Mark 1:35

"Give me your tired, your poor; your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore; send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door."- Emma Lazarus "The Colossus"

I remember these words in a melodious song from my youth. How peaceful and loving I felt when I sang them. Etched in a plate on the Statue of Liberty, the new arrivals to the United States of America thought all would be well. As I reflected on Independence Day, I was deeply saddened by how far this nation has fallen away from it's humble beginnings. "One nation under God" has now turned into a nation that wishes to remove God!

"We Thirst For You," sung by Cece Winans, rings in my heart. Without God my life would be like the desert in this picture. Barren and unfruitful. I am so thankful for the hope I have in the words spoken by Jesus in Matthew 11:28. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Mark 1:35
Originally uploaded by Extra Medium

Purple White Scene

Purple White Scene
Originally uploaded by Bukit95

It's been a minute since I last made an entry in my blog. Seems as if I can't get it together from my last surgery. Memorial Day celebration is today. I'm not going to any cookouts that I know of, but that's O.K. I need to spend time getting back to the things that truly matter to me.
One of those is my spiritual peace.

I chose these beautiful flowers as a reminder of God's sovereignty. The purple and white reminds me of His royalty. He is the one who sustains me. I can't always have a mountain top experience for it is down in the valley that we grow the most.

Blessed be the name of the Lord! I must remind myself that God says in His Word, "In all things give thanks..."

Tree Planted by Streams of Water

Tree Planted by Streams of Water
Originally uploaded by honey 77

It's been awhile since I made my last entry. A lot has been going on. 2008 ended on a rather down beat for me, but at the same time it was a blessing. I guess it's all about how you internalize a situation.
I suffered a ruptured appendix just before Thankgiving Holiday. No need to tell anyone that I didn't enjoy the turkey with all the trimmings and such. I barely made it out of the hospital before Christmas! I am so thankful to know what Christmas is truly about. When it seems like all your life has been about overcoming obstacles, it's refreshing to know there's a rainbow end if you search for the one thing that cannot be taken away from you.

The Bible tells me that "He will keep my mind in perfect peace if I keep my mind stayed on Him." When I saw the picture and read the verse, I knew it was past the time for me to record my thoughts in a positive light. I am so blessed to be alive and well as I am. Although I am experiencing much pain in my body, I know it's only temporary.

God has promised all of His children a day of lasting rest, a changed body from the corruptible to uncorruptible; from mortal to immortality. No more pain, death, tears or sorrow. I must continue to see my survival as the tree. The tree grows taller and the branches wider. But these are not the secret of its survival. Its survival is found in the deep roots it has grown and wrapped its self around; vying not to be removed.

Yes, I too must learn how to reach beyond the break and hold on. Then all will see how blessed I am.