Thursday, February 11, 2016

Sunsets

I remember I was 14 the first time I actually started to pay
attention to the gift that had been before my eyes for such
a long time. I would sit on the roof of my house and watch 
the sun disappear behind the cities each night. Each night
was different. Sometimes the wind softly blew, making the
leaves of the trees rustle and the chimes from the playground
sing softly. Other times everything was completely still, but 
the sun made up for the lack of music as it put on a glorious
show all its own. Dashes of purple and pink would interweave 
with streaks of orange and splashes of light blue, and, in the 
middle of it all, the sun told the story of a majesty and beauty 
that I yearned to know better.
Why did I not notice that much beauty until 14?
  Because until 14, I never had to rely on the Creator of that 
beauty. In one year, everything I knew to be true was challenged.
The things that I held most dear, that I relied on for strength and 
comfort, was taken away. But God, through each sunset, 
reminded me of His faithfulness. Because each night was 
unique - different; not what you would expect.

And even though it was unexpected, it was beautiful.

Friday, January 1, 2016

New Year's Freedom




                                         New Year's
                                    memories of last
                               realizing He was there
                          looking at the bigger picture
                                        knowing
                                  as then, so now.
                                  He was faithful
                                   He is faithful
                                He will be faithful.
                        Oh, consistent and creative Father
                          remind me this 2016th year
                                   You are here
                                    You are there
                          You will continue Your work
                                      pruning
                                      guiding
                                      correcting
                                      revealing
                                      reviving
                                    making new
                             just because I am Your's.
                              You have promised.
                               You will be true.
                     For this year, my resolutions of do's and don'ts
                      won't appear on these pages of blue and white
                         my hope and future is anchored in You
                           So when I fail a million times
                     Instead of looking into my list and crying in defeat
                          I will turn to the pages filled with grace
                          Travel back to the cross and kneel
                                hands surrendered
                           Run to the empty tomb shouting hallelujah
                             And walk in freedom with You,
                      my Redeemer of the million failures of 2016
                             only You can conquer
                              only You can change
                                My joy?
                             To run with You till end of days.
                           Strengthen my weak knees, my Great Conqueror
                           Make much of yourself through this jar of clay
                           Let my heart be found hidden in You, Emmanuel.
                              Strengthen my faith
                                My trust
                              My desire for You
                              Erase my fear
                         of the valley of deep darkness and tears
                             for You are there
                          amaze me with the power of Your perfect love
                             Caster of fears
                            remind me, Father
                           when I'm tempted
                           to make my list of rules and regulations again
                             You are my anchor
                              You are here
                              You are there
                             I need not fear
                           You are my security
                          past, present, and future.