Enjoying the Beauty

There is beauty in every day...

Beauty in sunrise,
Beauty in a rested body,
beauty in health, strength,
Beauty in being able to serve, give, love, help,
Beauty in that smile, that touch, that kind gesture,
Beauty in that conversation, that idea, that memory,
Beauty in the goodness of God surrounding us.

Strife takes the beauty away,
Selfishness takes the beauty away,
Offended feelings, victim feelings, "poor me" feelings take the beauty away,
Telling lies, believing lies, harsh words,
All destroy the beauty, destroy the treasure, destroy the poured out goodness.

Allow me God to see the poured out treasures of Your grace today.
Thank you God for Your beauty!

The Good Shepherd

My Good Shepherd doesn't send someone else to find His lost sheep,
No, He goes Himself, pursing, searching.
He does not give up on the search,
Or only look in the safe places.
There is no limit to the distance or the deepness He will go to search.

He promises success... rescue... found.
He brings them home, carrying them in His arms because of their wounds, malnutrition, and disease.
He brings them back to the green pastures of His love and acceptance.
He brings them back to the cool waters of refreshment and cleansing.
He brings them back...and begins to restore them:
      Singing over them His songs of love,
      Reminding them of who they are, who He is, and what He wants to do for them.
      He nourishes them with His words.
      Comforts them with His compassion,
      Heals them with His truth,
      Forgives them with His power,
      Restores them with His strength,
      Sending His streams of living waters for their continual provision.

The Good Shepherd makes a covenant with His rescued flock,
Surrounding them with His blessings, favor, prosperity as they trust in His wisdom, His care, His direction,
       His provision.

He promises showers of blessings...just when needed, 
      bumper crops of fruit to share,
      peace and rest

Rescued, restored, provided for...such a wonderful Shepherd!

Ezekiel 34

Comforting Love

Thank you for Your comforting love, Father!

Your love that comes alongside and says, "I am here, I will never leave you."

Your comforting love that hugs me tight when the grief hurts,

Your comforting love that does not reject me when I question,

Your comforting love that keeps me steady when I feel faint,

Your comforting love that lifts my head and breathes hope into me,

Your comforting love that allows me to see your eyes of compassion...

And as I gaze into your eyes...
Into the eyes of the One who loves me completely,
I am surrounded with Your truth... and peace comes.

Thank you for Your comforting love!