My Daughter Cries

Recently, my young adults group at church did a series based on the 4 names of God in Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Out of those 4 names, "Everlasting Father" stuck out to me the most.  For me, there's something very special about God being a forever father to us.  Even though we fail Him, and turn away in one respect or another, or don't trust Him to work out the details of our lives, His word says He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).

I've had the idea of a poem running around my brain for a few weeks now based on God as our Everlasting Father.  I had tried to write a few lines, but couldn't get it just right.  Well, last night, I had the privilege of hearing or rehearing many of my close friends give their testimonies.  Many of the ladies mentioned a breaking point, where they literally cried out to God. For me, this was a confirmation to work on and finish the poem.  Long story short, finished now, but I will most likely go back and edit it at a later date.  I know the style of poetry is a little different, but hopefully a reminder to you of God's continuous love for us!

(Note: If you are reading this and have never had the opportunity to know God as your savior and father, comment and I can  tell you what to do or answer any questions you may have)

My Daughter Cries

My daughter cries

Believing Satan's lies

She's Preparing her disguise

From prying eyes

Silence, her great demise

With constant fear in her eyes

Everyday, she newly dies

Well, try this on for size

My daughter cries, I weep

Her pain ever mindful, losing sleep

I as the shepherd, her as a sheep

She turns away, I play for keeps

My daughter cries as I weep

I'm righting her wrongs, I never sleep

The Shepherd never forsakes His sheep

My daughter forever, mine for keeps

The Imposter's Rage

The following poem was inspired largely by Daniel 3 -  when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown in the fiery furnace.  Verse 13 says that King Nebuchadnezzar felt "furious rage" (ESV) when he learned that they wouldn't bow down to him.  

 I started thinking about how easy it is to do things other people tell us to do, maybe because they carry some sort of power or influence over our lives; or we find it easier to just "follow the crowd".  Or maybe, the wrong way just seems to make sense.  Remember though, God's word in Isaiah (55: 8-9) say that God's ways are not our own.  Therefore,  many times we won't understand why He asks us to do or not do something.

We may follow these "imposters" of God (satan, flawed humans, our own flesh) largely out of fear of what the outcome could be otherwise.  Rest assured, God has our back if we will but follow and obey him.  Don't succumb to fear!

The Imposter's Rage

Don't let the imposter's rage

Take center stage

To obey reasons voice

As if you have but one choice

Don't let the imposter's wrath

Direct you off the right path

A path leading to destruction

Away from the King's instruction

The imposter will exclaim

"Follow me for earthly gain"

The King, voice still and small

Proclaims, "Fear not, I'm your all in all"

Waiting

My favorite quote on home decorating.  I pinned this to one of my boards on Pinterest a while back, and it really helped me gain perspective on redoing our old trailer where we live.  I started trying things I had little to no knowledge of, and not worrying {quite} so much about what I cannot yet change.

I dare say, it can be applied to spiritual life as well.  We may choose not to act in ways God has called us because we think we are not "good" enough.  You may feel you have to be prettier, more outgoing, a better singing/speaker...I understand this far too well, but since I learned to start doing more in faith - though I have a long way to go - God has been faithful and given me jobs to do for Him that I never would have done on my own.

God has called YOU to do work for His kingdom, and to walk along other Christians as you do so...for your weakness might be another one's strengths.  Don't wait until you become this perfect person.  It won't happen.  Do seek God.

Matthew 6:33

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Wallflower

Wallflower

Hey flower, yeah you, planted by the wall

I see you, I do, cowering so small

You're hiding, disguising, your growth and height

But sadly, that hiding, is diminishing my light

So happens, you've been trying, not to sprout

Or growing, not knowing, and full of doubt

Doesn't help, those weeds, that suffocate the ground

Lying weeds, confining weeds, growing all around  

Those weeds, don't worry, their demise will come

Remember, they'll surrender, this Gardener's not done  

 

Sturdy Sticks / Ask and Tell

Do you ever wonder if what God has spoken to you is a personal message, or if it's meant to be shared with others?  A while back some pastor friends helped me to understand that if God has spoken something to me, and I can't get it out of my head / almost have an anxiousness about it...that chances are it is meant to be shared with others.  Even if it means "going out on a limb" spiritually speaking.  Obviously, we still have to make sure it was God who spoke and check to see if it lines up with scripture.  Also, there is a time and place to share.  Keep seeking God and he will guide you.

God often speaks to me through analogies from everyday life.  God and His word also inspire me to write poetry on occasion, more now than in the past, though many of my poems are yet to be finished.  I still don't completely know when/where to share these things.  But it's time for me to "go out on a limb" here starting by actively writing on the blog.  If it blesses you or applies to your life, great!  If not, I still believe I am taking a step of faith for God to use me in this little way.

I will start now with a journal entry I wrote in May of 2009, followed by a poem I wrote in February of 2012 (also not finished yet) that I discovered both have the same theme.

Sturdy Sticks

The other day on a walk I came across a couple fat, sturdy looking sticks.  Upon picking up the first stick, I felt it promptly break in half.  The same thing happened to the second stick.  They looked strong and dependable, and were a good 3/4 of an inch thick.  I found the sticks on a day that had been raining earlier.  The sticks were affected by the environment around them.

We, like the sticks, get bombarded with our environment where it can be hard to stay strong.  Still, we usually have no trouble looking like we have it all together.  On the outside, we look strong and dependable.  While on the inside, we may be ready to break.  We all go through hard times at least once in a while.  Why not share your heart with someone trustworthy today.  Let's not pretend to be something were not; but rather become what God desires of us together.

Ask and Tell

You ask, I may tell
Hold back, I as well

But no, seems I lie
Always look together, or so I try

I'll say "I'm fine" when I'm not
Give a smile, all I got

Beauty for Ashes

Isaiah 61:3 (NLT) -
To all who mourn in Israel,

he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the LORD has planted for his own glory.

What does the phrase "beauty for ashes" mean to you? I'm still figuring it out, but it's definitely been a scripture on my mind lately. I see it as an exchange, or even as something new being created out of something old. God is so good! He can take our broken lives, give us joy, and use us in helping spread the good news of the Bible. Wow. Every time God uses me, even in such little ways, I am overwhelmed...but I am learning that being overwhelmed in God isn't such a bad thing.

Go ahead and spend some time with God today, and be overwhelmed.

(I'm new at this blogging thing...but sending out this first - short - post NOW to keep me from being too nervous and not doing it. This has not been edited by anyone smart, yet. Any takers? Seriously though, let me know if you have any thoughts suggestions, or questions.)