on things for months, if need be. And I've reversed my perception of God's Word in several areas over the years. But that doesn't mean that I consider making, and searching for a better understanding of God Word any less important.

God knew what He was doing, when those words left His mouth and wormed into His disciples' ears. He knew how He wanted every verse to relate to one another, yet stand out and remain distinct in our Christian lives.

He knew because He was sure of what He wanted... to connect with US!

Color Me Christmas

 

Hey... did you know that I LUUUUUVVVVVEEEE Christmas?

The lights, the snow- oh, you beautiful snow- the cookies, and singing. And of course, the colors. 

Christmas tends to follow a four-part harmony of colors, each representing a heavenly aspect to the season:

Red = Love

Gold = Joy

Green = Hope

White = Peace

It didn't take long to designate which theme I want to focus on this yuletide year!

'Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.'

~Psalm 32:11~

Many minds probably jump to the conclusion WHAT is there to be joyful about? But, let's rephrase that... HOW can you choose joy this Christmas? We've still got twenty days to find out. I will, however, start off with my favorite holiday jive!

Disclaimer: I have had a blog for years and just now learned that I can do this.

What Came First?

Largesse (lar-gess) - 

the generous bestowal of gifts, favors, or money; 

the things bestowed; 

generosity of spirit or attitude

So, I've been thinking a lot about gifts... not the ones under the tree (even while my fingertips are raw with tearing tape and folding wrapping paper over boxes).

More like, the gifts that aren't expected. A co-worker surprises you with a Monday coffee, or flowers are delivered to your desk just because someone felt like it. When you walk into the kitchen, but the sink is already sparkling clean and free of dishes. 

That extra kiss on your check, that last pile of laundry folded for you... some are hard to spot, others not. Then there are those such as freedom of speech, a brick-solid military defense, a justice system, that are ovbious.

Such gifts- among others- cause us to smile and count them into the blessing cloud. Big or small, acknowledged or ignored, we all have one over our heads. What really hit me though is how these blessings are backed by more then moments, but rather people.

We receive blessings because God made those who are gifted in empathy. 

He created those who excel in caring.

Our Lord planned for those who heed the Spirit's small voice, 'Do this in remembrance of me...'

Because, in truth, one influences the other. Through the use of their gifts, people wrought blessings upon others. 

'There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 

There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.'

~1 Corinthians 12:4-5~

This speaks greatly of His desire to keep us united and connected. But also of how deeply He involves Himself in our creation, thoughts, and actions... every aspect of our lives. God has not left one of us without a gift... so that none of us would be without blessings.

Blessings in White... and Snow Drifts!

 

December 1st, of 2020...

5 inches of snow

Sleeping past 8am

Rolling out dough for cut-out cookies

Singing along with Christmas carols

Making a snow angel

A black-and-white Christmas movie

The best kind of blessings are the ones that can last you a while☺️

Golden Quest

I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, 

and all your walls of precious stones. 

All your children will be taught by the Lord and great will be their peace.'

~Isaiah 54:12-13~

The rocks... they were growing! 

Parker craned his neck, keeping the glint of the diamonds in sight. They laid back in the cave, atop the rubies, amethysts, and emeralds... I need to get in!

The earth sensed his desire and continued to shift. The solid ground beneath him heaved, snapping his muscles into action. The chasm was closing, the rock faces folding in on each other; determined he would not enter! He needed to speed things up. He jumped, limbs flailing to give himself momentum. He hit the button aside his boot; flex-a-leather activated! 

Parker touched down, but only for a second. Energy compacted through the soles of his boots and he hit the air, sailing just in time through the remaining inches of the cave's opening. A jagged edge caught him in the forehead and left his hat on the outside. Parker swiped the bloody cut above his eye, somersaulting into a standing position. 

A few steps inside the mouth, the blackish red roof of the cave yawned back, far beyond what Parker could see. Especially with limited light. With one hand, he lifted a fist of dirt to clot the blood while the other switched his flashlight on. The beam brilliantly hit the massive mounds of jewels and coins that laid inside. Over how many centuries had ti collected? Across how many lands, from endless kingdom fortunes? 

Where to start? Parker had to wonder, scanning the expense of the cave. He had brought the one sack, but that was all that was allowed. He only needed a little. And then she'll be safe... 

Parker dove for the nearest shimmering pile and immediately felt the edges of the coins, the rounded rubies, and rough-cut sapphires. None were wet. Neither the next pile or the next- not a damp edge among them!

"Farther back." Parker rationed, his voice bouncing back from the layers of chalky orange and brown. He refused to feel frustrated. He had made it to the Crawling Caves, over the Waving Hills and across the Lava Fields... farther then any who'd gone ahead of him. "I will make it back!"

Parker climbed over a heap of silver and pearls and moonstones, stumbling knee-deep in the amassed wealth. Hitting the back wall of the cave, he dragged his hands through it. While cool to the touch, his fingers stayed dry as a harvest bone. Parker threw some of the doubloons aside, their light echos against the ground filling the cave. Parker cocked his head as they faded, an idea stilling him. And he listened.

Silence overcame the cave, the rocks no longer shifting. But Parker stared ahead, listening beyond the hollow silence. Until the faint trickle of playing, running water came to his ears. He rushed in its direction, his flashlight becoming the only source of light, farther and farther inward. Until his boot splashed!

In a triumphant laugh, Parker knelt while twisting the cap off his leather pouch. "Found it! I found it, I found-"

"Parker Wilkes ANDERSON!" the cave rumbled and roared. Parker raised his head, brow cocked. Why does it sound like-

"Mrs. Clearn." Parker exclaimed, water hitting his face. He blinked through the sweet drops and indeed, their neighbor was leaning off her front porch. With the usual matted hair and waving fist. "Out! Out of my yard!"

The cave walls had fallen away; the damp shade was now the heavy hot air between the box houses and their parched yards. All except the Clearn's.

"You need to share!" Parker demanded, an eye- and arm- still on her sprinkler. Wound to Mrs. Clearn's bright pink hose, it shot cool crystals of water up and over her grass and onto her flowerbeds. That is, the streams that weren't landing in Parker's plastic water bottle.

"I said out!" Mrs. Clearn ranted now, coming down her steps- reaching for Mr. Clearn's rake! It was the metal-toothed fear of any kid on and across Needle Street. Parker spun his bottle lid back on, wheeling on his heel in the soft grass. He slipped on his fourth step, but fear had him jumping up and across the Clearn's sizzling driveway. Everything sizzled, brown and hot as Thanksgiving rolls at Grandma's. 

Only it was still summer and Needle Street had been shriveling under the sun for four weeks, along with the rest of the town. No thunder, no rain, very few breezes. All the houses rested on dry, crunchy-yellow grass... except for Mrs. Clearn. She was a crazy lady would rather starve then see her flowers wither.

Or stepped on! Parker leapt a row of blue and yellow and disappeared through the well-worn passage in the bush wall between their yards. This didn't satisfy Mrs. Clearn, continuing to yell; but Parker rounded the house and couldn't hear her. He entered the narrow backyard, water bottle triumphantly. "Parker Peril, the great explorer, returns!"

At this, Megan's bright blue eyes exploded with her squeeee of delight. "You were REALLY fast that time!"

Parker's chin raised as his sister clapped. "Almost got caught."

"You did." Megan's eyes widened now, face sobering. Parker nodded, walking up to her under the frail shade of Mom's one dogwood tree. "This is the last one though."

Megan looked down at the bottom of the wash bin, in which she sat. It was old, not much space, but deeper then the mini-pool the Thorntons' owned. Even so, Megan snapped her head back up with a smile. "No problem, Park."

There were a mere three inches of water for her. So many sweaty trips back and forth and he couldn't have gotten more. Parker glared at Megan's wheelchair beside the wash bin. She wouldn't be able to feel much with so little water. But Mrs. Clearn would be on guard now... even Parker Peril had his fears.

Parker wasted no time, pouring half of the water over Megan's curly head. The precious, cool remains went over his equally curly hair. Tiny beads of sweet relief, and Megan's thrilled smile. She splashed her hands down, then up, soaking her bathing suit along with her hair. Parker grinned at her simple amusement, his chest welling with pride. Mission accomplished, Mr. Peril! 

THE END