Faith in the Unseen

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My Lord, My God

Forgive when with faith I do not see

Help me, O LORD,

To appreciate the unseen with clarity

For our faith lies not in the seen

But rather in those things beyond sight

It is in those with deep faith

That You give favor and find delight

So often I stumble

Because I do not see

I see the world around me, yes

But forget the unseen of eternity

Grant, O Lord, that I may see

As you do, seen and unseen, both

For it is to You and to Your Kingdom

That my life I will always devote

Guide me, Lord, and show me

The path of life abundant and pure

With only You as my Compass

Can the course of my steps be sure

Let the depth of my faith surge

As the deep and beautiful sea

Let never the doubts and worries

Wash over a faithless me

For with faith I will live

And with faith I will die

Only to find eternal promises

Granted from the Most High

Thank you, O Lord, for your grace

To grant me the faith to live

I pray that you increase my faith

And more to me each day You give

For I will please you with faith

And I will serve with hope and love

Knowing You so closely here, Father

And even more so when we meet Above

~*~

How do you keep your spiritual eyes fixed on the Unseen?

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Sep 19, 2011 By Caroline Gavin Christian Poetry, Divine Comfort, God's Character, Holistic Healing, Inspiration, Praise, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Growth, Thanksgiving 2 Comments

My Lord, My Shepherd

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How can our hearts be troubled long

When we know in glory Our Lord does reign?

Nothing can separate us from His Love

No trial, no challenge, no pain

Jesus is my Joy and my Comfort

My cup indeed overflows

I sing of my Savior and His Love

Not of the trials nor of the woes

Praise the Lord, Praise His Glorious Name!

Praise Him who created mountain, lake and sea

Sing of His Good Will, Sing of His Love

Yes, I will do so gladly and joyfully

My soul bursts with joy when I contemplate

All that my Savior has done for me

How could He have? How would he have?

Died for such a one, a sinner only be?

Love teems in my heart for Him

Gratitude and joy abound

Yes, my hope is in my Lord

Grateful His salvation I have found!

Thank you, My Lord

For your love, for your grace so kind

Let us rejoice, let us be glad

That sin no longer does us bind

We are led by the Spirit

And showered by blessings from Above

Let us share the Good News with all

And sing hymns of His Everlasting Love!

~*~

How do you celebrate the love of the Lord, the Shepherd?

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Sep 14, 2011 By Caroline Gavin Christian Poetry, Divine Comfort, God's Character, Inspiration, Praise, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Growth, Thanksgiving 6 Comments

The Life Song

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The movement of my life

A symphony does make

Adding verses to the song

From the time I awake

Following my Lord

The notes ring more sweet

My life song more lovely

Since my Lord I did meet

Even the solemn notes

Have a beautiful place

So that the trials I now

Can gratefully embrace

The pauses and rests

Are meaningful too

Distinguishing the notes

The pauses certainly do

Yes, rest lends beauty

To the symphony of life

As do the trials

And the periods of strife

To You, Lord, I devote

My life song each day

May my life song ring

With beauty, I pray

Enjoying the pauses

And the bitter notes too

For both sweeten a song

In ways I never knew

Today and every day

May our lives of Christ sing

Glory and Honor to God

May our songs always bring

~*~

What Symphony – what Life Song – do you sing?

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Sep 12, 2011 By Caroline Gavin Christian Poetry, Inspiration, Nature, Praise, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Growth, Thanksgiving 2 Comments

The Son Light

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At times the day may seem

Gray and dreary so

My heart seems to sag

And my energy runs low

Suddenly I realize

How foolish I’ve been

To allow the externals

To seep within

Change my focus

I must now do

Shift it to the Eternal

To the Beautiful and the True

Light then pours

Into my world so gray

Hope suddenly streams

Into a once dreary day

Focus on Christ

And on His Love so pure

Think always of Him

And peace will endure

Sun will fill the days

Yes, each and every one

When we choose to see Light

From God’s only begotten Son

~*~

How do you embrace the Son Light?

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Sep 7, 2011 By Caroline Gavin Christian Poetry, Divine Comfort, God's Character, Inspiration, Nature, Praise, Spiritual Growth, Thanksgiving 4 Comments

Life Lessons in Lost Keys

“Oh, no…where did my keys go?” I think most of us have asked this question in a panic. I lost a set of keys months ago while in the midst of an engaging phone conversation. Distracted by the content of the call, I placed my keys on the kitchen counter rather than in their “special” spot. My intent was to retrieve them after the call. When I finished the phone conversation, however, the keys were no longer on the counter. Things do disappear with a toddler in the home!

I was determined to find them. After all, they had to be somewhere in the house! I looked everywhere: up and down, in and out, through every trash bag and behind every corner. No keys. I looked under every furniture item and through all the children’s toys. Still no keys.

Well, a few weeks ago – and literally nine months later – my son found the keys underneath the recliner in the living room. I had moved that very chair several times and had checked the creases and crevices countless times. Yet suddenly these keys appeared almost a year later. It seemed that there must be some meaning or message to the whole experience.

After all, how often are we looking for something that is right beneath us? How often do we assume that it is no longer worth looking or trying when we see no immediate result? And how often does God demonstrate that He works all things in His perfect time?

As simple as the story of missing keys may be, valuable life lessons lie within it:

First, we must release attachment to outcomes and instead place in God’s hands the outcomes and the means. He will allow people or things or experiences to surface at just the right time. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Second, we cannot assume that something is no longer in God’s will after a certain length of time has passed. That which may seem dead or lost may resurface at a time or place unexpected. Trust not in appearances but in the perfection of God’s purposes. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Third, we must trust that the answers – the keys – are closer to us than we may think. We are often standing near or upon the very things for which we long and look. Allow stillness and silence to bring answers through God’s Voice that one cannot otherwise hear. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)

And, fourth, we must remember always that God sees the ultimate outcome and has a favorable plan. So we must remember to thank God in all things, even in the trials and losses. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)

As we travel upon our pathways of purpose, let us trust God in all things…even when the keys are missing and the dreams seem to disappear. Let us take comfort in the perfection of His timing, His providence and His love. Appearances will not discourage or deceive us when we keep our eyes fixed on the Eternal. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 1:11)

Today – and every day – let us celebrate the moment, hear God’s Voice in the stillness and trust Him fully in all things. For the keys to Eternity lie in our faith, love and trust of Him…

~*~

What life lessons do you see in lost keys?

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Sep 3, 2011 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth, Vocation / Career / Calling 4 Comments

Past Perceptions and Future Freedom

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Pine National Forest by Basketman

I enjoy conversing one-on-one with a good friend. Recently a dear friend of mine visited our home with her children. As she and I caught up on things, her children played with mine in the yard. They spent the majority of their time looking for frogs and salamanders. Yes, this is one of my son’s favorite pastimes, and my Alexander is quite skilled at catching these little creatures.

My friend mentioned to me that, since the get-together at my house, her daughter now looks for salamanders in their own back yard. My friend and I laughed as she shared that her daughter calls these little creatures “Alexanders” rather than salamanders. Ah, from the mouths of babes!

This adorable little girl had taken that which was familiar (my son’s name) to replace the unfamiliar (the name “salamander”). She had linked the unknown with something known.

How often do we ourselves do this? In the case of the “Alexanders,” the error is both innocent and precious…but, in our own lives, what are the repercussions of doing this on a larger scale?

For example, a woman may experience an abusive relationship and thereafter label all men as “bad” or “abusive.” In this case, linking the unknown (a future partner) with the known (the previous partner) is neither accurate nor favorable. A child may have an unkind teacher and thereby feel school is dreadful; he thereby links the unknown (future classes) with the known (the unpleasant class). Any one of us may experience changes that are painful and thereafter associate change with pain. Change, however, can be tremendously positive; this inaccurate association, again, does not serve us well.

What is the result of linking feelings or labels inaccurately to people, experiences or things? If we live with a skewed perspective, we cannot live fully in touch with reality. We cannot embrace the flow of time, the currents of change and the fullness of life. If we remain tied to the experiences and feelings of the past, we lose the opportunity to deeply connect with the experiences before us. When we release the untruths of past perceptions, however, we grow attuned to new experiences and insights, open to learning and awakened to seeing the Truth.

Clinging to past perceptions can hinder us as we journey purposefully along our path. Jesus reminds us that in obeying His Word, we “will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) So, although our past perceptions may lead us to feel that an action is acceptable, we must trust God if His Word shows such an action is sinful. Or, if our past perceptions lead us to believe that certain things are not possible to achieve, we must trust God if His Word shows that they are possible through His strength.

Are there any areas of mislabeling in your life? Perhaps you have mislabeled change with fear? Or righteous living with impossibility? Or attaining your mission with futile fantasy?

I encourage you today, as you travel purposefully, to be aware of the “Alexanders” in your life. Be vigilant of the labels you attach to people, experience and things. Recognize the feelings and beliefs you associate with them. And change any inaccurate label to match the Truth of God’s Word. In doing so, you will release tethers of the past and move purposefully toward your mission and your future…

~*~

Share about your past perceptions and future freedom!
What misbeliefs did you – or do – hold? How did you – or will you – free yourself of them?

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Sep 1, 2011 By Caroline Gavin Holistic Healing, Spiritual Growth, Vocation / Career / Calling 5 Comments

The Off-Track Twists and Turns

Getting Off Track

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The Garden Path by Simon Howden

As we travel upon our pathways of purpose, we will experience getting off-track from time to time. As much as we desire to avoid this, we can take comfort in knowing that getting off-track for a short time can actually support our journeys.

Have you ever shifted from feeling purely inspired to downright discouraged? As we live on purpose, we feel ready to help the world, prepared to make a difference and passionate to help others. Yet, at times, interruptions happen, emergencies arise or criticism assaults us. Suddenly we can feel discouraged, frustrated – and off-track from our purposeful course. Perhaps we may even feel unaccomplished and unfulfilled; we may subsequently question if we will truly ever achieve that upon which we have set our hearts and our paths.

How can we then move from being discouraged to being inspired? How can the off-track twists and turns actually help us to travel more purposefully?

– First, take comfort that God loves you for who are in Christ. He loves your being and not simply your doing. “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12) Our faith in Christ, our receiving Him in our hearts, secures our standing with God. Yes, God wants us to obey His Word and work faithfully for His Kingdom. Yes, He wants us to experience victory in living in His Truth. Yet, irrespective of circumstance, God loves you as His cherished child for who you are in Christ.

– Second, remember that feeling off-track indicates that you were indeed on-track! Yes, it reflects that you were previously moving intentionally and purposefully. The recognition of being off-track therefore allows you to move again to being on-track. Do not count the steps you could have taken if you had not been interrupted. Do not contemplate how far you could have traveled upon your path if you had not veered off-course. Simply take heart that you are on the path again – and keep going!

– Third, connect humbly and gratefully with God to discover what you can learn from the distractions and emergencies and criticisms. Ask Him how you can better handle these situations. Such events are opportunities in which we can grow. We can react in frustration or anger or discouragement. Or we can react in love and compassion and hope. The very twists and turns that seem to pull us from our path may actually propel us further upon our path if we react to them with a loving heart. We may amidst certain trials, for example, grow in patience, in wisdom or in generosity.

God is sovereign and allows events to happen, even those which we perceive to lead us from our course. We must discern how these events can help us to grow and how they can support – rather than hinder – our movement upon our purposeful pathway. We fix our trust in God “and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Today, as you journey upon your purposeful pathway, embrace the twists and turns and obstacles that you may encounter. Recognize that being off-track may actually help your course if your heart is open to the life lessons which therein lie; realize also that what you may perceive to be off-track may actually be a powerful part of your pathway. Those very twists and turns may lead you closer to your destination and to God Himself. Open your heart and allow God to work through all situations. Then faithfully follow Him step by step…

~*~

How did you feel the last time you got off track?

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Aug 22, 2011 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth, Vocation / Career / Calling 1 Comment

Live with Purpose…to Live with Peace

Purposeful Living, Peaceful Living

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Purposeful living is also peaceful living.

The sense of peace we experience is often a product of situations and circumstances. Yet God promises His children a peace which transcends these fleeting feelings. This transcendental peace results not from favorable circumstances but from steadfast trust in God. “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

It is human nature to grow discouraged and to lose peace when situations shift unfavorably. Yet, as we learn to react not in our nature but in the Spirit, we learn also to trust God in all situations. For, as we live in the Spirit, we trust in God’s provision, in God’s omnipotence and in God’s omniscience. We trust in God’s love and in His goodness. Yes, we trust “and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Trusting in the loving Hand of our Father engenders unwavering peace no matter what we encounter upon our journey.

In my own life I have struggled with this. It has been easy to feel peaceful when things were going smoothly and according to “plan”… but also so easy to feel distress and lack of peace when those plans went awry. Yet, as I have practiced placing trust not in myself but in God, indescribable peace has embraced me. Trusting in God, resting gratefully in His Will and aligning our purposes with His engenders within our hearts this sublime peace.

Money, relationships, belongings, health and status are all unstable. While certain things are good to have, we simply cannot place our trust in the blessings. Rather we place our trust in the One who blesses, for God is eternal and unchanging. He is the Rock upon whom we can fix solidly our trust.

The following are steps for obtaining peace:

– Ensure that in all areas you are seeking first God’s Kingdom “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) In maintaining the proper focus on God’s Kingdom, we will look not for security in things which are bound to change. Are there any areas in which you are not seeking God’s Kingdom foremost?

– Trust God in all situations. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) As we learn to trust fully in God’s plans, rather than in our own, we discover peace that accompanies walking with God and heeding His direction.

– “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15) We can grow accustomed to the rushed and unsettled feeling of disturbed peace. Our hearts, therefore, must be open to the gift of peace – both to receiving and to maintaining it. Is your heart fully open to this gift? Or is it clenched with anxiety or fear?

– Remain in God’s Will and abide in His Word. “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 15:4) As we remain in God’s Word, and as His Word abides in us, we live according to the Spirit. Doing so allows us to bear the spiritual fruit of peace.

– As you live in God’s peace, bring this divine peace to others. God promises that “peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:18) As you allow God’s peace to flow into your heart, purposefully create peace in all situations. Peace springs forth not from external situations but from the indwelling of God’s Spirit. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

As we travel today upon our personal pathways of purpose, let us embrace the peace that God freely gives. No matter what lies around us, let us allow God’s peace to rule within us. And let us bring peace to others, allowing God to transform them – just as He is actively transforming us. Let us live according to God’s special purposes for us…so we may live with the peace He promises!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

~*~

How will you step more strongly into your purpose to live more fully in peace?

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Aug 18, 2011 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth 4 Comments

Celebrating Change

Another incredibly powerful tool for purposeful living is the ability to celebrate and embrace change.

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2)

Our Lord, Our God, is constant, eternal, unchanging. He is the Alpha and Omega: omniscient, omnipotent and everlasting. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17) The essence of this created world, however – with every creature, every flower, every leaf, every bird, every rock – is change. We see clearly that “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Life flows in a constant flux, so resistance to the flow of change inevitably causes conflict. Yielding to and flowing with change, however, leads to peace, hope and eager expectation for the future.

When we do not find our joy and peace in the unchanging God, it is easy for us to seek fulfillment through attachment: attachment to things, to people, to relationships, to circumstances. When changes threaten these temporal attachments, we begin to fear; we grow anxious, discouraged and sometimes angry. Yet God created the world in a state of change – with day and night, with summer and winter, with life and death. “My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass.” (Psalm 102:11) The constant movement of daylight and of seasons reflects this natural law and encourages us to embrace the flow of change. God – yes, only God – is the Source of true stability and solidity.

When we allow God to fill us, when we invite God to bring us hope, when we embrace His love, we need no attachments. We can proclaim confidently that “He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 62:6) In doing so, we embrace the changes God allows. We look forward with great anticipation the good things which will come. For we know that “He is the rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4)

Is there any area in your life in which you are not embracing change? Are you clinging to any attachments? As you travel upon your purposeful pathway, I encourage you to embrace the love of God and celebrate the flow of change. Discover firsthand the liberating paradox: by clinging firmly to the Eternal God and standing firmly on the Rock of Truth, you will flow freely and peacefully with the beautiful currents of time and change.

“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.” (2 Samuel 22:31)

~*~

How will you celebrate change today?

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Aug 15, 2011 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth 13 Comments

Life Fragrance: What is Expressed When You are “Pressed”?

Life Fragrance

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As we seek to live with purpose and peace, it helps to draw metaphors from Nature to more clearly understand God’s purposes and God’s ways. The fragrance released when grass is cut is both beautiful and refreshing. As it grows undisturbed, the fragrance of grass is mild; but, when grass is cut, the fragrance it emits is aromatic and powerful.

We can bring this fragrance metaphor to our own lives and ministries.”For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” (2 Corinthians 15) It is natural for us to view favorably the periods of ease. Yet, when our lives flow undisturbed and without trial, the true depth and strength of our love and faith is concealed.

When, however, we are in the midst of trials – when we are cut and squeezed and pressed – the essence of who we are flows forth for the world to experience. If we are filled with the Holy Spirit, the fragrance of the Spirit beautifully rises from us. God’s Love and Light flow through us as an incredible testimony, a fragrant evidencing of Him. We discover that “we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” (2 Corinthians 4:8)

As we commit to purposeful living, it is helpful to evaluate the fragrance we emit…for our fragrance evidences our essence. Trials are opportunities in which to release our fragrances, to bear our fruit, to expose to others the Spirit of the Lord which resides within us.

The following steps will help us to embrace trials and challenges as opportunities:

– Reflect upon the essence that fills your heart. What flows forth from you in times of trial, the times of pressing? Is it love, patience and forgiveness? Or is it anger, resentment and overwhelm? Write about specific circumstances of trials in your life and the fragrances revealed in your responses and feelings.

– Review the times in your life in which challenge ultimately yielded incredible good. Journal about these periods and the resulting positive outcomes.

– Determine what you can do to sweeten your life fragrance. Do you need to practice forgiveness? Could you incorporate more time for prayer and meditation? Do you need more involvement with your church family? Do any sinful patterns exist that prevent the Holy Spirit from fully dwelling within you? Is your relationship with God deeply personal and continuously growing? Take time to closely meditate on these questions and to journal about your discoveries.

As you journey purposefully, pause to enjoy the delightful fragrances of Nature. Reflect also upon your own life essence. When trials arise, what aroma will flow forth from you? “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1) How can your life of living sacrifice grow more fragrant and holy and pleasing to God? Trials and challenges are indeed opportunities, for they reveal the depth of faith and love that lies within heart.

~*~

What steps will you take to sweeten your life fragrance today?

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Aug 9, 2011 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth, Vocation / Career / Calling 7 Comments