Fulfillment

Under the Same Stars

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

It’s a beautiful late summer night. The bright, cold moon shines down like a beacon; the pin prick stars glow.

Lying on the well-worn hammock strung up between two old oaks, Eric lets the quiet wrap around him. The country air blankets him as he looks up at the night sky; deep and black like velvet. Vestiges of warmth seep up through the sunbaked grass in the little meadow behind the barn. He can hear the animals shifting and snuffling as they settle in. It’s restful here and Eric needs some rest.

 He remembers the excitement he once felt looking up at the night sky, pointing out planets, and learning the constellations in the bright, winking stars. His Dad and Grandpa Bo bringing out the trusty telescope to search the sky is a cherished memory. He’s forgotten the peace he once found in the mystery of the night sky.

Life is hard right now. The struggle to make ends meet and keep the legacy of his little farm going is such a heavy weight to carry. Generations of Simpsons worked this land providing for their families and those in the little towns just down the road. He’s so afraid he will be the one to let it go under, let people down, and not be enough.

Looking up at the star strewn sky, Eric begins to pray.

“Lord, it’s been a while and I’m sorry for that. I’m out of options and I see no way out. I remember Grandpa telling me that You always make a way and always provide. Will You please make a way now? Please, Jesus. I need You.”

Pouring out his heart to the Father releases tension that’s been pent up and stewing in his body and spirit. He feels softer inside; he feels seen. Safe.

A cool breeze picks up and ruffles the meadow grasses, shushing and sweet. Is that a whisper he hears?  “Way maker…”

Under the same stars, Sophie walks her faithful chocolate Lab, Pete, through the neighborhood as it quiets for the night. These late-night walks always calm and soothe her spirit. As she breathes in the fragrant night air, Pete’s nails clip along the concrete in a steady and soothing rhythm. The measured sound gives Sophie’s scattered mind something to focus on.  There are too many decisions to be made and too much piled on her shoulders! She desperately needs a respite; something to settle and silence the clamor.

What if she makes the wrong choice? What if they reject her? What if she ruins everything and they laugh behind her back?

If she can just sort out it out, prioritize, be decisive, be enough…

Around the corner and down Vista View Lane is a small neighborhood park with a little pond. This pond is her happy place. Tucked in and cozy, there’s a gravel path leading around the pond, winding through the willows and aspens. The wooden bench sits nestled under the drooping willow branches.

As she and Pete stop to sit for a few minutes, Sophie notices the cold, white moonlight tracing a path across the dark pond. Its edges are smudged and feathery, but the light is sure, steady, and bright. A clear path. A lamp for her feet.

It’s lovely and so peaceful.

As Sophie gazes up at the inky, star-filled sky, she gently runs her hands over the silky fur on Pete’s soft neck and back. The soothing moonlight and shimmery constellations make her feel safe. For how many thousands of years have other humans who felt lost, insignificant, and alone, looked up for guidance and direction, for peace and answers? That thought brings her comfort. She’s not alone.

Listening to the cricket song and chorus of frogs, her mind is quiet and her thoughts no longer seem so jumbled and frantic. Clarity, like moonlight, illuminates the choices she needs to make, as answers and a plan take shape.

“Thank you for seeing me, Lord. Thank you for Your wisdom. You are my shelter and my shepherd, my help in time of need,” she breathes.

As Sophie and Pete make their way around the pond heading for home, a gentle breath of air shushes in the aspens behind her; is that a whisper she hears? “Way maker…”

Under the same stars, the Spirit of the Lord hovers. Wisdom and truth, protection and healing are in His wings. Grace and mercy, love and acceptance flow from His mouth. New life and abundant joy, victory and peace swirl around Him, cascading down and over His beloved. He sees each one and answers the cry of their hearts.

Under the same stars, prayers are answered, lives are redeemed, bodies are healed, souls are refreshed, and supernatural battles are won.

He still sees and hears as He has for thousands of years, and as He will continue to do for thousands more. There is nowhere you can go that He will not find you.

Under the bright moonglow and scattered stars of any given night, each of our souls are seen, known, and deeply loved by the Lord of Heaven.

Psalm 116:1-2 NLT “I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!”

Photo credit: Andrei Nigrin

Thread of Hope

~ Extravagant Hope ~ 3 Comments

Life is unpredictable. We go into each day not knowing what is waiting for us. Will that prayer finally be answered, will that hard conversation go the way we want it to, will this health issue be resolved, can we just get some peace, will our loved one be safe?

Right in the center of this unpredictability is Jesus. He’s good, steadfast, true, and omnipotent. He has everything concerning you well taken care of.

The chaos that swirls and looks for a way into our hearts is held at bay when we reach out and take His hand. Fear must bow, anxiety must quiet, control must release its vise grip.

The lovely, gentle, glimmering thread of Hope that binds us to Jesus is protected and cherished. It can’t be broken or snipped by the vagaries of life. It is our strong and holy connection to the heart of Jesus.

Hope trusts that He’s got you, will never leave you, is always with you. You can’t be snatched up.

The holy, sacred, mysterious thread of Hope is tethered in His power, compassion, and deep love which cannot be taken away.

Feels like Hope

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

What does hope look like to you? Does it have a “feel”?

These images pop into my mind:

*rolling green hills that seem to go for miles. There’s room to breathe, to wander, to see what might come next. The green feels hopeful and kind.

*a path in the forest. The feeling of being tucked into nature, sheltered under the tree canopy, curiosity about where the path will lead, and what treasures I will find feels hopeful and welcoming.

*early mornings, sunrises, warm coffee, nature in my backyard. The new growth and buds on the trees and flowering plants, the varying colors and scents, the tranquil hum of bees and critters is calming. It feels like hope, like possibilities.

In all of these things, it feels like Jesus meets me there with friendship, healing, deep conversations, and revelations. All of this feels like hope.

I would love to hear about what hope looks like, feels like, or sounds like to you – please share!

Your Song

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

A divine song was created just for you.

As the Creator spoke you into being, crafting every nuance of personality, eye color, and skin tone He sang over you as He put the finishing touches on His Masterpiece. He called you good, cherished, beloved, worthy. His child.

The song He sang swelled and flowed into your spirit infusing the tiniest parts of you with each note. It’s holy, mysterious, and unique. There is no other song like it – heavenly breath poured out over you, calling into being what wasn’t, into the divine purpose and plan He has just for you. There is no one like you. You are needed.

On an ordinary morning, as the sun rises over the hilltops you hear your song in the way the birds sing that one note that brings you such joy. Intentional.

You catch wisps of your song in the way the afternoon breeze shushes and sighs in the top of the Redwood trees – nature singing to you the very song He breathed into you. Peace.

On a dark summer evening the crackling and snapping of the campfire gentles your mind as your song fills you with safety. Rest.

The wild and fierce crashing of ocean waves onto rocks brings deep feelings of connection and reminders of His unrelenting love that follows after you always. You are seen.

Listen as you go about your days, in the sacred and the ordinary moments, for nature singing your song. He is everywhere and He is always with you. He causes creation to sing His love song to you and refreshes you with breezes that call to your spirit. Deep calls to deep as He sings to you in the silence when there are no words to speak. It is sacred. Mysterious, divine, holy.

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels.com

Small Things

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The early sun filters through the blinds at the window. There’s something gentle and delicate about those first rays of light. It feels hopeful.

The fluffy white cat finds a slash of sunlight on the carpet by the bookcase and settles in. He’s had his breakfast and a bath, so it’s time for his morning rest. The soft, grey and white cat finds her spot in the sun on the cozy, green blanket draped over the bed. Fully relaxed, she stretches out, tail gently flicking as she drifts off.

I hear the garden come alive as I sip my hot coffee. It’s a simple thing that brings me happiness as I start my day. The earthy taste and warmth are soothing.

Red-brown squirrels chase each other through the patio and onto the wooden fence, where their race takes them onto the neighbor’s roof and beyond. Joyful and full of energy.

The newly leafed apple tree is filled with red and gold finches, house sparrows, and soft grey doves. They watch as I fill the bird feeders and scatter seeds along the ground. A blue jay joins the crowd, eyeing the peanuts strewn among the flowers and bird baths. Soon, there will be gossipy chatter and scolding as they descend to peck, scratch, and kick, finding just the right seeds and other morsels for breakfast.

There is joy in the routine things that make up a given day.

A tinkling bell heralds the arrival of the neighborhood tomcat. He stops by every so often for his breakfast and a head rub.

As the morning progresses, my mind remains calm as I tend to the garden and inhale the fruity floral scent of the jasmine climbing the trellis, perfuming the morning air.

I sense You in the bright colors, the spicy, flowery scents, and the hope that the pale, lemony sunlight splashes onto the tree branches, dancing to the sweet tune of the tiny windchime that tinkles and sings in the breeze.

We talk as I go about my morning routine. You speak kind and intimate things to my heart. You know the pleasure that these small things bring to my soul. It comforts me, making me feel seen and known. What a happy, life-giving way to begin each day; taking Your love and companionship with me everywhere my feet may go.

~Small Things, Divine Presence…

Photo by Tom Swinnen

Can You Hear Him?

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On a summer night when cricket symphonies lull and soothe as the moon sails high and pinprick stars wink…He whispers in dark, nocturnal rustlings with deep, supernatural words of mystery.

When the wind shushes and sighs through the Redwood canopy as you hike and soak in the forest…He whispers timeless songs of creation.

Opening your eyes as a new day starts, before the mad rush of living takes over and you savor your morning coffee…He whispers an invitation, “Come and talk with me.”

As you putter in the garden, trimming and admiring the flowers…He whispers promises of new life and a season of rebirth in the rich scent of turned earth.

When the day is done and your tired body falls into those in-between moments before you drift off to sleep…He whispers words of rest and speaks to you in your dreams.

Can you hear Him?

When your heart feels heavy, you retreat to the hidden bench under the willow branches that skim over the pond…His whispers of healing and hope perfume the air around you.

When the cruel, hurtful words sting your heart, and tears spill over and down your cheeks…He whispers songs of love and belonging. He captures each tear. You are His.

As waves crash along the lonely beach and you fling your deepest needs and fears to the relentless tides…His whispers become a divine exchange, taking your hurt and giving you Himself. He is enough.

Taking that first frightening, tentative step of faith into something new and unknown…He whispers courage and strength into your mind, spirit, and body. He is with you. Worry must flee.

With pain so deep and raw that you have no words or tears left…His whispers become intercession in heavenly languages, traveling straight to the Holy of Holies.

Can you hear Him?

When loved ones are far away and your mind is full of frightening thoughts and the chaos of the unknown…He whispers safety and protection. Their names are written on the palm of His hands. He speaks peace, and fear bows.

When the world is filled with injustice, cruelty, and division…He whispers compassion and authority—He is King. There are none before Him. Alpha and Omega.

When self-reliance has taken its toll and you finally unclench your fists and cry to Him in exhaustion…He whispers gentle songs of rest and comfort. All is well, He’s got this.

And…

On the lighter days, when the hurry is hushed and you sit under the apple tree, talking to Him, thanking Him, and whispering that you love Him, an incense of thankfulness, praise, and love rises and dances its way to His throne. As the sacred aroma swirls and fans around Him, He sings, shouts, and prophesies over you with blessings, peace, and joy. Can you hear Him?

I Took a Walk…

~ Extravagant Hope ~ Leave a comment

I took a walk with Jesus today. He and I both had a lot to say.

 He spoke through the breeze as it whispered and danced at His will. I listened with my soul and felt His healing hands smoothing away the rough, prickly spots that needed His care. Living in this world leaves behind remnants of burdens and scars that need what only He can give.

As we walked, the gentle reminders of His love, attention, and authority were evident everywhere I looked. Trees dressed in their budding spring attire made me smile. The little stream that runs through the park in my neighborhood laughed and sang to me as I walked along its banks – perhaps sharing a joke with Jesus.

 Just trust, just believe – life is full of blessings and hope tucked away in ordinary places waiting to be found; waiting to heal. He’s still on the throne. He still sees, notices, and lavishes so much grace on us. “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven…”