Brilliant gold hits steel grey
Soothing , rhythmic waves fall upon sand
Steel grey turns golden, as all is touched by the sun
And the Son
Glimpses of Heaven, whispers from the throne
The Voice of God in His limitless creation
c2020 Lisa Lyons
You have permission to dream. It is ok, actually more than ok; it is necessary to dream. God has created each one of us. We all have a unique personality and a unique reason that we are here on this earth. When we live and move and breathe in Christ Jesus, He gives us desires and dreams and goals. He has given us a mission each day, even if its just smiling at your neighbor, or being extra kind to your dog, or doing the laundry with a good attitude.
Life can try to beat those dreams out of us. Especially lately. COVID and the other problems of the world try to tell us there is no hope, no use, no way. But Jesus says, “With man this is impossible. But with God, all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
I am praying actively that Christ will bring my dreams into alignment with His. That He will continue to bring me out of my COVID and fear-induced stupor and into action for Him. I am trying to wake up each morning and be excited again about life and the day and what it holds. And I know that God, who loves me more than I can even imagine, has plans for me that I cannot fathom. That there is no age or circumstance where it is too late or impossible. I am giving myself permission to dream, and I am excited.
“A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul.” – Proverbs 13:19a
“Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” -Psalm 37:4
It’s ok to dream. Love the Lord with all your heart and soul and mind, and He will direct your steps. I would love to hear from you. Please write in the comments below. Have a wonderful weekend. Love, Lisa
Happy/sad. I have referenced that phrase several times lately. Because that is how many of my days lately have been. Don’t be worried. It is not a cry for help, or a sign that I am depressed. As a writer, I enjoy the feeling of happy/sad, as it helps me feel more, experience more, empathize more.
What is happy/sad? Here is my not so exhaustive list, from movie quotes, to songs, to experiences.
-“Your problem is that you’re not happy being sad. But that’s what love is – happy sad.” (Sing Street, 2016)
-The feeling I get listening to “Auld Lang Syne.”
-Watching my husband drive off to work, missing him the minute he leaves, but loving the fact that I love him so much.
-Watching my children grow up into adults, missing those little child hugs, but enjoying our new adult conversations.
-Memories of my dad, now that he resides in heaven. The best of dads, missing him to tears, but so happy because I know we will see each other again.
-Seeing the leaves fall from the trees, the beauty of the colors tinged with the sadness of the bare trees. But knowing that spring will come.
-Remembrances of Christmases gone by, the special doll, the new bicycle. Knowing new memories are being made, every minute, even still. Happy/sad.
I know you all can add to this list, and I would love to hear your happy/sad things. Please comment below. Enjoy all the moments…..happy, sad, and in between. Relish them all. Live and love your life.
Love, Lisa
Here is a great version of “Auld Lang Syne” by Keith Harkin to enjoy.
Breathe in Christ
Breathe out world
Breathe in sun and sky and air
Breathe out worry and heaviness
Breathe in joy
Breathe out stress
Breath of God, fill me.
c 2020 Lisa Lyons
The sea was relatively calm. Once she got past the small breaking waves, it was easy to swim. But the thoughts kept coming. She decided to swim down, into the deep of the water for a moment. She saw dark murky sand in the water through her slightly opened eyelids. The pressure of the water pushed hard against her head, her body. She could feel the pulse of the tide also. Random pieces of seaweed and a possible jellyfish brushed against her skin.
Finally, the need for air arose. She stopped the motion of her arms, her legs, and released. Her body rushed towards the air. Simultaneously, a gulp of fresh salty air, sun on her face, seawater on her hair. She felt young again with no responsibilities or expectations. Relief and joy flooded her soul. Simple joys, water and air and sky and sun. Good things. God things.
The thoughts were clearer now, not so murky and cluttered. New her, new dream, new day.
Whatever it is that you are dreaming about, maybe that is God nudging you to go for it. You have permission to dream and to go after your dreams, no matter how old you are, no matter if COVID is in the world, no matter if politics are a mess. God is on His Throne. He made you and gave you this day, today. Since God is in control, there is a bright and glorious future. Grab on to Him and your dreams, let go, and swim for the surface. Love, Lisa
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” -Isaiah 43:18-19a
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” -John 8:36
