To the world I say...

Hate me today.
Hate me tomorrow.
Hate me for all the things i didnt do for you.
Hate me in ways, yeah ways hard to swallow.
Hate me so you can finally see what's good for you.

(Blue October - Hate Me)

My vision from this morning

As I drove today and sang this song, I got a vision of Jesus hanging on the cross. I am kneeling at his feet and our gaze is locked into each others eyes. He is laboring to breathe, his body is covered with blood, but his eyes are filled with contentment.

My soul sings these words to Him -

You are the strength, that keeps me walking.
You are the hope, that keeps me trusting.
You are the light to my soul.
You are my purpose...you're everything.

(Everything -Lifehouse)

Feels like the first time

I had an interesting encounter with God this weekend at our annual retreat.

As I walked through a wooded area I came to a clearing that on the far side contained what looked like untraversed ground. The tree covering was dense, and the ground was covered by undisturbed ferns and other vegetation. I stopped and just listed to the sounds surrounding me. God said " Close your eyes." I did. He said "Do you hear yourself breathing?" I did. As my breathing became my only focus, a mist started to fall and I could feel it starting it land on my face. I felt his peace come across me. It felt as though I was awaking for the first time. Then he said "Listen to the sounds surrounding you." I heard birds and some rustling. No human voices only those of some creature walking in the distance or a branch falling to the forest floor. He said "Open your eyes and behold the land I created for you." As I opened my eyes, I was welcomed by the picture of that undisturbed land and the feeling of the cool fresh air on my skin. The sounds of the birds flying over head were all that filled my ears. He reminded me that this is what it felt like when Adam first breathed air or how an infant feels when they first enter the world. Confused, but with a strange sense of peace and trust. They know of no fear, so the world seems new and explorable. Babies find there comfort in the arms of their parents. Adam found comfort in the arms of his God. God said "I meant this for you to Kory" "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

Thank you God for renewing my vision of my place in your kingdom.