Fri, Jul 28th - 5:55AM

Mon, Jul 24th - 6:42AM

I sit before the mountain and contemplate it's greatness and wonder. What is in the heart of the climber that compels him to the heights, that beckons him to persevere through the forces of nature? Are there not other risks that he can take, other challenges, other ways to achieve contentment for his spirit? Surely, the satisfaction of conquering cannot be the only driving force. I have been here before and I have gazed up at the towering giant before, yet each mountain only seems a little more daunting. There have been times when I thought retreat to be the best choice and times when retreat was not even a consideration. There were moments of glory and moments of defeat. Yet, within the deepest part of who I am, there really is no thought that needs to be contemplated. I shall never find joy in the valleys, I shall never find peace in the deserts, I shall never find rest in idle plains. I will continue on, even though I know that after this mountain there will be yet another.

I will climb to the peaks of mountains and there I will find joy. There, I will rest for a moment. There, my soul will find peace. There, I will meet with the One who calls me to come up higher.

Thu, Jul 13th - 6:01AM

He wears the finest clothes that money can buy. His BMW shines like gold. His 60 inch flat screen T.V., his motorcylcle ( with matching jacket ), and his 5 bedroom house in the mountains are everything that he had hoped for. Yet, he craves more. There simply has to be more. There has got to be another taste that has not yet crossed his lips. There has to be another slice of fulfillment somewhere that he has not yet tried. His wife and children are not enough, though they adore him. His friends are not enough, though they are impressed by him. His life is not enough, though he lives it to the fullest.

The desires and dreams that he chases have not touched the innermost parts of the man. His heart still breaks, and I still cry for him. I love him more than he can understand, I have prayed for him more than he knows. As he strives for something to ease his ache, for things that might negate his emptiness.....I wonder when the moment of realization will come to him. As he continues to cleave to the material gods that have brought him no answers, I pray for the defining moment when my God will open his heart and his eyes.

Please, pray with me for Al. Perhaps this will be the day when all of his searching will come to an end. Perhaps this will be the day when he finds Jesus....

Mon, Jul 10th - 6:43AM

THE PASTOR

He stands before an empty sea...betrayed! His thoughts swirl around in a chaotic dance. The dreams and visions, once bright and vivid, now lie about the floor as nothing more than black and white photos. Sadly, no one really notices. He has poured himself out, now he is empty. He is lonely and he is alone. His midnight tears bring no solace.

"Where has the passion gone? Where are the ones that used to stand by me....before me"?

They are playing golf. They are resting. They are watching T.V.

Thanks anyway.....

Sat, Jul 8th - 10:30AM

THANKS TO LEE!

I was just sitting here thinking about how much my life seems to have changed in the past few months. I am in God' s word more, I have grown, and I am stronger.

Thank you Lee, for your obedience in the prayer circle and thanks to everyone who prayed for me. God did answer your prayers.

Let His name be praised.

Sat, Jul 8th - 7:55AM

She stood like a statue with her face lifted toward the eastern sky. She was bruised, she was weak, but she was never defeated. Though her legs could barely hold her, she also carried her children. Her eyes, quite dim, never lost their vision, never turned. Time and elements left their mark but her beauty never faded. She stood through a lifetime of storms, the rain beating hard upon her face, the wind unceasing.She fought many battles, even mine, without the slightest thought of retreat. Many passed by her without a notice, but I never stopped watching.

Now, she is gone.

Now, she is home.

I will never forget the story she lived.

Fri, Jul 7th - 6:46AM

In my room...I close the door to the peering eyes of the judges and draw near to you. A quiet breeze brings  calm to my spirit, your gentle touch brings peace to my heart. You speak words of love, you enfold me with your presence. The day that has left me battered and worn fades away as I feel your breath on my face. The night creeps in with all of it's mysterious shadows, but I am not afraid. The sounds of thunder echo from a distance, lightning pierces the night sky, the wind grows stronger....yet, your voice stills me. All through the night, you remain. Through the darkness, through the storm, through my fears.....you are here.

This is the fufillment of my soul.

Mon, Jul 3rd - 9:13AM

From the street, I stare at the old house. The roof is missing a few shingles and the paint is showing the effects of many years of harsh weather. The chimney, though it still emits smoke, leans a bit to the side. The flower beds that border the front porch no longer stand out in a brilliant production of color. The sidewalk is cracked and marred. The garage now looks like the back of an old mare. But what catches my eye is the bright light that still shines from the windows in the night and the beauty of the white lace curtains that still dance with the wind. From the street, I can hear echos of laughter and joy. I can even hear sweet melodies of song. Though I am somewhat nervous, I walk up the front porch steps for a closer look.

Inside this old structure, is life! The walls are painted in the brightest colors I have ever seen and the smell of fresh cut flowers overwhelms me with a sense of calm. Trying not to be seen, I continue to survey the inside of this old place. Everything shines like it has just been polished, there is not even the slightest hint of dust. The furniture, though old, is not the least bit worn. Suddenly, my eye catches a glimpse of the old woman who lives here. She is alone, but she is dancing. Her every movement is full of fluid grace and I am struck by her beauty. She has the face of an angel, her eyes sparkle, and she wears a smile that tells a story of love.  As she continues to dance, I gaze around the room to see if there is anyone else here, there is no one. It's just the old woman and her secret dance partner.

Unwilling to disturb the wonder, I slowly walk away....changed.