Wednesday’s Ode #11

April 22, 2015April 27, 2015 / The WheatandTares

Today, I’d like to be headed toward what I am going to give tribute: the mountains! Oh, how I love the mountains! We live near the North Georgia Mountains, and every time I get near, every time I get even a glimpse of them, I have to take a couple of really deep breaths and just close my eyes and let everything else simply slip away.

I am, specifically, in love with the N.GA mountains and the Smoky Mountain National Park; however, I have been to the Rockies, as well as, several other parks and mountain ranges along the East coast, and I love them all!!
There is just something about standing at the base of an ancient hill that has withstood the test of time. Those ranges have stood strong amidst rain, blistering heat, earthquakes, snow and mankind. Their strength precedes them. Their peace hovers around them, and it can be felt with more intensity the closer you get.

Some fear the mountains, because they are unpredictable and unwavering in the raw elements; however, I have found my time spent hiking, walking, or simply gazing up at the trees, is always refreshing, revitalizing, and it reequips me for the days I have ahead. Some grow frustrated and restless as they draw near to the sheer size of the mound; yet, I find myself longing for moments of solitude in their midst. They are a fortress, a refuge, a high tower upon which I will lean and find rest. They bring me peace, strength, and even, wisdom, as I gaze at their majesty. They are a constant reminder to me of their Creator and mine.

I just love, love, love the mountains!! My heart is longing to escape to that fortress even now. …Hmmm, I wonder if I could possibly squeeze in a trip to them today…or at least, over this coming weekend! 🙂

Fall Into It (4)

April 10, 2015March 14, 2015 / The WheatandTares

Fall into PEACE

Fall into peace like you’re falling back onto your incredibly soft pillow top or down mattress (or whatever you prefer), and you’re about to get the best night’s sleep you’ve had in your life! Perfect peace doesn’t depend on the situation or the persons involved. It is a quiet knowing of the soul that says, “Everything’s gonna be alright.” It’s a settling within that is beyond settling. It’s a peace that surpasses all understanding. It’s that moment when “all hades” has broken loose, and you sit back and breathe…and maybe even chuckle, because you know within your heart and soul that no matter what may come, “All is well with my soul.”

Your Rest

January 23, 2015January 20, 2015 / The WheatandTares

Sometimes, I’m consumed by the cares of this world.

Many times, the weight of this life becomes suffocating.

My thoughts and imagination, around my head, they swirl.

But then, I see a glimpse of Your face, and it’s intoxicating.

The stress and strife, they weaken in light of Your grace.

Your yoke is easy and Your burdens are light, just as You said.

The worries of my soul are lifted as I come into Your holy place.

Your grace is so sufficient, and my neediness is fed.

Thank You for Your comfort and for Your peace.

You’ve done all You promised; how could I ever forget?

I praise You for Your rest and much needed release.

Thanks for Your provisions and the plans for me You’ve set.

You are holy and so worthy of all my praise.

Thank You for Your love and for saving me from me.

I will worship and adore You for the rest of my days.

Of all my passions and desires, I pray the most You will be.

Penned – MG – 8/19/03

Along the Shoreline

October 11, 2014October 13, 2014 / The WheatandTares

Things seem more at peace along the shoreline…

There is HOPE

September 10, 2014 / The WheatandTares

Cancer, or any terminal illness for that matter, can be so mind boggling…The full impact that it has on someone’s life can be such a hard concept to really get your mind around. The ‘C word’ is feared by so many…hated by more…and yet dealt with by more than we can calculate. It hits some suddenly and fiercely, never relenting until the last breath is breathed. To others, it creeps up slowly and is gone almost before the battle has fully begun…and still others wait hesitantly as it goes into remission for an unknown season of time. Many fight this battle quietly and soberly, others fight valiantly and passionately, seeking a cure; still others may let go before there is a chance for victory. No matter how the battle is finished, everyone is impacted by the journey. Often times, it is one of uncertainty and apprehension; however, it does not have to be one absent of HOPE.

There is a God who loves you, and He is a God who cares for you; He sees you, and He knows the path you take. The Bible says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, ” and will bring you back from captivity…” (Jer. 29:11-14) In the midst of the storm, the journey of this life may seem tiresome, and you may wonder why God has made this plan for your life; but rest assured, He has not forsaken you, and He has not forgotten about your trials! He has made a way for you, and His ways are for your good and not your harm! He is a good God, and He loves you SO much! He will carry you through every fire, every flood, every turbulent storm that enters your life. Just rest in His sufficient grace today. Rest in His loving embrace. Take pleasure in knowing that your life is in His hands, and He is working all things out for your personal good: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Rom.8:28) You can make it…you will make it! With God on your side, who can be against you? NO ONE!

“The Lord bless you, and keep you:
The Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you:
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26 The mountaintop may seem too far to travel, but with God, He will make a way...In the end, the journey will be well worth it!