When the Rooster Crows

God is up to something…He always is up to something, but for some reason in the midst of the doings of everyday life I feel as though I can see him weave meticulously the direction of my life. It wouldn’t be obvious to some, but to others with the intent on a day to day basis to see God smile and cry…I sense his sweet nudge to press on.

I have had too many “roosters crowing” in my ear. You remember the story…Peter denies Jesus thrice and the rooster crows. I am sure well after the famous incident in which Peter wept bitterly over, every time he heard a rooster crow thereafter, he was reminded of his sin. And I am sure like all humans; he felt shameful once again…beat himself up again…and wondered why he did such a thing…again. Does this sound familiar? This guilt is nothing but Satan…the father of lies…as he tries to convince us we are no good and despicable unworthy souls. It’s one of his best tools to make us drop our heads in shame and feel as though we cannot do the work of God set before us. But remember…

Greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world…

                                                         ~I John 4:4

In this world you will have trouble

But take heart…Christ has overcome the world!

                             ~John 16:33

When you hear the rooster crow and it tells you you’re insignificant, no good, unable, and unworthy…speak these scriptures out loud and be ye thankful unto the Lord. Christ alone will take the negative away and fill your cup with joy and love. And don’t take for granted those God has placed in your life…it is not by accident…not by chance…but his intent to use these God chasers to help you along your journey. Never go it alone!  

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come to you today and ask that anyone who has read this and is struggling

 within in their mind that you would make things clear for them.

 Help them to realize just how special they are to you.

After all, you breathed them into life and care more for them than anyone else.

Lord, please let them take the time to sit awhile with you in prayer and reading your Word…

let them thirst and hunger for you like never before.

 I ask that you fill their cup this day with your peace and grace so they might know they are loved by the mighty and great I AM!

~Amen

Held

When is the sacred torn from your life? Maybe for some this statement might mean the loss of a child. Maybe to others a divorce you didn’t expect and yet others maybe a chronic health issue that keeps you from being what you once were. It’s like a thorn pushed deep within your flesh and just when you think you have learned to walk with that depth of pain…something or someone comes along and hits the thorn causing greater anguish and reminding us how human we are and just how much we need Jesus.

Sometimes for me the thorn embeds so deeply within my heart…it seems permanent…irremovable…and everlasting. The grief is overwhelming and the desperation leaves my mind spinning as I wonder how I overcome the pain.

And then it happens…

somewhere in the midst of the fog which forbids me to see my own hand in front of me…

out of nowhere…

I feel His amazing touch.

It is unmistakable, warm, and lovely in every way.

And soon even though I can’t see my hand I see his nail pierced palm, as his finger which made the very stars I see in the night sky, wipe my fragile tears away. He soothes my sadden soul and bids me to come close and sit awhile with Him. He hums familiar hymns like Amazing Grace and soon I hear the words whispered gentle in perfect pitch. My forever friend…Jesus… comforts me like none other. He never…never…never…turns away from me. He stays right by my side, down in the trenches of my wretched sin with his hand outstretched just waiting…waiting to hold me in his loving arms. This is how I know what it is like to be held…to be loved unconditionally…and know my Jehovah-Shalom…the Lord of my Peace.

Thank you my best friend and first love…your beloved daughter Shannon!

Heaven...I Can Only Imagine ~ MercyMe w/ London Symphony Orchestra

I love to dream about heaven. It brings such peace to my soul as I let my imagination roar as a lion. Heaven will be all the sweet things that I see…rainbows, butterflies, the smiles of my children, blue skies, sun, birds, the array of beautiful colors seen in the flowers, and the dew upon the grass. Heaven will be all the sweet things I smell…apple pie baking in the oven, the fragrance of a fresh rain, the lilacs in bloom, my children as babies, and the unique smell of grandmas home. Heaven will be all the sweet things I touch…holding my child’s hand, the kiss of my husband’s lips upon mine, the hug between family and friends, the wind felt on my face, the sand between my toes. Heaven will be all the sweet things I hear…birds singing, my children laughing, the breeze fluttering the leaves, the rhythm of the ocean breaking onto the shore, and music of any kind. Heaven is the taste of all I love…chocolate, pizza, fine wine, homemade ice tea, and of course coffee!

All these things I am sure will be in heaven, yet heaven will also be so much more. Peace will abound and sorrow will be extinct. The only tears I think you will see are those of pure joy. The music will be absolutely outstanding. I hope to talk with those I have only read about like John, Paul, Peter, and Esther. I will see those I have missed so dearly…my grandma Bowser and many more. It will be fellowship, celebration, and jubilant hearts. The souls of all who enter His gates will be so full of praise for the one and only…Jesus! The streets of gold will shine, but I can’t wait to walk the winding river and sit under the tree of life and bask in the presence of His holiness. But the one thing I long for most is to meet my best friend Jesus and clean His feet with the tears of joy from my eyes and dry them with the locks of my hair. I hope He knows just how much I love Him and long to see Him! Yes, heaven is the place a long to be. It will be my final home forever more!