Bees in My Bonnet

This time is like a conversation. I open my heart and say all the things - Sometimes nice things, Upsetting things, Confusing things. They’re all there, and I just say it all:  I don’t hold back. I imagine You curiously listening. You let it all come out, even when I’m frustrated. Especially when I’m frustrated. There is no slamming the door on our conversation. You are patient. Then there is a stillness - a pause. I wait. Maybe now You will speak. Maybe now I can hear. The pages of Your book are open before me: What might You say? You are alive in me - Of course in the words of the book too! The Spirit draws my eyes to read Your words. Oh You did hear me!  Your words soak into this parched soul. And I am satisfied.

I hear the term 'situational ethics' thrown around with scoffing tones.  And I'm sure there's good reason for this.  But I'd like to highlight something that is far more common, more subtle and more agreeable to our collective palates.  Situational Contentment.  That contentment, shalom, peaceful calm, serenity, blissful reverie that finds it's joy in the situation at hand.  I don't want to knock it - no, we can rightly enjoy the stuff of life - money, houses, land, nice weather, vacations, health, well-being, relational harmony - because they simply ARE enjoyable.  The problem comes when we can only  be content if these things are all fine and dandy.  When we can define each area of our lives with glowing, gushing, delightful phrases that make people wonder if we live the realm of normal. Today I read Psalm 16.  Let's go through it together, shall we?  (It's the cure for the common contentment disorder.  Otherwise known as CCD, ...

Today I have a guest post from writer, Jackie Kenney, who has written some beautiful thoughts about the Man of Sorrows. MAN OF SORROWS                He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering.   Isaiah 53:3  I know this sounds so unspiritual but each time I read this I hear the Soggy Bottom Boys from the movie  O Brother, Where Art Thou?  singing " I-I-I  am a mama-in of constant sorrow, I've seen trouble all my day.( I've seen trouble all my day) " I looked up that song on You Tube. I wanted to find out if it was written for the movie or if it was old and maybe had something to do with the Isaiah 53 "Man of Sorrows". Depending on who sings it, the words roughly are:              I am a man of constant sorrow; I've seen trouble all my day     ...

I met God in the afternoon when the day was at its best for me - For the kids were all now settled and I had some time for tea. My Bible opened, Hannah kicking nearby - I trusted this quiet to last with no cries! For the morning is busy and giving up sleep to nurture my soul still leaves me weak - Fatigue makes the challenge for the Spirit's control Greater and trying, and I certainly know That Jesus walks with me through each of my hours When kids are contented, or I'm covered with flour! When chaos ensues and my attitude fails Or when it's smooth sailing - the absence of wails! By formally meeting with Him or not, I know He is with me and I am not fraught With worry or fear for I'm not alone, I talk to Him often - His peace I own. For you and the season of life you now walk - Morn, noon or sunset - any time on the clock - It may be the best to meet God other times, But remember He's with you - seek and you'll find. Meet Him because your soul hungers and thir...