Christmas Love

A church on a hill.

Gentle snow dancing down.

Organ music proudly plays,

And sings of the Savior born.

Candles lit

Wreathes hung

People greet

Carols sung.

A man sits alone in a pew

Not knowing why he is there

Other than there is no where else

To be on this Christmas Eve.

A stranger to the chapel

But yet it is so familiar to him.

Memories from Christmas' past flood his mind

This place brings unusual comfort.

Barely whispering the hymns

With words like,

"Ris'n with healing in His wings" and

"God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn"

My heart goes out to him,

Does he really understand?

Those words ring so true,

But does he see that?

The love Christ has for us,

It's not just here on Christmas Day

It's deeper than what we think.

More than a baby in a manger.

I wanted to shout,

To sing His praises,

To reveal the beauty of God

To everyone in the room.

To me, Christmas is the most important time of year,

Why, you ask?

Because it reminds us,

With a picture of God's love.

My heart breaks for some.

For those who only see once a year.

I pray Christmas wakes them up.

Opens their eyes to a greater love.

A candle in my hand,

Reminds me of the burning.

The burning jealousy He feels toward us.

With an un- extinguishable flame.

So let's not brush past a Christmas Eve service.

Take it and remind yourself

Just how much you are loved.

Even more than you can ever imagine.

Change

Change. 

Change is a funny thing.

No, not change as in nickels and dimes,

But change that determines paths in life.

Sometimes change takes time,

Slowly morphing the world you live in.

Sometimes it attacks you from behind,

Leaving you confused as to what just happened.

Good or bad?

Some change is good, some bad.

Change can bring vibrancy to life,

But it can also take away something very important.

Good change is, well...good!

It can open our eyes to a whole new world,

Or we can step into a new chapter in life

And that can bring us more joy than ever.

Bad change can be disasterous.

It can alter life in such away that you feel like you can't ever move on.

Even certain memories can be painful,

Because you realize that they really, truly are just  memories.

All in all, God can use change.

You can either accept it, and step into His plan,

Or you can deny it, staying angry and bitter.

It's your choice.  

Heaven's Castle

Eyes closed.

Total darkness before me.

I try to block out distractions.

"God, tell me something."

Two doors. 

I reach out to open them.

Light explodes from within.

"Step into the beauty I have for you."

Castle balcony.

A huge crowd before me.

The feeling He has toward me is delight

As He presents me to His people. 

Green dress.

That's what I'm wearing.

An emerald princess gown.

I've always wanted to be royalty!

I turn.

There He stands, beaming.

I squeeze Him tight

As He graces my cheek with a kiss.

Majestic corridor. 

A ceiling as high as the sky. 

Pillars of gold, silver and bronze.

Marble floors pass beneath my feet.

Shining armor.

Finally! It's my long awaited knight!

Down on one knee holding a rose for me,

But beautiful light hides his face. 

Banquet table.

God, my knight and I,

Feasting on the best food.

The three of us, great friends. 

Scary dragon.

Evil rears it's ugly head.

I'm a damsel in distress,

But my knight comes to my rescue.

I smile.

Happiness surrounds me.

A beautiful princess with a prince to match.

What more could I need?

But wait.

I realize something.

The knight wasn't my husband,

But instead it was Jesus!

Yes, Jesus!

He loves me, and wants my whole heart.

His Father enjoys our company.

And Jesus conquered death's sting.  

In love.

I am so in love.

These images touched my heart,

To know I am cherished by the King of Kings.

You too.

Take these pictures,

And put yourself in them.

You too can be royalty in Heaven's castle.

Oh My Child

Oh My child! 

How beautiful you are!

Your heart is pure gold!

Oh My child!

I love your devotion,

Your faith moves Me!

Oh My child!

I am so proud of you,

I am ravished by one glance!

Oh My child!

Wait, where are you going?

Can't you see that path is named pain?

Oh My child!

You have chosen the world over Me,

But I will keep My arms open wide.

Oh My child!

You are trapped, crying for help.

I am here! Can't you hear Me?

Oh My child!

Your heart, it is shattered,

But I will piece it back together. 

Oh My child!

You are in such a dark place,

But the Lamb has been interceding for you.

Oh My child!

It has been so long,

When will you call My name?

Oh My child!

You are in so much pain. 

It grieves My heart to see it.

Oh My child!

You are so broken!

When will you let Me help?

Oh My child!

I heard My name!

Come, come back quickly!

Oh My child!

Here, in My arms you are again.

It is so wonderful!

Oh My child!

I'll throw a party!

A celebration for your return!

Oh My child!

You have given Me your shame,

Your guilt, condemnation and doubt.

Oh My child!

The Blood covers the memories.

No need to look back.

Oh My child!

You have handed Me a million pieces.

It will take time but your heart will heal.

Oh My child!

Piece by piece I restore you,

Stitch by stitch I heal you.

Oh My child!

The past is nailed to the cross,

Keep moving forward. 

Oh My child!

I have so much to tell you!

I have so much to show you!

Oh My child!

Do not despise the process,

For I love to see you grow.

Oh My child!

Do not be afraid,

For I love you.

Oh My child!

Do not be disappointed in yourself,

For you do know love. 

 Oh My child!

Your heart has been emptied of pain,

Now I will fill it with My glory. 

Oh My child!

I love your excitement,

Your hunger for My Word.

Oh My child!

I have given You dove's eyes,

And I have the same for you.

Oh My child!

Nothing can steal your heart from Me.

I am yours, and you are Mine. 

Oh My child!

You have grown so much.

Now go! Share your knowledge.

Oh My child!

I am so proud of you,

I am ravished by one glance!

Oh My child!

I love your devotion,

Your faithfulness moves Me.

Oh My child! 

How beautiful you are!

Your heart is pure gold!

"Daddy"

An infant is born.

She cries and is fed.

Family surrounds her.

Friends are with her. 

She looks and smiles, but the one she seeks is not there.

Nowhere to be found.

A little girl's fifth birthday.

She laughs and is giddy.

Family surrounds her.

Friends are with her.

She looks and smiles, but the one she seeks is not there.

Nowhere to be found.

A sister has a brother.

She helps with therapy and watches him struggle.

Family surrounds her.

Friends are with her.

She looks and smiles, but the one she seeks is not there.

Nowhere to be found.

A young girl is diagnosed.

She endures pain and prays for a miracle. 

Family surrounds her.

Friends are with her. 

She looks and smiles, but the one she seeks is not there.

Nowhere to be found. 

A teenager picks up and leaves.

She packs her things and goes somewhere new. 

Family is farther away.

Friends will be new.

She looks and smiles, but the one she seeks is not there.

Nowhere to be found. 

A girlfriend is abused.

She aches for a protector. 

Family surrounds her.

Friends are with her.

She looks and smiles, but the one she seeks is not there.

Nowhere to be found. 

An actress has a passion.

She works hard and strives.

Family surrounds her.

Friends are with her.

She looks and smiles, but the one she seeks is not there.

Nowhere to be found.

A young lady grows.

She is awarded and graduates.

Family surrounds her.

Friends are with her.

She looks and smiles, but the one she seeks is not there.

Nowhere to be found.

Now an adult, she moves on.

She is excited and ready for the road. 

Family lets go.

Friends are awaiting in the future.

She looks and smiles, but the one she seeks is not there.

Nowhere to be found. 

Jesus Christ was her best friend.

Strength kept her faith.

Family never left her.

Friends were always there.

She looks and frowns, realizing who she was seeking.

Nowhere to be found.

"Daddy" she cries.

"I needed you there, Daddy.

Family surrounded me.

Friends were with me.

I looked and smiled, but you were never there.

Nowhere to be found."

Broken Pieces

Broken pieces like glass

Shattered all around me.

I'm trying to avoid them,

So I don't hurt my feet.

I look at them and frown

That's me lying on the ground!

I sit down in dismay,

almost ready to give up.

I see myself in the mirror,

Not liking what I see.

I look at my chest and discover

This big hole inside of me.

The pain is there,

But I can't feel it.

I am sad and I cry,

But the wall won't come crashing down.

I hear someone coming,

who could it be?

Through my tears I faintly see,

Jesus Christ standing before me.

I bow my head again,

"Don't look at me Jesus.

I am so terribly sorry, but as You can see,

my only gift to You is very much destroyed."

He smiles, shakes His head

And kneels down to my level.

Very carefully He picks up the glass

And begins to put the puzzle together.

After what seems like forever,

I look up and see,

He's holding what might be a heart,

But I can't quiet tell yet.

There are still bruises and cuts,

Heavy weights and confusion within.

But suddenly I realize my shame is gone,

and I can look Him in the eyes.

"If you let me have this," He says

"I will heal, and restore."

But why? I ask myself.

Why does He want my heart?

He heard my question and answered,

"Because you are My beloved, and I am yours.

Because even with one glance from you, My heart is ravished."

I stand there in shock, not knowing what to say.

I slowly nod my head,

His eyes grow big, and smiles so brightly.

I begin to realize that He not only loves me,

But He actually just plain likes me too!

He begins to work on my heart,

healing the bumps and bruises.

And as He works,

For the first time, I can feel again.

Finally, He is finished and presents to me,

A big, bright sparkling glass heart.

"Here, here is My heart, for you.

Take it and mourn no more."

But then He takes a jar and begins to pour,

He pours the joy of the Lord all over me.

Now, for the first time in a long time

I feel really, truly happy.