Steep Grades, Sharp Curves

Life offered the warning, but they chose to ignore it. They believed they were owed the right to happiness, not just the pursuit of it. 

The layoff notice arrived.

The stock market crashed.

The lover betrayed.

The doctor called.

The surprise shocked their sensibilities. “How could this happen?” they asked.  They blamed God with shaking fists and cried, “Unfair!”

Yet, God gazed at them and opened wide His arms. He waited for their broken hearts to turn toward the heavens.  Peace is what He offered them.

 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NIV)




Seeking the Mystery,

Dreams--- A Mustard Seed Muse

I reach for my dreams, but my arms are too short.

Others abandon me. Yet, I stand tall in the lush land of daydreams. 

I surround myself in nature to provide inspiration. Fragrant flowers taunt me with their artisan beauty. The abstract grass points toward the heavens as if to say, “Look up.”  The morning sun glints a vision of promise.

I accept  my limitations, yet acknowledge God’s infusion of dreams in my heart.   My arms might be short, but I stand tall in expectation.

In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. (Psalm 5:3, NIV)

Long-Haul Friendship

Long-haul friendship. Fabulous friends. Friends make my life lavish—with laughter, tears and caffeine. I recently received a card from a friend it read, “Having coffee with a friend is just another term for ‘THERAPY.”  

 

I cherish friends that are there over the long haul. They care about what is going on in the mundane minutes of the day. Most of the close friends I have in my life are friends that have been hanging around with me for many years. I could give you a list of names, but that wouldn’t mean much to you, although I would sure like to honor them.

My girlfriends have travelled through a lot of stuff with me. Living life, even through the joys, can be stressful. Here are a few of life events that my girlfriends and cup of coffee (or a glass of wine) have helped me conquer and even enjoy.

Kid’s weddings.  (I was blessed to be the mother of the groom. Couldn’t have dealt with being mother of the bride.)

Vocational ministry.  (Who would have known?)

Surgery.  (Foot surgery recovery about 18 months. Won’t do that again!)

Book Publication. (Love writing, hate the publication process)

Financial Fiascos. (Can we say 2006?)

I’m sure you get the picture. Where would we be without our girlfriends who lend a listening ear and offer some advice? Many times the advice is just,  “have another glass of wine” or  “let’s go to Starbucks” and that is usually sufficient to coax me off the ledge of despair.

What about your friends?   Why don’t you call one of them today and say, “Hey, long-haul friend, do you want to meet for coffee?”

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel. Proverbs 27:9 (NIV)

 Seeking the Mystery,