John 3:5-8
5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' 8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
***************************************************************************
I ask my Friend
Help!
Hold this body of mine,
Unless I drift away
Like a balloon
Towards the clouds.
My spirit is drunk with love.
My body temperature rises
Above levels of insanity.
I read 7Th century poets
Play my guitar
Run my self
To exhaustion...
Ask God to guide me through this state
Of absolute
Surrender.
Surrender scares me.
…yet I’m willing to yield.
Where did reason go?
When was it replaced
By Love?
Like the wind
...
I’m undecided.
A wanderer.
A being
Lost
In the wine
of Spirit.
Help, my Friend!
Come hastily to
Rescue
...
My soul
...
Needs
...
Longs
...
to drink water
From your Hand.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Not Foxey Lady
Luke 5:16
23After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.
******************************************************************
Like a candle
I put my light
Out there
For everyone to enjoy.
Someone comes
Real close,
And breathes heavily on it.
Blowing my light away.
It's easy to stay in the dark
It's seductive, pitiful, tasty.
But once you've been lightened
Darkness doesn't suit you anymore.
Stubbornly,
I go to my Father
And ask Him
To light me up again.
Flaws.
When things are dirty
They hide underneath.
Father brings my brokenness to light.
It hurts to see myself
In the mirror
Of His Word.
All my flaws exposed, naked, vulnerable.
Still I haven't figured out where His love comes from.
A love like His resembles nothing I knew.
Unconditional.
Never-ending.
...Just know, it's here.
I open my heart, and receive it.
Matthew 5:16
16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
23After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.
******************************************************************
Like a candle
I put my light
Out there
For everyone to enjoy.
Someone comes
Real close,
And breathes heavily on it.
Blowing my light away.
It's easy to stay in the dark
It's seductive, pitiful, tasty.
But once you've been lightened
Darkness doesn't suit you anymore.
Stubbornly,
I go to my Father
And ask Him
To light me up again.
Flaws.
When things are dirty
They hide underneath.
Father brings my brokenness to light.
It hurts to see myself
In the mirror
Of His Word.
All my flaws exposed, naked, vulnerable.
Still I haven't figured out where His love comes from.
A love like His resembles nothing I knew.
Unconditional.
Never-ending.
...Just know, it's here.
I open my heart, and receive it.
Matthew 5:16
16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Directions, please...
“I am with thee, and will keep thee
In all places whither thou goest.”
Genesis 28:15
“For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but
With great mercies I will gather thee.”
Isaiah 54:7
“I will instruct thee and teach thee
In the way which thou shalt go.”
Psalm 32:8a
********************************************************
Driving through the fog
Southwest streets of Miami
I find myself kissed by the silence
Caressed in a cocoon
Of white air
Feeling
Infinitely loved
Adored
By God.
Through the fog
I drive
Scared there might be danger ahead
Or behind
From south north east or west
It all seems so unusual
Shaky. Unpredictable.
Yet
Faith pushes my gas pedal
Joy steers the wheel
Love makes it all right.
Two boys
Ride their skate boards
Transmuting into shadows of the night
I see them once
I see them twice
And wonder why
Somewhere in the city
There’s a bed that awaits them
Yet
They opt for the foggy streets
And ride.
Becoming shadows
Alive.
Yeah,
It’s a good night.
I break the fog in half
And
Lord...
You're here!
In all places whither thou goest.”
Genesis 28:15
“For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but
With great mercies I will gather thee.”
Isaiah 54:7
“I will instruct thee and teach thee
In the way which thou shalt go.”
Psalm 32:8a
********************************************************
Driving through the fog
Southwest streets of Miami
I find myself kissed by the silence
Caressed in a cocoon
Of white air
Feeling
Infinitely loved
Adored
By God.
Through the fog
I drive
Scared there might be danger ahead
Or behind
From south north east or west
It all seems so unusual
Shaky. Unpredictable.
Yet
Faith pushes my gas pedal
Joy steers the wheel
Love makes it all right.
Two boys
Ride their skate boards
Transmuting into shadows of the night
I see them once
I see them twice
And wonder why
Somewhere in the city
There’s a bed that awaits them
Yet
They opt for the foggy streets
And ride.
Becoming shadows
Alive.
Yeah,
It’s a good night.
I break the fog in half
And
Lord...
You're here!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Infinite Supremacy
Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said:
"Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
Now prepare yourself like a man;
I will question you, and you shall answer Me.
"Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?"
Tell Me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements?
Surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
To what were its foundations fastened?
Or who laid its cornerstone,
When the morning stars sang together,
And the sons of God shouted for joy?"
Job 38-1-7
Moreover the Lord answered Job, and said:
"Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him?
He who rebukes God, let him answer it."
Then Job answered the Lord and said:
"Behold, I am vile;
What shall I answer You?
I lay my hand over my mouth."
Job 40: 1-4
**********************************************************************************
This week I've learned a few things about the supremacy of God.
He has humbled my spirit... showing me how vulnerable
How powerless, although precious, human life is.
Sometimes we get caught up in the net of knowledge
In the illusion of wisdom and spiritual progress,
We judge ourselves in a linear fashion of
Growth and increased understanding, but ultimately,
...we've become foolish and small in our thoughts.
All it takes is a look back
To a time in our lives where we were at the mercy
Of others
To realize
the supremacy of God.
When we were only a child, when our minds knew no worries
Goals and pride,
He already Was.
In the form of a mother.
In the shape of a smile.
In the perfection of a tiny hand holding a piece of cake.
He was.
In the eyes of innocence.
In the caretaker's heart...
He was.
Where were we when He already was?
Just keeping things in perspective.
Loving you,
Janet.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Walk the talk: communion with God
Romans 5:12
12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned—
***********************************************************************************************************
One of the hardest things to notice when sin is present in our lives
Is how it fogs our relationship with God
Not necessarily His relationship to us
But rather our relationship to Him.
I’ve noticed when I’m focusing on material, fleshly pursuits
I tend to fade away from Him
And just like water beginning to boil
There’s a sense of uneasiness
A perturbed notion of loosing that inner peace
Only God truly provides.
The Word becomes a memory
And prayer an awkward moment
It’s at this point I realize how far I’ve wandered
From Him.
Although no one notices…because we’re “walking” the talk
Deep inside, the walk becomes just talk…
Without that indescribable inner contact with God
We miss the walk; we become just talk.
Yesterday I was reading the gospel of John while walking -literally.
A man stopped me and said:
“Wow, you look so happy!”
I smiled, because I had been walking with Jesus
His words were somehow bringing color to my skin
Lightness to my feet...
A heavenly dance to the movement of my body
And it showed in the material world.
I was completely unaware of it.
When melting with God
We’re living in a womb of peace, joy and love.
And sometimes we don’t even notice…
We’re like a baby being nurtured by his mother
Intellectually unaware yet absolutely dependent
When we’re suddenly pulled out by the forceps of life
Into the realm of men
We can’t help but
Turn back to Him.
Let our selves be immersed
Into His quiet presence.
Let our selves
Become a baby again.
Isaiah 54:10
For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the
covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.
In His lap,
Janet
12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned—
***********************************************************************************************************
One of the hardest things to notice when sin is present in our lives
Is how it fogs our relationship with God
Not necessarily His relationship to us
But rather our relationship to Him.
I’ve noticed when I’m focusing on material, fleshly pursuits
I tend to fade away from Him
And just like water beginning to boil
There’s a sense of uneasiness
A perturbed notion of loosing that inner peace
Only God truly provides.
The Word becomes a memory
And prayer an awkward moment
It’s at this point I realize how far I’ve wandered
From Him.
Although no one notices…because we’re “walking” the talk
Deep inside, the walk becomes just talk…
Without that indescribable inner contact with God
We miss the walk; we become just talk.
Yesterday I was reading the gospel of John while walking -literally.
A man stopped me and said:
“Wow, you look so happy!”
I smiled, because I had been walking with Jesus
His words were somehow bringing color to my skin
Lightness to my feet...
A heavenly dance to the movement of my body
And it showed in the material world.
I was completely unaware of it.
When melting with God
We’re living in a womb of peace, joy and love.
And sometimes we don’t even notice…
We’re like a baby being nurtured by his mother
Intellectually unaware yet absolutely dependent
When we’re suddenly pulled out by the forceps of life
Into the realm of men
We can’t help but
Turn back to Him.
Let our selves be immersed
Into His quiet presence.
Let our selves
Become a baby again.
Isaiah 54:10
For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the
covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.
In His lap,
Janet
Monday, January 08, 2007
Joy Cry
Hebrews 13:5-7
5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you."
6 So we say with confidence,
"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
**********************************************************************************
Has Jesus ever made you cry?
Yesterday, as I wrote words and words
Of unconscious thoughts
I felt this urge to look up a few verses in Hebrews
And I found in Luke, by “accident”, the passage where Jesus
Forgives a sinner woman who washed his feet with tears.
He tells Simon the woman was forgiven because she had loved much
We all know love covers a multitude of sins
But when our Lord reminds us directly
It has a special meaning
…it brought tears of joy to my eyes…
My dearest friend, don’t get so caught up in the
Busyness of life
That you have no time to love.
Don’t get so immersed in self
That you can’t give a hug, a kiss, a smile…a word of encouragement,
To that special person the Lord has placed in your life at this very moment
We all need love deeply.
No one can truly say of love "enough is enough"
Love is that which can always be given more and more
Treat each person with divine LOVE.
Give and it shall be given unto you.
May the Lord's light shine brightly on you today!
Yours,
Janet.
5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you."
6 So we say with confidence,
"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
**********************************************************************************
Has Jesus ever made you cry?
Yesterday, as I wrote words and words
Of unconscious thoughts
I felt this urge to look up a few verses in Hebrews
And I found in Luke, by “accident”, the passage where Jesus
Forgives a sinner woman who washed his feet with tears.
He tells Simon the woman was forgiven because she had loved much
We all know love covers a multitude of sins
But when our Lord reminds us directly
It has a special meaning
…it brought tears of joy to my eyes…
My dearest friend, don’t get so caught up in the
Busyness of life
That you have no time to love.
Don’t get so immersed in self
That you can’t give a hug, a kiss, a smile…a word of encouragement,
To that special person the Lord has placed in your life at this very moment
We all need love deeply.
No one can truly say of love "enough is enough"
Love is that which can always be given more and more
Treat each person with divine LOVE.
Give and it shall be given unto you.
May the Lord's light shine brightly on you today!
Yours,
Janet.
Friday, January 05, 2007
All we need is Him
Daniel 10:18-19
18 Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. 19 "Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed," he said. "Peace! Be strong now; be strong." When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, "Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It takes real life to understand Daniel’s brokenness.
Just yesterday I cried to my Lord about human suffering.
Look around and you’ll see how many people hurt.
If it doesn’t break your heart to see your fellow men living in fear, stress, and loneliness…I don’t think you’re truly alive.
The curious thing is that only those who have lived them really know what those torments are all about.
Perhaps you’ve been spared from them yourself. Praise God!
But I haven’t…and now that I’ve moved beyond a victim mentality, now that I’ve grown tired of crying for the milk that’s right next to me, I’ve realized there’s a purpose for it all.
Never despair in your despair.
Know that God has a divine purpose running through your veins.
That precious life you’ve been given, when lived in Faith, is a diamond being brought to excellence.
Don’t give up. Receive the command of your Lord and be strong.
He’s not asking for anything you can’t possibly accomplish.
He’ll give you everything you need to face this battle and win.
Remember: We’re more than conquerors in Christ who strengthens us.
Be blessed!
Your sis that loves you,
Janet.
18 Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. 19 "Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed," he said. "Peace! Be strong now; be strong." When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, "Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It takes real life to understand Daniel’s brokenness.
Just yesterday I cried to my Lord about human suffering.
Look around and you’ll see how many people hurt.
If it doesn’t break your heart to see your fellow men living in fear, stress, and loneliness…I don’t think you’re truly alive.
The curious thing is that only those who have lived them really know what those torments are all about.
Perhaps you’ve been spared from them yourself. Praise God!
But I haven’t…and now that I’ve moved beyond a victim mentality, now that I’ve grown tired of crying for the milk that’s right next to me, I’ve realized there’s a purpose for it all.
Never despair in your despair.
Know that God has a divine purpose running through your veins.
That precious life you’ve been given, when lived in Faith, is a diamond being brought to excellence.
Don’t give up. Receive the command of your Lord and be strong.
He’s not asking for anything you can’t possibly accomplish.
He’ll give you everything you need to face this battle and win.
Remember: We’re more than conquerors in Christ who strengthens us.
Be blessed!
Your sis that loves you,
Janet.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
The mouse in the dog's mouth
James 1: 2-4
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I haven't read it myself, but someone I trust once said C S Lewis linked a man facing temptation to a rat being shaken by the mouth of a dog.
I can relate to that scene.
Little did I know how hard it would be to break free from the habit of falling
again and again in the old pits of destruction...until now.
Yeah...breaking free is hard, specially if I try to do it on my own.
So let me tell you what I'm doing...
Placing it all in His hands.
Surrendering my agony to Him.
My prayer this week has been, among tears:
-Oh, Lord, give me the strength because I don't have any; this battle overwhelms me.
And yes...He's answered back. I know if I faint now, and fall, He'll pick me up.
But our relationship might not be the same as now.
I may be like Adam in the garden...hiding from Him, ashamed.
There's no need to stain something so beautiful:
A girl's love bond with her Heavenly Father.
So I lift up my voice, and praise Him.
Because only Jesus has the power to break the chains of sin in our lives.
If you have Faith, please pray.
Love,
Janet
"Sorrow is turned into joy before Him."
Job 41:22b
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I haven't read it myself, but someone I trust once said C S Lewis linked a man facing temptation to a rat being shaken by the mouth of a dog.
I can relate to that scene.
Little did I know how hard it would be to break free from the habit of falling
again and again in the old pits of destruction...until now.
Yeah...breaking free is hard, specially if I try to do it on my own.
So let me tell you what I'm doing...
Placing it all in His hands.
Surrendering my agony to Him.
My prayer this week has been, among tears:
-Oh, Lord, give me the strength because I don't have any; this battle overwhelms me.
And yes...He's answered back. I know if I faint now, and fall, He'll pick me up.
But our relationship might not be the same as now.
I may be like Adam in the garden...hiding from Him, ashamed.
There's no need to stain something so beautiful:
A girl's love bond with her Heavenly Father.
So I lift up my voice, and praise Him.
Because only Jesus has the power to break the chains of sin in our lives.
If you have Faith, please pray.
Love,
Janet
"Sorrow is turned into joy before Him."
Job 41:22b
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Celebrating the birth of Jesus: a chorus and the healing wings of the rising sun
Luke 1: 26-33
26In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
******* ******* *******
My dear Friend,
The month of December has been a month of celebration for me and my Christian friends.
I don’t know about you, but when the birthday draws near of a person I love, I celebrate not just one day…but all days…and I am so thankful to God for the birth of Jesus.
Thank You, Heavenly Daddy…your Son is the best gift of all!!!
I was invited to His birthday celebration at a stadium here in South Florida; thousands of believers and I sang happy birthday to our Savior illuminated by an ocean of candles. Some souls came to Him for the first time that evening…I have no words to express how awesome it was.
And being Jesus as contemporary as He is, the celebration was divine…full of surprises, Joy…and Love.
By the time the actual Christmas evening arrived, I was invited to join a very special chorus to sing carols to our Lord. Although I didn’t know the songs very well, and my voice became shy at times, my heart, my lungs, and my spirit worshiped Him with each bit of life I carry in me.
I hope You liked it, Lord!!! I know you did!
After church and the chorus, disaster happened; my little niece had a little –though scary- accident. My family didn’t have a chance to actually get together for Christmas. What we did, was thank God for His infinite Mercy in protecting the baby and delivering her from harm.
On the 25th, after the sun rose bringing forth healing from the Lord, my family joined for a barbeque and we got a chance to love each other.
Wherever Love is…His light shines.
Jesus, you’re the light of my life.
May you also be the light to the person reading these words.
I love you with all my being.
Happy birthday!
Your daughter, your friend, yours forever…
Janet.
For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder.—Isaiah 9:6
26In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
******* ******* *******
My dear Friend,
The month of December has been a month of celebration for me and my Christian friends.
I don’t know about you, but when the birthday draws near of a person I love, I celebrate not just one day…but all days…and I am so thankful to God for the birth of Jesus.
Thank You, Heavenly Daddy…your Son is the best gift of all!!!
I was invited to His birthday celebration at a stadium here in South Florida; thousands of believers and I sang happy birthday to our Savior illuminated by an ocean of candles. Some souls came to Him for the first time that evening…I have no words to express how awesome it was.
And being Jesus as contemporary as He is, the celebration was divine…full of surprises, Joy…and Love.
By the time the actual Christmas evening arrived, I was invited to join a very special chorus to sing carols to our Lord. Although I didn’t know the songs very well, and my voice became shy at times, my heart, my lungs, and my spirit worshiped Him with each bit of life I carry in me.
I hope You liked it, Lord!!! I know you did!
After church and the chorus, disaster happened; my little niece had a little –though scary- accident. My family didn’t have a chance to actually get together for Christmas. What we did, was thank God for His infinite Mercy in protecting the baby and delivering her from harm.
On the 25th, after the sun rose bringing forth healing from the Lord, my family joined for a barbeque and we got a chance to love each other.
Wherever Love is…His light shines.
Jesus, you’re the light of my life.
May you also be the light to the person reading these words.
I love you with all my being.
Happy birthday!
Your daughter, your friend, yours forever…
Janet.
For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder.—Isaiah 9:6
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Grace and a Christmas party.
"Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
"But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
Matthew 9:12-13
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Although I'm probably better off not saying this,
I'll open up to you
Because I got a point to make...
Yesterday I got drunk.
Hold it, don't crucify me yet...after all,
Jesus died for ALL of us.
I had four cups of red wine
(I have very little tolerance to alcohol)
And after the party was over,
I drove home.
My best friend allowed me to drive!
He said I told him I wanted to go home.
Today I called him,
and asked: how could you let me drive in that state?
I questioned his friendship
But somehow I knew arguing was pointless.
We're all sick
In need of a physician.
So I decided
To let go and forgive my friend
Not because he deserves it
But because is the right thing to do.
Who do you need to show mercy today?
Who?
Don't be so full of self that you
Can't freely give to others
What the God of the universe has first given you.
Love, my friend, the rest has no meaning at all.
Besos,
janet
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Keep on trucking
“He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him.”
Hebrews 7:25a
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There are seasons in life
When everything is a mess
And many times the cross becomes almost unbearable
All you can do is cry, and
Each tear becomes a river of pain
…
If you’re hurting
Like I am
All I can say
Is that you need to let go
And let God
Be God
Let yourself be healed
By His Love
…
Keep walking!
Go through the storm
Don’t let it bring your spirit down
Lift your head up high
Fix your eyes on the horizon
And
While your heart rests in the hands of God
Confidently
Walk
In the direction
Of your dreams.
Jesus is love!
“He shall set me up upon a rock.”
Psalm 27:5c
Hebrews 7:25a
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There are seasons in life
When everything is a mess
And many times the cross becomes almost unbearable
All you can do is cry, and
Each tear becomes a river of pain
…
If you’re hurting
Like I am
All I can say
Is that you need to let go
And let God
Be God
Let yourself be healed
By His Love
…
Keep walking!
Go through the storm
Don’t let it bring your spirit down
Lift your head up high
Fix your eyes on the horizon
And
While your heart rests in the hands of God
Confidently
Walk
In the direction
Of your dreams.
Jesus is love!
“He shall set me up upon a rock.”
Psalm 27:5c
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Whisper
John 12:44-50
44 Then Jesus cried out, "When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45 When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
47 "As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. 48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. 49 For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say."
**********************7************7*************7************************
This is a difficult passage to write about. Yet is so simple. Jesus’ voice is always like that: firm, clear, and loving. Sometimes, when standing in the presence of God is best to remain silent...to just let Him penetrate our being and surrender to His peace. Although is very hard to detach oneself from the cares of the world and swim against its current, when we swim towards God, He always provides the strength needed. Somehow His whisper makes it to our ears, even though we’re so accustomed to the noise.
Dear Father: you know my heart
Better than no one else.
You know my pride and my shortcomings
You know I fall down every time I ignore your voice
Help me to always have ears to listen and eyes to see
And a heart that beats only because of You.
I need you...help me to be like Jesus.
Love,
Your daughter.
Glory and Praise to the God of the universe!
44 Then Jesus cried out, "When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45 When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
47 "As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. 48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. 49 For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say."
**********************7************7*************7************************
This is a difficult passage to write about. Yet is so simple. Jesus’ voice is always like that: firm, clear, and loving. Sometimes, when standing in the presence of God is best to remain silent...to just let Him penetrate our being and surrender to His peace. Although is very hard to detach oneself from the cares of the world and swim against its current, when we swim towards God, He always provides the strength needed. Somehow His whisper makes it to our ears, even though we’re so accustomed to the noise.
Dear Father: you know my heart
Better than no one else.
You know my pride and my shortcomings
You know I fall down every time I ignore your voice
Help me to always have ears to listen and eyes to see
And a heart that beats only because of You.
I need you...help me to be like Jesus.
Love,
Your daughter.
Glory and Praise to the God of the universe!
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
The crying puppy
“Your heavenly Father knoweth that
ye have need of all these things.”
Matthew 6:32b
Have you ever done something that you knew it was wrong to do,
But you did it anyways?
Have you ever felt the physical pain of suffering the consequences of your actions?
Have you ever run to God, to find comfort in His lap,
Knowing He had warned you not to touch the fire?
If God wasn’t God, I’d be desperate right now...
Cause I touched the fire.
And I find myself at this hour,
Crying like a little puppy
To my loving Master.
I know He forgives me,
But He tells me that’s not the main issue.
Can I forgive myself?
Can I forgive others?
Can I really live if I don’t?
God has an answer for that:
Love!
“The liberal soul shall be made fat:
and he that watereth shall be watered
also himself.”
Proverbs 11:25
ye have need of all these things.”
Matthew 6:32b
Have you ever done something that you knew it was wrong to do,
But you did it anyways?
Have you ever felt the physical pain of suffering the consequences of your actions?
Have you ever run to God, to find comfort in His lap,
Knowing He had warned you not to touch the fire?
If God wasn’t God, I’d be desperate right now...
Cause I touched the fire.
And I find myself at this hour,
Crying like a little puppy
To my loving Master.
I know He forgives me,
But He tells me that’s not the main issue.
Can I forgive myself?
Can I forgive others?
Can I really live if I don’t?
God has an answer for that:
Love!
“The liberal soul shall be made fat:
and he that watereth shall be watered
also himself.”
Proverbs 11:25
Monday, December 04, 2006
The leaf on the river current
“I am with you, and will keep you
in all places where you go.”
Genesis 28:15a
I’m reading a book called “Love is a choice”; written by three PHD psychiatrists who have a clinic in Texas and decided they would write a book about “codependency”, a concept they consider has become an epidemic in modern life. Codependency simply means addiction to a certain behavior, thing, or person. As I read the book, obviously I’m uncovering the ghosts of my personal life, but I also find pretty much every single person I know could benefit from reading this book. It’s so easy to go through life suffering in silence, letting circumstances and people dictate our behavior, emotions, and -most importantly- our steps.
Sometimes life is like a river and we’re a leaf that fell down from a tree into the water, and the leaf is being swept by the currents...thinking she has a sense of direction and that she has everything figured out. Yet, reality is the leaf is living in denial, in ignorance, and in desperation. Perhaps she lives in the illusion she’s really just having fun. Life can be very deceiving and is very easy to lie to ourselves. How could we not be in desperation when our life is just being swept away in the currents of the world? How could we say we’re free from the currents when all we do is conform to norms and pre-determined concepts to satisfy other people? How can we say we’re truly enjoying the ride if every single time things don’t go our way we hide under social masks and pretend we’re ok?
Why can we admit we’re just creatures hungry for love? Who’s not hungry for love? Who? Lie to yourself if you must, but I think most people are. We’re experts in disguising our need under our masks, and we’re in the business of showing the world how “perfect” we are. We have been taught we ought to be perfect: perfect mate, perfect body, perfect bank account, perfect family, perfect job...you name it!!!
I know one person that has the fakest, most nervous laugh I know. She’s going thru a bitter divorce, her ex took one of her kids, her life is just a mess, yet she puts up a show every single day. She’s broken inside, yet she wants to hide it, fake it and convince everyone of her lie…and WHY in the world would she go thru such lengths to accomplish all this? To be accepted by others, to be loved! If only that love was real…
Have you ever wondered how long you will be able to lie to your own soul? I know I can’t do it to mine any longer. I am hungry…in fact I am desperately hungry for love! And this desperation has driven me to do some crazy things…really crazy things…involved with the wrong people, abandoned projects that could have brought great, lasting joy to my life, bought more than I could pay off at the end of the month so that I could get even a crumb of love from people...at 27, I’ve finally realized crumbs will not satisfy my soul’s hunger for love; just like I will never find diamonds in the streets of life...I’ll have to dig for them, I’m digging for love. Real, lasting love...
Diamonds are hidden for a very special reason: to teach us very special things we must dig for!
And I find myself like the leaf, floating in the river of life,
Only that for some greater reason,
Too great for some to grasp,
I’ve been “rescued” from the river currents and I’m relaxing quietly in a spot under the protection of a Big Rock. From that spot, I get to read my new book and study what my life has been and what’s ahead.
I’ve had a chance to pause and reflect
While watching the river push and abuse many other leaves that are passing by.
Some look at me, and are curious...
They wonder: “what’s up with her?”
I look back at them and smile.
I’m enjoying this moment and honestly,
I’ve grown a certain respect for the river: it can either be a blessing or a curse.
Under my Rock, a blessing it is.
I know I’ll get to a point in time
When I’ll move from my healing spot,
I’ll be ready to ride –and enjoy- the currents.
I’ll be able to “rescue” other leaves from the river’s cruelty.
And show them my special Rock, Whom will LOVE to be their Rock also.
Until then, I’m getting more than love crumbs
And will always do...
From Him that created life, diamonds, and your friend.
“I will instruct thee and teach thee
In the way which thou shalt go.”
Psalm 32:8a
Love Always…only for you, and very especially for you: a crumb...a hug...a kiss...a smile...
Janet.
in all places where you go.”
Genesis 28:15a
I’m reading a book called “Love is a choice”; written by three PHD psychiatrists who have a clinic in Texas and decided they would write a book about “codependency”, a concept they consider has become an epidemic in modern life. Codependency simply means addiction to a certain behavior, thing, or person. As I read the book, obviously I’m uncovering the ghosts of my personal life, but I also find pretty much every single person I know could benefit from reading this book. It’s so easy to go through life suffering in silence, letting circumstances and people dictate our behavior, emotions, and -most importantly- our steps.
Sometimes life is like a river and we’re a leaf that fell down from a tree into the water, and the leaf is being swept by the currents...thinking she has a sense of direction and that she has everything figured out. Yet, reality is the leaf is living in denial, in ignorance, and in desperation. Perhaps she lives in the illusion she’s really just having fun. Life can be very deceiving and is very easy to lie to ourselves. How could we not be in desperation when our life is just being swept away in the currents of the world? How could we say we’re free from the currents when all we do is conform to norms and pre-determined concepts to satisfy other people? How can we say we’re truly enjoying the ride if every single time things don’t go our way we hide under social masks and pretend we’re ok?
Why can we admit we’re just creatures hungry for love? Who’s not hungry for love? Who? Lie to yourself if you must, but I think most people are. We’re experts in disguising our need under our masks, and we’re in the business of showing the world how “perfect” we are. We have been taught we ought to be perfect: perfect mate, perfect body, perfect bank account, perfect family, perfect job...you name it!!!
I know one person that has the fakest, most nervous laugh I know. She’s going thru a bitter divorce, her ex took one of her kids, her life is just a mess, yet she puts up a show every single day. She’s broken inside, yet she wants to hide it, fake it and convince everyone of her lie…and WHY in the world would she go thru such lengths to accomplish all this? To be accepted by others, to be loved! If only that love was real…
Have you ever wondered how long you will be able to lie to your own soul? I know I can’t do it to mine any longer. I am hungry…in fact I am desperately hungry for love! And this desperation has driven me to do some crazy things…really crazy things…involved with the wrong people, abandoned projects that could have brought great, lasting joy to my life, bought more than I could pay off at the end of the month so that I could get even a crumb of love from people...at 27, I’ve finally realized crumbs will not satisfy my soul’s hunger for love; just like I will never find diamonds in the streets of life...I’ll have to dig for them, I’m digging for love. Real, lasting love...
Diamonds are hidden for a very special reason: to teach us very special things we must dig for!
And I find myself like the leaf, floating in the river of life,
Only that for some greater reason,
Too great for some to grasp,
I’ve been “rescued” from the river currents and I’m relaxing quietly in a spot under the protection of a Big Rock. From that spot, I get to read my new book and study what my life has been and what’s ahead.
I’ve had a chance to pause and reflect
While watching the river push and abuse many other leaves that are passing by.
Some look at me, and are curious...
They wonder: “what’s up with her?”
I look back at them and smile.
I’m enjoying this moment and honestly,
I’ve grown a certain respect for the river: it can either be a blessing or a curse.
Under my Rock, a blessing it is.
I know I’ll get to a point in time
When I’ll move from my healing spot,
I’ll be ready to ride –and enjoy- the currents.
I’ll be able to “rescue” other leaves from the river’s cruelty.
And show them my special Rock, Whom will LOVE to be their Rock also.
Until then, I’m getting more than love crumbs
And will always do...
From Him that created life, diamonds, and your friend.
“I will instruct thee and teach thee
In the way which thou shalt go.”
Psalm 32:8a
Love Always…only for you, and very especially for you: a crumb...a hug...a kiss...a smile...
Janet.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
A heart on fire...
“The eyes of the Lord are over the
Righteous and his ears are open unto
Their prayers.”
1 Peter 3:12a
A Heart on fire…
Dearest friend,
I’ve got to tell you my heart is on fire
I can’t explain it
I can’t control it
All I can do is relax and enjoy
The presence of God in my life.
There must be something
Supernatural
Going on right now
I feel this need
To overcome this flesh
And become all spirit
To be united with Him
One Spirit in Him.
So I proclaim to you
In the name of the most high Jesus
That this love
Is here for you also
All you need to do
Is open your heart, your mind, and your soul
And He’ll pour His divine Spirit
In you.
If you decide
Your heart cannot handle such love
Or that you can’t believe in this love
I ask you to look up
To the heavens
Fill up your lungs with air
And scream:
God…give me a heart to love you!
God…give me eyes to see you!
God…give me your Spirit to understand you!
God…give me health to adore you!
God…give me joy to embrace you!
God…give me real life!
Jesus…Thank you!
“My heart is firmly fixed,
O God, my heart is fixed;
I will sing and make melody.
Wake up, my spirit;
Awake, lute and harp.
I myself will waken the dawn.”
Psalm 57:7-8
Righteous and his ears are open unto
Their prayers.”
1 Peter 3:12a
A Heart on fire…
Dearest friend,
I’ve got to tell you my heart is on fire
I can’t explain it
I can’t control it
All I can do is relax and enjoy
The presence of God in my life.
There must be something
Supernatural
Going on right now
I feel this need
To overcome this flesh
And become all spirit
To be united with Him
One Spirit in Him.
So I proclaim to you
In the name of the most high Jesus
That this love
Is here for you also
All you need to do
Is open your heart, your mind, and your soul
And He’ll pour His divine Spirit
In you.
If you decide
Your heart cannot handle such love
Or that you can’t believe in this love
I ask you to look up
To the heavens
Fill up your lungs with air
And scream:
God…give me a heart to love you!
God…give me eyes to see you!
God…give me your Spirit to understand you!
God…give me health to adore you!
God…give me joy to embrace you!
God…give me real life!
Jesus…Thank you!
“My heart is firmly fixed,
O God, my heart is fixed;
I will sing and make melody.
Wake up, my spirit;
Awake, lute and harp.
I myself will waken the dawn.”
Psalm 57:7-8
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Thanksgiving
John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
I’ve been looking forward to write you
About
Thanksgiving
Everyday is a great opportunity to be thankful…
I have to tell you how
Awesome it is to have God in your heart
And see Him do glorious things in your life
All the promises of the Bible come alive
Materializing in the very essence of daily existence.
I am especially thankful this year, To God,
For Jesus…
He has been my guide, my light, my friend
All my life,
But this year He decided to let me know about it
Only the Spirit of God understands the things of God
Only this year I came to the realization of
Jesus’ love for me
Only this year I came to truly know Him.
He’s were love is.
And He loves us deeply.
More than anyone could possibly love us.
And I’m so thankful to God for Jesus!!!
And I’m thankful for you! God bless you…
In Him,
Jan.
I’ve been looking forward to write you
About
Thanksgiving
Everyday is a great opportunity to be thankful…
I have to tell you how
Awesome it is to have God in your heart
And see Him do glorious things in your life
All the promises of the Bible come alive
Materializing in the very essence of daily existence.
I am especially thankful this year, To God,
For Jesus…
He has been my guide, my light, my friend
All my life,
But this year He decided to let me know about it
Only the Spirit of God understands the things of God
Only this year I came to the realization of
Jesus’ love for me
Only this year I came to truly know Him.
He’s were love is.
And He loves us deeply.
More than anyone could possibly love us.
And I’m so thankful to God for Jesus!!!
And I’m thankful for you! God bless you…
In Him,
Jan.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Are you broken?
Psalm 145:14
“The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed
down.”
~~~~~`~~~~~~~~~~~~~`~~~~~~~~~~~`~~~~~~
Dear Father
Please don’t let me be shallow
Don’t let me walk away from the friend who suffers
Don’t make me immune to their cry for help
Teach me how to treat their pain
With Jesus’ love
Let my mouth speak your Word of encouragement
Make my hands lift in praise
To thank you for your goodness
Help me to overcome the gray desperation of daily routine
Show me the infinite nature of your presence
Keep me away from superficial people and things
Keep me away from a judgmental mindset
But bring me to love my neighbor above anything else
Be, dear Lord, the light that shines inside me
All the days of my life
And make that powerful light
Your Son’s light
Shine inside the person reading these words
For ever and ever.
In Jesus name I pray!
Amen.
“The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed
down.”
~~~~~`~~~~~~~~~~~~~`~~~~~~~~~~~`~~~~~~
Dear Father
Please don’t let me be shallow
Don’t let me walk away from the friend who suffers
Don’t make me immune to their cry for help
Teach me how to treat their pain
With Jesus’ love
Let my mouth speak your Word of encouragement
Make my hands lift in praise
To thank you for your goodness
Help me to overcome the gray desperation of daily routine
Show me the infinite nature of your presence
Keep me away from superficial people and things
Keep me away from a judgmental mindset
But bring me to love my neighbor above anything else
Be, dear Lord, the light that shines inside me
All the days of my life
And make that powerful light
Your Son’s light
Shine inside the person reading these words
For ever and ever.
In Jesus name I pray!
Amen.
Monday, November 13, 2006
If you only knew one thing...
As I write you these words, my hope is that they will bring healing to your soul.
Comfort to your weary feet and mind.
I pray that, as you read, your eyes will be open to the gift God is giving you through the hands of this Christian.
You’ll know, as you walk toward His light, how much He really loves YOU.
No matter what you’ve done, what has been done to you, all things will be well.
No matter how far you’ve run away, and denied Him,
You’ll know He has never stopped loving YOU.
Before you were even born, He already knew you.
He loved you then, and most certainly still does.
Come to Him, and drink…
You’ll never be thirsty again.
Trust…
All will be well.
John 3:16 is for you.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His
only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him
should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Comfort to your weary feet and mind.
I pray that, as you read, your eyes will be open to the gift God is giving you through the hands of this Christian.
You’ll know, as you walk toward His light, how much He really loves YOU.
No matter what you’ve done, what has been done to you, all things will be well.
No matter how far you’ve run away, and denied Him,
You’ll know He has never stopped loving YOU.
Before you were even born, He already knew you.
He loved you then, and most certainly still does.
Come to Him, and drink…
You’ll never be thirsty again.
Trust…
All will be well.
John 3:16 is for you.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His
only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him
should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Friday, November 10, 2006
Giving
Job 22:21
“Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.”
****************************************************************************
Hum…read the story below:
The Starfish
Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.
One day he was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So he began to walk faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn’t dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something arid very gently throwing it into the ocean.
As he got closer he called out, "Good morning! What are you doing?"
The young man paused, looked up and replied, "Throwing starfish in the ocean."
"I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?"
"The sun is up and the tide is going out and if I don’t throw them in they’ll die."
"But, young man, don’t you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can’t possibly make a difference!"
The young man listened politely. Then bent clown, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said - "It made a difference for that one."
There is something very special in each and every one of us. We have all been gifted with the ability to make a difference. And if we can become aware of that gift, we gain through the strength of our visions the power to shape the future.
We must each find our starfish.
And if we throw our stars wisely and well, the world will be blessed.
************************************************************************
First things first, I'm not the author of the story...yet I feel so compeled to pass it on.
Each and everyone of us is infinitely blessed.
Let’s share our goodness and grow closer to Him.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY!!!!!!!
A big hug for you,
Janet.
“Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.”
****************************************************************************
Hum…read the story below:
The Starfish
Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.
One day he was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So he began to walk faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn’t dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something arid very gently throwing it into the ocean.
As he got closer he called out, "Good morning! What are you doing?"
The young man paused, looked up and replied, "Throwing starfish in the ocean."
"I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?"
"The sun is up and the tide is going out and if I don’t throw them in they’ll die."
"But, young man, don’t you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can’t possibly make a difference!"
The young man listened politely. Then bent clown, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said - "It made a difference for that one."
There is something very special in each and every one of us. We have all been gifted with the ability to make a difference. And if we can become aware of that gift, we gain through the strength of our visions the power to shape the future.
We must each find our starfish.
And if we throw our stars wisely and well, the world will be blessed.
************************************************************************
First things first, I'm not the author of the story...yet I feel so compeled to pass it on.
Each and everyone of us is infinitely blessed.
Let’s share our goodness and grow closer to Him.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY!!!!!!!
A big hug for you,
Janet.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Heart
Proverbs 4:23
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
1 John 3:19-21
This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence (20) whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (21) Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God.
Luke 8:15
But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Guard your heart, my friend!
In Him,
Janet
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
1 John 3:19-21
This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence (20) whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (21) Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God.
Luke 8:15
But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Guard your heart, my friend!
In Him,
Janet
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