Begin Again

That person that you see
Isn't me
And that's OK
I know it can be hard to take off
your hate colored classes, some days

It's human nature
It's born into sin
It's unwashed. Unclean
It's where we all begin

I can't always change your mind
But I don't have to nod along
I won't be lead away by the blind

I have a purpose
I am beautiful. Kind
I am loved. Adored
And I won't be left behind.
I won't be ignored.

Fingers at the ready
For pointing at my sins
Pseudo compassion to conceal
All of your grins

You don't want me to succeed
but that's OK
That is what they all say

It's human nature
Its born into sin
It's unwashed. Unclean
It's where we all begin

I hope I never make you feel that way
I am responsible too
Because love for a love
makes the whole world forgiven
This much I know is true

Let's take a moment and shake hands
Begin again and try to understand

Because
I am done with human nature
I am reborn out of sin
I am washed.
I am clean
Ready to begin Again

learning to read

I have been working with my son on learning to read and he is making wonderful progress. He can "sound out" simple sentences and spends a great deal of time sounding out random words we come across. 

Last night the TV was left on after watching a movie and in big bold letters across the screen it said "JVC". I was in the kitchen doing dishes and Gideon grabbed my hand saying  "Mommy, come here! I wan't to show you something!!!"
I followed him into the living room and he excitedly pointed at the tv saying "look! It says. 'Juh Vuh Cuh"! What does that mean?"

I, then, tried to explain that, in this case, the letter were just the letters and only said "JVC", but convinced that I had forgotten to how to read, he insisted, and still insists that the tv actually said 'Juh Vuh Cuh".

I decided to pick my battles, let him win, and be glad that he's so passionate about learning to read. 

He Calls

Lightening Strikes the hilltop

While the valley below rests in shadow

The green of the grass matted and red

In all the noise of hate

No one can hear the light

A solitary soldier dressed for battle 

Stands up on that hill 

His sword drawn 

Gleaning with the light of justice 

His feet swift, but planted 

Calling out to his army 

The once proud soldiers, now asleep

Hiding in caves

Afraid that the light will reveal their fear. 

So, once again, He Calls! 

And the stones cower 

from the reverberating demand 

Reluctant soldiers, Rise Up!

Who can stand against you?

We are merely children 

But armed with the only power 

Even dry bones could not be defeated

Rise up 

Awaken 

Why Preaching Doesn't Work

When I was in my "teens" I considered it a personal mission to be prepared for any argument, or debate that anyone could throw me, regarding my beliefs. I read book upon book, trying to prepare myself. 

This lead to a friendship with an atheist who adored a good debate. I made it my personal mission to change their mind about God through facts, logic, and well fueled discussion. It was, in fact, a pretty successful endeavor, considering that, in the end, they ended up conceding to the existence and  power of God. 

There was only one problem. 

When we, over time, went our separate ways, they returned to atheism because it was what was comfortable to them. When it came down to it, their mind was convinced but their heart was not. 

This experience opened my eyes. 

Preaching doesn't work because religion isn't about merely the confidence in the existence of God and Jesus, but instead about a deep relationship. 

I can explain why I love my husband. I can, in detail, depict his every loving feature and paint a clear and moving picture of his integrity and love for me. 

When I"m done you may be completely convinced of his influence in my life, and believe, without doubt, in my love for him. 

Does it make you love him? 

Of course not!! 

You can't love someone that you don't know and don't have personal experience with. 

The only way for you to love someone is for you to personally experience a relationship with them. 

It's the same with God. I can tell you how great God is. I can tell you that God is love and explain why he is the answer, and you may even see my point, but unless you "get to know Him", it's only words. 

So, in the end... I pray that I can, instead, demonstrate the character of God in things I do. I pray that you can feel his presence in my character and heart. 

May I be able to introduce God by demonstration instead of explanation.


Dear Jesus,
Please let my actions and words be of love and truth,
Please allow others to see YOU in everything I say and do.