Grace, by any other name.

Grace is God's no matter what approach to life.
Grace is the breakthrough that hints of a scratch for the innermost itch; experience yielding answers for the gnawing issues.
Grace it's the realization of the love and forgiveness of God.
Grace is the gift the world can't give; peace of mind and heart.
Grace is God's friendship.
Grace is knowing God is ready, prepared and continually guiding.
Grace is the permanent climate of divine kindness.
Grace it's unmerited favor.
Grace is the activity of the holy Spirit in your life.
Grace is working behind the scenes helping you out.
Grace is sweeter each day.
Grace is wide eyed wonder.
Grace it's a divine energy that not only recharges but also transforms my heart and life.

Coincidence

Tom was meeting Cynthia at a great restaurant so he got there a little early.

Tom brought her favorite, daisies, in a small vase to go on the table.

He asked the server to place the flowers on a table, then seat  them there when she arrives.

Cynthia breezes in and the hostess seats them at the table where she placed the flowers Tom brought.

They have a great conversation and enjoy the meal.

As Tom and Cynthia are getting up to leave he picks up the flowers saying, "These are for you.'

Cynthia replies, "Oh? How so, I thought the restaurant just put those on our table by coincidence. But they are my favorite."

Tom said, "I brought these and they are for you."

Cynthia's smile lights up and so does Tom's.

"Thank you Tom" Cynthia whispers in his ear.

----

And so, when coincidence arrives, receive it with a 'smile that lights up.'

And know that Abba's heart is rejoicing too.

Eggbeater Jesus

For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery for burnt offering; I will direct their work in truth, And will make with them an everlasting covenant.

~Isaiah 61:8

Sometimes little things rob of us joy in life. 

This may be the type of robbery that can cause us to lose sight of the truth.

There is a well-known mural on the outside wall of a church in Huntsville. 

It is popularly referred to as “Eggbeater Jesus.” 

When this gem of a name, “Eggbeater Jesus”, was mentioned to me it was done with a sort of dismissive laugh. As if, what were those folks thinking when they put up that picture.

I was down that way the other day and thought of that term. 

As a Christian should I be offended that a beautiful mural of Christ coming is referred to commonly as “Eggbeater Jesus?” And the Spirit seemed to whisper, ‘don’t let this be a joy robber, the name of Jesus is spread this way.’

And, I realized an Eggbeater is the tool to grab when there is an omelet to be made, a cake, a pie, or any number of delicious things to be mixed prior to frying or baking. To think that we have an “Eggbeater Jesus” that can mix everyone together in faith and truth, well, that’s not robbery at all. To be mixed together into God’s everlasting covenant is a sign of the Spirit. I decided to enjoy the mural of the “Eggbeater Jesus” even more than before!

PS. See the mural below called “Eggbeater Jesus” at 600 Governors Drive SW, Huntsville, Alabama 35801.

Egg Beaters and Advent

For I, the Lord, love justice;
I hate robbery for burnt offering;
I will direct their work in truth,
And will make with them an everlasting covenant.

~Isaiah 61:8

Sometimes little things rob of us joy in life. This may be the type of robbery that can cause us to lose sight of the truth.

There is a well-known mural on the outside wall of a church in Huntsville. It is popularly referred to as “Eggbeater Jesus.”

When this gem of a name, “Eggbeater Jesus”, was mentioned to me it was done with a sort of dismissive laugh.  As if, what were those folks thinking when they put up that picture.

I was down that way the other day and thought of that term. As a Christian should I be offended that a beautiful mural of Christ coming is referred to commonly as “Eggbeater Jesus?”

And the Spirit seemed to whisper, ‘don’t let this be a joy robber, the name of Jesus is spread this way.’

And, I realized an Eggbeater is the tool to grab when there is an omelet to be made, a cake, a pie, or any number of delicious things to be mixed prior to frying or baking.

To think that we have an “Eggbeater Jesus” that can mix everyone together in faith and truth, well, that’s not robbery at all. To be mixed together into God’s everlasting covenant is a sign of the Spirit.

I decided to enjoy the mural of the “Eggbeater Jesus” even more than before!

Just Google Egg Beater Jesus Huntsville, Alabama for a look at the mural.
Or check this link:  Egg Beater Jesus Photo

Shine

Dear AJ...
 
I love it when we shine, and if we shine together, so much the better.

May the light of the universe shine upon you,

May the peace of destiny comfort you,

May the joyful life in creation uplift you,

May the love that designed you, indwells you, 

and goes forth from you, be a witness 

of the great goodness you constantly give. 

~o’hOgain

Daddy shows up

Yesterday for supper my son and I stopped by Chik Fila coming home from the gym.

As we found our table a lady with 6 kids is getting organized.

The kids, from about age 2-8, were active and "mom" was scrambling to keep up with their activity.

I was facing them, the blended family (I would discover) were foster kids and adopted.

At one point mom announced, "Daddy will be here soon."
Six sets of eyes scanned the windows and doorways.

As we ate the activity was busier and busier, at one point mom had to intervene and separate the kids.
But she would mention "Daddy's coming" and they would perk up and look around for him.

Well, the moment finally arrived, "Look! Here's Daddy." proclaimed mom.

They all began waving and smiling, as Daddy shows up.
In most ways he ways a rather average guy, a round pumpkin tummy with glasses and a crewcut.
But the kids seemed so thrilled and I realized why they had arranged the opening at the table.
I thought it was for a high chair for a child.
No, Daddy rolled to the spot in his wheelchair.

All smiles to see the family, the kids were so excited to see him.

The words Daddy, Daddy, Daddy were heard repeated for the next few minutes.
What excitement to have the meal when Daddy shows up.

------
And me, well I was so blessed to be there.
LarryG

TO BLESS LIFE’S CLUES

TO BLESS LIFE’S CLUES

May discovery yield gifts surprising.
May revelation inspire and guide soul’s paths.
May hints of divine touch nerves of insight.
May colors of love give sight to blind eyes.
May a simple notion be recognized for the enlightenment it brings.
May challenge refresh wit’s ability to seize on ideals and own them.
May “Life’s Clues” bless mind, body and spirit
as full living spreads through all the day.
 ~ o’hOgain

TO BLESS FRUIT

May surprise embrace fond hope as unseen manifests. May the goodness called “fruit of the spirit” arrive in health and harmony. May seasons of fruit be received with gentle witness. All love joy peace patience kindness generosity faithfulness gentleness self-control have seeds, may seeds grow, intertwined to yield abundant of life.

May acceptance bind fruit to action, internal judgment, external touch. May fruit’s purpose in bearing seed replenish heart, mind and soul. May lovely fruit feed, yes fuel, each step along journey’s mystery.

~ o'hOgain

only a smile

lighten the heart,

chase away blues,

only a smile

win a friend,

lift the spirit,

only a smile

build an intensity,

encourager the weaker,

only a smile

   

point it this way,

joy for the day,

only a smile

what i know

I know I feel something within, deep inside,

changes, souls mantle shifting - inner tectonics unwind

or collide, growth passes withering, death exchanges life

there is a solid gratitude, thankfulness core

love's harvest arrives, lavish vibrations

happiness splits bone marrow

life wins again

it's momentary

It's momentary ~ It's eternal

It's microcosmic ~ It's galactic

 It's a song ~ It's a dialogue

It's a stretch ~ It's a contraction

It's a shout ~ It's a whisper

It's an announcement ~ It's a secret

It's loving warmth ~ It's cool refreshing

It's oceans ~ It's babbling brook

It's shared ~ It's a heart's good gift for one

It's a kiss

memory

Braced ~ Hopeful ~ 

We steeled our hearts ~ 

The aftermath came ~ 

Tears ~ Heartbreak ~ 

Steeled hearts soft and warm again. 

~o'hOgain (memory of 4/27/11)

exclamation points

every dart hits soft 

flesh mark, accent, force, 

inflection, piercing,

all the way

through
 You Are Adored!!!!!

Warm Love

 

warmth of love bless you, 

warmth of love shine through you today, 

warmth of love to those in desperation, 

warmth of love reach out with favor.