June Caedmon's Blog, page 11
January 6, 2020
Inspired by . . . bearing gifts
Inspired by . . . bearing gifts
The child's laughter was the first sound our weary bodies heard as we ducked and entered the clay dwelling. How different this place was from our mighty palaces made of stone!
His play turned quiet as we spoke with his parents in hushed tones.
They, too, had seen the great star in the west and wondered.
His father confirmed the date of his birth. This child- king whom we had come to worship.
He came obediently to his mother's call.
As he stood before us it seemed, for a moment, that all the light of the world originated from within him. And then he was a child again but not just a child, a King and we bowed low in his presence.
I worried that our gifts would seem strange to him, a child. Yet he touched each one reverently, almost with deep sadness.
His parents said little. Thanking us simply and offering lodging as the heady scent of our gifts filled the room.
The three of us awoke the next morning from a terrible dream! We knew at once we must return to our lands by a different route and avoid returning to Jerusalem.
The child, when we found him, was with the camels. Those ornery creatures actually kneeled for once and allowed us to mount!
I could feel the child's eyes on us as we rode away.
Truth be told, his gaze never left me. I felt His presence for the rest of my life.
Shalom,
The child's laughter was the first sound our weary bodies heard as we ducked and entered the clay dwelling. How different this place was from our mighty palaces made of stone!
His play turned quiet as we spoke with his parents in hushed tones.
They, too, had seen the great star in the west and wondered.
His father confirmed the date of his birth. This child- king whom we had come to worship.
He came obediently to his mother's call.
As he stood before us it seemed, for a moment, that all the light of the world originated from within him. And then he was a child again but not just a child, a King and we bowed low in his presence.
I worried that our gifts would seem strange to him, a child. Yet he touched each one reverently, almost with deep sadness.
His parents said little. Thanking us simply and offering lodging as the heady scent of our gifts filled the room.
The three of us awoke the next morning from a terrible dream! We knew at once we must return to our lands by a different route and avoid returning to Jerusalem.
The child, when we found him, was with the camels. Those ornery creatures actually kneeled for once and allowed us to mount!
I could feel the child's eyes on us as we rode away.
Truth be told, his gaze never left me. I felt His presence for the rest of my life.
Shalom,
January 5, 2020
Inspired by . . . Mt Hebron to Mt Sinai
Inspired by . . . Mt Hebron to Mt Sinai
How many depictions of Baby Jesus' face have you gazed into this Christmas? Did you feel anything of the holy hush? or the wonder of the wisemen?
Moses knew God's presence better than anyone but when he first encountered God he "hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God."
What about us? are we afraid to look at God?
I find it interesting that by the time Moses returns to the 'mountain of God' in Exodus 33 he is boldly praying to see God's glory.
Moses' life changed when he encountered the living God.
What about us? have we encountered the living God?
We're not afraid to look into the face of baby Jesus. But does the truth of Who He IS then take us to the reverent fear, the awareness of our sin that causes us to hide our face? Does it bring us, by faith, to an encounter with the invisible God and to our knees in worship?
Or do we leave Him lying in the manger?
Shalom,
“I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. Ex 3:6
How many depictions of Baby Jesus' face have you gazed into this Christmas? Did you feel anything of the holy hush? or the wonder of the wisemen?
Moses knew God's presence better than anyone but when he first encountered God he "hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God."
What about us? are we afraid to look at God?
I find it interesting that by the time Moses returns to the 'mountain of God' in Exodus 33 he is boldly praying to see God's glory.
So the Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.” And he said, “Please, show me Your glory.”This man who was hiding with his father-in-laws sheep in Ex 3 is the same man who, "By faith he left Egypt, with no fear of the king's anger; for he was resolute, as one who saw the invisible God." (Heb 11:27)
Moses' life changed when he encountered the living God.
What about us? have we encountered the living God?
We're not afraid to look into the face of baby Jesus. But does the truth of Who He IS then take us to the reverent fear, the awareness of our sin that causes us to hide our face? Does it bring us, by faith, to an encounter with the invisible God and to our knees in worship?
Or do we leave Him lying in the manger?
Shalom,
January 3, 2020
Inspired by . . . life-changing realizations
Inspired by . . . life-changing realizations
The 12 days of Christmas, by way of the Church calendar, takes us from Christmas day to Epiphany. From the birth of Christ to the visit of the Magi. (January 6th)
Epiphany. Growing up in a rural non-denominational church, this was a word I had never heard until early in my 40's when @kconwayireton introduced me to the Church calendar in her beautiful book, The Circle of Seasons: Meeting God in the Church Year.
The Church calendar was to me its own epiphany. A life-changing realization that, if it did not change the story, it certainly brought the story into focus. It had the effect of melding my physical, tangible awareness with my spiritual awareness. But that is a story for a different day.
Epiphany is the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi in Matthew 2:1-12. Which means, unless you are a Jew, this is truly your "Aha!" moment.
Because, Beloved, He came for you.
He didn't just come to save those who had sat at the table for hundreds of years, as one might think. He came for them, certainly. But He also came for those who had been content (although never quite content) with the crumbs dropped under the table. (Matt 15:27)
This great a salvation was a hope we not dare hope. Yet, from before the foundation of the world the love of our Father God had reached out beyond the trappings of time and met us fully in the form of babe born of a virgin in Bethlehem.
One day, twelve days, nay even a lifetime is not enough for us to comprehend such a Love.
But our time is well spent in the trying.
Blessings,
The 12 days of Christmas, by way of the Church calendar, takes us from Christmas day to Epiphany. From the birth of Christ to the visit of the Magi. (January 6th)
Epiphany. Growing up in a rural non-denominational church, this was a word I had never heard until early in my 40's when @kconwayireton introduced me to the Church calendar in her beautiful book, The Circle of Seasons: Meeting God in the Church Year.
The Church calendar was to me its own epiphany. A life-changing realization that, if it did not change the story, it certainly brought the story into focus. It had the effect of melding my physical, tangible awareness with my spiritual awareness. But that is a story for a different day.
Epiphany is the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi in Matthew 2:1-12. Which means, unless you are a Jew, this is truly your "Aha!" moment.
Because, Beloved, He came for you.
He didn't just come to save those who had sat at the table for hundreds of years, as one might think. He came for them, certainly. But He also came for those who had been content (although never quite content) with the crumbs dropped under the table. (Matt 15:27)
This great a salvation was a hope we not dare hope. Yet, from before the foundation of the world the love of our Father God had reached out beyond the trappings of time and met us fully in the form of babe born of a virgin in Bethlehem.
One day, twelve days, nay even a lifetime is not enough for us to comprehend such a Love.
But our time is well spent in the trying.
Blessings,
January 2, 2020
Inspired by . . . a gentle tug
Inspired by . . . a gentle tug
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34 NKJV
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
Making cornmeal is my least favorite chore. But my baby's laughter keeps me company. He's nearly 18 months old now, and walking!
I never dreamed we'd be here this long but Joseph says we must stay. I know why. Its that star. It hasn't moved since the babe was born. Everyone is talking about it. Rumor has it that even the king is disturbed.
At least we have a house now and Joseph has work. God has blessed us in this place.
But I worry about staying here so long. Away from our family and friends. Although maybe that too is part of Joseph's plan. He may be hoping that time will help them forget I was with child too soon.
My child! He is such a joy! I take him every day to see the animals near the cave where he was born. They gather near to him just like they did that night.
It's starting to get cold again. The shepherds are bringing their sheep in from the pasture lands. I worry about traveling so far when it is so cold.
A tug on my robe has me looking down into his cherub-like face. Up I swing him into my arms as he laughs and claps his hands against my cheeks.
January 1, 2020
Inspired by . . . all things new
Inspired by . . . all things new
"He has made everything to suit its time; moreover He has given mankind a sense of past and future, but no comprehension of God's work from beginning to end." Ecc 3:11
New month, new year, new decade! As I put up new calendars and begin a new planner with no mark in it yet, I'm reminded that He makes all things new.
The reason today 'feels' different is because of the hope He has set within each of our hearts. We long, need, to know we can start fresh! We can have that second chance. We can begin again.
This is the ultimate promise of Christ - new life!
We have the opportunity to begin again, not just every year, but every morning! Every time we fail, Jesus gives us the grace to begin again. Hallelujah!
Shalom,
"He has made everything to suit its time; moreover He has given mankind a sense of past and future, but no comprehension of God's work from beginning to end." Ecc 3:11
New month, new year, new decade! As I put up new calendars and begin a new planner with no mark in it yet, I'm reminded that He makes all things new.
The reason today 'feels' different is because of the hope He has set within each of our hearts. We long, need, to know we can start fresh! We can have that second chance. We can begin again.
This is the ultimate promise of Christ - new life!
We have the opportunity to begin again, not just every year, but every morning! Every time we fail, Jesus gives us the grace to begin again. Hallelujah!
Shalom,
December 29, 2019
Inspired by . . . Alpha and Omega
Inspired by . . . Alpha and Omega
Beginnings and endings. We deal with them in nearly every facet of life. We dread them, embrace them and, once a year we celebrate them as a passage of time from one year to the next.
God had a purpose in setting things up this way.
Although He is both the Beginning and the End, not bound by time, He purposed that we should mark our days. The seasons change, things are born, they grow, they die. And although He has set eternity in our hearts, we can not yet fully fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (Ecc 3:11)
As we take time this week to ponder all things past and all things new, I want to say, "thank you."
From the bottom of my heart, "Thank you."
Your presence here, whether or not you comment, is of great value and encouragement to me. He gives me the words and they are offered, humbly, to you.
Thank you for receiving them.
May they bless you as He has intended.
For those of you who have supported my writing in a more tangible way, by buying my books, thank you for your support. We have some exciting plans for 2020!
Blessings,
Beginnings and endings. We deal with them in nearly every facet of life. We dread them, embrace them and, once a year we celebrate them as a passage of time from one year to the next.
God had a purpose in setting things up this way.
Although He is both the Beginning and the End, not bound by time, He purposed that we should mark our days. The seasons change, things are born, they grow, they die. And although He has set eternity in our hearts, we can not yet fully fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (Ecc 3:11)
As we take time this week to ponder all things past and all things new, I want to say, "thank you."
From the bottom of my heart, "Thank you."
Your presence here, whether or not you comment, is of great value and encouragement to me. He gives me the words and they are offered, humbly, to you.
Thank you for receiving them.
May they bless you as He has intended.
For those of you who have supported my writing in a more tangible way, by buying my books, thank you for your support. We have some exciting plans for 2020!
Blessings,
November 24, 2019
Inspired by . . . the coming
Inspired by . . . the coming
The deeper the darkness, the smaller the light that will penetrate it.
Light conquers darkness.
Every. Time.
The prophecy uttered by Zechariah in the first chapter of Luke is just that; a small light in a very dark place.
Finally, a glimmer of hope!
That Hope came, as we know. Not as the conquering king they expected but the True Savior of the world.
Dying to life, He set us free from sin and death and returned to the right hand of the Father.
So, once again we wait. No longer under the shadow of death, yet still in darkness. We await His return in full. In Glory, to finally enter in to the victory He has already won. For us.
And although in reality our lives are suspended in this time of waiting, each year at this time we focus our spirit in on what it really means to wait for Him.
For waiting is faith. And faith is found in the waiting.
So the point of the Advent season is to re-focus our heart and mind to why and to Whom we wait. To allow the dark, cold, barrenness of winter, that is all too often alive within our souls, to drive us to the only One who can transform us unto eternal life.
So Advent prepares us to accept the gift of Jesus now: salvation, and reminds us to continue in the hope set before us: eternal life, for the Author of our faith is coming soon.
Marana tha! Come, Lord!
The deeper the darkness, the smaller the light that will penetrate it.
Light conquers darkness.
Every. Time.
The prophecy uttered by Zechariah in the first chapter of Luke is just that; a small light in a very dark place.
"to shine on those who live in darkness, under the shadow of death"The Israelites had been waiting a very long time for a Savior. God had just revealed through Zechariah that his son, John, was to be the forerunner of the Messiah.
Finally, a glimmer of hope!
That Hope came, as we know. Not as the conquering king they expected but the True Savior of the world.
Dying to life, He set us free from sin and death and returned to the right hand of the Father.
So, once again we wait. No longer under the shadow of death, yet still in darkness. We await His return in full. In Glory, to finally enter in to the victory He has already won. For us.
And although in reality our lives are suspended in this time of waiting, each year at this time we focus our spirit in on what it really means to wait for Him.
For waiting is faith. And faith is found in the waiting.
So the point of the Advent season is to re-focus our heart and mind to why and to Whom we wait. To allow the dark, cold, barrenness of winter, that is all too often alive within our souls, to drive us to the only One who can transform us unto eternal life.
So Advent prepares us to accept the gift of Jesus now: salvation, and reminds us to continue in the hope set before us: eternal life, for the Author of our faith is coming soon.
Marana tha! Come, Lord!
November 9, 2019
Inspired by . . . God's closet
Inspired by . . . God's closet
The battle is the Lord's, friend, but the battle is real.
Almost before I hit publish on my last blog post I began seeing affirmation of His word popping up in my IG and FB feeds.
Many of you let me know that you were getting His message, too.
Be still
Wait.
Stop striving.
Depending upon our individual personality, these commands are either a sweet relief or a very real struggle.
Either way, even in the waiting, scripture teaches us to be prepared. To "position" ourselves, as it says in Chronicles 20. There are so many scriptures, beloved, that tell us to be watchful, and ready. Many of these are in the context of Christ's return. However, I believe they also can refer to being ready for Him to reveal Himself in our daily struggles.
When we stop trying to control every minute of our days, we open the door for God to show up in miraculous ways. I know you've experienced this truth.
Almost the first thing we do every morning to prepare for our day is to clothe ourselves. For those of you in the corporate world, you're looking to make a statement. Red tie, black suit, red scarf, chic, sleek. In control. Mom's are pulling on sneakers and comfortable clothes. Active, ready to wrangle the kids and clean up messes. You get the idea; you dress for what you expect to encounter on any given day.
In the same way we prepare our physical bodies for the daily fray, scripture teaches us how to clothe our spiritual selves for battle.
Ephesians 6 teaches us defense: how to protect ourselves against the wiles of the enemy. The belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, and shoes of peace all give us the power to stand firm. The shield of faith protects us from the enemy's fiery arrows.
Then there are the garments described in Colossians 3. These garments prepare us for action or interaction with others. Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Just as that red tie or scarf may project power and control, these attributes set us apart as children of God.
When we respond to situations with kindness and humility, people take notice. Sadly, these are rare traits in today's world. But we can be a powerful witness for Christ, simply by "wearing" these "garments."
There may not be many things about the Proverbs 31 woman we can emulate, but we can achieve this:
We can rest in this truth:
Shalom,
The battle is the Lord's, friend, but the battle is real.
Almost before I hit publish on my last blog post I began seeing affirmation of His word popping up in my IG and FB feeds.
Many of you let me know that you were getting His message, too.
Be still
Wait.
Stop striving.
Depending upon our individual personality, these commands are either a sweet relief or a very real struggle.
Either way, even in the waiting, scripture teaches us to be prepared. To "position" ourselves, as it says in Chronicles 20. There are so many scriptures, beloved, that tell us to be watchful, and ready. Many of these are in the context of Christ's return. However, I believe they also can refer to being ready for Him to reveal Himself in our daily struggles.
When we stop trying to control every minute of our days, we open the door for God to show up in miraculous ways. I know you've experienced this truth.
Almost the first thing we do every morning to prepare for our day is to clothe ourselves. For those of you in the corporate world, you're looking to make a statement. Red tie, black suit, red scarf, chic, sleek. In control. Mom's are pulling on sneakers and comfortable clothes. Active, ready to wrangle the kids and clean up messes. You get the idea; you dress for what you expect to encounter on any given day.
In the same way we prepare our physical bodies for the daily fray, scripture teaches us how to clothe our spiritual selves for battle.
Ephesians 6 teaches us defense: how to protect ourselves against the wiles of the enemy. The belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, and shoes of peace all give us the power to stand firm. The shield of faith protects us from the enemy's fiery arrows.
Then there are the garments described in Colossians 3. These garments prepare us for action or interaction with others. Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Just as that red tie or scarf may project power and control, these attributes set us apart as children of God.
When we respond to situations with kindness and humility, people take notice. Sadly, these are rare traits in today's world. But we can be a powerful witness for Christ, simply by "wearing" these "garments."
There may not be many things about the Proverbs 31 woman we can emulate, but we can achieve this:
"She is clothed with strength and dignity and can afford to laugh at tomorrow."By constantly asking for God's help through prayer, we can be prepared to do what the Lord has called us to do, even as we wait patiently while the battle rages around us.
We can rest in this truth:
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (Joh 16:33)
Shalom,
November 2, 2019
Inspired by . . . this battle
Inspired by . . . this battle
What battle are you fighting today?
Are you fighting your husband, your kids, yourself? Battles in the public arena, your school, your church?
STOP.
Be still.
The battle is the Lord's.
He may be speaking to the kingdom of Judah in this OT passage but He is just as clearly speaking to each one of us who consistently fight, battle, and strive in our own strength.
The battle is the Lord's. Our job is to take up the position He has given us and wait and see what the Lord will accomplish.
So what is our position? What has God given us to do?
Easy words to read, hard words to follow. Keep them before your eyes. Meditate (think) on them. Practice them. They will become part of your life.
Then, you will cease striving and know ... the peace of God.
Shalom,
You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. 2 Chron 20:17
What battle are you fighting today?
Are you fighting your husband, your kids, yourself? Battles in the public arena, your school, your church?
STOP.
Be still.
The battle is the Lord's.
He may be speaking to the kingdom of Judah in this OT passage but He is just as clearly speaking to each one of us who consistently fight, battle, and strive in our own strength.
The battle is the Lord's. Our job is to take up the position He has given us and wait and see what the Lord will accomplish.
So what is our position? What has God given us to do?
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Mic 6:8
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1Th 5:16-18
Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecc 12:13
Easy words to read, hard words to follow. Keep them before your eyes. Meditate (think) on them. Practice them. They will become part of your life.
Then, you will cease striving and know ... the peace of God.
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Joh 14:27
Shalom,
October 2, 2019
Inspired by . . . past Write 31 series
Inspired by . . . past Write 31 series
Over the last few years, October has become one of my favorite months. It's almost like a second spring here in south Texas. As the heat subsides, the plants can stop fighting just to live and put their energy back into blooming! My garden really puts on a show this time of year.
October's golden glow is just one more thing to love. There is something different about the morning light this time of year. It's like liquid gold seeping through the curtains and coaxing me out of bed in the morning.
Texas may not have four seasons like other parts of the US but there are hints of change and I enjoy celebrating each one.
Another thing I've always looked forward to in October is the #write31days challenge. I wasn't going to be able to participate this year, but I was still sad to learn that 2018 was the last year of the official challenge.
I first participated back in 2014 and every year since, save one. Each year proved to be a unique blessing. The series are always available here on the blog but as we begin our journey into October I wanted to highlight them again in hopes that you will find something to love.
31 Days of Joy
31 Days in the Psalms
31 Days Hymns of Faith
The official #write31days challenge may be over but I hope there are bloggers out there who are continuing to challenge themselves on their own. Focusing on a theme and writing about it each day has proven to be a rewarding experience. One I'm sure I will revisit in the future!
Blessings,
Over the last few years, October has become one of my favorite months. It's almost like a second spring here in south Texas. As the heat subsides, the plants can stop fighting just to live and put their energy back into blooming! My garden really puts on a show this time of year.
October's golden glow is just one more thing to love. There is something different about the morning light this time of year. It's like liquid gold seeping through the curtains and coaxing me out of bed in the morning.
Texas may not have four seasons like other parts of the US but there are hints of change and I enjoy celebrating each one.
Another thing I've always looked forward to in October is the #write31days challenge. I wasn't going to be able to participate this year, but I was still sad to learn that 2018 was the last year of the official challenge.
I first participated back in 2014 and every year since, save one. Each year proved to be a unique blessing. The series are always available here on the blog but as we begin our journey into October I wanted to highlight them again in hopes that you will find something to love.
31 Days of Joy
31 Days in the Psalms
31 Days Hymns of FaithThe official #write31days challenge may be over but I hope there are bloggers out there who are continuing to challenge themselves on their own. Focusing on a theme and writing about it each day has proven to be a rewarding experience. One I'm sure I will revisit in the future!
Blessings,
