Morning Has Broken

Yesterday morning I heard, "Morning Has Broken", then I started hearing the song play in my head.  I can play that song on the piano, and I thought to myself, I haven't played that song for a while.  I need to play it.

Today, a woman by the name of Lana also heard "Morning Has Broken" and the lyrics to the song.  I thought those thoughts were my own, but they were not.  They were from above!  How lovely!  Morning Has Broken!

Lana said she saw people's mourning is broken turning into morning has broken.  What has been broken in people's lives is now changing to restoration.  She saw Jesus hand each person a huge wrapped gift box and when they opened the box she saw inside was the word Restoration!  The word looked like a halogram, it was so gold.  Then she heard, "I am breathing resurrection life, My power into the broken places and broken hearts and bringing complete restoration and life again.  Many will be surprised at what I am restoring and about to restore.  Many forgotten places will be restored with great favour! (Lana Vawser, Mar. 11, 2016)

Morning has broken, like the first morning

Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird

Praise for the singing, praise for the morning

Praise for the springing fresh from the world.

Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven

Like the first dewfall, on the first grass

Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden

Sprung in completeness where his feet pass

Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning

Born of the one light, eden saw play

Praise with elation, praise every morning

God's recreation of the new day

Morning Has Broken!

Praise God!

To Be Childlike

My daughter and my little grandchildren are here this weekend.  While watching them laugh and play,  I started pondering on what it would be like to be a child again.  Then these words came to me...

Oh to be a child again 

Where everyone you meet is a friend

No worries, no bills to pay

All we did was just play all day

Life was simple as can be

Wouldn't it be nice if we could be

The way we were as a child

Living free and simply smile

Oh to be a child again

Life would be more pleasant then

Where everyone is your friend.

Matthew 18:3 - "And said, Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven."

Stars in The Dark

Darkness one day will surround us

Just so the darkness won't confound us

If we are looking at the stars
Wondering who we are
It's time to figure out
What it's really all about
One day the day will come
When we will certainly want to run
That's where our faith begins
Our faith in Him
He will never leave us...
His name is Jesus.

As of late, I've had many poems just poppin' into my head. I write these poems within a minute's time. 

Because You Love

"True love is the highest form of energy in the universe.  Love energizes faith.  It is a power. God is Love.  That's who He is.  God is light.

Motives are very important to God.  God looks at why we want something.  If our desires are motivated by love it releases something.  It releases the power of faith.

Faith is empowerd by love.  We have to walk by faith.  Faith and love always work together.  We must believe what God is and access Him in the invisible realm.  We must believe." (Neville Johnson)

Journal entry (Mar. 13, 2015) - "Mom and I were talking how we are so unworthy.  How we both wished we could go back into our lives and do many things differently.  Later on I heard...

"Why child do you look at all you haven't done.  I look at all that you have done.  I have been there beside you all these years.  I've seen it all.  I've seen your sacrifice of having nine children, all the sacrifice and pain.  All done because you love!

I witnessed everything you went through with Jackie.  I saw your knees buckle when you heard of her fractured hip.  I was there through it all with you.  I know all your struggles.  You're a fighter.  You came through it all.

I saw how you had another child after having one with Down Syndrome.  People called you crazy.  I would not have gone against your will, but you were open to Brooke.  She wanted to join your family.  Just look at the blessing she is for Jackie!  You did it because you love!

I was with you during your surgeries.  Your hysterectomy and other surgeries were due to you having many babies.  You were near death during your hysterectomy, but I would not allow it, for I have many plans for you.

Knowing what you know now, wouldn't you do it all over again?  Yes, you would, because you love.

When Brooke was born no one knew who changed the channel from football to Gospel music.  It was an angel for much celebrating was going on in that room.

I have always been there.  I've seen everything.  I see how you love.

So, don't think on all the things you fail to do, but concentrate on all that you have done... in the name of love.  I see all."

God Is Love!

A Miracle?

We have ordinary miracles happening around us all the time if we just take notice.  Sometimes though, those ordinary miracles are very obvious.

I asked Dana to turn down the television.  Nick had it very loud and he walked out of the room.   She had her finger approx. 5 inches from the volume control on the tv and it turned down by itself.  The remote was over on the couch!   No one was near the remote.  She looked at me and said, "Wow!  What just happened?  That is creepy!   How can that happen?"

I know how... it was an ordinary miracle.

Funny how I just did a post this morning on Noise, Noise, Noise!
The angels agree, there's too much noise around here!  Turn it down!

Kindness

Kindness - the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate.  Warmheartedness, affection, gentleness, concern, care.

There's a difference between being kind and being nice.  Both are good, but in being kind we are warmer, so to speak.  It's something that comes from deeper within us.  Nice is more surface, kind is from the depths of who we are.

Nice - pleasant, agreeable, satisfactory, good, delightful, marvelous.

I'd rather be considered a "kind" person rather than a "nice" person.  You can even "see" kindness on a person's face.  They have a kind face, kind eyes.  I know I definately can "see" it in certain people.  It's something that I notice almost immediately, before they even say a word.  Their whole countenance just shouts it.

Kindness takes on a more "Godly" way.  God is kind.  I've never really heard God being referred to as nice.  But, that He is a very kind, kind-hearted God.  You see, kindness comes from the heart.  I made up this poem...

Kindness comes from the heart

That is where it truly starts 

Nice and niceties are everywhere

but true kindness is truly rare

Kindness to others is our goal

if we are truly to be whole.

God is kindness as you can see

for He is so very kindly 

to both you and me.

We shine when we are kind.

Noise, Noise, Noise

Noise - a sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant, or causes a disturbance, clamor, racket, commotion, uproar.

 Journal entry April 4, 2015... "I see how you struggle with the noise and distractions of this world. I see your heart.  I know where your heart is.

Noise, Noise, Noise!  The devil has had his day!  He fills My world with noise and distractions.  That day is now ending.  All will once again have the opportunity to hear Me.  When the world is silenced.

You hear Me daughter, amongst the noise and distractions.  That is because I have your heart!  Your heart is Mine.  I have taken you out of this world, in a sense.  You no longer crave what it has to offer you.  This is how I've been able to mold you into My image and likeness.

The final transformation is upon you and you will shine as bright as My stars.  No longer will the world have any hold on you, for I will hold you."

This world is chock full of noise!  We can't many times even hear our own selves think, let alone hear God!

What are we to do in such a noisy, distracting world? Even the Grinch was overwhelmed.  I made up this poem...

Noise, Noise, it's everywhere

It seems to fill our very air

At times I feel I cannot breathe

All the Noise!

Silence please!

I bring my hands to my head

trying to drown out what is said

and all the machines and the gadgets

that continue running the gamut

All the noise it bothers me

Could I have at least some...

Silence please?

I think that's how we all feel from time to time.  There's times we want the commotion, busyness, and so on, but the problem comes when you can never, ever find quiet anywhere.  With all the televisions, radios, musical instruments, dishwashers, washing machines, cell phones, computers, etc... we are bombarded with noise.

This picture of the little girl is from an article written about Autistic children.  They many times place their hands to their ears.  This is because they have a hard time tolerating the extra stimuli and noise, so they try to drown it out.  Children with Down Syndrome also suffer from this.  I know Jackie does.

We all are most certainly over stimulated.  We've gotten so used to it, that many people don't realize how overly stimulated they actually are.  I noticed around here especially with certain family members, they can't sleep unless the television is on.  They may be sleeping and the minute you turn off the television they wake up and want it back on so they can sleep.  Interesting.  I surmise that's a problem.  

Lately my son, Bryan has been playing a song on his cell phone almost continually.  It is the song by Simon and Garfunkel,  "The Sounds of Silence".  He really likes it.  I informed him that's an oldie but goodie.  However, I told him, "You like the song, but around here... it's never silent."

Smiles

What's in a smile?

Journal entry on March 13, 2015..."Father, this may seem small but, can I have my smile back?  It's been taken from me.  They rearranged my face.  I look into the mirror and don't see me.  How you made me to look.  I'm sad.  I don't even smile as much anymore. (I've had some bad dental work done to me).

Father replied, "Yes daughter, you will get your smile back and it will shine ever more brightly.  You see, everyone will notice!  Especially your husband!

Then I asked, "Father, do you want me to open a book?"  I heard, "Yes child, I have a very special surprise for you.  Open your new blue book.  Go on now."

I randomly opened the book and after reading it, I wept.  I said,  "Father, you are so good to me!"   His reply, "Remember child, you are everything to Me.  I don't want to see you weep.  I want to see you smile!"  What follows is what I opened to...

"The glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance (Prov. 15:13)

I had a friendly smile, 

I gave that smile away,

The postman and the milkman seemed glad of it each day

I gave my smile away 

as happy as could be

And every time I gave it, my smile came back to me.

Smile a smile!

While you smile,

Another smiles,

And soon there are miles and miles of smiles.

And life's worth while.

If you but, smile.

It would be foolish to think that all who smile are happy.  There are "smiles" and "smiles" - 

smiles self conscious, 

smiles self -complacent, smiles conceited, smiles sarcastic, 

smiles superficial, smiles satanic,

smiles cynical, smiles critical, smiles occasional, smiles habitual, 

smiles spiritual,

There are smile good, smiles better, and smiles best.

Each sort has it's own peculiar value.

It is the "best" sort of smiles we advocate.

The"best" sort go deepest,

last longest and accomplish most good.

The best kind of smiles are not "put on".  They "come out" because they are "in".  They are the result of a satisfied, thankful and glad heart.  They are the exterior expression of an interior joy, 

which glows and grows as the days go by.

It is the satisfied and restful heart that makes a radiant face.

When we are contented at the center, the countenance will be calmly cheerful.  When the spirit is satisfied and glad, the glory is expressed in look, and touch and tone.

Christ is the secret, the source, the substance, the center and the circumference of all true and lasting gladness."
(Streams in the Desert, Vol. 2)

The word "smile" was used 30 times!

"Oh Father God.  You are so awesome!  I love you so.  You make me smile!"

The next morning upon waking I thanked Father so much for last night.  And, this was impressed upon my heart... 

"You deserve it daughter.  You love Me!  You love Me like a daughter should love her Father.  You visit Me.  You talk to Me.  You come to Me with your problems.  You care what I think.

So many of My children never visit Me.  They never talk to Me.  

They ignore Me.

I am their Father.  I created them.  I love all My children.  I long for them!  But, so many of them ignore Me.

I just want their love.  Is that really too much to ask?  

Me:  "But Father, I also did that longer ago."

Father:  "Yes child.  You were rebellious like many children are.  But, you came home to Me.  Just like I knew you would.  You came home to Papa!

So many of My children never come home.  Never in their entire lifetime.  

I love you, daughter.  Yes, this is a love story between a father and his daughter.  You are Mine!"

Me:  "And my family comes along attached to me?" 

Father:  "Yes."

Directions

Men think they are better at directions.  Women think they are better at directions.  Around here, neither are good at directions.  That's double trouble.

Long ago while Nick and I were dating, we made a road trip north to visit some friends.  After a pleasant visit it was getting late and we needed to leave, for we had a three hour drive.  All went well until approximately an hour into the drive we see a sign, "Welcome to Michigan".  We do not live in Michigan, nor wanted to be in Michigan!  How did we travel an entire hour in the wrong direction and not notice?!  We chocked it up to being too tired.  Ahem.

As a youngster, I recall many summer vacation trips.  Ingrained into my memory I see my mom fumbling with a road map and dad calling out to her..."Jeannie, where are we?  Jeannie, where do I turn.  You're the one with the road map, where are we?  I'm busy driving!"  Sometimes we needed to pull over, while dad fumbled with the road map for awhile.  I never was too worried, we always got to our destination despite some wrong turns here or there.   Anyways, it wasn't my problem, I was just the kid in the back seat along for the ride!  I found it at times a little comical.

A few years ago, Nick bought a GPS System, because after 30 years of marriage, Nick and I are still not very good with directions. Wow, what a difference!  A pleasant sounding voice comes from this thing and tells you exactly what to do, where to turn, how many miles to our destination.  My kids have told me her name is "Siri", I call her "Sally", I like that better.

All we do is suction- cup Sally to our windshield, plug her in to our lighter socket,  type in an address, push "Go" and we're off.  We can kick up our heels, because it's smooth sailin'.  We haven't gotten lost once since having Sally.

In life there are many turns, roadblocks, one-ways, etc.  You can get lost in a hurry.  But thank goodness there's a GPS. It's God's GPS, it's a small, still and  always pleasant voice.  All we have to do is plug in and push "Go".  If we can do that, in life we'll have less traffic jams, wrong ways and detours.  We won't get ourselves lost.

The problem though is our hearing.  We need to get away from all the noisy traffic and really listen for His directions.

 

I sometimes say... "God, please speak loudly, because I'm a little deaf."

We sometimes need to get out our hearing aides.

Remember Me

Psalm 106:4  "Remember me, O Lord, in thy favour of thy people, visit us with thy salvation."

Luke 23:42 - "Then he said, Jesus, remember me when you 

come into your kingdom."

Do you want to be remembered?

Better yet...

How do you want to be remembered?

We all want to be remembered.  We all have that innate nature about us... we hope, we pray that we are remembered.  Even people who don't think they care if they are remembered, want to be remembered.  

There's even movies, poems and songs written about "Being Remembered".

Recently, one sister here at our home wasn't being so nice to another younger sister, whom we call "Cinderella".  After numerous incidents, I asked the older sister, "How do you want to be remembered?"  She didn't reply.  I asked, "Do you really want to be remembered as the wicked "step" sister?  Is that what you truly want?"  She retorted with, "I don't really care."  I came back with, "Remember, Cinderella got the prince.  And... the wicked step sisters were kicked out of the kingdom!"  She was silent.

In all seriousness, how do we want to be remembered?  It's our choice.  We don't live forever and our legacy is up to us, with eternal consequences.  We can either be kind, generous, loving, caring and giving and always wondering... "What would Jesus do?".  Or, we could be mean, jealous, selfish, nasty and never wonder... "What would Jesus do?"  Because we don't really care.  It's up to us.  Solely, our choice.  Choose wisely.

You wouldn't want to get kicked out of the kingdom.

"Remember me O Lord, in thy favour of thy people..."