8687429 © Schakal79 | Dreamstime.com What do people think they see when they take a look at me? A pious, clean exterior or a holy, pure interior? Am I set aside for God or content to merely plod along at my own pace, even stumbling in the race to confirm my own high call? No!Continue reading “Firmly Attached”
Tag Archives: spiritual formation
One Sure Thing
In this slippery tilting world your heart is one sure thing. You love me always, whether I am striding in the right direction or fallen in a patch of thorns, listening raptly to your voice or indulging my addictions, desperately trying to feel good. Unfailing love: hesed, the Hebrews said. This is what we longContinue reading “One Sure Thing”
Hope Rises
Hope rises in your Presence like the misty vapors gently swirling off lake waters as dawn glows golden in the east. It is the warm light streaming from the essence of You that deletes the hopelessness of darkness, and reminds us that a new day is coming, one overseen by your loving care and faithfulness.Continue reading “Hope Rises”
Man of Sorrows
And this is comfort: that when the children cry the Man of Sorrows suffers too. Eternity encircled and enclosed the crossbar of his suffering with the pain of ages, all our griefs and every ruination choking out the Breath of Life. Heart broken under awful weight of every horror, crime and burden, he was crushed.Continue reading “Man of Sorrows”
I Am One Piece of It All
I am not the center of your plans,and yet you give me significance as one special piece of the enormous puzzle that is your kingdom:a breathing, sentient realitythat is growing into your New Creation, a wonder of wondersthat no evil can destroy.So I just keep on saying it,telling you that (paltry as it is)I giveContinue reading “I Am One Piece of It All”
Eyes Fixed on Him
Lord, teach me howto stay on alert,watching out for the trapsinsidiously camouflaged,waiting for meto take one false stepand cave in to fear,or greed, or false symbolsof who I am. Show mewhere my adversary has poisonedthe thorns beneath the roses;help me to recognize eviland avoid it completely,holding only to what is goodand promotes love.At the sameContinue reading “Eyes Fixed on Him”
His Joy is My Strength!
When my happiness fades away,disappointment moves in to stay.But his joy makes me strong!It lifts me like a song!It’s not laughter-dependent,doesn’t need a comic moment—not transient like a smilethat might last for a short milethen gradually melt down, maybe change into a frownat the pain and deep distressin my world’s sloppy mess.My Master’s joy isContinue reading “His Joy is My Strength!”
Where is Peace?
The angels sang of peace.And yet I struggleto rememberwhat seemsso elementary:peace has its sourcein you, the Prince of Peace.Peace seems to be the theme song ofa mocking bird,just borrowedand played back,called out in blandirrelevance, mere words.Where is goodwillwhen wars devourthe planet? Evenin your Bodythe cruel manipulationof the truth scores wounds;ill will is out to banishContinue reading “Where is Peace?”
Breathe in hope!
Breathe in the wet earthBreathe in my mercyBreathe in wafts of breezeBreathe in my Spirit Breathe in red poinsettiasBreathe in my artistryBreathe in owls cooingBreathe my approbationBreathe in candles glimmeringBreathe in gifts of hopeBreathe in massive fir treesBreathe my complex weavingBreathe in shafts of sunriseBreathe in Light and TruthBreathe in ringing church bellsBreathe my loveContinue reading “Breathe in hope!”
Open Home
The travelers walked in the door, hot and dusty after hours on dirt roads. Mom always found room at the table, one built for her by Dad, big enough to welcome at least a dozen guests. She added another vegetable, salad, bread— done! There was always enough. Then, grown up, it was my turn. IContinue reading “Open Home”
Linnea's Lines 