Bless the Broken Road

Tonight after a powerful service at church, I was talking to someone who is very dear to my heart. I hadn't had a chance to speak with them in awhile because of busy schedules. As I was updating them on my life and what I was now doing, they reflected on my years in Tulsa, in and out of ORU and all the places this journey has taken me. It has definitely been a non-traditional journey. As I left, I began to reflect on what they said...

As I ruminated I thought about a song called "Bless the Broken Road." It is supposed to be a love song, but I have always known it to reflect this journey I have been on over these past few years with the Lord. It truly was the broken road of life that led me into the arms of Jesus. When I hit rock bottom He was the only one there to put the pieces back together. He was the only one who could.

As a rule I never return to the past to meditate on it because there is nothing there for me - but there are times I visit, to remember one thing: if it wasn't for His grace...

Sometimes it is good to remember, only so you don't forget all He has done. To make the sweetness of His grace and love in your life all the sweeter.

Once I was bound. Now I know freedom.

Once I believed I was unlovable. Now I know how deeply I am loved, and now I am able to love.


If it wasn't for His grace...




"Bless the Broken Road"
I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you

Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like Northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there you understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true

Now I'm just rolling home
Into my lover's arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you.

Valuing what has been planted

Matthew 13:23 NLT

"The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted."

As I was reading today, this verse popped out at me and I began to see the different people who have sown into my life over the years, especially the recent years. First and foremost it is MOST important that the seed of the Word planted in our hearts comes from our private communion with the Lord. We cannot be reliant upon pastors or friends to speak the Word to us. That is extra seed that is necessary but secondary.

Having said that, I began to think about the privilege I do not take lightly of those who have spoken and continue to speak into my life. God-fearing men and women who have taught me so much, been patient with me in my foolishness and have never given up on me. Just as much as I do not take lightly putting the Word into my heart in private communion - being sure it is bearing fruit in my life, I also want to be sure that I am producing fruit from the mentorship and leadership God has given me who steward the gift of God in me.

It is a beautiful relationship when both have their rightful place in our lives. The Word, intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit...being joined with true discipleship.

This may sound like something simple to you. You're right...it is. But in its simplicity, don't lose the value of it in your life. Sometimes we can allow ourselves to just get used to the favor of God and become lackadaisical with the treasure of others speaking into us. DON'T. I implore you - value those God has placed in your life. Bear fruit from the God-fearing discipleship they bring to your life.

Let those people know how much they mean to you. Pray for them.

Hebrews 13:7 NLT

"Remember your leaders who taught you the Word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith."

Hear and See

It has been awhile since I have written and honestly, I am in a season where I feel like I don't want to say much because I have so much to listen for and so little to offer. I am learning. Growing. Purifying. Maturing. Tonight though, I felt the Holy Spirit speak to me to share with you what He is teaching me.

I can't seem to escape these two words, "Hear" and "See". It began a few weeks ago when I came across Proverbs 20:12 "Ears to hear and eyes to see - both are gifts from the Lord." My most recent, earnest and constant prayer has been "Lord give me eyes to see and ears to hear what You are doing and speaking." I don't want a day to go by that I miss something He is trying to say. Nor do I want to be so distracted by all the things around me that I miss what He is doing.

These words have followed me everywhere starting with my dreams, random conversations with people, a ministry email I received, scriptures that pop out and slap me in the face (with the love of Jesus of course).

In the midst of everything that is going on in our world, our personal lives, our social, educational and work lives, there is always something to keep our attention. At the end of the day though, do you ever find yourself thinking...wow God. I don't know if I even stopped to speak or just listen to You today. I got so caught up in everything else, that I was listening to everyone else rather than Your Holy Spirit.

It's easy to do in our media driven, desperate-need-for-social-interaction world.

Can I tell you something I have learned though? It's all worthless without Him.

Nothing can fulfill you like His presence. He is the only one that knows your life from beginning to end, directing your steps as you hear His voice.

Some of you may be saying, "I already know that. Jesus is Lord of my life. I love God. Etc. Etc."

I simply challenge you with this. Turn your focus to where your time and energy is spent. When you have free-time, are you always spending it online, or could you be preparing for your future? Spending time in the Word?

Pull away to spend time in His presence where you can truly see and hear. God is searching for those whose hearts are turned toward Him. Not just in word, but in how you structure your life to hear from Him.

I encourage you. God is moving in the earth in mighty ways. If you do not separate yourself to Him to seek His heart, filling your ears with His words, you will miss something that facebook, twitter, material obsessions, or other relationships with people will never give you. These things are not wrong, but do not allow them to steal your time and attention.