REFLECTIONS

Order your copy from Trade

2010-02-05T17:12:00.000-05:00

My New Song by Carole Jeanne Bate

2010-01-05T21:59:00.005-05:00

This year Others Press (the official publishing house of The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory) will publish a book of my poetry with an accompanying CD.

The CD will have 10 songs performed and written by the UNBOUND band.
In addition to the music there will be art included.
Victoria Ward Berry has done a fantastic job of illustrating some of the poetry.
The 12 illustrated pages will soon be available at The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory Trade Department as posters.

I am grateful to Commissioners Larry and Nancy Moretz for making this all happen.

May God use the words he has given me to speak to others. Thank you everyone for your encouragement and continued prayers.

- cjb

The Devil wants to date me!

2009-07-17T09:37:00.002-04:00

(this poem was inspired from a conversation I had with a friend some months ago.)

The devil wants to date me
He’s always at my door
He desires to romance me
To lead me from my Lord

The devil is my stalker
He studies all my moves
His degree is in me
He’s obsessed with me
He must think I’m a fool

He’s got my number
He knows my name
He’s there at every turn
The devil wants to date me
But I know I’ll get burned.

The devil wants to date me
He knows just what to say
He’s always working at his goal:
To steal my heart away.

I cannot date you devil
My heart’s already taken
Move off my step, leave me alone
And get behind me satan!

-cjb

A Wild Field

2009-07-03T12:40:00.002-04:00

A wild field of flowers
Overgrown and unkempt
Sweetness lingers in the air
After the spring rains went

There is life within the field
An assortment of insects abound
Air is buzzing with activity
And crawling across the ground

How long will the wild field prosper
and sweet smells of her flowers be found?
How long till the more distinguished
Come and overturn her with the plow?

Do the insects grieve the loss of her nectar?
Do the rodents suffer their homes?
Does the air remember her sweet scents?
Now thick with dung of the cow?

Who can argue the need to plow?
To use the land to its fullest,
To plant some seed in an ordered way
And reap a good rich harvest?

and yet, my soul grieves...
Whether right or wrong
The loss of the wild field.
To look and see what once was lush
Now ripped, overturned and gone

I know the promise of the seed
I know the scarred land is pregnant with a harvest
But it will come in rows too straight for this artist.

cjb

" Why should I be frightened and surprised by the plow of the Lord, which makes deep furrows in my soul? I know He is not some arbitrary or irrational farmer- His purpose is to yeild a harvest." Samuel Rutherford

"When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow continually?" Isaiah 28:24

Poem based on 2Corinthians 5:2-9

2009-06-16T21:56:00.000-04:00

It’s uncomfortable
being vulnerable
laid bare
an open book
for all to see
and read
Adam and Eve
hid behind a tree
in their vulnerability.

God had mercy
he covered them
hid their nakedness
with clothes of skin.
Now we,
who are found in Him,
wait and groan-
This body, this world
is not our home!

Our heavenly dwelling
is what we want.
no longer covered
or living in skin
but new bodies
that look
more like Him.

cjb

Pentecost Sunday

2009-05-31T22:22:00.000-04:00

Catch the wind of the Spirit,
breathe it in, come alive in him.

Wait for the fire of God to desend,
ingnited souls, burn within.

Share the power with those around,
live for others, let his love abound!

We have a goal to cast our crowns...
come alive in him, burn within
this Pentecost Sunday

cjb

Made for the pleasure of the wind

2009-05-30T09:08:00.000-04:00

Made for the pleasure of the wind
Open the window let the Spirit in
The Spirit blows and no one knows
Where it comes from or where it goes

Catch the current of His will
Let him lift you higher still
Tossed about but in his plan
Higher than the thoughts of man

Can we rest and trust in him
When the streams of air collide?
Can we see the breath of God
Lifting us on every side?

Made for the pleasure of the wind
Providential flights we resign to him
Carried not by fate nor a whim
Whirled in a Gilgal diadem.

cjb

" Thou didst not know, who tottered, wandering high, that fate had made thee for the pleasure of the wind, with those great careless wings, Nor yet did I." - Robert Frost

John 3:8 “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

We are the Temple of His Spirit

2009-05-11T21:03:00.002-04:00

Look into my heart
See what you can see
Be careful not to judge harshly.
On first or last glance…
There may be more than meets the eye.
The outer shell hides too well
As the goatskin of the wilderness tabernacle
Covered and hid the Holy of Holies.
Plain, rough, average…
Common to the eye.
Yet, all along the temple of His Glory.

What about you?
Do you know Him too?
Does He reside in you and you in Him?
Let His Glory in!
We are the temple of His Spirit.

cjb

2009-04-13T09:03:00.004-04:00

Drawing by Mary Ann Parks

Thus Far The Lord Has Brought Me

After every night comes the morning light
Winter will pass! Spring comes at last!
So don’t give up the fight.
Don’t give up the fight.

You’re closer than you’ve ever been
His word is true; he’ll follow thru on everything he’s said.
The Lord has brought you here.

You may not see what lies ahead
But don’t give in to doom and dread, the fog will lift real soon
The Lord has brought you here.

Sing a new song as the morning dawns
Trust that he is with you, he’ll see you thru, rejoice in him
The Lord has brought you here.

On this day- mark the way
Guard your Ebenezer!
Thus far the Lord has brought me,
I testify to this…..
Winter has past, spring comes at last
This is where my Lord has brought me.

-cjb

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far has the LORD helped us."
1 Samuel 7:12

Grace for me

2009-02-28T09:26:00.004-05:00

There is enough water for the smallest fish.
Does he know? Does he worry the seas may run dry?
as he swims, as he drinks in the ocean wide.

There is enough grain in Joseph’s barns for the tiniest of mice.
Does she know? Does she worry he’ll run out?
as she consumes, as she has her fill of his provision.

There is enough air for the newest life to breathe
Does the infant worry? Is there oxygen for me?

As he rest in his mother’s arms, takes each breathe, safe and warm.

Is there enough grace for me, grace for me?
Tell me again of its great expanse; let me swim its depth
Fill me with its all consuming provision – Grace for me!
Let me breathe it in and know- Your grace never will run dry.
Till my final breath and even then- It’s on your grace that I rely

Grace for me- grace for me.

cjb

This concept is adapted from the devotional book STREAMS IN THE DESERT by L.B.Cowman- Feb. 26th entry “My grace is sufficient for you.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

It's just like God

2008-12-29T21:19:00.001-05:00

It’s just like God to choose
A caged bird to sing a song of freedom
So others may be set free.
To choose the humble and
Strategically place them
In authority for all to see.

It’s just like God to choose
One who gets easily lost
To show others the way.
and to choose
a sinner, saved by His grace
to reach out to the human race.

It’s just like God to choose
The broken to heal
The weak to show His strength
The foolish to confound the wise

To choose..
Humanity to reveal His Deity
A clay jar to hold His surpassing Glory
The darkness to let a light shine
Suffering to birth compassion in others
The dust of this earth to wear His holiness.

It’s just like God.
It’s just like God
To choose..
To choose you and me.

cjb

King of Light

2008-12-13T22:57:00.004-05:00

Just as the wise men brought gifts
Giving them to the baby Jesus
Laying their treasures in the darkness

At the feet of Light

So I come to you
Giving you my heart
Break through my night

Just as the shepherds came to kneel
Bowing before the baby Jesus
Adoring, worshiping the shepherd

Born to be their King

So I kneel before you
Worshiping my King
Come shepherd me

Just as Mary pondered these things
Full of wonder with baby Jesus
Cuddling God’s promise in her arms
Vulnerability

I am full of wonder
Holding to you tight
Reborn in thee

King of Light
Come shepherd me
Hold me tight in my vulnerability
I worship and adore you-
I’m reborn in thee

cjb

Jesus calms the storm

2008-12-09T22:21:00.005-05:00

Rembrandt- "Jesus cams the storm"

When the waves are crashing
When the sea is angry
When my boat is tossed about

I call on Jesus -My prince of peace
I call on Jesus -Who was and is
I call on Jesus

He stills the waves they crash no more
He calms the seas brings me to shore
My boat is safe - I fear no more

I called on Jesus- Prince of peace
I called on Jesus- who was and is
I called on Jesus

But in his eyes- I see a look..
That questions why I yelled and shook
“Why is your faith so small?”

The storm without and around
That beats against your boat
Can never steal the peace within
Why did you scream and doubt?

How did he sleep, right through the storm?
Why was he not afraid?
He rested in the Father’s will
He knew the peace he gave

Be still- I’m here
Be still –I’m near
Be still and know
I’m God

I’ll get you to the other side
No need to still the waves
Just rest my child, find peace in me
I’ll get you through each day.

Call on Jesus- your Prince of peace
Call on Jesus- who was and is
Call on Jesus – he’ll calm your storm within.

cjb

That evening, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let's cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus along in a boat just as he was. Other boats were with him. A violent windstorm came up. The waves were breaking into the boat so that it was quickly filling up. But he was sleeping on a cushion in the back of the boat. So they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, don't you care that we're going to die?” Then he got up, ordered the wind to stop, and said to the sea, “Be still, absolutely still!” The wind stopped blowing, and the sea became very calm. He asked them, “Why are you such cowards? Don't you have any faith yet?” They were overcome with fear and asked each other, “Who is this man? Even the wind and the sea obey him!”

Mark 4:35-41 (GW)

You Lord

2008-12-02T21:53:00.002-05:00

You Lord
You are my citadel
My stronghold
My fortress
My sanctuary
My refuge

In You Lord
In You, I hide
My shelter
My protection
My cover
My shield

You Lord
You are my love
My adoration
My affection
My devotion
My heart

In You Lord
In You, I live
My life
My purpose
My reason
My breath

You Lord,
You are in me.
I’m in you
Apart from you
I can do no good thing.
I can do nothing.
Nothing without you.

cjb

Prayer of an intercessor

2008-11-19T07:01:00.002-05:00

Sometimes when we pray for others our hearts become anxious or burdened for them. Our motives in praying for them can sometimes hinder the Lord's perfect will. But if we know what His prayer is for the individual then we can pray in agreement with the one who interceeds for us. I often wonder what His prayer would be, I would love to listen in and then agree.

Prayer of an intercessor

Lord,
Tell me how to pray
Tell me what to say,
Settle my heart today.

You say..
Bring all your anxieties.
I give them all to you
On this day, this is what I do.

Right or wrong
My thoughts are yours
Good or bad
My heart lays bare

I cannot hide from you
I do not want to.
I cannot calm myself
My peace is found in you.

Give me the prayer to say
Lord!
You, who intercedes for me,
Give me the right words,
Lay them on my heart
Help me to intercede.

cjb

Wounded for healing- Healing our wounds

2008-11-18T09:41:00.000-05:00

I’ve been thinking that “by His wounds we are healed”
so, if we become like him…then can it be said …by our wounds we can heal others?

Wounded for healing
Healing our wounds

Wounded for healing
I have so much pain
How can my hurt,
Be someone’s gain?

Wounded for healing
This was our Lord’s way
He laid his life down
And gave it away.

Healing our wounds
Can be rather slow
Hurting us more
As physicians know

Healing our wounds
Was worth the cost-
When He suffered most
And died on the cross.

God’s Glory, to gain.
Take all the pain
Wounded for healing
Heal Lord, our wounds!

CJB

The Battle Cry

2008-11-17T12:06:00.005-05:00

Victoria Ward designed this graphic for my poem The Battle Cry. I love it!! I am looking into getting it poster size to hang in my new office!

Thank you Vic.

"The Lord gives instructions. The women who announce the good news are a large army."

Psalm 68:11 (GW)

Ebb and Flow

2008-11-16T22:24:00.003-05:00

I share this poem which was birthed in me through various discussions about the ups and downs in our walk with God.
Once, a person explained to me that the highs and lows in our faith walk are like a heartbeat. Those of us who may have highs and lows, he said, are the ones with a “normal heartbeat” of faith. He went on to say….anything else is “flat lining”.
However, I’ve see people who seem steady both in personality, disposition and their faith. I guess I believe it can be done- is this deception?? They don’t seem like they are flat lining.
Recently, someone else mentioned how our growth in God and in our faith is like the ebb and flow of the ocean. I haven’t figured out yet why I like this picture more. I just know it resonated with me. Maybe it’s the consistency of the tide.
Another friend told me that all the people of the Bible had highs and lows…faithfulness she said, is that we continue to call on God from the mountain top or from the pit. Be consistent in calling on Him at all times, that, she said is the faithful that God wants to see in us.
These thoughts, my experience with this personally and the Bible Study at our corps, “God on Mute- engaging the silences of God” by Pete Greig inspired this poem.
I’m pretty sure I am not the only one who has ever felt this way. I hope it ministers to someone out there.

Blessings!

Ebb and Flow

Ebb and flow
High and low
This is my walk with God

I’ve seen the steady
Walk with God
Faithful they are called
I’ve often strived to be like them
Though i stumble and I fall

Ebb and flow
High and low
This is my walk with God

I call on him- when I’m up
I call on him- when I’m not
I call to Jesus faithfully…
That’s all the faithful- that I’ve got.

Ebb and flow
It’s how it goes
In my walk with God

cjb

Heavenly Alchemy

2008-11-03T22:19:00.002-05:00

With you Lord we can receive
Sweetness after the attack;
When time has past,
When we walk this way again
God gives
Honey from the carcass of the lion

With you Lord we can receive
Refreshment in the hard places;
He gives this now,
When we come to him and bow
God causes
Water to gush forth from the rock

Your hand of mercy and your providence
The sweetness of my life
Your words of comfort and your grace
Refreshment in the fight.

I’m trusting you for sweetness
looking for the signs.
I’m drinking up the waters
That quench this thirst of mine.

cjb

Harvest Rains

2008-10-29T07:42:00.001-04:00

The rain falls softening the earth
Preparing it for new birth

Our tears fall softening the harden heart
Preparing it for a new start

We want the blessing of your rains
We want to gather up your grain

See Lord our tears
See Lord our tender hearts
Hear Lord our prayers
Let your revival start
Bring forth your harvest
Lord today!
This is what we pray..

Fall down oh blessings from on high
Lord, open up your skies
Shower us with your mercies fair
Hear oh Lord and answer prayer

cjb

“Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.”
Psalm 126:5-6 (NIV)

A butterfly's season

2008-10-28T16:25:00.002-04:00

If Robert Frost is right
then butterfly…
“fate had made thee for the pleasure of the wind”

The wind lifts and tosses
crosswinds bat about your delicate state
You know your fate….
when trees begin to sleep
when leaves fall to the ground
the wind will carry you off
to another place
a warmer spot
then…
Who will inspire,
when cold colorless blankets
cover the land?
When the earth hardens like
a bitter unforgiving heart.
Will we see your colors again?
Will we remember your flight?
Your dance in the new spring light?
How is it that you find your way back?
In a dream or a new wind stream?
Who would have thought …
you,
so small and insignificant
so fragile and short lived
could fly so high
be so strong
than afterward …
when the snow is gone,
return.

cjb

undisturbed

2008-10-21T22:43:00.002-04:00

Looking for somewhere to land
Looking for somewhere to rest
A tree, an olive branch

Looking for somewhere to settle
Looking for somewhere to glean
a mountain top, a harvest spot

Some storms wipe out all places of rest
hiding,
covering,
flooding

but there is a place…
a place that’s deep like the ocean floor
a place where no storm has stirred
a place of peace
a place of depth
a place in you Lord
where I find rest.

So when life’s storms come crashing in
Stand up and calm my sea within.
When I have no place to land
Catch me Lord and help me stand

As deep calls to deep…
I know a place where we can meet…

a place where no storm has stirred
a place that’s undisturbed
a place of peace
a place of depth
a place in you Lord
where I find rest.

cjb

From Streams in the Desert, compiled by Mrs. Charles Cowman- Oct. 19th:

Cushion of the Sea

"And the peace of God, which transcends all our powers of thought, will be a garrison to guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7) (Weymouth).
There is what is called the "cushion of the sea." Down beneath the surface that is agitated by storms, and driven about with winds, there is a part of the sea that is never stirred. When we dredge the bottom and bring up the remains of animal and vegetable life we find that they give evidence of not having been disturbed in the least, for hundreds and thousands of years. The peace of God is that eternal calm which, like the cushion of the sea, lies far too deep down to be reached by any external trouble and disturbance; and he who enters into the presence of God, becomes partaker of that undisturbed and undisturbable calm.--Dr. A. T. Pierson

Autumn Glory- 2005

2008-10-10T08:35:00.004-04:00

Picture by Jeff Strain

AUTUMN GLORY

Fall comes with autumn breezes.
It is cool, crisp, brisk.
Darkness is on its way …
A winter sleep,
A stillness,
A certain kind of death.

The leaves on the trees change and fall …
Dying with colors that brighten the grayest skies.
They die gracefully,
Drifting to the earth,
Covering the ground,
Leaving the tree bare until spring.

Seasons are short.
My life is like one of those leaves.

Lord,
No matter how short the season is …
May I die with colors
That are brilliant like the autumn trees.
May my death, my death to self,
Brighten the grayness of ordinary moments and days.

May I die to self, gracefully.
Gently dancing in the currents of Your Spirit
Like the leaf slowly falling,
Lifting, twirling,
Carried by the current of the wind.
Touching the earth and
Covering it with small,
Short seasoned sacrifices
For Your glory.

cjb- 05

Picture by Jeff Strain

His work in me

2008-10-06T07:20:00.001-04:00

If I could fly to the heights of the sky
I could not hide from you
For you are there
Your Spirit lifts me higher
I’m caught up in you.

If I could swim to the depths of the sea
I could not flee from you
For you are there
Your Spirit takes me deeper
I sink deep into you.

From the highest and
To the lowest points
My God is with me
Lifting me higher
Giving me depth

He calls me by name
He makes me into
What I am not
Taking a nobody
With one word from His mouth
Calling me something
As if it were

I wait to become
All he hopes me to be
I wait for The Creator
To finish
To perfect
His work in me.

cjb

Psalm 139:8-9 (NIV), Romans 4:17 (Message, NIV), Hebrews 12:2 (NIV), Jude 24 (NIV)

He hears us when we pray

2008-09-10T09:42:00.001-04:00

When we stumble, when we fall
When we struggle to believe at all
On His faithfulness we call

He hears us when we pray
He hears us everyday
He hears us come what may
We can trust in Him

When it’s sunny or it’s gray
When we know what men could say
He will not go away

When we’re beaten and let down
When life’s heartaches do confound
Our hope in Him is found

cjb

There is no one like you

2008-08-03T23:27:00.001-04:00

No one says my name like you do Lord,
Your voice-
Like rushing waters soothe my mind

No one knows the soul of man like you
Oh Lord.-
Your love my passion and my fire

No one makes my knees go weak like you
My Lord. –
Your beauty holds my longing heart.

No one fills my life like you do Lord
Who could?
You’re my desire - all I want.

No one is as loving
Or as loyal
No one knows me
Like you do
No one captures
My attention-
Quite the way you do

Oh, Lord-
I’m so in love
With you!

cjb

A Harvest Moon

2008-07-21T16:29:00.002-04:00

Resurrection and Life

2008-07-19T12:38:00.002-04:00

What is dead?
What is hopeless?
Four days buried,
Wrapped and sealed?
What has past?
Lost all reason
Doubt like grave clothes
Tightly bound?

‘Cause I know
The Resurrection
I know Life

What lies dead?
Prayers unanswered
Riga mortise
Has begun!
Who has strife?
Tombs of heartache?
Griev’d past comfort,
Tons of tears?

‘Cause I know
The Resurrection
I know Life

Lord, remove
The stone of doubt
Call forth my name!
Break the seal!
Grave clothes off!
No longer bound
Passing through your
Open door

I know
The Resurrection
I know Life!

Lord, rise up!
And set me free
Resurrection!
Life in me.
He’s my hope
Darkness is gone
He’s the reason
Hear my song!

I know
The Resurrection
I know Life!

cjb

John 11:25 ( The Message)
"You don't have to wait for the End. I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. The one who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live.

Kissed by the sun.- Vacation 08

2008-07-18T23:17:00.002-04:00

The sun kisses
my shoulders
my back
my face
Righteousness pours down
Like beams of light
wrapping around me
warming my skin
sinking into my soul
touching my spirit

I relax
I rest
I bask in the glow
of His presence
in the light of His glory

Faithfulness rises
above the mountains
piercing the darkness
with warm colors
that slowly fade
into a cool blue sky

Cares and anxieties
wither away
Unable to withstand
The heat of the day
Justice breaks forth
Like the noon day sun
In gratitude and reverence
I lift my face to heaven
I kiss the son.

cjb

Psalm 2:12, Psalm 37:6, Psalm 85:10-11

Who am I?

2008-07-17T23:54:00.001-04:00

Who am I?
A secret weapon?
Hidden
Wrapped
Forgotten
From a battle long ago

Who am I?
To be this weapon?
Given
Providential
Protection
From an enemy within

Who am I?
A secret weapon?
Sharp
Skilled
Useful
Only in my Master’s hand

Who am I?
Goliath’s sword

- cjb

1 Samuel 21:8-9
David asked Ahimelech, "Don't you have a spear or a sword here? I haven't brought my sword or any other weapon, because the king's business was urgent." The priest replied, "The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want it, take it; there is no sword here but that one." David said, "There is none like it; give it to me."

Moving up from 5th grade and 8th grade

2008-06-20T18:29:00.002-04:00

Both graduated on the same day!

Congratulations girls!

Memorial weekend- poem and painting

2008-05-28T10:12:00.002-04:00

A birch tree is marked by its scars
Its white bark a bold contrast
Baring all
Bending with the wind
Submitting to The Spirit

The willow tree gracefully bows
Its branches cascading down
A waterfall of tears
As the wind passes by
As The Spirit moves

Some are called
To stand like birch trees
Bearing all
Wearing the mark of scars,
Sharing in His suffering.

Some are called
To stand like willows
Weeping
Crying as the Spirit moves
Sharing in His sorrows.

We are all called
To stand faithfully
Where He has planted us
Rooted in faith
Grounded in Him.

cjb

Vision of a Tsunami

2008-04-29T22:51:00.002-04:00

Vision of a Tsunami

There is a shifting
in deep places
Friction, unrest,
Everything is disturbed
SHAKEN

some are resting on the shore
some are soaking in the sun
some are watching their feet
sink into the sand as small waves
lick up against their legs.

The water pulls back
Recedes, disappears
Leaving the ocean floor bare
For miles, miles and
Miles

Those who are curious try
To run and catch the water
But it is gone too far...
Everything is abruptly exposed
The scenery has changed

Look! There in the distance
A great wall of water
Moving quickly
Moving toward us
No where to run or hide!

Expectations washed away
Nothing can stay the same
Cover me with Your hand
Wash over me,
Flood me….

Come with power Lord
Expose, cleanse,
CRUSH
Move quickly so no one will be lost
And in your wrath remember MERCY!

cjb

A worm with wings

2008-04-04T14:15:00.006-04:00

A worm with wings

Dedicated to my four daughters

I am but a worm.
A worm made beautiful
by its four wings.
A worm with color,
A worm with flight,
a higher perspective
than most worms…
Only because I’ve
been graced with the gift
of my four wings!
My wings carry me higher,
My wings give me color,
My wings give me perspective,
My wings are my beauty.
Without them I am just a worm.
My four wings..
all lift me higher
all make me brighter
God’s gift of grace
of flight, of color
of beauty to me.

What is a butterfly?
It’s a worm with wings.

cjb

painted 4.1.08 Butterfly

2008-04-02T16:09:00.002-04:00

It’s not a calling that I seek
But The One who calls.
Not a burning bush I need
But, the flame!
I want a passion
Not a program.
A commission
For our mission.
I want anointment
Not an appointment.
This is what I want..
More of you!
This is what I ask..
Equip me Lord,
For every task.
This is my desire..
Set me on fire.
You are my passion

cjb

Through me

2008-03-27T10:29:00.000-04:00

Awaken my soul to know Your will
not by human impulse,
But by the story You would tell

Spirit, make known Your desires,
Lead me by Your passion
and make Your love my fire!

The story of my life is You
The song in my heart is You
The love of my life is You

Oh, Lord, tell them all!
Fulfill Your Word,
Awaken our souls,
Tell Your story Lord,
Your will unfold.

Awaken Your love
Send Your fire!
Sing Your song Lord,
Through me
Through me

cjb

2008-02-26T13:09:00.001-05:00

Let me know what you think....a new way to share my poetry.

For a Friend- A friend of God

2008-02-11T13:31:00.000-05:00

God makes everything beautiful in his time
He sees beyond what others can’t find
He knows your pain, the trap you’re in
God can set you free and break all sin.

Do you hear him when he calls?
When everything fails and your spirit falls
He speaks so clearly in your heart’s ear
Move in obedience and do not fear.

God makes everything beautiful in his time
Confusion and brokenness he does not mind
He knows all things and can see the end
His name is faithful- He is your friend

God makes everything beautiful in his time
Forgiveness and healing are always mine
He fills me with the daily strength I need
God teaches endurance, he buries the seed

Yes, I hear him when he calls!
When everything fails and my spirit falls
He speaks so clearly in my heart’s ear
I will move in obedience- I will not fear.

Make everything beautiful Lord
In your time, in your time-
Make everything beautiful Lord.

cjb

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end."

Ecclesiastes 3:11

I will wait on God

2008-01-31T21:46:00.000-05:00

I will wait for the Lord
I will wait for the Lord
He is the goal
The desire of my soul
I will wait for the Lord

When everything I plan
Slips through my hands like sand
I will wait for the Lord

When days seem gray
Crashing like cold winter waves
I will wait for the Lord

When hope burns down
Melting away throughout my day
I will wait for the Lord

He hears me when I pray
He loves me come what may
I will wait for the Lord

cjb

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.

Psalm 130:5 (NIV)

Newest Soldiers

2008-01-21T11:18:00.000-05:00

Ephesians 6:13-18

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

He holds me in the darkness

2007-12-28T10:44:00.000-05:00

He holds me in the darkness
He never lets me go,
I do not see the future prize
Nor have the need to know.

When life gives me a beating,
Why would I lift my hand?
To share in all His sufferings,
I know this is His plan.

He never has forgotten,
I'm always on His mind.
So in the darkness I do rest.
I know that He is kind.

Suffering for a moment
Is nothing in the end,
'cause vindication always comes
To those who trust in Him.

cjb

"Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."
Romans 8:17-18

I love you more!

2007-12-20T12:11:00.000-05:00

She says, she loves me "bigger than all the stars"
and goes to sleep pleased with her declaration, content...
that in this "love game", she has won.
But as she sleeps,
I watch and love her more.

Psalm 121:3-5a

" He will not let your foot slip-

He who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you..."

To blog or not to blog

2007-11-21T09:47:00.000-05:00

To blog or not to blog that is the question!
A soap box for some, for others connection.
For me it has been a time of reflection.
Yet, should I blog on? That is my question.

Is it a good way to spend some of my time?
Is it inefficient to reason or wasteful to rhyme?
How does it change this world we live in?
Too many questions, where to begin?

If I cease to blog will the earth stop it’s spin?
If I continue to blog will change rise within?
It’s not my computer nor is time all my own.
Yet through this blogging, I think I have grown.

Through Larry’s questions (even those that make some groan!)
Through Drew’s observations that I’ll never bemoan.
The links that connect me are more than a few
But each one takes me to someone's point of view.

To blog or not to blog?
It’s under review…..

CJB

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Mountains of Meteora

2007-10-15T12:02:00.000-04:00

This is not so much a poem as a reaction, words to the experience I had while visiting the mountains of Meteora. You can see this site in the pictures Alastair has taken above or in the Movie “For Your Eyes Only”, staring Roger Moore.

This was one of the places on our educational tour in Greece where Apostle Paul did not go. However…007 did!

The Rocks cry out

Mountains
Rising up like fingers
Like ships run aground
Rocks crying out
How awesome is our God!

Monasteries precariously
Clinging to the cliffs edge
Men seeking a higher place
Seeking God
Who formed the very rocks
they balance on

Each rock formation
Standing on its own.
Isolated
like the monks
Who live in their caves
Yet, standing together
like a great wall.

A wide expanse of mountains
Contrasted with a small
dark rooms of incense.
Incense too think to breathe freely

saints painted on walls
speaking loudly
voices
voices
voices
of the past
no rest for my spirit
simplicity lost.

Icons with closed lips
Their lives have testified
all has been said
“asleep but not dead”

Wake up!
Wake up and step outside
See the Rock on which you
Have built your shelter.
The rock from which you were cut

Breath in the
Fresh mountain air
Hear creation testifying
He Lives
He lives
He Lives!

Leave the small dark rooms
Leave your caves
See the Light of day
See the Glory of the Lord
It’s outside your window
For the whosoever
For you
For me
For the whole world to see.

I’ve heard the rocks cry out!
How awesome is our God!

cjb

Greece

2007-10-08T20:49:00.000-04:00

First few hours in Greece, with jet lag.
Sitting under the olive trees in Athens across from Mars Hill.
(R to L or L to R - Carole, Sue, Sue and Carol)

Click here for slideshow

Believe

2007-09-17T10:11:00.000-04:00

Believe that the seed planted will grow.
Believe that the word given he will bestow.
Believe that he rewards those who seek him.
BELIEVE and he'll bless you beyond reason!

cjb

This day is His

2007-09-13T11:04:00.000-04:00

I will not worry
what this day will bring
Because I know,
I’m in step with my King

He holds my hand
He leads the way
This day is His,
Come what may.

Remain in me and I will remain in you
Great wonders you will see
As my Spirit comes alive in thee,
Remain in me.

The miracle is this;
That God’s character could be
Contained in THIS jar of clay.

Remain in me and I will remain in you
Great wonders you will see
As my Spirit comes alive in thee
Remain in me.

What do I want?
Fruit to be seen.
Fruit that you are alive
and living in me,
Remain in me.

He holds my hand
He leads the way
This day is His,
Come what may.

cjb

Ruth's song

2007-09-12T08:37:00.000-04:00

You send me home
With arms of grain
It is more than I deserve
Yes, more than I deserve
My arms are full

You cover me,
You hide my shame
It is more than I deserve
Yes, more than I deserve
I am your own

At the city gates on my behalf,
Before the elders you speak for me.
You are more than I deserve
Yes, more than I deserve

To be your bride
To take your name
You redeem my life
I am not the same
It’s more than I deserve

Now I’m no longer called a servant
Now I am called your wife
Your household bows before me
You have redeemed my life

A future, I now have
Inheritance is mine
It is all by your own hand
This new full life of mine.

It’s more than I deserve
Yes, more than I deserve
my inheritance is secure
It’s all by your own hand

Your loving kindness
Your mercy and grace
Your love divine is all mine,
You’ve removed all my disgrace

It is more than I deserve
Yes, more than I deserve
Your love, your son
You’re more than I deserve
My kinsman redeemer.

Slideshows from the last few weeks

2007-08-22T11:14:00.000-04:00

TAM 07

SLMC 07

Atlanta 07

M-M-M-My Schwannoma!

2007-08-16T07:52:00.000-04:00

They removed my schwannoma because it was getting on my nerves!

What is a schwannoma? In short it is a tumor/outgrowth on a nerve.
I found out about three months ago that I had some mass growing in me about the size of a ping-pong ball. The doctors all agreed it needed to be removed. They could not tell from the MRI and ultra-sounds if it was attached to anything important and at the time they were unsure as to what it was exactly.
So, feeling completely fine, I checked into the hospital last week and had surgery to remove this “ping-pong” sized enigma.
Abdominal surgery, even laparoscopic, has a way of making a healthy person feel sick. After one night in the hospital they told me the ping-pong was removed, everything looks great and the next day I could go *home.
Six days later at my check up the Doctor says, “So the punch line is this…you had a schwannoma and it was resting on a nerve. Do you feel any different with it gone?”
Actually, I did feel different. I felt like someone ran over me with a truck, like I could sleep for a week and when I walked I looked like my grandmother in her 90’s.
However this is not what I told the Doctor. I just told him my left knee (that has bothered me for years) when I sit for long periods didn’t hurt anymore. Could it have been a pinched nerve that now was no longer pinched?
He just raised an eyebrow and said, “Sure, I’ll take credit for that!”

So my schwannoma is gone.
( I kinda like saying that word… SCHWANNOMA!)
Strangely enough my knee which is no where near my abdomen :) …. feels better and I am in recovery from the surgery.
God is good.
You see, I didn’t even know there was anything wrong but the Lord knew and through a series of seemingly random events he made it clear to me and to the physicians. Those who knew how to help me, who were trained for this kind of work did what they had to do to remove it. As a result, I feel pain for awhile because of the surgery but in the long run I am healthier.

What’s getting on your nerves? Is it affecting your walk with God?

How often do we have something resting on our “last nerve” slowly growing with in us and we don’t realize how it is affecting our walk with the Lord, our relationship with others.

The removal process can be painful but the end results are health for the whole body.

Hebrews 12:10-13
“Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.”

* Thank you to my parents for coming to stay with us, helping with the house and the kids!

A Battle Cry

2007-08-15T09:53:00.000-04:00

I stand before the throne of God interceding. God is high and lifted up on his throne. I am on the right and there is one who opposes on the left. I face the Lord making my request known to him. As I speak with the Lord, the one who opposes my every word becomes louder and louder. I turn and face him. He is angry, yelling at me but when I look at him his words are sharpened with a mocking tone. I see those standing behind him jeering and cheering him on. In this moment of discouragement I turn my head to look at the throne of God and I see the Lord tilting his head with a smile as if to say “look behind you”. I looked behind me and there standing with me was a great multitude of people. An ocean of people as far as the eye can see. Some of them look right at me and I knew them. They were those who had gone before me. My grandparents, great-grandparents on both sides of my family and my husband’s ancestors as well. I also saw ancestors of soldiers and officers in the Army. Most were people who I had never met before but who had invested in the Kingdom of God; people who had been faithful. They were standing there cheering me on and claiming with me God’s promise to be faithful to the generations of those who have loved him and obeyed His Word. I knew they respresented our heritage standing before the throne of grace warring for us, warring with us.

Suddenly, standing there looking at this great cloud of witnesses, a wave of encouragement and strength in the spirit overwhelmed me. At that moment I turned to look my accuser in the eye. As I turned my eyes locked with my mocker and I saw the fear in his eyes. Those behind him fled before I even opened my mouth and when I spoke, I directed my words right at him.

However, they were not so much words….
What does one say in a moment like that?
One screams! One shouts! A battle cry!

Picture it like the scene of the last battle in the movie Braveheart. The shout of William Wallace echoed by all who stood with him….. the battle cry! Each time they shouted, they became louder and more in unison. They were ready to fight to the death. This is the position I now took before my accuser standing with the great cloud of witnesses before the throne of God. Our shouts of victory, our battles cries of past and present bled into one voice.

In that moment, the mocker, the accuser, the one who opposes was reminded of the truth that is ours…….We have already won! The Battle is the Lords! The victory is ours! There are more for us than against us and those who oppose God will be broken. Truth like that has a way of making the enemy slither away. His only hope is to keep us ignorant of this reality, to keep us discouraged and fearful of him. Once we know the truth, once he sees in our eyes that we KNOW the TRUTH….what else can he do but flee?

Do you believe it?
Sound the battle cry!
There is victory in Jesus!
We have already won.

Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Intercede

2007-08-13T12:56:00.000-04:00

‘This far and no further!’ says Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings. He is standing on a thin bridge, his words directed at a flying fire-breathing dragon. He holds his ground and emphasizes his words by slamming down his staff. The bridge breaks and Gandalf falls wrestling with the dragon to unseen depths.

I keep hearing these words, the words of Gandalf. “This far and no further!”
These are the words of my own soul when I intercede before the Lord.
Satan has had his time. He has wreaked havoc long enough. It is time to claim back the land that belongs to our King, to recapture the hearts and minds of his people, those dedicated to and for His purposes.

This is where it stops! We can stand with Gandalf on the bridge and say to satan, “This far and no further!” You have stolen our sons and daughters; you have made a mockery out of our attempts to follow God. You have found pleasure in our weaknesses and have stolen ground that was never yours to take.

We are at fault too. We have sinned against God and our ancestors; we have not kept the vows of our youth and have let the enemy enter our promised land through the open doors of hypocrisy, apathy and ignorance. The gates to our cities have not been guarded, the enemy has had his time but we can say, “This far and no further!”

This is a call to intercessors for such a time as this. As it was with Nehemiah a time has come for a re-building of our city walls and a time has come for the ancient gates to lift up their heads. Nehemiah appointed families to build up and guard the walls and gates from the threats of the surrounding enemy. As intercessors we must take our appointed places, guard our gates, re-build our city walls. We need people to take a stand for what is rightfully ours. We need people who will go forth to claim back that which was stolen from us. We need men and women to stand against the enemy and say defiantly “This far and no further!”

The Battle is the Lords.

1 John 3:8b “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.”

FUN at O.O.B.

2007-08-03T10:04:00.000-04:00

View slideshow

'The Angel of Amsterdam'

2007-07-07T11:28:00.000-04:00

6 July 2007 10:31 AM GDT

The Netherlands Says Goodbye to 'The Angel of Amsterdam'

Author: International News

The Netherlands Says Goodbye to 'The Angel of Amsterdam'

A PEACEFUL and almost holy atmosphere descended on the red light district of Amsterdam on Saturday 30 June as the funeral procession of Lieut-Colonel Alida M. Bosshardt OF passed through. Church bells rang and people applauded as 'Major Bosshardt', as she was known, made her last visit to the district where she had worked for almost 50 years.....

(click on link above to read the full article)

Lieut-Colonel Bosshardt's slogan was: 'To serve God is to serve people and to serve people is to serve God.'

Even through her death Lieut-Colonel Alida Margaretha Bosshardt was able to touch the hearts of thousands of people who applauded her in the streets or who watched the funeral service on television. 'If there were more people like you,' wrote one person on the condolences web site, 'the world would be a better place.'
Report by Ruud Tinga

NJ music camp

2007-07-07T11:25:00.000-04:00

Slideshow

Blood and Fire

2007-07-06T14:21:00.000-04:00

Underneath the Blood and Fire
My soul will find it's rest
As I fight beside my Master
This war’s not over yet!

Covered with the blood of Christ
Saved by grace -grace alone
Baptized by Holy Spirit’s fire
Righteousness not my own.

The Savior’s blood poured out for me
But not for me alone,
I must speak forth the gospel truth
I must make Jesus known.

Fire that comes and burns away
All traces of my sin;
Immerse the world in God's own WORD
Baptize with fire for Him.

A victor’s life to win the war
Needs only these two things:
The blood of Jesus -saves our souls,
The Fire that makes us clean.

cjb

Graduating class of 2007!

2007-06-29T08:54:00.000-04:00

This year we had two graduations in our family.

Our oldest graduated from Middle School and ....

our youngest graduated from Pre-School.

I guess that is what happens with a 10 year span between the oldest and the youngest!

Next year we will also have two graduations. One from Elementary School and the other from Middle School.

Mile markers in life. We are so proud of all of them.

" All your children will be taught by the Lord and great will be their peace."

Isaiah 54:13 (NIV)

As promised- Anniversary before and after photos!

2007-06-19T08:54:00.001-04:00

Alastair proposed to me on Torn mountain at Star Lake camp. ('88)

Married at Hempstead Corps June 16th, 1990

At the Eastern Europe Territory's congress in St. Petersburg, Russia ( '06)

Our Wedding Song
written for us by Darryl and Faith Collier

From the start and through all my life
I have been searching trying hard to find
the one who might touch my heart
Yes, The Lord he knows my heart's desires
and He knew you would come into my life.
How you compliment my individuality,
He willed us to be man and wife.

Now together we belong
and I have no doubt that it is true,
because The Spirit gave me confirmation
to share my love and give my life to you.

When I prayed to God for a glimpse of His love
I could not envision a union like ours.
Love responds to dreams growing closer,
everyday joins us in the bond of love.
I now belong to you and yes, you now belong to me.
Hand in hand for life, death us do part.

Now together we belong
and I have no doubt that it is true,
because The Spirit gave me confirmation
to share my love and give my life to you.

Yes! Together we belong
and I have no doubt that it is true,
because The Spirit gave me confirmation
to share my love and give my life to you.

New Pictures

2007-06-18T22:22:00.000-04:00

Alastair got a new camera for Father's Day/our Anniversary so there are a lot of new photos that I have just uploaded to my flicker account.

You'll be surprised how many we've taken in such a short time.
He is very happy with this new toy and the girls have taken quite a few pictures too.
Check out the different "sets" of photos to see our oldest graduating from Middle School, new family and friend photos, Father's day at the corps, a concert at the park and the corps band's recording day.
It's been a busy weekend!!
The nature and flowers sets are mostly photo's taken by our oldest two daughters.
I was impressed- with them and the camera!
Blessings-

17th Anniversary - June 16, 1990

2007-06-16T16:19:00.000-04:00

This is the "After" pic -I'm going to scan the "before" when I get a chance!

He is faithful to His word

2007-06-16T09:55:00.000-04:00

The Lord has spoken
He is faithful to His word
The Lord never fails
He is with me in this world

When all the pressures come
I will not be crushed
When all earthly reasons gone
I will not loose my hope!

When evil says “all in vain!”
Efforts I have made
When doubt whispers to my heart
I’ll call upon His name!

If all I’ve hoped for is gone
Some may call me fool
Even still I will look up
I know I’ll rise with Him!

cjb

God of the floodgates

2007-06-14T21:25:00.001-04:00

God of the floodgates
Open your skies
Rain down upon us
Changing our lives

God of the harvest
Plant within me
Seeds of your word
Rooted in thee

God of the ocean
Lord of the seas
Depth of devotion
Submersed in thee

Start the revival
Lord in my heart
Spread it like fire
Your will impart

cjb

This is why I'm saved

2007-06-11T19:39:00.000-04:00

Sharing in the master’s work
Sacrifices come
Every loss will be my gain
When this war is won

Sharing in your suffering
Giving as you gave
Living out your life in me
This is why I’m saved

Giving all I have for you
What more can I do?
Your love is extravagant
Make me more like you

Living every day in full
Life abundantly
God’s great goodness and His grace
Brings me to my knees

Fighting in the war for souls
This is why I’m saved!
Battles raging all around
Efforts not in vain

cjb

Hearing God through nature

2007-05-30T07:35:00.000-04:00

We went camping this past weekend with friends. It was wonderful weather, good food and great fellowship. Our campsite was in the woods of northern New Hampshire and had no phone signal. When I asked the women at the desk if there was somewhere I could go on site to get a signal she told me I would have to drive six miles off the campsite. LOL! So we were really in the middle of nowhere. No signal but a nice pool. The pirate ship on the edge of the pool had slides of all sizes and this entertained all the kids for hours.

Sometimes God speaks to me through nature and this weekend was one of those times. Every where we went there was a sweet smell of lilacs. Every road and pathway had lilac bushes in full bloom. God has used these simple bushes to speak to me in the past. Also there was one yellow butterfly that seemed to like me a whole lot. At least twice a day I would find it flying past me or over me. God has often used this symbolism to speak to me on many different levels.

All this to say, on my arrival home these words came to me. I hope they are a blessing to some as I play with words and images the has Lord placed before me.

picture by walksinthewoods

Violet lilacs
Golden butterflies
Fragrances of gratitude
Transformation flies
Thankfulness smells
Sweet as spring
Hope can lift us
Like those wings
No longer crawling
On a wall
But soaring high
Above it all
No longer smelling
Excrement
But breathing in
Heaven’s scent
An atmosphere of
Metamorphosis
Faith is why
We believe all this!
Cocoons bound
Holding in night
Breakthroughs come
Releasing light
Change that sends
Worms to flight
Transformation!
Prodigals lost
Now are found!
Sons feeding pigs
Now wear crowns!
Sweeter fragrance
We cannot breathe in
Than a life transformed
Surrendered to him.

cjb

A full boil

2007-05-21T09:36:00.000-04:00

My Grandmother Voisey always liked a hot cup of tea. She insisted that the kettle not only come to a full boil but she would let it boil for 3 minutes before she would steep her tea.
It always amazed me, at restaurants, when she would be given her tea and she could tell on the first sip if the water had come to a FULL boil. Often she would politely send it back. On many occasions, I have waited for a kettle to come to full boil. Hovering, watching, wondering and sometimes taking it off too soon because of an impulse that says, "it's hot enough!" I'm usually in a hurry when this happens. I have also been bright enough to leave a kettle on the fire too long. I have ruined at least two kettles this way. Usually, when this happens I have become too busy with other things and forget I even put the kettle on the fire. The water has evaporated and the kettle is left with a scar.
There is an art to making a good cup of tea. An art that for the most part is completely lost here in the States. Maybe it is my grandmother's influence but I can tell the difference between a cup of tea that has been brewed "properly" and a cup that has been brewed with water that has not been given time to come to a full boil.
I wish I had this same discernment when it came to spiritual things. I am praying for it, asking God to give me this kind of discernment! To know the difference between divine pressure to move or speak and my human impulses. I do not want to take any kettle off the fire before it has reached a full boil. I do not want to serve up a lukewarm cup of anything! I also do not want to miss the moment and scar the kettle.

How does one know for sure the difference between human impulse and divine pressure?

A need to know

2007-05-19T09:34:00.000-04:00

I’m struggling with questions. Why do I have so few questions? It makes me wonder am I just simple. It isn’t that I don’t care. I read the debates and I know I have an opinion. I also am keenly aware when I don’t have answers for some of the questions and sadly I’m alright with this.
I feel like I am on a “need to know” basis with God. When I need to know….then he fills me in. The rest of the time I just try and live out what I already know. I don’t think it is wrong to question. I actually think it can spur on great discussions and sharpen our beliefs. I admire those who can ask the cutting edge questions. I just realize- I don’t have that in me. I’m not cutting edge material. (At least not on the internet.) I like the debates and discussions but I think one thing that holds me back is not having the conversations face to face. I am uneasy when I can not see the whole language of a person (words and body language) being spoken before me. The other reason is my fear of just not being smart enough or well read enough to participate. Sad, I know…but this is true and holds me back.

I also am overwhelmed with the amount of need in our world for God to intervene in and through us in tangible ways…

Human trafficking
The blasphemy site (which I just learned about from Rob Reardon’s site)
The links on the blasphemy site- They make me cringe!
The apathy and self centeredness of society
The list goes on and on.
I am very aware of these things and yet sit here with absolutely no idea of how to even begin to turn the tide. My game plan….seems weak at best. I’m trying to live out Christ where I am. This isn’t a self- righteous statement…I actually feel like living out Christ where I am doesn’t address any of these needs…at least not in a tide changing way. But it is all I can do at the moment so it is what I do. Again…I guess it is a need to know kind of thing. When the Lord want me to do something more….He will tell me and give me creative ways to participate. Until then, I just do what I already know to do.

In my life recently, God has poured out upon me a real sense of how he has blessed me. To tell you the truth he has gone out of his way to romance me. I am undeserving to say the least and yet I know it is my responsibility to receive this from him wholeheartedly. This isn’t as easy as it should be. This I question! Go figure!?
I have also been made aware recently of areas where I may have failed him and as Moses….. I have been given permission to look at the “promise land” from a distance but not be there. My heart breaks over this one and I’m not even sure where I went wrong. Now for this situation, I have many questions for the Lord but they are just between us.
Any questions??

Blessed-beyond reason

2007-05-17T20:21:00.000-04:00

God’s capacity to express his love to me far out weighs my capacity to contain it.

Blessed-beyond reason
Loved-in every season
Sacrifices-fall too short
As does -my admiration.
Every time I give to God
I’m blessed-again!
Blessed- beyond reason.

cjb

Old friend - New site

2007-05-15T08:38:00.000-04:00

If you are interested in:

missions

great photography

The Republic of Georgia

or just reading yet another Blog!

This is the site for you.

Our friend Tony who we first met in St. Petersburg in 1994 and then later in The Republic of Georgia has a blog. I know many of you will love what he has to say and his pictures are out of this world.
Drop by and see what he is doing for God and say a prayer for his ministry while you visit his site.
Blessings to you Tony!

A cross in the sky

2007-05-06T19:25:00.000-04:00

My youngest yelled out in the car, "LOOK! A cross in the sky!"
She showed me her discovery with excitement. The day was bright and beautiful.
She is too young to know that the pattern was made by planes flying in and out of Newark Airport.
Enjoying her excitement, I just agreed.
"And it's right over my sister's school."
"Yes, it is."
"You know Mommy, when it is sunny like today, Jesus is in the sky but when it is dark, he is in our hearts."
"Emma, he is always close by us isn't he?"
" Yup."
"You know what Emma? Maybe the sun on our skin is God giving us hugs and kisses? What do you think?"
Her little girl giggle told me she agreed.

Singing in the Rain

2007-05-06T19:12:00.000-04:00

Get thee behind me satan!
My efforts are not in vain.
My God loves me!
So, WATCH CLOSE! 'cause
I'll be singin' in the rain.

Moon over Manhattan

2007-05-02T09:10:00.000-04:00

Moon over Manhattan
Round, bright, full
I can’t stop staring at it
It takes my attention from the city lights
Overshadowing the man made with its purity
Capturing my eye, stealing my breath
Against the dark turquoise sky
Clear of clouds and too bright for stars
I feel everything in me gravitating towards it
As strong as the forces of attraction
It tugs the waters of the earth and my heart
Pulling me, distracting me and I understand
Why some howl when the moon is full
The romance of it all is intoxicating!

cjb

Skipping Stones

2007-04-30T23:29:00.000-04:00

Skipping stones
Across the lake
Two- three- four- plop!
Small, round, flat, smooth
Cast them out!
Some go far
Some drop hard
Some skim the top layer of water
Bouncing, flying, gliding
PLOP!
Again and again
We search for the perfect stone
To toss, to skip
Competing against ourselves
And the last stone tossed.
Hunting for the next with purpose
Excited, hopeful when it’s found
Will it soar?
Skip more?
Go the distance?
We choose carefully
Aim intently
Casting the perfect
Casting the chosen
Out of our hands
Propelling it into the distance
Loosing
What we earnestly sought
Tossing
What we once had found
Holding nothing back
Two- three- four-five
PLOP!
We start the search again
Hoping-
The next one will skip more
Believing-
it will go the distance.
Praying-
it will stay a little longer above water
Before it sinks
Like a rock

CJB

Worthy of mention

2007-04-20T11:42:00.000-04:00

This whole week my girls have been off school. Alastair and I did not have vacation time so my parents offered to take all four girls to Atlanta, Georgia for a visit. They have had so much fun! They have been to a water park, they've been shopping, catching sun rays on my parents back deck and mining for precious stones at a local gold mine.
I am so grateful to my parents. The girls are having a great time.
More pictures on Flickr!!

Words of Faith

2007-04-20T10:17:00.000-04:00

I'm a Beth Moore groupie. I don't belong to a fan club but if there was one I would sign up. Beth Moore is a bible teacher who has inspired many women to dig deeper into the word of God. She by example with a gift of transparency, encourages everday women to apply scriptures to their lives, to live out what they say they believe.
On her blog recently I read something that spoke to my heart directly. At one of her recent weekend ministry events the women stood and spoke out these words to each other and over themselves. I found them very helpful, I've recieved them as a word of comfort and strength for myself and wanted to share them.
Here they are:

Count it a joy,
Dear One
When life gets hard.
God is doing something huge!
He is also proving
That you are NOT a fake.
Be brave, Mighty Warrior.
Your God is with you!
When waves are crashing,
Stand to your feet,
Throw your head back
And feel the wind of the Spirit!
God is painting a masterpiece
With multi-colored trials.
Go forth and display
Divine special effects
To the great glory of God.
YOU CAN DO IT!

Hope you are blessed by them.
Speak them out!

James 1:2-4 (NIV)
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

NJ - Youth Councils 07

2007-04-16T09:58:00.000-04:00

Just got back from the weekend. God's Spirit moved ! Praise HIM!
I may write more about that later but right now I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine who has just started blogging.
He has posted something new while at Youth Councils and I think there are people out there who would have some comments to throw his way.

His name is Charles Kelly aka "CHIP"

Here Chip is with my husband behind bars.
We should have left them there!

Check his blog out and leave a comment!

The newest Sr. Soldiers of Montclair

2007-04-08T20:46:00.000-04:00

Ronnie Williams,Courtney Scheibner,Karin Tillsely,Heather Bate (my daughter),Stephen Johnson

Don't they look great!!

What can I say? It was a great Easter Sunday!!

The enrollment was going smoothly until I looked at my firstborn standing before me in a uniform under the flags. I was overwhelmed and almost unable to speak. It was a "Mom moment". Snap shots flooded my mind of her dedication under the Army flag when she was a baby, then flashed to the future and all the Lord has planned for her. Unfortunately for the rest of the congregation, I was officiating the ceremony when this emotion caught me off guard!

I choked back the tears and carried on as best I could.

As I look at each of these young adults I imagine all that the Lord has for them and all they have to give to the Lord. My prayer for them is that God will sanctify them through and through. That their whole spirit, soul and body will be kept blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls them is faithful and He will do it!!

I believe it!

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it."

Rock of Ages 1987 NYSB

2007-04-04T20:16:00.000-04:00

The Salvation Army's New York Staff Band sings William Bearchell's arrangement of "Rock of Ages", led by band chorus leader Major Thomas Mack in this 1987 broadcast.

My Dad is in this!!

Thanks Stephen for sharing this on facebook!

A night of 10,000 Smiles

2007-03-31T11:42:00.000-04:00

A funny thing happened to me in our first year serving in St.Petersburg, Russia. It happened a year before I was able to butcher the Russian language with some form of fluency. I had just left my language lesson with Vera. Sandra Ryan who also took Russian language lessons from this woman once told me “Jeff and I think she is KGB”!
Now, Vera was known for making her students cry and asked so many personal questions it often caused me to rethink my initial thought that Sandra may have been joking.
I was driving home in our LADA, a little white car with a big red Army shield on both the drivers side door and the passenger’s door that said in Russian “Armeeya Spaceenia” ( The Salvation Army). I approached the red traffic light and was drilling myself on some of the vocabulary words that Vera insisted I should already know. When at the red light I looked to my left and saw a man in his little blue LADA waving to me and signaling me to roll down my window. I think it was instinct because logically it was already stupid of me to roll down a window when I could hardly say , “Hello my name is..” However it was already too late. I rolled the window down and he asked me in Russian “ Sto Eta takoi Armeeya Spaceenia?” Excited that THIS question was the very lesson Vera had just drilled me on and that I actually understood, I attempted to answer quickly before the light would turn green.
“What is the Salvation Army?”
“ETA Cirk!” I shouted clearly!
As soon as I said it I knew what I had said. I tried to signal that my answer was wrong but the light turned green and the man just looked pathetically at me and nodded saying… “Don’t worry, I understand.”
As I drove away my heart sank. I failed Vera once again.
Eta Cirk! No…..wrong answer.
I should have said “eta Cirkoff” (it’s a church)
But instead I said, “It’s a circus!”

All this to say, yesterday evening was the GNY night of 10,000 smiles with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. It was at Madison Square Gardens and the New Jersey Division was invited to join the celebration.

It was a fun night with the kids at the circus…..hmmm!

* for those of you who noticed one of my girls is missing.... she went to LION KING on Broadway for a school trip. ;)

2007-03-29T21:35:00.000-04:00

The ministry of being is never inactive.

“I am the vine and you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5

“You did not choose me, but I choose you and appointed you to go bear fruit-fruit that will last.” John 15:16

My beloved is mine, and I am His.

2007-03-20T22:21:00.000-04:00

This pendant says in Hebrew

" I am to my beloved as my beloved is to me."

He pours out His mercy
-all around me
He lavishes me with His love
-abundantly
He overwhelms me with His grace
–unconditional
I can never out give my Lord.

He is magnificent,
He is wonderful
He is compassionate,
He is kind
He is creator,
He is counselor
I am His and He is mine

cjb

" My beloved is mine, and I am his."

Song of Solomon 2:16a

Luke 19:1-9

2007-03-18T23:16:00.000-04:00

In my study for my sermon on Zacchaeus, I looked up his name in Hebrew and found out that it means: PURE. I never knew this before and I was so excited to learn something new about such a familiar passage.
I kept thinking of how Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus so badly that he climbed into a tree just to see Jesus pass by.
Jesus not only noticed Zacchaeus but called him by name and went into his home to fellowship with him. Everyone in Jericho knew Zacchaeus and called him a sinner….Jesus knew Zacchaeus and called him PURE! For it was the name his parents gave him as a child. Zacchaeus come down for I’m going to your house today!
Matt. 5:8 says “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”
Zacchaeus desired to see God and he did, but much more was given to him.
He climbed that tree to get a glimpse of Jesus and God called him by name, came into his home and broke bread with him.
On that day, when Jesus called him PURE he was made pure. His response was to give back all he had taken. Jesus said “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what is lost.”
Salvation, acceptance into the family of God….a life found that was once lost!
Zacchaeus received more than he could ever imagine.
Now he could now live up to his name.

One of the songs we sang in the meeting today from the songbook was song #506
by John Copley Winslow (1882-1974)

This verse really stood out to me:

2.Lord of all power, I give you my will,
In joyful obedience your tasks to fulfill.
Your bondage is freedom, your service is song,
And, held in your keeping, my weakness is strong.

I’ve highlighted the part that caught my attention the most.
I love the poetry and the truth of: “Your bondage is freedom.”

Starbucks- "The way I see it"

2007-03-15T08:32:00.000-04:00

You can sometimes find me in Starbucks.

( I can hear you laughing Caryn and Mhairi!)

Anyway, I don't always read my cup. But yesterday I did and I found it interesting. Maybe it was interesting because of what I am studying for my sermon this Sunday. We are in a series called " Holding on and Letting go" from Luke. My husband spoke on the rich young ruler last week and this week I am speaking on Zacchaeus. I love trying to find a new angle to a story that is so familiar. But I digress...

Back to my Starbucks cup.
This is what I read yesterday:

"It's tragic that extremist co-opt the notion of God, and that hipsters and artist reject spirituality out of hand. I don't have a fixed idea of God. But I feel that it's us- the messed-up, the half-crazy, the burning, the questing- that need God, a lot more than the goody- two shoes do."
Mike Doughty - Musician

How do you see it?

2007-03-13T23:11:00.000-04:00

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

How fun is this?!

Turning 40!

2007-03-12T08:07:00.000-04:00

I had the best Birthday ever! My husband really went all out and just showered me with love. He had a party for me at our house. We had close to 80 people at one point!
He made all the food himself and was cooking all weekend. ( It was all delicious!!)
He set up, cooked and cleaned up the whole house before and after the party was over. (The girls helped too! )
There was a 1967 quiz and a WHO WANTS TO BE CAROLE"S FRIEND game set up with questions and pictures of me that was played like WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE.
My daughter Lydia also put together a slide show ....some pictures were very embarrassing!
She had the Van Morrison song: "Brown Eyed Girl" playing in the back ground and the Martina song: " She's a butterfly". She did a great job!
Everyone was kind....well, some were kind others had a lot of fun at my expense. :)
I am truly blessed!
40 is going to be a good decade!

Opening presents and sharing memories.

Just one of the rooms with all the food!

The living room crowd

The cake.

If you could read my buttons the red one would say:

I would rather be 40 than pregnant! ( so TRUE!!)

and the little black one: 40 is not old if you are a tree!

Birthday girl....up close! too close!!

Alastair's gift to me...for those who may not know the butterfly is actually my initials.

CjB with the "v" for my maiden name Voisey. I could not have thought of a better gift from the man I love! Does he know me or what!??

God has blessed me with so many gifts.

Family, friends, a great corps, a wonderful ministry in the Army and a life full of experiences both wonderful and challenging that have drawn me closer to HIM.

To all my friends and family who live across this country or the other side of the world....I miss you and love you very much.

I wish you ALL could have been with us!!

Money in a fish's mouth

2007-03-08T22:46:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 45:3 “I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

Isaiah 60:5 " Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you....."

When I was young we used to play
We looked for treasures on the way
We checked for change in old pay phones
But now I’m older and my faith has grown

You’ve heard the story of Apostle Peter?
Before he became a great church leader.
His problem? Taxes as the story goes ...
In a fish mouth he found some gold

I've often wondered when hearing this
From that point on, did he check each fish?
Just like I checked those old pay phones?
‘Cause Peter’s faith must have grown

I found it once,It can be done!
Growing faith is the best income.
So try to hear all our Lord might say.
Look for treasures hidden in each day.

cjb

I wrote this poem and then recently read the following:

FACTS ABOUT THE BIBLE – BY JOHN LEHTI
MONEY IN A FISH’S MOUTH!

Aramaic, the language which Jesus spoke, is still used in parts of Syria today in its original form with the same idiomatic phrases and slang.
One old expression is “you can find a shekel in the mouth of a fish.” Meaning: If you catch a good fish you can always sell it easily at the market.......
.......When Jesus was in Capernaum and the Roman tax-collector asked for the head tax everyone paid to Rome (two silver coins, worth a shekel), Jesus told Peter, who was a fisherman, to go- catch a fish which would have a piece of money in it’s mouth (Matt.17:27) Many authorities are agreed he was using the slang of the day- in other words, to catch a fish good enough to sell on the market for a shekel and thus pay their tax. During the 1st century A.D., when the Greeks were translating the Gospels into their own language, they had no understanding of the true meaning of these Aramaic expressions and so the story came out as though Peter actually caught a fish swimming around with a piece of money in its mouth- which doesn’t mean Jesus COULDN’T work a miracle in this case, for he raised the dead and healed many who were blind and lame, but it is interesting to note he never performed miracles for his own comfort and benefit!

I found this article interesting. I don’t like when people explain away the miracles of God but this one is different for me. I like the fact that he says, “it doesn’t mean Jesus couldn’t work a miracle in this case.”
This explanation makes sense to me especially after learning another language and a different culture’s slang. Since Peter was a fisherman that makes sense too. I think Jesus was practical as well as miraculous!
What do you think?

More of You!

2007-03-06T23:24:00.000-05:00

More of you Lord

More of you Lord
More of your Spirit
More of your Son
More of your will
in me be done.

Less of me Lord
Less of self
Less of pride
Remain in me
As, I in you abide

All I have and all I know of you
Is just a drop in oceans vast.
You are all consuming fire and
Every thought, each desire
Burns quickly like a match
I offer dross, you give me gold
I offer clay, longing Glory to behold.

More of you Lord
More of your Spirit
More of your Son
More of your will
in me be done.

Less of me Lord
Less of self
Less of pride
Remain in me
As, I in you abide

If I drink the waters of this earth
Could they quench my thirst for you?
Let your light shine through my earthly rags?
Clothe me in your righteousness
Drink until I thirst no more.
Let your light shine through.
Give me more!

More of you Lord
More of Your Spirit
More of your Son
More of your will
in me be done.

Less of me Lord
Less of self
Less of pride
Remain in me
May, I in you abide

I’ve heard I can have all of you that I desire.
Yet, how can this be true?
Who can contain all there is of you?
Can I breathe the entire atmosphere?
Hold a galaxy in these human lungs?
If yes! Then let me breathe you in!
Give me more of you!

More of you Lord
More of your Spirit
More of your son
More of your will
in me be done.

Less of me Lord
Less of self
Less of pride
Remain in me
As, I in you abide

cjb

“We are able to have as much of God as we want”
Alexander MacLaren

Last week my wise husband gave me a day of solitude. On this day I rested, worshiped, painted, wrote this poem and studied the Word. It was a great day. I hadn't painted in 7 years. I enjoyed the process and tried not to worry about the end result. I love the fact that we have worked this day of solitude into our marriage and ministry plan. It's a gift we try to give each other at least twice a year. Good for the marriage, good for the ministry and good for the soul!

When things are left undone

2007-03-05T16:04:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I went to visit a retired officer at her new assisted living apartment. I saw the sign in the lobby that read: Sunday Service 3:30 Baptist minister.
Since it was 3:00 on my arrival I thought I would walk her down and we could attend the service together. She greeted me warmly, seemed pleased for the company and the idea of going to the service together. So at 3:20 we walked down to the Grande room. It was beautiful! The building is only two years old. We found our seats near the piano and waited. We waited until 3:50 when the director came into the room to announce she had called the Baptist minister and he was unaware of the scheduling.
She came over to me and said, “It is too bad your husband wasn’t here, maybe he could have done the service for us.”
Wanting to be helpful I replied, “I’ve done this before maybe I can help?”
Next thing I know I am leading a worship service for around 40 people. We sang hymns, prayed and someone found a Bible for me from the library. I read and even shared a devotional thought.
When we were done Mrs. Churchill and I had a good giggle that I came to visit and ended up as the guest speaker. Everyone greeted us both in the hallway as I later walked her to the dinning room. In the dinning room one man took my hand and said a kind thank you. I asked him if he was a retired minister. Something about him, his face, and his eyes told me he knew the Lord well.
His reply, “No, but I read through the Bible 4 times every year. I wish my memory was better so I could recite the verses that I love. My only fear is that I will get to heaven and Christ will say I did not do enough.”
I said to him, “it is quite possible Jesus will say, well done, my good and faithful servant.” He just laughed as if that was a nice thought from a young girl.
I drove home thinking of his words….
“That Christ would say I did not do enough.”
I wondered is it possible to ever do enough for one who has given us everything.
I pray that gentleman receives the grace of our Lord and hears the words well done! I plan on doing all I can and yet still needing the same grace for all that’s left undone.
Keep us faithful Lord but when we fail, may we fall into your grace.

Monday was a SNOW DAY!

2007-02-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Monday was a snow day. The girls went out to play in the snow and I watched them from the window. I am sure it was the Spirit of God who said to my heart " They are only young once! Get out there and play with them in the snow!"

So, I did.

We had a snowball fight and there isn't one of us who has a "good" aim! LOL!

Words that have caused me to stop and ponder this week

2007-02-21T20:33:00.000-05:00

The following may or may not have anything to do with each other.

“We are able to have as much of God as we want” Alexander MacLaren

Song 523, verse 3

SA songbook

“Give me more power, that sinners around
May feel that thou in me dost live;
Let my light shine that souls who are bound
May say: To thee Lord now myself I give.”

Chorus:
Lord with my all I part
Closer to thee I’ll cling
All earthly things that bind my heart
Dear Lord to thy feet I bring

John 10:40-42
“Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. Here he stayed and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true.” And in that place many believed in Jesus.”

How awesome is this?! John the Baptist never performed a miraculous sign. Yet, the testimony about him was that all he had said about Jesus was true and the result??? Many believed in Jesus!! May I always speak the truth about Jesus. If I can do nothing else, may it be said about me that I have done this!

Matt. 17:20 “ Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Thomas Merton “New Seeds of Contemplation”
Pg. 123 “Hell is where no one has anything in common with anybody else except the fact that they all hate one another and cannot get away from another and from themselves.”

Pg. 112
“ It is not only our hatred of others that is dangerous but also and above all our hatred of ourselves: particularly that hatred of ourselves which is too deep and too powerful to be consciously faced for it is this which makes us see our own evil in others and unable to see it in ourselves.”

Poem - found it in my old Bible this week. I have no idea when I wrote it.

Sacred moments

Nothing is by chance
Every life has a dance
There is a rhythm
There is a rhyme
People come
People go
All of them
precious souls
God desires everyone
Are we open to the call?
Take his hand
Let Him lead
Dance with me
Dance with me
Your Providential God.

-cjb

God is always speaking. How do you hear him?

an angry head cold

2007-02-17T09:33:00.000-05:00

I have had a head cold
It’s been ‘bout seven days
It ruined my disposition
Taken all my energy away

The things I like to do
I struggled even to care
Coughing and sneezing
I resembled a grizzly bear

“Approach with caution!”
That’s what my family said
I guess I need a bit more work
On holiness while sick in bed!

cjb

Romance in the Scriptures from the King Of Kings

2007-02-14T10:42:00.000-05:00

“Place me like a seal over your heart,
like a seal on your arm;
for love is as strong as death,
its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.
Many waters cannot quench love;
rivers cannot wash it away.
If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love,
it would be utterly scorned.”
Song of Solomon 8:6-7 (NIV)

“Hang my locket around your neck,
wear my ring on your finger.
Love is invincible facing danger and death.
Passion laughs at the terrors of hell.
The fire of love stops at nothing—
it sweeps everything before it.
Flood waters can't drown love,
torrents of rain can't put it out.
Love can't be bought, love can't be sold—
it's not to be found in the marketplace.”
Song of Solomon 8:6-7 (MSG)

“Wear me as a signet ring on your heart,
as a ring on your hand.
Love is as overpowering as death.
Devotion is as unyielding as the grave.
Love's flames are flames of fire,
flames that come from the Lord.
Raging water cannot extinguish love,
and rivers will never wash it away.
If a man exchanged all his family's wealth for love,
people would utterly despise him.”
Song of Solomon 8:6-7 (GW)

________________________________________

"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse,
whose rider is called Faithful and True.
With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire,
and on his head are many crowns.
He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.
He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood,
and his name is the Word of God.
The armies of heaven were following him,
riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean.
Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations.
"He will rule them with an iron scepter."
He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.
On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."
Revelation 19 :11-16 (NIV)

There is only ONE in scripture who is atributed with everlasting love. Our acts of love and devotion to Him and to others are but a poor reflection. His love can never be quenched. He is called Faithful and True. Are you in love with the One who has eyes "like a blazing fire"? His passion and love for you is "as strong as death"....even death on a cross.

Gone Skiing!

2007-02-09T15:49:00.000-05:00

Corps Ski Trip 2007

Heather's poem

2007-02-07T21:01:00.000-05:00

Photo by Caryn Scheibner

My oldest daughter Heather wrote a poem in her creative writing class.

She gave me permission to put it up on my site.

I think it is wonderful....but hey I'm her Mom! :)

The Yellow Rose

I am a yellow rose in a red poppy field
for I do not feel I fit in.
I can not talk to other people
unless they have accepted me as one of their own.

I am a little caterpillar compared to a beautiful butterfly.
I will bloom someday but when that day comes will I be accepted?

You cannot change me though because I am happy with who I am.
So do you see me as a friend or do you see me as that
yellow rose in that red poppy field.

by Heather Bate
2/2007- age 14

I guess the Bate women are thinking about poppy fields recently!

My husband is WAY smarter than the cable guy!

2007-02-02T19:43:00.000-05:00

We had a visit from Les the cable guy. I had very little to do with his visit. Alastair was home so he met Les at the door and stayed next to him during the whole visit. Les started getting on Alastair’s good side by walking across our cream colored carpet with muddy wet boots. Les was promptly sent out to his van to find shoe coverings before he could enter again. From that point on I imagined as I was cooking that everything was going well. However, when I heard the cable guy getting ready to leave I went to the door. I had one question to ask the man who was meant to have the intellect to fix our phones, internet and television.
As I approached the two men at the door, I missed the warning look from my husband’s eyes. Later, I realized Al was actually yelling at me frantically through his eyes to warn me. I asked my little question and Les…..well, Les couldn’t have given less of an answer. A lot of hand motions, rolling of eyes, thoughts of what it could be, all within a matter of seconds and all from Les. Alastair looked at me with eyes that said, “Curse you woman! You have prolonged his visit!” When the door shut behind Les….I laughed. I thought, he annoyed me and I could tell he had no idea what he was doing within seconds of our meeting. Then it dawned on me…..poor Alastair! It was once said about Alastair that all he had to do was walk by something electronic and it would immediately begin working! So, not only is Alastair very good with all electronic things but he just spent at least 45 minutes with this guy!!
Lucky for Al, Les comes back for one more visit but unfortunately, it will be scheduled on a day when Alastair won’t be around.

Exalted Opinions

2007-02-02T13:52:00.000-05:00

Exalted Opinions
Our personal views
Our own estimations
Of how I see you.

A general assessment
A judgment or two
All drawn together
By our “expert” view

A second opinion
If you dare disagree
But most of the body
Agrees with me.

Look for yourself
Add up the facts!
Our opinions matters
Try denying that!

Exalted opinions
Have they become gods?
Is it all about me?
Our thoughts the cogs?

Wonder what God thinks?
Does He have a thought?
What is His will?
Is it all for naught?

Our world and our culture
Exalt many things.
But lately our opinions
Are Rulers and Kings.

cjb

Transparency

2007-02-02T09:02:00.000-05:00

Transparency seems to be a hot topic lately. Check out Larry Ashcraft’s blog and Doug Burr.
The peom below, I wrote and posted awhile ago but thought I would stick it up again.
I understand transparency when it comes to how I choose to live. I have always seen God honor transparency in my life and in the lives of others.
What does corporate transparency look like?? A body of believers who together are intentional about being transparent?
Transparency to me is just letting TRUTH out in all I do and say. (Easier said than done sometimes.)

There are risk but no one whose hope is in God will be put to shame!
Just some thoughts…. cjb

He sees right through me,

I’m transparent.

There is nothingI can hide.

Do not mistake

My transparency,

For lack of substance.

Or lack of depth.

Emptiness …

Gives us space

To be filled.

Clarity …

Gives us confidence

And vision.

Look on through!

There is nothing

To hide.

This is His plan

For me,and

For you,

Transparency.

To be transparent

In all we say

And all we do.

To see though

Or look past,

To catch a glimpse

Of something…

Something other

Than me.

To catch a glimpse

Of Him.

He sees right,

He sees right through.

Transparency.

cjb

A Valley

2007-01-31T21:13:00.000-05:00

A valley covered
In a blanket of red.
Come lie with me here
And lose all your cares.
As the wind gently caresses.
Watch with me as the poppies
Dance above our heads.
Feel the cool ground on your back.
Taste the grass between your teeth.
Get lost under the crimson canopy.
Fall asleep next to me and pull the blanket over
Rest, laugh, roll, love in the sublime.
High on the opium of life not yet
Destroyed or extracted by the hand of man.
A valley on fire, a valley of blood
A valley of forgiveness, a valley of love
A valley created by the brush strokes of a Master Artist.
Lie with me here in this Monet-like painting
Lose all your cares as the wind gently caresses.
Watch with me as the poppies
Dance above our heads.

cjb

George Scott Railton

2007-01-23T22:15:00.000-05:00

I intend carefully to instruct my children that if at any time they see The Salvation Army a wealthy, respectable concern, the majority of whose “soldiers” simply go where they please to attend its’ “ministrations,” leaving the godless undisturbed to perish; and if they see another set of people, however they may be clothed or despised, who really give up all to go and save the lost, then they must not for a moment hesitate to leave the concern their poor old dad helped to make, and go out amongst those who most faithfully carry out what the founder of the Army laid down in his writings and acts, may God preserve them from such a day by keeping the Army free from the love of money and ease – George Scott Railton, An Autobiography, Full Salvation, Jan. 1, 1894.

_______________________

Are we wealthy with..

“respectable concern”?
Do we leave the…
“Godless undisturbed”?

Children, follow not
Your father’s cause,
If it strays…..
From the will of God.

Better to leave …
The comfort, the cash
To go to Hell’s kitchen,
To claim souls back!

Serve the Living Water,
To a world that thirsts
Get your hands dirty,
Go for the worst!

This is our call!
This is our mission!
Self preservation,
Is not our commission.

Fight as a soldier!
Soldiers of the cross!
Fight for the perishing,
The despised and lost.

The Love of money
The Love of ease…
Lord, Keep our Army
Free from these!

cjb

A-B-C

2007-01-22T21:38:00.000-05:00

Emma : Mommy what starts with the letter "A"??
Mommy: Apple, airplane.....Alastair!
Emma: (giggle) -- That's daddy's name!
Emma: "B"!
Mommy: Baby, boy, balloon. Give the baby boy a balloon!
Emma: The girl gets a balloon too!
Emma: How 'bout "C" ??
Mommy: Cat and Carole! (pause) Carole is my name! (big smile)
Emma: (Laugh) NO mommy! You're silly! Your name ISN'T Carole it's MOMMY!!

Sugar coated sin

2007-01-21T23:58:00.000-05:00

It is all a lie that we drink in
Like poisoned Kool-Aid from Pastor Jim
The friendship and the love we share
With earthy charms and worldly cares.

Disguised as if it will not harm
Is sin that sets off no alarm
Dressed not with red pitch fork in hand
But dressed to please the eye of man

Why do we drink it down with ease?
Are we that blinded by a need to please?
Driven to satisfy, to seek our own will,
We believe the lies that it won’t kill.

Sugar coated or dark desperation
Sin brings death and a separation
It defiantly kills, it aims to destroy
Its purpose, its goal, to steal our joy

So check your glass and train your hearts
He who deceives, who shoots his darts
Will find his pleasure in all that is lost
Will laugh at what our choices cost.

Death has no sting! Christ died for the lost.
The victory is ours! Over sin by the cross.
Be not deceived, give deception no ground!
For we who are free should never live bound!

cjb