It’s a Continual Sacrifice!

slow motion eastwardthe world whirlsturning constantlytowards its sun then welcomingthe dark embrace of nightand swirling all aroundsmokey mist risesincense in all colorscontrasting texturesbraiding togetherwith purpose in flightfirst day of the weekit intensifiesas praises are sungand the worship expressedin the Family of Godcovers the rotating earthone longitudegives way to anotherbut in each spacethere are hearts inContinue reading “It’s a Continual Sacrifice!”

Contemplation: Your Love Calls

If you did not love us we would not exist. If you did not woo us we’d not come to you. If you did not call us, we’d never find you. So yes: you do love us! You woo us with singing, your voice whipping through every blast, each storm, to draw us so closeContinue reading “Contemplation: Your Love Calls”

Clean up the Mess!

Deep inside the parched brown grass doves hop expectantly. Here and there they find their treasure: some crawling thing, breakfast. But the allure of their dining room is trashed: plastic bags, black or white, dusted dull with filth, blown in by the wind. A soul gets trashed like that as well: accumulated garbage gleaned fromContinue reading “Clean up the Mess!”

Grateful!

thank you is the flip side of fear its antidote unutterable thanks bubbling over wow! wow! wow! grace welling indwelling dispelling fear—it flees in the face of gratitude You know that feeling: the joy that comes when something longed for, waited for, despaired of, suddenly shows up! You were afraid that it would never happen.Continue reading “Grateful!”

Begging, Waiting

Like your disciples on that day between your murder and your return to life I wait, longing to see what you have promised. You said that, if I would just believe even a little tiny bit I could make a mountain move— I would receive from your loving hand what I am begging for. SoContinue reading “Begging, Waiting”

How Long?

Father, our hopes are drying up just like the earth,turned to dust; just like the leaves,shriveled to paper. No sign of change; no rain. How long must your people wither, shiver in thirsty air that claims all moisture as its own? Tears are gone with the wind. Our hearts ache and find no solace. HowContinue reading “How Long?”

Waiting for Breakthrough

We are like Joshua, like his crowd of followers, circling, circling the walled city in silence, hoping, crying out from our souls only to You, Master of the Universe, to break through those daunting walls. People shout from inside, defaming you. They do not know you. They do not feel your loving arms around them.Continue reading “Waiting for Breakthrough”

The Solitude of Two

The solitude of two: Not me alone, though I am closeted, the door pulled to, and only I sit in my lair. It’s me and you, and you are everywhere. My heart’s a waiting place anticipating your venue. The world is narrowed to a cell, to give you space to do your work in me.Continue reading “The Solitude of Two”

Grateful for this Morning Hour

I thank you, Lord, for this morning hour, when you deign to come and sit with me, when you calm me by your Spirit’s power, and open my eyes so that I can see. Without you, days would just pass by, empty of meaning, empty of peace. But with you teaching my heart to fly,Continue reading “Grateful for this Morning Hour”