Wet Grace

Why is it that some days the raw pain takes ransom the feelings of the deep deep love of Jesus? I can see why Mary poured out the perfume, expensive and pure. She could't help but pour silent thanks on the feet of the One who rescued her. From her-self.

I am thankful for today. Twinkling rain, babies forehead's touching mine, warm muffins rising, children laughing uncontrollably, fresh linens on beds....so much grace all around.

 Then I feel the war wrestling in my heart. Of if I had an angel that I could just have at it with! What a release of frustration that must have been for Jacob! In spite of the pain....

I am not giving in. I shout out on the road up the hill. Into the icy rain and darkened sky, "I serve the LORD, God Almighty, the One Who Is and Is Yet To Come! The Great I AM. I will not fear the storm. I know you. My Helper, my strength, will not delay! Steady my Heart!"

It comes. The heaviness settles down. I know He is with me. The release has not come yet. I am buildings walls. I am fortifying the city of my family. I am repairing the breaches. I am fasting, and praying, and fighting with weapons that are not of flesh and blood.

Your faith is only as good as what you put it in. 

My Faith is Strong in Him. He is Truth. He is the Protector and Provider. His love never fails. His Love makes a way where there seems to be none. His peace passes all understanding, His faithfulness stretches to the sky. His Love will endure forever!

He brought me through before. My God will bring me though again.

I am thankful for His grace.

Halcyon Wash

Stinky feet empty out of muddy, snowy boots. Giggles and tilting  bodies pour in the door. My breath comes hard. Frustration building in my chest. Gentleness stops me.

"Aren't your feet dirty too? Am I, I AM, coming down hard on you for the messes you make?"

I am reminded of His loving-kindness again. If God the enormous Creator disciplines me and draws me with loving-kindness, is it right to extend fierce frustration?

no.


I bend low and quietly slip off boots. I whisper questions of the joy shared beyond indoor walls. I think of Jesus taking off his outer clothing, tying a towel around his waste. Washing feet, sopping up muddy water too.


After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” John13 5-10

Is not our feet where we add the preparation of the gospel of peace? 

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand....and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ...
 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.       Ephesians 6:12-18


I see why it is our feet that have to be continually washed. We cannot come to another with the presentation of them needing something with an attitude that we don't need it anymore. This journey that we make here in the Creation of God does not end until death.


We get our feet washed clean. Then we take the white towel given us and soak up the muddy residue that is left on the feet of one whom we splash the living water on.


This peace as described in the verses is peace with God, which is the foundation for gentleness. Proverbs 16:21 says that a wise heart is discerning and the sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. We must wash gently. Whispering clearly. Bending down. Reaching Down. Make disciples of those around us headed for darkness and torment.


Father, Let me see my own need for daily repentance and your washing first. That I may take that same need I have that you fill, and be led through that, to sharing Your great love with others. Especially those in my home.

Slow Down to Fill Up

How to explain rest to someone who knows none? Oh how I longed to open my chest cavity and dump out the  grace knowledge that God has so lovingly taught me over the years.  "Well," says visiting friend, "Should I go out and get some work done?"

How many of us seasoned with life's woes long for Sunday afternoon? Where the focus is transferred intentionally from self to other.Where the day brings family into close quarters and screens tuck away to sleeping modes. Laughter fills, children get antsy, games begin, tumbling with daddies are much enjoyed. The difference....the focus.

I was so leery in  my explanation to my friend. My brow wrinkles with legalism and frustration fills me when rules come down hard on unkowing, tender hearts that are seeking truth. As our friend stood there waiting we decided to encourage the same rest today that we enjoy. No self seeking. No money to be made. Just love to be given and rest to be had. We left it up to the open heart and I waited expectantly to see what God was to do. Hours later, under a very relaxed heap of children I heard a joyous explanation of how much was learned from the reading material that will help in the weeks to come!

Love won!  "I'll my best He'll do the rest!" Can you guess where that came from?

He draws us with His loving kindness.....We trust in His ways, He pours out good.


James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.


I love it, Father, how when I point someone in the direction of Your truth, You come take over and speak for Yourself in a way I never could have spoken. You show us- then we give testimony- Your Word multiplies! How Good Are You!!! I Love Your Ways.