Catch My Breath

A Fresh View of the 23rd Psalm

(as taken from The Message Bible)

 

God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.

You have bedded me down in lush meadows,

you find me quiet pools to drink from.

True to your word,

you let me catch my breath

and send me in the right direction.

Even when the way goes through

Death Valley,

I'm not afraid

when you walk at my side.

Your trusty shepherd's crook

makes me feel secure.

You serve me a six-course dinner

right in front of my enemies.

You revive my drooping head;

my cup brims with blessing.

Your beauty and love chase after me

every day of my life.

I'm back home in the house of God

for the rest of my life.

Heavenly Day

This song brings a smile to my face...

"Heavenly Day"

by Patty Griffin

He Woos

Woo...

     a) to seek the affection, favour or love of.
     b) to seek after zealously or hopefully.
     c) to court, to invite, to seek."

God has been wooing my heart all day long. He's been drawing me closer through words, verses, songs, and favor.  When I woke up, I could immediately feel His presence and felt Him saying "I miss you"  and "I'm with you".  I've been here before, and I knew that it was going to be a precious day.  I began seeking Him by praying while taking a shower, and calling out His name.  I could sense the heart of my Father drawing near.  His presence continued to beckon me throughout my day and I'm finally beginning the climb out of the heaviness that has been on my heart lately. His Grace empowers and His Love Never Fails.

He's relentless.  
     He pursues me.  
          He engulfs me.  
               He overwhelms me.
                    He chases.

He goes before me.
     He walks beside.
          His glory is my rear guard.
               He covers me.
                   He lifts and secures my step


He never gives up.  
     He comes like He promises.  
          He pours out His Spirit.  
               There's always more.  
                    There's always more.


He's unending.
     He opens up the heavens.
          He rains down.
               He reaches farther and farther.
                    And then He does it again.

How Long

how long
can i lament
with this depressed
heart and soul

how long
can i remain
a sad autumn
ever since my grief
has shed my leaves

the entire space
of my soul
is burning in agony

how long can i
hide the flames
wanting to rise
out of this fire

how long can one suffer
the pain of hatred
of another human
a friend behaving like an enemy

with a broken heart
how much more
can i take the message
from body to soul

i believe in love
i swear by love
believe me my love

how long
like a prisoner of grief
can i beg for mercy

you know i'm not
a piece of rock or steel
but hearing my story
even water will become
as tense as a stone

if i can only recount
the story of my life
right out of my body
flames will grow.

  

--by Poet Jalal ed-Din Rumi (1207-1273)

Over, Underneath, Inside and Between

Tenth Avenue North has a wonderful song called "Times". The song is about the times when God's love, forgiveness and grace reaches out to us. I can't even begin to comprehend the depths of His forgiveness... I'm just thankful that He promises to never forsake me.

Times

Tenth Avenue North

I'm there in your sorrow,

under the weight of your shame.

I'm there through your heartache,

I'm there in the storm.

My love I will keep you

by my power alone.

I don't care where you've fallen,

where you have been.

I'll never forsake you

My love never ends.

Is It Really Love?

Is It Really Love?

Here's the Test of Real Love... 

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love is patient

Love is kind

Love does not envy

Love does not boast

Love is not proud

Love is not rude

Love is not self-seeking

Love is not easily angered

Love keeps no record of wrongs

Love does not delight in evil

Love rejoices with the truth

Love always protects

Love always trusts

Love always hopes

Love always perseveres

Love never fails