The Journey

 "Don't try to force fit today into yesterdays mold, instead ask Me (Jesus) to open your eyes so you can find all I have prepared for you in this precious day of life~                                                        From Sarah Young,  Jesus Calling  Enjoying Peace in His Presence 2004 The snow began to fall on Sunday, by Monday a blanket of white covered the ground as far as my eye could see. While washing dishes, looking out my kitchen window I became aware our bird feeder was empty. I noticed birds lined up in the trees, taking their turn at swooping down, landing on the perch of an empty feeder. The temperature outside was a bone chilling cold, it was below zero, the birds were cold, they were hungry, and without food. They knew where they had found food before, but the feeder was empty.  I quickly decided that I would get on my heavy coat, pull on my boots, grab my hat and gloves and then head out to purchase some birdseed. Just as I was getting ready to warm up the

A shadow, a silhouette or outline. Something dark, and overshadowing.  A shadow reflects shape or form and is without light. There are no defined characteristics or features that truly identify the subject that casts the shadow, only darkness can be seen.   Recently  two very important issues that face our country  and individual communities  were recognized in the month of January, Homelessness and The Sanctity of Human Life. Both of these topics are close to my heart, you could say they are my heart's passion. As far back as I can remember I have had a desire to serve among those who seem to be invisible to others, those who live in the shadows. God has placed me in positions of employment or life situations that has allowed me to witness the "why"  people often feel more comfortable living in the shadows. As a society I encourage each of us to pull back the dark curtain and see what has been hidden away.  Often we find men and woman who carry a load of guilt and shame.

I love walking, usually I bring along Spotify or Pandora, recently  I experienced  something new for me, I  walked without music, or a podcast, without talk radio pumping sounds of conversations through my ears. I must admit, I thought this is going to be a boring walk. As I walked I noticed the sounds of my footsteps, with each step, I was aware of the sound of my steps as they thumped along the pavement. Smiling to myself, I breathed in the stillness that surrounded me. Slowly songs of the morning filled my ears, bringing a smile to my heart. You know those sounds, a quite song of the Morning Dove, the call of the Pileated Woodpecker, squirrels rustling through the leaves as they scurry around to gather acorns for the winter.  As I continued down the road of ahead, I noticed a farmer was bringing in the fall harvest, in the distance, I could see the red tractor methodically moving back and forth through the rows of corn, the only sound heard, the faint hum of the harvester.  Simple,

 12 Items or Less   Have you ever found yourself asking, "Does God  really  hear me when I pray?"  Followed by, "When is He  going to answer me ?" I want you to understand, I know God hears the prayers of His people, but from time to time, it would be great to get an express answer to our prayers, right? God, I have have 12 items or less, please help, I need the express prayer line please. Sounds a little ridiculous when I say it out loud, but, I know I have said it in my mind over and over again. As a Christian I understand that instant answers to prayer don't usually happen, however I have discovered that He does answer prayers in His time and sometimes I don't hear the answer because it's not the way I think it should be answered... I believe God speaks to us in many different ways, through His Word, His Church, and through our Christian family. He was speaking to me, but I wasn't listening, I was hanging on to my dreams, not God's reality.

Have you ever watched the movie  Fireproof  ? If you haven't watched it, I highly recommend you check it out. It's a great movie. The movie is about  marriage, relationships, and yes, waiting.  One of my favorites songs from the soundtrack is, " While I'm Waiting " the chorus goes like this,  "I will move ahead bold and confident. Taking every step in obedience. While I'm waiting, I will serve You. While I'm waiting, I will worship. While I'm waiting, I will not faint, I'll be running the race even while I wait."  Obedience, service, worship, running the race. The song, " While I'm Waiting " is a reflection of the thoughts of lead character played by Kirk Cameron as he is actively perusing his wife to save his marriage and also his personal relationship with Jesus. I don't want to tell you too much about the movie as I encourage you to watch it. Have you ever stopped to think about how often we wait during the day?