Tag Archives: Prayer

SECRET PLACE

22 Dec

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. [2] I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”   Psalm 91:1-2

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I have a secret place,

That I alone know.

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A place I call my own,

Where my Father and I,

Laugh together,

And cry together,

Face to face.

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It’s a very special place,

I can travel to at will,

Without ever leaving,

The place where I stand.

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In that secret place,

I see the face of God.

—

Sometimes in a stranger,

Sometimes in the sky,

As I bask in His Holy Creation.

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My secret place has flowers,

And birds,

And streams,

And fields,

Sweet fragrances of memories,

And music that fills my soul,

Things that bring me closer,

To my Father’s voice.

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You may sit right near me,

And never see me leave,

But you’ll notice a different glow,

That saturates my spirit,

And lifts me every upward.

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My secret place can’t be found,

By anybody else.

But yours, my friend,

Waits for you,

Deep within your heart.

 

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Written 6-16-00

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A LITTLE BIT MORE

3 Nov

 I will declare your righteousness and your salvation every day, though I do not fully understand what the outcome will be.  Lord God, I will come in the power of your mighty acts, remembering your righteousness—yours alone.    Psalm 71:15-16

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Lord, in my temptations you hold me,

Thru sorrows and tears You are there.

When all of the world is against me,

I truthfully know that You care.

 

As each day unfolds I find trials,

And burdens to heavy to bare.

I humbly come in Your presence,

And lay them before You in prayer.

 

I’m nothing without You beside me,

You teach me Your words that I share.

When falling, I pray that You’ll guide me,

And I’ll shine just a little bit more.

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Lord, each day you give life new meaning,

My old life’s a memory gone past;

My worldly possessions lose value,

Your love is all that will last.

 

You touch me each morning with fire,

And rivers of water run thru;

I can’t even think of tomorrow,

Without knowing that I have You.

 

You’ve lifted me out of dark shadows,

And endless confusion and strife;

Your mercy and grace has renewed me,

And shown me the beauty of life.

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Lord, now has come time to witness,

And share the beauty I’ve found;

It’s happiness, free for the asking,

Where joy and blessings abound.

 

I’ll teach with honest persuasion,

Myself, an example of praise;

Teaching Your word and Your promise,

Your miracles, works and sound faith.

 

I’ll conquer if You stand beside me,

No enemy dares to cause harm;

Your children will follow in victory,

Wrapped in Your arms safe and warm.

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Written 1991 as a song

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RUNNING AWAY

27 Oct

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

I have been most blessed. God has given me three wonderful boys to love, encourage, and enjoy. Each of them has a strong call of God upon their lives, all in different capacities. We call each one by the name God has placed upon our heart – Pastor Jon, Deacon Eli and Chaplain Paul. In the body of Christ, all positions are of equal importance (1 Cor 12:12), this we have shown them so that neither feels of less importance than the other.

Having children called to the ministry is a tremendous challenge. The challenge isn’t in Bible study or scripture memorization, they strive to meet those desires themselves. The challenge is in recognizing the Spiritual Warfare and the schemes of the enemy that tempt them away from the call God has upon them.

Although there are many stories of miracles and answered prayer for each of them, our greatest challenge has been with our oldest son. He is currently a teenager (written in 2000), raised most of his life in Christian education, but placed into the public school system during the 8th grade, when the Christian school he had been attending closed. Placed in an environment he had never been subjected to, the enemy tempted and attacked, stole and taunted. However difficult these trials were, they couldn’t compare to the luring and wooing that called his name.

With peer pressure and Satan’s enticing whispers, he was drawn into a life we never expected. Although the rejection of family values was difficult for us, it was the running away that tormented our family. Where was he? Was he eating? Did he have a safe place to sleep? Who is he with? Why has he left us? Doesn’t he love us anymore?

Doesn’t he love us anymore? Rejection by your own child. Harsh words and accusations fly about. Why didn’t we see this coming? Only prayer brings us peace, difficult travailing prayer. I can’t begin to explain the depth of emotions a parent goes through in circumstances such as these. Love, hope, anger, hopelessness. Faith, doubt, pain, faith. Sorrow, prayer, memories, trust.

As I prayed one night, I asked God if He could understand the special relationship that grows as you hold that baby, child, young man in your arms and protect him from every possible danger that could come against him – God showed me Jesus, sent to earth to be born in a lowly manger, vulnerable to man, protected by the angels; the same angels that he has sent to watch over my son. I asked God if He could ever understand the pain and the rejection of a child not wanting to be near you, after you’ve been his best friend for most of his life – God showed me Jesus, standing before the crowd, as they chose Barabas to live and Jesus to die. I asked God if He knew what it felt like to sit in your child’s room, empty, hollow, except for the memories that line the walls and shelves – God showed me Golgatha, and Jesus’ lifeless body on the cross. I asked God if He could understand the pain of searching every street, every car, looking closely at every child the same age and build, in hopes of seeing your child, even at a distance – God showed me the people at the cross, dividing Jesus’ clothes, cutting into His lifeless body with a spear, laughing at all He was, void of any righteousness or desire of God. I asked God if He knew what it was like, waiting for the phone to ring or the front door to open, just to hear your child’s voice calling again, waiting , praying – God opened my ears to hear Jesus’ last cry, “Why hast thou forsaken me?”

Yes, He knows. He gave His son willingly, to walk in places of evil that all may be saved, even my son. He gave His son to bring hope, life and peace, knowing the pain and agony His son had to feel before it could be done. He watched as everything His son did was rejected and scorned, even as He lay lifeless. Yes, He knows.

Then God reminded me of the many times I have turned from Him. How many times have I turned my back on the family He has placed me in? How many times have I rejected the values and desires He has placed inside me? How many times have I spoken harsh and hurting words to Him, as I ran away to a world of selfish pleasure? How many times have I simply chosen to be somewhere else instead of in the sweet relationship with my Father? How many times have I put other things, people, places before Him? How many others have done the same?

Forgive us Lord, with your unlimited mercy, for all the times we fell to temptation and disappointed You. Forgive me, Lord, for thinking that You could never understand the pain of a Mother. Remind me that you are in control of all things. Help me to trust You and run back to You all of my days.

 

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Written 7-14-2000

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COMMUNICATION

13 Oct

Words, Actions, Prayers

 

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.   Psalms 19:14 (KJV)

Probably the most difficult challenge as human beings is communication. It would be simple if we could rely on verbal language to express everything we need to communicate, but words come with multiple meanings, sarcasm aside, and can only be truly understood with tone of voice and emotional body language.

As wonderful as email, texting and IMing is, it can be easily misunderstood. I’ve been told people don’t know if I’m angry or teasing in my emails, because they can’t hear my voice inflection; they can’t see the twinkle in the eye or the suppressed smile.

God gave us so much more to communicate with than mere words. God gave us emotions; explosive and tender. God gave us body movements to emphasize our words – but even more, God gave us touch. God gave us a tender caress, a gentle pat, a moment of understanding through direct eye contact that communicates far more than reams of paper could ever express. He gave us the ability to hold and comfort the broken, then jump and rejoice with the excited. He gave us the “parent face” to correct our children, and the “I love you” face that can be seen across crowds.

God also gave us the ability to communicate by our chosen actions. How much clearer can you communicate love than by handing a hungry child a plate of warm food? How clearer can you say you care than by putting a warm jacket or blanket around the shoulders of the homeless? How much clearer can you speak love and friendship than to sit quietly with one who grieves?

Greater yet is the communication that not only says “I care,” but says “My Father in Heaven cares and He is with you always.” Prayer is the ultimate communication because it opens the loves, desires, visions, joys, sadness, pains, illnesses, and brokenness to the one true God who can make a change. Prayer takes the situation directly to the throne room of God. We can pray alone and intercede. We can pray with the person individually. We can pray in a team or for the person in a circle. We can pray in corporate prayer, bombarding Heaving until the hand of God moves.

Communication is using the whole person (body, soul, spirit) to touch a whole person or community. It is not sterile words on a page. It is not long distance ministry – it can’t be. Communication is you and me and God intimately touching the world.

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Written 8-1-2010

 

** NOTE:  Since this was written we have been given the world of emojis and gifs!  That does help in texting and messaging, but there is still the issue with the email having a bit of confusion.

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YOU’RE THERE

23 Sep

 

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:  And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.   1 Kings 19:11-12 (KJV)

 

I can't hear You, Lord,

I can't hear You today.

Just a quiet whispering;

A rustling.



There was a day when we walked together, 

Talked together,

Closest friends.



Your words were loud and sure,

I knew Your will,

No doubt which path to take.

But I can't hear You, Lord,

I can't hear You today.



There were joyful times,

Times of tears,

Times of intercession,

And deepest prayers.



I felt You then,

You heard my cries and held me tight.

But I can't hear You, Lord,

I can't hear You today.



Somewhere I fell faint,

Neglected to listen,

Perhaps I disobeyed.

Or is this a testing time,

To see if I will remain,

Even in Your silence.

How will I know, Lord,

I can't hear You today.



I'll go on, as You've taught me,

I'll overcome,

Walk in joy,

Sing Your praises,

Again and again.



And when You've finished,

Testing and trying,

Pruning and purging,

Loving and lifting,

I will know.



Even in silence You are there,

Even in darkness You are there,

Even in diligent unanswered prayer,

You are there.

In Your word,

 And in the hearts of Your children.

Written 9-3-91

 

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WHAT EVIL THIS?

15 Sep

” . . . Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.”     Revelation 12:12 (KJV)

Did you ever notice how an act of kindness is noticed, smiled upon, and quickly dismissed as we walk into the familiarity of our daily lives? The news programs rarely give more than a 60 second blurb on the event, and it never receives a second glance. Yet, when evil visits, it permeates our body and soul, rendering us shattered and helpless.

As I left work yesterday I chose to drive through Arizona State University on my way to my room. I do this now and again because I enjoy the old buildings along University Drive, and seeing the new buildings that pop up between. As usual, the road was under construction (for years it seems) and I was able to spend a goodly time contemplating the events of the week. Only the day before was the Virginia Tech massacre where 33 precious lives were lost to a student gunman.

Before I even reached the campus heavy dark smoke began billowing up – 3 fire trucks, with sirens blaring, were trying to maneuver between the creeping traffic – all headed toward campus. Along the sidewalk students laughed, teased and walked toward their dorms – dressed in various expressions of who they wanted us to believe they were – dodging the occasional skateboard Romeo. I wondered if that was what it was like just before the gunfire started in Virginia.

The fire ended up being about a block north of campus; couldn’t tell if it was a building or a car – but wondered what went through the minds of the firemen when the alarm went off for an emergency near the university.

The people in the cars near by seemed more frustrated at the delays than contemplative or concerned. Was Virginia too far away for them to feel the pain of mourning students and family? Aren’t they aware that evil passes from the soul of one man to yet another without hindrance of time or distance? My God, please forgive us.

Overhead I saw a passenger plane preparing to descend and I remembered the days when the airport was closed and no planes were allowed in the air because of the evil that descended on New York. The pain of that evil rose up and met the pain of the evil from Virginia; the pain grew as the sirens whaled, searching for the nearby fire – red and blue lights flashing.

In a week the news stations will drop the story of Virginia Tech and will go on to the local stories of death and torture. Affected families will search for comfort and answers – some will blame God for man’s free will choice. Some will pray. I believe that is where I will be.

God, please let us never forget that the only way to dispel evil is to fill man with your precious Spirit. Bring us the opportunity to love on your unloved, that they might find You – before evil plants his feet in the soul of the shattered.

 

Written 4-18-07

 

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A HEART OF FREEDOM

7 Aug

And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.   Acts 12:7

I have had the privilege of becoming friends through Christ with many inmates. I find their faith strong, their dedication immeasurable and their Christian love pure. Their desire to have all that God has for them is so powerful – I feel inadequate to mentor and encourage them. I find myself envying the time they have to study God’s word and sing His praises.

What a perfect God cherished testimony. Here are people with lives completely restricted; only allowed to move about if shackled, and yet they have a found a heart of peace and a spirit of freedom that I could only pray to have. They are bound completely on the outside – yet completely free through Jesus on the inside. They have replaced anger with joy, strife with study, cursing with prayer and praise. Many still have decades to complete before I will meet them face to face, I look forward to that day when we can share the joy of Jesus over a cup of coffee. They have so much to teach me.

I pray for their safety, peace and joy and I receive letters from them stating that they are praying daily for me. They express as much concern for my well being as I have about theirs. Once Jesus steps into the heart of any person, the chains of life begin to fall away. Some remove them a little at a time and some miraculously loose them all, in one fell swoop.

I’ve learned through my many years with Jesus that everything in life is shadowed and paralleled. I too am restricted to a regimented schedule – by work, family obligations and church events. I’m shackled by stress, obligation, bills, illness and weariness. Their incarceration is tangible and they have risen above it. My incarceration is self-imposed and enforced with self-set unrealistic expectations. I strive daily to rise above my circumstances, not always with true success. So, Jesus, which of us is truly bound?

Lord, give me the courage to say “No” to time that unnecessarily takes me away from you. Teach me to set boundaries and set a Jesus appointment in every day – at least twice a day please! Help me to remember the true reason I’m here – to share the treasure of YOU with all that I meet. And always keep my heart open to learn from a new friend, no matter the path they have walked.

 

Written 6-15-07

 

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Believing

28 Jul

“Believing is touching the sky with outstretched hands . . .

knowing you are caressing the face of God!”

 

 

Written  8/14/12

 

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Stolen Peace

14 Jul

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.  Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)

Not long ago an event shook our quiet little town.  It was an event that made national news and turned a happy community into a place of fear.

My husband and I were visiting our oldest son in a town 8 hours away, and for the first time, left our 18 and 20 year old boys at home by themselves.  The next evening my cell phone didn’t stop ringing and texting; a motorcycle gang war had broken out and my property was involved in the melee.  

My youngest son and his friend had just stepped into the front yard when the shooting started and they saw 2 people shot in front of them.  They ran back into the house and saw a vehicle park in our driveway with 4 men inside, assault rifles exposed when they opened all the doors.  They saw one man in our backyard. The police dispatcher told him to sit on the floor of a room with no windows, put a shotgun across his legs and if they come in . . . shoot!  My son was terrified, I was terrified; we were both helpless.

After the shooting stopped the police arrived and the kids were told to lock up and leave the area.  Helicopters and dozens of police vehicles were all through the area. Calls came from friends who knew where we lived and offered to take in the boys.  

By the time we arrived home we were permitted to go into our house.  Police cars and command posts remained for days. We called the police to come to the house when we found a bullet lodged in a lamp on our porch.  The police took pictures and told us to be prepared . . . the war wasn’t over.

The feeling of physical helplessness flowed into my emotional and spiritual life.  What if it happened again and I wasn’t home to protect my kids. What if no one was there and our animals were shot.  What if . . . 

Driving around town I noticed something that I’d never noticed before; guns.  An elderly man was raking the rocks in his driveway with a gun on his hip. A white haired elderly woman stood in the grocery check-out line with a gun on her waist.  Every motorcycle rider I saw had a gun strapped on. Someone came to our home to pick up a refrigerator, with a gun on his belt. We had a yard sale and those who came had guns strapped on.  Fear had permeated Chino Valley.

I couldn’t sleep; thrashing all night.  Every time I left the house I locked every door and was uneasy until I returned.  My prayers seemed hollow. Our home had been on the market and we were told to take it off because no one would consider buying in our area for years.  Helpless. Overwhelmed. Fearful.

As I prayed one evening I told God that my whole life seemed out of control.  I asked what was wrong, what could I do. He spoke to me and quietly said that I’d let the war steal my peace.

I thought about all that had happened.  50 shell casings were found, but not one innocent person had been harmed.  Not one animal in the neighboring homes had been harmed. 60 people had been arrested.  Gang homes were ordered sold by the court. Gang awareness was clear in the community and people were prepared to fight back.  God had His hand on Chino Valley and everything surrounding it.

God forgive me for forgetting that even when it seems like chaos all around, You are there.  When nothing seems to make sense You reveal the big picture and Your perfect will. Thank You for not giving up on this worrier, but bringing perfect peace and rest.

 

Written 10-25-2010

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PARADISE

14 Jul

“And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”  Rev. 21:3

Recently I’ve been making weekly overnight trips for work.  I drive 3 hours in, work 8 and then off to rest. A friend has arranged for me to use her guesthouse on these trips, what a blessing.  This house is perfectly decorated, country comfortable. Everything perfectly matches, from the curtains to the coffee cups. It’s like walking into a paradise in the midst of a big bustling city.

You can see the love and care spent in providing every comfort, from aesthetics to bed pillows.  Drinking glasses are perfectly lined. Plates and bowls set in order. Every utensil is in its assigned spot.  Pictures of things that take you to a different place and time are placed just so, giving the feeling of home. It’s just exactly what I’ve always hoped to have.

I ate my take-out meal and headed for the luxury of a bubble bath, a precious commodity for any working mom.  Off I slipped to bed for a completely undisturbed sleep. AAAAHHHH!!!!

I woke early and brewed my morning coffee.  I sipped and listened for the signs and sounds of morning.  I had no idea that silence could be so loud.

There were no roosters crowing, no husband snoring, no dogs harmonizing.  There were no shoes to step over, no children squabbling over the bathroom, no cat curled in my spot on the sofa.  There was no peanut butter on the counter, no jelly on the floor sticking to the bottom of my feet. The radios weren’t playing and the washing machine wasn’t running.  There were no sounds of life. No laughter, no anger – no joy, no frustration. It was a beautiful, empty shell.

I packed up all my traveling gear and prepared to leave.  I went back through, room by room, to make sure I’d left this paradise in the same condition as when I’d arrived.  Picture perfect!

Picture perfect!  Hhhhmmm? Isn’t that what we can be?  We walk out of our homes perfectly attired; matching outfit, shoes and accessories – carefully primped and combed, not a hair out of place.  We even spray our favorite fragrance to make a perfectly, well-rounded picture of – of what?

So often we see people who seem so perfect on the outside, but inside they are going mad with the echoes of silence.  Some are tortured by the voices of the past, some by the enemy of their souls, telling them to give up their future – they’ll never be “perfect” enough.  They overcompensate with exterior perfection to try to fill the hole left inside – by the absence of Jesus.

How many times do we walk past those who seem to have it “all together” and reach out to those in obvious need?  How many of those “perfect people” long for someone to stop long enough to tell them how to fill their emptiness?  Do we only look at the outward perfection and miss the eyes that search for answers? Do we share a greeting and not listen for the cries of help in their passing replies?  

Jesus, help me to hear those cries.  Help me to see the emptiness you are ready to fill.  Let me never assume that a perfect house equals a home –  but that every vessel created by You can only be perfected when Your Holy Spirit fills it.  Come Lord Jesus.

 

Written 8-31-05

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