WORDS

It was one of those nights! Waking at 2AM, my brain not wanting to go into sleep mode. These thoughts marching in my mind, begging to be expressed. It's now 4AM and I've given up the fight for sleep so here goes....

It's been a while since my last post! I've "written" several blogs since then but none actually made it to the computer. I've grown weary of words. My own included. It's become painfully clear to me recently that words can be an incomplete vessel for our hearts. Sometimes words are a poor replacement for a lingering hug, intentionally looking deeply into another's eyes, a gentle touch. Words are everywhere and we could spend all of our time tangled up in them. Words have the power of life and death! And we all have experienced words that heal and words that wound. I want to avoid carelessly tossing words out into the atmosphere. I'm becoming increasingly aware that our words are not always interpreted the way we intend. The "me you see" can be a bit different and, to be perfectly honest, less favorable than the "me I think you see". It's a good reality check that helps me to evaluate how my words are being spoken and how I can improve what is being heard. You see, we each know our own heart and motive....and speak from that. But others don't have that knowledge and can only hear our words through the lens of their own experiences.

So in case there's any doubt: I'm a very flawed and needy person who is seeking to be a obey God and bless others. This is my bottom line; case closed; amen! I can relate to David of the Bible....a child of God with many failures but with a heart after God. I want my words to be words of life and hope and healing. Small baskets holding God's love. My prayer each day is to speak God's words of peace and grace. Does that come through? I don't know. Maybe on my best days. Our words and actions may be so very different from each other! That's the beauty and the challenge of being a part of the body of Christ. I am committed to hearing and reading your words through that framework of love and acceptance and I'd be honored if you will do the same for me. Maybe this is what God meant when He said:

"Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others."

I Corianthians 13:7 The Passion Translation

So, fellow basket holders, this vessel is once again gearing up for another scan in August. God's peace is carrying me through the emotions that can go with the uncertainty of the future. Thank you for your prayers and support. Thank you for your words to me that carry love and hope and comfort. May those words come back to you in your time of need.