Inside my Heart

"There are only to way to live your life.

One is as though nothing is a miracle. 

The other is as though everything is a miracle!"

Albert Einstein

"When we lose one blessing another is

often unexpectedly given in its place."

C.S. Lewis

 As I've been sitting here at my humble kitchen table going through my "to do" lists before the end of the year, my mind drifts as names appear on bits of note paper scattered here and there. My "giving list" grows longer each year, as the needs in the world are so great and growing. I have hope that this will change as our New Year brings news beginnings that I choose to see as a miracle. People often become so wrapped up in their own feelings that they fail to see the true meaning in current events. My eyes have been wide open as I see into our eternal future...one of promise and hope if we choose it. Everything is about making choices. We have been given that right.

This year certainly has not been one I would have chosen for myself, but I understand that God has a purpose for everything He allows to happen in my life. The way may be painful, agonizingly so at times, but the way grows clearer each step. I picked up an old friend last week, Hinds Feet on High Places, an allegory written by Hannah Hurnard. From time to time over the years I will re-visit this friend. It is always the right timing for me. The story is about a young shepherdess named Much Afraid who lives in the Valley of Humiliation, a member of the Fearing clan. She works in the employment of the Great Shepherd who is leading her to the High Places where she can be free and healed. Besides the characteristics her name suggests, she suffers from several physical deformities which make her grotesque to her Fearing clan who try to dictate her life through fear and intimidation, but the Great Shepherd and those who are close to Him see the true character of this gentle soul.

This is the story of her escape from the Valley to the High Places where she will forever be free in the service of her Lord. The path she takes is often descending, and along the way she encounters some of her enemies, her cousins Resentment, Bitterness, Self-Pity, Pride, and the one she fears the most, the cousin her family wants to force her to marry, Craven Fear. Much Afraid is guided along the way by fellow companions Sorrow and Suffering who are also in the Shepherd's employ. She also had but to cry out, and the Great Shepherd himself would be right by her side. He would come leaping and bounding on hind's feet to her side. She would look sadly down at her twisted feet and wonder how he could ever transform these feet that made her stumble and fall into hind's feet. But she trusted him in spite of all the doubt and fears she felt in her heart or the insults shouted out at her by the enemies who hid themselves along the way.

One journey was to the Valley of Loss. The way seemed to defy everything the Shepherd had ever  promised her, and the words of her enemies crowded her mind until she cried out in despair for the Shepherd to come to her rescue. When he was by her side she clinged to him and reminded herself that he was not a man who would ever lie to her. After a silence he asked her, "Would you be willing to trust me," he asked, "even if everything in the wide world seemed to say that I was deceiving you - indeed, that I had deceived you all along?" Although she was perplexed at the thought that he would ever do such a thing she responded that she would trust him. When she is put to the test and the horrible thought that the one person she chose to follow, to give her life in service to, had deceived her and had no intention of taking her to the High Places and giving her hind's feet, she was beside herself with fear. But as she looked within her trembling heart and considered the time she spent with him, she realized that nothing was more important than loving him, regardless of whether he loved her or not. This is her response:

"The awful glimpse down into the abyss of an existence without him

 had so staggered and appalled her heart that she felt she could never be 

quite the same again. However, it had opened her eyes to the fact that right 

down in the depths of her own heart, she really had but one passionate desire, 

not for the things which the Shepherd had promised, but for himself. 

All she wanted was to be allowed to follow him forever."

Hind's Feet on High Places

"In the Valley of Loss"

Hannah Hurnard

  

And so it is in my life of wondering but never asking why, although I do ask "how does it bring You honor...?" at times. It is not so much of a question but a desire to bring Him honor in all things. To see the purpose, but then if I knew the answer the enemy Pride may be lurking in the shadows to tempt me. All I know is that, like Much Afraid, I trust Him with every fiber of my being. Not having Him in my life would be unbearable, life meaningless. He is with me all the time, the first one I speak to in the morning, and the last one at night. I cannot imagine a better way.

"I feel it is far better to begin with God, to see His face first, to get my

soul near Him before it is near another. In general it is best to have at

least one hour alone with God before engaging in anything else."

E.M. Bounds

"His compassions fail not. They are new every morning;

great is thy faithfulness." 

 Lamentations 3:22, 23

Good News!

Christmas is a time of wonder and renewed vision. It is also a time when the suicide rate hits the highest peak for those who wrestle with depression and overwhelming and excruciatingly relentless pain from guilt and shame. Although I love the season, the festivities, and the wonderful food prepared by loving friends and family, it is a very difficult time for me. As I have shared with you before, I keep my little life-like Christmas tress up all year round to remind me of precious memories. I have a snowman tea set given to me by my daughter displayed proudly in my living/dining area, and my snowman and Demdaco angel collection brighten my living room. My memories and treasured gifts from friends and family.

Today, as almost every day of this year, with the exception of Sundays, I am pressed for time in getting to one appointment or another. My Wednesdays and Saturdays are generally my busiest days recently, but the crowded schedule has very little to do Christmas shopping, rather the time is spent on practical matters of life. Still, my early morning hours must be spent in Bible study and prayer, otherwise my life would fade away into obscurity. I need Christ's strength in everything I do, and I need that boost of energy and revival that comes from reading God's Word every day.

I am now entering the travels of Timothy, but I have had such a pressing schedule this week that rather than go forward, I wanted to back track to the book of Philippians for precious morsels of wisdom I need so badly right now. Since Thanksgiving I have experienced the tragic loss of a dear friend whom I had hoped to see while home in Virginia this Christmas; I have learned of a dear friend's loss of her mother after a valiant battle with cancer; and my personal struggle with the affects of head trauma and a ridiculous work load that grows daily. Both my friend and my friend's mother are now resting safely and peacefully in the arms of Jesus, as are my parents who passed away during the Christmas season years ago. Still, the loss of my parents remains fresh in my heart, especially now, but the joy I feel in the knowledge that they are with Jesus is a tremendous comfort to my soul. What better time for a loved one to pass into the presence of God.

I want to share with you the wisdom I gleaned from my study of Philippians. The book was written by Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome for spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. He was writing to the church praising their steadfastness in living their faith and openly sharing God's word of life through Christ Jesus. He urges the church to continue to agree with each other, love each other, and to be of one mind and purpose. He encourages them to:

"Do everything without complaining and arguing...." (2:14)

"Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights." (2:15)

"Hold firmly to the word of life." (2:16)

In Chapter 3 he shares the priceless treasure of knowing Christ:

"Whatever happens...rejoice in the Lord." (3:1)

"We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort...." (3:3)

"Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." (3:8)

"...I become righteous through faith in Christ." (3:9)

"...I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead." (3:10)

"But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me." (3:12)

"...but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." (3:12-13)

In Chapter 4 he offers words of encouragement:

"...always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again, rejoice!" (4:4)

"Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do." (4:5)

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything." (4:6)

"Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (4:7)

"And now...one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." (4:8)

"...for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have." (4:11)

"For I do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." (4:13)

"And this same God, who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given t us in Christ Jesus." (4:19)

These have been wonderful, life saving words of encouragement to me, and I share with you in the hope that these words will bring you comfort in sadness and strength for all your days. Share the Good News today, rejoice always, pray about everything!

Happy Thanksgiving

As I sat at my table this morning I recounted the many times Abba has delivered my family through difficult circumstances. Each of my three children have encountered horrendous obstacles, and each one continues to suffer in one way or another. Together we have endured attacks on every level - spirit, soul, body, mind - yet through God's power we have overcome and continue to do so. Our journeys and the blessings that have come have truly been amazing, yet only I can see the significance of that statement at this moment in history. And that's okay, because I see the privilege we have been given by God to stand for Him as a testimony of His purpose in and through each of us. I praise and thank Him for His long suffering as we are difficult people.

This Thanksgiving, like many, I am separated from my children as my two sons live nearer to the east coast, and my daughter is simply too ill for a visit. Still, they are close to me in my heart. My tradition of the Star Wars marathon on Thanksgiving is something my sons enjoy, but my daughter has always been partial to Christmas dramas on the Hallmark Channel. I enjoy a mix of both, but then I watch Christmas movies year round. Christmas is a day-to-day celebration in my home, Christmas tree and all! I keep it up to remind me of the precious friends and family as each ornament or decoration has meaning to me. I believe it is important to surround oneself with the treasure we have in friends and family, special memories, and even bittersweet reminders. This way our hearts sing, and a smile lights our face each time we look around beholding the riches of our blessings in the simplest things.

Next Saturday I will host a fun-filled day creating ornaments or simple gifts with my friend's grandchildren. My latest endeavor is making Christmas stars from toilet paper rolls, an art I learned from a friend I visited this week. It's the simple things in life we can enjoy, and I will have another memory added to my already crowded little Christmas tree.

This Thanksgiving I am grateful to God for taking my life, such as it is, and using me for such a time as this. To bring glory to Him in all I say and do!

Proclamation

 

Each day of my life is a gift from God. I, who am a sinner saved by grace, am so thankful for a loving Abba Father. He made His presence known to me as a child struggling as part of a dysfunctional household and within my own life while battling enemies not yet recognized. He gave me dreams and visions that no man can hinder, regardless of the lies I have been given to believe from childhood up to the present age. He alone is my vindicator and judge. He alone is my Abba, my Lord, my Defender. He who shelters me day and night with His divine protection, because He neither slumbers nor sleeps. He loves me with an everlasting love. I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because it is life to all who seek Him. He gives life, strength, and comfort through the person of Holy Spirit who dwells within my soul and spirit directing my path step-by-step. No weapon formed against me and mine will prosper. Any tongue that rises up against us He will show to be in the wrong. He has promised to fight my battles. I never have to fear. He goes before me and holds my right hand.

I am speechless at the thought that He chose me for a special purpose and that He is putting people in my path to support His ministry in and through me. I am humbled and grateful beyond words. May I decrease that He will increase. All praise and glory to my Abba Father and my Lord Jesus Christ, lover of my soul.

This is my proclamation on this November 19, 2016. It goes out to everyone who reads this blog and with whom it may be shared. Jesus is Lord of my life.

Last night I was privileged to attend a benefit concert for Sangre de Cristo House and honoring the  founder, Father Terry Brennan. He was born in Ohio and attended Ohio State University and later American University in Washington, DC. He received his law degree and served in Washington, DC. While taking a sabbatical and volunteering in Santa Fe he realized this was the place he needed to be. Later he received his calling into the priesthood where he has served many people in New Mexico. His journey has been inspirational.

The main event was a performance by Ernestine Romero from Pojoaque who was named Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2016 Tejano Music Awards. I had such a wonderful time enjoying the music and mixing with my Hispanic friends and fellow supporters of this wonderful ministry. Sangre de Cristo House is a transitional living home for women in recovery located in Pena Blanca, New Mexico.  It supports women by offering "a safe home for recovering women by offering them a safe transitional home environment and by "helping them rebuild their parent/child bond, building life skills, by exploring how to balance employment and recovery, and growing a spiritual strength for long-term recovery."  It is a blessing and a unique resource for our community.

The longer I serve in this area of Northern New Mexico I see the many needs of the culture and the time in which we are living. We can either choose to grumble and complain and do nothing to change the circumstances of our world or we can grab the vision, roll up our sleeves and get busy doing something to make a difference. We will reach obstacles, and we will encounter opposition, but we look to God for direction and depend on Him to fight our battles. When Franklin Graham was doing his year long tour to visit the capitals of all the 50 states he urged Christians to become involved in government or support others who are actively trying to make this a better place in our homes, schools, businesses, community and government. 

While reading through my daily devotionals I stumbled upon some inspiring quotations:

"If the world seems cold to you, kindle fires to warm it."

Mathilda Gage

"The moment you doubt whether you cannot fly,

you cease forever to be able to do it."

JM Barrie

"Don't let yesterday take up too much of today"

Will Rogers

And now may God, who gives us His peace, be with you all. Amen (Romans 15:33)

Sharing Thoughts

Sunday afternoon at the movies is one of my favorite pastimes. Today I watched a PureFlix movie called "A Perfect Chord." It is the story of two teenage girls who are hiding their talents each for a different reason, each with a different fear. Together the two girls become friends, and along with the quirky side kick of one of the two who helps them pull it all together, they overcome their fears, and use their talents to bring glory to God. It's a must see for anyone struggling with overcoming fear and daring to pursue their dreams.

We all live with unrealized dreams that have been hidden away for one reason or another. We start out thinking we can change the world, but somehow, along the way on life's journey and enormous challenges, somehow we become sidetracked or too discouraged to dare to hope we can make a difference. So we choose to live a mediocre life...we settle for someone's else's idea of how our life should be lived. I've written it before...the little house with the white picket fence. But there are those who forsake it all for the call of the wild, so to speak. Having been down the proverbial yellow brick road seeking the assistance of the Great Wizard who simply does not exist, they succumb to disappointment and isolation.

Before I watched the movie I was having a conversation with Abba about my childish mind stuck in a senior's body. Somehow I still believe I can do anything I long to do in this life, if I only believe it and trust my crazy ideas. On K-Love news this week I heard a story about a gentleman well into his 90's who is still teaching school. Everyone loves him, and he has no intention of retiring, as he loves his job and his students, and they adore him. The staff at the school feel the same way. Mother Teresa must be smiling, as she persevered til the end of her days. Imagine if we all felt that way, had that dedication and intense will power, with the spirit of a child at heart.

This morning I asked our pastor who teaches at the high school how I could help. Apparently the school is in the news these days as it struggles to provide for the needs of our young people as well as other challenges. Years ago when I was much younger I helped another school in a similar situation, with the aid of the new principal's wife who was also a teacher. Drawing on my crazy ideas and unique "gifts," we worked to develop a program for at risk kids using puppetry. It worked very well, and it could have gone further had I had the desire to continue, but there were things in my life back then boiling under the surface. One school year ends and things change, and life goes on.

One day while standing in line at Natural Grocer's I accidentally bumped into a book stand, and a book fell onto the floor. I picked it up, and as I was placing it back on the shelf the title jumped out at me. Who knows maybe the book "chose me." Or perhaps God just wanted to get my attention, as is His way. The title of the book was Chicken Soup for the Soul Guided Journal. The subtitle read "Explore and Embrace Your Inner Strength," and then below it said "Doodle your dreams & discover the real you!"

In the introduction, appropriately entitled "The Reset Button" a Chinese Proverb is shared for inspiration:

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.

The second best time is now."

The idea behind the "part workbook, part devotional guide and all Chicken Soup for the Soul" is to provide a "positivity journal" to help one "hit the reset button and embark on an exciting adventure."

Included in the pages of this "positivity journal" are witty quotations, true life stories, and blank pages for notes, thoughts, and doodling. I've only just begun this new adventure, but it holds promise in rekindling a spark to ignite the old passion lying dormant within my soul or those on the verge of miraculously coming forth after a long, insidious slumber.

I often struggle to put aside things that trouble me deeply and threaten to steal my hopes for the future. This week I put aside another hindrance holding me captive in time, and I know the culprit will rear its ugly head again, but I pray I can squash that pesty rascal and silence its voice. I may have to live with unpleasant noises in my ear and head, but I don't have to listen to the voice of a thief and a liar who constantly tries to steal my joy and rob my peace. So it's done, for now, until the next time the sneaky pest attempts to stick a talon in my business. The results rest in God's hands, and I am reassured that He will fight this battle for me.

I may be older, but I am still alive, and my brain bursts with more crazy ideas and not so crazy ones. I'm with the very senior gentleman teacher, as I don't plan to give up on my life dreams either for the ridiculous reason of being older. I'm making new plans, and I'm keeping my old dreams alive at the same time. I'm taking an online literary class on CS Lewis' works, and I'm creating an Americana rag doll for a friend. There's still my book in the wings, but it is not forgotten, and I have a home to transform into my first "home for misfit toys." This will be a work in progress until I can raise the funds for a major project, but I even have some ideas about that one too! I am beginning to show an inkling of life and revival of the soul of this ole gal.

In December my plans are set to journey to Virginia, and together with my son we shall embark on a new journey together. He's used to my "crazy ideas," as he had to endure much in childhood, but I hope he's looking forward to my thoughts and dreams for my parents' home. I'm not certain how my life is going to play out in the end. I really can only take one day at a time, one small step at a time. This year brought a major setback in my year long goals, but I'm healing, and more than that, I am determined. I want to use my talents for God's glory, and I simply refuse to let circumstances stand in my way. Nor will I allow anyone's opinions to stop me in my tracks, as I have often allowed. I still have many obstacles that need to be overcome, and I still have to battle the chemical imbalances, but today I feel hopeful. Today I feel alive.

Dry Bones Breathe!

This weekend is going to go down as one of wildest ones in quite a while. I love it! What satan tried to make a lousy weekend, that basically shattered my plans, is turning into one of the greater blessings. While in the midst of this great joy, I am aware that I may have lost ground with someone who is struggling very deeply, because I dared to share my faith. I posted on Facebook that Jesus is not just the answer, He is the only one, and my life has been a living testament of His power in times of weakness.

And so my day began....  Yet...here I am! Alive in every sense of the word. Pain is not my enemy, nor is fear! My enemy is a toothless, old lion trying the suck the marrow out of my life. Well, this ole gal is tired of that stuff, so when he sends a "friend" to try to slow me down, it doesn't really work as he'd planned. Even when immobilized I can sing, praise, and pray! If I fall asleep, I can dream! I had a strange one last night, but I know the visions are returning. Warnings come in dreams.

Yesterday as I was catching up on my Bible readings I paused at Acts 4: 32-35: "All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need." (italics mine)

That's been my philosophy, and I've tried to teach my children to have the same values. My daughter literally gives people the last can of food in her pantry or the shirt off her back. She has a wonderful spirit of giving. People pity her sparsely adorned home, empty pantry, and broken refrigerator absent of food. But she brightens up a room with the love of Jesus, and she can pray for you with heart and soul. She literally lights up the room. I pray everyone has an opportunity to meet her one day...for all she is not, she is so much more.

My family is broken, as is their mother, but we are surviving the snares laid to trap us and brings us to ruin. In each our own way we are facing the tremendous adversities, the adversary who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But as matriarch of this family I will have none of that! My Abba Father has promised victory, and He doesn't lie! There's a song by Matthew West that puts it nicely:

Mended

How many times can one heart break?
It was never supposed to be this way
Look in the mirror, but you find someone
You never thought you'd be

Oh, but I can still recognize
The one I love in your tear stained eyes
I know you might not see it now
So lift your eyes to me

When you see broken beyond repair
I see healing beyond belief
When you see too far gone
I see one step away from home
You see nothing but damaged goods
I see something good in the making
I'm not finished yet
When you see wounded, I see mended

You see your worst mistake
But I see the price I paid
There's nothing you could ever do
To lose what grace has won

So hold on, it's not the end
This is where love's work begins
I'm making all things new
And I will make a miracle of you

I see my child, My beloved
The new creation you're becoming
You see the scars from when you fell
But I see the stories they will tell
You see worthless, but I see priceless
You see pain, but I see a purpose
You see unworthy, undeserving
But I see you through eyes of mercy

Ya know, there may be many things that trouble me, conundrums as I call them, mixed feelings and crazy thoughts that boggle the imagination or lack thereof of people, but my Constant is my faith in my Abba Father. He's the real deal.

Election is Tuesday, my mother's birthday, and I plan to honor her memory and my Abba Father by voting for the one I feel tries to honor God. Whoever that is, that one will need the prayers, not the criticism of God's family of believers. True believers who bend their knees in prayer before they dare to utter a word against anyone. We all fail miserably short, but we keep trying by our great example of Jesus, the true unoffendable one who has sacrificed everything!

Many times I get criticized or misunderstood, because I miss church. I love my church, and I support it, yet at times I need more than any human institution can provide. My spirit longs for much more of the presence of God that I have never felt within the walls of a church. I need God's great dance floor where I can come alive and worship Him freely, without concern of offending some stuffed shirt who thinks you have to kneel to pray or bow to a picture of Jesus on a wall. No, my Jesus is alive and real! And, He loves to dance like David did...kick up His heels to dance the River Dance or enjoy the rhythms and beats of my Africa that I love! And I know He worships His Father with the sounds of Hillsong United, even though they're dressed in everyday clothes, have dreadlocks, and some are overweight though with wonderfully deep and robust vocal cords. Spirits alive! I come alive! I am alive! Even when I am having my worse chemical imbalances, migraines, or whatever satan tries to throw my way, I am alive with the music, the heavenly music heals and restores. It's magic! It's heaven! It's Jesus!

So as we ready ourselves in prayer, thought for the great election day, perhaps the lyrics of Lauren Daigle's song Comes Alive will rattle a few bones:

Comes Alive (Dry Bones)

Through the eyes of men it seems there's so much we have lost
As we look down the road where all the Prodigals have walked
One by one the enemy has whispered lies then led them off as slaves

But we know that you are God, Yours is the victory
We know there is more to come that we may not yet see
So with the faith You've given us we'll step into the valley unafraid

(chorus)
As we call out to dry bones come alive, come alive
We call out to dead hearts come alive, come alive
Up out of the ashes, let us see an army rise
We call out to dry bones come alive

God of endless mercy, God of unrelenting love
Rescue every daughter, bring us back the wayward sons
By Your Spirit breathe upon them, show the world that You alone can save
You alone can save

(chorus)
As we call out to dry bones come alive, come alive
We call out to dead hearts come alive, come alive
Up out of the ashes, let us see an army rise
We call out to dry bones come alive

So breathe, Oh breath of God now
Breathe, Oh breath of God
Breathe, Oh breath of God now breathe
Breathe, Oh breath of God now breathe
Oh breath of God
Breathe, Oh breath of God now breathe

(chorus)
As we call out to dry bones come alive, come alive
We call out to dead hearts come alive, come alive
Up out of the ashes, let us see an army rise
We call out to dry bones come alive
We call out to dry bones come alive

Oh come alive

Darkness Yields Light

My library is small, but the literature that lines the shelves of the simple handmade rack are filled with wisdom and purpose. All have become friends, and many times they are revisited, as they bring a certain message that bears repeating. Joshua by Joseph F. Girzone still remains open as I continue to drink in the presence of Jesus. It is as if I am walking with Him past the pages into the fields and meadows that surround his quiet habitat. Since last I spoke of Joshua's visit to the city of Auburn he is finding himself in a pickle due to his passionately shared beliefs. He's walked this way before, so he is well aware of those who seek him harm, but he remains dauntless.

After attending a Friday meeting at the synagogue the crowds gather around Joshua. An angry man approaches him in spewing hatred and accusations at Joshua for his part as a Christian in persecuting his people, the Jews, and killing them in concentration camps during the time of Hitler. He had never met Joshua prior to this night, so he did not yet have a hint as to his true identify. Joshua's response to his anger teaches much:

"Joshua pitied the man's tortured spirit and felt it would be cruel to counter him. Then, 

impulsively, to the man's utter disbelief, Joshua put his arms around him and hugged him 

intensely, asking him for forgiveness for all the meanness his people had done to his 

family and all other Jews throughout the centuries. The man was overcome by the 

sincerity of Joshua's  compassion that he broke down, threw his arms around Joshua, and 

cried like a baby. In a moment all the bitterness and rage had left his troubled spirit, and 

his body went limp with the release of years of pent-up hatred and sickness."

The man, released from his anger and torment goes into the sanctuary with Joshua where they worship together. Hearing Joshua's perfect Hebrew the man begins to realize that the man he encountered is no ordinary man. 

Although this is only one of the books in the Joshua series written by Girzone, this is the one I have enjoyed the most, because it is a first encounter the people have with Joshua. It always makes me wonder if ,as we are told we may be entertaining angels, could possibly be encountering Jesus in our world today. As I was talking with Jesus I asked Him if He's been walking the streets of the city mingling with man as the book relates. Barely had the words brushed past my lips when I realized the encounter I had with a man called Cristeo. This man gave me a message, then disappeared, and this is not the first chance meeting or phone call I have received in my lifetime. It reassures me that God is very much concerned about each aspect of my life. I know He exists, because I have made mention countless times of sitting in His lap, listening and learning...being comforted by His presence. These are special times in my day, and I cherish the conversations.

This morning I elected to listen to a trusted friend's message, "Walking with God Through the Dark Times" by Charles Stanley, a Georgia pastor who has had his struggle with darkness. In the study Dr. Stanley gives six principles as seen through the life of Joseph that assure us of God's presence.

1) God is with us in our dark times. (Hebrews 13:5)

2) God has a purpose for allowing these times of darkness. (Genesis 45: 7-8, Romans 8:28)

3) The darkness will last as long as is necessary for God to accomplish His purpose. (Genesis 37 - 50)

4)We learn more in the dark than we learn in the light. (The witness is our testimony.)

5) Even in the dark times we are walking towards the light when our focus stays on Jesus. ("Trust Me.")

6) What we learn in the darkness we share in the light. (Matthew 10:27)

Great principles that I hope you look up, ponder, and talk to Jesus about for yourself. I also encourage you to listen to the message. There's always a reason God does what He does, and it is never to punish anyone. He wants our best...always!

 It is only by walking through dark times that we can truly relate to another who may be struggling and need encouragement or release from a situation that has embittered and tormented his soul. We cross paths with hurting people every day, and it is our obligation to share the reason of hope that is within us with everyone who asks. If I can share a glimmer of the hope I have in trusting Jesus with a suffering soul I want to do it, because it's the most precious gift I have...hope!