Thinking on these things . . .

I'm getting a tuxedo ready for my 15 year old son. And I can't believe it. I had no idea he'd be in a position to wear one so soon! And I wonder... I wonder what clothes God has in store for us for positions He knows we'll soon be filling. Will it be the suit of a speaker or the soft sweater of a grandparent, the shoes of one with a mission or an outfit paired with coffee for a time of listening? What are His plans? What is He preparing for us? The Bible talks of God preparing a place for us in heaven (John 14), but what does He have in mind for us to finish before we arrive at home? When my son steps out with his violin at the concert he will be prepared,in his skill set and with the proper attire. What attire is God preparing for you? And how is He preparing you for it?

"O Israel, stay away from idols! I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me." (NLT) I will answer him and care for him. I am like a green pine tree; your fruitfulness comes from me."(NIV) It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; from me comes your fruit.(ESV) It's been there all along but I'd never noticed this verse in Hosea 14:8, but; now that I'd seen it, my eyes were opened! 'Tis the season of evergreens! They stand full and proud while their deciduous counterparts are stark barren sticks. We're bringing their beauty and fresh smell into our homes to stand in places of prominence. The tradition of decorating evergreens is centuries old; however, I couldn't find an explanation as to why this particular tree - until I saw it here - in Scripture. God's faithfulness is likened to an ever green tree - constant, u...

 Unfailing love surrounds those who trust in the Lord - Psalm 32:10b (NLT) Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him. (NIV) Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord (ESV) Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; but he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him (NKJV) You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance  Psalm 32:7 You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand of blessing on my head....I can never escape from Your Spirit! I can never get away from Your presence! If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I go down to the grave, You are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there will Your hand guide me and your strength support me. Psalm 139: 5,  7-10 Unfailing love surrounds those who trust in the Lord...

Ideally life should look like this However; typically, mine looks like this Which is okay if all the ducks stay still so I can assemble them into a tidy row: if I can take all my responsibilities and give them the proper time and attention they require. Unfortunately my "ducks" more closely resemble Canadian geese - independent,fast moving, fat and mean. Making it a constant race to chase them down to get them in order. And they don't like getting in order...really. Ducks, Geese, Responsibilities, None are  predisposed to get into a nice orderly row. Instead they exhibit other behaviors... some days are just that way... And it is on these days that it is good to remember that I am not the one sitting on the throne of the universe. God is in control and because He is, I don't have to be. I will do my best act responsibly in all my commitments and obligations. But putting ducks in rows, is ultimately up to Him.  ...

Artwork by Timothy Botts I am the Bread of Life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry again. John 6:35 Never hungry again - not for purpose or fame; or satisfaction or success. Not for affirmation or approval; or love or comfort. Not for pleasure or motivation; or  companionship or understanding. The Bread of Life stands ready to satisfy all my appetites, promising that if I have Him, He is all that I need. No matter the day or the season or the year if I have Him, it is enough. He is my daily bread.