the easiest thing

Why are the easiest things what makes life so difficult? I've been realizing lately that I have alot of growing up to do. I avoid responsibility at the cost of my own sanity. Yet, the result is that I beat myself up for not attempting anything at all. It's a self depricating cycle.

I've also heard that the way we view ourselves changes how we see the world around us. This is only too true. Are we looking at life through rose colored glasses or a deep fog? Are we wading through the doubts we hold about ourselves or walking on water? It is too easy to listen to satan's deception and loose sight of our value. Much to easy. Those lies that seem to continue to repeat in our heads begin to seep into our hearts and build walls and chasms insurmountable. It takes trusting in Christ to begin to surrender our hearts to him....to be bound up in His love. Only in this love that has no fear do we find the grace that brings peace and casts out all lies.

You are invaluable. beautiful. You are the desire of God's heart. His beloved. Period. Nothing this world may say can change this truth. No one can ever seperate you from this love. Yet, learning to recieve this gift may be both the hardest and easiest thing you ever have to do.

the dividing line

I realize I haven't written on my blog for quite a while. I'd like to blame it on the lack of internet connection at my house or the raining weather, but I don't know if that would be entirely true. You see, it isn't easy bearing your soul to the world wide web. It isn't easy writing these words when you have no idea who may read them or what the response may be. But still they come. These words break the silence and cross millions of miles to reach you.

I've realized this year how small the world really is. It's the click of a button or the distance of a day on an airplane. And people, everywhere, have so much in common. They have the same basic needs and fears. Their daily routine may differ or the size of their pocket book. They may prioritize some things above others...but when it comes down to it....we have brothers and sisters the world over.

I wonder what would happen if each person realized this. If in both their head and heart they knew the kinship they possessed with those from each and every continent. What is it that divides us? Differences in culture? language? way of life? Yet aren't these divisions what make each person and place uniquely beautiful?

When is it necessary to compromise? To challenge the values of one culture in sight of the effects it has upon others? Are we looking for the benefit of ourselves or our country at the cost of others? What is most important?

We must recognize what divides us and fight it. Fight ignorance and fear, guilt, pride and selfishness, complacency and resentment. Once these things fall away, perhaps we will be able to see the truth.

within

Caterpillars
Inching along leaves
Frogs
Hopping through the grass
Birds
Landing on branches
Cats
Climbing trees

The birds and the bees
If I sneeze
Will you say
“God bless you!”
or simply
keep
inching along?

A know a song
That isn’t very long
But requires much
Concentration
It’s the notes that are hardest
to hear

Yet
Once
They resonate
Within
We find them

when you smile

Your smile
Stretches to the horizon
And captures my heart
It is without question
Without hesitation
Or fear

As the corners of those lips curl
I find that mine are too
We smile
In agreement

Because if you cannot learn
To laugh at the world
Around you
There
Is little hope
For what the future will bring