INCARNATED LOVE

Jeweled gates, transparent gold streets, ivory palace--dazzling light

Riveting river streams, a throne where glory gleams--never night.

Exalted angel symphony, perfect sync and harmony,

Praise, worshiped, adored, Center or it all--Jesus Christ, the Lord.

For in the beginning, when the spheres took shape, galaxies flung,

planets, suns, hung suspended on nothing but air--He was there!

Co-Creator, He liked taking our insignificant earth

to make something of worth--home for the man He'd designed and planned.

No automation, crowning creation--God's own image rose,

able to receive and return His awesome love--if he chose.

Man gambled intimacy with Deity, temporary

gratification of curiosity over trusting

Truth, lasting Love, authority of his Creator.  We lost.

Downward, diseased sin spiral began.  The cost?  Cut off from God

Who loved us still but wouldn't violate the will He'd given.

Yet God longed for us, sent His Son, our ransom, from heaven.

So in the fullness of time, the Mighty, Majestic One stepped  

down from His throne to become tiny seed in His very own

creation, a young virgin called Mary, starting formation

as human son of man so that we could become sons of God.

In nine months, He burst forth to trod the world His word gave substance,

Infinite/infant, dependent for His very sustenance!

Broken gates, disorderly streets, smelly stable--noisy night

Blood and water streams, dirty manger, tiny screams--Holy Light!

No room for Him then, no room for Him now, rejected, ignored.

Slapped and betrayed, dying as He prayed forgiveness for you and

me, rising the third day to show He's the Only Way to be

saved from God separation, actually come to know Him Who

can fill the void in your hungry heart and offer a fresh start--

    Creator/Saviour

      God's Gift from Above

      Incarnated Love!

Please read this through once more and receive God's Christmas gift to you personally.  Is there room in your heart for Jesus?  Has bitterness or cynicism crowded him out of your mind and emotions?  Your spirit still longs for communion with Him just as He wanted communion with us, and you will never know completeness without it.  You don't have to analyze and understand everything; just decide to believe what He has put into the spirit of every human being.  Say, "Lord Jesus, I open my heart to receive You as my only Savior for my sin of unbelief and going my own way.  Reveal Yourself to me as Lord, help me to know You, to be delivered and protected from all deception.  I renounce all that would keep me from that.  Thank You for loving me, for coming as a babe, experiencing life here, dying and rising from the dead to save me.  I want You to guide my life until You come for me."
 
Read your Bible (you could start with the gospel of John) and talk to Him every day.  Find other true believers, and fellowship with them.  (Don't judge Jesus by those who call themselves Christians but act nothing like Him, but don't judge them either:)  Just seek to know and follow Him yourself; but do try to find a group that sincerely wants to know Him, make Him known to others, and follow the truth of the Bible, His Word to us.  I would like to explain to you more--about the importance of water baptism and the work of the Holy Spirit--but the most vital thing eternally is receiving Jesus:) Let me know if you need further help understanding, and thank you for visiting and reading my post!  You may be hurting in ways I can only imagine, but you are never alone now.  "Emmanuel", one of the names given to Jesus, the Messiah, means "God with us".  The One Who knows you best, loves you most, and is most willing and able to help you, lives with you and is now in you!:)  And I believe this same Jesus will soon return for those who are His.  May that hope excite and sustain you until then.  Merry Christmas!

He Came To Us Helpless

Image credit Jon Ovington on Flickr

He came to us helpless, crying--

couldn't walk, talk, feed himself or

control basic body functions.

But his mind?  Clearly superior--

nothing about him inferior--

unless compared to former state.

He willingly stripped himself of

dignity and power so that he

could relate to our dependence.

Dressed in human limitations,

he endured humiliations

of being knowingly helpless.

He nursed his mother, and I think

he knew when she changed his diaper,

too--part of the price he paid for you

and me to see God's face and know

the rest of the Christmas story:

We Can Know HIM In His Glory!

Because He Who twirled the worlds

came into ours--not as a king

but as Son of God, son of man.

Felt helpless lately?  What a debilitating feeling!  I can only imagine the mortifying blow to personal pride & human dignity of being dependent on others for physical care.  Forced to request & accept help when one has known ability and independence must require grace to keep from screaming.  My own brother, like many others, does this daily--with gratefulness and humor.  Yet I'm certain he chafes at his limitations, feels concerns for his wife and loved ones, longs for a miracle of former independence even while he knows present peace.  

Our Savior, The "Word" Who was with God in the beginning, when He said, "Let there be" and "Let Us make man in Our own image..." without Whom "nothing was made that was made" ..."became flesh & dwelt among us".   He knew perfect oneness and communion with the Father and Holy Spirit, the adoration of angels crying, "holy, holy, holy", perfect order and unimaginable beauty, total power and authority.  He knew that to fulfill God's plan for redemption He would have to suffer pain, rejection, our sin, and curse of the cross before being resurrected to glory.  But He also knew that He would dwell among the lowly (a peasant home, not even earthly royalty) and begin the journey into humanity as a helpless babe.

Men scrap scruples in their greedy grasp for position and power.  Anger flames against those in authority when injustice is perceived.  Some fight for change for their own benefit or personal agenda; others, for those they see as helpless victims.  Before Jesus' birth, the cry of the very people to whom He would identify as His own was for a
mighty deliverer who would free them from oppression.  He did amazingly fulfill all the prophecies for Messiah, but somehow their mind set was on His final return as Conquering King rather than His first coming as the Lamb born in Bethlehem to a young virgin--and the kingdom He wanted to first establish in hearts.

When do you think He became cognizant of His Divinity/humanity?  Many seem to accept that He suddenly knew He was the Son of God at 12 years of age in the temple; others think it may have been a growing awareness.  Who can actually be sure?  Now, I may be totally off, and I'm not trying to "add to" the Bible my personal interpretation.  But, it is my opinion that Jesus was aware of the entire process of the human experience.  How humbling to think that He willingly subjected Himself to the limitations of being knowingly helpless, pre-limiting Himself to communication without words and to having His bottom wiped! That should comfort and confirm to any in like state, or to the elderly who may fear that possibility, that "He was in all points temped such as we..." and that "We have not a High Priest Who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmity". 

Perhaps you are physically whole but feel the frustration of overwhelming helplessness at a situation not of your choosing that you feel powerless to change.  I 

just want to remind you that The Supreme Being became helpless--messy diapers and all!--so that you would know He knows how you feel--but also so that we could have access to His ability to accomplish any change He wills through us.  He wants to shine His glory, His hope in the darkness of hopeless despair & destruction, His difference in us and through us to our world--yes, even in you, in your present messy setting!  Know that He relinquished His power so we could humbly partake of His Divine Nature and authority!  Let's use what He has given and give Him the glory.  And next time you hear a baby cry, thank Jesus for coming to us--not as an intimidating ruler but as an innocent, helpless newborn--so we could be reborn--beloved children of The King!   Emmanuel, "God With Us", a "present help in time of need".  That's God's grace! 

NEVER ALONE

He beholds me while I sleep as
once I did my little ones--though
infinitely more tenderly--
sees the potential, but frailty
of frame as He whispers my name.


He gently kisses tired sighs,
cuddles, cradles, comforts my cries.
Traces my lips with fingertips
that paint the glory of sunrise,
watches me yawn and stretch and rise.


He sits close to me at breakfast
as I read His Word, call Him Lord.
Squeezing hands across my table,
He tells me He's more than able
to lift the loads I can't handle.


We laugh, sing, dance, and talk awhile;
memories and dreams make us both smile.
He smiles with eyes undistracted,
no turning glance to side of head,
understanding just what I said.


We discuss lots for I can trust
Him not to tell nor ever yell.
He says to do what I enjoy;
I never fear I will annoy
Him with the truth of being me.

I'm never alone, for you see
God Himself keeps me company!

For all my sweet widow friends who "live alone", this is for you.  Our choir used to sing a song, "I'll Never Be Lonely Again" --beautiful melody and sweet words, but hardly true as I see it!  Actually, I rather enjoy occasional solitude; how I would feel if it were forced on me, I cannot say.  I rather think it would indeed get lonely from time to time.  But how wonderful to be able to enjoy the company of none other than the King of Kings--the God Who says Himself that He is Love!  Sweet dears, you can pray and change the course of a thousand lives in a hundred different countries!  You can enjoy the Lord's nearness in a way those with other people obligations cannot do as easily.  You are important.  You are loved.  You are NEVER alone! :)

FOOTBALL THANKSGIVING

Thank You, God!  Oh, thank you so, so much!
You see my smile?  How I love Your touch!
I hate the flat gruel of dark despair
when it tastes like You don't really care.

Of course, Theology says You do;
You're Unchanging; Your Word always true.

But sometimes when my sighs and heart cries
seem unheard; circumstances arise
king size, tackling me down to the ground--
flattening me--pounding pain, threatening
to steal what faith's arm stretched high to catch,

I need to know that my Coach believes
I can hold on, break free, run touchdown!

And thanks for team players who defend--
intercept, intercede, act as friend.
I think one of them just prayed for me;
I've crossed the end zone in victory!

LADY OF LIGHT

Image credit JD I Photography on Flickr

Lady of Light, you found a way to squeeze sunlight
'round corners, under cracks in doors closed to others,
banishing shadows--and who knows how many times
your candlelight warmed the cold night of someone's soul!

Your spotlight searched for wisdom, understanding, truth,
found worth many miss, beamed wonder at God's splendor.
You were a lighthouse of prayer, saving straying ships.
Your smile lit steps on the trip we strolled together.


You've gone to the Source of the Pure Light you reflected,
sooner than expected, an evening star at twilight.
Though in lonely night seasons weeping will surely come,
Joy will break thru' in rainbow hues, sparkling morning sun! 

A year ago today, my sweet Mama moved to heaven.  (I wrote another poem called "Moving Day" which I've not yet shared on here, but you can read a little more about her in "Memories of You, Mom" --an earlier post).  She was wonderful and unique in many ways; one would be hard pressed to find anyone who loved God more and longed for others to know Him, too.

She smiled with her eyes, and that light of love crept into many hardened hearts because it was real.  Know how you hate to have someone shine a light in your eyes when you're trying to sleep?  She kept her flashlight with her at night, but it was to prevent stumbling in the dark if she needed it.  She never meant to blast you in the eyes with her light of truth; she shone to point the pathway when one needed direction, to protect from danger, to bring cheer into a gloomy day--like opening heavy, dreary drapery to allow sunshine in.  Her life was a lighted window, hope in the darkness.  Radiant warmth of a bonfire from the chill of life--because she cared.  We shared understanding, laughter, love; I miss her far more than I even thought I would, ache for her at times--but rejoice when I picture her with Jesus--in the city where He, the Lamb of God, shines as the Light that banishes darkness forever!

Started to close this, but must ask:  Are you walking in the Light?  Do you know Jesus?  Have you heard He loves you?  You can receive Him, and the glow of His presence will dwell inside so that you will never be alone again. His light is truth and love--the genuine, not the artificial.  Just say:  "Jesus, I open my heart to receive you as my Lord and Savior, to receive as personal truth your death and resurrection to save me.  Thank you for loving me enough to give me the gift of eternal life.  Shine in my heart, and let your light be seen by the world around me."    Read the Bible, His Word to you.  The gospel of John is a good place to start.  It talks about Him as The Light, too:)  Ask Him to lead you into all truth and to protect you from deception.  Step out of the shadow into the sunshine!

HOLD ONTO YOUR CROWN!

Image credit jaci VIII on Flickr

Ok, I have romantic poems I wanted to share with the young,  poems I thought some seniors might appreciate, thought-provoking ones I hoped you deep thinkers might enjoy:), even a few literary ones for those who appreciate the art of writing!  But all those can wait.  I want to give you words to ponder that could possibly change the course of your life.  Melodramatic?  Don't mean to be but going to risk any number of "kook" labels to share my feeling of urgency.

Driving home today in the heat (no a/c but no heat stroke either, I promise!:) words suddenly appeared out of nowhere into my mind, "Let no man steal your crown!"  No one in this world would confuse me with royalty, and it's been a long time since I played dress-up.  Yet the words were significant to me, for I recognized them from Scripture.  I knew to find their source in the Bible's prophetic last book.  Rev. 3:11 reads,  "Behold, I am coming quickly!  Hold fast what you have that no one may take your crown."  What crown might that be?  Lots of references, but here's the one that immediately came to mind from the Apostle Paul's writings as he faced martyrdom.  "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.  (3 things we Christians need to get right:)  "Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, The Righteous Judge, shall give me on that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." 

Do you love the thought of Christ's appearing?  Does the thought of seeing Him face to face thrill you--or leave you feeling a bit anxious, annoyed, afraid, or ashamed?  Do you even still believe Jesus is coming again--or are you like those who have cast away that confidence as foolish, churchy superstition, saying, "We've heard that all our lives, and He's never come, not likely to now?  Since our forefathers lived and died, all things have continued as they were..."  Or, do you believe the church teachings that at some foggy, futuristic date, Christ will indeed return in some nebulous form and time will be replaced by eternity--just not likely in our lifetime.  We're also told to "beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy or vain deceit."  We dare not be like those..."professing themselves wise, they became fools."  

Have you allowed some intellectual or social mindset to steal the crown of your belief system in Jesus and His Word and replace it with its own fake value system?  Oh, please, I urge you, buy the whole truth of God's Word, and don't sell out!   Everything that can be shaken will be shaken; but if we build on Christ, The Solid Rock, as our foundation, our lives will stand, not fall apart and crumble--as they will built on bits of truth--grains of sand--what looks, feels or sounds good.  We were intended to "reign in life by One, Christ Jesus"--but we must think His thoughts to do so. "Don't be conformed to this world's mold, but be renewed in the spirit of your mind."

Lots of goofy "prophets" in past years, inventing sensational stuff, but the real remains.  Jesus is coming!  That should comfort--even excite--us, not scare us!  But it should stir us out of pettiness and lethargy, too.  Who knows for sure when?  No one--no cop out; we're just supposed to be ready.  We don't know the day or hour, but we should be able to discern the "times and seasons". Regardless of skeptics' sayings, multitudes of signs and prophecies are taking place that never have before. And His Holy Spirit within us is speaking, pure magnet hope of His appearing drawing us upward to be conformed to His image.  I believe He could come this year.  Do I expect Him to?  (Well, maybe not, but I want to love the thought that He might!)  If He does not, I think it highly likely something major will happen. Don't we all sense it?  Are we ready? Is our family? Are we sounding the trumpet for others to hear?  

Anything--reasoning, religion, relationship, riches-- that would cause us to miss His appearing, to cast off our costly crown for cheap acceptance--is a tawdry, flimsy, imitation--simply NOT worth it.  Hold onto your crown!  Seek first the advancement of His kingdom!  The Real King (by Whose authority we conquer) is coming!  Have you left your "First Love?"  Return to Him.  Don't be left behind!  He loves you!

M i S f I T s

Image credit Horia Varlan on Flickr

We were the kids from across the tracks

about whom the town kids made cruel cracks

funny to them, and we would pretend

they mattered nothing to us.

 Wrong clothes, wrong shoes, no small talk filler

not enough money to buy acceptance

could change rules but lacked the confidence

Never Having Been Enjoyed.  *

Couldn't seem to excel in sports or

reach the level of expectation for

any acclaim.  Leftover pieces--

Cut from the Puzzle of Life.

Kindergarten.  Morning class.  Seven blocks to school, walking with my older sister & brother.  Not always sure where to go, what to do, sometimes pieces of cardboard or soft cut-out leather in my shoes to keep out the rain, often holes in the back of my little socks.  Still, it was fun.  My one "show-off" accomplishment, doing the splits:), got me in trouble one day though (along with two or three watchers) when I wasn't at my desk when the bell rang.  I had to sit out for awhile--oh, the shame of it!  And Miss Kay, who sometimes helped in our classroom came in and saw me--Miss Kay, whom I idolized and fantasized I was!  Magnified mortification!  I told my mother I was sick and didn't want to go back to school. 

First grade, change of schools, only four blocks away.  I walked with a girl from down the block, whose dad was an alcoholic and whose mom pinned a handkerchief to her dress each morning.  On the way, we often took a short cut across a vacant lot where our vivid imaginations concocted tales of a giant so realistic that we scared ourselves silly!   A red-haired "patrol"  waited for us at the crosswalk, teasingly insisting I could not cross until I did the splits for him.  One day, returning home after a rare school party,  in an effort to run across without appeasing him, I dropped the dixie ice-cream cup I'd stashed in the back of my desk to keep for my beautiful baby sister.  What bitter grief when the deliciousness I'd craved but saved spilled, cancelling the joy of sacrifice!

Actually, I remember little about first grade other than a few classmates seated near my desk.  I don't know the teacher's name; the kids all called her "Miss Crab Apple."  We memorized the Pledge of Allegiance and Lord's Prayer and recited them each morning.  I do recall one of the naughtier boys bending and peeking to see the girls' panties beneath the dresses we wore--hot sin:) that blushed my face!--not because of his bold  and wicked daring so much as because my panties were not frilly, pretty like the little blonde's, a bit rag-tag, less than snowy white.  (And why did I just share that, I wonder?...seems I felt the light laughter of those little 5 or 6 yr olds more than I thought for that incident to come to mind).

I know of many who have felt it even more than I--the desire to reach "the measure" that feels dismally unattainable, to belong, to have others affirm us as part of the accepted, wanted group.  We all seek a place--even at a table in the school cafeteria.  We all want to count as more than a dork, to contribute to a conversation even when we don't know how, to find someone who cares about our feelings, listens to our thoughts...likes us.

In my heart, I really believe it's that longing that motivates many to get snared in society's ills, including drugs and immorality.  What can we do to change that?  As parents and grandparents, first of all, let US focus individual attention and enjoy each child's personality and unique expressions, encourage their interests, help develop their talents.  Being enjoyed instills confidence!  Never belittle them or speak derisively to or about them.  Sometimes, we can love distractedly without communicating pleasure and affection in a way that builds confidence in being desired and valued.  Loving can include seeking available help in any weak areas. 

But, of course, we're limited and should teach children foremost how much they matter to their Creator God. Teach them that His approval and acceptance are the most important, more than that of any other person or "in" group.  "Yes, Jesus loves me" is still valid.  Receiving Him as Savior and very real Friend protects from many temptations, and we should train them how to stand alone--with His strength--in difficult situations.  Making Christ the center of our home, and living out His character--by honoring one another--helps His peace to reign over resentment, anger, and insecurity. Try to keep home a happy, hospitable haven with lots of laughter:)  (No absolute guarantees against wrong choices, just safeguards)

Finally, we should teach those little ones under us to value and respect themselves and every other person--to never allow anyone to hurt or violate them without reporting to a respected authority--never laugh at or leave out anyone because of something they cannot help or change.  We can condemn bad behavior without being hateful to the one doing it, and we should stand up for others who are being hurt, bullied, or berated.  We should pray for the bullies--for often they carry their own dark, sad secrets--but speak up for anyone being victimized. Talk and exemplify kindness and consideration--never ever be part of a group--no matter how popular--that demeans others.  

That would, of course, include church cliques--all ages--which would probably get the same X rating from Jesus as the Pharisees of His day!  He shed His blood for the whole world and receive all who come to Him.  He even brought me to His banqueting table, not as though ashamed, but proudly proclaiming, "She's mine!" :) "His banner over me is love!"  He has a niche for every misfit, no throwaways.  Dare we disdain those He welcomes?

* Speaking for others besides us, would never, in any way, "dis" my precious parents:)

CHANNEL ME

Make me a channel of Your Life Water,
fresh flowing, revitalizing river.
Not a sad, stale, stagnant swamp without banks,
seeping sludge in too many directions,
feeding ground for a million mosquitoes,
mushy habitat for alligators
lying in wait to grind time to pieces!

Help me know You as my Source, hear Your voice
showing me my course of the most important.
Not that Your supply would ever run dry;
but when I try to rush by on my own,
thirst-quenching refreshing becomes trickling
dead streams cut off from fresh water current,
a splash of salt water no one can drink.

So may I think Your thoughts: trust, not worry--nor hurry through the day going my way
trying to cover too much ground without
sound of Your Words in my heart and mouth,
quieting my mind, guiding me to find
the still peace of Your present, perfect will--
the freeing purpose of my whole being.

When we used to make frequent trips to Coatazcoalcos and Southern Mexico years ago, I could smell the marshy swamp lands as we neared the gulf. The enchanting sea allured me, but I found nothing attractive about the mosquito-ridden, mushy-squishy swamps where other dangerous creatures slithered and lurked.

For any city to thrive, it must have a fresh water supply nearby. As Christians, not only are we collectively the "city of God" but carriers of the life-giving Water of His Spirit. We are not that Water, but we should each be able to quench the inner thirst of souls in our path. In a larger sense, we should be a channel through which the River of God can flow. (I have to smile as I recall a chorus heard years ago that went like this: "I want to be a channel for the River of God...so dig me deep (ha--as in understand you?) and dig me wide (double ha-ha because so many church people fit that outwardly!:)...Anyway, I do think I understand the songwriter's intent. May we allow our Lord to prepare us, direct us, remove all the debris that would block the powerful, free flow of His life through us so that a dying, dehydrating world can drink.

God has a purpose for you and me--not just public performers or chosen super-spiritual superstars. Don't you long to fulfill it? I do.

"Oh, God, help me to get it right! I can't afford to waste anymore time. I won't answer for what anyone else is or is not, does or does not do; however, I will soon stand before You, Awesome God, and give account for how I did or did not allow Your life to flow through mine. I see so many needs, so much I want to do. Often I feel overwhelmed, weak, inadequate--sometimes perplexed, frustrated. Yet You are not only adequate but Abundant. Without You, I'm a dusty drought ditch! Without Your direction, I'm a stinky swamp. I want to give You pleasure, not sadness. I'm not particular about who You want me to give drink--perhaps some parched soul who might not be offered a sip from others. See through my eyes; hear through my ears; smile and speak through my lips; touch, pray, praise, cook, clean, play, hug, hold though my fingers and hands; cause my feet to follow Your way. All I am, all I can be, all I can do, all You can do through me--that's what I truly want. Must connect with others who are part of Your channel throughout the earth and be one as You prayed, Jesus, for maximized flow of Life. Glorify Yourself; flow fresh, clear, sparkling with hope, free and unobstructed by pettiness, to all Who pant for You. In Your name, Amen."

(Sorry this  linked pic--then deleted it; will try to re-post. No use to get upset; I'll just give thanks I can communicate this way. Notice it did not print some encouraging comments either. Ah, well. Enjoy a refreshing day! If you have time, peruse some of my older posts--may feed into several or may have to click on "older posts". If you like/dislike, agree/disagree, I would welcome your comments:)

GOSSIP ARTIST

Image credit lotopspin on Flickr

She sketched the scene with bold markers,

her words permanent on air--

though she was not there.

Shaded strokes of innuendo,

colored details, slanted line

to fit her design.

Framed in pale pretense of concern,

on display for passersby,

and I wondered why.

 Had she no sensitivity,

word pictures for the heart, or

was this modern art?

Have you ever been badly caricatured by someone's words?  You knew what they said wasn't true--either in its entirety or implication--or was totally out of context or dramatized?  Perhaps the whole tone of conversation was changed or another participant's omitted or edited.  Or a happening was portrayed without adequate knowledge of background, motive, or other clarifying information.  Only a paragraph of the entire story was written--in ignorant ink!  How did it make you feel?  Sometimes an overheard criticism or some critic's cutting one-liner can destroy the confident heart of a developing talent or sow a seed of bitterness which produces a blighting crop of the same.

Words spoken can never be unsaid and leave a lasting impression for good or evil.  For that reason, we really must think before we speak.  While I'm never intentionally unkind, I've often blurted out something without benefit of due mental process!  Some may find gossip entertaining and attention getting, but it's never beneficial--to its subject, its spiller, its spellbound or uncomfortable listener.  It may be unconsciously gloated over as a means of glossing over the speaker's own faults, but it never makes anyone look good or feel good for long. Gossip is negative news about someone that we cannot change nor are in a position of authority over so that we need to know.  And we can pray just as well--even better--without ugly details about which God is already aware!  As for it being "true", is it a "good report" that we wouldn't mind being told about us if we were the subject?

God is just, merciful, redemptive.  Are we?  Jesus loved the scorned, rejected.  Do we?  How much mercy do we want?  Personally, I figure I need mercy too badly to pass judgment.  Our words are supposed to "give grace to the hearer".  They should build up, not tear down.  As a friend recently passed on, some news coverage "wouldn't edify me to say it and wouldn't edify you to hear it!"  

Gossip is a cobra disguised as a garter snake; its bite has proven deadly to many individuals, relationships--even churches. Shoot it down or run from it; don't pick it up!

True Love

Image credit Tazmany on Flickr

His arms held me as I awoke; His hand ran gently up and down the length of my back.  His eyes looked into mine, and I have never felt so known, so accepted, so loved--never so complete.  His love was a multiplied compilation of all the cherished relationships in my entire life.  But then, of course, He IS love!  Don't leave me here; let me relate my dream.

It seemed that I was part of a rather large cast of actors in a play.  Some of the people I knew; many I did not.  Several of the people were double cast; I mean two different actors playing the same person in opposite character roles.  I supposed we were in some type of church play, though there seemed to be a lot of drinking going on.  While I was talking to a sister-in-law, the director said we should get ready for the last scene.  In it, I believe Jesus was going to appear.  I wondered aloud to her what it would be like in heaven when we actually saw Him, where we would live in proximity.

During this time, various actors and actresses were coming and going, replacing prototypes, saying they were the real person.  Many of them left the stage drunk, saying they didn't feel like playing anymore.  "I just can't do this!" lamented one lady, looking sick.  Some fell behind a table, perhaps just exhausted with care.

While we were chatting, a guy came up who I at first thought was an actor playing Jesus.  I turned to him; and when He looked at me, I knew it was the real Jesus.  "Oh, I love You!" I cried spontaneously.  And that's when He took me in His arms and let me know what true love was.  It was not sensual but even more intimate than the sexual union.  I felt so one with Him.  Unworthy?  Oh yes, of course, but that's not what came through the most at that time; I felt....so valued and cherished, so totally understood to the core of my being.  He was holy, but it wasn't a heavy holiness; never did I feel so "light".  I was in awe, but we were smiling at one another.  It was  inexpressible joy and perfect peace.

I awoke!  I wouldn't have minded never awakening, but the great thing is that I feel Him with me still.  I know we must live by faith, that feelings change, but I want always to sense this nearness, this real closeness.  Yes, I have felt this many times in His presence, but this was special.  I will not try to interpret my dream (tho' I did leave a comment:) Just please know that He is real, He is coming, and He loves you, too! 

Since it seems to fit, I am going to retype for you my poem from an older post, "Signature Fragrance".  You might also enjoy "Exaltation/Exultation", "Hold Me", "Portrait of Peace" and/or some of the other posts:)

In coolness of this Spring morning,      (Ha--in this month of 100+, that would be nice!:)

I heard Your whisper, felt Your touch,

sensed Your smile as You drew me close

to the scent of Your holiness.

I lay in awe of Your presence, 

feeling Your breath stir my spirit,
calling me to intimacy,
knowing You knew, yet valued me.

Surrendering my whole being,
I felt Your love making me new.
LORD, fill my pores with Your essence;
Let me wear the fragrance of You.