Mountains and Rainbows

"When you're up on the mountain"....I love that song. It goes on to talk about being on the mountain and everything being so easy and faith runs high. But then, its down in the valley where that same faith is really put to the test. Most of us can relate to that principle. Mountain top experiences are wonderful but life seems to be more realistic in the valleys, closer somehow.

A walk through the valley is peaceful with the soft damp air, lush green ferns and vines. Even the moss and the ground is a bit softer and easier to walk on. Something about the valley makes me want to stop and ponder, relax and look inward. In the valley He restores my soul. Its that quiet, uninterrupted intimacy with Him that makes the valley so appealing to me.

Like most of you, I have had my walks through the valley - even  the valley of the shadow of death. The shadow lands are still and quiet; you can feel the very breath of Jesus on your soul. His nearness in those times is comforting and peaceful while strengthening at the same time.

Back in the year 2000, Royce and I were in the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming. Mountains in the west are different from the ones here in the south. For one, there are very few people around, but other than that, the mountains themselves are different. There is not as much undergrowth and the roads tend to go more upward instead of around and around to get there.

That day I remember riding on the crest of the mountain for miles. We were literally on top of the mountain and yet we were in a meadow. Wildflowers were everywhere and the antelope really did play around. The air was thin and crisp and even though it was June, the coolness on our face was wonderful. At one point we stopped to take photos of the flowers and as we walked arm in arm it was so peaceful that words would have been an interruption. We stopped and he wrapped his arms around me and we looked at each other in the stillness. His kiss was still sweet on my lips as we started our drive back down the mountain.  

Halfway down, the sky clouded over and rain came in spots here and there as we drove. After a bit the clouds cleared and the sun came out again. Then, off to the side we noticed a beautiful rainbow. Since there was no one else around, we decided that rainbow was our special gift from God.

Little did we know that in only a few days, the photo of that rainbow would be posted on the wall in his hospital room in the burn unit. Yes, the mountain had been wonderful, but now we started our walk through the valley. Faithful as always, the Lord had given us a wonderful mountaintop experience with a little reminder to look at in the hospital. There was and is, and will always be: a rainbow.

He is faithful.

The Purple Chair

The Lord is with me wherever I go. Why then does it seem that He is more with me some places than others?  Did you ever notice that? Some places have a special closeness to Jesus. For me it is in my purple chair in the bedroom, in front of the bay window. I think the Holy Spirit is partial to that area too.

When I go to my chair I really do not have time to pray before He's there. Isn't that interesting? Perhaps it because we've met there so many times before, but it's like he's waiting for me. What an awesome thought: that Jesus is waiting for me. And, even more awesome, He enjoys being with me.

I remember when we were in the burn unit in Utah: I was sitting all alone in a crowded hospital cafeteria when He showed up to sit with me. That moment is forever etched in my being. The fact that He came was wonderful enough, but he came as my Friend! Not to preach or even to talk, but just to sit with me and be my Friend. The revelation of Jesus as my Friend was amazing on an entirely new level for me. Later, someone told me that He chooses his friends. I cannot even begin to put into words what that does for my heart. Over the years our friendship has grown and deepened, just like any earthly friendship.

He is still Savior, Deliverer, Mighty God, Holy One. But, think about it; if He is all those things but not your friend, he remains distant. Am I a name dropper? You betcha! When it comes to His name I'll let everyone know I have special treatment - I'm HIS!

Today its the purple chair, in 2000 it was the hospital cafeteria, or the cement bench outside the hospital. I'm thinking perhaps our place of visitation with Jesus is anywhere we get still and quiet and open to His presence. Of course He is always with us; He promised that. But it is different when He breaks through into our consciousness and we talk with Him face to face.

It can be noisy and busy all around us, but deep inside our spirit we open and there He is, waiting to help, comfort, correct, guide, encourage and listen -- whatever we need at the moment. He is indeed an awesome God!

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

This is my command: Love each other.

John 15:15 - 17

Soar Like An Eagle...Or Even A Crane

Dear God, make me a bird so I can fly far, far away. Or as David so eloquently stated in Psalm 55:6 "Oh, If I had the wings of a dove, I would fly away and be at rest." Cop out theology? Perhaps. David, however, spoke of flying away to the desert. That would not be my first choice.

I read a comment in a news letter from David Wilkerson this morning that was more like my thoughts. He stated there are two things the Holy Spirit whispers to our hearts to bring comfort:

1. "you are loved."

2. "you are leaving."

I like that!

Yes, we occupy til He comes. Yes, we are connected, active and interested in the affairs of this world, our families and the Church. We are commissioned to go into the highways and byways and speak of God's love and faithfulness. Nothing brings greater satisfaction in life than seeing God move in lives as we pray.

But, bottom line, we are loved and we are leaving. Heaven is still our goal; our home for all eternity. I never want to become so entangled in the affairs of this life that I forget where we are going and how wonderful it will be there.

One of my favorite songs from years ago still rings true in my heart:

O, Lord, you know I have no friend like you

If Heaven's not my home, then Lord what would I do.

The angels beckon me from Heaven's open door,

And I can't feel at home in this world anymore."

Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!