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I Remember…

January 18, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I Remember…

I remember running down the street with everyone else as the ground beneath us moved like waves; the buildings above us swaying like trees in the wind.

I remember holding a teenage girl in my arms as she cried in terror. I didn’t know her and she didn’t know me, but in that moment we became family.

I remember going into my apartment only to find books and dishes strewn over the floor,large cracks on all my walls, plaster falling like snow.

I remember sitting in the park with terrified people, all of us waiting as the aftershocks kept shaking us.

I remember talking with hospital patients who had just had surgery, sitting outside with us all because the hospital had been evacuated.                  

I remember them asking ME, “How are YOU?”

I remember waking up dozens of time through the nights as the angry ground continued to rumble.

I remember panic as predictions of more quakes spread like wildfire throughout the city.

I remember walking through the streets in the middle of the night, thousands of hopeless eyes staring to nowhere, thousands of people sleeping on the streets.

I remember sleeping with hundreds of others on a sports field as we waited breathlessly for another “big one”.

I remember watching live, uncensored TV as rescue workers pulled screaming, mangled people out of the rubble.

I remember being frozen to my couch, unable to move my hand to click “off” on my remote, frozen with grief and horror as I saw what was happening just a few miles away.

I remember not knowing if all of my friends were ok. It was 2 weeks before I knew.

I remember finding out that a village I had visited only a few months previously was completely destroyed, the people I had met there presumably dead.

I remember seeing the pain in the eyes of a man on the bus, he the sole survivor in his family.

I remember driving through towns of rubble, blue and grey UNICEF tents hot and crowded with the displaced.

I remember soldiers digging through piles of rubble, their faces drawn with exhaustion from the work and with the heaviness of what had just happened to their country, their countrymen, and their comrades.

I remember the TV over the fruit stand constantly tuned to live coverage of the tragedy, the fruit seller oblivious to customers, just staring at the screen with wide eyes, her hand over her mouth, just shaking her head and muttering, “Why? Why?”

I remember bing jolted awake in the middle of the night with the force of a large aftershock, dust falling around me.

I remember my heart racing as I grabbed my bag and my shoes and ran down four flights of stairs in fear that my building was going to collapse.

I remember running in the rain in the middle of the night to find out if my friends were ok.

I remember a tent village that suddenly appeared in the park, full of people who had either lost their homes or who were simply afraid to go home.

I remember children, singing and laughing next to the ruins of their school in the center of their flattened town. Their voices carried hope for the future.

I remember people who used to yell speaking kindly, rebuilding bonds that had been broken, echoing the realization that life is precious and every moment should be meaningful.

I remember parents holding their children and spending time with them where there was no time spent before. Every parent recognized their children as gifts, more priceless than they had ever before imagined.

I remember a teenager with a limp holding a girl without an arm in her lap, beaming and smiling heroes that had risen from the ashes of tragedy with the victory of love in their hearts.

I remember a four year old boy being pulled from the rubble after two days of being trapped.

I remember how he saluted the soldiers who carried him out on a stretcher and…

I remember how he became the symbol of destiny and hope for a nation that was broken…promise nearly lost but rescued.

Haiti, these are the things I remember from May 12, 2008 and the following months. During those days, China suffered as you do now.

It is indeed dark and terrifying and hopeless. But as I pray for you in your loss, I also pray for your future. I pray that somehow, beauty would rise from these ashes. I pray that your children would show you how to heal and hope. I pray that families that were once divided would be united once again.

I pray that the orphans would find homes and the the widows would be cared for and loved once more.

I pray that Haiti would be washed in the love of God and that His light would shine brightly forth from a place that is now being consumed by darkness.

Jesus, rescue Your children in Haiti! Raise them up as mighty warriors, strong in Your strength! For who knows but that they are in Haiti for such a time as this!

You are the Hope for the hopeless, the Strength for the weary. You bind up the brokenhearted and set the captives free!

We, Your Church, are Your body! So may we be Jesus to hurting Haiti through our unwavering prayers, our finances, and our skills.

And come, Lord Jesus, come and receive the reward of Your suffering!

Haiti be comforted. For just as the little boy in China saluted his rescuers who pulled Him from the rubble, so Jesus has received so many of your loved ones as He rescued them from the ruins of homes, offices, schools, and churches. With open arms He greeted them, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servants. Welcome Home. Cry no more. You have entered my Rest.”

Amen.

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The Peculiar Few

August 29, 2009

The Peculiar Few

 

Thoughts lifted first to Christ

At the breaking of a new day,

Depending only on His might

While walking upon the Narrow Way.

 

THESE ARE THE PECULIAR FEW.

 

Heart that beats for the lost, alone;

Hands that take up the Father’s cause,

Championing the orphan and the widow,

With ear tuned only to His applause.

 

THESE ARE THE PECULIAR FEW.

 

Wrestling in prayer all thru the night,

Weeping and burning at the King’s feet.

Dressed in Christ’s armor, equipped to fight

For the hopeless and broken, refusing defeat.

 

THESE ARE THE PECULIAR FEW.

 

The colors of Nations run deep in their veins,

Knowing He’s called every tribe unto Him.

Going and giving to loosen the chains

Of these people whose hearts He is longing to win.

 

THESE ARE THE PECULIAR FEW.

Lives that are gripped by the depths of God’s Word,

Creating their treasuries up Above.

Those who learn daily to wield this Sword,

Compelled by compassion, hope, faith, and Love.

 

THESE ARE THE PECULIAR FEW.

 

Feet that are swift to run after His call,

Giving their lives up to do His bidding.

Throwing hindrance aside and surrendering all,

Knowing that this is the only life worth living.

 

THESE ARE THE PECULIAR FEW.

 

Lives all-consumed with Love for their King,

Laying down trophies, treasures, and pride.

Pouring out all as an offering,

It is all worth it to live at Christ’s side.

 

THESE ARE THE PECULIAR FEW.

 

A band of survivors, holy and set apart,

These are those Jesus Christ calls His own,

Knowing He holds them, body, mind, soul, and heart

These ones who He brings to draw near to His Throne.

 

THESE ARE THE PECULIAR FEW.

 

You Love Him, You serve Him with all that you are,

He is at the center of all that you do.

His glory shines thru you as the bright morning star;

This is what makes YOU the PECULIAR FEW…

 

Keep serving Him,

Loving Him,

and Living for Him.

All the rest is as rubbish.

 

For the sake of Him who died for me…

Gabi

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whispers of my Beloved…

July 9, 2009

Can I ignore

The whispers of my

BELOVED?

 

Come and sit with Me,”

He says,

I am here to give you

LIFE.”

 

His whispers haunt me

And pursue me

When I try to do life

ALONE.

 

My strength is enough,”

whispers the voice

of my

BELOVED.

Why do you try to walk alone?

Come away with

ME.”

 

As I fell to my knees,

I cry in pain,

Knowing I’ve walked

WITHOUT HIM.

 

I know I have striven

in vain,

trying to do good

ALONE.

 

But how can I serve Him

without

HIM?

 

To the secret place I fly,

To the vineyard

Where He looks upon me

WITH LOVE.

 

There is no blemish

In you,

No spot or mark,”

HE SAYS.

 

O Lord, I am utterly

black.

I have not cared for my

VINEYARD.”

 

Walk with Me,

my beauty.

Let us walk through your

VINEYARD.”

 

As we walk, I am ashamed.

The vines are shriveled.

The soil,

DRY.

 

There is no blemish in you.

You are my beauty,”

He whispers

AGAIN.

 

Lord, forgive me.

My strength is weakness

As I have walked

ALONE.”

 

There is no blemish in you.

I Love you, My sister

My

BRIDE.”

 

What is this I see

spiraling ’round my feet?

Could that be a sprig

Of GREEN?

 

You are beautiful.

Like a lily among thorns

is My

PRINCESS.”

 

My eyes are fixed upon Him.

He has captured me,

Though my soul still

CRACKS.

 

Let me adorn you

with Jewels from My treasury,”

whispers the voice of my

BELOVED.

 

What do I smell?

It smells like rain

And flowers and new

LIFE.

 

How beautiful you are, My darling!

Oh, how beautiful!

Your eyes are

DOVES.”

 

O kiss me, Lord!

I long to be captured

In Your arms of

LOVE!

I have missed You as I’ve

Walked and worked,

ALONE.”

 

He looks upon me with care

And feeds me

Heavenly fruit from His

HAND.

 

Let Me hear your voice;

for your voice is sweet

And your face is lovely,”

HE SAYS.

 

I am His. I’m caught

In His Love.

I turn to gaze at His

FACE.

 

I am Yours and You

are mine.

Come and live in me.

I SURRENDER.”

 

I am wrapped up in

His arms.

As I look around, I see

A VINEYARD.

 

Where are we, Beloved?

What are these fields

So verdant,

SO GREEN?”

 

My love, we have just

Rested here

together in

YOUR VINEYARD.”

 

No longer cracked,

No longer dry,

I weep, amazed at

HIS LOVE.

 

You are Life, Beloved!

You have restored

And watered my

VINEYARD.”

 

This is a vineyard

Full of the richest

Fruits of the

KINGDOM.

My lovely one,

I will always walk

Here with you…

ALWAYS.

My Love for you is

Stronger than death.

Many waters cannot quench

THIS LOVE.”

 

Can I ignore

The whispers of my

BELOVED?

 

He is Life.

He is Love.

He is everything.

MY ALL IN ALL.

 

Yours forever in the vineyard,

Gabrielle

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In the Early Morning Mist

May 11, 2009

In the early morning mist

You met me here,

My spirit kissed.

 

And as you walked the fields with me,

You held my heart

And set it free.

 

I stared into Your loving eyes

And caught my breath,

Full of surprise.

 

For in your eyes so deep I found

Your Love enfolding,

All around.

 

How is it You could Love me so?

Here in the depths

It overflows.

 

Crashing o’er me like a wave,

Your Love, Your Grace,

My heart to save.

 

Sweet Love, O bliss! Abounding still.

You come, I surrender,

My heart is filled.

 

Dear Jesus, Savior, what can I do

To live and die

And honor You?

 

The sun shines brighter, mist, it fades,

Walk this way, child.

Be Mine today.”

 

And as we walk, I see Your plan.

All I need do

Is hold Your hand.

 

For out of intimacy sealed,

Your plan and purposes

REVEALED.

 

Captured by this blessed Grace,

I am ready

To run this race.

 

Sinking in this Love divine,

I am His…

and He is mine.

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Be Still

April 11, 2009

 

Be at rest once more, O my soul,

for the Lord has been good to you.”

Psalm 116:7

 

Be still my soul, be still,

For He will make you stand,

Centered in His will,

Held within His hand.

 

Life, it swirls around,

Making my head spin,

But then I hear that sound…

That Voice belongs to Him.

 

“Why worry about these things?

Oh choose the better way!

Come hide beneath my wings,

And learn and watch and pray.”

 

Sweet Jesus, I need rest!

My soul within is dry.

I lay upon Your chest,

And broken there I cry.

 

And as You see my tears,

Yours mingle there with mine,

Removing all my fears,

Settling my heart in Thine.

 

This is the only place,

Where earth and heaven meet:

Bowing on my face,

Kneeling at Your feet.

 

It is only here

That I can fade away,

Making it so clear

That HE is Lord today.

 

Be still my soul, be still,

Though churning waters rise,

He keeps You safe until

The SUN breaks through the skies.

 

Bowing here I know

That I am hid in Love.

His Grace, it overflows,

Spirit resting like a dove.

 

Oh Jesus, here am I!

Hold me closer still.

Hearing Your heart I cry,

“I’m resting in YOUR will!”

 

Covered by Your Love divine,

There is one thing that I know,

I am Yours and You are mine -

Embraced by Your Love, I GO.

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Treasures of Darkness

March 11, 2009

 

Treasures of Darkness

inspired by isaiah 45:3

 

Little boy alone on the street,

No shirt on his back, no shoes on his feet.

I want to be taken to him, to hold in my arms,

This precious young child, keep him safe from all harm.

 

Little girl, kicked down and abused,

Eyes frantic with terror – helpless, confused,

I want to rush to her side, I want to fly to her aid,

To rescue her from the horror, take her to where she isn’t afraid.

 

THESE are the Treasures of Darkness,

The ones He holds so dear.

THESE are my promised inheritance,

Oh Lord, please bring them here!

 

Old man in the ghetto, alone and unloved,

Hopeless in the absence of that Love from above.

I want to place a crown on his head, tell him he is royalty,

For Jesus gave His life, died and rose for ones such as he.

 

Old woman locked within walls of white stone,

Widowed as a young child, forced to live life alone.

Help me to find her and to tell her she’s a jewel,

For within the hand of Jesus she sits, promise of renewal.

 

THESE are the Treasures of Darkness,

The ones for whom Jesus’ heart beats.

To make them my inheritance,

I fall down to pray at His feet.

 

Young man dying of AIDS in an African ward,

Fraught with hate, filled with rage, no hope to move forward.

Jesus, take me to him, holding peace in my hands,

And may he see there’s joy, even hope, for such a man.

 

Young woman in a brothel, hardened and lifeless,

With nothing to live for in this life of constant death.

Take me to her, Lord! May she know of TRUE LOVE!

May she be rescued and cleansed by Your river of blood!

 

THESE are the Treasures of Darkness,

Those once hopeless filled with hope.

I claim them as my inheritance,

For whom I intercede and rise up!

 

Little boy – RESCUED – now grown and overtaken

With Love and compassion for the beggars and the broken.

He says, “Take me to them, Jesus! I want them to know,

The Love of the King with which my life now overflows!”

 

Little girl – RESCUED – Body, heart, and soul healed,

Now a dancer for His glory, His Love displayed and revealed.

She says, “I dance for my King from the depths of my heart.

May other girls such as me be healed by my art!”

 

THESE are the Treasures of Darkness,

Their true beauty displayed.

This is who they are in Him.

This is why they were made.

 

Old man – RESTORED – teaching the young men to be strong and brave,

to stand always for RIGHT and for justice to take the day.

He prays, “May they become men of valor and to always be

Reminded of the RESCUE bought by Jesus as Calvary!”

 

Old woman – RESTORED – though an old widow still,

Sings a song given to her by the One with whom her heart is filled!

With passion she sings, “I need none beside You!

For You Love and adore me…my joy is FULL with YOU!”

 

 

THESE are the Treasures of Darkness,

Restored and alive.

In His joy, Love, and mercy

They are filled and they thrive!

 

Young man – REDEEMED – on his death bed, yet with HOPE on his face,

He shouts praises of thanks for he’s been saved by God’s grace.

Looking to his companions he says, “Don’t mourn when I’m gone!

For I go to my King! And to Him you, too, can belong!”

africanworshsip1 

Young woman – REDEEMED – and headed out to learn

How to preach and to teach of His Love, with which her heart burns.

“Tho once broken and dead,” she says as she holds a friend’s hand,

“I now live, truly LIVE, cleansed and in LOVE I stand!”

 

THESE are the Treasures of Darkness,

RESCUED-RESTORED-REDEEMED.

To make them my inheritance,

This is the food of my dreams.

 

THESE are the Treasures of Darkness,

These and so many more!

The ones so dear to God’s heart,

The orphans, the broken, the poor.

 

THESE are the Treasures of Darkness,

They are worth my life laid down.

For these are HIS inheritance,

His Joy, His Beloved, His Crown.

 

Amen.

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This is the Kingdom…

February 12, 2009

This is the KINGDOM ~

Truth declared.

Love displayed.

Wickedness destroyed.

Sin denied.

 This is the KINGDOM~

Dreams birthed.

Darkness braved.

Hate burned.

Hope born.

 

This is the KINGDOM~

Slaves freed!

Lost found!

Justice forged!

Death finished!

 

This is the KINGDOM~

Falling on my face

Before my Father,

Crying out for His heart,

Surrendering to His will!

 

This is the KINGDOM~

Being filled with the Holy Ghost

And running with this power

To the darkest, dirtiest corner of earth,

And Loving the untouchable.

 

This is the KINGDOM~

Reaching out my hand to touch

The broken,

The diseased,

The deformed,

The poor,

The dirty,

The forgotten,

The shameful.

Touching them because HE LOVES THEM.

 

This is the KINGDOM~

Breaking the chains of injustice,

Freeing the little girl

Shaking on the brothel floor

And silencing her captors!

 

This is the KINGDOM~

Rescuing in the dark of night

The little boy who holds a gun

And helping him, through Christ,

Learn how to smile once again and to laugh like a child.

 

 

 

 

This is the KINGDOM~

Adopting the orphan,

Serving the widow,

Sacrificing for the poor,

Giving up all comfort to GO.

 

This is the KINGDOM~

To light the candle in a soul

And to see that light spread

To a family, a nation,

The WORLD.

 

This is the KINGDOM~

Wrapping the towel around my waist,

Kneeling at your feet to wash them.

Becoming a servant to all,

Better than none.

 

This is the KINGDOM~

Forgetting what is behind

And running to the rice field

Or to the tiny mud hut,

That they, too, might know Him!

 

This is the KINGDOM~

Giving over the throne of my life

to the Giver of Life -

Jesus Christ,

The King and Ruler of this Kingdom!

 

Only through the laying down of the “rights” of my flesh to the rule of His Spirit will I see His Kingdom come in this breath of time He’s put me on earth. Out of the ashes of sacrifice arises the greatest glory a man could ever know…the glory of being a vessel of the glory of GOD!

 

Rule and reign, my God. O Kingdom of Christ – COME IN POWER!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Psalm

January 24, 2009

 

Still and stagnant air,

Quietness unbearable,

Echoes the ache in my heart –

The ache of nothing.

 

Beyond these walls,

Is there wind?

Is there air fresh and cool?

I’m locked up inside.

 

No movement, no stirring,

In this cavern where light,

And laughter, and joy,

Used to abound.

 

But now it’s still,

So still that I do not know

How I will take my next breath,

Let alone face tomorrow.

 

But there is a pulsing,

I hear a whisper of it beyond these walls.

It is the throbbing of Your heart.

It beats, it sings, it cries…

 

POUNDING for the lost.

POUNDING for the broken.

POUNDING for the nations.

POUNDING for ME!

 

How do I access that throbbing heart,

That heart of purpose

That comes only from On High,

From the One who created Purpose?

 

I don’t know! I’m trapped.

I’m stuck within my own pain,

Paralyzed by my own scars,

Choking for the air of hope again.

 

I allow my mind to wander,

And remember the days of dreaming,

The days of overwhelming LIFE

I remember the great dreamer…me.

 

I remember the people crying,

There goes the great dreamer!

Come, encourage us with your dreams!

Remind us how to live life to the full!”

 

But now I am the one

Sitting on the curb in rags,

Looking with hungering eyes

Upon those who continue to dream.

 

Yet within I know,

This is not the end,

It is simply the wait.

I cannot lose hope!

 

Jesus, come to Your little lamb.

Show me that Your dreams live

Beyond these walls,

Walls of stagnant air.

 

Jesus, cradle me in Your arms,

Remind me who I am…

The great dreamer,

Dreaming grand dreams for You!

 

I know that there is still

A spark, and ember,

Dreams alive in my soul.

Blow on them and fan this flame.

 

Who am I

To carry the dreams of God?

I don’t feel them now,

But You say You have chosen me.

 

So in faith I rise,

I say, “Flee despair,

Be gone emptiness!

He gives me joy overflowing!”

 

Yes in faith I scream,

I will sow in places

Where I long to dream,

And see dreams fulfilled!”

 

In a soul where greys reign,

I declare vivid color.

In a place of darkness,

I declare the brightest light.

 

Even in this soul of mine,

I believe in restoration,

I believe in crazy dreams,

I believe in BURNING PASSION.

 

I know that without great dreams,

There are no great dreamers.

I know without great dreamers,

There are no great feats achieved.

 

You’ve chosen me.

I believe it, Lord!

You see I’ve made myself available.

Lord, help my unbelief!

 

As I open myself to You,

I know You will pour Your dreams.

As I draw nearer to You,

I will be able to see the patterns of Your heart.

 

The Pattern is of nations.

The Pattern is of callings.

The Pattern is of victories.

The Pattern is of worship.

 

Bandage my wounds.

Heal my bruised heart.

Make me a broken vessel made whole,

And totally ready.

 

I must dream big dreams.

I must be used of God for greatness.

I must be a shining bearer of Thee.

Otherwise I sleep in death.

 

But You have called me to Life,

And to Life ABUNDANT!

So darkness, flee!

I am clinging to Him who is Light!

 

Hallelujah! His purpose prevails!

Hallelujah! I will be WHOLE!

Hallelujah! Dreams WILL arise!

Hallelujah! His Kingdom will advance through me.

 

I seek it.

I believe it.

I know Him.

I love Him.

 

Dear child,

The rest will fall into place.

Fix your eyes on Me.

Beloved dreamer, SOAR.

 

You are a seal on My heart.

You are a seal on My arm.

Even death cannot separate us.

I burn with Love for you.

 

SEEK.

HEAL.

DREAM.

BELIEVE.

 

Amen.

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A Poem for my King

January 11, 2009

I love You, O Lord my Strength,

In You I rest my faith;

For heaven above

and earth below

Cannot contain Your Grace

On which I firmly stand,

My times are in Your hand;

In seasons full

and seasons dry

My life Your Love demands

Of me no lesser thing

Than EVERYTHING to bring;

No deed too small

Or feat too great

To lay before my King

Above all kings to reign,

O’er all the world this Name

So powerful

And wonderful

Deserving of all fame

Spread throughout all the earth,

Within my soul gives birth

To praises great

And love songs sweet!

None can explain Your worth

All that I can give

My life and my homage

I bring to You

All glory due

FOR YOU MY LIFE I LIVE.

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Keep Running…

November 1, 2008

Click here to hear CHASING by Desperation 

This poem was inspired by the documentary “Spirit of the Marathon.” I was so moved watching these people training for and running in the Chicago marathon because of all the amazing similarities to “running the race to receive the Prize.” Let’s run hard after Him! For His Kingdom and for His glory…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foot here at the starting line,

There’s no turning back.

Start running. Start running.

My heart is full my eyes are fixed,

Nothing do I lack.

I‘m running. I’m running.

Until the obstacles,they come…

Lord, what am I to do?

Keep running. Keep running.

I know this training is so hard,

But I hold on to you!

Keep running. Keep running.”

Running, panting, losing speed…

Why is life so hard?

Still running. Still running.

Yet pressing on toward the Goal,

HE is my reward!

Still running. Still running.

I turn the corner and I see,

I AM NOT ALONE!

I’m running. I’m running.

No, there are MILLIONS joining me,

Racing toward Your Throne!

WE’RE running. WE’RE running.

A sister falls down at my side.

I pick her up and say,

Keep running! Keep running!

Don’t give up, I’m here with you,

Let’s press on toward that Day!

Keep running! Keep running!”

Then, at last!, what joy I feel

To see that finish line!

Still running. Still running.

Now bursting forth, oh heart be still!

It is almost my time!

I’m running. I’m running.

Legs like lead, but heart ALIVE…

Oh, I am nearly done!

Keep running! Keep running!

And there HE is to greet me there.

Well done, my faithful one!

Stop running! Stop running.”

Sweet Jesus, I can see it now,

All this running was for YOU!

This running. This running.

And now I rest here in Your arms,

My running days are through.

Done running. Done running.

 

Jesus, as I run I say – IT IS WORTH IT! – because You await me at the end! …and You’re with me every step of the way. Hosanna! How I long to see Your face! So I run with all my might even when the going gets tough, because You deserve it, and I want to be worthy of that Rest…

 

Yours forever…