Tast and See

 

Forgiveness

tastes better

than doing it right the first time.

Be Like Helen Dawson

 

When I was a child my mom had a friend who took us to her bible study. I was about nine. I remember going and coming home in her van. I remember the presence of God with us. She didn't do anything memorable herself, but somehow her steadfast faith made an impression on me and I recall it all these years later. I am almost certain she prayed for me, then and probably for many years afterwards. I am certain of it, actually. She impacted my life.

I asked my mom about her this morning. Turns out, she was a teacher. She was the same teacher who confiscated candy from me one day in Jr. High and had it drug-tested just in case. She told my mom. They waited for the results. It was candy. I don't know why this story makes me smile so big now. I suspect she watched us kids with concern in those days and my friends' friends or a friend may have been on her radar, so she watched me too. That warms my heart today. It also reminds me that the Lord has been with me all along. 

Thank you, Helen Dawson, wherever you are.

How does the Lord feel about you?

 

(Trouble me) disturb me with all your cares and your worries 

(Trouble me) on the days when you feel spent

Why let your shoulders bend 

Underneath this burden 

When my back is sturdy and strong? 

Trouble me

(Speak to me) don't mislead me 

The calm I feel means a storm is swelling 

(Speak to me) there's no telling where it starts or how it ends 

(Speak to me) why are you building this thick brick wall to defend me 

(Speak to me) when your silence is my greatest fear?

Why let your shoulders bend 

Underneath this burden 

When my back is sturdy and strong? 

Speak to me

(Let me) have a look inside these eyes while I'm learning 

(Let me) please don't hide them just because of tears 

(Let me) send you off to sleep with a 

"There, there, now stop your turning and tossing" 

(Let me) let me know where the hurt is and how to heal

Spare 

Spare me 

Don't spare me anything 

Troubling

(Trouble me) disturb me with all your cares and your worries 

(Speak to me) and let our words build a shelter from the storm 

(Let me) and lastly, let me know what I can mend

There's more, honestly 

Than my sweet friend, you can see 

Trust is what I'm offering 

If you trouble me

"Trouble Me" by Natalie Merchant, Dennis Drew, 10,000 Maniacs

End of War

 

The war ended that day. Suddenly, without warning, it stopped in its tracks. The tanks were recalled by the king, the plans rolled up and tossed away. It was finished. Lost or won. It stopped and we all looked up and forgave our enemies. Did we have enemies? Not really. The battle was between good and evil. We only chose sides. Then it was over and we went home. 

Not Mine, but Now Yours

 

Blues

 

Do You Want to be Carried?

 

“The LORD your God who goes before you will himself fight for you, just as he did for you in Egypt before your eyes, and in the wilderness, where you have seen how the LORD your God carried you, as a man carries his son, all the way that you went until you came to this place.”

Deuteronomy 1:30-31

 

Do you know God?