0 muddy hands: March 2006

Tuesday, March 28

78 books + The Book

i dont know... call me weird. i just love books. the pictures. the words. the smell. The local librarian must think we are freaks of some sort. Because after she scanned my 12 newest selections, she peered intensely over the rim of her glasses and asked in a reproachful tone --"Mam, you do know that you still have 66 more books checked out?" You may be wondering yourself -- am i afraid i wiil never get to the library again? or do I love to sniff different books all day? no.no.no. I just love too many of them--I get overwhelmed- and I want to take them all home. The limit is 50, but i'm on good borrowing status, so they override my account. Now I am allowed 100! Is that insane or what? Have you heard the saying, "books can take you anywhere, teach you anything, and allow you to imagine you are anyone you want to be. It is so true. They are treasures to be discoverd. So is God's Word. The more I read His stories, parables, travels, teachings,commands, promises... the more I realize that I can do all things with His strength. I can not become whoever, but who He really intends and desires for me to be. I can also go so many places-- He loves world travelers. He has the best self-help chapters and actually provides all the help you need. His book includes poetry, song, drama, comedy, financial advice, parenting tips and love letters. The best thing about His book is that He speaks to you while you read. Hebrews 4:12 says it best," For the Word of God is living and powerful... It is not a book on tape --It is just ALIVE! Check it out. No late fees. Just treasure and adventure to be discovered.
*******************************************
Oh Lord, how I do love your word. Even when it cuts to my very core. The more I study- the more I know you. Thank you that you wrote this book for me to enjoy. May my beloved sisters and brothers in Christ savor each and every word that we read. May the truth dwell in us richly. As we read your law, love, commands and promises - teach us to be like you. My heart's desire is to live a life of radical adventure always being transformed into your image while sharing you with others. Take my life - it is yours. Give me the desire to devour your word not just daily, but throughout my days. When the chapters of my story are written I pray that your name is written over and over on each page. Praise you Jesus for the greatest story ever told. Your daughter, Muddy Hands
*******************************************
Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which when a man has found it, he hides it, and for the joy of it goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field. Matthew 13:44

posted by muddy hands at 12:58 PM | 1 comments

Tuesday, March 14

oh, the places you'll go!

work of art by Crash
are you on the road to nowhere?
are you off the beaten path?
have you made a wrong turn?
have you come to a dead end?
have you come to a fork in the road?
are you sitting at the crossroad?
do you even know where you are?
Just stop and ask for direction. Locate your guide.
Take the scenic route by traveling on the Highway to Holiness. Jesus is the
Highway to Holiness. In John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me. He is all the road map we need. He gives signs to point the way. There are markers along the way to remind us where we have been. With Him as our guide there are no wrong turns. When we are weary, He says rest in me. When we fall asleep at the wheel, He awakens us with His gentle voice. When our eyes are not on the road, He reminds us to be focused. When we are out of gas, His word refuels us. When we are tired of driving and the destination seems too distant, He says may I take over now!
Join me, my friend, on the road that is often less travelled. However, I warn you -it is not always a smooth, easy ride. But it is the wildest, most exciting trip you will ever take. The world is yours for the seeing. It is quite an adventure. Oh, the places you'll go!
************************************************
Father, Your people must become holy. You say to be holy, for you are holy. I understand it is not about perfection, but about excellence. Striving for your best. What keeps us from your presence? Reveal areas in our lives that require immediate turns. Guide us away from things that lead us down the road of destruction. Gently guide us back when we wander off the path of righteousness. I am blown away to know that when you see me - you see me as "holy and blameless". How could you love me so much? Thank you for the spiritual markers I can see in my life. Sway me with your love to want to go wherever you lead. Even when the ride is a little less comfortable and the terrain is unfamiliar. May we all find ourselves wanting to be on adventure with you. Whatever preparations it takes for us to be ready - please insist those to us. Strip away things not needed. Reveal the sin that needs to be left behind in order to move ahead with you. I love you, Lord and I lift my voice to worship you. Blessed be your name.
************************************************
A highway shall be there, and a road, And it shall be callled the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, But it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, Shall not go astray. Isaiah 35:8

posted by muddy hands at 9:08 PM | 0 comments

Saturday, March 11

what if

multitudes. variety. colors. differences. similarities.
culture is great. being cultured is great. But today I thought, what if: my sons never attended an opera, never performed in the local theatre, never gazed at masterpieces in art galleries, never visited the Smithsonian, never played a stringed instrument, never saw a hit on Broadway, what if...what if... Would their life be lacking?

But...what if they saw the multitudes?  what if they saw the variety, colors, differences and similarities of God's people?  what if?

posted by muddy hands at 3:35 PM | 0 comments