A Writers Block

There have been many stories and lessons written containing buckets. Jack and Jill taught us to slow down. A Bucket List is the compilation of things you wish to do before you die. However, my favorite lesson will forever be the Sesame Street version of "There's a hole in the bucket." I am never able to get that song out of my head, nor the picture of Eliza's exasperation with Henry acted out in each forceful rocking of her chair. I've learned a lot from that song.  Like Henry, everyone has tried to fill or use a bucket at some time or another. They are physical tools used to complete tasks and they are also easily used to help describe something like emotions or responsibilities. We have all tried at some point in our lives to carry a bucket too full for our arms to lift. When you first read the above, you probably imagined a bucket of a certain size or color. Maybe it was like Henry's or maybe it was full of sand for making sand castles and came with a prett

I am on an interesting journey of late, one that is painful and real and exciting all at the same time. The idea that my self is something to be cared for and protected is not foreign but very overlooked. The acceptance of me as I am is a terrifying thought. The act of positive self talk is difficult, more than it should be. Even in writing this, I realize I am thinking about myself as less than I should be; as not making the grade. Not True!! A long time ago, I went through a Beth Moore study that told us to make a special card to remind ourselves of a few things we could believe whole hearte dly.  " God is who He says He is.  God can do what He says He can do.  I am who God says I am.  I can do all things through Christ.  God’s Word is alive and active in me." I have not forgotten it (although I may get the order wrong :)). It reminds me of the simple truths that I should believe and live out. I am loved and wanted the way that I am, not the way I think I should be. If I we

 "...To each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it." Eph. 4:7 I'll let you in on a little something about me: I need a lot of grace. Grace from you, grace from God, lots of grace... gimme all the grace you can muster. Getting older has forcibly taught me this fact. I have been dragged into the realization kicking and screaming.  When I was in High School, I remember struggling with something that made me feel so much less valued than everyone else. I felt like I had a huge blot on me, a scarlet letter that told everyone I was flawed. One of my youth leaders wrote back to me the verse in 2 Cor. 12:10 - "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." It has remained my steady friend all these years. It is the verse I run to. It is the insight I love most from Paul, a person I often perceive as overbearing and above everyone else. He shares of his weakness and how God answers his request for healing and relief. God said

I am studying Ephesians again (one of my favorites) and have been hit hard by one simple thought again and again. God has one desire that fuels all that He does. Everything that He has ever done points to this one thing!  He wants to be with me. He wants to be with you. Simple, right? Unfortunately, we mucked it up as we humans usually do so, no. We could stop there and be lost in our discouragement, wallowing in our sad existence much like the prodigal son laying in the pen with the pigs despairing that any one could ever love us again. I can almost feel the filth oozing up between the crevices of my toes and the repugnant stink of it contaminating all that I might come upon. Wow... major downer. God doesn't want me to stay there, though. Again and again He shows me what He wants more than anything else: to spend time with me. Doesn't seem real, does it? The God of all, the Creator of everything, THE GOD wants to enjoy my company. Hard to believe. But true. Follow me on this..