Why do I fall at His feet?
Why do I wait until I am so tired, worn, rugged, and burnt out? What brings me to this place?
There is presumed comfort in so many things...
...but they hold no Grace...
...no real comfort.
So I fall.
I fall because He catches me. He sustains me. My feet slip often. His love is like sandals on my feet. He puts a grip in my step, so I don't continue stumbling. He sustains. He alone sustains. Why do I so often follow the wrong path, or doubt the direction that He points me towards? I know that at some point, I am going to have to turn around and meet Him...
...I want to meet Him.
He is unmoving, always waiting for me. I moved. He never took a step.
My place in His presence,
This sacred place...
He alone can offer.
Just me. Just Him.
Why do I fall?
Because I know that I can let go of whatever has me in its grip...
...I know that He will catch me...
...not because I deserve it, but because He walked this Earth to save me from this wayward path. That wretched, ugly, twisted path that never overcomes. The rocks, the crevices, the ditches, the cliffs, they hold no power over me! They may leave scars, but they never prevail.
I am His.
He sustains. He redeems.
I forever fall ONLY at His feet.
I fall in awe...may I never get back up.
"Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." (John 12:3)
Until next time,
The Carpenter's Daughter
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Saturday, December 25, 2010
The Gift
On a TREE, my Savior died.
A WREATH of thorns for His head...
A spear for His side.
As a baby, He came to Earth...
Giving hope to all.
Giving worth.
While the shepherds followed a star,
We don't have to look that far.
He left His GIFT,
under the tree.
That gift's for you...
that gift's for me!
"My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn't know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can't know him if you don't love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God.
My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!
This is how we know we're living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He's given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we've seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we've embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God."
(1 John 4:7-14) ~The Message~
Until Next Time,
The Carpenter's Daughter
A WREATH of thorns for His head...
A spear for His side.
As a baby, He came to Earth...
Giving hope to all.
Giving worth.
While the shepherds followed a star,
We don't have to look that far.
He left His GIFT,
under the tree.
That gift's for you...
that gift's for me!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
(Go ahead and OPEN YOUR GIFT!!!)
"My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn't know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can't know him if you don't love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God.
My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love!
This is how we know we're living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He's given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we've seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we've embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God."
(1 John 4:7-14) ~The Message~
Until Next Time,
The Carpenter's Daughter
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
A Season of Grace
Let there be salt without limit,
let it fall down like snow.
Piles, and drifts, and glimmering granules...
...a show...
…of GRACE.
Snow covers, and whitens the darkest night.
Salt purifies a soul,
no more pain.
Afflictions are seasoned,
GRACE piles high…
Countless, unlimited portions.
Watch it fall, like pure white snowflakes.
This is a SEASON…
…unending.
A gift.
JESUS.
Receive, and give.
Grace never stops falling…
…it is without limit.
"...salt without limit." (Ezra 7:22)
Until next time,
The Carpenter's Daughter
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Who Wants Cake!?!
My Father's birthday is next month. He never wants anything fancy, or new. In fact, He always wants the same thing! I will tell you all about that soon.
Today, I am baking Him a cake. Of course, He always gives away every slice. He loves to see His children smile, as they get their piece. I can hear Him laugh the loudest when the babies use the icing as a hair product. Even though He always gives away every slice, I want it to be the perfect cake. I want to bring Him an offering of sweetness that fills the room with the smell of vanilla orchids, and butter cream. I think I will decorate the cake with tiny, golden sugar bells, and little red birds, made from frosting. White lilies will line the border. There should be three tiers...yes...we always need more cake.
As I tie bows around the cake pedestals, I think about how this reminds me of the way my life is tied up in my Daddy. I also think about the things that are not tied up in Him. How I tend to be greedy with my cake sometimes. How I don't always want to share my piece. I mean, I worked hard to make that cake. I took the time to choose the finest crystalized sugar, to make it sparkle and eye-catching. I had to make the mess, mix the batter, grease the pan...it's hard work! I should at least enjoy my piece in...uh...peace, right?
As I pipe the lilies around the edges, I can hear my Daddy's laughter in corners of my memories. It's contagious. It makes me want to hear more. I want to listen to that sound as much as possible. And I know just how to get Him started.....
...share my piece with a baby....
...and watch that little one use the icing as a hair product...
...and laugh until my sides hurt. No, WE will laugh until our sides hurt! This would be shared laughter, the best kind. The only kind that brings tears of joy, and makes your sides split.
My Daddy just peeked around the corner. He has already started inviting guests to His party. Are you going to come? There will be plenty of cake.
We'll talk about the GIFT soon.
Until next time,
The Carpenter's Daughter
P.S. My Father is the One who provided the ingredients for the cakes AND paid for the Gift! He invites you to the party to RECEIVE this Gift freely, AND to partake in the the sweetness of His glory. You are NOT going to want to miss this party!
“Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!”
Psalm 34:8
Today, I am baking Him a cake. Of course, He always gives away every slice. He loves to see His children smile, as they get their piece. I can hear Him laugh the loudest when the babies use the icing as a hair product. Even though He always gives away every slice, I want it to be the perfect cake. I want to bring Him an offering of sweetness that fills the room with the smell of vanilla orchids, and butter cream. I think I will decorate the cake with tiny, golden sugar bells, and little red birds, made from frosting. White lilies will line the border. There should be three tiers...yes...we always need more cake.
As I tie bows around the cake pedestals, I think about how this reminds me of the way my life is tied up in my Daddy. I also think about the things that are not tied up in Him. How I tend to be greedy with my cake sometimes. How I don't always want to share my piece. I mean, I worked hard to make that cake. I took the time to choose the finest crystalized sugar, to make it sparkle and eye-catching. I had to make the mess, mix the batter, grease the pan...it's hard work! I should at least enjoy my piece in...uh...peace, right?
As I pipe the lilies around the edges, I can hear my Daddy's laughter in corners of my memories. It's contagious. It makes me want to hear more. I want to listen to that sound as much as possible. And I know just how to get Him started.....
...share my piece with a baby....
...and watch that little one use the icing as a hair product...
...and laugh until my sides hurt. No, WE will laugh until our sides hurt! This would be shared laughter, the best kind. The only kind that brings tears of joy, and makes your sides split.
My Daddy just peeked around the corner. He has already started inviting guests to His party. Are you going to come? There will be plenty of cake.
We'll talk about the GIFT soon.
Until next time,
The Carpenter's Daughter
P.S. My Father is the One who provided the ingredients for the cakes AND paid for the Gift! He invites you to the party to RECEIVE this Gift freely, AND to partake in the the sweetness of His glory. You are NOT going to want to miss this party!
“Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!”
Psalm 34:8
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Rain
As I walk down the path that leads to the Carpenter's shop, rain begins to fall. At first, I am annoyed. I don't like my hair wet, my clothes soggy, and I really don't like the wet dog smell that is sure to stick. I continue my journey...uphill. Then, I remember! I have an umbrella! Digging through my bag, I find it. I quickly flick it open, continue on, and think about how dirty my shoes are going to be when I get there. Why on Earth, did I wear my favorite shoes? How could I have not noticed the dark clouds? When did they sneak up on me?
Trekking along, I stop. What's that noise? Frogs. Hmmm...I like frogs. I actually think they are cute. Not toads. Those are an entirely different story. But frogs...they sing. They just SING their hearts out, and they LOVE the rain! Those little guys find it as an opportunity to hop, and conduct happy choruses of joy. It makes me skip a little.
I am now in the little yard, that surrounds the carpentry shop. I stop at the bird bath. Interesting. Look at how my feathered friends joyfully splash about. They even seem to DELIGHT in sharing the water with their neighbor; spritzing and throwing droplets at each other. Instead of worrying about their shoes, they are basking in the crisp, cool FUN of it all. I notice that they are finding their lunch easier as well. Little worms are peeking out, perking up to the song of rain.
When did rain stop being a song? When was the last time I stopped, popped open my umbrella, and just stood in that little shelter...in awe? Wonderment? Worship.
Rain can do two things. It can make everything very muddy, or it can wash away impurities. It's all in how I choose to embrace it. I can see it as a huge obstacle, or an opportunity to kick off my heavy shoes, and dance in the puddles.
Which reminds me, I love twirling my umbrella in the rain...
It's a very colorful umbrella. I like the way its yellow top shines and drips, and looks like the sun. Yep, I give it twirl it. It's keeping the rain off of my head, but is making my heart joyful somehow. It's a shelter...a friend. A banner singing over me.
Oh, look! There is my Father, standing on the porch. He is smiling. NO! He is laughing! Big, beautiful tears of laughter! And He is delighting in the fact that I have stopped to stick my feet out from under the umbrella. Yeah, I hit some nasty, dark, ugly puddles...but the rain took care of the mess. My Father's laughter is like thunder. And I cannot help but join in. We hook arms, go up the steps, enter the shop...but we don't shut the door. No, not today. Today, we sing, laugh, and dance WITH the rain!
“May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.” (Psalm 20:5)
“Let my teaching fall like rain
and my words descend like dew,
like showers on new grass,
like abundant rain on tender plants.” (Deuteronomy 32:2)
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” (Psalm 28:7)
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38)
Deuteronomy 32:2 (The Message)
The Song
Listen, Heavens, I have something to tell you. Attention, Earth, I've got a mouth full of words. My teaching, let it fall like a gentle rain,
my words arrive like morning dew,
Like a sprinkling rain on new grass,
like spring showers on the garden.
For it's God's Name I'm preaching—
respond to the greatness of our God!
The Rock: His works are perfect,
and the way he works is fair and just;
A God you can depend upon, no exceptions,
a straight-arrow God.
His messed-up, mixed-up children, his non-children,
throw mud at him but none of it sticks.
Dear friends,
As we approach Thanksgiving, let us rejoice in the One who has brought us through the storms, and saved us from the mud of life.
Until next time,
The Carpenter's Daughter
Trekking along, I stop. What's that noise? Frogs. Hmmm...I like frogs. I actually think they are cute. Not toads. Those are an entirely different story. But frogs...they sing. They just SING their hearts out, and they LOVE the rain! Those little guys find it as an opportunity to hop, and conduct happy choruses of joy. It makes me skip a little.
I am now in the little yard, that surrounds the carpentry shop. I stop at the bird bath. Interesting. Look at how my feathered friends joyfully splash about. They even seem to DELIGHT in sharing the water with their neighbor; spritzing and throwing droplets at each other. Instead of worrying about their shoes, they are basking in the crisp, cool FUN of it all. I notice that they are finding their lunch easier as well. Little worms are peeking out, perking up to the song of rain.
When did rain stop being a song? When was the last time I stopped, popped open my umbrella, and just stood in that little shelter...in awe? Wonderment? Worship.
Rain can do two things. It can make everything very muddy, or it can wash away impurities. It's all in how I choose to embrace it. I can see it as a huge obstacle, or an opportunity to kick off my heavy shoes, and dance in the puddles.
Which reminds me, I love twirling my umbrella in the rain...
It's a very colorful umbrella. I like the way its yellow top shines and drips, and looks like the sun. Yep, I give it twirl it. It's keeping the rain off of my head, but is making my heart joyful somehow. It's a shelter...a friend. A banner singing over me.
Oh, look! There is my Father, standing on the porch. He is smiling. NO! He is laughing! Big, beautiful tears of laughter! And He is delighting in the fact that I have stopped to stick my feet out from under the umbrella. Yeah, I hit some nasty, dark, ugly puddles...but the rain took care of the mess. My Father's laughter is like thunder. And I cannot help but join in. We hook arms, go up the steps, enter the shop...but we don't shut the door. No, not today. Today, we sing, laugh, and dance WITH the rain!
“May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.” (Psalm 20:5)
“Let my teaching fall like rain
and my words descend like dew,
like showers on new grass,
like abundant rain on tender plants.” (Deuteronomy 32:2)
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” (Psalm 28:7)
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38)
Deuteronomy 32:2 (The Message)
The Song
Listen, Heavens, I have something to tell you. Attention, Earth, I've got a mouth full of words. My teaching, let it fall like a gentle rain,
my words arrive like morning dew,
Like a sprinkling rain on new grass,
like spring showers on the garden.
For it's God's Name I'm preaching—
respond to the greatness of our God!
The Rock: His works are perfect,
and the way he works is fair and just;
A God you can depend upon, no exceptions,
a straight-arrow God.
His messed-up, mixed-up children, his non-children,
throw mud at him but none of it sticks.
Dear friends,
As we approach Thanksgiving, let us rejoice in the One who has brought us through the storms, and saved us from the mud of life.
Until next time,
The Carpenter's Daughter
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Restoration
Restoration.
Not my favorite thing. In fact, it's probably my least favorite thing. I am not talking about taking something old, slapping some cute crackle paint on it, and calling it "new." I am talking about tearing it down, stripping off the paint, sanding, repairing, replacing screws, and COMPLETELY overhauling the thing.
What is this thing? A dining room table. The same table that we have used for YEARS. It's out of style, wobbly, scribbled on, gnawed on, dinged up, and has too many water rings on it to count. Seriously, I think that it is just way easier to buy a new one.
Here I am, in the workshop, staring at the table. My hands are at my side. I'm looking more than skeptical, and definitely NOT patient.
The conversation begins...
"Daddy, why do we have to re-do THAT table? It's really old, rickety, and WAY out of style."
He replies, "Because, it is part of the family."
"But I am sure the family would not mind a trip to the furniture store. It would be a fun outing," I quickly say.
"No, Daughter, this table is real. This table has stood the test of time. It was created JUST for this family. There are too many substitutes out there, and none of them would replace what was created for THIS family. Just be patient, you will see."
I begin getting out the tools, at my Father's request. I know that, at this point, I have nothing to really argue. He is the Master Carpenter, who am I to question...
...here come the questions...
"Daddy? How long is this going to take?"
"As long as it needs to. Patience is what gives it stability. Understanding gives it strength. There is a lot of love in the wood's grain. We just need to bring back the shine. The best ingredient for shine is faith. Have faith, Little One."
Okay, I remember this talk from another restoration project: "Faith is the evidence of things unseen." I see a broken table, but my Father sees beauty, stability, love, and faithfulness. Yes! I am starting to see it too!
There are so many good memories around this table. Each stain represents a place in time. Laughter, love, shared meals, heartfelt talks, lessons learned, holiday pies, birthday parties, and hot cocoa rings that evoke memories of snowy days past. How many times did chilly little toes sit under that table, basking in the warmth of home? Yes, this truly is a dear table.
My Father is the Master Carpenter. He is the Restorer. He is the One who can truly make something out of nothing
I decide to sit next to Him, and to watch Him up close. I don't want to miss any of the repairs taking place.
Anyone can take a cheap kit, and make a table. But it will not stand the test of time.
When my Father builds something, it's for life. It's for keeps. He never gives up on it, or calls it unworthy. He just simply...restores.
Until next time,
The Carpenter's Daughter
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. Proverbs 21:30
Hebrews 11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:14)
Not my favorite thing. In fact, it's probably my least favorite thing. I am not talking about taking something old, slapping some cute crackle paint on it, and calling it "new." I am talking about tearing it down, stripping off the paint, sanding, repairing, replacing screws, and COMPLETELY overhauling the thing.
What is this thing? A dining room table. The same table that we have used for YEARS. It's out of style, wobbly, scribbled on, gnawed on, dinged up, and has too many water rings on it to count. Seriously, I think that it is just way easier to buy a new one.
Here I am, in the workshop, staring at the table. My hands are at my side. I'm looking more than skeptical, and definitely NOT patient.
The conversation begins...
"Daddy, why do we have to re-do THAT table? It's really old, rickety, and WAY out of style."
He replies, "Because, it is part of the family."
"But I am sure the family would not mind a trip to the furniture store. It would be a fun outing," I quickly say.
"No, Daughter, this table is real. This table has stood the test of time. It was created JUST for this family. There are too many substitutes out there, and none of them would replace what was created for THIS family. Just be patient, you will see."
I begin getting out the tools, at my Father's request. I know that, at this point, I have nothing to really argue. He is the Master Carpenter, who am I to question...
...here come the questions...
"Daddy? How long is this going to take?"
"As long as it needs to. Patience is what gives it stability. Understanding gives it strength. There is a lot of love in the wood's grain. We just need to bring back the shine. The best ingredient for shine is faith. Have faith, Little One."
Okay, I remember this talk from another restoration project: "Faith is the evidence of things unseen." I see a broken table, but my Father sees beauty, stability, love, and faithfulness. Yes! I am starting to see it too!
There are so many good memories around this table. Each stain represents a place in time. Laughter, love, shared meals, heartfelt talks, lessons learned, holiday pies, birthday parties, and hot cocoa rings that evoke memories of snowy days past. How many times did chilly little toes sit under that table, basking in the warmth of home? Yes, this truly is a dear table.
My Father is the Master Carpenter. He is the Restorer. He is the One who can truly make something out of nothing
I decide to sit next to Him, and to watch Him up close. I don't want to miss any of the repairs taking place.
Anyone can take a cheap kit, and make a table. But it will not stand the test of time.
When my Father builds something, it's for life. It's for keeps. He never gives up on it, or calls it unworthy. He just simply...restores.
Until next time,
The Carpenter's Daughter
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. Proverbs 21:30
Hebrews 11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:14)
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Dancing With Your Shadow
When was the last time you danced with your shadow? When was the last time you were free to just walk by a blank wall, look at your shadow, find inspiration in the light...and DANCE?
Through the hallway, a light casts a shadow.
A little boy stops and wonders...
A shadow should not be wasted,
A dance is in order!
He doesn't hold back!
Little feet go flying.
Tiny hands are clapping!
This is an audience of two...
The Dancer.
His Maker.
There is nothing to hold back the giggles.
It matters not what is going on in the world...
A dance is in progress!
Suddenly, the dancer has been spotted.
He blushes.
He giggles.
He bows...and walks off stage.
Let the Lord guide your steps. Give Him room to show you how to dance, giggle, and clap. There truly IS Light in the shadows of life. You may blush at the silliness of your steps, but Our Father delights in His children. He loves it when we stop in the shadows and dance in the Light of Who He is! He truly is the Lord of the Dance!
"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing..." (Psalm 30:110)
~Dedicated to my tiny dancer, Tate.~
Until next time,
The Carpenter's Daughter
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