Oh That I Had Wings Like a Dove

Tuesday morning, I read this scripture, Psalm 55:6 “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.”
That reading about a dove prompted me to hasten out my back door to check on the Mama Dove, who had nested above my fireplace vent. The last I checked on her, she had two eggs in that nest. The fulfillment of her preparations, waiting and anticipating, was realized. There were two little hungry baby birds with her. Pure sweetness. I know my time is limited on keeping a watchful eye on that little dove family. Before long she’ll be teaching them about those “wings of a dove” and they will fly away.

Sometimes we echo the words of that verse, don’t we? Just to be able to fly away from our concerns and responsibilities of daily living. Just to be able to move on to a new nest or a new place that’s care-free.

That Mama Dove has taught me so many lessons. A couple of weeks ago, my post was about that dove and her patience and her, seemingly, undisturbed manner of staying and nesting while my family and I were heads down in viciously power washing my porches, barbequing our Mother’s Day meal and carrying on like like a wrecking crew. Yet, Mama Dove seemed to watch us as I’m sure that God, from His 30K+ foot view looks at us, with all our hustle and bustle and in a flurry of activity to get this and that done! She was vigilantly watching all that raucous from her safe and isolated “perch”.

Here’s what a google search says about a dove: “The dove represents peace of the deepest kind. It soothes and quiets our worried or troubled thoughts. The dove's roles as spirit messenger, maternal symbol and liaison impart an inner peace that helps us to go about our lives calmly and with purpose.” That explanation clearly goes along with the words in Isaiah 26:3 “Him I will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon Me.” No question that dove seemed to be in that perfect peace.

These times of so much to be concerned about is really no different than what Jesus and His disciples faced. Jesus cautioned His disciples, men who were just heading out to spread good news to the world, that they were doing dangerous work. He said, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and HARMLESS AS DOVES. (Matthew 10:16)

To be wise like a serpent means to have keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment in dealing with people, situations AND the enemy of our souls. To discern means to detect with the eyes and with senses other than vision. It also means to read character or motives. Somehow I think that Mama Bird had that discernment. She heard my soft voice each morning and she knew I (and my family) meant her no harm.

That sweet Mama Dove is a bird of peace. A dove’s temperament is calm and its disposition is sweet. Doves really are harmless. Wise and Harmless. Yes, in this life, we will run into some times of anxiety and concern and we sure would like to “take wing like the dove” and fly away to escape it all. But, God is all about giving us the tools to make it in a crazy world like the one we live in. Those words about being wise as serpents and harmless as doves seem like wisdom for peace and success. Wise to detect and avoid danger, while living in sweet peace, gentleness, kindness and innocence. Be wise and harmless—always. Just like that Mama Dove, watching over her babies, Psalm 121:8 says “The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” Whether we fly away from it all or we stay put, what blessed assurance it is that our Father sees and knows what's up ahead. Come on, my friends. Let's settle on our perch and know the peace of a dove that comes from our Father above!

Peace is my Governor

Governor – a device automatically regulating the supply of fuel, steam, or water to a machine, ensuring uniform motion or limiting speed

I learned so much about peace from my precious mother -- lessons that I learned from her many years of taking care of my daddy who was very ill, working a full time job and ensuring that my well being didn't skip a beat. As tough as the times were, I never remember her being afraid, anxious, worried or stressed. I only remember her singing and praying her way through everything. Peace was her "governor".

When I I started blogging years ago, back when it would have seemed I had every right in the world to be in turmoil, anxious and afraid, I remembered my mom's coping mechanism -- it was God's peace. Like little David, the shepherd boy, I faced those giants and slung my "peace" stones at those giants in my life. I started blogging and, quite frankly, not only have I experienced inexplicable peace during the worst of times, but I've been able to pay it forward and convey to others how they, too, can live in a place of peace that passes understanding.

If there's anything I protect and hold most precious to my heart, it's God’s peace. That peace has been my dearest ally and friend for many years. When I wake in the morning, I know peace is with me. When I go to bed at night, I ensure His peace is with by not watching the evening news or some horror flick. I go to bed with peace. When I wake in the middle of the night and turmoil tries to overwhelm me, I go to the scripture "Him I will keep in perfect peace whose mind is STAYED on Me." Isaiah 26:3. If I encounter conflict in the lives of others, I'll steer clear of that conflict at all costs.

I know that peace is God’s will. That heavenly peace is a state of absolute tranquility right in the midst of what could be the worst situation. It is comfort when life is extremely UN-comfortable. Fear can be lurking behind every corner, but a state of peace looks at fear and laughs at it. (I love that verse in Proverbs 31:25 ".....she laughs without fear of the future.") That peace isn't something that comes and goes -- depending on our circumstances. The peace I'm talking about is the GOVERNOR of our lives. Honestly, peace is my GOVERNOR. This kind of peace should GOVERN our lives in all things at all times. When the things of life disturb us — that stack of bills, a negative health report, the troubled relationship, anxious feelings of our own inadequacy -- is when we need to submit to the Governor of peace.

Here’s the good news: We can have that kind of peace. Jesus told His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27.

The peace Christ gives is fully satisfying. It’s peace of mind, heart, body and soul. It is contentment knowing that no matter what happens, we are in the care of the Almighty. Psalm 29:11, "The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses his people with peace."

APPOINTMENT or DISAPPOINTMENT

CBS News Headline this morning is this: "Super Bowl 2018: Eagles pull off stunning win over Patriots". Whether you are a Patriots or an Eagles fan or not a football fan at all, if you tuned into the Super Bowl game last night and watched it for any period of time, you would agree that it was a good one to watch! Lots of drama and surprises! Along the way you may have had some feelings for which team you’d like to win. I’ll admit, I was cheering for the Eagles, so I was thrilled when they won. Tom Brady had DISAPPOINTMENT written all over his face when he couldn’t pull off his #6 Super Bowl win. I was so inspired when Nick Foles, the Eagles back-up quarterback, Doug Pederson, the Eagles coach, and several other Eagles’ players, when interviewed at the end of the game said, “First and foremost, I give all the glory to my Lord Jesus Christ.” While one team and their stunned fans were DISAPPOINTED, the other team and their fans saw their win as a Divine APPOINTMENT. I love when I hear anyone speaking about God and His goodness. They are helping to make HIM famous.

My word(s) for today are: APPOINTMENT -- a meeting set for a specific time, and,
DISAPPOINTMENT -- the feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one's hopes or expectations.

Maybe you don't care one way or the other about a Super Bowl game, but maybe some-ONE or some-THING has brought you tremendous DISAPPOINTMENT. We can't stop disappointment, but we can stop staying stuck in it. I know how easy it is to dwell on something or someone that hurt me. But, wallowing in disappointment gets us nowhere. I remember times of great disappointment and as long as I remained in sadness and regret, the more miserable I would get. But, when I would refuse to stay in that place and go to my Peace-Giver, I would snap out of the doldrums and find that place of joy, gladness, comfort and peace. Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."

Isn’t it interesting that the word "APPOINTMENT" comes from within the word DISAPPOINTMENT? I’ve seen again and again how disappointments take something FROM us: a dream, a piece of our hearts – maybe whole chunks of it. But disappointment also GIVES us something too: a gift, an opportunity, the possibility of creating change.

God has incredible plans for us and the enemy of our souls would like to keep us from ever experiencing those plans and just stay "put" in woe and distress. God's purpose for us goes way beyond times of disappointment. In fact, that disappointment today may just be the set up for HIS APPOINTMENT where hope is found and a major comeback is on its way that produces successes and joy. That's what happened to me. My days are filled with purpose and I know that I'm walking in my destiny, getting to bring others with me on this road.

Let's remember God is in the "set-up" and APPOINTMENT business. There are many future God-appointments on the other side of whatever disappointment we may be encountering today.
God has got your name on His appointment schedule. He'll be right on time. Don't you be a minute late!

He Gives His Beloved Sweet Sleep

To avoid the work-week traffic, I left at a decent time last Sunday to drive home from Austin. About two and a half hours of driving later, I started to get quite drowsy. I saw a Rest Area up ahead and thought I’d pull off and shut my eyes for a few minutes. I lowered my seat back, grabbed my favorite pillow that I take with me everywhere, and thought 10-minutes of rest would revive me. I could hardly believe it when I awoke an hour later. I realized I’d be late getting back to Frisco where my family had lunch waiting on me. But, then I praised God because I had been averaging only about 5 hours of sleep at night over the last couple of weeks, and I said, “Thank you, God! You really do give your beloved sweet sleep.”

This photo is one of my all-time favorites and so very dear to my heart. The little guy is my, now 17 year old grandson, Payton Wallace. Our little Payton was beyond tired -- he just couldn't make it through his meal. It was our weekend with Payton and Alexia and that meant action-packed, non-stop fun from morning until night. We made the most of our time with our grandchildren, making lots of memories, and now that my Sweetheart is in heaven, I'm so glad we did. Most of all, they got to know how special and loving their Papa was. He definitely made an impression on their lives -- so much so -- that they still talk about him a lot and recall so many fun times with him.

And, like that precious boy falling asleep after a busy day of fun, so did Nana and Papa when the kids' Mom and Dad came to pick them up. We would drop into our recliners, and, we would fall fast asleep too. Yes, God gives His beloved sweet sleep.... right when we need it most.

Precious Payton didn't have a care in the world so he could just rest in happy freedom. And, through faith and complete trust in our Lord, we, too, can rest in Him in happy freedom from care. Those whom the Lord loves are delivered from the fret of life. Just like my husband and I wanting to give the best things to our grandchildren, God is sure to give the best things to His beloved, and like this photo, we know He gives them sweet sleep -- that is a laying aside of care, a forgetfulness of need, a quiet leaving of matters with God. This kind of sleep is better than riches and honor. Remember how Jesus slept amid the ups and downs of a storm at sea? He knew that He was in his Father's hands, so He could be so quiet in spirit that the billows rocked Him to sleep.

Take it from me. There are often times when I wake in the night and sleep is far from me, but I visualize being in the bow of the ship and think about the sweetness of God's love and I remind myself of His words. "I give my beloved sweet sleep." Yes, I'm His beloved and I also remind myself of Isaiah 26:3 "Him I will keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Me." Between that rocking boat, and thinking about my Father, before long I'm back to sound sleep......just like my little grandson......with not a care in the world.

Can't Sleep? Talk to Me. -- God

On my FB message yesterday, a couple of people commented that it was just the words they needed. My response? "Me, too! I typically post with what I need the most!" In all seriousness, my daily posts are the words I'm sending out to you AND me!

A friend came over yesterday. She was discouraged and was filled with all kinds of negative emotions. Oh, I know those emotions, and when we succomb to them, they can overwhelm us. In fact, during the nighttime is when they have usually come "knocking on my heart's door". I tell you what I told her. Instead of continuing to lay there wollering in the funk and despair, I do what I've told you before. I toss those doubts and fears away like a "hot potato". I do that by getting up, and going to my "prayer" chair. Though it's usually 3 am in the morning, I read my devotion, read my chapters in the Bible (I'm reading through the Bible this year), and I pray. After an hour or so of "fixing my eyes Who is my burden bearer", I go back to bed and get the rest of the sleep I needed. The scripture that applies to that routine is "Him/Her I will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon Me." Isaiah 26:3. Getting my eyes and heart off of me and my concerns, and fixing them on Him for that hour of time, gets me back to peace.

I found that when the storms come, it's just our human nature to have the mindset that, "I've got to figure this out. I've got to work this out on my own!" And, oftentimes, praying and seeking God for the answer is the last thing we do to escape our storms. "Well, I've tried everything else.....so as a last resort, "I'll ask God for help!"

The disciples knew Jesus was on land and they discounted the fact that He was the authentic, unparalled STORM CHASER and PEACE MAKER. They toiled and feared, but Christ was praying on the shore for them because He saw the storm come up. And we should realize that He sees and knows the storms we're going through and He is hearing our prayers in the midst of OUR storms.

We can know this: There is no difficulty in life that is stronger than Jesus. We can face our difficult times with courage because He promised to ALWAYS be with us! I love knowing that His peace is ours in the midst of our storms....and how reassuring to know that right behind this storm is a rainbow of blessing! He promised it, and I've come to count on it!