Month: March 2012

Belonging to the Lord

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Meatloaf in the oven, a lazy Saturday afternoon slowly drifting by and a fresh book unopened. I cannot complain. This morning was spent in a bit of work catch-up(this last week has been so crazy that I didn’t have time to open up half my emails!). Now though, back home and relaxing. Was thinking about driving out in the country today to get some time alone, but it’s a bit cold and cloudy so decided to stay home instead. John wants to see Hunger Games, so I may go see that tonight for the 2nd time! Already saw it last Monday with Zara and Jackie – an intense movie, but most well done.

And as non-stop insane as this last week has been…the Lord my God has kept me standing throughout. And given me grace unending. My burden indeed seems heavy at times…oh but the yoke of my Father is oh so light! And now while I sit this day on my bed in Aberdeen, Scotland – I can only praise His most holy and glorious and beautiful name. I may have no idea of my future or what is therein…but I worry not. My Father, my Lord and my God holds me close to Him. Always.

Now it’s time for my meatloaf. Grace and peace, y’all.

Traveler

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And through the daffodil-sprinkled field did the man slowly trudge. Onward. Forward. His left foot matched what his right foot offered. His calves throbbed, but what was that? Progress towards the goal. At least the the grass was soft and the sky was blue. There could have been rain. Or worse, darkness. The days of sunlight seemed fewer and fewer in these latter times. But for now, the sun shone bright and breeze sang sweet. It was a good day for walking. And he lifted up his head.

Before him, the field stretched on, but not quite as far as it did before. It could be said that the field stretched smaller and colored brighter. Of course, the field did not change. But the man’s blue eyes perhaps saw with more clarity than before. He was older now, after all.

Past the field and beyond the horizon reached mountains. Not that the man could actually see them, but they were there. They were there. The map was very precise about the mountains. And quite ebullient on what they contained. Mountains were what he walked toward. Yet they were not what he longed for. And though his feet marched on diligently, his heart offered faint betrayal. He sighed. And slowly, oh so slowly, he stopped his walk.

He squinted. No mountains. But maybe, just maybe that smudge against the merry blue of the sky…no, no mountains. Slowly, oh so slowly, he started walking once more.

And as he walked and thought and prayed, he felt the sun warmth slowly fade. Sundown was upon the land. Although he did not like the dark, at least this was a natural dark. A night with stars and moon to dazzle was not so bad. And he slowly adjusted his gait into the saunter of dusk’s music. It was time to stop, he knew. Walking in the dark only led to trouble, yes.

And so he stopped and set down his pack upon the grass. No stream this night to rest by. No stone to lay his head. The grass was soft though. It would do. And sitting down upon the meadow, he lay back to count the stars. He thought he heard the faint sound of music on the evening wind. Could the star song reach so far? All things were possible. Maybe the ones from beyond the mountains sang his name. His name was known, after all.

Songs of hope and light of stars. Drifting into sleep would be easy tonight. He would reach the mountains someday. But now, he dreamed.

Redemption

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Therefore, brethren, since we have
confidence to enter the holy place by
the blood of Jesus, by a new and
living way which He inaugurated for us
through the veil, that is, His flesh,
and since we have a great priest
over the house of God, let us draw
near with a sincere heart in full assurance
of faith, having our hearts
sprinkled clean from an evil
conscience and our bodies washed with
pure water. Let us hold fast the
confession of our hope without
wavering, for He who promised is
faithful; and let us consider how to
stimulate one another to love and good
deeds, not forsaking our own assembling
together, as is the habit of some,
but encouraging one another; and all
the more as you see the day drawing near.

Cloudless

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Ah what a gorgeous day this is!! Just got finished making a mammoth salad for my dinner(probably enough for another few dinners too..) and enjoying feeling the spring breeze waft through the windows. After walking back from church(where a good haggis/neaps/tatties lunch was enjoyed by all), the springtime sun shone down so brilliantly on me that I couldn’t help but immediately change into my shorts and t-shirt and dash back outside again! Went for a Sunday drive to the store to pick up my salad ingredients, enjoying seeing the blossoming trees and yellow tulips sprouting everywhere! About 70 degrees here. Love it. It should stay this weather for every day here, ever. I so decree.

And that’s enough about the weather, just couldn’t help but glory in the beauty of it all!! Now I think I’m going to enjoy eating my salad before going out again to walk to evening service! Enjoy this day of rest, you all.

Be not dismayed

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And another week slowly rolls to a close. This has been a long intense week at work, but as always, God is oh so gracious! And as I drove home from work in the softly fading sunlight, I couldn’t hope but glory in the God who has blessed me so!! Oh why does He love me so?? I feel so at peace in the beauty of His love, I could weep.

Ah Lord God, how great your lovingkindnesses; how magnificent your faithfulness! Never failing is your goodness to us, your sons and daughters. Always abounding are your mercies. My heart sings – oh to play the lute of joy in your presence, my Lord and my God! Oh to sit down and dine with you in your courts above, my Jesus!

Ah…and now it is time to read, I say. Tonight will be a nice dinner of burgers, green beans and baked potatoes – a good Friday night dinner, I do say! Just going to rest and read tonight, I think. Oh rest is ever so needful at times.

Love to you all, my dear friends.

Carnations and Roses

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As my burritos finish heating up, I thought I’d write a quick post, despite my weary eyes’ feeble protests. Had a rather late night last night, out celebrating Beth’s final days in Aberdeen!

And so now I just thought I’d, once again, say my farewell to a dear friend. Beth came over last July…and indeed her friendship has been such a treasure to me. Work is full of long days and stressful moments…but God has blessed me oh so abundantly with Beth!! Her words of encouragement and smiles of joy…what can I say, God knew I needed such a one as her. As she now travels back to Houston to continue her training, I can only say – while her absence from Aberdeen will be keenly felt, I know that the blessings of the Lord still will flow unceasingly, both to her in her new job and new home…and to me as well. As always. It’s been real, Beth. Our Father will continue to watch over you and His love will never cease to surround you. Always.

Springtime

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As I soak in the sunlight
and gaze at the
cloud-speckled blue above,
As I look out over the city
and ponder the
great sea stretched
to sky beyond,
As my green pen traverses
the paper and uncorks
my thoughts to
the wind,
As my hair tosses slowly
and revels in spring’s
gentle kiss,
As my heart is still
in the quiet of
this moment,
I feel bliss,
I feel joy,
I am loved.

Very rough yet very real. Enjoy for what it is.

Oh what a gorgeous day this is!

Now time to walk again in the light of this fading day.

Molten chocolate

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Good morning!!

I shockingly slept in quite late this morning…I first woke up around 7, but the state of my head informed me that today would most definitely not be a church day. Tried to get up before falling dizzily back into bed. So, slept a few more hours before waking up again, feeling considerably better. I needed the sleep, methinks.

And now I’m enjoying a delightful breakfast of bacon, eggs, toast and hot cocoa…

While I’m saddened I wasn’t able to be at church this morning, there’s nothing stopping me from my own worship! And it’s an outrageously gorgeous day outside, so I’m thinking it shall soon be time for a walk.

And last night was a bittersweet riot of dagger thoughts and liquid poetry…maybe I shall share some of it with you later. Maybe.

Have an amazing rest of the day, y’all! As for me, I am back to breakfast and worship. Sing to the Lord a new song!!!

Lute-song

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Another update – same day? Shocking I say!

But just thought I’d write a brief few words as my dinner(stir fry of beef, peppers, broccoli, awesome much?) cooks. I’ve been feeling a bit sick all day, so decided to stay in tonight and try to regain my strength. Looking forward to a relaxing evening of reading, maybe calling a friend back in Florida, and an early bedtime…ah the simple pleasures of life.

Sometimes I long for what I do not have. Then I consider what I do have, and feel so silly! Today is one of those days.

Now, the aroma of spiced beef and noodles fills the flat. Dinner time, y’all.

Strings of beauty

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And I sit peacefully in Starbucks here in Aberdeen this Saturday morn…

I’ve been here for a few hours now. Successfully got some work done(although there is always more to do…) and now relaxing with my mocha and my reading. Mmm. I think I’ll stay here another hour or so, and then away home! I’m planning on going to David and Rosie’s tonight for dinner/gaming, but been feeling sick last night and this morning…so I may have to settle for a quiet night in instead. We shall see.

This girl at the table in front of me has been intently reading this book for the past hour or so and I’m tempted to ask her what it is…think that would be weird? Yeah, probably.

This week has been intense, but not always the bad kind of intense. Emotionally draining and anxiety-heightening? Yes. But still, the Lord does provide, always.

As I read today,

More than the sounds of many waters, than the mighty breakers of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty. Your testimonies are fully confirmed; Holiness befits your house, O LORD, forevermore.

Mm, yes.

And now before my mind wanders and my pen strays, I shall cease this writing and leave you all to your day. I say it’s time for some classic Isaiah for me. Yes?

No matter how your emotions dip or rise, no matter the wild desires of your heart, no matter your love-fueled dreams or woe-filled cries – set your gaze on our Jesus above. Seek for His beauty. Long for His love. Worship Him as Lord and God. Forever and always. Jesus. Rejoice with me!!