Praise

My Praise
Lord, I wish I could praise You with adequate wordsBut You leave me speechless.And I so long to sing you the song You deserve.But it would be endless.I long to move Your heart. I bring You something new.I tell how great You are.Till my praise to You...Is like an ocean breeze blowing on Your face.Like a summer sun with its warm embrace.Like a gentle rain plays a symphony.That's what I want my praise to be.Like a fragrant rose in the early spring.Like an eagle soars when it spreads its wings.Whatever, Lord, You may need from me.That's what I want my praise to be to You.Everything I could give, You already possess Lord, I'm so unworthyI'm just one of the millions to stand and confess.And yet still You hear me.Your heart is open wide.You long for what I bring.I pray somehowYou'll find this simple offering...-- "My Praise" by Dan Dean, Dave Clark, and Don Koch

As I wondered what to blog about(if anything)this morning the lyrics to the above song came to mind.It is one of my favorite songs.Jesus often does leave me speechless(although my husband would most likely gently protest the"speechless"part.)Bless his heart....he loves me very much AND is so patient with my verbal ramblings.I am one blessed woman.There is so much to praise Jesus for.Simple things we take for granted.Did you enjoy a hot shower this morning?I know I did.Many do not even have a home to shower in.Can you see the sunrise this morning?I can.It's beautiful.But many have NEVER seen it due to congenital blindness.Are you listening to beautiful music right now?I am(Eden's Bridge"Celtic Worship).Many cannot even hear the sound of rain falling or the wind blowing or the beauty of backyard songbirds.So much to praise Him for.How often do we whisper a heavenward"Thank You?"Psalm 59:16(NIV) says"But I will sing of Your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love;for You are my fortress,my refuge in times of trouble."Beginning one's day with praise to our Refuge,our God is an awesome way to begin your day.And it sets the tone for the rest of your day.Praise Him!

Blessings,Sharon

Abiding

"I am the Vine and you are the branches.Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much(abundant)fruit.However,apart from Me--cut off from vital union with Me--you can do nothing."(John 15:5 Amplified Bible)I have not posted in awhile.It's been a busy time here on many levels.I also had a brief reoccurring bout with atrial fibrillation.This was the second time in 3 years this has shown up.My heartbeat gets irregular during times of stress.So I have not been feeling well physically.I am better now after a successful cardioversion.But I have also been feeling uninspired.Void of all original thought.Not really down in the dumps,just kind of numb I guess.When one is under stress of any kind it can affect you on every level.I was dealing with stuff in my body.I was incredibly grieved over what happened to those affected by Hurricane Katrina.I had prayed ALOT in recent days.But I still felt numb.Uncreative.Dull.I wanted to blog.To journal.But nothing would come.As I stood at the kitchen sink this morning preparing to load the dishwasher I heard Jesus speak"Apart from Me you can do nothing."I had been praying to Him but not abiding in Him.I was not"dwelling"with Him.Some synonyms of the word abide are to stay,remain,tarry,linger.It is so much more than a hurried prayer for my irregular heartbeat.So much more than an emotional plea sent heavenward for the victims of a massive and devastating hurricane.It is clearing my agenda and sitting in His presence.Getting my creative spark ignited by time spent with Him.Tarrying with Him.Getting His agenda for my day.Letting the creativity of God flow through me from Him to any lives I may touch.Just"being"instead of always"doing."Not cutting myself off from the One who is the source of all that is creative and the One who is life itself.Father,may we all learn what it means to truly abide in You.And may You find us faithfully doing that very thing.You are life itself.Apart from You we can do nothing that will have lasting and eternal value.Help us to dwell with You daily.To produce beautiful and lasting fruit for Your glory......Amen.
Blessings,Sharon