Candle

As I begin my first full week tomorrow at my new job with Siemens, I find myself praying that I will be a true light at work. 

May I not hide my light, 

but let it shine, brightly 

as I allow Jesus to quietly

draw others to Himself

through me,

a child of God.

May I prove to be

blameless and innocent.

May I shine like a light

in a crooked

and perverse world.

Matthew 5:15

Phillipians 2:15

And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God gives them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. 

American King James Version

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

That ye may be blameless - That you may give no occasion for others to accuse you of having done wrong.

And harmless - Margin, "sincere." The Greek word (ἀκέραιος akeraios) means properly that which is unmixed; and then pure, sincere. The idea here is, that they should be artless, simple, without guile. Then they would injure no one. The word occurs only in Matthew 10:16; Philippians 2:15, where it is rendered "harmless," and Romans 16:19, where it is rendered "sincere"; see the Matthew 10:16 note, and Romans 16:19 note.

The sons of God - The children of God; a phrase by which true Christians were denoted; see the Matthew 5:45 note; Ephesians 5:1 note.

Without rebuke - Without blame; without giving occasion for anyone to complain of you.

In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation - Among those of perverted sentiments and habits; those who are disposed to complain and find fault; those who will take every occasion to pervert what you do and say, and who seek every opportunity to retard the cause of truth and righteousness. It is not certainly known to whom the apostle refers here, but it seems not improbable that he had particular reference to the Jews who were in Philippi. The language used here was employed by Moses Deuteronomy 32:5, as applicable to the Jewish people, and it is accurately descriptive of the character of the nation in the time of Paul. The Jews were among the most bitter foes of the gospel, and did perhaps more than any other people to embarrass the cause of truth and prevent the spread of the true religion.

Among whom ye shine - Margin, "or, shine ye." The Greek will admit of either construction, and expositors have differed as to the correct interpretation. Rosenmuller, Doddridge and others regard it as imperative, and as designed to enforce on them the duty of letting their light shine. Erasmus says it is doubtful whether it is to be understood in the indicative or imperative. Grotius, Koppe, Bloomfield, and others regard it as in the indicative, and as teaching that they did in fact shine as lights in the world. The sense can be determined only by the connection; and in regard to it different readers will form different opinions. It seems to me that the connection seems rather to require the sense of duty or obligation to be understood. The apostle is enforcing on them the duty of being blameless and harmless; of holding forth the word of life; and it is in accordance with his design to remind them that they ought to be lights to those around them.

As lights in the world - The comparison of Christians with light, often occurs in the Scriptures; see at Matthew 5:14, note, 16, note. The image here is not improbably taken from light-houses on a seacoast. The image then is, that as those light-houses are placed on a dangerous coast to apprise vessels of their peril, and to save them from shipwreck, so the light of Christian piety shines on a dark world, and in the dangers of the voyage which we are making;

 What do you believe are some practical ways we can ensure we are not hiding our light in the midst of this world?

Blooming in Autumn - Listening

I wrestled with something today. It seemed the whole day was a wrestling match of emotions and effort to get things accomplished. Nothing flowed. I don't know why. I felt on edge. I am happily snuggled into my comfy warm bed now and I'm at peace. 

Thank you Jesus. 

An answer to one struggle was delivered, wrapped in love, as I honestly shared with a friend and then listened. Being a single woman in my 50's is humorous, emotional, fun, seriously challenging and always leads me to lean my head on my Father God's shoulder... to rest there and love on Him and receive His extravagant love for me. 

As I wrestled through my day, I found myself driving to the prayer trail at a nearby church. A measure of comfort came as leaves crunched under my feet as I walked and talked with the Lord and quietly listened. 

I listened for peace, in His voice.

I listened for direction, in His Words.

I listened to leaves rustling in the breeze.

I listened to my thoughts wrestling.

I listened to the sound of my breathing.

I listened for answers to my questions.

I listened, in faith. I will hear. 

Some flowers, like the Camellia above, bloom in Autumn. Their petals unfold when there's a chill in the air and Winter nips at our heels. May I, may you, still be able to blossom when there is a chill in the air and icy frost threatens.

Sweetness and sorrow mingled

 Sweetness and sorrow mingled today as our family gathered and celebrated our Thanksgiving meal together. Individual family members drove south to my Mom and Dad's home in the rolling hills, pecan orchard countryside south of Griffin Georgia in Meansville. We all came from different corners of the Atlanta area, all arriving at various times. 

I arrived early and we had some time to sit on the back porch. My Mom and Dad's cat, Snow, didn't look well. I petted her sad looking coat of fur and noticed her erratic breathing and felt her bones more than her white fur. My heart felt heavy. Dad said she wasn't well. Last night, with great effort, she jumped into his lap and laid her head on his chest as though she was asking for help. Dad said he planned to take her to the vet after we had dinner. 

Snow became a valuable and very loved part of the family for so many years. Snow loved to hop up on the back of my Dad's chair and sleep there, like a white blanket, covering his shoulders. 

She also loved to sit outside on the porch railing and sun herself. Snow was a part of our family. 

A hen, rather than a turkey, filled our plates along with dressing, Pineapple Surprise, green beans cooked with bacon, sweet potato souffle, whipped potatoes and Mom's home made pecan pie, made from their pecan trees.We gathered around the table and we were thankful for the feast and for family.

My sister's husband prayed over the meal. He doesn't often attend church and I can't remember when I've heard him pray, however, someone asked him to pray over the meal. He prayed a real prayer and one thing he mentioned is that we don't all get together enough and would the Lord help us with that.  

One of my sons, Michael, my youngest, went with his grand dad to the vet to have them check out Snow. Her name actually is Snowflake. Mom said they named her that because of her white fur and because she was so small, like a tiny snow flake, when they picked her up from the Humane Society 14 years ago.  

The phone rang, and the news wasn't good. The vet said Snow's heart was failing. The decision was made to put her to sleep. Soon, Mom met Dad at the door and hugging, tears fell between them. A beloved pet was gone, a furry member of their family. Snow could be quite verbal at times with her funny meow. Now Snow is quiet... our tears fall in the letting go. 


A small grave was prepared and my oldest son, Josh, carved a simple gravestone out of cedar mixed with love, engraved simply with her name, Snow. 

I believe our heavenly Father gives us the gift of our pets to enrich our lives and let love flow through fur and soft ears and cats on our laps, and doggies who may bark, but who love extravagantly, licking us with love, because He loves us. 


So, today sweetness and sorrow mingled. God was with us and is with us in the sorrow and the letting go. God was with us in our realness and in our differences. We are family.  


I am thankful.

Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [curing their pains and their sorrows].

Thankful at End of Day

I’m thankful for our Abba Father
who loves us so intensely.
Thankful for family and friends

whose company is enjoyed so immensely.

Thankful for majestic mountains,
sparkling lakes and flowing streams.
Thankful for the years I’m countin',
reaching forward to fulfill my dreams.

Grateful for gifts and talents to share

like writing, music and photography.

I'm amazed at God's answers to prayer,

emotionally, physically and financially.

Grateful for a Savior who changes my heart
and helps me get up when I stumble.
Grateful Jesus says He’ll never leave me.

I’m weak, He's strong; He makes me humble.

Thankful all my needs are met in Him.
He promises to provide.
Thankful that He holds me in His love, 

forever, under His wings, I'll hide.

I am thankful to able to sit out on my porch in November, sipping coffee while reading "Streams in the Desert." 


I am thankful that the Creator of the Universe and galaxies, meteors, comets and stars knows me, loves me, speaks to me and keeps working in me, as imperfect as I am.....

I am thankful that the Lord speaks to me and that sometimes I hear and I listen so amazing things can happen. 



I am thankful for my bills being paid and a new job that I just started this week.  For God's supernatural provision.

I am thankful for family and friends, for hugs and smiles, for walks in lovely parks and jogs on wooded trails, crunching leaves as we run. 

Grateful for living in the USA and the freedom I have. I am thankful that I can freely go to church, without being persecuted. Thankful that I can go to the "cathedral of the lake" and enjoy the peace I find there...... (my favorite place to chill at Lake Lanier.) 



I am thankful that I have experienced love, in giving and receiving, in it's many forms and delights. I have known the love of Jesus, the love of a mother for her children and their love for me, the love of my Mom and Dad for me, the love of my sisters, the love of a friend, the love of a man, 

the love of life........



 I am thankful for lessons learned in dating relationships. For each man and what knowing them taught me about myself and who I am and who I want to be and how much I really desire to love, unselfishly. 

I am thankful for autumn leaves that glow, just before they die, then twist and twirl to form a vividly colored blanket on the ground.... 

For rivers and streams that sparkle and flow, mountains to climb and valleys to rest in. Thankful that Spring always buds after winter's snow and ice finally thaws.....

Thankful that hurts and wounds do heal....that forgiveness covers sins and mistakes we make....

I am thankful that when my heart hurts and needs release that God has given the gift of tears.... I am thankful for giggles and belly laughs and friends to share those moments with. 





I am thankful for sweet memories of moments, of days and of years that have shaped and molded me and 

made me who I am. 

I am thankful for the the moments that will turn into the future of who I will become. 

I am thankful that I learn from falling and skinning my knees and I learn by getting back up again and continuing to walk forward, though some days I am not sure which way to go...... but I do know I will always be lead by an unseen hand..........

I am thankful for brilliant sunrises that light up morning sky and sunsets that catch clouds on fire and bring a hush to the earth as it pulls the covers up on the day. 

Thankful for you....

Marie 

Though Autumn's Color's Fade

Though I watch Autumn colors fade,

I will hold their warmth, close in my memory

as winter's black and white is displayed.

Our Creator's expression is so praiseworthy

as every season holds it's own glory

and it's reason and special purpose 

under heaven, fulfilling God's unfolding story,

drawing us to Him, yet leaving us wordless

and unable to fully express our gratitude

for the indescribable beauty we experience,

 freedom because of Jesus and His gift of latitude

we savor and fully grasp our significance

only in Christ.

Copyright © 2011 Marie Nease  All Rights Reserved

Morning Elegance

He covers himself with light as with a garment. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain. He lays the beams of his rooms in the waters. He makes the clouds his chariot. He walks on the wings of the wind. 

  

Psalm 104:2-3 World English Bible

Winding my way from Highlands North Carolina, back to Lawrenceville Georgia, I found myself clothed in morning elegance. Our Creator is elegant. He is creative, beyond earthly creativity. He creates glorious mornings that cause us to pause.

I was driving toward the first day of my new position as a recruiter with a large company called Siemens. However, I had no choice but to stop. To pause and relish the moment. To revel in the beauty of the clouds blanketing the valley. To be in awe of clouds that our Creator was painting across the sky...

To breathe in the morning that God was creating just for me... 

Well, it felt like it was just for me...

Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. Mark 13:26 New International Version (©1984)

God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars. Martin Luther

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky. (or sunrise!)
Rabindranath Tagore

 By the way, my first day on the new job was successful and I return tomorrow to learn some more. Good night!

Clouds and Fog

I'm in the mountains, here in Highlands NC with my sisters for our annual retreat. It's beautiful. The clouds hung low, caressing the mountains. Tomorrow I'll take photos. Tonight, if I continue typing, I'll keep my sister awake... sooooo, good night and God bless. Tomorrow I want to write about clouds and their mention in the Bible.

Where We Land

Twirling, swirling leaf-like through the air...

gently, we land. Always remember, we have

a heavenly Father, who is watching over us,

protecting, guiding and in control

of where we land. It isn't random.

Our times are in His hands.

Psalm 31:14-15 Amplified Bible (AMP)

14. But I trusted in, relied on, and was confident in You, O Lord; I said, You are my God.

15. My times are in Your hands; deliver me from the hands of my foes and those who pursue me and persecute me.



Under His Wings

Tonight, puddles of tears fell for one of my sons who is in the early years of his marriage. He and his wife are in the midst of some frustrating times. I don't know the details. He sent me a message through Skype and his words put me into tears. 

One of my other sons celebrated 3 years of marriage this week. They have their happy moments, yet, it seems they struggle. 

This week I also heard of a couple who is breaking up their marriage after less than a year together. They are in their 60's. They got married last year after knowing one another for a short while. My heart is grieved. I ask the question. Why is it so difficult to have a successful, happy marriage????

Relationships and marriages are not easy, but I believe in the depths of my heart, that if we are unselfish, we can have successful marriages that are filled with joy! 

I have been single again for 11 years. I pray for contentment in my singleness, yet I am open to a Godly marriage. The key for me is to be able to pray through the challenges. If my husband is open to praying with me and walking with the Lord and with me through every day, then I believe we can have a happy and successful relationship. 

Right now, I must sleep in peace and I let go of the cares of my boys, all four of them. Three of the four are married. Only God can speak to them of how to fully love in the midst of this life. And how to be single and be happy in the midst of these days. 

For now, I will crawl under the wings of the Lord and I will rest. 

Almost Bare

Almost bare,

Autumn must prepare

for Winter's chilly air,

a season when nature rests

and she invites us to invest

in stillness and slow down our pace;

to celebrate that life isn't a race

and to learn to live in the moment

and perhaps reinvent

ourselves, and not be discontent

during the intermissions

and in the transitions

between the seasons in our lives

as every change arrives.

As Autumn twirls happily in her letting go

may we learn the lessons and fully know

how to flow in the rhythm and design

created by a trinity, divine. 

Copyright © 2011 Marie Nease

 

Don't Let Life Pass You By...

We all have a purpose, a calling, for this life.

We all have an enemy

whose job is to thwart our purpose,

to thwart our relationship with Jesus.

Resist the enemy of our souls...

press in to know Him, Jesus

who will lead us to our desired haven. 

Don't let life pass you by.

Psalm 107:30 Then are they glad because they are quiet; 

so he brings them unto their desired haven.

 

http://www.earnestlycontending.com/ewministries/others/spurgeon/desiredhaven.html C.H. Spurgeon 

"But I come now to the point I want specially to drive at, and that is the passage to the haven. They are brought to the haven they desire, and they are brought there by the Pilot, but how are they brought? The text says: “So he bringeth them to their desired haven.” The way into the haven is not always a smooth one. Some are brought to Christ as if they had never known a storm. Do not, of course, desire and seek a storm; but so long as you get safely into the haven it matters not how you get there. If you trust Christ, do not trouble yourselves, because you never went through the Slough of Despond. Read the life of John Bunyan, and you will find him much troubled and tumbled up and down for years. You may have felt little of this, perhaps, yet if your trust in Christ is sincere and real it matters not. If the ship reaches the haven, and is safely sheltered there, whether she had a stormy passage or a smooth one is of little importance. The great thing is to be “Safe home, safe home in port.” Still, it often happens that we come into the port of Christ’s salvation through a storm. Read the passage and you will see how frequently this occurs. “They mount up to heaven, they go down again into the depths; their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro and stagger like a drunken man. They cry unto the lord in their trouble and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm to be a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quite: So he bringeth them to their desired haven.” They are greatly troubled, but it drives them to prayer, prayer gets its answer, and so they get Christ. I do thank God that so I was brought into peace by believing. It was many and many a day before I found Christ. It is a strange thing, but as I was talking this afternoon with a dear friend in Christ about spiritual things, we remarked to one another that the most of the men who had been made useful in winning souls had a hard time of it, when they first came to Christ. For the most part a deep and painful experience seems to be absolutely necessary to enable a minister to get a hold and a grip upon the doctrines of grace, Still, let us never forget that the tossing is not the haven and the storm is not the port. A sense of sin does not save, and terrors of conscience do not justify. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” That is the great message to us all. Trust in Jesus: this it is that brings you into port. May God bring you there! and we will then sing together, and “praise the lord for his goodness and for his wonderful works to the children of men.”

A Perfect Reflection

May our attitude 

exude a fragrant scent,

 as we're utterly filled with gratitude

for God's presence and imprint

on our hearts, and the latitude 

Jesus allows us in choosing 

to follow and listen to his voice,

receiving powerful infusing 

of His Holy Spirit, so we rejoice

in our sufferings and in hope

because it produces endurance

and gives us strength to cope,

it doesn't disappoint; our hearts dance   

because God poured out such strong affection

so very deep within our heart,

 and there, to see his perfect reflection

is what He's longed for from the start.

Wingdreamer - Marie Nease

Run

I admit it. 

I got carried away...

I was looking at 

other blogs tonight. 

What a delight!

But now, I must be quick

to write my own blog

because I'm starting a new job

on Thursday, so this southern chick

must find a way to fall asleep

so I can wake up early

or I'll be acting squirrely

but I have a new job to keep! 

Saturday I ran. I was walking with a friend and he said he wanted to jog a bit. He jogged ahead and well, my feet began to want to follow and slowly, but surely, I was running. I've never enjoyed running. 

However, I must say, I liked it this time. 

It felt freeing. My heart beat faster as I followed, at a slow jog, around the lake. We alternated between running and walking and often, I led the way. 

It was late in the day. I enjoyed the quietness that surrounded us, with the exception of a few other runners, bikers and Canada geese honking, as they flew over. Maybe it is late in my life to start running. No matter. It's happening and I am going to "run with it." 

This afternoon, I called a friend and told her about running around the lake yesterday. I told her I wanted to run some more today and suggested a place to meet. Surprised, she joined me and we jogged on dirt trails through the hardwood forest, aglow with autumn's color and we fast-walked on paths as leaves crunched under our feet, happy. A pink and purple sunset filled the sky and the sun set on an incredible day. I feel alive and thankful. 

Running is a spiritual activity too, in the Word of God. In just taking a few minutes to study, I see three things that stand out to me.

1. Running and not growing weary. (if we hope in the Lord, He renews our strength)
2. Running with purpose in every step. (We run for an eternal prize.)
3. Running with endurance. (We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, who initiates and perfects our faith!)

In Isaiah 40:29-31

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (NIV)

1 Corinthians 9:25-27
“All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” (NLT)

Hebrews 12:1-4 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.* Because of the joy* awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;* then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

So, let's run with it...


Marie
 

Morning's Gate

Longing to meet You, at morning's gate

 as sun rises to greet another day.

Please, tell me it's not too late,

though I've run the other way.

Wanting to see you in morning mist

reveling in your mystery.

Please, tell me that I've not missed 

the chance to celebrate true liturgy,

eating bread that's You, broken

and drinking sweet wine,

Your blood poured out, You, spoken

into my life, a gift O so divine.

Woo me, I yearn to know You intimately,

 face to face, with nothing to hide.

Please, rid me of all impurity

so forever, Your heart and mine collide.

Copyright © 2011 Marie Nease  All Rights Reserved

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
I rose before the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in your word.

 

 

World English Bible
When you said, "Seek my face," my heart said to you, "I will seek your face, Yahweh."

 

 

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
And this is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

 

 

International Standard Version (©2008)
So put to death your worldly impulses: sexual sin, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry).

New International Version (©1984)
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

New International Version (©1984)
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Lonely Day

Lonely, but not alone,

today I hibernated.

Cozy in my home,

slowly I created

photographic works of art

to encourage and inspire.

Classic and from my heart,

a passion set afire.

I share God-breathed gift

with you because

I care and want to lift

your spirit and pray it draws

you into the presence

of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

The first set of Wingdreamer photos with scriptures and quotes are available for gifts for Christmas. More photos are being added daily. You may copy and paste the link below into a browser window.

http://wingdreamer.smugmug.com/PhotographytoEncourageandInspi/Inspire/19996793_269Vdn#1579308846_9ZnmhRh

Heart Renovation

Redecorate my soul

in colors that You know

are becoming of who

I am becoming in You.

Renovate within, where you abide,

 replicate yourself, I'm Your bride

making myself ready, with spotless dress

of white, purified through Your divine caress.

I was afflicted, lashed by storms

and not comforted, yet Spirit transforms

for Jesus is a cornerstone, a tested foundation

giving His life to atone for us & bring salvation.

You rebuild me with stones of turquoise 

and your every touch echoes 

mercy in a foundation of blue sapphire

precious and refined in Your fire. 

Marie 

Every Tear

 Our Father God

knows our hearts and thoughts, 

 and what keeps us up at night.

He knows what makes it difficult

to open weary eyes 

and face another day.

He knows what causes laughter to 

bubble up from within us and 

turn into uncontrollable giggles

and He wants to dance with us in our joy!

He sees our wanderings.

He understands what causes us to grieve. 

As tears roll down our cheeks, 

He catches every tear and gingerly,

He puts them into His bottle. 

And, He remembers them.

Carolyn Arends says it beautifully in her song, "Not Alone."

There's a Man of Sorrows, acquainted with our grief

And He's done His share of crying in the night with no relief There isn't any heartache that He has not known 

So we are not alone

Psalm 56:8

The Message (MSG)

 ⁸ You've kept track of my every toss and turn
      through the sleepless nights,
   Each tear entered in your ledger,
      each ache written in your book. 

 

 

 

 Such comfort can be ours when we understand the depth of God's love, care and concern for us in all the ups and downs of this life. Thankfully, as Steven Curtis Chapman sings in one of my favorite songs, "We are not home yet!"

I met a friend for coffee today. He's going through a VERY difficult time financially, which is affecting his life in so many ways. Yet, in the midst of the difficulty, God is there. God is leading. God is catching every tear. He is at work divinely connecting dots. He is reducing pride to humbleness. He is using every circumstance to bring about His plan and direct my friend's steps to a place of abundance once again...he, as I, will have compassion on those who are going through similar struggles, because we know what it feels like. We have been there. I am just as certain of this as I am that the sun will rise again in the morning.

 Revelations 21:4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

 

Not Home Yet

To all the travelers
Pilgrims longing for a home
From one who walks with you
On this journey called life's road
It is a long and winding road

From one who's seen the view
And dreamt of staying on the mountain high
And one who's cried like you
Wanting so much just to lay down and die
I offer this, we must remenber this

We are not Home yet
We are not Home yet
Keep on looking ahead
Let your heart not forget
We are not home yet
Not home yet

So close your eyes with me
And hear the Father saying, "welcome home"
Let us find the strength
In all His promises to carry on
He said, "I go prepare a place for you"
So Let us not forget

We are not Home yet
We are not Home yet
Keep on looking ahead
Let your heart not forget
We are not home yet
We are not home yet
Keep on looking ahead
Let your heart not forget
We are not home yet

I know there'll be a moment
I know there'll be a place
Where we will see our Savior
And fall in His embrace

So let us not grow weary
Or too content to stay
'Cause we are not home yet
Not home yet
So let us journey on

We are not Home yet
We are not Home yet
Keep on looking ahead
Let your heart not forget
We are not home yet
Not home yet

Photos are from the web and I wasn't able to find photographer info to give credit.