Lean into Joy

I long to lean into joy

To practice gratitude

Taking note of blessings

And dwelling on thanksgiving

To become a glass

Not as now, half empty

And not even half full

Instead, spilling over the rim

To walk away from dread

To run from the shoe drop

Living in the joy of each moment

Where simple things become defining

To truly feel adequate

Knowing that I am enough

The illusion of perfection a destroyer

Seeing myself through Christ’s eyes

Cast far away the falsehoods

Being vulnerable and real

Accepting my quirks and uniqueness

And loving others for the same

So when the little joys of life

Spring up before my eyes

May I vanquish the stormy thoughts

Seeking to steal away these precious gifts

And when a heart of gratitude takes over

Then thanksgiving will begin to flower

Fearful heart will gain new strength

And the enemy’s lies will fall on deaf ears

So God please hear this fervent prayer

And grant this heartfelt wish

That I might become a man of gratitude

With thanksgiving in all that comes my way

Let Your "Merry Christmas" not just be a "Happy Holidays."

Just sitting here thinking on this gray and wet Fall day. Setting my mind up for the day. Going to church and then later, taking Alyssa to her praise team practice where they are preparing for several Christmas program presentations. 

Several thoughts are still bouncing around in this brain of mine. Thoughts that occurred to me as I enjoyed going to the 2nd annual city of Eastvale, CA tree lighting festivities last night.

The first and foremost thought that hit me last night, was how great it was that I have so many wonderful friends! We were fortunate enough to share some special moments with some of our friends from our Bible study small group last night and I was greatly encouraged by the meaningful conversations I had with a few of them. Friendships are some of our greatest and often undervalued treasures. Let's all take some time this year to remember and cherish those we care about. Let's remember that though this time of year is filled with fun and fellowship, it is also a time that can be difficult, stressful, and lonely for many of those we know. Let's take the time to do more than just the casual hello and do what it takes to lift each other up and show the love of Christ in whatever the Holy Spirit inspires us to do.

The second thought is this: As I listened to the music programs that were highlighted last night at our church sponsored festivities, it was not lost on me that at the end of each performance, whomever was the spokesperson for the performing groups made sure to wish everyone "Happy Holidays!" Though I fully understand that there are those who do not believe as we Christians do and though I also understand that there were possibly verbal agreements made to avoid any references to Christ since the event was setup for the city of Eastvale, the last time I looked at our great country's constitution I was under the impression that we still have freedom of speech and freedom of religion among other things.

Let's face it, if there were no celebration of Christ's birth at this time of year, is it possible that there would be some other winter holiday festivities? Yes, it is certainly possible. However, that is not the case in reality. The reality is that the primary celebration of this time of year is Christ our Savior's birth. I for one will not stop saying Merry Christmas. I am not ashamed of my Savior or what this holiday is really about. The gift giving and the myths set up around Santa Clause are not bothersome to me, though they can certainly be distracting . For those of you who choose to stay away from causing controversy or rocking the boat over our beliefs, you are free to do so. Just keep in mind that Jesus did stir it up when he walked among us and that he did say that we would suffer for bearing the mark of being his children. Let us continue in courage and without shame in speaking about his love and showing our allegiance to something far bigger and much more important than being politically correct. Let us enthusiastically say "Merry Christmas" since it is for that reason above all else that we celebrate this time of year. Be strong and courageous!

I am heading back to work tomorrow after spending the last two plus months on a leave of absence. If you are a person of prayer, please lift me up as I get back into the work groove.

Where Do We Stand?

Where Do We Stand?

Though my body lies here

Beaten down, bruised, and sore

Though my heart quakes

And, my chest is heavy with fear

I hear echoes calling

Whispering quietly to my soul

Waking slumbering hope

Gentle hand lifts fallen chin

You raise my tear stained eyes

To look on your kind face

Compassions’ gift in your every word

Falls on my ears like rain after a drought

Gently lifting me to my feet

Arm slips under mine and bears

The weight of all my fears and cares

Guiding me forward through life’s storms

How lost this heart, from wandering far

Seeking for the misplaced piece

To fill this God shaped gap

A piece once placed and then left behind

Sorely missed now and longed for

I know you are close at hand

For it is I, not you that strayed

Your promise never to leave, unbroken

So now I ask for you to step back in

And assume your rightful place

Upon the throne that I usurped

And I once again at your feet

At your beck and call

A foot soldier and standard bearer

Strengthened by your promises

Both fulfilled and yet to be

Your kind eyes shift to fierce

And you call out your marching orders

Call me to courage and standing strong

Asking me to overwhelm fear with prayer

For you see, when I look back

Across the length of my memories

There are alters there

Monuments to your faithfulness

For my faith in you my Lord

My savior, redeemer, and friend

It has never been misplaced

When my hand has slipped into yours

Higher Mammal

Higher Mammal  – June 26, 2012

Where are the heroes?

What happened to the brave?

Courage seems too rare

Honor vanished and gone

Moved by nothing

Except selfish pursuits

We throw away eternity

Sell it for finite possessions

Seek for security in a job

For peace in a home

For love in a significant other

Eyes on all but the creator

Settle for the mundane

For life with no adventure

Predictable days with little risk

And for nothing to aspire

Don’t believe in the eternal

Nothing but a higher mammal

Born, learn, breed, and die

Hope but an abstract thing

Never asking why there’s a hole

At the center of our existence

Never filled and never satisfied

Always left wanting

Somehow blinded to our need

Believe ourselves good and yet

By what standard are we measured

A deep question for a mammal

Wake up and look back

Over a life gone by

Wondering where did it fly

Terminal existence pricks us

Searched for answers

But rejected them all

Grave causes desperation

Hope waking in renewed thought

Start the questioning again

Creator waits and is unafraid

No question being stupid

With eternity on the line

A toast to the seekers

For those who seek truth

Unsatisfied with weak humanism

They find truth in one so named

My Lazarus Journey

Hard is the road

To where a new future begins

Narrow the path

That leads to promises fulfilled

Can’t reach my destination

On the strength of a broken heart

So many dreams died along the way

Not sure if any remain

My hope lies barely breathing

Like the flutter of tiny wings

Clinging to life by finest thread

Who will dare to save me?

Does anyone get me?

Does anyone care?

Does anyone want me…

More than what I can provide?

Maybe I want more

Than what any human can give

Maybe my hearts longing

Can only be filled by my maker

Though I wish nothing more

Than to leave this pain behind

Though I’d rather be

Far away on the other side

I am deeply committed

Heels dug in and clinging tight

To the promises You made

My Savior and friend

No other has been so faithful

No other has in every moment

Through joy and sorrow

Been ever at my side

For now I know you carry me

My faith but a tiny thing

Put to shame by a mustard seed

Praying your faith replaces mine

An empty vessel

A lump of clay

I lie here

Awaiting your strong hand

Awaiting the artist’s touch

The old man ready to die

Sacrificed my longed for son

At your blessed request

Restore my dreams

Breathe life back

Into these dry bones

Call me back from the dead

For my very marrow cries out

For your presence

To call my heart your dwelling

To cleanse every dark corner

For now dear friend

I wait quiet in the night

Anticipation my companion

And a new dawn approaches

Understanding Forgiveness is a Long Journey

Pardon my sarcasm

Forgive my lack of p.c.

But where would we be

Without the curious?

Want me to just conform

Kowtow to your ways

But I look in the mirror

And no lemming do I see

Pardon my French

But, you’re a follower

Nauseatingly gullible

Intellectually dishonest

Follow the tides

Of popular tripe

Winds of change come

And you’re long gone

Say I’m a fool

Call me anachronistic

A freak following

Nothing but a lunatic

Many ways to God?

You say it’s true

But everything can’t be

Wind carries away the chaff

One day holy fire

Will leave only the pure

Absolute truth standing alone

All that remain, on their faces

Gone like winter snow

On a sunny day forgotten

Your empty philosophies

Betraying you and your kind

And the risen Son on his throne

Will cast his rays day and night

Holy light evermore shining

The darkness never to return

And you will be blotted out

Forgotten and melted away

No page in any book 

No word to recall your existence

And we your martyrs will rejoice

Our tears replaced with laughter

Bruised backs straightened and healed

Arms raised and voices lifted

Songs to our Maker and Savior

Sung strong and true

Our melodies carried to His ears

Living water to our hearts

So let this be a warning

And a call to turn aside

For the end of the story

Written and bound

Our creator’s long tale

Of humankind is winding down

The Truth is ascending his steed

And will soon rescue His bride

Seek him in your unbelief

Search for Truth and you will see

Once revealed it always bears fruit

And your eyes will be opened

While you still have breath

Answer the quiet call

Truth’s whispering for your attention

Repentance will open the door

Weep now for your many transgressions

From knees confess missing the mark

Find comfort that we’ve all found

Our hearts wanting and needy

Find the peace that has eluded

The hope always out of reach

The grace and mercy of your victims love

And then understand forgiveness