Saturday, July 20, 2013

Puddles to Paradise


Three-year-old Mesa dashed out the door in the pouring rain and took a running, perfectly executed leap into the middle of the greatest mud puddle she had ever seen. Giggling, she gazed at her tall rain boots and danced with every inch of her 3-year-old frame at this miracle of rain on her little Texas ranch. This was a day she had long waited for - her favorite kind of day. No gloom here. Just wild fun.
So how do I turn my “puddles” into paradise? Simple - I turn to Psalms.
When I can’t sleep, I read Psalms 4:8 – “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
When I have physical pain, I turn to Psalms 6 and read: “O Lord, heal me, for my bones are in agony;” and “for the Lord has heard my weeping; The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer.”
When I feel insignificant or weak, I find my identity in Psalms 8 that reminds me I am “crowned with glory and honor.”
Loneliness, weariness, fear, anxiety and depression are all dealt with and overcome in this mighty book of healing. Here I find encouragement, joy, love, and peace. If you are having a rainy, puddly day that lacks joy, start at Psalms 1 and read until you find yourself in the prose and heart of the One who inspired every word – our ever good Father God.
My prayer for you today is that you, like little Mesa, will take wild delight in life’s puddles as you discover this paradise of life that is such a gift to you – through even the difficult times.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Sweet Symmetry



   I have the great privilege of working at something I love – and making an income, too. Presently I am editing some wonderful books, and while I do it, I get to encourage the authors. God has been bringing me writers and creative people – and I get so excited. As I help them and cheer them on, I get inspired too – to write, create, paint, think higher…
   
   Today I took a drive to the Grand Mesa to photograph mountain wildflowers, listen to a rushing stream, and smell the pine trees. I can’t…repeat…I cannot (!) feel good sitting in my house when this beauty is so close. So…alone, but really not alone, I go to seek what I may find today – a perfect Colorado Columbine, a reflecting lake, and a seeded flower past it’s prime but perfect in it’s airy symmetry. These remind me that I, too, am perfectly made, a reflection of the Creator, and, wonderfully symmetrical in who I am. Yes. My God is good!
  
   
I bless your spirit today to discover the beauty of your life in God's creation – where you will find your own symmetry!