If the church would only be the church–if Christians would only be Christians–nothing could halt our onward march.
From Galatians 6:10: “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all and especially for those of the family of faith.”
Vance Havner (1901-1986) was an American pastor and Christian author. During his many years of service to the Lord, he preached throughout America.
Upholding
Witness
Heavenly grace
Descending to earth
Embracing God’s tender touch
Joy
Beholding
Joy’s
Heavenly spirit
Announcing Savior’s birth
Choirs of angelic voices
Truth
Engaging
Truth’s
Heavenly righteousness
Flowing into prayer
Eyes upon Risen Christ
Witness
Gentleness of sunrise
Balance breathes again
Sharing wonder of light
Landscape sings “Amen”
Another soul wakens
Patience gathers near
Offering way homeward
Today, never fear
Joy softens hardened heart
Grace deals one more hand
Playing out game of choice
Hope’s journey shall stand
Waves of freedom compose
Tomorrow’s high road
Navigating with trust
Life’s spirit reloads
Harmony overcomes
Each moment to prize
Uplifting from heavens
Tender at sunrise
Journey always homeward
Strengthened with each sunrise
Leaving embers of darkness
Visions of tomorrow’s prize
Faithful compass leads on
Surrounded without light
Rising to face each challenge
Perseverance maintains flight
Soul’s courage reaches out
Destined to discover
Marching to harmony’s joy
Another hour uncovers
Tranquility’s campsite
Filled with memories past
Inviting blessed night’s rest
Single dream forever lasts
Quote from Irish theologian, Alister McGrath: “To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul.”
Scripture from Jeremiah 17:7-8: “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Sitting in our new apartment, surrounded by waiting boxes of life’s contents, I am struck by the peace found in God’s precious gifts.
As my own journey has stretched from July into August, I find myself embracing the divine connections of being rooted with our heavenly Father.
Travels to my see my Montana family always provide a testament of God’s love. The light of Christ maps out tomorrow’s steps.
This summer’s trip was filled with bittersweet emotions. My mother, Martha, struggles with the early stages of dementia. Yet, she remains physically healthy while her mind deals with daily challenges.
Returning from my Montana roots, the Buckeye state always welcomes me back. I am thankful that Colleen and I are now living in a ground level apartment. Those dreaded, unforgiving stairs of our former home will slowly become a fading memory.
Quote from Alister McGrath: “True love involves a willingness to change, to become more like the ones we love. Love is dynamic, not static. God may accept us just as we are—but He isn’t going to leave us there.”
Scripture from Lamentations 3:22-24: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’”
Nearing the conclusion of our move, Colleen and I faced one more challenge—softened by Christ’s own healing grace.
Making a final trip down the stairs of our soon to be former apartment, Colleen lost her balance and tumbled down several steps. Landing on the floor in front of the door, she was injured and bleeding. After an overnight stay at the hospital, it was revealed that she sustained a concussion. The nasty cut on the back of her head was treated. Fortunately, she sustained no broken bones or brain trauma.
Quote from American writer, Matthew Edward Hall: “Heal the roots, to see the tree grow vibrant.”
Scripture from Jeremiah 30:17: “For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, says the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion; no one cares for her!’”
Colleen is healing, and our ground level apartment is fully functional. We both praise God’s mercy as we move forward into the next chapter of our lives.
I have appreciated my many readers and guests who have been patient during my absence these past several weeks. Beginning with today’s post, I am eager to renew my writing journey with you. God’s peace be with each of you.
There is a destiny that makes us brothers; none goes his way alone.
The crest and crowning of all good, life’s final star, is Brotherhood.
Edwin Markham (1852-1940) was an American poet. One of his most read poems was “The Man with the Hoe,” which shed light on the exploitation of poor laborers.
Intimacy with words
Flowing through writer’s pen
Around every corner
Connecting once again
Rendezvous’ inner self
Finding rhythm’s rewards
Another page finished
Unleashing what’s been stored
Opportunity’s breath
Rising with morning’s light
Precious minutes smile back
Composing what feels right
Familiar journey’s peace
Searching depth of each phrase
Trust finds welcome landing
Igniting thoughts ablaze
Each quiet reflection
Waking now to deploy
Focused on tender points
Dispensing heartfelt joy
Writing is manual labor of the mind: a job, like laying pipe.
Because one has written other books does not mean the next becomes any easier.
John Gregory Dunne (1932-2003) was an American writer.
Wise words are like seeds. The more you scatter them, the more they will grow into infinite gardens of knowledge.
The key to a wonderful life is to never stop wandering into wonder.
Suzy Kassem (born 1975) is an American writer, poet, philosopher, and visual artist. Her birthplace is Toledo, Ohio.
Discovery
Waiting
Patience breathes
Unlocking God’s goodness
Prayer opens willing heart
Peace
Invitation
Trusting
Morning’s light
Nourishing with hope
Daily bread of grace
Love
Journey
Receiving
Word’s truth
Replenishing faith’s roots
Risen Christ welcomes all
Joy
