Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Frozen in Action

Like a movie stopped in the middle of an action scene, this droplet of melting snow froze as the temperature dropped. The action it tried to complete must wait for a warmer day. Meanwhile, we are privileged to see the beauty of the intricate parts within the droplet. Air bubbles, perfectly formed spheres, and cylinder shaped objects float in a miniature world. Reflected shadows and streaming light create an environment of soft curves. Even the stick adds a bit of mystery to this tiny world.

Yet, there is something about this frozen droplet that we can relate to. Sometimes our actions or our plans come to a halt. Sometimes we are placed on hold and must wait. And in our waiting, we can ask ourselves if we exhibit the beauty of Christ within us, so those around us can delight in what they see.

Lord Jesus, too often we become impatient when we have to wait. We get upset when our plans are put on hold. We get irritated when we can't finish what we started. Forgive us. Help us to become aware of the opportunities that "waiting" presents. Help us to use these moments to turn our thoughts to You and offer simple prayers, words of thanksgiving, or songs of praise.

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Thursday, January 26, 2012

Amazing Ice Encrusted Leaf

Curled up like a cocoon, the ice-covered leaf hangs from its branch like a piece of art. Various shades of brown fill the cells that are held together by a web of tiny, straight-lined veins. The dryness of the old leaf and its sharp lines contrast the smoothness and moisture of the ice that encompasses it. The icicle suspended at the bottom of the leaf reaches out like hungry tongue. This frozen droplet also contains many miniature water droplets, giving it a crystal-like appearance.

Why is this leaf so hungry-looking? Is there something that lies within? Is there unseen beauty waiting to emerge from its protective covering? Or is the leaf looking for more to life?

There is always more to life than what we see. There is also great beauty that lies within each of us that is hungering to come out. But too often, we only see the dryness of our own lives. We may think the best years have past us, or we wrap our hopes around the things that are close at hand. But the best is yet to come. For these are the days the Lord is speaking life to the dry bones. He is calling His people to rise up and come forth. Jesus Christ is bringing out the beauty from deep within. And all who want to be part of this adventure are welcome.

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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Winter Contrast

Snow layers itself on the fence and tree branches. The softness of the white snow contrasts itself to the hardness of the dark wood. All the wondrous colors of spring, summer and fall have vanished. What remains is basically dark brown, black and white.

In the starkness of winter's darkness and light, the colors of love seem to be hidden, until a cardinal lands on one of the branches. This red bird reminds us that God's love is still with us. And when a blue jay lights upon the fence, we remember the color of Heaven, that is often reflected in a blue sky.

May the contrast of the winter landscape stir our hearts to more vividly see the brightness of God's love in our winter moments. When the colors of what we used to enjoy have past away, let us remember the choices for abundant become more clear. We can no longer remain on the fence of indecisiveness. We must choose which way to go in all the decisions we make. May we always choose Jesus Christ.

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Saturday, January 14, 2012

Fish Story

With a gentle calmness and quiet curiosity, the big fish swims to the end of the tank to greet the little boy. It does not swim off and hide like the other fish. It is not nervous, jittery or fearful, like its companions. It appears confident and unruffled, exhibiting a tranquility that seems uncommon to fish.

The boy stares eye-to-eye at the fish, then runs to the other side of the tank. The fish follows. The boy runs back again. The fish chases after the boy like a puppy chasing after its owner. The boy stops and looks intently at the fish. The fish stares back. The boy shows the water creature its new toy. The fish eyes the toy with interest. The boy talks to the fish. The fish listens intently.

The connection between the fish and the boy seems uncanny. While the other fish are consumed with self-preservation and staying close to protective crevices, the white fish appears to be more interested in things beyond itself. It shows no fear. It seems eager to connect with the outside world.

Just like this white fish, we need to learn to walk through life with a gentle curiosity about people, about creatures unlike ourselves, and about God. When artist Natalie Totire saw this photograph, she said, "There is just something admirable and attractive about animals that take an active interest in humans and what they're doing. It's almost an example of how we should act toward God."

May the Holy Spirit strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ and give you grace to take an active interest in what God the Father is doing today.

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Thursday, January 12, 2012

Winter Beauty

A soft layer of snow fell gently upon the old shed, that was tucked away, in the corner of the backyard. The structure was often forgotten or ignored. Some paint was starting to peel off and part of the wood was beginning to rot. Year after year, attention was given to the rest of the yard where flowers grew, children played, and adults picked herbs.

But when the snow came, attention was drawn to the shed. Donned in its winter beauty of freshly fallen snow, the shed graced the landscape in a picturesque way. It was the first thing people's eyes turned to, when they stepped into the backyard. It became noticeable and gave people a reason to smile.

Sometimes we feel discarded, ignored or forgotten, like the old shed. But when we allow God's grace to cover us with His love, beauty starts to rise up from within. We begin to reflect His glory and His beauty. And people who are looking for God's light, take notice. They are drawn to us. They want what we have. They want Jesus Christ in their lives, too, so they can also shine in the winter moments of their lives.

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Monday, January 9, 2012

A Billion Blessings

There are more than a billion stars in the universe. Some are clearly visible, some are hard to see, and others can only be viewed with a powerful telescope. Yet, God knows each one of them by name.

There are more than a billion people scattered across the planet. They have a variety of features, characteristics and skin colors. They speak different languages, wear different types of clothing, and have different customs. God knows each one of them by name, too.

There are more than a billion blessings that Jesus Christ pours out. The Lord God brings out the sun and waters the earth. He sets the moon and stars in place. He provides plants and animals for food, fiber and clothing. He strengthens, restores, and watches over those who seek Him. He shields, protects, and delivers those who cry out to Him. He teaches, guides, and equips those who ask for wisdom and walk in His ways. He walks with, talks to, and takes delight in those who love Him. He offers the gift of salvation to all who are willing to accept.

How awesome is our God who blesses in a billion different ways! How great is the Lord God Almighty!

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Friday, January 6, 2012

Glorious Sunrise

Brilliant shades of pink, violet and yellow appear on the winter horizon. As they increase in size and density, the leafless trees seem to perk up and watch. They stand tall and still, in an awesome silence, at the sky show unfolding before them. In the silhouette of dawn, the trees almost look like they have leaves.

I watch the fiery sky and take delight in its luminosity that invites my imagination to enter into a mystical, magical world of unknown possibilities. But as the sun rises higher, the colors fade and turn the heavens into pastel shades of gentle loveliness. Slowly, these muted colors disappear into a cloud covered sky. The outline of the bare trees becomes clearly visible, revealing gray bark and lifeless-looking branches.

Winter is still here. But for a few moments, I had a glimpse of the beauty of heaven and a renewal in the promises of Jesus Christ. For it is the Lord God, who paints a picture of glorious hope and radiant beauty for my life. It is HE who calls me to joyfully reflect the vibrant colors of His love and brilliance of His faithfulness, even in the winter moments of my life.

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