LaLa Song LaLa

I was looking through some guitar music that I have and went through one song that I thought I could share with you all-- I'm sure it is familiar:

You are my shepherd I have no needs
You lead me by peaceful streams
And you refresh my life
You hold my hand and you guide my steps
I could walk through the valley of death
And I won't be afraid

Because You are in Control
Because You are in Control
Because You are in Control

You cause everything to work together
You truly have a sovereign plan
And you know who I am
And you made who I am
And you love who I am


May you know that the LORD is in Control of your life-- not to be 'controling' but loving.
And may you know the depth of His love for you-- because He made you.

Deep Peace.

I've been workin' in the fields.

I was reading in Ruth tonight-- a book that I haven't read in that often I must say.
Some times I seem to be selfish to turn to the books that could possibly give me direct direction.. if that makes sense to you.
I became quite interested when the book got to the point when Ruth ended up collecting grain in the fields.
The thing that stood out to me was, the favor she had in the fields. She was provided for in the fields-- and then some.

This could be a pretty sweet blessing to pray over people "working in the fields" so to speak...
That they would be provided for, and then some as Ruth was provided for through Boaz's command.
Check it out.. Ruth Chapter One and Chapter Two-- so you can get a feel for it yourself.

Deep Peace.

Simple Prayer.

I wrote this one day as I sat in the local park, Victoria Park:

"In the midst of all this beauty lies a coating of such pain.
Would you shower down your mercy on the trees and in the rain..
Would you whisper words of wonder to the creation that praises your name.

Cry out! Cry Out, the nature that surrounds you.
Cry out, Cry out, to a God who knows you by name.
Cry out, Cry out-- don't you hear them cry out?
Even the trees cry louder than this woman who is held in the palm of God's hands."

An artistic observation and prayer.
God is my inspiration.

Deep Peace.

So the other day as I am working I was chatting with my new Assistant Manager while cleaning up to close the store.
We started going over some things we should get done and then we ended up chatting how helpful it is to come in in the morning and have things all ready to go-- rather than to come in to a store that really needs to be stocked and cleaned.
She started to tell me that in the old store that she worked in that they would "Set up for success"-- meaning that the people who close at night will have things ready to go for the morning group-- and the morning group will have everything prepared and ready for the afternoon group-- and so on.

I totally love this. What an encouraging thing to be doing. Getting things almost overly set up so that the others who are coming into work will be at peace. I'm sure it makes for a happier person-- which means happier co-workers and happier customers. All around it's a good deal.
So now every day I am being intentional to "Set up for success" in order to serve those coming in after me.
What a great opportunity I have. I get to be a witness through my actions.

I'm glad God shows up all over the place.
Deep Peace.

The verses surrounding.

Okay, so during some of my time reading this morning I decided to go and read Isaiah chapter 61-- to see how we are seeing things lived up to Isaiah 61:4.
Well I've read Chapter 61 before but it seemed that one verse stuck out to me more that usual:

"Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. There fore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs." -Isaiah 61:7

Now I know that so many times I've been asked about Isaiah 61:4 and what it means to us as a community-- I usual begin with saying that when it takes about "they" it means you. The people who grew up here in London, the people whose lives are invested here, the people who understand.
I only got this to a certain extent.

But after continuing on and reading about the rewards for those who will be rebuilding the ancient ruins, restoring.. I got it. I felt it more than ever. I felt it because this is what I long for those I have meet here in London-- for those in my community and also outside of it. I long for their shame to be taken away, for them to walk in freedom-- to walk in fullness and to have joy. For all their needs to be met.

For sure.
Amen.
Deep Peace.

Walk and Pray- Prayer Walks..

So-- we have recently started being more intentional about praying within where we believe 614 London should zone in on.
On Wednesday nights people will be going out into the neighborhood to be a light.
To see the Almighty's Kingdom come.
To snatch victims from the enemy's teeth.
To see the lost, saved.
To see the broken, healed.
To see those in bondage, freed.
To meet with the Lord.
To see Jesus on the streets.

Amen. Let it be.

Deep Peace.