Reaching Out....

Reaching Out...

The world around bid me forget all but that which is seen

The veil is thick, yet beyond its shroud are truly wondrous things

Yet they say no, just turn away, there is no such truth

No answer or hope can they give to lost and searching youth

Yet my heart bid that I believe in what I hardly feel

A voice inside, so deep inside me, says it is real

Yea, more, it asks me to beckon you to my side

To join me in this place where time and dreams and eternity collide

And find that in the clash of these a rhythm true is found

Its beat finds its way into my heart and lets me hear the sound

Of waves upon the shore of eternity's sweet haven

A place where I find a solace for my soul's deep craving

Where joy I find, where love is mine, where dreams are always true

Where I know reality will meet one day to find me there with you.

Temporal....

Temporal, passing, fading, gone

This life, yet something still lives on

Unbound, it stands beyond all time

Its reason found through life's rhyme

A storm cannot wash it away

Nor tears you fear will ever stay

Its call is heard beyond, above

It is that thing known as love

Always, eternal, endless, forever

Love that nothing of this life can sever

Begins in the heart, at home in the soul

The haphazard pieces at last become whole

Temporal, passing, fading, gone

Most things of this life, but love lives on

Unaware Angels

Unaware angels

There is a verse somewhere in the Bible that talks about being kind to strangers because we never know when we might be entertaining angels unawares.

I have heard enough stories and experiences from people I know and trust, and experienced things myself to know this to be true.

However there is another kind of 'angel unaware'. I am unsure whether this second kind occurs more or less often than the kind mentioned in the Bible. The funny thing is, it is up to us how many times it happens.

Have you ever been an angel unaware? Have you been there for someone, called them at just the time they needed someone to talk to? Answered the phone in the middle of the night and listened and reassured a friend who was despairing? Written a note of encouragement or blessing to a friend because they just happened to pop into your mind? Done a favor for someone when they were down and out? Has someone ever done any odds those things, or other things, for you? Are there those of whom you would say, 'he/she was an angel to me when I needed it most'. Maybe they don't even know that it meant so much to you and that it was something you'll never forget. They were unaware that they were an angel...an angel unaware.

Would you be interested in being an angel unaware? The opportunities arise at the oddest times and places, usually when we feel we have nothing left to give, or when we don't really feel we have the time or wherewithal to reach out to another. Maybe that is so that we do  not credit ourselves too much. After all, an angel is what? A messenger. Whose messenger? God's. What better time to be a messenger of love, hope and comfort than at a time we know it cannot be us and we rely on Him the most.

I could sure do with more angelic presence in my life. I would be more than happy to entertain angels. When they're not seeking to be entertained, though, I think I'll try to help others by being an unaware angel.

Care to join me?

Valentine's Day Musings...

Valentine's Day Musings...

Why is the rose the flower of love?

There are other flowers every bit as unique, and colorful, and even beautiful. The lily is lovely as a symbol of new life and purity and innocence. The carnation is just as intricate and detailed. The snapdragon is every bit as unique.

Is it that the rose, with its rich depth of color and thick, velvety texture portends that love is richer and deeper still than the love its presence suggests? Is it that its thorny home extends a message, that the path of love is never smooth or easy, but always more than worth the trouble and trials that are strewn about it?

Love is like a rose: rich, deep, with a promise of perfection and beauty in its very imperfection. 

Why is the cherub the angel of love?

There are many other forms of angels that are powerful and majestic. The archangels are the very symbol of power and beauty. Guardian angels watch over each person, most likely with infinite love. Seraphim…just the word denotes a majesty and wonder. But cherubs are viewed by many as childlike, cute, sometimes even mischievous.

Is it that the cherub, with its playfulness and childlike sense of fun, shows us how love is supposed to be? Love is so many things, and takes on so many forms, but the love of a child is pure, innocent and trusting. It forgives and begins each day with wonder and a thousand kisses.

Love is like a cherub: joyous, childlike, and never losing its sense of wonder.

Why is the heart the symbol of love?

We all know that emotions and feelings don't originate in the heart, so why is it the symbol of love? Why not the arms, which can embrace? Why not the lips, which can kiss away doubt and speak words of love and passion? Why not the eyes, which can express more than words ever could?

Is it that the heart is the source of life? Without many other parts, a person can still live, but without the heart beating, this life is no more. The heart, sometimes frail, worn, or irregular, is the symbol of love. Without the heart, no life can live. Without love, no life is worth living.

Love is like the heart: an unexpected source of strength; although not what we would expect, it is always beautiful, especially to those who are open to its wonder.

May this day bring you love, in unexpected and beautiful ways, as you open your heart to the gift of love, given to all who would believe. Happy Valentine’s Day.

So close....

So close....

It was a full moon last night, and it was beautiful.  You know, those times that you feel you could almost reach out and touch it. It seemed so close. It reminded me of when a friend told me that when he was young, he thought the moon was following him. The funny thing was, I had thought the same thing when I was younger too. Some nights it seemed closer than ever and filled me with a sense of wonder, excitement and... hope.

I read somewhere that a teacher who measured the biblical proportions of the heavenly city, described in revelations, found that it could fit perfectly within the dimensions of the earth's moon.

Naturally, heaven is in a different dimension altogether, a realm beyond space and time, so there is no way of knowing whether or not it is there, but the possibility remains.

The idea itself seems uncanny, yet wonderful; ironic, yet fantastic. To think that heaven is there always within sight, and yet, just out of sight at the same time. What is more, on those nights the moon is full, shining down in all its mirrored glory, it seems to be so close as to pursue the lonely traveler, the wondering child, the hopeful dreamer.

Whether or not heaven, upon some higher realm, exists within the moon, still it is a comforting thought to have the knowledge and assurance that heaven, though our spirit wax or wane, though our heart seems full or nearly overcome by the clouds of grief and sorrow, heaven remains always near, shining its eternal hope, love and purpose to all who will look up and draw near.