SILENT

I know I have been silent for a while.

A lot has been going on in my life.

As some of you know I love visuals.

The first picture of the stained glass is a beautiful one I captured a picture of in my sister's home.

Lately my journey is like that stained glass.

God is lovingly taking the pieces of my fractured life and creating a masterpiece.

But it is so hard and painful at times as He molds each piece to fit.

Also I am reading an incredible book that is part of my journey Choose Joy.

Joy is a choice my friends!

The secret is saturating ourselves with the presence of Jesus.

The last picture is another reason I have been silent.

I have been focusing more on journaling in "touchable" form.

Circumstances in my life have made me back away from posting.

So I will probably go back to silence again.

That is OK.

May even start a fresh new blog who knows.

If ever you want to communicate with me my email is

GrahamCJ48@gmail.com

Peace and joy to you my friends.

Love- Chris

Life is good!

But life is hard.

Last night I spent about 2 hours tossing and turning in the fear, worry and anxiety mode.

That is definitely not a good thing.

What it did to my physical body was stressful and was filled with anxiety.

My future is once again going to change in a major way.

My finances are going to change sooner than I thought.

So this is where the "rubber meets the road".

Am I going to trust or be filled with fear?

Breath prayers starting coming out of my mouth in a sweet, peaceful way last night.

Do I still have the challenges, yes but anxiety is in the process of being replaced with peace and trust.

What do you have facing you today?

It is so hard to face our hurdles alone but so much easier when we gave them

to a God who loves us so much.

So remember when we face challenges God is behind the scenes working on our behalf.

Happy Mother's Day!

Many posts ago I gave honor to my Mother and I felt the need to once again respect her with expressing my love for her.

My mother is the saving grace in my life.

She is an example of exhibiting tremendous courage and a very deep faith.

During her life she faced many challenges and obstacles.

But she has always looked at the positive and good in her life.

She dances and celebrates all that is right and she refuses to keep her eyes on the troubles she faces.

She is a giver in the truest sense of the world.

My very deep faith is a direct result of her life.

God truly blessed me with an angel as a Mom.

This pictured caught my eye for today's post.

What are the first thoughts that come to mind when you wake up in the morning?

I know some of you are not morning people but that doesn't keep us from thinking.

I am a MORNING person!

This picture makes me think this little girl is ready for a fun day.

Anticipation..

We have addressed the word before but it is worthy of talking about it again.

What would happen if the first words out of our mouth were words of gratitude?

Words of love for our Father who gave us a brand new day?

"Breath prayers" of Lord be with me, help me be the person You want me to be?

Joy, peace and gratitude are choices we make each and every minute of the day.

What will be your choice each day?

Hand all challenges, hurts, and pains to the Healer and Helper of ALL we face.

Have a Beautiful Day.

Well back to reality : (.

I have never experienced a cruise before and the sights and sounds were simply amazing.

I took about 200 hundred photos and I want to to create a journal of all the wonderful memories.

The top picture is a sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico.

The sun was incredible as it would peek over the horizon.

The second picture is of towel animals that were left each night by a steward that went above and beyond to make my cruise VERY special.

The third picture is of the water in Progresso.

I have never seen water the color of the two ports we visited. The last picture is of the boat.

Cozumel is especially pretty not only with the crystal clear water but the city itself.

I am so thankful to my boss who treated the office staff to this unforgettable, most likely  once in lifetime experience.

Good Morning!

I am packed and ready to go.

I am a little nervous about the unknown.

But I am expecting to have a marvelous time.

What are you expecting today?

Have you lost your hope?

In my quiet time today there was a story about the author watching a young girl swim. There was a gentleman nearby talking to her. As she continued to watch the young girl she realized she was blind and the gentleman was her guide to a safe and wonderful time swimming.

We don't know what is on the road ahead but God does. What would happen if we expected His guidance?

It is available but we have to listen and be open to Him.

Ask Him to replenish your hope, to renew your expectation.

Also this morning I got up very early in anticipation of the days ahead and I watched Secretariat.

What an absolutely beautiful movie.

Have a great week.



You want to know how these pictures tie together?

Yesterday I got hit hard with some news that the source of my outside income will most likely end much sooner than I thought! Whew! I found out yesterday afternoon as I was driving home.

The good side is the source of my income is on the road to finding peace in his life.

Now I have a choice in this situation to allow fear, worry and anxiety to set in or...

ABIDE

What does abide mean to you?

To dwell, to stay in place-

I choose to abide in the presence of the Lord.

So this morning I was in a prayer mode, relishing my time in the word and oh yes-

Praise Dancing- what a beautiful release for me.

Now we come to the middle picture.

My boss blessed the office staff with an all expense paid cruise.

Pure Delight!

I have NEVER been on a cruise so my eyes will be wide open and camera in hand.

I will be back on Thursday ready to share my adventure.

Talk about the beautiful presence of the Lord- I plan to see Him in everything.

From my previous posts you know I had overwhelming car problems. I also eluded to the fact that a miracle might happen. On my way to work yesterday I truly left it in God's hands it was up to Him what the outcome was and peace settled in my heart and mind

He did work a miracle and the module that controls the transmission is going to be replaced and if the transmission needs to be replaced it will under an extended warranty.

But my reaction is what mattered.

At first I truly spiraled but God's mercy allowed me to turn my eyes away from the issue at hand and look to Him

It is called grace and mercy.

Today I want you to take time and heed the second picture and stand somewhere and look to the sky and be silent

for a moment and be thankful for God's presence in your life- set aside your

challenges, pain, and worries, focus your eyes on HIM.

If you read my previous post you know I am in the middle of a dilemma with my car.

The check engine light stayed on all day.

My eyes kept traveling to it as I drove.

That light reminded me of my challenge.

There may be a miracle in the making concerning it and I won't know until tomorrow morning.

But what happens if that miracle doesn't happen?

Well, I do know that God is in control and He will direct my path.

So I need to take my eye off the check engine light and place my eyes on Him.

Where are your eyes today?

Hmm... something to think about.

Yesterday...

I do not want to push the rewind button and revisit Monday, April 30 again.

Have you ever had a day like that?

I referred to car trouble in a previous post.

It was getting worse so I decided to get it in yesterday to be checked over.

Man, I got hit hard.

I was told that the little computer that runs my transmission had been malfunctioning

and both that and my transmission had to be replaced.

Talk about blindsided I just broke down and cried.

That poor service attendant, putting 5000 dollars into a 2002 car, not a wise decision.

I cannot through physical eyes afford a car payment on my salary.

Then on top of that my boss needed information quickly that I could not recall nor find access to.

Now remember I have a people pleaser heart that I am trying to reign in but have not completed that assignment yet.

Then my computer malfunctioned as I was preparing my boss' appointments for today.

As I was driving home my check engine light came on and my car was having a particularly

hard time shifting gears.

Now this is where the "rubber meets the road"(LOL)!

Do I believe that God works ALL things for the good or not?

I am fighting worry big time but when it wants to raise it's ugly head

I will believe in a GOD who loves me so very much!!!!

What are you facing today?

If you ever want to share something that you are going through you can e-mail

me at GrahamCJ48@gmail.com

and I WILL pray for you.
PS I got a call from one of my precious co-workers and her husband is going to call the service
attendant and ask questions since he knows about cars.
A start isn't it?
Angels are sent our way everyday.

I absolutely love music. All different kinds of music because it ministers to my mind, body and spirit.

This is a song that is on Dolphin Tale called Safe by Westlife.

I relate many of the words to my faith.

(Be sure to pause the playlist)

I have been working through the book An Untroubled Heart.

In the book at the end of a chapter I answered a question

"Where do you find comfort when you are facing fear?"

My answer was through the Word(my quiet time),

music and exercise(walking and dance).

Where do you find comfort?

If I don't access my faith the fear rumbles like a roaring lion in my mind, heart and emotions.

Simple Pleasure

Do you enjoy simple pleasures?

I think they give me more joy then the major ones.

Because if we look we see those simple joys all day long.

Today I decided to forget about my car issues and a health symptom I am a little concerned about

and.... Go take some pictures and walk.

So here goes...

Some of my simple pleasures....

With this photo I decided to find a different perspective, from underneath the flower.

Got the idea as I was getting ready to leave. : ).

I thought this bloom was unusual so I captured it. I look the fountain in the background.

God blesses us with so much beauty in nature.

Hmm.. what is this bloom destined to be?
I did not know until I looked at the label.
An eggplant!

I captured many clusters of flowers- so beautiful.

Today I had to be very patient in taking pictures because it was windy.

Wind produces movement and the movement blurs your picture.

Isn't that the way life is when the wind blows? We have to wait.

What simple pleasures do you enjoy?

Are you waiting on God today?

Are you letting your issues and challenges steal your joy and peace?

Simples pleasures can be the antidote.

Try it.

OK I LOVE this picture of this child dancing!!! That is how I feel because it is FRIDAY!!

It is called the happy dance!

But on the flip side I embrace the second picture because I am having to to raise my "empty"arms

in faith to a God who heals all our hurt and pain.

He gives us an abundance of grace and love.

He embraces us and holds us close when times are tough.

He loves us for who we are.

He gives us what we need when we need it.

All we have to do is raise our hands to receive it.

Help me Lord to be thankful, to love you, and to see YOU working in my life each

and every minute of each and every day.

Waiting ..... Part 2

In my last post I shared how wonderfully God met my need and I was truly thankful.

But what happens when our prayers are met with silence?

Does that happen to you?

My thoughts tend to go in overload.

Have I displeased you Lord?

I don't understand.

Where are you Lord?

He is still there, I just have to dig very deep and get my thoughts off self and focus on Him.

It is hard to do, at least for me.

I have to extract fear and worry and fill that empty place with trust and faith.

Here is a question for you to ponder-

If you did not have problems, issues, and challenges

do you think your faith in the heavenly Father would grow?

I for one don't think so, I think we would rely on self and become complacent.

Hmm... something to think about.

Have a great "middle of the week day".

Waiting....

So hard to do especially when we needed an answer today.

I have very high expectations of myself in my job.

And to be honest with you I wasn't getting any answers to a problem I had in scheduling.

Do you know that once I gave to HIM within 15 minutes the schedule was filled or at least workable.

I get nervous and uptight when I feel like I am not performing like I should or what I THINK is expected of me.

It goes back to that self identity and caring too much what people will think of me.

What would happen if 24/7 I gave all things to His care.

To be honest with you I am doing it more than I used to.

But I AM a work in progress.

Because I want to claim the above promise.

Eagles are made to rise above the storms.

Hmm.. What about you, any thoughts?

Good morning on this Monday in April. I hope you had a restful weekend.

I watched an incredible movie- Dolphin Tail.

It is a true story of overcoming pain, hurt, and obstacles in the lives of several people.

I also had the privilege of listening to a remarkable visiting pastor at our church-

Chris Hodges- Highland Church in Birmingham, AL( my old stomping grounds)

I decided to downland some of his podcasts on I-Tunes.

I listened to the one on our self identity while walking yesterday.

What do you base your identity on?

Your past, the world, what people think, your self talk???

I have allowed what other people think have a major affect on what I think of myself.

Lately I have really had to adjust my thinking for my own well being.

I have lost so much in my life through divorce, death, and over incredible hurt and words said.

But I have not lost God and He is crazy about me and you.

Let Him shape your identity, let Him define who you are.

Blessings to you this day.

 Good morning dear readers!

I have a new song for you.

I heard it the other morning on K-Love.

Let it play (be sure to pause the play list).

Let it start your morning off with a spring in your step.

And let it remind you to be grateful for God's presence with you

each and every minute of this day.

Today is a windy rather cool day in Louisiana. It reminds me of a typical fall day rather than a spring day in mid April.

Today I went to a garage sale that was mainly selling furniture.

I saw this table and asked how much, 5 Bucks!

"I'll take it!" I was a little taken back by my answering so quickly.

Because the table needs a lot of tender loving care to make it a little more workable.

But I could squint my eyes and see what it could become.

Lots of sanding is in my future and then putting a finish on it.

Are we like that table?

God is "sanding us" to make us lovely and beautiful.

Ouch sanding hurts sometimes!
But very worth it in the end.

For you see GOD sees the whole picture not just the given moment.

Also in that picture is my granddaughter's garden.

This is her first attempt at a garden and she is lovingly watering it and fertilizing it

in hopes of a harvest.

Hmm.. Similar aren't they? 

Unexpected twists and turns, have you experienced them? They come whether we want them or not. Even in driving we get them. Yesterday, I was on my way home on the interstate and I was just rounding the bend on a dicey part of the ride home,

cars were slowed down and there was a traffic jam.

We have to be so alert when we are driving , distractions can cause a disaster.

Isn't that the way it is with life?

Distractions come in the form of worry, problems, pain and hurt.

They keep us from focusing on "driving" through life.

Distractions, if we allow them, can take our eyes off the very presence of Jesus in our lives

and can cripple us spiritually.

Are you distracted today?

I sure have been lately and it has temporarily robbed me of my joy.

I need to refocus my mindset.

Lord help me this day.

As I have expressed to you before life is hard! Once again I am facing a loss. My father passed away yesterday.

Am I saddened by the loss absolutely? But in reality he was a very bitter and unhappy man.

He choose to hurt those around him continually and relentlessly.

Have I gone through a process of forgiveness, again ,absolutely.

Because who suffers when we don't forgive?

But I chose to put a guard over my heart and to proceed to find value in myself and not rely on him to confirm that.

I also was given the grace to not compare my Heavenly Father's love to him.

Some of you have had a wonderful relationship with your father and will not understand my reaction.

But that is OK, because some of you will relate to what I am saying.

No one is perfect, hands are raised high in regard to me because I am far from perfect.

But again life is hard, if I did not have the remarkable awareness of the  presence of my Heavenly Father 24/7 I am not sure where I would be at this point in my life.

I am believing this promise because right now my heart is broken in many pieces. But for God to heal that broken heart I have to hand all the pieces to Him.

"When things are flowing smoothly trust seems to flow easily. But you know it really does not require a whole lot of work on our behalf to hold on to this trust.

But it is when things go terribly wrong that the trust flow slows down and sometimes solidifies.

At that point I am forced to choose trusting intentionally or rebelling by resenting Your ways."

From- Jesus Lives by Sarah Young.

Ouch that rebelling word is harsh but you know what when we wallow in pity, resentment , and hurt it is a sin.

Lord forgive me of my sin!

Help me make a fresh new start to this wonderful Friday You gave me as a gift.

I referred to a Bible study I am doing called An Untroubled Heart. What a timely study that God has placed me in at this particular time. This verse was one of the focuses today. Now remember in the previous verse it talked about the valley of the shadow of death (challenges, hurts, pain, loss...) and that God would be with us- He would what? He will be WITH US!

Then this verse promises us that surely goodness and mercy shall follow us ALL the days of our lives.

I love visuals so I want you to picture

Goodness and Mercy

as bodyguards on each side of you

Does that mean adversity won't strike absolutely not BUT your body guards are present

24/7 to guard you, help you, and strengthen you.

We are not meant to do it alone, nor are we capable-God did not form us to 

battle life's challenges in our own strength!

Read Psalm 23 today and let all the words sink into your heart.

This weekend I got to watch a delightful movie We Bought a Zoo. It is all about a family trying to start over from a tragedy in their lives. Matt Damon is "easy on the eyes" but such a determined character in the movie. The odds of success are minimal but that is when the adventure begins.

Home front a story of once again survival of a family that is struggling until an incredible accident occurs that changes their lives forever. Will they survive? Could you or I survive? We all have devastating things that happen in our lives

and somehow we make it through by grace and mercy. Do you have times in your life where you were hit blindsided?

Were you glad you were not given a forewarning? Or would you have preferred that? Me, I am glad God gives us strength as we need it . To be forewarned only causes worry, fear , and anxiety. Any thoughts?

Woohoo! I decided to go on weight watchers, after seeing a picture taken of me from the back side. Rude awaking!

Well, I hit 13 pounds lost this weekend. To put it in perspective that is almost the equivalent to having twins.

Well, almost : ).

As I have said before Easter is the most beautiful celebration of the year to me.
The sermon this morning was about the "dash"- hmm what is that you say?

On a tombstone it has the year one was born, dash, and the year one dies.

We are in the dash stage with all it's challenges, joys, pains, hurdles, and blessings.

We all know what to do with the blessings and joys but what about all the other stuff?

I am going through a struggle with hurt and pain.

I have to lay it at the cross, that is a" have to" at this point when the hurt will not stop.

We sometimes have to do what is painful, also, to say enough pain, enough hurtful words.

It doesn't matter what others think or say but it is best all the way around for all concerned.

What a hard journey we are on but you see I am learning that no matter what happens

GOD IS WITH ME!

This song is beautiful!

Listen to it and let the words sink deep into your soul.
Be sure to pause the music at the bottom.

Have a beautiful Easter celebration!

A few years ago I went to a cementery for Good Friday. It was such a meaningful experience for me. So I decided to do it again. I went to a beautiful one in Metairie, LA(outside of New Orleans). Beautiful would be the one word to describe what I experienced. I shared a few pictures with you. I love the way the sunlight was reflected on the first angel. In the others the blue sky was amazing. We are truly blessed by the sacrifice our precious Saviour made for us on this day. Without that act of true love we would be lost. By the way all graves in New Orleans are above ground because of the sea level in that city. So it makes them unique. I am thinking of each of you on this day.



Easter , in my opinion,is the most beautiful celebration of the whole year. Jesus cared enough for you and I to take the horrific pain of dying on the cross so we might receive forgiveness of all our sins.

What greater gift can one give?

One of the sins I struggle with is fear and worry.

I have to keep a check on it minute by minute.

Are our bodies made to worry?

Absolutely not, for me it causes tension in my neck, joints, and digestive system.

What we ARE meant to do is leave all those worries and fears at the cross and not pick them up again.

Hard to do, at least for me.

God loves you enough to work out your life, all it's problems, joys, sorrows, and pain.

On this earth we are not going to be challenge free but the beauty of it,

is God will be with us every step of the way.

Be still and cherish His presence this day.

Faith what an amazing word. We learn in our Christian walk that faith is the answer. But wait a minute faith in what?

The world teaches us that "we" can do it. Have faith in yourself.

But to have true peace we need to place our faith in God.
He is the answer.

We are not made physically, mentally, or spiritually to carry all the burdens of our lives.

Is it easy absolutely not.

But if we do it will give us a freedom that is indescribable.

We will want to dance like this precious child I again found on pinterest.

Do you do something as a stress reliever? I do "praise dancing" better known as movement.

But it works. What a way to start my day.

NUGGET

Beloved Princess,
It’s time to surrender your fears, your insecurities, your pain, and even your loved ones completely to Me. I want your whole heart and mind and soul to be worry-free. I want your complete trust so you can focus on your faith and be free of the spirit of fear controlling you. Give up the fight of trying to figure it all out. Don’t let your circumstances hold your heart hostage or cause you to lose your confidence in Me. I am asking you on this day to answer this one question: In whom do you place your trust?
Love,
Your trustworthy King
****from Freedom For His Princess, by Sheri Rose Shepherd
http://melissataylor.org/ 

Breath prayer I love the term, I need it. When we are struggling with the issues and challenges of life and have a hard time articulating what we are feeling or needing just say things like:

"Help Lord"

"I am depending on You"

"Help me to trust You"

"You will never leave Me"

"You are with me"

"You are bigger than my problems"

"Be still, and know I am God"

Practicing the presence is a skill, a habit you can develop. Just as in sports it takes practice to play well.

To train our mind we must practice the presence of God on a minute by minute basis.

I need Him, How about you?

Hmm.. breath prayers they only take a moment but can have an everlasting reward.