settingatthepoolofgrace

When we think about the word journey, we imagine traveling by a designated means from one place to another; however, there are many types of journeys, the most important being the journey of life. You step into the elevator on the level called birth, so unsure of what may unfold before you. Slowly you become aware of emotions stirred by the environment you realize you have been planted in to facilitate growth. If you have ever tried to grow anything you know the soil is important, the water is important, and the sunlight is important. To reap success the proper foundation must be laid, unfortunately; some foundations are built on shaky ground which cause instability.

The foundation determines how prepared we are for the next progression. As with the elevator; life has its ups and downs, its unexpected dilemmas and its moments of great uncertainty’s; bad health diagnosis, divorce after years of marriage, and death. There maybe times you find yourself looking into the unknown wondering; where do you go from here? The answer comes from unexpected sources, a call from a friend you haven’t spoken to for a long time bringing the encouragement needed to motivate you into taking the next steps along the pathway of life. A smile from a stranger makes you realize with all your problems; you are still breathing, have clarity of thought and mobility of your limbs.

It was just there on the seat, you rode this bus everyday for weeks, but; today when you feel your heart is shattered there it was; a little booklet which asked the question ” Do you know God loves you?” From its few pages you find answers for a worry free journey. It explained you came from the heart of God; He created you for His glory and purpose, for companionship and a example of love. He thought you were important enough to die for, He promises never to leave your side if you trust Him, and He would carry you through rough parts of the journey as long as you hold on to His hands. He has given an assurance you don’t have to fear what might happen along the journey as long as you stay in His presence.

With every progression you will grow closer to becoming who He desired you to be when He whispered your name into existence. Some journeys are short and you may wonder if the traveler reached their potential; what obstacles did they overcome during their short sojourn. Some journeys are filled with many ups and downs, road blocks and detours, rocky roads and deep valleys, yet; the traveler stays the course not turning from their assigned path. They smile through the rain, laugh when the odds seem impossible, and they carry their burdens as if the load weighed nothing. The love that permeates their lives indicates a continued yielding to Gods will for them, constantly basking in His presence.

We all travel along the pathway of life, the question to be answered is how you choose to travel; are you alone stumbling in the darkness of this world or guided by the light of the world? At the journeys end the pathway should lead to the Fathers house where He is waiting to welcome you home, but; the choice is yours to make. The Fathers heart aches for His children who have lost their way, He loves them very much; He sees their struggles and heartaches but will not interfere with their choices or force them to come home; they must choose.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

As I stepped into the sunlight a gentle breeze caressed me with a warm hug, my mind pondered the following questions. Have you ever stood in a valley or on a cliff over looking the landscape and recognized the beauty of a field of flowers? A rainbow of colors, each different yet peacefully coexisting. Have you taken the time from your busy life to walk through a tree lined trail enjoying the sunlight gently touching your skin as it shines through the leaves? Listened to the simply song of birds carried on the morning wind; when we stop to survey the beauty that surrounds us, all nature announces the love and majesty of our Creator.

Throughout Earths history a voice in the wilderness has rang out clearly the message of our Creators love, His sacrifice to reclaim creation from the blight of evil that has invaded it and holds it firmly in it’s grasp. The hearts of mankind grow more and more selfish, the powerful become more and more obsessed with control of those deemed as weak, and justice has closed her eyes and refuse to see the injustice that prevails. The voice from the past cries out to the future; fear God and give reverence to Him who created all things. Return to the one who gave His life that you could be free from the chains of sin, allow His blood to cleanse from all unrighteousness.

His word, the bible was given to us for instruction in right living; His spirit is given to all who seek to live free of sin for the asking. He has promised that when we seek Him with our whole heart we will find Him. He is never far away from the soul reaching out to Him; we are never to lost that He cannot find us, to dirty to be cleansed or to steeped in sin we cannot be redeemed. The destroyer of souls and his fellow fallen angels know the truth; the Creator, the unfallen angels which minister to Him and the unfallen worlds are watching the drama of fallen mankind. They wonder if mankind will recognize the deception that has them mesmerized and respond to the call of love and forgiveness waiting for them to claim.

The enemy will use every avenue available to keep mankind blind to the darkness that has them ensnared; yet, the voice of love still cries out; it is heard in the sounds of nature, seen on the snow capped mountain tops, the green dress of the valleys, the stars radiating against the deep purple night sky and the prayers of the redeemed for those who are still lingering in bondage. It is the Creators desire that none are lost, but; all come to Him in repentance, asking forgiveness and redemption. Freed from the chains of this dark world and beginning to walk in the light of love. A voice in the wilderness is calling, will you listen?

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

We are given life, the breath of the Almighty flowing through our lungs; “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” Gen.2:7. Along with life we were given choice, a special gift from the Creator. We were provided with everything needed for life to flourish; our Creator walked and talked with us in relational love until we choose a different path; one of disobedience. That one act caused the separation between the Creator and His creation and a death sentence it’s consequences.

From life’s beginning until it’s end we have only one life, what we do with it is the question. The journey of life is designed to lead us back to the relational love we experienced with the Creator in the beginning. However, choice is still an important element in the journey. We are not without evidence reconciliation is possible. Through the corridors of time the voices of the past speak to us giving guidance in our choices and consequences when the wrong choice is made. The heart of the Creator longed for the close relationship with His children to be restored.

To show the love He held for them He gave Himself that they could be redeemed from their fall into disobedience and sin. He walked in their presence, an living example of unconditional love and sacrifice; an undefiled image of what mans life was intended to be had he not strayed from the safety of the Creators side. With each new generation the darkness of this world expands it’s reach, but; the light is still available to those who seek to erase darkness from their lives. The love of the Creator is ever present to grant forgiveness and welcome His children back home.

He will never dishonor our choices, we must choose to be reunited with Him; through Jesus the Christ He has opened the door to His house. When we accept His salvation and forgiveness we are promised a new life, one that will extend into eternity; but, a choice must be made. The journey of mans life will end and he will exit the stage of life. What He does with the life he has now will determine his eternal destiny; as a reminder today is your day to decide, you only have one life; what will you do with it?

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Have you ever considered the significance of the setting of the sun? How it finalized the end of the day, how still creation becomes as if knowing it’s time for rest. Each new sunrise the beginning of a new start, opportunity for correction and renewal. Have you wondered when the moon smiles in the vast expansion of the sky and the stars twinkle throughout the heavens where sister sun is hiding? There are so many mysteries about our world that will not be revealed in our lifetime.

Mankind continues to search for answers to questions only the Creator knows, yet; not willing to seek Him for understanding. We live fast paced lives trying to cram everything into our day before the sunset announcing days end. Unfortunately, rest eludes us; the anxiety of the day invading our time of rest. Rarely do we recognize this is a distraction from the order our Father Creator designed to ensure our health and well being. When we rest, our bodies are allowed to regenerate and replenish itself.

It is through our choices the natural order our Heavenly Father instituted is interrupted, self takes control and chaos ensues; it is when we yield control to the Holy Spirit which the Father has given to us to guide us we experience the abundant life. As we align ourselves with the guidelines given by our Creator, commit to obeying His leading and honoring Him as our Creator we experience a connection to all creation and it’s magnificence is viewed through clear eyes.

Life is filled with uncertainties and none of us know when we will experience our last sunset. John 9:4 tells us “work while it is day, for the night is coming when no man can work”, it is important that we use the time we have wisely; seek the heart of the Father, study His word, accept His Son’s sacrifice for our redemption and walk in obedience through His gift of the Holy Spirit. Each new sunrise shortens our journey in this thing called life; if you have not accepted the Fathers love, you have a decision to make before the sunsets on your journey’s end; the Father is waiting for you//

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

It’s funny how certain situations cause our human instincts to activate automatically; most people if they see a child in danger would immediately try to eliminate the danger to save the child. Most people if they encounter a life or death circumstance would try to help in whatever way they could, but; there are those who no matter what will not get involved; they continue with the mindset that it does not concern them. Mankind for the most part is compassionate, understanding, and kind hearted.

Strangers have rushed into burning buildings to save other strangers, like minded people join together to help feed the hungry, clothe the needy and stand as protection for the vulnerable. Unfortunately, the hurried pace of life has caused blindness for many to the needs of those around them. Survival of the fittest is the guide by which they function, every man for himself. Roman 14:7 refutes this ideology as it states ” For none of us live to himself and none of us dies to himself”, our actions impact the lives of others, not just our own.

Mankind was created from Love to have a relationship with Love, love never stops reaching out to His creatures trying to reach just one who will open their heart to Him. Rejection is not a deterrent, Love is patient and long suffering; its love is unconditional, if just one turns to Love opening its heart; Love rejoices. Each love relationship is cultivated and nurtured until the love received overflows and reaches out to just one; each one reaching one with the unconditional love of the Creator who is the source of love. Love mandates each one to reach just one until the whole human family is reconnected to the Father.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

I remember when Saturday morning began with watching my favorite cartoon while cleaning the living room, that was my assignment; somewhere in another part of the house music could be heard, breakfast was being prepared in the kitchen and my brother was gathering all the trash to be taken to the trash can in the back yard. After a hard week of school, chores and play Saturday was our favorite day of the week; pay day. My siblings and I received our allowances, $5 each; doesn’t sound like much in todays climate, but; it was a lot of money for us. Those $5 added up quickly if you were disciplined enough to save from week to week.

Around about 10 am the produce truck’s horn could be heard blowing as it entered the neighborhood, mom would get her change purse, put it in her apron pocket and head out the door; we knew to follow she didn’t have to call one name. Irish potatoes, onions, sweet potatoes, mixed greens, string beans, cabbage, watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew melon all fresh from the farm. Everyone on our block knew each other and every adult was your parent and made sure you were doing the right thing when your mom or pop wasn’t keeping an eye on you. Kids played in the fresh air until the street lights came on, that was the signal to find your way to your own stoop in ear shot of you mother calling you to come into the house.

In my home preparation for church had to be done before bed; shoes cleaned and polished, clothes selected and baths taken. We lived very structured lives, by todays standards our family would have been considered middle class; there was always money for what was needed and enough to help those who might be in need. Neighbors were eager to help each other even though they would have disagreements from time to time. These are changing times, life is so fast pace; advancement in technology has improved our lives while causing isolation of family members and total dependency on computers and other devices. WE are becoming a society of impatient people requiring instant gratification to be happy.

There was a time when people communicated face to face, in the grocery line, or over the fence; no more, we live next to each other for years sometimes never speaking; passing each other daily like ships passing in the night never acknowledging each other. Compassion, understanding, forgiveness, kindness, morals and love seem to have been erased from the human experience. It seems humanity is constantly forgetting the consequences of moving away from the laws of the Creator, in His word He gave us examples of disobedience and what happens when His protections are removed. Greed, violence and hate continue to invade our world, in Noe’s days this caused the world to be cleansed by a great flood; only eight people survived.

What will these changes bring to our world today? Will we be ready when the judgement of God falls? It is time for a new change, return to the Fathers love, obey His commandments, forgive that you can be forgiven, seek justice, extend a hand to those in need, and love unconditionally. Only when we remove our blinders and take a honest look at our past can we avoid repeating the mistakes which caused the wrath of God to fall. His patience is growing short as our world grows more perverse; we are warned in Mathew chapter 24 Christ will return to this earth when the days of Noe repeat themselves; we now stand on that precipice. Our only hope is change, choose change and live; abandon the allure of this world and seek the Father’s face.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace.

On my journey of life I have crossed the threshold of 78 years, it is a mystery to me how I have survived the different paths I chose to follow. We often reminisce on what our past holds when we reach certain points in our sojourn. Who have left the path or fallen by the wayside, what dangers and pitfalls we avoided, the choices made that were not the right ones to make and the consequences they brought us. In my personal walk I could never have imagined reaching and crossing this milestone. Growing up I would hear my elders say ” you can’t straddle the fence, you’re either a child of God or you’re not”. I was not sure exactly what they meant at that time and chalked it up to one of those old sayings old people said that didn’t make sense, at least not to me.

As a child the church was part of my up bringing, a mandatory element of my life; Sunday morning dressed in our Sunday best my siblings and I would start the walk to the little church we attended for service; Sunday school, eleven o’clock service, and evening program. I find it strange now when I look back, I wasn’t taught to read the Bible for myself; that was what the preacher did, I just listened. I heard the name Jesus, that He died to save sinners; but, had no real tangible relationship with Him and no conviction I was that sinner He died for. I knew I could pray to God and He would hear my prayers, at least that’s what the elders told me with strong convictions. After many years of self destructive behavior and walking pathways that lead to devastating consequences I had an epiphany.

There has to be something more to this life, I couldn’t continue on the path I was traveling. That was the beginning of my search for the truth, John 14:6 states Jesus said” I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father, but by me.” It was understanding the sacrifice of Jesus for this world of sinners I found real love. The love of a Father willing to give everything to show His love for a wayward child who was heading for total destruction. It was that love that shielded me as I walked on pathways that crumbled beneath my feet. It was that love that whispered in my ear a love song to sweet to resist. It was that love that wrapped me in it’s arms when the guilt of my past lay heavy on my heart. Love that forgave and cleansed me of that guilt.

To open my heart to Jesus was the start of new life, joy, and peace I couldn’t explain; I recognized it was His love that covered me as I walk the different paths of this life,even when I didn’t know Him, He still loved me. Now He leads me on a straight path and He orders my steps; I’m willing to follow where He leads. If you find you are at a crossroad in your life and not sure which path to take; try Jesus, He is ready to give you love that forgives, cleanses and is unconditional, to set your feet on a straight path. He is no respecter of persons, what He did for me He will do for you; He invites all who desire freedom from sin to come. Please don’t hesitate the time is late, the clock of time is winding down to Earth’s final days; only if you choose the gift of salvation will you be saved.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

Her eyes were the first ones you gazed into when you made your entrance into this world, her smile warmed you and her heart spoke I love you to your heart. It was her hands that wiped away the first tears you shed, bandaged your scrapes when you fell and assured you everything would be ok when you were so unsure.

She’s the one you tell your secrets to knowing you can trust her with your heart, there is no problem small or large she will not help you solve. Never to tired or busy to give you what you need, always putting you first in her world. Hiding her pain and the tears she shed when no one was looking, trusting her God would always open a door.

Sometimes forgotten; appreciation not given for all the love she gives, yet she keeps on giving her love. Unconditionally without judgement she stands at the ready to gather her children in her arms and nurse them back to wholeness when bad choices are made. She has the heart of the Creator, her love knows no bounds.

There is no sacrifice she is not willing to make for those she loves, no valley to deep or mountain to high to conquer that they might be protected. Working tirelessly never seeking reward she gives all she can to show her love. Her name is love, but; you may call her MOM. Happy Mothers Day

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace

A very popular artist began one of her songs with these words” If anyone should ever write my life story,” when you really think about it life is a compilation of many stories; each one different from the other although there maybe similarities each is extraordinary on it’s own. The journey of life takes each of us on different paths based on the choices we choose and the foundation laid in our formative growth period. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” reminds me of how important it is to be prepared for this journey by the right example and how influential those examples become. I’m sure every parent can see themselves in their child or children; the good, bad and the ugly.

Children tend to be a mirror of the environment that molded them, there are times I’m so amazed at the difference between my daughter and son; while given the same love and attention, occupying the same home environment and presented the same example, they were affected in different ways. When I look back over my life I see in my children traits of a grandmother they once knew, friends they have known from childhood and close family members. Each journey different, yet; all merging at an intersection of life sharing their experiences. All of them pondering the reason for the journey, a question that has perplexed travelers for generations.

I’m reminded of a generation that had the answer but didn’t recognize it. His was the greatest story ever told, not from a storybook but from a life well lived and a life sacrificed for others. The embodiment of unconditional love; the example for all to emulate, the plan for humanity from the beginning; to live in harmony with the beautiful world created for them. To walk in love, compassion, understanding and peace with all creation. To heal the hurting, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and cover the naked without exceptions. This was the example left for all mankind to follow, however; perfection was marred by deception and disobedience.

Loves beauty was diminished by darkness, mankind’s story forever changed or so it seemed. Love would not relinquish the victory to the darkness consuming everything it touched, love gave all it had to the fight for freedom from the sin engulfing the world. In death love surrendered life for those captured by sin; for the penalty of sin is death. Love claimed the victory over the grave death could not hold it, love lives. Because love lives no matter what your story might be love offers the opportunity to all to rewrite their story. When love is invited into the heart it will remove any darkness it finds and regenerates the life, love changes the end of the story for those willing to be changed.

If when you look into the mirror reflecting your life and what you see is diminished light, let love your story rewrite; love is always there waiting to reclaim it’s own.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace