Are You Thank-full?

 

This morning my spiritual director, Bitsy, read a clip from a book, The Art of being Thank-full. It was teaching the power of being intentionally thank-full, as we go. It really smacked me in the face!

My morning, from wake up to my arrival here, at our spiritual direction group, has been "full" of hindrances and grouchiness, on my part.

First, when I woke up, my eyes puffy, then I got on the scale, and I had gained weight on my diet!  Then my husband popped off at me.

Then, on my way to group, a train was blocking the way, so I made a U-turn, and every direction I tried to go, there were traffic issues! I saw three different drivers swerve and almost collide, and another one towards me!

My thoughts about all of this was mainly, "Good-Grief!"

As Bitsy read from her book, I saw a totally different picture of my morning. 

I woke up with puffy eyes, and I was thankful that I was able to lay in bed for 15 extra minutes with a cold pack on my eyes. It felt GOOOD!! Thanks, Jesus! Then my eyes could see! Thanks, Jesus!

When I saw the train, I was able to make a "u-ie" and it made all the construction workers laugh!  Thanks, Jesus!

Then 4 accidents didn't happen! Thanks, Jesus!  And all the red-lights gave me more time to rock out with Bob Dylan! Thanks, Jesus!

And even when Jack popped off, he did it with words that made me happy, because You, Jesus, were showing me that You are opening his eyes to something I have been praying about! Thank You, Jesus!

WOW!! I am TOO excited!!!  😁 And, Oh Yeah! The weight I have gained has made me appreciate others who have struggled, so when I am thin and beautiful, I won't be "all that!"

Ha! Ha!

Breath to Breath

Bring yourself to Me.

Reach out with all your strength,

In Me all Hope is found,

Never-ending Life,

God's mercy on the Tree.

Breathe in My never-ending Rest.

Realize the Life I have placed in you.

Everything I am is in you.

Access is yours.

Trust in Me.

Heaven is in each breath.

Tenderness is under My wing.

Oaks of righteousness grow eternally in that safe place, and sing.

Absolute Love, absolute Life, absolutely

Listens to each breath, and

Lifts you into the Land of perfect affection.

An affection

So deep it can never be removed.

You are Mine.

Oceans demonstrate mystery of My love.

Under-currents are strong drawing you deeper.

Go with the currents, as I release you

Out to ride the waves of Joy, crashing over others, drawing them deeper, too!

by Anna Marie Sheffield

2017

When Love Comes Down

Longing.
Longing.
Longing.

God are You real?
God are You there?
God, I want to know You.

Silence.
Silence.
Silence.

Walking.
Wondering.
Weeping.

Is this life all there is?
What's the point?
I would be better off dead.

Searching.
Seeking.
Suffering.

Who are these people?
Joy filled...
Happy to see me...

They love Jesus.
Jesus, are You real?
Is it true?

Daring.
Asking.
Choosing.

What is this feeling?
Holy Spirit?
Total explosion!
Fire!
Power!
Rushing River of total Release and Fullness!
I have no words!
Tears gushing out!
What is this language pouring out of me?
Total adoration!
Love I have never known before is enveloping me, owning me, I have been Reborn!

Overflowing!
Overflowing!
Overflowing!

God, You are real!
God, You are here!
God, You want to know me!

Singing!
Whispers!
Knowing!

Skipping!
Hearing!
Loving!

I am Yours!

Hearing God By What We See!

Our healing center, Christ Healing Center, in San Antonio, Texas, has started another gathering for healing of the soul.  We call it Creative Collective.  We soak, listen, create, share, and together express the heart of Jesus to one another.

Yesterday, I brought my collection of magazines, glue sticks, scissors, poster board, and a listening heart to the group. Each one there had their own creative moments. Two were musicians, two were writers, two were doing visual art, and one (a teenager) was worshiping artistically in her nap!:)

At the end of our time, we each shared what our creatives had spoken to us about connecting with God and each other.

I began with a Lectio Divina reading of the healing of the paralytic in Mark 2.  The words that stood out to me were from Mark 2:5.

"Son, your sins are forgiven..."

With those words ruminating in my heart, I perused through the magazines for pictures that called out to me. I cut them out and glued them to my poster-board card. Then, I asked God to reveal what He is saying to me about myself. Here is what I got:

I am one who is God's son. He forgives me over and over.

He is saying,

"Don't look back except to restore all in Truth.

I AM coloring your world. You no longer have to be black and white.  Reach up towards the Son. Go higher! There are mountains you will climb.

Sing a new song. There is a new melody for your life!

Looking up, you will soar and be transformed!"

I love it! I receive it! And, I release this blessing over all who read it!

 

Just Hanging Out With God!

Seek the Lord early in the morning.
Seek Him while He may be found.
Make straight His path.

Lord, I come to You right now.
I dedicate my life anew,
This day to You

Take it.
Fill it.
Use it!

I empty my
of everything, making room for You, my King!






Especially, take my doubts and fears.
They've crept in there throughout the years.

Let me see only Your Resurrection,
My heart and soul turned in Your direction.
There is my Hope!
There is my Joy!
There is my Life!

All creation screams out the Truth of Your Resurrection!
Resurrection is Truth!

Unless a seed falls to the ground and dies,
It cannot bear fruit!
Jesus, I know where my seed lies,
I hope to see the fruit with my own eyes!