I Love You … No. 12

I love you.

What I am trying to say is that I see you. 

I see your loneliness.  You desire and need for connection and companionship.

I see your burdens.  The weight of your responsibilities are heavy and they weary you. 

I see your love.  Commitment and vulnerability are the shields you go to battle with for those in your care, often with deep personal sacrifice.  Their success is your priority.

I see your passion.  You work with excellence as the goal.  You play with intensity.

I see your pain.  You learned early of loss.  You learned early of injustice.  You learned early that life is unfair. 

I see your joy.  Today, your eyes may be clouded and short-sighted.  Today, your heart may be brittle and painfully beating.  Today, your body is sluggish with apathy.  But Mine isn’t and I have good plans for you. 

I see you.

quote: Debbiesm No. 20

“I love rainy days.  The rhythm of the rain is hypnotic, a sound of nature by the Divine Maestro.  As in a downpour, He speaks boldly and unapologetically with Truth.  Like a gentle shower, He moves in with quiet grace and mercy.  And in between the releases of heavenly water, He quietly waits in the shadows for His healing to steal our hearts into divine rest and renewal.  Yes, I love rainy days.”

Reminders

When driving my car, when exercising or just enjoying a delightful meal, I am reminded of the blessings of simplicity that He richly gives every day.  The world in which I live disappears and my vision expands to take in His world.  Limitations give way to possibilities.  Weakness is replaced with strength.  The mundane is transformed into extraordinary.  What I have is enough and far beyond the fantasy of what is missing.  I am content.  The complexities of life take their place in perspective in the corner of my eye and not the center of my world.

When at my favorite hiding place, I am reminded of His beauty, His majesty and His provision.  There is a peace that settles over me and a gentle and quiet spirit leads me.  I watch the people around me and with a knowledge beyond me, words of encouragement is shared with all that I meet.  My soul is refreshed and my strength is renewed.  My lungs and my heart are full of fresh air.

When with a special golden-haired little lady, I am reminded of His love and how much He delights in me.  The spontaneous heart shared in innocent abandonment is a priceless treasure.  Devoid of craftiness or fear, it brings laughter and joy to all who witness it.  It brings humility and thanksgiving to the one who is privileged to share it.  Love given and love received, in its simplest form.

When listening to my favorite radio station, I am reminded how freeing and beautiful it is to sing His hymns and praises.  The Wonder of Wonders thrills my soul.  I learn again and anew Truths for Life.  I find Love Worth Finding.  I gain Insight for Living.  I am encouraged in Living on the Edge.  From Turning Point and In Touch, the Word is repeatedly shared, repeatedly reminding me of what is valid and authentic.  The voices and expectations from social media fall to the wayside and there is clarity of thought and focus.  Tears of relief and rejoicing flow from my eyes as cleansing and healing move into my inner depths.

When meditating on the Book of Life, I am focused on I AM.  I am reminded that He is who He says He is.  His Kingdom surpasses this world.  His promises are in black and white before me.  His love in words of red speak to me with grace and mercy.  Nuggets of wisdom fill my mind, replacing the stones of deceit that are constantly thrown.  Inspiration tickles my brain, giving rise to word pictures that draw me into a place of refuge and out of the pit of refuse.

Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think about such things.

Past, Present and Future

When the darkness of the past chases you and you feel the cold hands of guilt, shame and regret in a vice-like grip around your heart, step into the future.  There is Light waiting to be shed, loosening the chains that bind.

When the walls of the present restrains you and you feel the feel the feet of oppression, confusion and hopelessness pinning you down, step into the future.  There is a Way waiting to guide you, leading to the path of freedom, certainty and fulfillment.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and do not rely on your own understanding;

     think about Him in all your ways,

and He will guide you on the right paths.

The Hurt That Will Not Go Away

With each new comment, she shovels more dirt on top of the mountain-high pile.  Before her mouth opens, I know what’s coming out of it.  She sees nothing that is good; she speaks of nothing that is good.  Her lips and tongue need to be painted black, for what issues from them brings death to love and to hope.

With each holiday, he finds more and more reason to be away.  His career thrives; his family strives.  His reputation among his peers is outstanding, known to many far and wide.  His presence among his family is insufficient; his visits far and wide.

With each year that passes by, they buy me bigger and better toys.  My room is filled with the newest and best of media gadgets.  I break them, I lose them, and replacements come immediately.  My closet is full of name brand clothes, some still with tags attached that I have outgrown.  My friends prefer to hang out here; there are no restrictions, no boundaries.  They think my parents are, like, totally cool.  I wish I had different parents, for these do not know me.

With each car that passes by, I wonder if one will stop by my door.  My house is clean and full of items rich in love, rich in memories.  Oh the stories I could share over a pot of tea.  These knees and hips simply do not hold up like they used to.  A trip to the grocery store each month is all the exercise I can handle.  Strangers from my church drop in from time to time, but not long enough to even sit down.

“This is my comfort in my affliction, 

that Your promise gives me life.” 

 

 

quote: Debbieism No. 19

“It’s ever so much easier, and common, to take ownership and control of those people, places and things that trigger our fears, anxieties and insecurities than it is to take ownership and address our fears, anxieties and insecurities.  It is easier to populate the prison than it is to set the captives free.  The first way depends on our strength and the weakness of another.  The second way reveals our weakness and Another’s strength.”