The Land of Suddenly, Dungeons and Dragons

Picture by Betty Mincer Nybakken

Going through and staying true...
..Some think they have the corner on the market when it comes to life. Many plod into a "suddenly" and life is not the same. It is there in the Land of Suddenly, that we have a critical mass of decision. Much like C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia come to life in an alternate universe, we we find dungeons and dragons to contend with. It seems it is all part of God's plan and purpose to reveal His heart of love for us. No REALLY! Through... rescue, healing, comfort and restoration we begin to process the knowledge of who and what this supernatural companion is all about. We soon quickly realize, this personage is not tame at all... He thinks out of the box at all times and at all costs.

Being loved by the God of the universe is staggering, amazing. He desires the closest of walks with us; for it is there that we can become one with this companion. I know this, as one surrendered heart and life, His heart beats for the world to know Him. It was for their freedom He came. Enclosed in the deepest dungeon we find Him there with a steady hand on the mouths of hungry lions... Confronted by the most challenging of dragons we know Him as the Prince of Peace. If we listen we hear His songs of deliverance through the long dark nights of the soul.

How exhilarating life can be, how challenging it is as well. Sometimes we fall down and yes, how wonderful it is to discover that He is the God of second, third and fourth chances. We are not alone my friend. Bottom line here!

So ... today, with me and a great host of others, go through and stay true.

k.t.
p.s. thanks so much Betty for the picture.



John 3:16

friends

Old friends and new friends, friends are a treasure we are given and embrace. To have a friend you must be a friend. Friendship develops when meals are shared, churches gather, little league teams form. They are created wherever we create room for them.

In this age of digital connectedness, the world is getting smaller.Yet, while the internet is interactive, it lacks real familial connectedness. It has the ability to make us aware of some of the things our friends are involved in and enjoying... it also gives, I believe, a false sense of relationship. Intimate relationship seems more difficult, rather than easier nowdays.

Love is a choice.The spark of the divine is found in relationships that put others first.Someone I know served in the military and through training and then combat, has had friendships that have lasted a life time. Through difficult seasons of life there there are those who are there for the long haul and those that fade away. The best thing to do is just to love them all. The good, the bad and the ugly. Love never fails.... people do, love doesn't. Love is powerful and it melds worlds together ... when given the chance to flourish.

I heard it said this week, "Some people look at you, but some look in you." I think that statement underlines the difference between an acquaintance versus a friend. Or perhaps it is about someone who has tried and has become good at being a real friend.

I didn't know I was so conflicted about friendships until I started trying to write about them. Lots of hurt places in my heart concerning relationships, but that's the trade off. For to love much, is to risk the pain of loving. Hurts could come and probably will, but it is worth it to love as a friend. Our frailty, our humanness insures us of mistakes and misunderstandings in life. But that's not the end, if it were, we might all become grumpy trolls and go live under bridges and come out to take tolls of people crossing our bridges. People need the friendship of one another. The trouble is is that we are not very good at it. Wars and rumors of wars, states the tragedy component of being human.

Blessings friend and I hope your life is filled with friendships that last a lifetime.




kt



John 3:16