QUIET

We whisper together

You and I, Lord…

in the dark wee hours

when my world is quiet–

Sometimes we write…

or, we “reason together”

how to resolve concerns…

You clarify how much 

is my responsibility

and what part is Yours

to manage mightily for me–

I lay my days, dreams, needs

at Your feet…

all the things

I need help in changing

about myself–and what to accept

both within me, and in others

(thank You for telling me

when to be silent!)–

I’m beyond grateful

for Your Word, Your wisdom

I’m relieved, joyful

as You show me how to live

in a less stressful way–

Your yoke is truly easier

burdens I put on myself

seem ridiculous, after a ponder

we can laugh together

once You’ve quieted my mind

heart, soul full of imaginations

that stormy sea deep inside

mercurial tides of emotion

I rail against, can’t abide–

You hush me, and together

we ride them out…

I sleep in the embrace

of Your Peace ~

~ Cale

New Revised Standard Version
Aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands. I Thes 4:11

REGARDING WISDOM: Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he who hears me will dwell in hope and will be quiet from the multitude of evils. Prov 1:33

Amplified Bible
Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child [resting] with his mother, My soul is like a weaned child within me [composed and freed from discontent]. Ps 131:2

Amplified Bible
And the effect of righteousness will be peace, And the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever. Isa 32:17

Smith’s Literal Translation
And my people shall sit in a dwelling of peace, and in habitations of trust and in quiet resting places.Isa 32:18

Berean Standard Bible
(A song. A Psalm of Asaph.) O God, be not silent; be not speechless; be not still, O God. Ps 83:1

Amplified Bible
Jesus replied, “I tell you, if these [people] keep silent, the stones will cry out [in praise]!” Luke 19:40

English Standard Version
Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. I Pet 3:4

Amplified Bible
For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel has said this, “In returning [to Me] and rest you shall be saved, In quietness and confident trust is your strength.” Isa 30:15

29He calmed the storm to a whisper,

and the waves of the seac were hushed.

30They rejoiced in the silence,

and He guided them to the harbor they desired. Ps 107:29-30

Amplified Bible
He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters. Ps 23:2

Amplified Bible
“The LORD your God is in your midst, A Warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with joy; He will be quiet in His love [making no mention of your past sins], He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.  Zeph 3:17

New Living Translation
It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor; a sensible person keeps quiet. Prov 11:12

Amplified Bible
Therefore, he who is prudent and has insight will keep silent at such a [corrupt and evil] time, for it is an evil time [when people will not listen to truth and will disregard those of good character]. Amos 5:13

Amplified Bible
And He got up and [sternly] rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still (muzzled)!” And the wind died down [as if it had grown weary] and there was [at once] a great calm [a perfect peacefulness]. Mark 4:39

 

Practicing the Presence of God

The Lord is real, AliveI know He is NOT distant, but very near, always accessible.  With prayer, praises, songs–and jabbering to Him–I intentionally practice living in His Presence everyday, in my Upper Room where there is Light, Truth and JOY!💖

~~♥~~

Before I knew You

I didn’t know

You’ve always been Present–

I was poorly taught, became afraid

now I know fearing You means

“awe-filled reverence, profound respect, obedience”

because You are Sovereign King

Almighty God, Lord supreme

over everything

Alpha & Omega

worthy of all honor

Holy, to be praised

You hold heaven, earth

and every person

in Your powerful hands…

No need to hide from You

You’re not angry, You are loving

merciful, forgiving, patient

as You lead, guide, correct, teach

I read Your Word, amazed!

You were Everywhere

since Creation

sometimes seen, sometimes felt

always heard (often ignored)–

You walked with Adam, Eve

piloted old Noah’s ark

spoke from burning bush–

danced in fiery furnace

with 3 faithful lads–

stood as crossing guard

amid Red Sea–

You assisted midwives

to save baby boys

won EVERY battle you fought–

You were there

in Bethlehem manger

then at the Cross

You were no stranger–

after Resurrection

You startled your friends!

Lord, I can’t comprehend

Your daily goodness

each time I fall, You lift me

with never a scolding, merely

“let’s try this again”

I’d find my feet

then heartbreak meet

You’ve saved my tears…

I can’t bide a minute without Your love–

You’re still present everywhere:

in birdsong and breeze

dawn’s light and darkest night

at sickbeds, funerals

weddings, births

at accident scenes

celebrations

in courtrooms, prisons

sports events, churches–

You knock on locked closet doors

seeking the lost, blind, lonely–

and You’re in the eyes

of those who know You well

their lips speak Your blessings–

YOU are present, Lord

inhabiting my praises ~

~ Cale

King James Bible
But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Psalm 22:3

Amplified Bible
And [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself]. Ephes 3:19

“I am God Almighty; Walk [habitually] before Me [with integrity, knowing that you are always in My presence], and be blameless and complete [in obedience to Me].” Gen 17:1, Amplified Bible

Amplified Bible
And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool [afternoon breeze] of the day, so the man and his wife hid and kept themselves hidden from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. Gen 3:8

Amplified Bible
Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence.   Ps 42:5

Amplified Bible
Surely His salvation is near to those who [reverently] fear Him [and obey Him with submissive wonder], That glory [the manifest presence of God] may dwell in our land. Ps 85:9

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord. Ps 114:7

Amplified Bible
You shall fear [and worship] the LORD your God [with awe-filled reverence and profound respect]; you shall serve Him and cling to Him [hold tightly to Him, be united with Him], and you shall swear [oaths] by His name. Deut 10:20

Amplified Bible
‘Do you not fear Me?’ says the LORD. ‘Do you not tremble [in awe] in My presence? For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea, An eternal decree and a perpetual barrier beyond which it cannot pass. Though the waves [of the sea] toss and break, yet they cannot prevail [against the sand ordained to hold them back]; Though the waves and the billows roar, yet they cannot cross over [the barrier]. [Is not such a God to be feared?] Jer 5:22

Amplified Bible
The angel replied and said to him, “I am Gabriel; I stand and minister in the [very] presence of God, and I have been sent [by Him] to speak to you and to bring you this good news.” Luke 1:19

Amplified Bible
Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? Yet not one of them has [ever] been forgotten in the presence of God. Luke 12:6

Amplified Bible
Nor will people say, ‘Look! Here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For the kingdom of God is among you [because of My presence].” Luke 17:21

Amplified Bible
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father [but He is not], you would love and recognize Me, for I came from God [out of His very presence] and have arrived here. For I have not even come on My own initiative [as self-appointed], but He [is the One who] sent Me. John 8:42

New King James Version
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19

Amplified Bible
And when they had prayed, the place where they were meeting together was shaken [a sign of God’s presence]; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness and courage. Acts 4:31

Amplified Bible
This hope [this confident assurance] we have as an anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it]—a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil [of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells] Heb 6:19

Amplified Bible
For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but [He entered] into heaven itself, now to appear in the very presence of God on our behalf; Heb 9:24

Amplified Bible
You have taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not recorded in Your book? Ps 56:8

Only One True God

ONE GOD TRUE

ONLY ONE

there’s nothing we can do

to Save, Redeem ourselves

it’s already been done

by JESUS CHRIST

the ONLY ONE TRUE GOD

with Power

Divine

Authority ~

GOD’s SON

REIGNING KING

for all Eternity

~ Cale

Isaiah 44:6
Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

Isaiah 45:22-25
Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. / By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me, every tongue will swear allegiance. / Surely they will say of Me, ‘In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.’” All who rage against Him will come to Him and be put to shame.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. / And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

~~†~~

4The idols [of the nations] are silver and gold,

The work of man’s hands.

5They have mouths, but they cannot speak;

They have eyes, but they cannot see;

6They have ears, but they cannot hear;

They have noses, but they cannot smell;

7They have hands, but they cannot feel;

They have feet, but they cannot walk;

Nor can they make a sound with their throats.

8Those who make them will become like them,

Everyone who trusts in them.  Ps 115:4-8

~~†~~

Douay-Rheims Bible
Assemble yourselves, and come, and draw near together, ye that are saved of the Gentiles: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven work, and pray to a god that cannot save. 

 Isaiah 45:20

~~†~~

We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. / For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords), / yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist.

I Corinth 8:4-6

~~†~~

Romans 1:21-23
For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, / and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

Habakkuk 2:18-19
What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it—or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. / Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ or to silent stone, ‘Arise!’ Can it give guidance? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, yet there is no breath in it at all.”

 

My Intimate Invisible Immortal God

I can’t believe this was still in “draft”, not published…oh well, here’s my belated Letter “I” post!😊

~~♥~~

You are the invisible immortal Creator, Lord God

and all that You’ve created is visible indeed

so that none can say You don’t exist.

Your Word is inspired, it flowed as You

 breathed holy breath upon what would

become printed pages for all to read, feed upon

and thereby learn to know You intimately.

That was always Your dream, Your heart–

to have loving relationships with every

person You brought into the world.

You didn’t want slaves, You desired children

who would follow Your lead in loving one

another–serving, sharing from Your bounty.

Age to age, You’ve called us to You

drawn us near your Father’s heart–

not holding us at a distancelonging

to engage personally with each one

because You made us all unique

and perfect in Your sight.

When our lives go askew, You continue

to entreat us: “come to Me, come to Me”…

if we don’t, You run after us, Good Shepherd.

You enjoy our companionship:

everyday You wait for me to wake

we make to-do lists, work together

and our conversation lasts until I

finally wind down, ready to sleep.

Sometimes, with You I’m still a child

I love the way You hug me up…

I will always need Your guidance

(You left out a GPS on purpose)

Your comfort, Your strength

(You are my super-hero)

You are my forever Father

Who holds my hand as we

walk into every season, trial

and victory celebration.

(Some days are crazy

but never boring…

because with You

everything’s always new😊)

~ Cale

And here’s a kids’ song I sing, though I’m 73 ~

NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES (& when a ‘negative’ is actually a blessing!)

I don’t know if you’ve noticed (I only realized it today), but with just a shift of letters, NAME becomes AMEN.  In the context of Christian faith this really thrilled me–because JESUS is the Name above all names, and to whatever He says, I strive to shout out an enthusiastic AMEN, LORD!

Philippians 2:9-11
Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, / that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Amplified Bible
And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].” Acts 4:12

1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

EXTRA GOOD NEWS!

There are some words we usually consider “negatives”, at first glance: no, not, never, none, nothing–but did you know that God’s Word contains promises of His love and goodness, using the same words??  Check out these next verses and be BLESSED!

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”

1 Samuel 12:22
Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own.

Good News Translation
neither the world above nor the world below–there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our LordRomans 8:39

AND THIS VERSION IS FOR ALL MY FELLOW SUFFERERS OF DEPRESSION:

Haweis New Testament
nor exaltation, nor deepest depression, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Rom 8:39

John 10:28-29
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. / My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand.

English Standard Version
The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. Psalm 34:22

Jeremiah 32:40
I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never turn away from doing good to them, and I will put My fear in their hearts, so that they will never turn away from Me.

Isaiah 54:10
Though the mountains may be removed and the hills may be shaken, My loving devotion will not depart from you, and My covenant of peace will not be broken,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 49:15-16
Amplified Bible
[The LORD answered] “Can a woman forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.  “Indeed, I have inscribed [a picture of] you on the palms of My hands ~

LOVE…

LOVE, 1st Corinthians 13

4Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. 5It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. 6It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. 7Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].  

13And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13

~~♥~~

“Let us forget with generosity those who cannot love us.”

Pablo Neruda

♥♥†♥♥

Literary humor about Love:

Erich Maria Remarque, author of All Quiet On the Western Front, years ago made this analysis:  “American novel–two people want each other from the beginning but don’t get each other until the end.  French novel–two people get together right at the beginning, but from then on don’t want each other anymore.  Russian novel–two people don’t want each other or get each other, and for the next 800 pages they brood about it.”

 

HE Knows Me

I know that I know that I KNOW Jesus loves me💖  “The Bible tells me so”–and HE shows me everyday in so many blessed ways!  The best part is–HE Knows Me, and loves me anyway!

Here’s an “oldie” from the Contemporary Christian music files, by Dallas Holm. 

God bless you! ~ Cale

Amplified Bible
But if anyone loves God [with awe-filled reverence, obedience and gratitude], he is known by Him [as His very own and is greatly loved]. 1 Corinth 8:3

Acts 13:38-39
Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. / Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.

1 John 4:7-8
Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. / Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

John 10:14
I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me.

Amplified Bible
Therefore know [without any doubt] and understand that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who is keeping His covenant and His [steadfast] lovingkindness to a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments; Deut 7:9

Just Jesus: Abundant Joy (nothing else needed)

J

JESUS JOY

E

EVERYDAY in every season, He’s the One for me!

S

SHEPHERD (not just Good, the Best)–He keeps His sheep well; ever watchful, He feeds, leads tenderly…

U

UNTIL He returns, His chosen wait eagerly…

S

SON of GOD, SAVIOR of the World, SEEKER of the Lost, Light in the darkness, Healer, Truth, Teacher, Counselor, Advocate, God’s Word made flesh… ~ and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Freedom.

He freely gives grace, mercy, wisdom, and more–in abundant supply.  Whatever you need, HE’s got it ~ don’t be shy, He’s approachable, full of Love.  Just ASK, SEEK, KNOCK–He will always answer, His arms are open wide.

How do I know any of this?  Glad you asked, because I’m not making it up!  In 2011, during Holy Week, I was visited by the Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Ghost (Spirit).  I saw them as though from a distance–the way you’d see and recognize someone coming toward you on a foggy day.

They stood together in the northwest corner of my living room, and Father God spoke as clearly as my best friend in IL would.  He said, “you’ve had a difficult time, your years have not been easy–wouldn’t you like to have the Abundant Life My Son died to give you?”

I said YES!  That was my first Best Easter, I will never forget it–and I’ve been beyond-grateful ever since.  I’ve told my story to lots of people and no one has ever expressed disbelief (suggesting I was delusional or spinning a tale from “wild imagination”). 

Every single person has said they felt goosebumps; they knew that my Jesus and the Visitation was the real deal.  HE has forgiven me much, healed me of some things.  He is my strength and courage to face each day…and His Presence fills me with JOY.  Just thought you might like to know😊

~ Cale

Amplified Bible
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom]. 2 Corinth 3:17

9“So I say to you, ask and keep on asking, and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking, and you will find; knock and keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who [h]keeps on asking [persistently], receives; and he who keeps on seeking [persistently], finds; and to him who keeps on knocking [persistently], the door will be opened. Luke 11:9-10

Amplified Bible Portions of Book of John

And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [One and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth (absolutely free of deception). John 1:14

2 He who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep [the protector and provider]. 3 The [a]doorkeeper opens [the gate] for this man, and the sheep hear his voice and pay attention to it. And [knowing that they listen] he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out [to pasture]. 4 When he has brought all his own sheep outside, he walks on ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice and recognize his call. 5 They will never follow a stranger, but will run away from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”

7 So Jesus said again, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, I am [b]the Door for the sheep [leading to life]. 8 All who came before Me [as false messiahs and self-appointed leaders] are thieves and robbers, but the [true] sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the Door; anyone who enters through Me will be saved [and will live forever], and will go in and out [freely], and find pasture (spiritual security). 10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].

11[c] I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd [d] lays down His [own] life for the sheep.   14 I am the Good Shepherd, and I know [without any doubt those who are] My own and My own know Me [and have a deep, personal relationship with Me]– 15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father–and I lay down My [very own] life [sacrificing it] for the benefit of the sheep. 16 I have [e]other sheep [beside these] that are not of this fold. I must bring those also, and they will listen to My voice and pay attention to My call, and they will become [f]one flock with one Shepherd. 

My Hope, Helper, Happiness

I won’t go back, and I won’t quit

I won’t go back, and I won’t quit

I’ll say it again:

I won’t go back, and I won’t quit!

My hope is in The Lord

HE says my best is yet to be

my future’s filled with blessings

Not cancelled by calamity

He’s my helper, hope and happiness

why would I entertain defeat?

that Devil lost the battle already

I won’t fall for his vile deceit!

~ Cale

Amplified Bible
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.  Romans 15:13

Romans 5:5
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

New Living Translation
What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live in your holy courts. What festivities await us inside your holy Temple.  Psalm 5:4

Jeremiah 31:3
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.”

Proverbs 10:28
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness ~

Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.

Isaiah 35:10
So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.

Psalm 146:5
Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God ~

New International Version
The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.  Psalm 118:7

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Joshua 1:5
No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Psalm 54:4
Surely God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul.

Faith & Favor

~ FAITH ~

F

Faith is substance, not shadow

A

A daily decision to believe in and trust the True but unseen God

I

Is overseeing my life, working Good behind

T

The scenes and in surrounding situations

H

He’s Always been Present, is In the Here & Now, & will Be my Future~

He is for me, not against me ~

♥♥♥

~ FAVOR ~

F

Favor of God shows up in mini- & maxi- miracles:

A

A day that’s going south, until He turns it around

V

Visits unexpected, His hands hold “just what I wanted” gift

O

Or He speaks word of confirmation I desperately need…HIS

R

REALITY is defined differently (much better) than mine ~

*†*

Faith might be quiet, or fierce, but it’s my way

to walk the journey, and to fight Life’s battles ~

God rewards our faith (with His favor)

~ Cale

Amplified Bible
But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

Mark 11:22-24
“Have faith in God,” Jesus said to them. / “Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and has no doubt in his heart but believes that it will happen, it will be done for him. / Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Berean Standard Bible