Do you know Him or just of Him?

We all have all different types of relationships-some people we know of...like a friend of a friend who we have never met or Jennifer Anniston or George W. Bush-we know "of " them but we don't know them. We know who they are...or do we really? Then we have aquaintences that we know kinda/sorta...it isn't until we make the choice to take the time and effort to get to know someone...through conversation, spending time together, listening, sharing our heart and pains and great times too-that we get to really know someone...so that we become intimate friends.

What good does it really do us to know who Jesus is? Really doesn't that just make it about religion? To just know who He is and what He stands for serves what purpose? He calls us to go beyond that and to truly know Him...intimately-in fellowship, friendship, relationship. it is only then that we begin to understand how much He loves us. How can you ever think someone loves you if you don't even know them? He loves me and you but if we don't get to know Him-we can't begin to grasp even a piece of that truth. If we don't understand His love for us-how can we trust Him and have faith in Him?

Just like any friendship, any relationship it takes two. Jesus is already there waiting for us...He always has been....but it is up to us to open our hearts to Him so we can begin to get to know Him. Through that first step we can begin to know Him-not because we are worthy-we are not...but it is by His righteousness only that we can receive this eternal gift. From that comes the opportunity for a beautiful intimacy like none other.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' Mark 12:30

Won't you be my neighbor?

I think it is fascinating that God places certain families and people strategically in neighborhoods, apartment complexes, condo/townhouse communities, etc. I so love going on "God walks" with my little next door neighbor. It is a highlight of my week each time we can escape the noise of the day to coordinate a walk. We always have so much to talk about regarding how God works in our lives, this world, our families and the wise counsel God provides through His Living Word. We usually end up walking double the amount of time we planned-which is always a good thing because without realizing it we end up doing double the exercise.

So who is your "God walk" partner? For my little neighbor, for now she is stuck with me because she can not drive just yet on her own. I have a few and I cherish the time together with each as our conversation is always fruitful and so fulfilling. Our talks are not about purses, clothes, shoes, makeup, hollywood, etc.- things that are temperal but rather about God and His goodness. Sometimes I have to drive for awhile to meet up with a friend for a "God Walk"....sometimes I can just knock on my neighbor's door next door. And for that I am grateful. How far would you have to go to find a "God Walk" partner/friend?

Tiny Tot

I love my niece and nephews so much it is overwhelming. They are just so precious to me. My niece is just now at almost 8 months beginning to check me out...intensely. My nephew Jake and I have been buddies for a long time now and I love him to pieces. He is so clever it amazes me. Reynolds is the middle child and has a smile that makes me so happy each time I see it. He is somewhat of a loner though already...even at 3. It fascinates me how kids personalities are being formed for life at such a young age. Reyn really likes being by himself-unless he is playing with Jake or hugging on his momma or wrestling with his daddy. BUT....as of late Reyn and I have bonded through swimming. I have never seen my sweet little godson so happy as when he is in the water. He is a great swimmer. He dives...he jumps...he goes under...He is fearless. But...always with his life vest on...until today. He swam 1/2 the length of the pool and I am not sure he even knew it because his dad was who he was swimming too-so he was just so excited to get to his dad. We were all so proud of the little guy. He was too! :) Go Reyn Reyn!

I love the water....regardless if it is the vast endless amazing ocean, swimming laps in the pool, riding a boat on the lake, taking a shower as the water pours over me or simply drinking a bottle of clean water. Water reminds me of the Holy Spirit. When I swim, I am submerged under the water and it is so peaceful as I remove myself from the noise of ths world...aaahhh what a lovely place to be. Water is refreshing, cleansing, and quenches my thirst...just like the Holy Spirit. I can never get enough of either of them! :)

John 4:14
but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

Isaiah 58:10-11

and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.

The Lord will guide you always;
He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.


I have learned I can spend myself on behalf of those in need around the world
right here in my home by being productive- if only I would stop watching TV and wasting time doing silly things.
It is so hard when our work week is so intense to stick to the plans we have in our head.
Sometimes I just want to do nothing-but too often that ends up being the case.
I end up doing things that benefit me.

Lord-help me to maximize my time and be productive for Your children and Your kingdom. Hold me accountable
to the priceless time you give me. Press into my heart your Concerns so they never leave me and stay in the forefront of my mind. I love you. Amen.