Psalm 34: a creative rendering

I can't stop praising The Lord; he has been good to me! 
All who are humble understand this song and sing with me. 
When I call on him, he answers and fear's voice fades out. 
Let's keep walking in his light together and we'll never have to hide in fear or shame! 
I am nothing, I have nothing, and that's where God comes in. 
He saves me and transforms my narcissistic fears into desire for his glory. 
I really want you to understand my pleasure in him! 
When you experience his grace, you know there's no greater joy, peace, and comfort! 
When your aim is the renown of God, you'll have everything you need. 
When your aim is your own pleasure and fame - you'll always want more.


Students, listen to me, I'm teaching you the secrets of God. 
You wanna live, laugh, love? 
Don't speak against others, lie or participate in the kingdom of darkness - desire light, make peace!
God pays attention to and hears those who make him their goal 
and he turns away from those who seek their own. 
He's never more near than when you're broken and crushed and bawling 
because all is not right in his world and you don't know how to go on. 
Living in the light these episodes happen frequently and are intense, 
but each time The Lord will lift you up! 
And they can't hurt you beyond repair - in fact, it's how his healing comes. 
Those who hurt you will be completely destroyed. 
So I'm telling you - trust in him - take refuge and seek peace in him, you won't regret it!

be at liberty - the beatitudes

• freedom to sacrifice your luxury and seek simplicity, for your reward is great in heaven
• freedom to weep and wail and bawl your eyes out ‘cause life sucks, death is real, dreams are far away, desires are strong, and you need some release –plus, hugs feel so much better afterwards
• freedom to appear weak and be stepped over, ‘cause they don’t know what they’re doing and the real strength is in your self-control. your humility is what it takes to rule the world
• freedom for the thirsty! you get to drink deeply of living water all the days you give and receive the word of God
• freedom to weep and sacrifice for others, it is always more blessed to give than to receive and it will be returned to you
• freedom to be simple-minded and childlike – you won’t miss God when he comes in the mundane
• freedom to engage in the dialogue, embrace mystery and be at peace with ambiguity – this is humanity’s experience of the divine
• freedom to be injured in that fight for peace – this is how you display and experience the kingdom
• in this kingdom, suffering is real and the pursuit of him will cost your reputation, your sanity, and your dignity. but you have the freedom to experience this and so accept your prophetic destiny. your true place is in the forever kingdom. with the king
  
  Drawn from Matthew 5:3-12

high altitude reflections

 I just wanna feel this moment

That’s been my constant thought these past few weeks, knowing that a season is coming to an end… I’ve just had this notion that I should savor the moments with those I love. I can truly say I have no regrets about the way I have loved and the time I have spent doing nothing,
but meaning everything.  

Jesus, You’ve given me some beautiful people to share life with – they show me your face and give me a piece of your heart. I’m overwhelmed!

 

I remember what sacred space flight is for me. There’s something refreshing about being in an enclosed space with so many people, staring out the window, alone with my thoughts and lost in the majesty of creation. There is always such intimate time for reflection as those surrounding me are engaged in their various pursuits to pass the time. I find that my affections are stirred for You and I catch a glimpse of Your infinite beauty. 

And for the first time in a while, I feel that familiar touch that is indescribable, the feeling of Your peace and Your presence that affords the freedom to glance back over the days and see where You’ve been at work. In the moments I felt restive or unsettled. In the moments when I was unsure and grasping for air, for a touch, for anything that made me feel something. In the moments I doubted or complained. In the moments of grief or loss. All the times I lost control… 

That was Your grace. 

All those hard times so I could breathe You in again. 

So I could feel Your hand and experience You so vitally in the places of my desperation.