Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Quicksilver Days

The years tumble by like colored blocks from a toy box. The green ones of youth, white of innocence, the blue of maturity, red of passion, and yellow of mellow age. The thirties turn like a square on a Rubik cube and, click, it’s the sixties.

Now, see the bright flashes of light that tiptoe across the lake in the late morning light of October. Stop and savor; when the wind shifts, all is gone except the dark shadows of the pine trees.

Late summer roses burst forth in an annual celebration of Indian summer days. Lean over, inhale slowly, feel the fragile pink petals which spill into my hand on your wedding day.

Come to the window, can you hear it too? Holding my breath in the winter air, I listen to the music of the wild geese until it fades away in the black velvet night.

Tiny fingers close around my large extended finger, then they release. I count all ten little piggies and marvel at the miracle which is my step daughter’s child. And I recall the sweetness of other babies’ necks.

It seems just last year that Mother was in her kitchen, making her navel orange holiday cake. Full of oranges from Dad’s grove, raisins, and nuts, the cake’s rich, dark, color was highlighted by the crystallized sugar glaze over the top. Now her hands are folded, still and cold. Yet I remember the brief hours, oft repeated, around the festive family table.

Only now can I realize how precious and singular are the days that remain. I reach - to fill my soul with the beauty of God’s world and the joy of family affections. Even as I try to grasp each moment, it slips through my fingers like the water of a mountain stream, quicksilver and cool.

Psalm 121:8 New Living Translation - "The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever."

May you always have the Lord's peace and joy!

Margaret
http://www.inspirationalcreationsbymargi.com/
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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

For the Children

May your world be so large that all your words won’t fill it up.

Words are magic, I’ve been told-
Little treasures, pots of gold.

They can take you anywhere-
Over the moon or under the stair.

In your brain they make an itch.
Follow your doggie over the ditch.

Words can be both sharp or kind.
Make the pictures in your mind.

Words are sticky, smooth or sweet.
Run in the tall grass with bare feet.

In a silver airplane I shall fly
With my Daddy through the sky!

Moon comes after the sunbeams yellow.
Mommie’s lullaby; I feel mellow.

Luke 18:16 New American Standard - But Jesus called to them, saying, “Permit the children to come to me, and do not hinder t hem, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

Margaret
http://www.inspirationalcreationsbymargi.com/

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Who is He?


Luke 2:25, 27-32 (New American Standard Bible)

There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A light of revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel."

Simeon confirmed the identity of Jesus when he was 8 days old. In his life, Jesus fulfilled all the law and the prophets and took upon himself the wrath of God against all sin of all people. He finished the task on the cross, was resurrected by God and will return to gather unto himself all those who believe that Jesus is Lord.

We celebrate in this season the glorious love that God has for all humanity. He sent his very Son to make a way for each person to have fellowship with Himself. I don’t know why he loves me, I just know that he does. It is equally true that He loves you. Who can deny such a love that sacrificed so much for you and me to have a relationship with Him and for you and me to spend time (eternity) together with Him?

In this season, let us praise God for his gift of love---Jesus.

Blessings to all during this season!

Margaret

 






Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Walk with Me

Abba, Father, teach me;
My spirit is quiet before your throne.
All my words strung together from all my years have come to nothing.
Give me, Father, your words to speak,
Your words to inspire,
Your words to guide me.

And it came to pass that the Word became flesh and lived among us.
Jesus alone was clean and pure, without sin.
How humbled I am, knowing deep in my soul that Jesus loves me.
Because of His finished work on the cross,
Now I am clothed with the righteousness of Christ.

His love has become the light to my path.
It is His light that glows within me.
His love teaches me to trust Him implicitly.
Jesus comforts me with His peace.
It is as if He puts His strong arm around my shoulder and walks beside me.

Galatians 6:10 - So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.

Proverbs 22:1 - A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.

Margaret
http://www.inspirationalcreationsbymargi.com/

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

A Tale of Two Trees

Once upon a time there were two trees in a magical garden. No people had found this place and so the trees and plants grew undisturbed. One cool, breezy morning the taller tree, El, began moving his leaves in such a way that he began to speak. The other tree, Si, understood and he also began to communicate.

Both trees were quite stately and beautiful with luscious fruit hanging low on strong branches. Each tree took pride in producing perfect fruit. And so it was that they began to proclaim the astonishing qualities of the fruit they each bore. Si, feeling most confident, declared that his fruit would produce superior knowledge in anyone who ate of it. With knowledge, he reasoned, one could choose wisely between the good and the bad.

El listened patiently and thoughtfully replied that his fruit had a radical, supernatural power to give life to those who partake of his fruit. And so the matter stood. Each tree had fruit with incredible power for those who ate from it.

Epilogue. The tree El is the tree of life who is Jesus. He has within his power to give eternal life to all who believe in Him.

Si is the tree of knowledge, both natural and scientific. One can have extraordinary knowledge and wisdom and still miss the gift of life everlasting.

It remains a choice for each human to this very day.

Romans 10:9, 13 - Because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Margaret
http://www.inspirationalcreationsbymargi.com/

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Six AM in Edinburgh

How excited I was on my first trip to Europe in 1986. I had joined a small group of teachers and students, and we had experienced a tiny bit of London & Bath, England. Thursday night we left London on a train bound for Edinburgh and haggis and other delights of Scotland. Someone had procured a small bottle of wine, and after much ado the bottle was opened and paper cups materialized. All the adults received a bit more than a sniff as the train roared out of the city and across the inky landscape. Before dawn the train attendant knocked on our door and thrust a tray holding 2 cups of Hot coffee into my hand. Now, I’m awake, still lying on the bunk. Ruth clambered down from the upper bunk, took her coffee, and started down the hall. I elected to brush my teeth first using the lavatory in the compartment. All my toiletries and first aid supplies were in plastic bags so they were easy to find in the semi-dark. Shaking my head from the cobwebs, (maybe a little wine) I squeezed an ample amount of toothpaste on my brush. Only after 2 seconds did I realize, “Something’s wrong here!” I had brushed my teeth with Ben Gay!

At this Thanksgiving time, we can all find some reason to be happy.

Proverbs 17:22 - A merry heart doeth good like a medicine…

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Margaret
http://www.inspirationalcreationsbymargi.com/

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit and Self An Imaginary Dialogue


H I’m starving! Growing weaker every day. Won’t you help me?

S If I can. Who are you? What do you need?

H I need the Bread of Life.

S Is that wheat, Italian or rye? Chuckle

H Not exactly. Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life.” Feed on the Word.

S Wait a minute. Explain yourself.

H I am the Holy Spirit of God. I have been given to you to help you in this life and to bring resurrection to your body at the last day.

S Oh! My! Oh! Humbled

H Because I live in you-I see through your eyes, walk in your shoes, hear through you and sometimes speak through you.

S You see what I’m looking at? You read what I am reading? Hum

H Yes. I need for you to read the scriptures; that is the Bread of Life.

That is how I gain my strength, my power to move in your life. (voice grows weaker) Forgive me; I grow weaker every day that you neglect to feed me that Bread.

S Oh, no. Forgive me! Father, forgive me. I did not realize that I was quenching the Holy Spirit.

(Starts reading a Psalm)

H Do you have any wine for me?

S I don’t understand.

H Do you have new wine in new wineskins?

S I don’t know. I suppose not. Should I?

H Let me put this another way. Do you love the Lord?

S YES!

H How do you express that love to him?

S Well, I go to church. I appreciate earth’s beauty. and His blessings.

H Good. But how do you really show that you love God? It is the first commandment, you know. Do you praise and thank Him for the things you just mentioned?

S Uh. Sometimes.

H Would you like to do that just now? Practice a little?

S (bowed head, reverently) I praise you, most holy God for out of your beautiful perfection, you have created a world full of great beauty, in infinite variety- on land, sea, and air. Thank you!

H That is the wine that nourishes me. The praise of the Father that glorifies Him. Now I can pray for you with greater power through my utterance, not your language.

Margaret

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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Letting Go

Very gently the breeze rounds the corner of the cabin; softly, quietly the fading yellow leaves turn loose and glide--ever downward. They journey from the only home they have known, the tree that nourished them, toward the unknown. The ground, still warm from the day’s sunshine provides a soft landing on this Indian summer afternoon. The incremental layers of yellow, gold, red and brown leaves form a carpet under my feet on y walk. Watching the natural process of the seasons in the flight of the leaves, I am caught by the thought that my leaving this life w ill be as easy and natural as the leaves falling.

Secure in my identity as a joint heir with Christ, I have no more worries about my actual transition from this life to my eternal life, than the leaves I admire. I imagine there will be magnificent beauty in that world of love, peace and harmony. Just looking at the beauty God created on this earth is enough to convince me that heaven is even more beautiful.

Psalm 8:3-4 - When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?

Margaret

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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Variety

Oh yes, they come in a wide variety-
As befits the infinite capacity of the Creator.

Some are almost closed, compressed with the “petals” wound tightly together.
The inside is obscured from all except the most astute observer-
One who takes the time to come close, pay attention,
and finally marvel at the beauty.

Then there is the flamboyant extrovert.
All his petals are spread out wide to the sun.
Each petal is a work of art, perfectly shaped and curved.
No mystery there, but in the casual glance anyone can see
a striking, independent individualist.

Finally, a dark miniature cone catches my eye.
Each petal is carefully molded on a tiny scale
making it distinctive, precise-
It is neither too broad nor too narrow, being well balanced,
each part clearly in harmony with the whole design.

All have their place in my collection.
Lord, help me appreciate the differences in your people - your world.

Revelation 7:9-10 - After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

Margaret
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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Friends

Click-

Welcome! My friends are here!
I hear their familiar voices;
I watch them as they walk, laugh, cuddle or fight.
I so look forward to their visits. Then-

Click-

Now they are gone for another week:
7 days, 6 days, 5 days, 4, 3, 2, 1.
Get ready- finish dinner- watch the clock.
My friends are coming-
But I don’t need to dress for them,
Prepare snacks for them,
Tidy up the house for them;
They really won’t notice.


Click-
Welcome! My friends are here!

In times past I had friends who came for longer visits, even for the weekend. We would talk together, get our meals together, cry over sad movies together. Now they have all gone away.

Click-
Welcome! My friends are here!
I hear their familiar voices. .


Hebrews 10:24-25 portions

And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together…but encouraging one another.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

It’s Supernatural, Silly! by Margi Everett

Lord, I don’t know how you do it!!!

My bank account does not run dry even though expenses exceed my
     income.

My kitchen always has nutritious food even when I don’t go to the
     grocery.

The drops for my eyes lasts and lasts, even beyond the expected \
     date.

The gas gauge in my car drops slowly, even though I am on
     Interstate 4 almost every day.

The clock slows time as I get ready to drive to church or the doctor.
     Even if I get up late, I arrive on time.

My finances are improving steadily even though I am tithing to the
     Lord’s work.

My use of the computer is more efficient even though I am using a
     new program.

My fear of loneliness has almost disappeared even though I have no
     regular contact with people.

My anxiety over health problems has diminished hugely even though
     I have some issues I deal with.

My trust in the Lord is being magnified daily as I recognize how He is 
     working in my life.

Jesus Christ is engaged with me in supplying all my needs.

To God be the Glory, Praise and Honor forever.

Matthew 6:32-33 portions

…"Indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

A Country Girl’s Day

Waking up to jays and mockingbirds singing the praises of the ripe, purple-black mulberries too profuse to hide under the verdant thicket of leaves as large as plates.

Gathering yellow and gold nasturtiums from Mother's garden to take inside and arrange in a cut glass dish on the polished wooden table.

Sitting by the goldfish pond in the afternoon heat to look for the golden fish hiding under the water lettuce, listening to the sound of the katydids.

Washing dishes in a sink full of warm suds, watching the green lizards crawl lazily across the screened window and happily daydreaming

Stretching out on the cushioned swing, shaded by enormous twin camphor trees, reading a book about far away places like Ireland.

Padding barefoot to the porch through open French doors on a moonlight night, just to see the moon and the jigsaw pattern of light and dark on the freshly cut lawn.

Lifting soft, quiet prayers for peace on earth, then going inside to bed.

Proverbs 23:26 - My child, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.



* Growing up in the late forties in the country was a blessing.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Trust

Photo by Curtis Hughes

Several years ago I thought of Indiana Jones standing on a narrow ledge looking across a chasm toward another granite mountainside. It was perhaps 20 feet across and no Tarzan rope in sight. As the movie continued, he threw a handful of pebbles into the abyss. Many fell far below, but some landed on an invisible bridge to the other side.

As I sat daydreaming, I felt the presence of my Lord. He extended his arms in an invitation to dance a waltz. I moved with him to music I did not hear. Then he stepped off the edge of the mountain into nothingness. I didn’t fall because he was holding me. Then I looked down. Imagine what I saw! Very large angels were holding large slabs of marble above their heads forming a large surface where I could feel secure. Of course, Jesus did not need anything. It was all for me!

It is incredible how Jesus leads us to safety in His arms. Otherwise, we would fall into the great abyss.

Psalm 25:5 - Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Let it Shine

As a believer, I received God’s light at the time I believed in my heart and declared with my mouth that Jesus is Lord of my life. There is nothing else that I or any other person can do to improve upon what God has already completed. Jesus clearly said on the cross, “It is finished.”

The light of God, the Holy Spirit, guides my understanding. He directs the renewing of my mind, day after day. That is the process.

The process may be compared to an illustration that James Barron shared at Grace Church one Sunday. We believers are like a lamp with the light of God with us. Some lamps, however, are covered with heavy cloths; some are covered with several layers of cloth; some are covered with only a sheer cloth. The coverings are symbolic of many things.

My goal is to be receptive and receive God’s grace as he renews my mind and removes misunderstandings and allows more and more of His light to shine through me. Today I have been singing a little tune from my childhood. “God gave me a little light, I’m gonna’ let it shine; let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!”

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world…Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:14-16 portions

Margaret
http://www.inspirationalcreationsbymargi.com/
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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Pray

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for choosing me, loving me and forgiving me. I trust you now to meet all my needs; to be my advocate before the courts; to rescue me from any evil.

I thank you that you are my strong tower; you shelter me under your wings until the fierce storm passes by. You are my comfort and strength. In my weakness your power is made perfect.

You alone are worthy of worship, O Lord. Your majesty and holiness are unsurpassed; your creative power is unlimited. You spoke the words and the universe was formed. You exist outside of time and space (human concepts). Your love for humanity is unfathomable. You sent Jesus, your only begotten Son, to live, suffer and die for us who believe. His love and obedience are perfect, and now He reigns with you while your Holy Spirit dwells inside me and all other believers.

O, help me, dear Lord, that I not quench your Spirit but rather that my discernment of your leading will increase steadily. Help me to “hear’ your voice. You are always with me.

Praise, honor, and glory- all belong to you, O God.

All my love,

Margi
http://www.inspirationalcreationsbymargi.com/
Image photographer: Barbara Hughes



Friday, September 17, 2010

Do You Have a Charger?

A cell phone charger, you know, the device that plugs into an electric socket and replenishes the battery power to keep the phone working for another day.

I have a very special charger that I carry everywhere I go. He is the Holy Spirit of God. When I focus my heart on Him, then He connects to the limitless power of Jehovah God. (Just as we cannot see electricity, but only the effects of it, so it is with God. Our human eyes do not” see” God, but His presence manifests His power in our lives.)

As the Spirit receives from God, He who knows the mind of God also lives inside me. (Isn’t that just incredible?) The Spirit supernaturally imparts to my spirit the message that I need for the crisis of the moment. My need may be for strength over a longer period of time. Then I need to focus on the Word of God and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to me the building blocks of faith that I may be strengthened through Christ in order that I can do all things that please the Father.

Today, God blessed me with this metaphor-God is my “charger.” He enables me to function effectively day by day.

Enjoy your weekend!
 
Margaret
 
http://www.inspirationalcreationsbymargi.com/

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

I AM BROKEN

I am broken into a hundred pieces.
Who shall be able to put me back together? asked Self.
“Not I,” said Self.
“Not I,” said husband.
“Not I,” said daughter.
“Not I,” said son
“Not I,” said sister
“Not I,” said the church body.
“Not I,” said all my possessions.
“Not I,” said the bank account.
“Not I,” said the medical doctor.

“I can!” said the Holy Spirit.
“Hooray!” said Self. “Where do you want to start?”
“First, the cleaning of all the pieces.-
Thoughts that were rotten, deeds that were sour,
Faith that was only half baked. All unforgiveness.
All these must go into the fire of cleansing for they have defiled The Lord’s temple. That’s you, you know.
It is necessary for you to let go of all those things.
Washing them with tears of repentance
As you hand over each one into the cleansing fire.”

“This is not an instantaneous action but rather, a process.
You have asked the Father for the truth.
The truth is seldom a pretty sight when one looks into one’s soul.
All the miserable wretchedness of our puny little lives rises up Before our eyes until we cannot stand to look any more. Somewhat like old Scrooge.”

“Ah, but the Word says that the truth will set us free. What does that mean?”
“Free of guilt, false burdens, feeling rejected.”
“So, then…the truth is that Christ died to set Me free. Christ promised never to leave me or forsake me.”
“Yes. Come now, lift up your face to the Lord,” said the Holy Spirit. Strengthen your weak knees. God has come in his creative power to restore you to wholeness as a vessel fit for Him. Beginning today, you belong to Him entirely, and He will transform you by the renewing of your mind.
Feed on the Scriptures and grow strong. Pray in the Spirit and I, God’s Holy Spirit within you, will pray also to the Father to help you and guide you.
See, the glory of God shines down upon you. You are chosen. He loves you. Be made whole. Serve Him. LOVE HIM!”

Margaret

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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Love is Like . . .

by Margaret Everett

Love is like a plant-
  Some will flourish and die in a season.
  Some will continue to grow under all conditions
  through the years.

It needs the sunshine of joy shared together,
  the environment of many experiences,
  the nourishment of mutual trust.

Love is like the sky-changing faces rapidly-
  White puffs beaten to a froth and then spun out
  by the fierce, cold wind across the glassy blue sky.
  Minutes later at the edge of the sky, the clouds melt
  together, dripping gold into the black trees on the horizon.

Love is like peering into the Wekiva River near the edge-
  to see simultaneously the white rippled sand bottom,
  brown through the tannic acid of the water
  and also see the cypress trees and the blue sky above.
  I perceive that love exists on many levels at the same time.

Love is like a mountain stream-
  It begins out of sight in a hidden place of the heart.
  It pulses with energy over the rocks, wearing them smooth.
  It increases, divides, and ultimately goes into the great blue ocean of time where all loves change   after death.

Love cannot be caged, trampled, or ignored
  and keep its essence and beauty.
  It must run free to sparkle in the sun, bubble in the shadows, refreshing those who partake tenderly   without destroying.


I John 4:7 - Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

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Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Protection

Lifting up my eyes, I see the very tall trees lifting their branches toward the light. I think of God, creator of all earth’s beauty. The stronger trees graze the sky while the smaller ones such as the dogwoods are sheltered beneath. Then I realize that I am like the smaller trees because I walk in the grace and protection of my Lord Jesus. He loves me and when I stumble, I will not fall headlong to destruction. It is as though I am under the shadow of his wings, covered in the cleft of the rock. Dear Jesus, I give to you my love and adoration out of the wealth of love you shower into my life every day.


Psalm 91:2 NIV - I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Margaret
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Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Joy, Joy, Joy

In my heart there is welling up the spirit of praise - praise for Jehovah Shalom. God has many glorious names that depict some of his magnificent qualities. Today I feel the peace of God and I praise Him. When I cease the struggle to perform, to “sanctify” myself, I begin to realize that I am powerless to do that or to make myself righteous in God’s eyes. Then my soul explodes with Joy! Why? Because Jesus has already done all the work, everything, for me. It is finished. I accept and relish the perfect love of Jesus, the true lover of my soul. Now I simply lift my hands and my voice and give praise to my Lord and my God.

I Peter 2:9 NIV - But you are a chosen people…belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

Margaret
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