New Friends

Wow! It's been a while since I came here to visit you, God. Hope you're not mad at me. I've been talking with You all along, but somehow it always feels better to slow down and talk with You like this.

Thanks to You and Your Goodness, I have a whole bunch of new friends. At times it's overwhelming to me. I think, "What did I do to deserve this?" And then I realize it is Your Grace and I did nothing to deserve it; that it is a free gift from You to me.

It's humbling to know You think of me like that. It's humbling to know You think of me at all!

And so on this day, I celebrate having my new friends... the friends who have embraced me like family and who help me in my day-to-day things. I'd truly be lost, but then You know that, huh?

Thank You for the Blessings, God, How Great Thou Art!!!

Life Is Over... ?

God, I don't know what to do with all this.

People are sick and dying. One little boy is only four and has had his fourth heart surgery. Another little boy is blind and his caretaker slashed his dog's throat and left the little boy naked on the floor until a relative got there. My sister-in-law died yesterday. A man I know has a gaping wound where doctors botched the surgery. Cancer is rampant in my small community of friends.

Branching outward, the world is a mess. Wars, starvation, civil rights abuses, animal abuses, greed, lust, power.... Some have so much. Too many have nothing.

Things you have said are abominations are being written into law. Storms, earthquakes, floods are ever increasing in strength and frequency.

I know you can't tell me, but are you coming soon? I don't feel as though I am ready yet. There is so much about you I don't know. I feel like the ONE thing I will need to know is the thing I will be missing and I will lose out on eternity with you.

I can't do anything about the state of the world. I really can't do anything about all the sick people either. And so I pray. But I really don't know WHAT to pray for. Is life suppposed to be so sad? Is life as we have known it over and done? Can you help me to understand?

In the meantime I just have to keep one thing in mind...

How great Thou art!!!

Partial Blindness

Like the blind man to whom you gave sight, I cling to you, Dear God. But even I know that were you to 'cure' my blindness in one fell swoop, it may be more than my spirit could endure.

And so today I thank You for allowing me insights, little by slow, so they can take root in my heart and grow good fruits.

You are an amazing God! How Great Thou Art!

A New Friend

What a great day, God. You gave me a new friend.

It's like finding out there is still some apple pie left. No wait! It's like knowing you have minutes left on your phone. Naw, it's like discovering all your outgoing letters have the postage already paid.

I'm so bad at this, huh? OK... it's like all that times the square root of the speed of light to the 10th power... plus!

I guess I'm excited. How great thou art!

The Dance

Hello God...

After the sermon yesterday, I felt a little bewildered. I do that a lot around you anyway. Your ways are not my ways... and I thank you for that.

I got to thinking about my life and how it feels sometimes. I have to be careful in that respect because although it may 'feel' a certain way, it may not actually be a fact. For instance, I may 'feel' depressed, but it doesn't necessarily means I have to 'be' depressed. A fine line, I know. But it is the fine lines that define success or failure for me.

So I thought, "If I could sum up my life as to how it feels most days, what would that be?"

It varies, yes, but there is a common theme throughout it all for me. My life feels like a dance. It is a performance which I was graced from you, animated through you and done for you.

As long as I allow you to be in control it is a most perfect ballet accompanied by wonderful soothing music. And when I digress, I feel as though I am hot-footing it across a griddle in the fire and the music is swallowed up by my screams.

I thank you for the days I dance... perfectly in your will, surrounded by perfect melody. You are an Awesome God. How Great Thou Art.

Storm Fury

That was a wild storm last night. The rain hurled itself at the windows. The lightning streaked across the sky. And then the power went out.

I felt like there is was place to go up here on the sixth floor. And, of course, my thoughts turned to what would happen if I had to leave. Those stairs are murder in the light. How would they be in the pitch dark?

The worry was momentary. I immediately turned to you and your protection. I readied myself for bed and talked with you for a while.

And now it's morning, a little foggy out there, but no damage that I can see. How great thou art! That was quite a light show! Thank you for protecting me and letting me sleep like a baby. And now I am off to greet the day. I am sure I will see you throughout it all.

HE IS ALIVE!

Yes, HE'S ALIVE!

It was written before the beginning of time. He knew his fate and accepted it in obedience. What could we ever possibly face that would compare to His suffering?

For over six hours He endured unthinkable agony - for you, for me. The love He had is more than I can interpret.

And then after this miserable torture, He died - the same kind of death you and I will experience. His body and Spirit separated and then He did what was prophesied throughout the ages... He descended into hell and overcame the grave and hell.

On the third day He rose and now sitteth at the right hand of the Father... His Father, Our Father.

He walked out of hell, resurrected and restored. He lives as fulfillment of the promise that we, too, may find eternal life.

Do you know Him? HE IS ALIVE!

A Hole in My Soul

You sure know how to enlighten me, God. Tonight the pastor preached on the pulling down of strong holds and casting out evil and negative thinking.

He talked about surrendering to you completely and being utterly saved. In so doing we become more like you and less like ourselves. We become more loving and tolerant.

And what is the price for such service? Constant vigilance. Being forever on guard that the negative forces of this world do not overtake our thinking and doom our souls forever.

He reminded us that we should ask you to keep us ever mindful of the dangers that lurk around us. That truly there is no rest for the Christian, but that it is a small price to pay for eternal life.

He also advised us to invite you into our hearts to do spiritual surgery to pluck out those things that would keep us from living rightly.

Many times I have written about the hole in my soul. That is what it felt like to me. That there was an emptiness that I didn't know how to fill. Today I know only you can fill it and mend it.

And as any loving parent will do, sometimes we have to take the bitter with the sweet as you reveal to us our shortcomings. It isn't always pleasant. But the end result of obedience is always grace-filled.

I'm no closer to an answer of what I am doing for the rest of my life today as I was yesterday. But this I know... The hole in my soul is mending and I am becoming whole.

Thank you for one more chance, one more bestowal of your loving Grace. How great thou art!!!

I am Blessed

I was so sick, God. Trying to get out of bed was an effort I barely wanted to make. The weakness was overwhelming. The worst part was not knowing what was causing it.

Then it eased a bit for a day or two and I thought I was on the mend. And then it slammed me again. I guess you weren't done talking to me yet. As I laid there and prayed hour after hour, I truly wondered if I would ever get better.

But all things pass - good or bad. We humans are strange. It's a blessing when it's bad and a seeming hardship when it's good that passes. I doubt we would be satisfied with anything for any length of time... never satiated, never truly happy. We're so greedy.

The doctor gave me orders. I wouldn't have followed them. And you knew that. And so I was pinned to the bed, unable to hold my head up for more than 15-20 minutes at a time.

But that time was well spent with you. I came to realize what was important. I realized what I was missing. So when I was able to return, I was filled with your Loving Grace. I can say now it was worth those days in bed feeling as though I may never get up again.

Thank you for taking care of me... those days and every day. Thank you for restoring my faith. I am blessed.

Shining the Light

Good morning, God. Came to tell you a few things.

I've been missing you and didn't even know it. Isn't that something? Funny how that is... you don't know you miss someone so bad until you talk to them again.

It's been so nice going to your house. You got the nicest family. They are all so warm and loving. And the hugs! What a nice bonus.

And in the midst of the warmth I discovered the foundations of my soul shaken. There is so much I don't know. I fear I am too old to learn it all, that maybe my faith won't be enough. I know on some level that is just plain silly. But other levels tell me I better get snapping.

And you know... sometimes... it's all just so overwhelming. Not that it's a bad thing. There are times the feeling of being overwhelmed is because I feel so loved. And then, of course, there is the other brand of overwhelm, the one that makes you question your very existence. It is then that I turn to you the most... for reassurance. And always, there you are, waiting.

I can't tell you how much that means to me. But then you already know, huh? I am told you know everything about me - and long before I ever do. That's some job you have! I can't even wrap my mind around it. But then that's good. That's what makes you God and not me.

I love and appreciate all you are doing in my life right now. You know, I thought it was over. "Over" meaning without purpose any more. But each day you reveal things to me that I can begin to see more clearly that the road ahead is much different from what I had planned. Just goes to show how much I really don't know after all.

But what I am most excited about is that feeling I keep getting that what is waiting is so much more than I could (or would) have dared to dream about... You're like that... full of surprises.

Well, I've kept you long enough. You're so very busy. But I thank you each day that you are never too busy to listen to my heart's yearning. And thanks for leaving the Light on for me.

Five Heads?

Cry, cry, cry! We're so fickle we humans. How do you stand us. God? I can barely stand myself.

And yet...

Amidst the tears and the uncertainty I was acutely aware of being pain-free. Isn't that glorious?

She told me to thank you for the fear. I looked at her as if she had five heads. But You know she was right. I knew it too but didn't want to admit it.

So once more I stand at the threshold of yet another adventure. What awaits? You and Your Infinite Wisdom and Grace will enlighten me, I am sure.

Thank you for another wonderful, normal day, God. It's all good when I look to You.

Bless Them

Father God... I usually come to you for others. This time I ask for myself. I need you to teach me how to forgive those who would be unkind and who would curse me.

So far I have managed to say and do nothing. It feels so cowardly and so unjust. It seems that I should be addressing it somehow.

And yet - who have I to convince? Not You. Perhaps only myself. For the others will not hear anything except the beating of their own hearts and the song of their own desires. Truly there is nothing to say.

I feel so alone. Is that how it is when one stands to do the right thing? I sure have a lot of questions, huh? Time and Your Grace will reveal answers. But I am human and I want them now. Please forgive my impatience.

Calm my heart. Make me whole. And... Bless those who cannot see, who do not understand, who believe it is better to be right than right with You. Thanks again for listening. I always feel better talking to You.

G O D - D O G

A New Year's Promise

Happy New Year, God!!!

You have given me another chance to begin again. Once again you have handed me the key to success. Were it not for Your Loving Grace, I would be nothing, have nothing, do nothing. Thank you for always being there for me. Thank you for keeping your promises.

Thank you for being YOU.

Thank You, God

I appreciate all you do for me God... I love you so very much. But could you do me just one little favor? People tell me that you will never give me more than I can handle. So next year do you think you could trust me just a little less? Thanks....

Almost a Year

Dear God,

I know you're busy, especially this time of year. And tomorrow is your birthday and you probably have a million places to be. I just need a minute if you can spare it.

Why are people so cruel? It's been 363 days since you called my brother home. Several attempts at contact with my family have produced nothing. I have no clue how or why he died. Is it so much to ask for closure? It's been almost a year of not knowing. Will I ever know? And even if I do, will it matter?

Could You at least help me stop crying? That would be a huge help.

Thanks for listening... You always do.

The Christmas Story

Long ago, about 2000 years, when King Herod ruled Judea (now part of Israel), God sent the angel Gabriel to a young women who lived in the northern town of Nazareth. The girl's name was Mary and she was engaged to marry Joseph.

The angel Gabriel said to Mary: 'Peace be with you! God has blessed you and is pleased with you.' Mary was very surprised by this and wondered what the angel meant. The angel said to her 'Don't be afraid, God has been very kind to you. You will become pregnant by the Holy Spirit and give birth to a baby boy and you will call him Jesus. He will be God's own Son and his kingdom will never end.' Mary was very afraid but she trusted God. 'Let it happen as God chooses.' She replied to the angel. Gabriel also told Mary that her cousin, Elizabeth who everyone thought was too old to have children, would have a baby boy whom God had chosen to prepare the way for Jesus.

Mary said goodbye to her family and friends and went to visit her cousin Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah. Elizabeth was very happy to see Mary. She knew that Mary had been chosen by God to be the mother of his Son. An angel had already told Zechariah that Elizabeth's baby would prepare people to welcome Jesus. He was to be called John. Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then returned home to Nazareth.

Joseph was worried when he found out that Mary was expecting a baby before their marriage had taken place. He wondered if he should put off the wedding altogether. Then an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said: 'Don't be afraid to have Mary as your wife.' The angel explained that Mary had been chosen by God to be the mother of his Son and told Joseph that the baby would be named Jesus which means 'Saviour' because he would save people. When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel had told him to do and took Mary as his wife.

At this time, the land where Mary and Joseph lived was part of the Roman Empire. The Roman Emperor Augustus wanted to have a list of all the people in the empire, to make sure they paid their taxes. He ordered everyone to return to the town where their families originally came from, and enter their names in a register (or census) there. Mary and Joseph travelled a long way (about 70 miles) from Nazareth to Bethlehem, because that is where Joseph's family came from. Most people walked but some lucky people had a donkey to help carry the goods needed for the journey. Joseph and Mary travelled very slowly because Mary's baby was due to be born soon.

When they reached Bethlehem they had problems finding somewhere to stay. So many people had come to register their names in the census, that every house was full and every bed was taken in all of the Inns. The only shelter that they could was a stable or cave with the animals. In this poor place Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Son of God. In those days it was the custom to wrap newborn babies tightly in a long cloth called 'swaddling clothes'. Jesus' bed was the manger that the animals ate their hay from.

In the hills and fields outside Bethlehem, shepherds looked after their sheep through the long night. As the new day began, suddenly an angel appeared before them and the glory of God shone around them. The shepherds were very, very scared, but the angel said, 'Don't be afraid. I have good news for you and everyone. Today in Bethlehem a Saviour has been born for you. You will find the baby lying in a manger.'.

Then many more angels appeared, lighting up the sky. The shepherds heard them praising God singing: 'Glory to God in highest, and peace to everyone on earth.' When the angels had gone the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem to see what has happened.' So the shepherds went to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph. The baby Jesus was lying in a manger as they had been told. When they saw him, they told everyone what the angel had said and everyone who heard the story were astonished. Then the shepherds returned to their sheep, praising God for sending his Son to be their Saviour.

When Jesus was born, a brand new bright star appeared in sky. Some Wise Men in faraway countries saw the star and guessed what it meant. They were very clever men that studied the stars and had read in very old writings that a new star would appear when a great king was born. They set out to find the new king and bring him gifts.

The Wise Men followed the star towards the country of Judea and when they got to the capital called Jerusalem they began to ask people: 'Where is the child who is born to be king of the Jews?' Herod, the king of Judea, heard this and it made him very angry to think that someone might be going to take his place as king. Herod sent for the Wise Men to come to him. He told them to go on following the star until they had found the baby king. He said: 'When you have found him, let me know where he is, so that I can go and worship him.'. But Herod did not tell them that he really had an evil plan in mind to kill the new king.

The Wise Men followed the star towards Bethlehem (where it said that the king would be born in the old writings). It seemed to stop and shine directly down upon the place where Jesus was.

The Wise Men entered the house where they now lived and found Jesus with Mary, they bowed down and worshipped him. The Wise Men spread the the gifts they had brought before Jesus. The gifts were gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Wise Men were warned in a dream, by God, not to go back to Herod. So they returned home to their countries in the East by a different way.

When the Wise Men had gone, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream. 'Get up,' the angel said, 'take Jesus and Mary and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for Jesus to kill him.' So Joseph got up, took Jesus and Mary during the night they left for Egypt, where he stayed until Herod died.

When Herod realized that he had been tricked by the Wise Men, he was furious and he gave orders to kill all the boys aged two or younger in Bethlehem and the surrounding area. This was to try and kill the new King, as his plan to find the location of the new king from the Wise Men had failed.

After Herod had died, Joseph had another dream in which an angel appeared to him. The angel said, 'Get up, take Jesus and Mary and go back to Israel, for those who were trying kill Jesus are dead.'

So Joseph got up, took Jesus and Mary and they went back to Israel. But when he heard that Herod's son was now king of Judea, he was afraid to go there. So instead they went to Galilee, and lived in their old town of Nazareth.

31 Things About Me

And so I thought... I may as well put it in a blog. Why just have it on facebook?

1. I am a night person through and through. No matter how much I try to reverse it, I always feel better being up at night and sleeping during the day.

2. I'm a black and white thinker in a grey world. This causes me much stress, stress that is either black or white, I might add. LOL

3. There's no place like home... I just don't know where that is. Being 'rootless' is a chore. (see #2) haha

4. I'd sooner ask a complete stranger for help than someone I know. I think it's because I believe people keep score. Not sure where I came to believe it, but that is most likely why.

5. If I had three wishes I would most likely waste two of them on stupid things like money or security of some sort. But the FIRST wish would be to walk in God's shadow always. I'd like to think I could walk in His light, but I am sure it would be too bright for me. Besides... there is something comforting about the warmth and darkness of the shadow. It's an old feeling that fits just right.

6. I'm all about respect. It seems to be an old fashioned notion in a new-fangled world and that's a shame.

7. I'd love to have gossamer wings for one day and fly above the trees to see life in a different perspective.

8. Just once I would like to know that I am perfect just as I am. I get glimpses now and then, but oh how fleeting those moments are. I'd like it to be a feeling that would last for hours so I could feel it to the marrow.

9. If I could be with anyone living or dead for just one day I would have to say it would be Jesus. I'd like to know how someone could deny Him or 'forget' about Him. I know the apostles did... I'd just like to know HOW that could happen. But then I wonder... could I live with knowing I did after the fact?

10. I love reds and golds and deep, dark greens. All the other colors have their place, yes, but I love the warm colors.

11. Daisies are my favorite flower.

12. The older I get the more I realize that life is so very precious. It isn't about what I can accumulate any more. It's about what I can accomplish. There is so little time to do all I want to do.

13. Except for white, there isn't a chocolate that I don't love.

14. For every prayer I have uttered there are 100 I should have said.

15. I was a mess until I found God. Funny thing about it was that He wasn't lost, I was. Even now though I can still turn my life into a rope and pony show. The difference is that I know I am not alone any more.

16. What if I woke up one day and I wasn't really awake? Like maybe I was in a coma or had Alzheimer's? Would I know? Could I tell that things were different for me? I wonder about such things.

17. I love most people most of the time. I just don't like some of them. That makes me feel strange sometimes... like I'm a bad person or something. I try and I pray on it. Maybe I'm not as bad about it as I think I am. I am my own worst critic after all.

18. Where exhilaration meets danger... I like that place. I've always wanted to jump out of an airplane or drive waaaaaaay too fast.

19. I'd like to think of myself as 'informed woman of the world.' But deep down I know I am a scared little girl just wishing everyone would like me and accept me. How human huh?

20. I always wondered why Frank L. Baum chose flying monkeys for the servants of the Wicked Witch of the West. As a kid they scared me. As an adult I think he may have had some serious issues. LOL As a writer I can only hope to measure up to that.

21. When I'm in that stage just before I actually fall asleep, I sometimes feel as though I fell out of bed and then just got right back on it. But it's a quick action that takes less than half a second. It always gives me a start and makes my heart race.

22. I believe that if the warmth and love that is found between Thanksgiving and Christmas was reversed to the time span between Christmas and Thanksgiving that this would be a better world to live in.

23. I can spell the alphabet backwards faster than I can frontwards.

24. My favorite car is the 1957 Buick Roadmaster Convertible. Call me crazy, but that's when cars were cars and not cookie cutter shoeboxes.

25. Music, children and animals are the things that consistently drive me to tears.

26. My experiences have not been my best teachers. They have been my ONLY teachers.

27. Physics says what goes up must come down. I find that doesn't apply to age and weight.

28. When I am gone I want to be remembered for being kind.

29. When I can define a feeling as fear, I know it is the very thing I MUST face and challenge.

30. Laughter is a great healer. I love to laugh and do so every chance I get... but never at someone else's expense.

31. My name is Sally Rose and the most important thing I could ever say about me is that I AM A CHILD OF GOD.

　

Donut Falls

Quiet time at the homestead. I like that time. The sun just came up and the fog has burned off. The birds are bantering about something or another. And I see the cats chasing butterflies, fruitlessly but persistently.

Grace hasn't spoken a word. I'm somewhat relieved. I suppose if she had something important to divulge she would. But for now we just sit and quietly gaze at the coming day with all its promise.

I found this picture of one of your awesome creations, God. Donut Falls it is appropriately named. And my mind wanders. "I'd like it better if it was donuts fall." (I think I'm hungry, huh?) The only thing better than the picture would be to actually be there when dawn arrives.

Ahhh, the things I think about when I am in the presence of Grace. Thank you for listening, God. Talk to you later. Have a Great Day. I sure will.

Just Checking In

Good Evening, God.

I've been thinking a lot lately, but then you know that. Sitting with Grace does that. And it never ceases to amaze me how the mind works.

I was just outside on the porch. It was raining softly and there was a slight breeze finding its way through the leaves on the trees. I looked down and saw the kittens peacefully dreaming their little kitty dreams. One's foot twitched as it chased a butterfly or mouse. Another was coming awake from hearing me out there.

Then I could hear the rain coming down a little harder. There seemed to be a rhythm to it. I thought, "No, it's just your imagination." But I wasn't entirely convinced that it was imaginary.

Suddenly a pretty brisk gust of wind came through the screen and along with it came a few drops of rain. When it settled on the cats they flew out of the box. I couldn't help but laugh, but they sure didn't think it was funny.

And then the thought generator kicked in so I became consumed by the process.

I called each one by name. Nothing. So I tried again and again. Nothing. I spoke out loud to them, "Why you ungrateful clumps of fur! Only yesterday you were snatched from the brink of homelessness and this is how repay me?" Nothing. (Yesterday the other six were taken to the shelter. Nine was just too many.)

So tell me, God, why do cats ignore us? It's like talking to a post. I suppose I will never have an answer to that, but seeing I was talking to you I thought I would ask.

And by the way, do ants sleep? The reason I ask is that at 2AM they were busy working on trying to move one piece of cat food that the furballs missed. There must have been 100 of them pushing and pulling. I made sure to steer clear of them after what happened not too long ago. Oh yeah, and while I'm thinking of it - Thanks for sending that angel when I was bitten by those fire ants. He told me to use meat tenderizer on them and the stinging would go away. Sure enough, it worked! I have to tell you though, I felt really stupid applying it.

As I was reminiscing about that a bolt of lightning skidded helter-skelter across the sky. I waited for the thunder but it was pretty far away. And that got me thinking even more.

You made the rainbow curve in a perfect arc. You could have made it any shape you wanted. Why did you pick the circular shape? Is it a subtle message that you can get there from here? That maybe it's not a straight line, but it's doable? I don't know.

The way my life has been I would think a promise coming from you would come in that zig-zag pattern of lightning like Ws strung together like this... WWWWWWWW. Or maybe a spiral - how symbolic is that? It would seem more accurate.

But then you are the Creator and I am just an innocent bystander in awe. I have to say though, the arc is pleasing to the eye, not to mention easier for school children to draw. I'm sure you know more than I do. I just don't really want to think about curvature of the earth and light refraction. That takes all the wonder out of it.

And speaking of awe and wonder, I saw some pictures about scientists who have created cube-shaped watermelons. The article mentioned that they were easier to transport and store due to the fact that they don't roll around. They also 'created' heart and pyramid-shaped ones too. They ARE interesting, but it just doesn't seem right that someone spliced the genes or fooled around with the DNA. To me DNA stands for Do Not Adapt. Who are we to be rearranging anything you create?

Just then another breeze came in and when I looked for the kittens they had moved to the top of the workbench out of the rain's reach. I saw the leaves moving to and fro. Some have changed colors and will soon drop to the ground. In the Spring they will replaced with new ones. Is that why so many babies are born? Because the older people keep dying? That sure makes sense to me. Maybe it's as simple as you are not done creating yet. What would I know?

Well, that's about it from me for now. Just thought I would check in with you and tell you how grateful I am for my life straightening out a bit. It was nip and tuck for a while. But even then, YOU knew better. I just wish I was better at this faith thing. So do you think you could help me out with that? I'll be checking in with you again real soon, God. Take care of all my friends. Thanks... You are an Awesome God... You make me smile.