Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Splinter

How do you feel about me, Lord? I closed my eyes as I silently asked my Abba this question while cruising at an altitude of 36,000 feet. For a while He was silent, waiting, I believe, for me to still my thoughts, prepare my heart and quiet my soul. After what seemed like forever, but in reality was probably about 30 seconds, He began to flash visions through my mind. He allowed me to relive some of my favorite recent memories with Him--brilliant starry nights; breathtaking shooting stars; standing on majestic mountaintops taking in the beauty of His creation--and as I was reveling in these memories He whispered truth of His love and adoration towards me. He was reminding me that I am more precious in His sight than all of these things. Tears were streaming down my cheeks faster than I could brush them away.

And then, He brought my earthly father, my daddy, to my mind, and a memory that I haven't thought of in a very long time. When I was about 4 year old I went on a trip with my mom and her family to visit some relatives in Michigan. My dad didn't go with us. I was playing on the outside deck with some of my cousins and got a splinter in my right heal. Uncle Brucie will take that out for you. No way! I wanted my daddy. He was the only one who knew how to take my splinters out. Uncle Brucie is a daddy, too. You won't feel a thing. It didn't matter who he was, he wasn't my daddy. He didn't know how to do it like my daddy. And, no matter how much they reasoned with me about needing to take that splinter out, I refused. He's wasn't my daddy.

I'm still like this today. My daddy does things better than anyone else can. I call him up even though he lives 500 miles away and simply cannot help me in most situations. I love you more than even your daddy, my love! I care about you more purely and deeply than he can. I want to be your #1. Allow me to work on those splinters in your soul. Those lies that you have believed, those curses you have received, those harsh words you have harbored. Receive My love like you receive his. Call on Me first. 

In those last precious moments with my loving Abba this morning he reminded me that He has given me my dreams and desires, atually imprinted them upon my heart. "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" ~Ps. 37:4. I mustn't forget the first part of that verse: delight yourself in the Lord. John 15:7 promises that if I remain in Him and His words remain in me that I can ask anything and it will be given to me. Pretty big promise, but I must do my part...remain in Him...delight in Him...

My prayer is that I will truly abide in my Abba, take delight in Him and trust Him with my most intimate dreams, wishes and desires, especially those that seem silly or impossible...

Saturday, March 19, 2011

slow and easy

I live in the #1 / #2 place to live in America.
No really, it was actually ranked one of those last year in money magazine.
It's a great place, with a great view of the mountains.

I love jammin' to my tunes, mainly Hillsong United, as I run or ride with the windows down.
(Sorry, Need,  I still love you guys...)
People drive, on average, about 3 mi/hr under the speed limit.
I love it!
There's no rush to race through life.
In fact, I'd really describe this community as carefree, go with the flow.

It dawned on me the other day that while I enjoy this life, it should in no way reflect my attitude towards serving my Father.
I need to serve and love with an urgency.
People are dying who have never heard about Jesus.
People are still worshiping idols, hopeless, lost.
I know where I'm going, but that's not enough.
That can't be enough.
God desires that people from every tongue, tribe and nation will worship Him, will know Him intimately.

I know that I'm in this beautiful city for a reason.
These are the people that I am to minister to at this time, to love.
I tend to be so selfish, focusing on my own plans, desires and wants.
I am often overcome by my hurts and disappointments without even considering the hurts and disappointments of others.

My prayer is that as I fall more in love with my Maker I will become a better reflection of Him.
That I will love others and notice their needs before my own.
That I will worship in Spirit and Truth.
And, ultimately, that I will practice what I preach.

Breath in me Your life
Til Your love overtakes me.
Open up my eyes
Let me see You more clearly.
Falling on my knees
Til I love like You love
Like You love me
I love You.
~Bones by Hillsong United

Blessings,