The Lord IS my shepherd

Okay, so I decided - a few weeks ago - to read through Ezekiel during my morning devotion times.  Wow!  I didn't see all that judgement and destruction coming!  However, God has given me some great nuggets through this journey.

Today, Chapter 34 was definitely a mother lode. 

You know, there are times when I feel like the church experiences I've had have totally beaten me down.  I get it.  I know that God uses all of those experiencing to form me into the man He desires.  And for that, I am thankful.

After reading chapter 34, my mind quickly races to those "sheep" who've lost their way.  They are wondering through the wilderness, hurt and maimed by their former shepherd.  To know that God is "searching for His sheep and seeking them out," (verse 11) creates such a wonder and awe for this Master Shepherd. 

If you are still experiencing the life of a scattered sheep, stop. 

He is calling for you. 

Run to Him.

Verse 25, "I will make a covenant of peace with them and eliminate harmful beasts from the land so that they may live securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods."

Verse 31, "As for you, My sheep, the sheep of My pasture, you are men, and I am your God," declares the Lord God.

It makes that 23rd Psalm - oh, so much more powerful, doesn't it?

God's Anger

"...I will give thanks to You, O Lord;

For although You were angry with me,

Your anger is turned away,

And You comfort me."

(Isaiah 12:1-NASB)

I'm not sure about you, but I don't know what to do with a love like this. 

My God. 

In your anger

at

my sin,

my disobedience,

my selfishness,

my pride,

my fits,

my inconsistency,

my lack of love,

my unfaithfulness,

my...

You comfort me.

You comfort ME?

YOU comfort me...

You COMFORT me...

You comfort...

me.

"Behold,

God is

my salvation,

I will trust

and not

be

afraid;

for the Lord

God

is my

strength

and

song,

And

He

has become

my salvation."
(Isaiah 12:2, NASB)

MY salvation.

my SALVATION.

Chosen path

Sometimes, it is really hard to know.
We trust.
He doesn't show us what is up ahead.
We trust.
Sometimes, we fear.it.
But that isn't right.
We trust.
We want what we want.
We trust.
He provides.
He meets the need.
We trust.

I recently traveled to Camp Bethany near Shreveport, Louisiana, to attend the last course necessary for receiving an Ed.D.  It was during a morning prayer walk that I found this path. 

It was early morning.  Inspired by a lively discussion of yeilding to the Holy Spirit, I initiated a prayer walk on this, somewhat humidly cool morning.  This path lay before me.  It so reminded me of the journey of life.  Surrounded by the beauty of a creation that I had nothing to do but enjoy, I stood in awe that my God had his eye on me.  Where am I in my journey?

As I stand at the beginning of the path, it seems so beautiful.  The climate is peaceful.  The sun causes the afterrain to glisten.  The sounds of the day awakening are refreshing.  There is newness in this day-thank you God.  As I start out on this path, I realize that I don't know where it is going.  I don't see the turns in the path.  I don't see the holes, the downed trees across the path.  The creatures who inhabit both sides of the path are hidden from me.  I cannot change the path.  I cannot fix it.  It is as it is.  I cannot alter the direction it leads me to.  I cannot see the end. 

I can remember where I started. 

Why would I want to go back?  There is no glory in turning back. 

I know the way back, but where what would that do for me? 

So, I cannot go back; I will go forward. 

I can't see ahead, but I trust the one who created the path.  He is looking from above and can see the beginning to the end, and then some. 

I cannot alter the path that I have chosen.  However, I can alter me. 

I can yield to the Pathmaker.  He knows me and He knows the path. 

So, I trust.

My path is before me.

The direction is set.

How will I react to the occurances on the path?

The only uncertainty, true uncertainty, is me.

That, however, I can change. 

 I can change. 

I can change.

Country Sky

What is it about an unadulterated, clear evening sky?  I came home this evening around 7:30.  Be glad you weren't in the car with me on the way home.  The tunes expanded from Celtic Women's "Over the Rainbow" to Barry Manilow's "Daybreak" all the way to Lynda Randall's "The God on the Mountain".  Don't try to profile me based on my playlist!

I opened the car door and looked up at the night sky.  Wow!  We are surrounded by trees here.  The branches perfectly framed the big dipper and a handful of other constellations that I never took the time to memorize. 

Honestly, there isn't a more beautiful sense of peace and simple purity that an evening sky that is far away from the city lights.  Uncapturable, maybe that is why it is so special.  I always imagine my friends and families across the continent who are looking at the same stars and moon as I am 1000's of miles away.  Powerful, isn't it!



Afternoon movie

Okay, so we went to movies this afternoon.  Alyssa wanted to see the Justin Bieber movie; I just couldn't do it.  But, Jenn went to it with Lys and a friend.  Adam, Jon, and I went to see the Eagle. 

What is it about going to movies?  I just love it!  I always think it is the greatest movie right after I've seen it.  Honestly, how many great movies are there.  Sadly, only a few.  (The Wizard of Oz, to name one!)  Since the boys don't really want me sitting with them, I saunter down to the front so I can take in the whole experience.

I have to say, although it is a bit predictable (what movie isn't?), I enjoyed it.  Yet another positive film about loyalty, suddenly subtle friendship, and honor.  I guess you can't really go wrong with those ingredients, right?

There are plenty of battle scenes, but not to much blood shown.  There is one slaying that really got my blood boiling; but, according to Adam, you "have to kill a traitor."  I would argue whether he was a traitor or not, but it truly depends on whose point of view you take.

Who does define traitor?  Hummm...I'll leave you with that thought.

By the way, Esca is my favorite character.  Go see the movie and decide why.  Or, you could read the book.

Yes, it is true.  A good story ALWAYS starts with  a book!

Approved

I heard from my professor today.  She liked my dissertation project.  Well, folks, it is pretty much a done deal.  My final course has been completed; it was received by the university today.  I have two modular to attend.  For most of my adult life, it seems like I have been "taking a class", there has been an assignment to complete, a book to read, something to research. 

Now, I'm left with this blog...sorry folks, that's it.