All That is Within Me

Psalm 103 Bless the Lord, All You People...

I found a marked up scripture this afternoon, Psalm 103. Circled and dated, it said, "Timmy, Thanksgiving 2006." Our son passed on to Heaven, February 2007.  I studied the words on this NephCure Walk Eve, Oct. 2012. 

 

"Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul." 

Within my soul lies memories, heartbreak and unspeakable joy at what the Lord gives me, promises me, inspires me too.  

"who pardons all my iniquities,"

It doesn't say some iniquities, it doesn't say when you're good enough, it doesn't say when you do certain rituals. It tells me of a God who knows all of me, and is full of grace, ready to give to all who ask. 

"Who heals all your diseases."

 How do I figure this verse out in light of loss?

Eternal perspective. 

Always and forever do I think this way.  That gives me peace. 

"Who redeems your life from the pit."

The pit of grief is deep, but yes, God pulls me out with arms of special friends, wings of scripture, and legs and knees that move with a renewed purpose.        

"Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;"

I hope to share that crown as I walk for NephCure. 

"Who satisfies your years with good things,"

I write for God's glory. My encouragement continues and I wait on the Lord and listen for His inspiration.

"So that your youth is renewed like the eagle."

Brave, strong, symbol of freedom. 

Free to fly home wrapped in Amazing Grace. 

Free to know Him more and more.

 And Tim says,  "Bless the Lord, O my soul. Amen." 

Porch Greeters

Matthew 5:16 (NIV) In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Venturing to pumpkin patches today after work in search of the fruit of the vine, finding the perfect ones  to “represent” at my front entrance took me to three places.  Always a favorite, their taste is OK, but it’s really the spices mixed in the fleshy pulp that gives it flavor.  I love pumpkins for other reasons, their fun shapes, the color and the variety among its kind.  The word “pumpkin” itself, is a fun word.  How many of us have used that word endearing our children or our pets? 

You certainly wouldn’t call one of your kids a GOURD?  (Or would you?) 

Pumpkins are perfect for their purpose—possessing several. They appear at the right time for harvest festivities, and we delight in them for our indoor displays, our porch greeters, and our warm spicy recipes.  We even like the seeds!

I usually see the e-mail forward this time of the year that compares a pumpkin to a relationship with God.  I think the part I like the most is how, like the pumpkin, we need only to remove our “cover” and God reaches in and pulls the yucky stuff out,  replacing it with His light.

 

Lord, sometimes I feel like a gourd, yet You call me Your pumpkin.  You add Your spice in spirit and love. On the front porch of this life I hope to “represent” Your everlasting glow.  Never too small, to large, bumpy, striped, flat on one side, or even over ripe, my outsides really do not matter. I ask that as Your "porch greeter," Your light brightly shines and You take delight in the Harvest. 

FYI, Check it out:http://www.dltk-bible.com/how_a_christian_is_like_a_pumpki.htm

I Am Petrified!

Luke 19:40 NASB

 But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!”

 I visited the Petrified Forest in Arizona this summer.  An amazing geological phenomena, the forces and elements of nature allow something of limited time to become eternal.

What happens in this process?  A volcanic eruption resulting in layers and layers of hot ash containing silicates mixed with water, cover the trees and infuse into their cells. A change begins to take place.  Before the tree disintegrates, the cells remain the same shape but change in composition by crystallizing.  The tree, though looking like a tree is now a solid "rock," a beautifully patterned, multi-colored specimen; an old life takes on new identity.

Thinking of the word "petrified" Does a negative connotation define this word?

Something like:  "SCARED STIFF"

                                                        "FROZEN IN FEAR"

                                                                                             "LIFELESS?"

Spiritually speaking, let's compare the process to sanctification of a believer.  God's spirit erupts in our hearts. Combined with His covering of the ashes of forgiveness and the washing away of our sin--a  change happens. Our old sinful cells (selves) transform into new matter and God the Creator gives us a  defining hope and purpose.

Promised:  "SOLID AS A ROCK"

                                                       "MADE NEW"

                                                                                 "ETERNAL"

Lord God,  the wonders of your creation never cease to point towards your existence. Help me to remain humble and allow my cells to feel your presence. Transform me, remake me, to give you glory. Amen