We all need to get away sometime . . .

Evening at the Lake

The full moon rising in the eastern sky poured its light;
flowing molten silver, shimmering across the lake.

Crickets chanted in cadence with katydids' shrill chirrup.
Light chatter among oak leaves whispered overhead.

Motherly wind wrapped me in a soft quilt of warm breeze,
kissing my cheek, stroking my hair in gently caress.

The unmistakable smell of wood smoke drifted by
nonchalantly; the neighboring campfire's cologne.

With the smoke, blew in childhood memories of hot, toasted,
gooey marshmallows browned perfectly by flickering flames.

Serenity settled over the cove.
Peace cloaked the night.
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Sometimes, we just need time away, time to relax, to think, to clear our minds or to simply just meditate on God's blessings. Our Creator knew we would need to take a break from our hectic schedules, so much so, that He devoted a whole day to resting: "and He rested on the seventh day from all His work. . . and God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it. . ." Genesis 2:2-3. Even Jesus needed time to himself. On more than one occasion, Jesus sent his disciples away (or had them wait) while He went into the mountains alone or into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray (by the way, did you know He prayed for YOU?). Time apart is essential to all of us; both physically and mentally. We all need to take time to relax.

Still, there are some of us that don't know how to stop. I confess, I am one of the guilty party. We push ourselves to the limits; until our bodies become so exhausted they shut down on us and force us to come to a screeching halt. Who or what are we good for then? Nothing and nobody. Better yet, how can we hear the still, small voice of God if we are running around in such a hurry we can't even hear ourselves think - much less hear the whisper of heaven. Take time today to catch your breath. Find a place to hideaway and find a moment of peace. Read a good book. Take a long, hot, bubble bath. Go for a leisurely walk in the park or, as I am planning tonight, go build a fire by the lake and watch the sunset while the moon rises.
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Lord of My Life, slow me down. I am exhausted; too tired to think almost. I do this to myself. I know I do. There is no one pushing me, but me. Help me to clear my mind until all I can hear is the clear, soft voice of You leading me, teaching me, comforting me. ~ Amen

Why Lord, why?

Spiteful Cain resented Abel;
longing to be considered best.
In envy Cain slew his brother.
Imagine the parents' distress.
Why Lord, why, must good people suffer so?

The prodigal son struts away
from all he’s ever known;
defiantly disregarding
his dear father’s heart-wrenching moan.
Why Lord, why, must good people suffer so?

Ages ago in Bethlehem,
Did Rachel really have to cry?
Because of one king’s jealous rage;
did those babes really have to die?
Why Lord, why, must good people suffer so?

Today, the trend remains the same,
as brother strives against brother;
destroying family ties and trust
until they forsake one another.
Why Lord, why, must good people suffer so?

A rebellious teen runs away;
sure anything's better than "there".
No rules, no restrictions sure sounds grand.
Her family's pain? She does not care.
Why Lord, why, must good people suffer so?

A unborn babe is denied life
before its first whisper of breath.
Shocked father feels his heart shatter;
the grieving mother longs for death.
Why Lord, why, must good people suffer so?

We put on the armor of God
and against evil seek to stand.
Yet, unfortunate days it seems
that Satan has the upper hand.
Why Lord, why, must good people suffer so?

We do not live in heaven yet;
neither do we inhabit hell.
Demons of darkness fight with Light
and in their battleground we dwell.
That is why good people suffer so.
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Almost since the beginning of time, there has been the question, "Why Lord?"
For equally as long, for some questions, there seems no adequate answer.

Why is a loving Dad taken by death from his adoring daughter?
Why does someone with as brillant a mind as my ex mother-in-law get brain cancer?
Why has alzheimer's taken the memories of a dear family friend, while his helpless wife sits by unrecognized?
Why has the wonderful life of a Christian family I know been torn apart by another's vicious lies and endless gossip?
Even more unbelievably evil in this week's news, why does a parent kill their own child?

Why? Because earth is a battleground between good and evil. Ephesian 6:11-12 warns us of this. "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

How much plainer can it get than that? The devil roams freely - for now. He wants us to question our faith. Satan wants us to stumble and fall. The more pain he causes us, the happier he is. We must put on the whole armor of God and be prepared for battle; not for a simple walk in the park. No, it is not going to be easy, but God promised never to leave us. He will be a light for us during our most difficult times of darkness.

So, what makes up this armor we need to put on each morning?

Ephesians 6:13-18 "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."
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Light in my darkness, too many times I start my day totally unprepared. I know I should start my day with prayer and with quiet time spent studying Your word. Instead, I dilly-dally around until I run out of time. Why should I wonder when I get knocked down by the bad events in life. I haven't strengthened myself in faith and trust. Make me more diligent a soldier in Your army, Lord. Make me a prayer warrior before Your throne. In my precious Savior's name I pray. ~ Amen

Where Does Faith End & Doubt Begin

Where Does Faith End and Doubt Begin

I know you hear me, Lord;
even as my mouth is moving,
before the request has been made.
Even when the plea is so close to my heart
inaudible words are barely breathed from my lips.
I know you hear me, Lord -
but . . .
will You answer?

I know You see me, God;
You painted each dotted freckle.
Every salty, tear-lined lash that's fallen,
each tangled hair and ragged nail, You know.
The plainness I see; is beauty to Thee, who created me.
I know You see me, Lord -
but . . .
do You see my heart's hope?

I know You are here, Father;
no matter where this loco life leads.
From home, to work, in the car, in between,
I believe Your promise: "I will never leave you . . ."
whether on cloud-covered mountaintops or deepest dale;
I know You are here, Father
but . . .
can I feel You hold me, please?

I know You can heal, Savior,
with a touch, a word, a thought.
All who came to You were made whole.
The blind, the lame, the leper knew Your merciful grace.
Even the tormented and broken spirited were rescued by You.
I know You can heal, Savior;
but . . .
the question is, will You?

I know You are the same, Lord.
The King of Glory in Bible times is still
the Great I Am today. Miracles exist even now,
we have simply grown to blinded by busyness to see.
Still I wonder - where does faith end and doubt begin?
I know You are the same, Lord.
I truly believe with every particle of my being,
but . . .
will You bless me with the miracle I seek?

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There are many I know in need of miracles right now - my own family included. There are times when there are no adequate words to say to ease another's pain. So, we sit in silence, just letting them know we are there for them. We hold them; cry with them; pray with them. These times are trying. These times test our faith. We believe. We know who our God is and what He is capable of. We also know that only God knows the future. He has a plan and, for now, we are left in the dark. We must walk in the little bit of light that our candle of faith sheds. We cannot see beyond the next, tiny step. Yes, God can perform miralces and sometimes He does . . . and sometimes - He doesn't. We are left to question why. Maybe, just maybe,the reason will be revealed to us in the future; like when my Aunt Dona died. I selfishly begged and bargained with God not to take her. Still, the merciful Father took her to heaven. I was so mad at Him at the time. Two months later, when her son died as well, I came to understand that God was being compassionate. He knew my aunt would have been heartbroken at the loss of her son. Again, I begged . . .for His forgiveness. God has reasons for everything He does. We just have to trust Him to do what is best for everyone involved. Even when we don't understand why.

Merciful Father, Compassionate Lord, I believe. Forgive my unbelief. Please, for all those I know who are hurting right now, for all those in desperate need of Your healing touch, let us feel the warmth and comfort of Your embrace. Ease the suffering. And, if You don't mind too much, please allow the darkness to be brightened a little more by Your light of love. Amen.