Into the Great Unknown. . .

A thick rolling mist is about. . . encompassing. It appears to be the early morning hours of dawn and it is still quite dark. The first few rays of dim light are just beginning. I am alone on the edge of a great field standing before a  vast array of towering trees.  So many I cannot begin to count.  A jungle even, you might say.

The Breath of Words

Breath. Breathing. . .

I have come to discover that writing lets out air, a breath, if you will. A sweet release from things contained deep within my innermost being. It nurtures a desire to create (at least in one form). This kind of "breathing" feels amazing. It is a dimension I do not want to be without. I so enjoy the written word. I think of all the thousands upon thousands of books written and thereby all the emotions upon emotions that come about when read. What ties an emotion to a word? How do certain books you get you wrapped up in them from front cover to back in one sitting? 

Think of even some "power" words just by themselves:
'Majestic', 'Astonishing', 'Devastating', 'Turmoil', 'Almighty', 'Tremendous'
What do those words get you to thinking or feeling?

So we can agree there is a certain power in words. Well then how much more powerful are these words when spoken? Or sung? The idea I'm driving toward is you have a creation awaiting in your mouth (not just at the end of a pen!). Yes, that's right. If writing words is considered a creative act, how much more when you speak those words out loud? How much more of an impact is made when a verbal declaration to a circumstance is spoken to with words of joy, peace, faith and hope? Your words create direction every day of your life. Which means every day of your life, you are deciding category POSITIVE or category NEGATIVE as your direction. 

                      ^"By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all their host by the
               breath of His mouth."~Psalm 33:6

I like how the scripture above mentions 'by the breath of His mouth'.  Ideas are wonderful, written words that formulate a plan are awesome..but breathe it and it comes to life!  You know when something grabs a hold in your life and you develop such a passion for it, you breathe it in and out everyday until you see it. Want an example of this playing out? Say all of your life you wanted to be a lawyer. So you had the word "Lawyer" beating on the inside of you day after day. You grew up with it, prepared for it, went to college for it, obviously spoke about it..now today you are a fully functioning lawyer.  How? The breath to the word came alive that's how. That breath eventually becomes a seen reality of what was brewing on the inside of you. Amazing.

Consider the words brewing inside of you, longing for release. Nurture the ones that birth your creation.

Are you Here, It's NOW

   Today is happening. All around us, today is happening. Question: Did you show up for today? What I mean is, so much of our lives is spent planning and scheduling for tomorrow, the next day, even the next couple of months-it is dizzying. I am wondering did we "schedule" the time to just BE in today....in the here and now?
   
   I have often said I can't live my life any faster than the present moment.  Then I will think to myself how did all of tomorrow's cares get wrapped up in my today? The silliest little details can become overwhelming and out of control once they start piling up. Laundry, bills, family obligations, what to wear, what to eat, meetings, work projects...the list is endless. Yes, we all have our responsibilities, but God never intended for our lives to be consumed by strenuous 'doing'. We are after all, human BEings.

                .........And He says, “Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10)
   
   In the here and now is my heartbeat, people's laughs, my smile to a random stranger that really needed it. Those stolen moments when you stand outside on a beautiful spring day and take time to feel the breeze gently across your face. That is all part of the gift of today. I believe one of life's enemies is named 'Distraction' and it takes so many forms. As long as distraction can keep sweeping you up in the plotting and planning of life, you're missing all the wonderful little nuggets that were meant for your today.


Embrace your here and now.

Taking Turns Gracefully

      I work at the corner of a rather dangerous intersection. This particular day after getting my morning coffee, I was waiting to crossover in to my office lot. The traffic had piled up in front of me and despite a generous gap left open, the way was not clear to see any people turning the corner on the other side of the street. I sat and thought to myself, sometimes it's dangerous when you can't see the turns ahead. When you don't know what's coming at you, it can be scary! I knew it was better to wait until the light changed, the cars would file past me and I could see to cross safely. Otherwise, the risk would be too great.

       
   So how do you take turns gracefully? What happens when there's an opening in your life, but you're feeling unsure of what the risk may be to crossover?  I am reminded of one of my most favorite scriptures Proverbs 3:5  (Taken from the Message Bible)"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He's the one who will keep you on track." Another version states "Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take".  How marvelous. We are not alone in these turns, these decisions.  Our Heavenly Father is right there with us to instruct, prompt, lovingly lead us. 

     

   What is the key to taking your turns? TRUST in the Lord God with all your heart.