Faith does not mean
doubt will not try to tempt us!
It means we will press on
as the Holy Spirit leads us.
By Martha L Shaw – © 2018

Faith does not mean
doubt will not try to tempt us!
It means we will press on
as the Holy Spirit leads us.
By Martha L Shaw – © 2018
Here am I
Kneeling by my window
Mesmerized
By the gently falling rain.
Forgotten thoughts of troubles
Have slipped away
As though washed clean
by the droplets of
what surely must be living water.
Their delicate music sooths my soul
As tiny diamonds fall
Then leap into the air again
Reflecting rays of the hidden sun . . .
Never far away.
My soul rests,
Strengthened and refreshed
And ready for the challenges
Of a new day.
By Martha L Shaw – © 2018
A
A building is not just a place to be but a way to be.– Frank Lloyd Wright – and a church is built of flesh, bones, willing spirits, loving hearts and God!
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I tried to be all things for everyone. Thinking back, I realize none of us were intended for that. Hmmm . . . was I thinking of my Lord, my neighbors, or myself? In my foolishness, I thought the answer was Jesus. I remember reading the 23rd Psalm and thinking “STUPID SHEEP.” Me, I had it all together . . . NOT! I was all about Martha!
Those sheep loved the Master, served Him well, and were lovingly cared for – Facing hunger or fear or uncertainty of any kind was no real problem. The Master (Shepherd) who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask had it all together since long before we were we! Those sheep had it good! THIS SHEEP is gonna follow the Shepherd far more closely than she used to!
Ephesians 3:20-21
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
GOOD COMPANY
Ah, those green pastures
Where did the still waters go?
Good, the Shepherd’s near!
By Martha L Shaw – © 2018
I strode through the forest
or so I began
seeking silence . . .
seeking peace.
My thirsty soul knew I would find you there,
but I stopped and stood still among the greens,
the light filtering through the branches.
I was surprised by the very loudness of it all.
For I never realized
one could not hear the music,
the loving whispers in my soul,
my own silent hallelujahs,
without quiet surrounding me!
My senses stirred as never before
as I tasted your wine
and basked in the aroma
that is you.
My empty hands knew
that yours held mine
and the beauty .. .
your Light drew me in
as never before.
I am you – you are me,
we are one!
By Martha L Shaw – © 2018
I sit here seeing only ruin around me and being unable to climb out of its vastness and praying somehow His purpose in it will come to fruition. I realize I may not see His purpose but there is peace to be found in knowing He uses all things. As I did a bit of reading just now, this quote came to me:
– Anonymous –
It seems in life there are times when we, or I, are called to be the compost nourishing the seeds from which tomorrow’s flowers grow. These times can be uncomfortable and even painful, but if it blesses the Lord, it is good.
A new season is coming and the flowers will bloom!
The pieces will all come together. He will see to it.
(quilt is my work)
When you hold a balloon in the palm of your hand it is a tiny small thing. Seems unlikely that if I toss it from my bedroom window that it could drench my kid sisters with water, yet when used, that balloon becomes “enough” to serve my purpose . . . faith is like that.
I find myself praying for more faith yet last night when the question “what is faith” was asked at study group, the Spirit spoke to me saying “Faith is trust in action.” Like that small balloon, my small bit of faith “is enough” for Jesus to use for His purpose . . . if I trust Him. Martha L Shaw
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Your love fills my soul
And your peace
Is like nothing I could imagine.
Yet,
This morning I woke with a start,
I stopped to think
And stumbled off the path.
My fear frozen heart beat too fast
And my mind drew me
In another direction
But not a good one.
I breathed deeply,
I called out to you,
And you showed me the map
Leading me back to you.
The peace in my soul
Softly comforted me.
I smiled
Ready for a new day
Filled with wonder,
Filled with you.
By Martha L Shaw – copyright 10-30-12