That's My King! (Dr. S. M. Lockridge)

 

 

That's My King"

The late Dr. S. M. Lockridge, a pastor from San Diego, California
said these words in a sermon in Detroit in 1976:

My King was born King. The Bible says He's a Seven Way King. He's the King of the Jews - that's an Ethnic King. He's the King of Israel - that's a National King. He's the King of righteousness. He's the King of the ages. He's the King of Heaven. He's the King of g...lory. He's the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that's my King.

Well, I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? Don't try to mislead me. Do you know my King? David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is the only one of whom there are no means of measure that can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of the shore of His supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.

He's enduringly strong. He's entirely sincere. He's eternally steadfast. He's immortally graceful. He's imperially powerful. He's impartially merciful. That's my King. He's God's Son. He's the sinner's saviour. He's the centerpiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He's honest. He's unique. He's unparalleled. He's unprecedented. He's supreme. He's pre-eminent. He's the grandest idea in literature. He's the highest personality in philosophy. He's the supreme problem in higher criticism. He's the fundamental doctrine of historic theology. He's the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. That's my King.

He's the miracle of the age. He's the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. He's the only one able to supply all our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He's available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He's the Almighty God who guides and keeps all his people. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. That's my King.

Do you know Him? Well, my King is a King of knowledge. He's the wellspring of wisdom. He's the doorway of deliverance. He's the pathway of peace. He's the roadway of righteousness. He's the highway of holiness. He's the gateway of glory. He's the master of the mighty. He's the captain of the conquerors. He's the head of the heroes. He's the leader of the legislatures. He's the overseer of the overcomers. He's the governor of governors. He's the prince of princes. He's the King of kings and He's the Lord of lords. That's my King.

His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you . . . but He's indescribable. That's my King. He's incomprehensible, He's invincible, and He is irresistible.

I'm coming to tell you this, that the heavens of heavens can't contain Him, let alone some man explain Him. You can't get Him out of your mind. You can't get Him off of your hands. You can't outlive Him and you can't live without Him. The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him. Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree about Him. Herod couldn't kill Him. Death couldn't handle Him and the grave couldn't hold Him. That's my King.

He always has been and He always will be. I'm talking about the fact that He had no predecessor and He'll have no successor. There's nobody before Him and there'll be nobody after Him. You can't impeach Him and He's not going to resign. That's my King! That's my King!

Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Well, all the power belongs to my King. We're around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but in the end all that matters is God's power. Thine is the power. Yeah. And the glory. We try to get prestige and honor and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His. Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever. How long is that? Forever and ever and ever and ever. . . And when you get through with all of the ever's, then . . .Amen!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank You, God, for sending Your Son.  You gave all.  I owe You everything!  ♥~thl

What about Saturday?

Dear God....Friday has come and gone. The most horrific, brutal, sin-stained and yet love-filled, life-changing Friday...has ended. Although we know that Sunday will come....I often wonder...

What about that Saturday? What was it like for You? For Him? For His Mother? For His disciples? For countless lives He touched?

Saturday must have been still...uncertain...restless...painful...brokenhearted...yet forever changed. Saturday...a day to reflect the destructive cruelty of this world...before seeing the Divine Christ and Savior...alive!

Many of us have known Fridays on our journeys. Destruction. Cruelty. Pain. Loss. Death. Disappointment. Despair. Loneliness. Betrayal.

Many of us experience Saturdays...the paralyzing, still wait between gruesome tragedies of life...and God's touch of healing and purpose. Nothing...not the darkest, most deadly Friday....nor the deafening, silent Saturday...is wasted in Your plan. It is in this wait that I must be still, realizing You hold me in my weakness, uncertainty and total surrender. 

May I hold onto You in the cruelest moments. May I trust You in the silent seasons. May I quietly rest in You when I don't see, hear or understand. You are God...and You never cease working in my life. Sunday came before and Your Son will come again! May the remainder of my journey focus on Your hope, healing and holiness...until I am finally Home with You!   In the Name of Your Precious Son, Amen.  ♥~thl

It's Friday...But Sunday's Coming...

 

 

It’s Friday. But Sunday’s Coming

"It’s Friday. Jesus is arrested in the garden where He was praying. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. The disciples are hiding and Peter’s denying that he knows the Lord. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. Jesus is standing before the high priest of Israel, silent as a lamb before the slaughter. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. Jesus is beaten, mocked, and... spit upon. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. Those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord with a leather scourge that has bits of bones and glass and metal, tearing at his flesh. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. The Son of man stands firm as they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. See Him walking to Calvary, the blood dripping from His body. See the cross crashing down on His back as He stumbles beneath the load. It’s Friday; but Sunday’s a coming.

It’s Friday. See those Roman soldiers driving the nails into the feet and hands of my Lord. Hear my Jesus cry, “Father, forgive them.” It’s Friday; but Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, bloody and dying. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. The sky grows dark, the earth begins to tremble, and He who knew no sin became sin for us. Holy God who will not abide with sin pours out His wrath on that perfect sacrificial lamb who cries out, “My God, My God. Why hast thou forsaken me?” What a horrible cry. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. And at the moment of Jesus’ death, the veil of the Temple that separates sinful man from Holy God was torn from the top to the bottom because Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, heaven is weeping and hell is partying. But that’s because it’s Friday, and they don’t know it, but Sunday’s a coming.

And on that horrible day 2000 years ago, Jesus the Christ, the Lord of glory, the only begotten Son of God, the only perfect man died on the cross of Calvary. Satan thought that he had won the victory. Surely he had destroyed the Son of God. Finally he had disproved the prophecy God had uttered in the Garden and the one who was to crush his head had been destroyed. But that was Friday.

Now it’s Sunday. And just about dawn on that first day of the week, there was a great earthquake. But that wasn’t the only thing that was shaking because now it’s Sunday. And the angel of the Lord is coming down out of heaven and rolling the stone away from the door of the tomb. Yes, it’s Sunday, and the angel of the Lord is sitting on that stone and the guards posted at the tomb to keep the body from disappearing were shaking in their boots because it’s Sunday, and the lamb that was silent before the slaughter is now the resurrected lion from the tribe of Judah, for He is not here, the angel says. He is risen indeed.

It’s Sunday, and the crucified and resurrected Christ has defeated death, hell, sin and the grave. It’s Sunday. And now everything has changed. It’s the age of grace, God’s grace poured out on all who would look to that crucified lamb of Calvary. Grace freely given to all who would believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross of Calvary was buried and rose again. All because it’s Sunday.

At the end of the message the pastor shouts out:

It’s Friiidaaaay!

And the whole congregation responds:

But Sunday’s Coming!"

 

(Written and preached  by S. M. Lockridge.  Also preached later by Tony Campolo) 

In life...In You...

"In My Life"
"In my trouble God is greater,
In my weakness He is strong;
In my trial God is dearer,
In my sorrow He’s my song.
In my burden God is mighty,
In my storm He calms the sea;
In my tears I know His comfort,
In my life He’s all to me." (Roy Lessin)

Dear God~It's a tough time in this world. People are angry. People are fighting. People are afraid. People are hurt.  Confusion abounds.  Suffering spreads.  Division seems common. Unity seems rare. Hearts are aching alone...while forms of communication are abundant.

The storms of life are strong and destructive.  Tragically, as some seek hope, others are holding hands high in praise yet failing to hold one another up in love.

I wonder...is this how the world was days before Your Son died? Did dissention, division, destruction and disease seem dominant even while the Savior walked this earth? I wonder how He felt knowing that He would soon sacrifice His life to bring hope, peace, forgiveness, redemption and the greatest example of love ever...into ours.

The noise of this life breaks my heart.  You hold me together. Thank You for loving us so much that a cruel death brought new life.  As You make all the difference for us, may we make a difference here for You. ♥~thl

Be still...

"Be still in your knowing, be still in your being, be still in your God. You will not be shaken, you will not be moved, you will not be forsaken. Be still in His peace. Be still in His comfort. Be still in His hope. Be still in His love." (Roy Lessin)

Dear God~This journey is often loud, lonely, confusing, conflicting, crowded, isolated and uncertain. I often wonder where I am supposed to be, what I am supposed to do and how I will accomplish Your purpose for my life. Then I remember...I am in Your arms. I trust You to lead me, love me and live in me until You take me Home. May I be still...and follow You...completely. ♥~thl

Loved....

"You Are Loved"

"Loved from the manger,
Loved through His birth;
Loved in the heavens,
Loved here on earth.
Loved with His mercies,
Loved in His tears;
Loved with each footstep,
Loved through the years.
Loved when He suffered,
Loved with each breath;
Loved in His heart cry,
Loved to the death!" (Roy Lessin)

Dear God~Thank You for loving me...unconditionally, continually, deliberately, completely and sacrificially. What hope, joy, peace and purpose remain in my heart knowing that You will never stop loving me...and died proving it. May I never forget that no matter what happens in this life...You will never let go of me. ♥~thl

Hurt and gift.....Challenges and Blessings...

“Perhaps it takes a purer faith to praise God for unrealized blessings than for those we once enjoyed or those we enjoy now.”  A. W. Tozer

Blessings and challenges sometimes coexist.  I immediately think of computers, cell phones, homeownership and wisdom.  For example, wisdom usually doesn't arrive until we are older.  But I try to cherish blessings instead of focusing on the challenges...well, most of the time.

My amazing smartphone often reminds me of blessings/challenges.  I love it...until it freezes or turns purple on the screen or freezes or turns itself off randomly...or freezes.  But it has taught me something else.

When I try to text the word "hurt," autocorrect presents the word "gift" instead!  Initially, I was not impressed...at all.

I began thinking.  Certainly, I do not enjoy being hurt or dealing with pain.  Nor do I wish pain on another precious life.  Yet living in this imperfect world inevitably brings pain, hurt, disease and loss into our lives.  I wish it didn't have to be this way.  My heart breaks when loved ones are hurting or in pain for any reason.  Yes, I also cry at commercials for abandoned, abused or ill children...or mistreated animals. 

Ironically, my greatest lessons occur during the most painful moments.  When I hurt the deepest...whether physically or otherwise, I learn the most about unconditional love, authentic faith, unshakeable hope and peace that passes all understanding.  I learn what matters most, what doesn't matter at all, who truly cares and Who remains strong when I am weak.  Priorities become obvious.  Perception is gained.  Challenges are faced.  Blessings abound.  I lean on Him more, listen to Him better, hold onto Him tighter and face each day more gratefully. 

While blessings are usually considered joyful times, I cherish the truth of the song, "Blessings"... 
"'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near?
What if trials of this life
Are Your mercies in disguise?"  (Laura Story)

It is my prayer that I will praise Him for each blessing...for those enjoyable...and for those that bring me closer to Him for eternity.  ♥~thl

Here and now....

"Just Think,
You’re not here by chance,
but by God’s choosing.
His hand formed you
and made you the person you are.
He compares you to no one else
– you are one of a kind.
You lack nothing that His grace can’t give you.
He has allowed you to be here at this time in history
to fulfill His special purpose for this generation." (Roy Lessin)

As Spring begins, I feel more "alive."  I know there is much more I can do now with the weather warming up soon.  There are plants and flowers to work on, painting to do, a large yard to mow, windows to open, house to clean and reorganize, furniture to buy, spring dresses to wear and food to cook on the grill!  Ahhhh....it's a special time of year.  Everything seems....fresh, new and hopeful once more.

I truly believe God has amazing purposes and beauty for winter.  While so much seems dormant during that time, He is actually preparing new life for another beautiful season.  We may not see it...but He has it all in His hands.

Sometimes my life seems dormant...uncertain...quiet...and isolated.  But I have no doubt that God uses the winter seasons of my life to prepare me for new seasons, too.  Although there is much I do not understand about what has happened, what is happening or what may happen...I truly believe He has a purpose and plan for my existence here and now.  It doesn't matter who claimed to care but didn't, what should have happened but hasn't, where I thought I would be but am not, or why heartaches and disappointments have come without explanations.  What matters is that the God of the Universe...my Heavenly Father..The Great I AM...the Master Designer and Great Physician...loves me, made me, cares about me and has a reason for me to live...today...for Him!  If He hasn't given up on me, I will certainly not give up on Him, His plan or His purpose for my simple and ordinary life! 

May this season...this day...this hour....this moment...and this very breath bring honor and glory to Him!  I know each season is purposeful, beautiful and wonderful.  I will rejoice, cherish and live it fully...for the One Who knows me best....and loves me most. ♥~thl   

Trusting....

"A peaceful heart knows that God is the Right One to trust;
A contented heart knows that God is the Best One to trust;
A fulfilled heart knows that God is the Perfect One to trust;
A worshipful heart knows that God is the Highest One to trust;
A triumphant heart knows that God is the Mightiest One to trust;
A devoted heart knows that God is the Loveliest One to trust;
A steadfast heart knows that ...God is the Only One to trust." (Roy Lessen)

Dear God~Trust does not come easy for me. I once trusted everyone freely. Then I trusted too many, unfortunately. At one time, I wondered if I could trust anyone, sadly. Now I trust very few, cautiously. I am truly grateful for those in my life who are trustworthy and I am humbled by those who trust me. Most of all, thank You for allowing me to trust You...completely. ♥~thl 

 Proverbs 3: 5>6

I am His. He is mine.

"May you lean back into the arms of the Lord today. May you find rest in knowing that you are His and He is yours. May His strength reassure you; may His nearness quiet you; may His mercies bring you every consolation and peace." (Roy Lessin)

It's a lesson long overdue.  I have always been a driven person and find satisfaction in "getting things done."  I often find myself multi-tasking half a dozen things at one time without even thinking about it.  Each morning, I run a mental list of what needs to be done.  Each night, before I fall asleep, (IF I fall asleep), I evaluate what was completed and what needs to be addressed tomorrow.

Then...life happens.  Illnesses, tragedies, disease, unexpected events, disappointments...and my lists...and goals...are unmet.  I wonder...what now?  Who am I without getting things accomplished?

My life-long dreams and goals were all set.  I graduated from college with three majors and one minor, lacking only one hour of a second minor.  I would stay home with the children since we have no family closeby.  Meanwhile, I would take online courses.  Once they began college, I would resume my Master's degree goal and a career in Crisis/Trauma Counseling.  One child has graduated from college.  Another remains in college and may pursue grad degrees immediately after graduation.  My parents are aging and need me to travel home frequently.  Other situations also require my focus and involvement.

Again, my plans are changing.  I sometimes wonder...what now?  Who am I without accomplishing my goals so I can serve Him more effectively?

Then I am reminded...I am His child....His daughter...living this life for Him...not for me.  I live, breathe, serve and wait on Him.  He created me. He gave me life.  He has placed me in a place, time, season and situation that I do not understand...but He does.  His plans and purpose for my life far exceed my own dreams and goals. 

Now when I feel lost, unsuccessful, weary, side-tracked, frustrated with my lack of accomplishments and overwhelmed with life's detours, I remember that I rest in His arms, as His child, seeking His plan and embracing His peace as He leads me Home...one season, one chapter, one sentence at a time.  It is not about me.  It is all about Him, my precious, faithful Audience of One.  I am His.  He is mine.  Now being driven doesn't mean pursuing my dreams...but allowing Him to lead me on. ♥~thl 

Waiting...and Trusting...

"The plan of God, the will of God, the purposes of God, and the answers of God don’t come to us all at once, even though they are all in His heart for us now." (Roy Lessin)

Dear God~
When I don't understand Your plan, I will trust You.
When I don't understand Your will, I will follow You.
When I don't understand Your purposes, I will embrace You.
When I don't understand Your answers, I will wait for You.
 When I don't know what to do on this journey, I will remember that You hold me in Your arms always.♥~thl

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."  Proverbs 3: 5>6

In quiet...

"It is in quiet obedience that we follow His footsteps.
It is in quiet reflection that we hear His voice.
It is in quiet assurance that we find His rest.
It is in quiet trust that we find His strength." (Roy Lessin)

Dear God~Thank You for peaceful, quiet moments when we find You, hear You, lean on You and are carried by You. When I say the least is when I hear You most. When I am weak is when I realize Your strength. When there are no words, You hear me clearly. Thank You for never letting go of me and loving me...anyway. ♥~thl

Weakness and strength...

Dear God~
Weakness.  It's not a feeling I enjoy.
I am tired.
I have been ill much too long.
I have too much to do.
I have loved ones to take care of now and later.
I have lost precious time trying to recover.
There are multiple projects surrounding me.
Perhaps I should share once more than I am a driven person.
Weakness is not allowing me to be that driven person.
My spirit remains quite young.
My body does not understand nor agree with that young spirit.
Weakness is not on my to-do list.
Yet weakness...teaches me.

May I listen to You, lean on You, trust You.
May my weakness bring me closer to You.
May my weakness remind me of Your strength.
May my weakness honor Your power, grace and love.  ♥~thl

"But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong."  2 Corinthians 12: 9>10

Toothbrushes and trials...

It was a sound I had never heard before.  While in our master bedroom tonight, I suddenly heard a loud, clanking noise in the master bath.  With everyone gone, I had no choice but to take cautious yet determined steps toward that alarming and strange sound. 

As I entered the master bath, I noticed the noise was coming from the sink area.  Was it a water line problem?  No.  I turned the faucet on and off and the sound continued elsewhere.  I then noticed it was coming from the toothbrush container.  For some strange reason, my battery operated toothbrush had decided to turn itself on...shaking the rest of the toothbrushes and container...violently.  I tried to turn it off...but it was already "off."  I tried to remove the battery but could not reach it.  So I did the most inventive and intellectual solution possible. I placed it on a washcloth until the battery died.  Oddly, it "stopped" several times....only to begin again minutes later.  I have never seen anything like this.

Of course, my analytical mind began thinking.  Isn't that the way satan works in our lives?  How often does he surprise us with something we never experienced before?  How often do we think we have overcome a battle when the struggle unexpectedly begins again? Do we ever try to remove something from our lives that continually gnaws at us...only to find that it seems to be locked so deeply, reaching it doesn't seem possible?   Do we hope that an obstacle in our lives will just go away...but it doesn't?

As long as we live on this earth, we will meet unexpected, continual and interesting struggles with satan.  There will be more noise than we desire...more shaking circumstances than expected and more effort to rid ourselves of struggles than we anticipated.  We were told this life would not be without difficulty.  I take great comfort in knowing that we will not face the challenges of this world alone.  He never leaves us.  He is always with us.  He will see us through no matter how overwhelming our circumstances seem.  Thank You, God, for holding us when life brings shakes, struggles and surprises.  Knowing You care and will prevail makes all the difference in this journey. ♥~thl

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world."  John 16: 33

Cast iron cookware...and life...

Anyone who knows me well, knows I love to cook.  Of course, raised in the South, I greatly enjoy preparing southern dishes.  But I also enjoy learning new dishes and methods continually.  

Recently, I dug deep into my cookware collection and found an old iron skillet I was given many years ago.  It is an antique piece, handed down to me, which always brings me joy.  Of course, as iron cookware does, the skillet needed work before using.  It needed to be "seasoned" again.  This means sealing the metal with a thin layer of oil for protection of the skillet and to also prevent food from sticking.  Seasoning and cleaning are special, continued processes needed to keep iron cookware in optimal condition.  During this time, my husband brought home a new cast iron griddle for me.  So I have really enjoyed using both old and new "classic" cookware. 

As I recently cleaned, seasoned and cooked with the cast iron skillet and griddle, I began thinking about our lives.  Daily life certainly takes it toll.  Through stresses, activities, responsibilities, wear and tear, we often find ourselves feeling a bit "rusty" and in need of cleansing...and protection.

I can't imagine going through one day without knowing God holds me in His arms...and holds me together.  I know that what I endure, within or around me each day, is only possible because of His protection and loving care.  I also know that when I make mistakes or find myself in confusing situations, God surrounds me with His cleansing mercy and grace.  Through this loving opportunity, He provides a new season in my life that will help me find peace, purpose, hope and joy once more.  In gratitude, I begin searching for new ways to serve and honor Him.  Often I may feel like an antique, rusty, iron skillet.  But what a joy to know that in God's love and plan, He will ultimately make me whole, new and useful...for Him...once more. ♥~thl

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."  Psalm 51: 10   

Blessings in brokenness...

Dear God~
It's been one of those days. 
Very blessed.  Extremely difficult.
So much is happening.
So little we can do...except lean on You.

Thank You for knowing all that is
happening within us and around us.
Thank You for understanding what we hold
inside our minds, hearts, souls and bodies.

Thank You for genuine, precious friends,
who take time to pray, listen and care.
Thank You for dear, sweet family who
never walks away from each other.

Sometimes we just want to ask why, how,
when and what we should do.
We realize that You know the answers and
direction...when we have none.

Thank You for knowing the words we can't express.
Thank You for giving us strength we don't have.
Thank You for sharing hope we don't always see.
Thank You for mending broken hearts, bodies and lives....in Your time.

I praise You.
I adore You.
I trust You.
I love You...always. <3~thl 

"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: 29>31

One thing left to do...

"When my plans have fallen through
And when my strength is nearly gone
When there's nothing left to do but just depend on You
And the power of Your name..."  *

Dear God~
Each season of life holds blessings and trials.
We praise You. 
We pursue You. 
We hold onto You.

The more lives we are blessed to love,
the more we ache for those we love...
Children, parents, family, neighbors, friends.
We watch them celebrate life.
We see life take its toll on them.

Sometimes I am simply weary.
No answers.  No stategies. No solutions.
Life is blessed.  Life is difficult.
I praise You.  I cling to You.

Then I remember....
"There is strength in the name of the Lord.
There is power in the name of the Lord.
There is hope in the name of the Lord.
Blessed is He, who comes in the name of the Lord,"  *

Yes, there's often nothing else to do..
But hold on dearly to You.
For I know...Your light shines brightest
in the darkest of nights.  Lead me on...♥~thl


(* "In the Name of the Lord" sections by R. Brown, R. Courtney, C. Kirland) 

Heavenly Honesty...

"God listens to the passionate words of His friends; He is bored with predictable, pious cliches.  To be God's friend, you must be honest to God, sharing your true feeling, not what you think you ought to feel or say." ~Rick Warren

Dear God~As a parent, I ask three things of my children:  reverence, respect and responsibility.  This includes honesty...always.  It thrills my heart when they approach me and talk openly from their hearts, thoughts, feelings and experiences. 

While I cherish this with them, I can't imagine how You are pleased when You are approached with honesty, reverence, respect and responsibility.  Thank You for allowing us to talk openly from our hearts, thoughts, feelings and experiences.  Thank You for allowing us to approach You...the Creator of all...as our Father.  No pretense.  No pious cliches.  No attempt to impress You.  For in honesty, we build trust.  And trusting You...makes all the difference in facing our past, living our present and embracing our future.  May we be as real with You as Your love is real for us! ♥~thl

"For I am the Lord, Your God, Who takes hold of Your right hand and says to You, Do not fear; I will help you."  Isaiah 41: 13

A Moment in the Story...

“God is God. He knows what He is doing. When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.”  ~Max Lucado

Dear God~
In this life, I find,..
suffering I do not understand...
answers I do not find...
situations I do not expect...
uncertainty I do not enjoy...
conflict I do not fathom...
rejection I do not warrant...
and loss I do not perceive.

But You...
understand,
know,
anticipate,
allow,
forgive,
love,
and heal.

I see a mere moment of this life.  You see the entire story. 
What I do not grasp, You hold in Your hands.
I am Your child.  You are God alone...forever.
I will trust You...completely. ♥~thl

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal."  Isaiah 26: 3>4

Deafening Silence...

"Silence is the most powerful scream." (Anonymous) 

"There are times when silence has the loudest voice." (Leroy Brownlow)

"Saying nothing...sometimes says the most."  (Emily Dickenson)

Silence...
may seem rare for some.
may seem a way of life for others.

may be golden for some.
may be haunting for others.

may reflect self-control for some.
may reflect out-of-control for others.

may promote peace for some.
may promote isolation for others.

may bring healing for some.
may bring destruction for others.

may deliver communication for some.
may deliver disconnection for others.

may speak effectively for some.
may speak alarmingly for others.

may communicate prayers.
may communicate pleas.♥~thl

Dear God~Silence is deafening.  Only You know the messages of silence in each life.  May those who seek You in silence find Your loving arms.  May those who suffer in silence find Your loving hope. Please help us become more aware of what is spoken...and what is not.  May we listen, live and love for You. ♥~thl

"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You." Psalm 10: 9>10