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”
Tag Archives: spiritual formation
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”
A Confluence of Soulmates
We believe, she and I, so streams of living water flow from within and mingle in profuse display: splash of sympathy, sparkle of delight, mellow liquid comfort. Spirit meets Spirit and waterfalls rush to embrace, clarity leaping with grace to wash over souls and leave us limpid, rippling, blessed. The gift of a friend whoContinue reading “A Confluence of Soulmates”
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”
Breathe, Let Go!
Breathe out your distress, breathe in my caress, the nourishing air of my Spirit’s care for your soul. Let your head rest in peace on my chest the one place where you can safely dare to let go! That word from my Father has comforted me over and over. He truly wants us to comeContinue reading “Breathe, Let Go!”
Linnea's Lines 