Heart Uplifted

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  • Chase

    Driving home this afternoon I suddenly realized I was not paying attention to what I was doing….driving! I was lulled by the GPS guiding me along the route and I was really very unaware of my surroundings. It has been a long 24 plus hours, a dear friend went to heaven this morning. Back to my point, when I did focus a jolt to be seeing “Charles St.” Oh how utterly amazing. You see, this was my friend’s proper name. But we all called him Chase.
    Let me just share a snippet of this friendship. When I was missing from our congregation at church time and time again dealing with health issues. Chase always sent me a message. How are you Deb? We would exchange a few lines. But repeatedly he was consistent in doing so, it meant so much. We became close over the years and during his battle with cancer I found that I was placed to help a time or two. We shared a lot of stories with each other. He was an unconventional guy and he had a charm that was delightful. He’d like to say things to throw you off your game or see if you were paying attention. He had a brilliance about him that few would know if they took him at appearances. We loved him truly.
    But the encounter of Holy Spirit in the last hours we sat by his side are worthy to go beyond the walls of the “rose room”. I am going to try and step you through this sweet reader.
    Eternal sleep appeared, a flood of emotions for his wife Mary Jo. Decisions… tending to things at hand. Gently we went through the last hours. Steps were taken for him to be returned closer to home. But in this waiting Mary Jo wanted to follow some traditions. One of which was listening to a Messianic Jewish service that they had routinely shared in each Saturday for 13 years!
    I had the privilege to be apart of this time of worship. Through the phone Chase was mentioned in the kindest and most loving way. And the music was inspired.
    One of the songs kept repeating Selah. I know within the Psalms we see this written and have known it as a ‘pause’. But I knew the meaning must be deeper. Looking up the Hebrew definition this is what I learned: Selah means ‘forever’. How beautiful, but there is more the root word which is Salal and with the “l” its meaning is “raise voices in praise” or “make the instruments louder”.
    My heart was overflowing with joy to learn this as it had been sung over my friend. Chase is a musician and has been a dedicated member of our church worship team for 30 plus years. God was letting us know the heavenly band just got a little louder.
    So, it was your final walk down Charles Street…. But just around that bend, well all things are made new!
    Love can be unconventional a lot of the time but the treasure is never forgotten. And you have your forever Chase! Selah.

  • Interruption

    and He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new…” Revelation 21:5

    My eyes were purely delighted by the new spring green as traveling about this spring. Capturing every piece of imagery I could as I prayed through to each destination. It was a sensational overload for me, streaks of lights on the mountains, clouds so pure white against vivid blue, sweet fragrance of lilac and the sound of the natural, praise, music of life. He makes all things new! This rang out in my heart and soul, and my spirit was saying, YES!
     
    It kept me fueled. But I find myself overly anxious to just be home these days. I wake up early in the mornings, many mornings still holding the thought of “all things new.” There is so much destruction Lord. And yet, as summer has arrived on the scene I can see the natural emergence of new life. But so much of what is “new” never gets a chance.  The course of a day or extent of a lifetime can have many things “new” as well as many interruptions. We have interruptions in conversations, work efforts, and how we relate to one another. This morning there is devastation in an interruption. Covid-19. Both of my parents hospitalized and in the battle of their life, for their life. Room 218 and 220. Fighting for their next breathe. 
    I want to run into this fire to be nearer but I can not. Handling things from a distance, phone calls to check in with each of them, talking to doctors, nurses, and family members. I am feeling squeezed. This morning I am brought back to thinking about my perspective on an interruption, needing the peace that grounds me. And remembering how Jesus’ healing was recounted in chapter 5 of Luke and in particular how those men climbed to the roof to lower the paralyzed man through the tiles right in front of Him. The crowd was in their way but nothing stopped their faith. Was it an interruption? In red letters Jesus says which is easier to say “your sin is forgiven” or “get up and walk.” While physically it can be seen as an interruption. The exercise of faith, the evidence of things hoped for there surely is more than meets the eye. We need be aware He has all Authority. Today I need to be aware He has all Authority. And in that He restores, renews and redeems.
    So here I am bringing my Mom and Dad before you Lord. Knowing the outcome you have for this interruption will indeed make all things new.
    Just two girls in the woods for One.

  • Full Surround

    “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” 1 John 3:1

    When you give an opinion, speak a truth, extend a piece of your heart in expression…vulnerable you will be. Perhaps a counter argument is exchanged, or manipulative prose filters through as noise, or you are met with void where no reaction or sound can be found and you can only guess what was thought of by others…. crickets can be heard in the hushing of no response.  
    Sweet reader, please do not stop being who you are…thinking how you think… bringing what only you can offer, don’t hide yourself from the world. Redirect, with confidence in the knowledge of belonging to God as his child. no maneuver or manipulation, deceit or dereliction takes you away from that wondrous fact, child of God! Often reference is made to describe His Love as the fragrance of a rose. Object lesson found true in our day today as we clipped white roses, full blooms and buds. Notably more floral notes permeated all around in this space, full surround “scent.”  Aaaaaah, glorious.
    That is where we stand in the Lord, “full surround” for ALL of us! Our van guard and rear guard is HE. Just like I was touching the rose petals fragrant traces remain with you. He remains. We dry the flowers and press them. The roses become part of our creations. In every state their perfume remains which is truly amazing. Even if a petal is dry and brittle, a quick stir among other pieces or a crumble in your fingertips and new life is given to the aroma. The scent is within every fiber, likewise it is the deepest sense that we are children of God. We are His creation a part of the very essence of a life loved. Each one of us the very object of His Divine Love. Love as a fragrance that can never go away. A fragrance that you know, alerts you one to another just as familiar as the scent of those wild white roses. Similarly, leave a trace of who He is to you behind. More hope and more love, so that many may come to know Him and recognize Him.  
    Just two girls in the woods for ONE, children of God in a field of flowers.

  • He calms the storm

    So when I saw this particular picture I saved it. I find it captivating. As I reflect on this image again this morning many thoughts come to mind. Good and evil. Right side, wrong side. Battle. Narrow way. Destruction vs restoration. But I am landing here on “Love is patient,” 1 Corinthians 13:4. It was literally ringing in my thoughts and I could not get away from it. When this happens I know I need to really take time to settle in and flush out what is being revealed.  This picture? Love is patient? A word study of the Greek definition of patient is cited as “properly remaining under, endurance, steadfastness, especially as God enables the believer to ‘remain (endure) under’ the challenges of life.”  
    And when you think of what we have been taught of patience to tolerate without becoming annoyed or anxious, it seems just another way we have been lulled away from Truth. Because annoyance is so very self-serving but endurance is God-serving. I have seen it stated as patient endurance. Is that redundant? In our society patience does not seem very high on the list of character traits these days. What of endurance in love? True Love never leaves. Love is patient, will be, must be, should be patient. It seems clear to me that we really need to get this Truth. I can be extremely patient but there is an end to my patience. When I get to that point I need to run to God. 
    I can place myself on that yellow line just as you can sweet reader. Right in the pathway of destruction, one side destroys the other remains intact. If this is moving toward us or away from us there is/was an effect.  We can not stand in our own strength. In fact, I feel completely powerless and weak just by focusing down the middle. What if I did not see the escape? A place of safety and security is front of mind with it blasting head on to you. And while it would be an all-consuming experience I know in my heart to even have the remotest chance of survival I have to look away from myself and look to God’s grace and power. Especially when caught within a storm, physically, emotionally or spiritually. I can not manage all by myself. My physical reactions are delayed, my thoughts toss me round and round. I need help to sift and sort and move in the right direction. What if my emotions are this very storm? Well that thought I will save for another day. Provocative, isn’t it.
    This picture was brought back to mind yesterday as Louisa and I talked. It was good to just sit with her for awhile. In light of the devastating blow our family has taken this past week, just to see her after a few days of not eased me. As you stand today in the wake of your storm evermore remain faithful so that we can be united in Christ and run with endurance. Trust even when trusting is so very difficult. God is not limited by any storm. Be patient with yourself. Be patient with others. After all, “the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, a clear conscience and sincere faith.” 1 Timothy 1:5 
    The only way we can endure is when love is patient.
    Just two girls in the woods for ONE, knowing He calms the storm.

  • Unfailing Comfort

    “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of the joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16: 21-22

    Anguish. There are days when you completely feel upended by unexpected news. Yesterday was a day like that for our family. We suffered a tragic loss. And it is mind numbing. We think what is it I can do, what is it I can say as hearts bleed from a wound so deep. Life is altered.  Pain and sorrow are part of this world. Jesus said these words to his disciples and used childbirth as an example. Pain before joy. We have to endure pain in order to get to joy. We can try to understand but we will not. But in Christ there is peace and comfort. He makes this clear to us.  He is our Hope in this fallen world.
    But just as Paul said in Philippians 3, I have not gained hold of it yet but I am straining forward to what is ahead, pressing on toward the goal heavenward in Christ. (paraphrased) And today I must remind myself our comfort abounds in Christ, it is unfailing.
    Pain is real sweet reader, I understand that. And I cry out “why” just as you might do. I need reminding that we are climbing to Hope. Perhaps you do as well. Hold fast to His Promises.
     
    Just two girls in the woods for ONE.

  • Memorial

    “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends…” John 15:13

    As a nation today we remember all of those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
    What words can I place here that would encompass the rippling depth of this day and life forever changed for our Gold Star families. Only the Word comes to mind.
    “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1
    I can not even begin to fill those “boots.”  Memorial Day everyday, somewhere for someone. Honor them by loving.
    Just two girls in the woods for ONE. 

  • Safest Position

    “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 27:3-4

    So I was just reading my Bible and went to my devotional list and noticed I started one entitled “Prayers for Ferocious Warriors.” Ferocious. I continued reading. And still the violent connotation kept stirring me. I thought of John Piper’s Make War sermon, too. It is indeed a war against our own flesh.  Isn’t that the root of all violence? Anger, bitterness, jealousy, pride.  One person trying to have power over another. When you think of war it is utter turmoil right before your eyes.  There is evidence of the energy expenditure and a change occurs. Dominance, a winner? But what fight do I have with myself so as not to be stagnant or impeded in stepping forward into changes that I must make? I should be attacking those things in my life with the same ferocity as I would if I was facing an external threat to my life or the lives of my loved ones.  I certainly would not back down or cower. I would muster everything in my being to protect them. Those who have my heart and are dear to me would not be left to stand alone in the face of wrong doing. I am sure all of us can relate to that feeling. 
    But on the other hand, it seems we let so much time pass by before we deal with “things” that are root cause of preventing our emotional freedom. Do you have something holding you back? Is there an unsettled situation in your life that needs to be addressed? I say be ferocious and get rid of that thing once and for all.  You are not and will not be standing alone God is right there with you. Let me expound on this thought.
    I went to visit my favorite gardens for a work initiative.  While I tended to my business I noticed the dry beds that were waiting to be planted.  And others that had been mowed down in places clearing the way for the wanted gems to be seen.  Daffodils clustered here and there, purple Violas with yellow details etched within the heart of their petals and Peonies stretching up with a crown of leaves at the  top. Still other beds had tall stalks from last year’s towering Cleome blooms needing to be removed. I know the outcome. I have seen it during glorious show time.  I thought to someone who may be looking on for the first time they may pass by amiss to what is there. To me I know the work that goes into extracting the weeds to preserve and cultivate the life of what is beautiful and good there. This is not a place that is motionless. Nor are we. But when I viewed it now you would definitely not see it as I do. I have intimate knowledge of what it will soon be.  It is the very same with the Lord. He knows our outcome.  We need to put our trust in Him. So my prayer today is let me see myself the way you see me Lord.  When I am praying fervently lead me to conquer myself with that same protective spirit that I would have for others. In all my needed changes you, Lord, are my safest position. Daffodils are just the beginning….
    Just two girls in the woods for One, with a ferocious prayer.

  • Riches of Prayer

    “The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another, and stars differ from star in splendor.” 1 Corinthians 15:41
    I could see the stars through the skylight in my bedroom.  It was about 1:20 last night when I was awakened. I needed to find peace because something was causing me to have a high level of pain. I gazed at the sky and could see it was crystal clear and my little rectangle was blanketed with a million stars. I can remember the first time I visited the Adirondacks laying out on the lawn at night and being utterly amazed at the pristine view of the Milky Way.  No light pollution altered the twinkling lights from above. Truly Magnificent.  We always have been somewhat of star gazers and have a telescope to bring the view closer to us. Many cold winter nights we wrap ourselves in blankets and go out to explore the heavens. As I prayed underneath my celestial view last night, I thought of  how we bring things closer to us.  To see clearly. It is intimacy.
    Our prayer life is the most intimate gift to bring the Lord closer, see His guidance with a new clarity. I prayed boldly for the changes that our presenting in our world.   And as the verse intends us to contemplate comparing stars to our bodies which will differ from our present ones, All who believe in Christ have hope. so this pain is temporary. I prayed that as the church we see ourselves differently now, more readied with a revealed clarity that we become bursts of light wherever we go. Pull heaven down around us in prayer. He has risen. And let us all in faith be united in Christ.  “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” My peace bringing thought is every place I go is Holy because He is there. Just like the stars which can not all be gathered in my view there is so much yet to be seen. I must continue to pray.
    Just two girls in the woods for ONE, thinking of the riches of prayer.

  • Tenderest Love Song

    “worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” Psalm 100:2
    I was never so struck by a melody as I was yesterday. My heart felt as if it would burst and it literally stopped my being.  This is Ali. Yes, he is a Robin that was rescued and has not left the side of the person who has cared for him for a year now.  He is an unusual and unsuspecting sidekick. He joined us for a visit yesterday in the studio. And quickly found the place we work to be an irresistible playground;  pushing beads on the floor with his beak, pulling chains from their containers and wandering through each room with toddler-like curiosity. All of the while listening intently to our voices and quite comfortable with center stage. At one point he actually came to me, resting on my arm moving up to my shoulder.  It is a captivating story and we encouraged our new friend to tell it.
    We had a delightful time with both of our guests. But I soon will not forget the most touching part of our visit. As the rain turned to a torrent outside the window, Ali began to sing on the window sill. It was a peaceful melody and it flooded the atmosphere with angelic joy. No doubt a natural moment of praise sent to heaven.
    My single question and the illustration that is now embedded in my heart, what of our own storm? Do we stand so unmoved in peace and sing to God with reverent adoration? It was the most natural occurrence and as the rain subsided Ali moved on to his curiosities, returning to do the same when the rain increased as it fell from the sky again. I am thankful to have met Ali and I look forward to seeing him again. To watch Ali was a gift beyond measure and something quite frankly that could only be brought to us from God himself.
    Just two girls in the woods for ONE, witness to the tenderest love song.