Category: God

Posted in contagious, darkness, Emotional, faith, God, joy, light, love, scripture, Spiritual

In The Midst Of

Posted on by deannagreensandgardenart

Heavy dark clouds, drenching rains, lightning, and thunder dominated the weekend.  Floods for some.  But the light of day peeped out for a few minutes each day.  The songbirds sing for joy.  People come outside to pluck a weed or two in the flower bed, maybe to get a start on the many more that will appear with an eventual sunny afternoon.  Neighbors take their furry friends for an afternoon stroll.  The next impending rains quickly arrive before their return to shelter.  Nature’s shower refreshes the soul in the midst of chaos and darkness. “He will not break off a fractured reed, and the lamp that flickers He will not extinguish until He will bring the verdict of innocence” or another version of this scripture in the book of Isaiah repeated in the gospel of Matthew, “A bruised reed He will not break, and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.”

I am reminded with this church hymn this Sunday morn …

Joyful, joyful
We adore Thee
God of glory
Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee
Hail Thee to the sun above
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness
Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness
Fill us with the light of day

~ Friedrich Schiller ~

Let your light shine.  Make joy in the midst of the dark clouds.  Make love besides.  Love wins every time.  It is contagious, and lights up this world!

 

 

Posted in faith, God, grace, love, prayer, scripture, Spiritual

Today Only

Posted on by deannagreensandgardenart

Sometimes it is difficult to focus on today only, this minute, this moment.  It is called being mindful, present moment.  For me it is prayer.  Some of us are planners, shakers and movers, and want the end result now.  But when I think of today only, I seek  the quiet moments, am still, empty myself of self, then I experience the presence of God.  No event to put on the calendar.  No problem to solve. No filling of my do-to list.  No seeking my next pleasure. And I do not have to suppose what someone will say and react to, or achieve earth-shattering participation levels for an employee wellness project. I just remain still before God alone, and open my heart to Him alone. “Be still and know that I am God.”

Take Lord receive all that is Yours my Lord,understanding my entire will, give me only Your love and Your grace, that’s enough for me, Your love and Your grace are enough for me. Stained Glass @ St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Posted in cancer, daughter, fall, God, Holy Spirit, love, Physical, prayer, Spiritual, strength

When I Fall Short

Posted on by deannagreensandgardenart

our-lady-of-the-rivers.jpgRacing along, this project done, another one or two started, excellent customer service given, that word of encouragement shared, another homemade dinner made with leftovers for the week, and then I stop short.  Sometimes fall short.  Sickness does that to me.  Not just my sickness, but the news that one of my children or another loved one is sick can put me at a complete halt, worry with frenzy or analyze the problem until I am exhausted. Neither accomplish what is desired, complete healing even from cancer. God is so gracious to me, to each of us.  His Word says, “for though a righteous man falls seven times, he will rise again” (Proverbs 24:16).

Prayer is where I go when I fall short.  “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).  Meditative prayers are said at church each day before noon Mass, like glorious chants reaching the heavens. My presence there uplifts me, I rise again from the pew ready to go about the rest of my day.  Unexplained utterances come from my lips at times, when English words cannot say what my heart feels.  And this too is promised in God’s Word. “For I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to withstand or reply to” (Luke 21:15) and “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4). 

Does not matter where I am, at home, in church, at the office, or on a day outing. Just pray.  And I am diligently doing.  Please agree with me for complete healing of my daughter. “Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them …” (Matthew 18: 18 – 20).