Where Do I Look?

I seek the Lord, not just occasionally in a building made by man...but constantly, in the beauty and wonder of His creation that surrounds me, in the faces of the people I encounter, in the warm touch of a caring friend, in the sound of children's laughter, in the miracle of a baby sleeping peacefully, in music that praises Him, in His Word that gives me hope, in a knowing glance where words are not necessary, in words spoken that soothe my soul and touch my heart.  ~C.J. 

"God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven

and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands." (Acts 17:24)

( © Post and photos by C.J. - please do not copy)

Direction...

Help me, please!
What do you want, my child?


I am so lost and alone!
You're not lost...and you are never alone.


But I feel like I am!  I feel like I am adrift with no sense of direction.
Take a deep breath, open your eyes, and listen.


Okay, I did that.  I feel a little better.  And at least I know that I am still alive...but I also realize that I am alone and feel as if I have no control, no purpose, no sense of direction.
Go on...


Why was I even born?  So many trials, tears, hurt, pain, and difficulties...
Remember what I told you many years ago?  And you will have complete knowledge one day.


Who is in charge of my life anyway?
You are.


How can I be in charge?  I can't even make the simplest decision anymore!
You need to shut out the noise and confusion of the world.  Listen to your heart.


Who decides which direction I should go?
You do.


How can that be?  I didn't even choose the boat that I've found myself on!
No, but you are a survivor - strong, adaptable, flexible, and capable of taking control of the course it takes.


How do I make this vessel go in the direction I've chosen?
I've given you the tools and instructions throughout your life...just stay calm and follow them.  And the most important thing to remember...is to follow ME.

( © Post and photo by C.J. - please do not copy)

The Upper Room

(Upper Room of Wilcox Chapel, A-B College)

It's just a small room in the top of the chapel

but there is something so special about it

No words can describe what happens 

when I enter and sit facing its beautiful window

The light from outside comes streaming through

casting multicolored hues across everything in the room

It is peacefully quiet

 a refuge from the noise and activity of the day

As I sit and breathe deeply in and out

I feel my body slowly relax

and a sense of calm comes over me

I barely notice the voices and music outside the room

I sense that even though I'm the only person here

still, I am not alone

There is a sweet presence that surrounds me

and it knows my every thought and my heart

Then, as if being whispered  to me

the Word of God comes pouring into my mind

"Be still and know that I am God"

"Behold I am with you always"

It is then that I realize

that today is "Pentecost" Sunday

the day that Christians remember the last great miracle

the blessed gift of the ever-present indwelling Holy Spirit 

That powerful Holy Spirit sent by God

that came rushing into that upper room

and first fell upon the people on that day

fills my heart and stirs my soul at this moment

A companion like no other, ever-present

He fills me with a joy that cannot be explained

He takes away doubts and calms my fears

He gives reassurance and peace beyond human understanding

After a time of reflection, praying and rejoicing

I take a deep cleansing breath 

and I thank God for reminding me

of the significance of this beautiful "upper room"

( © Post and photo by C.J. Taylor - please do not copy)

Let Me Be

When my time comes to leave this earth

just let me fade away

like a star that slowly disappears

just at the break of day

I want no big announcements

no fuss and no commotion

no one to feel that they must come

to pretend and feign emotion

But this I pray, dear Lord above

when I'm gone, some will say

"She left a mark upon my heart and life

that will never go away"

"Her kind words brightened my day

her smile it gave me cheer

she never made me feel 'less than'

and with her I had no fear"

I pray that when they see a star

shining brightly in the night

they'll think of me and remember

each time I shed some light

And let it be a reminder

that although they may not see

forever still there will exist

that bond between them and me

I didn't always say or do

the things I should, I know

but I'd like to be remembered 

for the love that I did show

So let me be that star that shines

and bathes them in the light

gives them hope and reassurance 

that everything will be all right

( © Post and photo by C.J. - please do not copy)

An Obsession

Why do I have this obsession with seeing every sunrise and sunset?  
When I see the sunrise, I know I've been blessed with the gift of another new day...
When I see the sunset, I know that I have survived another day no matter what circumstance or situation took place...
and I am thankful. ~ C.J.

( © Post and photos by C.J. - please do not copy)