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THE EARLY MORNING DEW
I sip from the chalice of early morning dew and delight in the surreal music of nature waking. Through hazy eyes, I witness the sunrise and applaud this masterpiece before humans blot out its calm. I stare in wonder as Creation offers this private viewing and taste of eternity. In the early morning I worship our King.
Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone's face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come. -by Henri Nouwen
LOVE OF CHRIST, FAMILY & SELF
The best time to love with your whole heart is always now, in this moment, because no breath beyond the current is promised. – Fawn Weaver
"Behold, children are a heritage and gift from the Lord. The fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. How blessed [happy and fortunate] is the man whose quiver is filled with them;
They will not be ashamed
When they speak with their enemies [in gatherings] at the [city] gate. (AMP)
"... Jesus must become the heart of my heart, the fire of my life, the love of my soul, the bridegroom of my spirit. He must become my only thought, my only concern, my only desire." by Henri Nouwen.
" Christ said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." Matthew 22:37 (KJV)
LOVE OF SELF
“Exhaustion, burnout, and depression are not signs that you are doing God’s will. God is gentle and loving. God desires to give you a deep sense of safety in God’s love. Once you have allowed yourself to experience that love fully, you will be better able to discern who you are being sent to in God’s name.” -by Henri Nouwen
" For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church," Ephesians 5:29
When I Think About Christ
When I think of Christ, I think of fresh, unblemished snow, as it falls without fanfare, erasing the footprints of my past.
For, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be …white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18) ESV.
I watch in wonder as our Creator tosses back the drizzly blanket of winter’s decay and nurses the newborn seedlings, growing beside Spring’s swollen riverbeds.
Promising, “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14).
I close my eyes and imagine the Good Shepherd, holding me so that I can hear His heart beating. For “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart...” (Isaiah 40:11) NIV. This perfect Lamb of God, who lay down his life to save y ours and mine. How can I begin to thank my Redeemer?
My Deliverer. “…As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last will take His stand on the earth.” (Job 19:25).
By Lois Macdonald
