Tuesday, January 17, 2017

To Bottle Happiness

I wish that I could find a way
To bottle happiness and stay
Within its grasp, within its sway
For all the moments, all the days

But happiness I find
As impacted as the day unwinds
A state of grace, a state of mind
Not always what I can combine.

Thus, happiness it seems
Is not the measurement of dreams
But rays of a larger grander scheme
That proclaims, protects, this life redeems.

So that one day life will have its way
And put bright happiness on full display
Within it's grasp, its easy sway
Eternal moments, endless days.














-Kristen Harmon

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Tuesday, January 10, 2017

At Great Cost, Thoughts on Rogue One

My husband and I saw the new Star Wars movie, Rogue One, last week.

It was incredible.

As the movie progressed I kept thinking about the line in Episode 4, A New Hope- when one of the rebel leaders says that the files to the death star were obtained at great cost.

As this movie so brilliantly reveals, so they were.

What I find interesting is this.  Had I seen Rogue 1 before the original trilogy, I would not have liked it at all.  It's not in my nature to like those kind of endings.

But because I know the rest of the story, because I've seen the result of their sacrifice, I can appreciate the movie.

Perhaps in some small way, this gives insight into how all of heaven was able to endure Jesus' death.

I don't know if I could have done it.   I don't know if I could have watched someone I had loved for eternity experience the suffering that he did without intervening.  But so it was.   And because of it, a precious door was opened.

Hebrews 12:2 says these words:  "We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.  Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.  Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne."

As I see it, sacrifice is only possible when it is for a cause that promises a better future.  Not just for the recipient, but for the one making the sacrifice.

I'm not suggesting that we seek out pain or that we stop pursing goodness and joy.  But rather that if we find ourselves in a dark moment that feels of epic proportion (even if it is not), that we remember.

When you desperately want some quiet time, but the kids are sick.  When you dream to start a new company, but instead stay in your job to provide stability for your family. When hope feels lost.  When you can't see the future. When you want to give up, but press on.

In those moments may we remember the joy set before us.   May we remember the ending.

And keep going.















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Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Hope

There is something about a new year that calls me to hope.

Hope for good things to come.

Hope for a clear mind to make good decisions.

Hope for the new, the fresh, the growing.

Hope for the remembering, the familiar, the known.

May hope spring eternal in your heart this new year.

And may it grow into a deep resevoir of life.



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