Breaking.

if I break
my alabaster on
your holy feet
so that its fragrance

fills everything around you.
Throw away my life
That was never mine. Always yours.
Martyr for my master.

May I sit at your feet
Tell you all the ways I love you
Live in your truth.
In your white light.

Die to myself
My dreams
Trade them for yours.
Can I say "yes"?

And if I say it
Wholeheartedly. Honestly. Sincerely.
Will you promise,
To always be there?

To never leave me
In darkness. In deserts.
To hold my hand.

…his right arm embraces me
and his left arm is behind my head.

By: Lindsey Carmical

How does this poem speak to you?

Opened & Closed Doors

We need to learn to thank the Lord for closed doors just as much as we do for open doors. The reason God closes doors is because He has not prepared anything behind that door for us. If He didn't close the wrong door we would never find our way to the right door.

Even when we don't realize it, God directs our paths through the closing and opening of doors. When one door closes, it forces us to change our course. Another door closes; it forces us to change our course yet again.

Then finally, we find the open door and walk right into our blessing.

But instead of praising God for the closed door (which kept us out of trouble), we get upset because we "judge by the appearances." And in our own arrogance, or ignorance, we insist that we know what is right.

We have a very present help in the time of need who is always standing guard. Because He walks ahead of us, He can see trouble down the road. And He sets up roadblocks and detours accordingly. But through our lack of wisdom we try to tear down the roadblocks or push aside the detour signs. Then the minute we get into trouble, we start crying "Lord how could This happen to me?"

We have got to realize that the closed door was a blessing. Didn't He say that "No good thing will He withhold from them that love Him?"

If you get terminated from your job - don't be down, instead thank God for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves - it might be a better job, or an opportunity to go to school.

If that man or woman won't return your call - it might not be them, it might be the Lord setting up a roadblock (just let it go). I'm so grateful, for the many times God has closed doors to me, just to open them in the most unexpected places.

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." (Psalms 37:23) The Mountain top is glorious, but it is in the Valley that I will grow!

Always remember God gives you...

Enough Happiness to keep you sweet
Enough Trials to keep you strong
Enough Sorrows to keep you human
Enough Hope to keep you happy
Enough Failure to keep you humble
Enough Success to keep you eager
Enough Friends to give you comfort
Enough Wealth to meet your needs
Enough Enthusiasm to make you look forward
Enough Faith to banish depression, and
Enough Determination to make each day a better day than the last.

Life must be lived forward but can only be understood backwards.

"Commit to the Lord in whatever you do and your plans will succeed."
Proverbs 16:3

To Whom Has God Called You?

First and foremost, God has called you to Himself-to get to know Him, love Him, glorify Him. But He has also called you (asked you to follow Him and obey Him in a specific way) to minister to a particular group or certain age range of people? For whom does your heart break? Whose cries echo in your ears? Few thrills compare to the discovery of your life’s calling, including specifics about who, what, where, or how you are to humbly serve. If you have already heard the details about to whom you are called, jot that down today in thanksgiving. If not, ask the Lord to reveal to you ministry opportunities to the general population, as you prayerfully surrender to His will and await further instructions from Him.

Have you heard the call?

Do you gravitate toward church pastors who are computer illiterate, anxious to teach them how to prepare a PowerPoint presentation? Has God specifically urged you to pray for the lepers in Calcutta, India, or support the orphans in Tijuana, Mexico? Do you feel compelled to visit those in jail? Do you ache for children who have special needs, for your churches youth ministry, for those adults with no church family, or for visiting missionaries? Are you a friend to unwed mothers, the homeless, elderly, oppressed, fatherless, or widows? Are you drawn to those who are indigent, fire victims, orphans, hearing impaired, house-bound, or war veterans? Do you feel led to work with a parachurch organization to reach the unsaved around the world?

To whom has God called you?

[God said,] “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” (Jeremiah 1:5)

How does this verse speak to you?

From "Praying for Purpose" by Dr. Katie Brazelton - pg. 223-225

What's Going on in your Quiet Time?

You are probably familiar with most of the traditional methods of having a successful quiet time. But the what you do is not the only important part of today's question. That would make this exercise too easy. The tougher and more important question is this: How have you been doing lately in your times with the Lord? God is extremely interested in the heart you bring into the experience. Do you invite the Lord into your quiet time and allow Him to determine what each encounter becomes? If so, these will be some of the most treasured times of your life - when God reveals more of Himself and His plans to you.

Private Meetings with Jesus
There are many ways to enhance your quiet time: writing in a journal; confessing a sin; memorizing Scripture; singing; working through a devotional guide; practicing silence; enjoying God's "outdoor artwork"; or praying with praise, confession, gratitude, and requests. Are you dragging yourself into Jesus' presence and enduring a legalistic obligation? Or are you ecstatic to have the privilege of visiting with Him to praise Him, learn more about Him, and see what assignments He as for you? Is your heart cold or on fire for your Savior?

Scripture to Ponder: "[Jesus said,] "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense His grace." Matthew 6:6 (MSG)

Do you regularly spend a "quiet time" with God? If so, how do you spend that time?


From Katie Brazelton's "Praying for Purpose" pg 118-121.