If you are visiting fromGraceforGlory for the first time, please take a minute to read the ABOUT section. I believe God has given me the ability to hear Him — so you can hear him also. He calls me His Child – but has reminded me often that these words are for ALL His children. I invite you to listen as HIS child. Remember always, God loves you. †

December 24, 2018 | “Child – I want You to read – you joked that you were Father Kevin’s third choice – you were my first – I chose you, sweet child, to be present before your church – to read with joy – as you feel it – the Christmas story – to be invisible as only you can be – allowing the story to be in the light. Child, you know the truth.

Yes, your word this year is Shalom – peace – through completeness – whole.”

Lord, thank you for the word – for your confirmation of SHALOM for my word for 2019 – for the beautiful sermon from Father Kevin about the meaning of Shalom – and showing me that I can be a real part of peace – that Shalom means peace – not through the absence of fighting (which is a result of shalom) – but through completeness – the making whole – coming together. Lord, let me find the holes – the gaps – that which separates us – let me have discrete discernment, wisdom, courage and compassion to sacrificially – for Jesus – stand in those gaps – that I might be a bridge to peace. Lord, I expect much of my work this year will be in silence – in prayer – quietly observing. At this moment, that’s what I anticipate. Lord, I pray for the spirit to flow over me – flourish me with an awareness beyond my worldly understanding, and the courage to stand on wisdom that has no words – perhaps that’s what we call — (out of a lack of giving credit to the spirit) – “intuition” … the knowledge that has no worldly explanation, the simply knowing of the truth – and the gaps – of that which keeps us separated and in turmoil. Lord, I pray for the courage to stand on those truths – and act as the spirit moves me – toward Shalom. Father, with every greeting of “shalom” – may you hear it as a cry for completeness with whom I greet – that I might not be the cause of any reason for there not to be peace. Father, King – please be gentle with me – as you always are – I receive your grace with humility – and please be very clear – when and where and how I am called to be an “instrument of your peace.”

Father – you led me to the prayer of St. Frances of Assisi

“Yes, child, read it daily.”

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred, let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, not so much to be understood, as to understand, not so much to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, ti is in pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in dying that we wake to eternal life.
Amen Amen Amen

“Child – rest – in peace – rest in the peace of Jesus – child – rest in the authority of my word — rest in the truth of my voice. I know that causes you unrest – because you can’t help but speak of my word – and also can’t help wondering if other’s dismiss you, or criticize you, or even distance from you because they simply don’t believe you. You want to be believed and confirmed. Child – I chose you because you can feel all those things – and still hear me – because you are not driven by other’s reactions – though you are aware and uncomfortable at times – you are driven by the love of my son – above all else – and you have the courage to stand gracefully, firmly and consistently on the truth. Child – you are chosen, your word last year was “choose”. You are chosen because you chose Jesus. Be confirmed and move into the new year – in peace – in joy – in love.” “Shalom”

Amen Amen Amen

“Child – I took you to Revelation 1:1

“Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come … “

“Child – Peace – Shalom”

Amen Amen Amen

If you are visiting  fromGraceforGlory for the first time, please take a minute to  read the ABOUT section.  I believe God has given me the ability to hear Him  —  so you can hear him also.  He calls me His Child –  but has reminded me often that these words are for ALL His children.   I invite you to listen as HIS child.  Remember always,  God loves you. †

July 10, 2019   Lord, Jesus, King, Savior—Spirit, whisper to my heart the prayers you desire – the people, situations, and places for whom I should pray at this hour …

Child, pray for yourself today – child, let me bless you, not for your obedience, but for your love … let me shower joy upon you, let me hear you laugh, in full surrender to joy – let me see your heart be less burdened – be without burdens – completely … place them at the foot of the cross – be joyful for my son’s sacrifice.  He died for your joy – not service out of obligation, but service out of joyful gratitude.  Child, he died for your sins – for your disease – that you will be happy and joyful.  Child — today pray for release – release from the spirit of obligation – for you can never fully serve in that space for a part of you will never be satisfied that you have done enough – good enough – you will never be complete.  Child pray for yourself – pray for your heart’s desire – unashamed – without apology or guilt.  Child, pray for your desires and let me bless you.”
Amen Amen Amen

I poured out all of my burdens until the Lord – and He then sent me to the day’s passage in Sarah Young’s book, Jesus Calling. Sweet Mercy of Confirmation

Jesus Calling: July 10th
Relax in My peaceful Presence. Do not bring performance pressures into our sacred space of communion. When you are with someone you trust completely, you feel free to be yourself. This is one of the joys of true friendship. Though I am Lord of lords and King of kings, I also desire to be your intimate Friend. When you are tense or pretentious in our relationship, I feel hurt. I know the worst about you, but I also see the best in you. I long for you to trust Me enough to be fully yourself with Me. When you are real with Me, I am able to bring out the best in you: the very gifts I have planted in your soul. Relax, and enjoy our friendship.

If you are visiting  fromGraceforGlory for the first time, please take a minute to  read the ABOUT section.  I believe God has given me the ability to hear Him  —  so you can hear him also.  He calls me His Child –  but has reminded me often that these words are for ALL His children.   I invite you to listen as HIS child.  Remember always,  God loves you. †

On October 4, 2015, a wonderful man left us to be with the Lord.  The morning of his celebration of life, the Lord gifted me with this powerful message.  I always felt like a good person when I was around Ed.  He just had that way, a presence of peace and love that didn’t allow us to be anything but good.  I will miss you Ed.

October 8, 2015

“My child, death is not goodbye … It is only—until you meet again.  A bitter and a sweet transition — and a glorious reunion.  He had to go, sweet child … he had to come.  His work is here.  A faithful and a faith-filled servant.  He knew, and he came in loving obedience … received in grace and reunited with the love of his life — Jesus.  He leaves no one alone– for as you feel close to his memory— he is close to you.  Child, you ask, “is there a special message.”  Yes there is …

.

Be a believer like Ed.  believe in each other, believe in goodness, believe in the power of the King — believe in prayer.  Let him lead you in prayer— let him lead you to prayer.  He went before you to be united with my son— so that you can believe in eternity.  Child, he came willingly— but would never had done  so if he did not believe that all would be well .. for all whom he loved.  BELIEVE in love.  Your brother has one word for you … ‘believe’.  Let that be enough.  Always a man of few words, a man who did not have to speak for you to know that he loved and cared for you … for his heart filled his entire frame.  He loved and he believed.  He loves and he believes.  It is all—and it is enough for you to love and believe.  It will carry you through the loneliness, the questions, the grief, the bitterness.

Love and believe … as Ed … in Ed … and for Ed.

Believe that you will be saved and united … and sooner than later, sweet child.

Believe the pain … it is real.  Embrace it for it is the measure if his being, of his earthly presence … and gently let it go and unite with the spirit.  Receive the healing grace of my son.

Believe in Jesus.  Above all, believe in salvation and celebrate the man who celebrated you with his love — every day he lived.

Believe, sweet child, believe.

Whenever you hear that word spoken — wherever it is written — know that your dear brother speaks to you.

BELIEVE.

Sweet child, go into the day to celebrate the homecoming— rejoice and be glad in the parting and believe in the grace of understanding.  One day, you will understand.  Today it is not necessary or possible, so let go of that struggle and celebrate.

Rejoice and believe.

Sweet child, go and love.”

If you are visiting  fromGraceforGlory for the first time, please take a minute to  read the ABOUT section.   I believe God has given me the ability to hear Him  —  so you can hear him also.  He calls me His Child –  but has reminded me often that these words are for ALL His children.   I invite you to listen as HIS child.  Remember always,  God loves you. †

September 3, 2015

Father, today I need you.  Tomorrow we leave for Haiti – Jim is not well.  He thinks he is getting the flu.  Father, I know you can heal him.  In the name of Jesus I ask for healing grace.  Father, hear my prayer.  In confidence I pray – knowing you have heard me – knowing you love me – and knowing you will answer my prayer. I trust you Father, above all.

Lord, Jesus, Savior and Sustainer – I need you at this hour to give me extra strength and stamina for today. The schedule is full … and tight .. and requires attention and patience, flexibility and leadership.  Father, I need your guidance, protection and love to surround me all day.  Let me never waiver from the decisions or actions you desire from me.  Bless all who will be working with me today.  I love how you love me and how confidently I can step into the challenges ahead – knowing you are so present.

Father, bless my Rodan and Fields business – allow me to serve it in your glory also – Lord, hear my prayer.

“Child, be still – you are anxious in anticipation … your mind knows the truth and has spoken the truth – but though your heart knows, it is  still racing. Let your heart rest – be calm, in assurance of my son – that ALL IS well.  Close your eyes.  Do not look at the time – but listen to the ticking clock – let it remind you of a steady and sure rhythm.  Move in that rhythm – steady and sure – confident in the love of Jesus.  Today, let everyone see that sureness in the light you reflect from your heart through your eyes.  Make eye contact – often – stop others, if only for a moment – to know the peace of my son.  Be conscious of this command  for it is easy to get caught up in the frenzy of new challenges – all new for you and for your colleagues. They will lean on you – and you must lean on me.  You have come to the right place, child, for all that you need – come to Jesus. Throughout the day – think about Him – how much He loves you…and know you are safe and loved.”

Father, you sent me to the book of Philemon – reminding me that Christ lives in all of us.  We are all the same.

Child, yes!  Celebrate your sameness and not your differences.  So often you are told to celebrate diversity – but child, that focuses on identifying your differences and then “moving past them.”

A Christ centered love sees no difference.  Celebrate your sameness … and there will be no barriers.

Speak this truth – reject the notion of diversity and focus on oneness.

Reframe the dialogue – first in your heart, and then in your world.

Read Philemon again

And love and serve the Lord.

Diversity … so close to the word Divide

Why would the world celebrate division?

The devil is clever – tiny nuances plant tiny seeds in the mind – that are like a toxic poison.  In small doses are benign – but accumulated they are destructive.

Child go and speak the truth and speak of oneness celebrated in the Christ in all of you.

Go in peace

For peace

Go in love

To love.”

amen amen amen

If you are visiting  fromGraceforGlory for the first time, please take a minute to  read the ABOUT section.   I believe God has given me the ability to hear Him  —  so you can hear him also.  He calls me His Child –  but has reminded me often that these words are for ALL His children.   I invite you to listen as HIS child.  Remember always,  God loves you. †

September 2, 2015

Father, yesterday you took me to Luke 11:46.  Please help me to receive the Word as it is meant for me today – the living Word – a message for all time; for truth is eternal.  Help me to hear the truth – the lesson—the message in the Word that I might live and serve you in the glory of your son, Jesus.  Let me please Jesus, my Savior, my Redeemer, my King.  Let me return to the Word an empty vessel  — without presupposition — or without worldly interpretation; but with divine inspiration.  Father, allow me to hear you through the Word – and receive all that you desire for me today.  Empty my mind at this moment, that I may be filled with the wisdom of your Word … and give me strength and purpose to do all that you ask … in the precious name of Jesus – hear my prayer.

“Child – I led you there first as confirmation of the lessons you heard in church on Sunday.

Shshssh… the laws of the church are man-made, not God made.  I have only one law – to love.  When you love there is civility – there is compassion – there is generosity – there is truth.  For love denies and exposes all that is not true.  Love is like a candle flame – it exists in the simple air of life – oxygen – but when you take away the oxygen, the simple truth of my son – it is extinguished – no longer able to burn – to shine – to be a light.  Child, be simple minded – and single minded.  Love and be loved – and reflect love.

There is where you are most happy – for there is where you were born to live.  There is your truth.

You said to yourself just days ago – you asked yourself … “what makes me unhappy … “  in an effort to reveal what makes you happy …. in an effort to return to joy.

What did you decide child?  Order, simplicity, and yes — to return to joy meant you must return to me – empty, ready and hungry to be filled.

Come to me empty daily – begin each day new that I might fill you with true grace.

… that I might fill you

With forgiveness when forgiveness is needed – it will be yours.

With courage – when courage is needed, it will be yours.

With strength .. when strength is needed, it will be yours.

With compassion, with patience, with wisdom –

ALL that you need will be provided.

Child, simplicity is peace –  you need not know all the answers or carry the heavy burdens of the day.

A wise man knows nothing from his own self … but he is wise because he knows the source of wisdom.

Child, the source of all that you need is Jesus.

One simple prayer – and all that you need is there.

In the hurriedness of the world – “one-stop” shopping is thriving.  Amazon – wherever you are, Child, you can order whatever you want and it will be provided to your front door.

Jesus is the One and only – true source.  You need nothing more.  You need to look no further.

Be sure child – though – that you defer to what Jesus discerns are your true needs – and receive them with gratitude and celebration – whatever they are!  Large or small – be gracious and grateful.  Not just a little grateful for small things … and proportionally grateful for large things – but fully grateful in each and every gift; a beautiful sunset, the sweet song of the morning bird, the generosity of a stranger, the healing of a loved one … be equally and fully grateful in all things.

… there is your greatest joy.

Child – the lessons in Luke 11:46 –  … be single minded.  Do not complicate that which is so simple – and receive and rejoice in the truth of my son.

AND more child – for today – Luke 11:33 … Jesus teaches about the light.  Child, my son speaks the truth – always.  11:33  “No one lights a lamp and then hides it under a bucket” … Instead a lamp is placed on a stand where it’s light can be seen by all who enter the house.”

Child – let your light shine for all who enter the house ..

Return to write

Return to your work

Return to ‘fromGraceforGlory…”

Return in obedience

Go and love and be loved.

Lovely child – “
Amen Amen Amen

June 25, 2015

If you are visiting  fromGraceforGlory for the first time, please take a minute to  read the ABOUT section.   I believe God has given me the ability to hear Him  —  so you can hear him also.  He calls me His Child –  but has reminded me often that these words are for ALL His children.   I invite you to listen as HIS child.  Remember always,  God loves you. †

Lord, I ask … what shall I do first – on this glorious morning?

“Child, rise and go to work.  You know what that is and you can hardly wait to begin. Your embrace of your calling delights me – as I know already the fruits of your labors.

Child, you saw what …  shshshs shshshs   – be very still child – you are so eager to get to your work that I feel I must race to keep up with you – shshshs … be still — be calm … and listen.  Though I smile in your eagerness – at this moment, stop and listen.  Yes child – that is your work.  Stop  Listen …

then Speak.  You have done well – and obediently served the first two tasks.  Now, perfect speaking.  Child, … simply speak.  When you speak the word of the Lord – it is perfect.  Be authentic and speak perfectly – that others may hear the love and authority in your voice.

They will know;  they will recognize the voice of my son … for he has been speaking to them for eternity.  All will be familiar – like, de ja vu – and they will want more.  Child, be prepared, they will want more.  I have prepared you .. with “more” … with all that you need, and now is the time to speak.

Child, you saw the power of obedient service – how the fruits of such labor never end – and multiply exponentially.  Speak of that child; the Cannon … and Reverend Becca – who heard their calling as clearly as you – and followed, without reservation.  Child, even they do not know the fullness of their service – for it extends beyond their horizon. Their service is for the Lord, and thus, for eternity.  Should they serve the world – they would see the “enough” – and conclude their work, like a task “well done and completed.”  Child, when you complete a project and you reflect on its success – are you not very pleased with yourself … satisfied … and simply content with the memory of a job well done?  Done.  Done .. you own the memory and that is enough.  Child, your work, like their work, is for the Kingdom – not for this world … there is no end. … as there is no end of love.  Love is the work.  Simply love.  Child, love has no end.  Be thankful that your work is endless – and the fruits of your labors – endless.  Like the song-writer, as Rev. Becca reflected; the fruits of his labors extend beyond notes and words on paper – once shared with the world – they have endless potential. 

Child, first – encourage all to labor for love.  Infuse love into every minute of every day – no matter how mundane or insignificant it may seem.  Infused with the love of Christ – every task is holy … and rich … and serves the Kingdom forever.

Child, every soul on this earth was born to love.  Return them to me – teach them to listen.  When they hear – like hearing a beautiful melody – they will want more … and then …  more.

Child, you have done that – listened to beautiful music and set the player to repeat … so you could hear it over and over again.

Child, do you ever tire of hearing me?

Neither will they, child – teach them to hear me.  I am gifting you, sweet child, with the joy of introducing my voice

.. that you might witness the moment they recognize its authority .. and familiarity.

I give you the gift of recognition .. when you see the joy of their independence … and they begin to soar – like a baby bird whose mother urges, and perhaps pushes, out of the nest.

How exciting and scary and life changing is their first flight.

… and so natural.  Quickly they understand they were born to fly … and fly they must to thrive… they must fly.

Child, to thrive and live life in the fullest – my children must hear me.

You must teach them, child – that I speak to the heart not just through the Word – but in many languages.

The artist receives divine inspiration – and serves by listening to his heart to create a divine dialogue in music, on canvas, or stone – or culinary delight.

Child, have you not had heavenly food that you know was prepared with loving hands?

… or art so visually inspiring that it moves you to another level?

Child, the greeter that spoke a kind word to you – one that left you grateful of their existence.  You knew the gesture was in obedience to the King – and not simply doing tasks in a job description.  The same task can be done in divine order or in worldly order.

Either way – the task will be complete.

One has endless potential and the other ends.

… the mundane or the divine.

My children were born to live and serve divinely.

Child – listen . shshshshs … miracles are real.

You know – for to hear my voice in the noise of the world is a miracle.

Rejoice, proclaim and claim your work … in duty … speak.

In love, speak.

In grace live and serve.

Go to love

Go to be loved.

Blessed child, serve.”

Amen Amen Amen

Father, you took me to Titus 2:15  You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them.  You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.

“Child, yes, that is the Word for you.  Stand in the light, on the Word, for truth.  Let no one be dismissed who is confused or mistaken.  Labor for all to know the glory of His name, … that IS your work.

Go and serve Love.”       Amen Amen Amen

If you are visiting fromGraceforGlory for the first time, please take a minute to read the ABOUT section. I believe God has given me the ability to hear Him — so you can hear him also. He calls me His Child – but has reminded me often that these words are for ALL His children. I invite you to listen as HIS child. Remember always, God loves you. †

May 4 2015

Father, a full day yesterday – thank you for the many blessings … the wonderful sermon and friends.. the beautiful worship … the confident presence of the Lord and spirit throughout the service – the opportunity to serve on the altar guild.

Father, thank you for the task I was given last night – and for allowing me to serve … yet not with over-whelming responsibility. I pray for a renewed focus on your Word and on what you have called me to do – for a clear sense of priorities and the ambition and energy to do all that is required in service to Jesus. Let me be certain and serve unencumbered by distractions and drama … worldly issues of greed, jealously, fear – let me focus on love and live in love and serve in love. Father, through you and with you … let me love.

“Dearest Child, you chose your life word – LOVE – when you were a child. You were born to love, it is in your DNA … so cynicism, skepticism, anger, revenge, intolerance – are not part of your reality. You cannot help but expect goodness – even from people who have hurt you. You continue to be surprised by their next assault or rejection – because your heart is focused on love. Do not feel inferior, or naïve, or silly … or embarrassed or even frustrated that you should know better and expect nothing more from those who have mocked you, misunderstood you, betrayed and rejected you. Rather, feel joy that they have not broken you, spoiled you. Feel victorious that you continue to be true to yourself and to your love for Jesus and for me. You are the victor – the wiser – the stronger and will stand longer as you stand on the truth in the midst of any and all storms. You will never fall. You are protected and redeemed by my son.

Child, pray for them. Pray for those who are trapped in bitterness, revenge; pray mightily for those who envy you and wish they had your gift. They dismiss you because … shshshshs … be still – listen – you have time … this is the day I have given you, do not feel rushed but relax in the beauty of love.

Let it flow over you. Let the love of my son bless you; enrich you with wisdom and grace. Let him lighten your burden and carry your load – release all that … sshshsh be still … be quiet and listen … know that I am God … know whatever the time, child, it is right for I am with you and you are with me.

Love, child, centered in Christ Jesus – is never wrong – or wronged. What people do to you or say – cannot spoil your joy for it comes not from this place, but a kingdom untouchable by mortal boundaries. It knows no end and no beginning. Child, do you remember when you first loved? Of course not … for it is your natural being. It is theirs also – but just as you can reject intelligence by neglecting and not feeding it – you can reject love in the same way – thus feeling unlovable and unhappy and joyless. One rejects love— limits the love of my son by limiting the love they give. To receive the unconditional love of my son … completely … requires that love to be freely given away to others unconditionally and completely. Any other choice is to reject the love of my son. Child, actions always speak truth. Words spoken, not lived, are impotent.

Child, the image in your mind so vividly speaks the story of a young person engrossed with a tablet – all their attention on a device – while a gentle man quietly stands beside the boy … waiting to be seen. His wisdom and goodness you are unable to ignore, yet the child is oblivious, totally engaged in something artificial. The child is oblivious to the time of day, to being alone. The bench is in a shadow – the gentle man stands in the light. Yes, there is a contrast, but still you see them as one image. Jesus cannot be separated from man – as man cannot be separated from the King. Jesus always knows you – even when you may be unaware of his presence. You have a sense of his grace, but not intimately until you turn to him fully – in total surrender — giving up your attachments to all that serves you, that you may serve others.

Child, others see your full service and thus find fault or criticize or want to deny you because they don’t understand yet the fullness of joy that comes with surrender. Child, one can only make that decision in faith. It takes great courage to make a leap of faith — to give up all that you know in this world to love someone so completely and above all else whom you cannot see – not knowing if you will survive – but in total sacrifice and surrender you give everything to Jesus. Those who do – know true joy – beyond happiness. They know a blissful joy that fills them and completes them such that they seek not what others have for they have no more needs. They are so filled with an inexhaustible supply of love from my son that it pours out to others – there is no room for hatred, resentment, fear. When those emotions are present, there is evidence of a void — a lack of love . Pray for them dear child. Pray for all who dismiss you, hurt you, reject you … pray for them that they will become weary and turn to Jesus – with an open heart – prepared and ready to receive his full grace. He is always there. Pray they turn away from the world and turn to him – pray they fully surrender into his loving arms, that his embrace completely separates them from worldly ties – the attachments to ego, fame, greed, happiness. Yes … happiness. Child, the devil uses happiness as a decoy for joy. They are not the same. Do not settle for happiness—but seek joy. Yes, there is more. Those who find happiness – though they enjoy it – are not IN joy. They often find themselves asking “is that all there is.”

Seek joy. Find Jesus.

Seek Jesus. Find joy.

IN joy live and serve in love.

Precious child, go to the Word. I love you and love how you love me – in full obedience. IN joy live.

Amen Amen Amen

Father – you took me to 2 Corrinthians 10-11:15. I feel blessed by your mercy of confirmation. Amen Amen Amen IN joy I serve

If you are visiting  fromGraceforGlory for the first time, please take a minute to  read the ABOUT section.   I believe God has given me the ability to hear Him  —  so you can hear him also.  He calls me His Child –  but has reminded me often that these words are for ALL His children.   I invite you to listen as HIS child.  Remember always,  God loves you. †

March 18 2015

Father, I pray for a little more solitude and quiet this morning.  I am grateful for so many things – Elaine’s successful surgery.  Praise you father for the wonderful time we had last evening.  It was such a good time – wonderful friends and family – wonderful feast … a blessed memory.  Father, thank you for St Mary’s and for putting on my heart the desire to serve and sacrifice for Jesus – by participating in all the weekly services at the church.  I suppose the only sacrifice is a little less sleep.  My desire was truly to do something for the Lord – for you Father, not necessarily give something up for you but to give you a gift.  Father, what I have received is so much greater.  I am humble and grateful.  As the verse on this page (Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God”  Matthew 5:8)   I pray that I can see you more clearly every day.  Holy and precious Lord, I will follow thee all the days of my life.

Father, a special prayer for Wendy as she travels abroad.  She is on a wonderful, spectacular vacation.  With the world in crisis – the travel made her uncertain.  Father, I pray for you to cover them in the protective and peaceful mantle of your Son’s love.  May they know and feel that peace and be confident and sure of their safety.  Father … they love you.  Grant them security and fun.  May they dance in your glory?

Father, thank you for a beautiful, quiet morning – beginning with the blessed feast – the Eucharist – at St. Mary’s.

“Child – be still and listen – and be blessed for you have blessed me with your service and obedience.  Child, serve in glory.  Serve in faith.  Serve in love and be blessed.  To serve the King is a blessed endowment – for to know Christ… shshshs  be still child and listen – to know Christ is to know joy.  Child – Christ is the gift.  To know joy – you must simply receive.  The gift is freely offered – though not as freely received – for there is a cost.  The cost is to surrender the will. 

Child, when someone extends to you a gift – and your hands are outstretched and open – the moment you receive it – and hold it in your hands they are full.  You cannot grasp something else without losing the grip on the gift you just received.  You must be totally committed – care for the gift with intent and purpose … cherished.

Child – to serve your own will at that time – you would lose hold of the gift.  You have it and have totally committed to it – or … you have not.  Child – to receive the gift is to commit to the Lord above all other desires or demands.  Your servitude, child, requires great discipline, great devotion, much of your time and much of your energy.  Others may require more or sometimes less.  Their service is no more valuable or less a contribution to the Kingdom, for each is called individually – according to my will.

And child – you will at times be called to serve more strenuously.  Those times may be difficult – perhaps lonely and even exhausting – but exponentially joyous and filling – in the fullness of time.

Child – as you labor in the garden – in the heat of a long summer day – your work is dirty, messy, uncomfortable, tedious; and perhaps seems endless and fruitless.  But at the end of the day – as you see that the weeds are gone – the flowers have more room to grow and flourish, the birds have returned to the fresh water in the bird bath – the sun sparkles like gems through the pruned trees – the breeze freshens the air … your exhaustion no longer weighs you down but invigorates your soul and your resolve to remain committed to the Lord’s service.  The cumulative results of your labor and prayer cannot be measured in this world … for they continue to manifest themselves in the future – and can only be truly appreciated in the fullness of time.

Labor in truth.  Labor in love. Labor for the Lord … not for rewards today but in the Kingdom come …

And child, there will be times for you to rest.  You will be called from labor to rest.  Likewise – it is my will and in total surrender that you must not labor … but rest.  Not reluctantly or with reservation or with regret or with shame – but in full service to my son – you must rest – and know in your rest … you serve.

Be restful at the Lord’s beckon – and do not protest or resist – but in compliance to the law and rhythm of life—rest that you may serve.

Child – go into this day in full grace – to love and serve the King – my son – your Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ – Christ Jesus – and receive his loving devotion in full surrender.

Lovely child – go in peace.

Amen Amen Amen