That safe place, number 1 on my list that I am always yearning to re-visit. A love that reminds me that though I am small, I am welcome to rest here. A love that invites me to its refreshing views and oh so wide, everlasting expressions of care.
I want a love like the beach.
That terrestrial, non-territorial environment whose winds whisper “just breathe”, “you’re fine”, and “it’ll be okay”. A love that exfoliates and smoothes. Whose seasonal chills grant appreciation for classic, summertime warmth.
I want a love like the beach.
A love outside of time, built on a rock and unphased by the storm. A love whose waves draw me closer and dissolve my tears. A love unapologetically like thanksgiving; serving the best of the best…in time. A love so abundant it should be annual, but it shows up daily.
I want a love like the beach.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
There is a lot of sensitivity and controversy regarding the terminology “new normal”, and I get it. Many (nations!) are experiencing grief collectively and some more intimately. A lot of our comforts are gone, and to be frank, some. things. just. suck! Feel that, breathe, and release that, friend.
God is doing something interesting in this season that we can’t ignore. Honestly, aspects of this experience have been a bit like déjà vu for me. I’ve been here before, and I’m telling you: this is a temporary, great and loving time of preparation that can be so refining if we let it! *sings* “Let every hearrrt, prepare Him roooom!”
I don’t know about you, but my soul yearns for something new! I no longer want to settle for the old, warped, way anymore. Maybe you have to wrestle with the fact that you really liked the old way, even if it was a little toxic. Own and grieve your truth, but I really do hope that you can eventually get on board with the great things that God has in store for us.Don’t you want Jesus to return?! Well, there are some things that must take place inside, out.
We can all come out of this at a new level in Christ, closer to who we’re destined to be. Whatever test(s) that you’ve been administered in this season, Iknow that with The Helper (the Holy Spirit), you can pass it! Whatever personal storm you might be caught in, I know that you can walk through it peacefully with the Holy Spirit as your guide.
Once all of this COVID-19 social distancing mayhem is over, we will never be the same again. For our souls’ sake, there will be a new normal and it’s a good thing! Allow my heart to elaborate, the best way I know how…
The new normal was birthed in quarantine. It stripped us of our rags Destroying every seam It looked like a nightmare Until we discovered it’s disguise Some questioned, some drew near Started to prioritize and compromise
True colors readily revealed While we all sat with God Exposed and finally still Comforted by His staff and His rod
Laid off, furloughed, Working from home Wearing a mask, keeping our distance Spending time with family And alone
Snacks and more snacks Another email and zoom meeting Online schooling in pajamas Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook, Yet the time is still fleeting
Can’t sit at a restaurant? Face your fears Have a seat at this table ‘Wash your hands all ye sinners’ Trust God…He’s able
Everything’s been factored in… to The Master’s plan of perfection Please believe we’re still winning The news you hear is full of deception
6 feet apart, or else 6 feet under Is what they say, and so it seems Whatever Just save our souls first, Jesus Is all my heart screams
So serious about The Sabbath He lent us time for keeps A sigh of relief and contrite heart of worship Peace…as the nation weeps
This isn’t a game of poker #StayHome No bids on covid, all in on GOD Straighter posture for the weak 20/20 vision for the road we trod.
I’ve been comparing myself to Paul instead of you
And it’s amazing what Acts will help you do
Walking forward with my head held high
Drinking courage as I scroll pass
Bye…post.
Sorry, not sorry
You’re no longer welcome to my eyes
I can’t let them get lazy or God-forbid
Hypnotized
To gouge or not to gouge?
I’ll set a boundary for you instead
It’s worth it. I’m worth it.
The sin will only leave me dead
Paul had a thorn like me
And it kept him on the low
He was posted up everywhere
But never had a formal show
His fruit told his story
My fruit tell mine too
So if you’re ever scrolling and don’t see me…
No worries.
I’m good luv.
I’m serving.
I’m new.
Double tap, no more likes
Finally, are we free?
Remove the scale
Stop weighing him!
and her!
and them!
and me!
I’ll see you when I see you
Won’t miss you when I don’t
But every now and then
I’ll stalk your stories
Hmm…or maybe I won’t
This affair has ended Those compliments you can keep ‘Cause then I’ll have to accept your criticism
And I ain’t lettin’ you sow that deep…
To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His own glory. – Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)
May it adorn me with it’s sun
Make me shine like a penny
Let’s walk many streets
And love, oh so many!
May it drop me a beat Help me take steps towards my dreams May it foster new hopes
And build new teams!
Like Scruff McGruff
May it take a bite out of crime
Bring swords and make peace
During this time
Let’s go to Austin and listen to live music!
Let’s go to bed; I’ll praise You while I sleep
Let’s sing karaoke with no care in the world
Let’s laugh, laugh, laugh
Way more than we weep
May it cheer me on!
And bring great support
May it say hello to new ventures
And a harvest of praise reports
May it tell me a joke I’ll remember
The cornier, the better!
And indulge in cute sandals
For this hot Summer weather
May it give Fall and Winter a heads up
Its cooperation is needed
And remind them of the details
May each one be heeded!
May it be full of great feasts – dinners, breakfast, and lunch May it lead to parks on Sunday And maybe even brunch!
I don’t know what all of Your will is
I must wait and see
I know you can’t stand forever
But before your demise
Here’s somewhat of an ode
To last a lifetime
In my heart there will always be memories of you, me, and the seas
The sand between my toes
Unbeknownst
Hiding evil mysteries
I know you can’t stand forever
Because the good book says you won’t
And the God you said you served
Is the God who assures you don’t
I read He put your soothsayers to shame
Don’t act surprised, you had it coming
Found out it truly wasn’t a game
And for your pain, there was no numbing
Tick Tock, Tick Tock
My God will not be mocked
It’s only a matter of time
before your tides run dry
The salt can’t soothe your wounds
The water can’t caress your lie
Confession:
I sing your anthem well
with nostalgia and grief
but for the vets, not the nation
For in you, I’ve lost belief
Why is that song so beautiful?!
Was it all part of your plot?
Did you give us something mesmerizing
To disguise our land in rot?
I pray for grace, ’cause I’m still here
But I’m telling you now, we’re done
I’m not calling this place my home
I’m from heaven, like The Son
No more relaxing by the shore
Pretending well is what you’re doin’
No more looking to you for justice
Just praying…and waiting on your ruin
When all feels wrong
Yet God is pleased
Hold on
Hold on
When cracks expand to pot holes
And threads part seams
Hold on
Hold on
When smiles twist and turn
Upside down
When hearts plummet you 6 feet
Underground
When the jury is hung
When only you’re around
Hold on
Hold on
When all feels wrong
Yet God is pleased
Let us remember, the
lions’ den and their mouths that shut, the
praise that broke the bars at midnight, the
faith that slew the arrogant Philistine, the
crucifixion that split the temple curtain in two, the
girl who was “only asleep”
Thank God for, the
Red Sea that parted, the
cloud that rose above the tent, the
virgin who conceived a King, the
grace and unconditional love that leads us to repent
Oh God, Let us not forget
Until we hear
Well done
Well done
I will praise you, Lord , with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. – Psalms 9:1-2 (NLT)
