Forthcoming Love...

My Dearest Forthcoming Love...

Right now my Father is working on me.  He's working on my heart.  He's healing and restoring me.  He's teaching me how to trust again and how to love with an unbroken heart.  My Father's hand is steady and deliberate.  There is purpose in every motion that He creates in my life.

Though I don't know you yet, please wait patiently, because the day is coming when the timing will finally be right.  On that day, He will take you by the hand and lead you into my life and I'll forever be able to sing "God Gave Me You".  Until then, I will be patiently awaiting our day.

Divinely yours,
Stephen

Go! Touch! Tell! Love! Serve!

God's been placing so many thoughts in my heart lately.  My mind has been swirling with words, scriptures, ideas and concepts.  I know these are from my Father's heart, because many of these are come head-to-head against my own fears, limits and frustrations.   I feel He is drawing me into a new season and I cannot wait to see where all this leads.

I just want to journal a rough list of recent things on my heart.  Father let these be done in me...

• My plan is out-dated, old and obsolete.  His plan is the new strategy. 
• Nothing of this world will matter to me any more.
• I have died to myself, I am dying to my own dreams and goals.  I am only alive for the purposes of Christ.  In Him I live and breathe. 
• The book of my life is being rewritten.  Love is the plot, Faith is the binding and Hope is the pen with which I write.
• Fears are gone!  Fear of death, failure, loneliness, fear of growing old, fear of poor health, your notice has been served!  You have been broken!
• Money and finances are no longer the most important thing to me.  In fact, they are being moved to the most insignificant place.  I am fully funded to do what my Father asks.
• Simplify, Downsize, Eliminate, Lighten the load, Sell, Give, Live below my means.
• Cap my spending and income and give the rest.  
• My American dream robs from my Heavenly treasure.
• My earthly cost: persecution, suffering, misunderstood, hated, mocked
• My heavenly reward: priceless beyond measure
• Time to move from the checkbook to the street.  Go!  Touch!  Tell!  Love!  Serve!
• Fast, Pray, Discern, Listen, Hunger, Thirst, Seek
• Risk everything.  Go "all in".  Expect the unexpected.
• 6 billion people need my Father.
• Just Go... Make a difference... the world is waiting.

For Better or Worse

I had the privilege of being a witness of true love yesterday.  My son and I were fishing near the boat launch at the lake, when a small SUV pulled up with a pontoon boat attached.  An older gentleman stepped out of the car.  He was in his mid-50's with a long gray beard and was dressed just like a fisherman should be.

As he approached us, he started scoping out the boat ramp.  He was very friendly and began to tell me that his wife was handicapped and he was trying to figure out the best way to put the boat in the water.  "You see," he explained, "We love fishing and used to have a couple of  bass boats.  But ever since my wife's been handicapped we haven't been able to go out on the lake.  I just bought this pontoon boat and I built a special ramp so I can get her wheelchair from the dock to the boat."  He continued conversing with me while he was inspecting the ramp, and then when he was satisfied with his plan, he explained to me how he was going to do this.  I smiled, nodded, and realized I may have the help this guy a little.

He returned to the SUV and I could hear him lovingly explaining to his wife how he was going to back the car up, tie off the boat, pull up the ramp to a nearby parking space and then help her onto the boat.  I didn't notice anything odd, and she was quiet so I figured she must be used to him taking time to explain and care like this.

After several attempts he was able to get the boat in the water.  I did offer my help and he was glad to have the extra hand to stabilize and secure the boat while he pulled the car and trailer up to the handicap parking spot.  He called out to me several times to express his thanks.

I wasn't prepared for what was about to take place.  As the gentleman opened his wife's car door and loving spoke to her, she squealed and shrieked uncontrollably and excitedly.  She was so loud that it startled me and my son.  We were some distance from their car, but I found myself looking around to see if anyone else noticed how odd this was.  His wife was not just physically handicapped and unable to stand without the use of a wheelchair, but there was a mental aspect involved as well.

It took him a few minutes to get her out of the SUV and into her wheelchair.  She was obviously very excited (and loud) about the boat as she kept squealing.  Once in a while, I could pick out a word or two she was saying, but he knew and understood her ever sound.  As he wheeled her down the pier he smiled and called out to me again.  "She's so excited!  You see?  She's just so excited about all this!"  He never  flinched or apologize for the strangeness.  He never realized how odd this was.  He didn't try to silence her, or even act like anything was wrong.  He was so happy to see her excitement and he couldn't wait to get her on the boat.

As he approached his "homemade" wheelchair ramp, she became scared and started to scream.  The ramp was about four feet long, but we had tied the boat so close to the pier, that she was really only going to pass over about 6 inches of water in the process.  But those 6 inches cause a great deal of fear for her, and her way of expressing it was screaming.  He stopped and talked with her.  He reassured her and calmed her and then he pushed her across the ramp an onto the boat.  Once on the boat, the excitement returned and she was obviously happy again.

I've been thinking about that couple several times throughout the day.  My mind was searching for answers to explain the level of care and attention that he was providing.  I wondered what could have caused the mental aspect of her handicapped.  I imagined how devastating that must have been on him and on their relationship; but then again -- it didn't even phase him.  He cared for her as if she was a child, but she was his wife.  Couples today are so quick to divorce over such petty issues, but here's a man that is committed "for better or worse".  And not only is he committed, he embraced it with a gentle, loving, kindness and excitement. There's so many lessons in what I saw today.... I know I'll remember that experience for years to come.

 

Your love sets me free

Addison Road

Hope Now

Everything rides on hope now

Everything rides on faith somehow

When the world has broken me down

Your love sets me free

You've become my hearts desire

I will sing Your praises higher

Cause Your love sets me free

This Love is Stronger

For several months I have been following the story of "Daisy Love" and praying for her as often as I can remember. Daisy Love Merrick is the precious daughter of Pastor Britt Merrick of Reality Church in California.  Daisy is just five years old and has been battling a rare form of cancer called "Wilms Tumor".  If you get a chance, please visit Daisy's web site called http://PrayForDaisy.com

A beautiful song was written for Daisy by Dominic Balli
Today I simply wanted to share this song with you, but if you'd like more information about Dominic Balli you can visit this page.

I hope you enjoy this song and please take time to pray for Daisy...

When that storm comes
Like a hurricane
And the sun seems far away

We will not fear the wind
We will not fear the waves
I can feel your calm within

When this life is shaken
By ragin’ seas
We are not gon’ be afraid

So if ya walk on waves and wind
Then hold my hand and I’ll walk again

Chorus:
This love is stronger than the blood that beats my heart
This love is deeper, than the pain of all these scars
This love goes farther than the hope in answer’s arms
This love is stronger
It’s strong enough for me

V.2
You lived our sorrows,
Befriended all our pain
All that we might rise again

You stole my sickness,
Rested in my disease
All that I might rest in thee

And you alone bring healing,
And for you I’ll wait
But we are not gon’ be afraid

Chorus:

Bridge:
We may be crushed but we are not ever forsaken
We may be struck down but we are not ever destroyed
Then when that fire comes to shine through me your glory
We are not gonna be afraid

The Thief

Brook Fraser has an amazing, poetic way with the lyrics in her songs.  Recently I listened to a couple of her albums and read the words as she sung.  I love her style and the deep meanings in her lyrics.

In this song I love the lines...

"It is as if, 

I knew you before we spoke

Do our hearts know something we don't?

Conspiring, converging without giving us any say"

and the lines...

"You're ruining me

With secrets and gestures and looks.

With sonnets from second-hand books

Playing the chords in me, nobody knew how to play"

Love it.. good stuff! :-)

Holding My Heart Out

Love, where is your fire?

by Brooke Fraser

Love, where is your fire?

I've been sitting here smoking away.

Making signals with sticks

and odd ends and bits, 

but still there's no sign of a flame.

Imposters have been passing,

offering a good-feeling glow.

But I'm holding out 

for what you are about

an inferno that burns to the bone.

Some urge me to be temperate.

Lukewarm will never do.

Cause I wanna blaze with you.

So I'm holding my heart out to you.

So I stand handing out torches,

speaking words that are lamps to their feet.

Till the time when you come

and I'm whole and we're one and

the fire in me is complete.

Then a doubt comes to lie

at the back of my mind

That I'll offer you me

and you'll politely decline.

So I hasten to mute it.

I'll shout and rebuke it "away!"

Cause I know I'll blaze with you.

Cause I'm holding my heart out to you.

Cure for Loneliness

The cure for loneliness...

"On that day,

you will realize that

I am in my Father, and

you are in me, and

I am in you"

-John 14:20

You and Me Alone God

You hedge me in

with skin

all around me.

I'm a garden enclosed.

Life takes place

behind the face

for it's You and me alone God

...

Come into Your garden

Come into Your garden

Cuts Like a Knife

Luke 22:47-51 says...

While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them.  He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"


When Jesus' follower saw what was going to happen, they said "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.


But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him (immediately).

I speak with experience when I say "betrayal cuts like a knife."  Nothing that I have ever experienced has pierced so deeply and caused so much pain in my life.  Anxiety quickly set in, and depression lingered on and on.

My Father God was so faithful to rescue me.  For almost a year, He led me to specific scriptures that soothed my soul on a daily basis.  He put songs in my heart, and worship on my lips.  He taught me how to forgive, how to love, and how to move on.  He put friends and mentors in place with words of encouragement.  It's been a very long process, but today I am a new creation in Jesus, and my heart has been completely healed and set free.

Even after all of this, the process of healing still requires the hand of God in my life every day, and today was no exception.  In the middle of a perfect day, a simple, small reminder hit me like a brick wall.  Within seconds I could feel my blood boiling and my heart sinking.  It was like the devil had punched me right in the stomach and took the wind out of me.  Three minutes earlier life was great, now I was once again at the bottom of a pit looking up.

But Jesus is so faithful and He is so near...

Just like the scripture above, I could hear him say "No more of this!"  I could feel His hand reaching out to me, and swiftly healing me once again.  He lifted me and put my feet back on stable ground.  He reminded me of forgiveness and love, and he quickly restored my soul.  The whole experience from sinking to healing lasted about 10 minutes. 

God is so good, and so faithful!! 
Praise you Lord Jesus for your swift healing!!

I Yearn For You

Lord I want to yearn for You

I want to burn with passion

over You, and only You

Lord, I want to yearn.

-Shane and Shane

I can't do this alone

This morning, just after I dropped the kids off for school, this amazing song came on the radio.  I stopped in my driveway and just sat there wiping away tears from my eyes.  The message of the song seemed to capture my failures, my daily struggle of being a single dad, and the cry of my heart on a daily basis.  The heavy weight of all that's involved in carrying my family can be overwhelming.  On the outside it may all look perfect, but keeping it all together for my children is a struggle I face daily.  My only hope is in the Lord and I'm left whispering "Father, lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone."

Lead Me

Sanctus Real

It's the story that EVERY husband and wife must face... keeping love alive while still "doing" life.  Matt from Sanctus Real explains the story behind this song and the struggles that he and his wife have faced.  Click Here to see the video of the story behind Lead Me.

I Told You So

Forgiving works best

when we permanently

remove the words 

"I told you so".

-SMK (me!)

Side With Love

If it's between love and losing

and to never have known the feeling,

I'd still side with love.

And if I end up lonely,

at least I will be there knowing,

I believe in love.

-Colbie Caillat, Fearless

While I'm Waiting

Losing love after 15 years of marriage was indescribably painful. My heart was torn in two to say the least.  My Heavenly Father has begun an incredible healing of my heart, and this process has been a long one.  To love again without God's full healing is pointless as He knows when the time is right.  To rush it along would be a mistake on my part.  I will trust in the Lord, listen to His voice and will follow His lead.  In the meantime, I am waiting....

While I'm waiting... I will serve you

While I'm waiting... I will worship

While I'm waiting... I will not faint

I'll be running the race... Even while I wait

Forgive

Bitterness cannot take root in a heart

that chooses to forgive.
-smk

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 

Colossians 3:12-14

Father's Love Letter

My Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is… Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

Father's Love Letter used by permission
Father Heart Communications Copyright 1999-2010
www.FathersLoveLetter.com

You Are My Joy!

You Are My Joy

David Crowder Band

He set me on fire, and I am burning alive.
With His breath in my lungs I am coming undone.
And he set me on fire and I am burning alive.
With his breath in my lungs I am coming undone.

And I cannot hold it in and remain composed.
Love's taken over me
So I propose the letting myself go.
I am letting myself go.

You are my joy.
You are my joy.
You are my joy.
You are my joy.

And He set me on fire, and I am burning alive.
With His breath in my lungs I am coming undone.
And He set me on fire, and I am burning alive.
With His breath in my lungs I am coming undone.
And I cannot hold it in and remain composed.
Love's taken over me and so I propose the letting myself go.
I am letting myself go.

You are my joy.
You are my joy.
You are my joy.
You are my joy.

I need to catch my breath, I need to.
I need to catch my breath, give me a moment now.

You are my joy.
You are my joy.
You are my joy.
You are my joy.

I'm laughing so hard
And I'm laughing so hard
And I'm laughing so hard

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

Let Him Carry It

When your heart is so heavy
that only the Lord has the strength to carry it,
let Him...

 

He can do far more with it broken 

than you can do with it when it's whole.
 

 

---Wisdom from my friend Trent Lambert