Ecstatic Joy

Ecstatic Joy

by Melissa Campbell

Jesus 

came     to     show

God

loves.

God laughs.

He dances wild.

He woos romance.

God runs hard to greet us,

reaches low to lift us up.  Soft, he

sings love and comes to rest in humble

hearts, Word-welcomed flesh, while we rejoice

with feet touching earth, our hearts spilling joy like light

beams burst through cracks ecstatic, basking full in Fatherly

 adoration

because He

first loved and

gave His Son for all.

Oh, how God rejoices over us.

In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:  “Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak. The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” ~ Zepheniah 3:16-17 (NKJ)

A small offering for The High Calling's Christmas in Verse and  "Rejoice"- Blog Carnival. 

I am also offering this as part of the Christmas Tour Around the World at One Stop Poetry.  Wont' you come celebrate the joy with us!


Photo Credit:  flickr - Melanie Plante

Talk-show Religion

I am re-posting this today for Faith Barista Jam Thursday.  I love the topic:  Unwrapping Jesus Discoveries.  In doing this our lives become journeys of Treasure seeking...and finding.  One thing I am learning, God comes to live in jars of clay, but He doesn't intend to stay there--His light must shine!  And so He breaks our boxes, and Christmas dawns all year round.  Blessings!

God has been speaking to me again through his feathered friends.

This morning as I sit in my flannels, catching up with our oldest on the phone, I am delighted to see through a veil of drapes the silhouette of a Blue Jay flitting from one Christmas wreath to another, all hung wide with burgundy velvet across our four living room windows.

With regal, feathery crest he hovers in the between of each evergreen swirl and peeks into the glass, as if waiting for an invitation to come in from the blustery cold.

Does he see his reflection, or is he trying to get my attention?

I mention the crowned visitor to my daughter while we talk about "church" and our not being there and how she no longer has a desire to go and watch people put on a show as if they are acting out a drama for others to see.

"I'm tired of the superficiality," she says.  "I don't see what any of it has to do with loving and worshiping God."

For the most part I agree with her.  We haven't been to church as a family for months.  Instead, we spend the mornings sleeping later, cooking breakfast for each other, talking peaceful--slow, lingering in the warmth of together, and enjoying the intimacy we lack during the week.

"What was it like in Bible days?" she asks.  "I don't think they went just because they felt they had to.

"I don't think they faked their faith like we do now."

Mr. Blue Jay flies away, and returns a few minutes later to perform again his early-morning routine, like a ritual from beginning to end.  I watch distracted as Daughter and I continue the conversation.  Moments like these, when we connect in faith-matters are precious, and not meant to be rushed.

"God is drawing hearts to relationship with Him and each other.  He is speaking if we will listen." 

I share how I have talked with friends in far-away places looking for somewhere to fit, somewhere they can be real before God and each other, all wanting to connect with other believers of like mind and heart who desire to return to the simple and holy ways of worship--who will walk in love and power and the ability to bring change for God's glory, not man's.

Then I remember, voice a roll-call of sorts, all the wonderful people we have known "in church" who were real in their faith and love for Christ, all those who made a difference in our lives and the world around us.  I hear a smile through the lines as we recall holy saints, and I watch my crested feathery friend fly off again.

Our conversation veers as well to the pecan-topped sweet potato casserole I am baking for our family Christmas dinner in a few hours.  I forget about my morning visitor until I open email a while later.

At the top of a message entitled, Blessings in Liberty, a picture of a gorgeous Blue Jay greets me.  And underneath, in caligraphy, this Scripture from Timothy reads:

“Tell those rich in this world's wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life." ~ 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (The Message)

I think about Mr. Blue Jay, and smile.  Another message from the Lord?  He was trying to get my attention!  I look up the passage and read further:

“And oh, my dear Timothy, guard the treasure you were given! Guard it with your life. Avoid the talk-show religion and the practiced confusion of the so-called experts. People caught up in a lot of talk can miss the whole point of faith." ~ 1 Timothy 6:20-21 (The Message)

Oh, the wonder of God!  Oh, how He loves us!  And yes, He speaks, if we will listen. 

My daughter discerns easily what has taken me years to come to terms with.  My religious ways and striving will never bring me closer to God.  Religion keeps Him in a box, and working for His approval wears me out. 

He never intended for us to dress up and perform for Him one day a week, then go about our business as usual.  Instead, He reaches down into every moment, giving grace that frees, forgives, invites and enables me to be real in life and love--that the world may know His goodness.

I am thankful today for His richest gifts that keep giving and speaking, and getting my attention, that keep pulling me into Him in one way or another.

Yes, let us guard the treasures we have been given!

Today I join Ann Voskamp and the community of gratitude-givers in appreciating God's graces.  Click on the button below to read other grace lists....

I am also linking with  L.L. Barkat and other ready writers who share their stories of place at Seedlings in Stone.   Please join us!

 Click to read more about my Journey of Gratitude.

Photo Credit:  flickr - Jeffrey Pott

Ring the Bells

Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.

~Leonard Cohen

I read this quote yesterday on a blog site and liked it so much.  I meant to give credit to the friend who posted, but somehow in my copy and paste, lost the web address.  I apologize to whomever I borrowed it from.  Thank you for the inspiration!

In the hearts of all who linger here, let there be praise!

And at every corner may you discover the ringing of laughter, the light of love. 

Blessings in this joyous season.

Melissa

Photo Courtesy: flickr - Miss Corley

Created to Sing- Part 8, Days of Light

She asks what form of creativity or expression makes my breath quicken and my knuckles grip white.  She questions if I force myself to overcome, or do I hide within myself, unexpressed?

I don't have to think long.  I love to sing!

I grew up with music all around.  My mom whistles like a songbird, sometimes so piercingly high it hurts the ears.  My sisters and I complained when we were small.  We had no appreciation for her gift, at times were embarrassed.  Now I worship when I listen, and wonder at the brilliance of a sound she has perfected over the years, but must surely come from heavenly places.

Mom sings with her vocals too.  Like she was born to.  We laughed when she said she dreamed of being a soprano in the opera one day.  We couldn't imagine our hard-working, floor-scrubbing, bread-baking, Bible-reading, fun-loving mother dressed in velvets belting drama in a foreign language.

Her love for singing was a gift from my grandfather who continually crooned old-timey melodies while he worked his garden or drove the logs he cut to the mill.  My favorite was, Down by the Old Cherry Orchard.  Sometimes I get lost in the light of childhood days and soak warm in words stretched wide across a whiskery smile.  

It was a happy day when Pap-pap yodeled.  Oh, could he yodel!  We giggled, and begged him to, "Do it again!" until his voiced would crack and he had to rest up for another time. 

I learned to play piano, and my grandfather turned family visits into old-fashioned hymn sings.  He stood looking over, resting one lumber-rough hand on my shoulder and the other turning pages while he sang in a beautiful tenor the songs he grew up on.  He didn't mind when I stumbled over the keys choppy, or hit a note awry.  His honeyed croons covered my mistakes, and together we made beautiful music--harmonies that linger sweet in my archives.

I tried to sing too, at the piano, in my room, outside under the trees and in car-rides with the family, all four of us girls crammed together in the back seat of our Pontiac, or sometimes in the front beside my mom because I was the oldest. 

I sang.  And she laughed.  She said I couldn't hit the notes or stay on key.  My sister 18 months younger chimed agreement.  Glad to find a flaw in my drive for perfection, she had no problem gliding along mom's melodies.

I learned early to stay quiet.  To be seen and not heard.  To stuff my songs in the dark places of my heart where I stood guard militantly lest one should escape and bring shame.  I believed I couldn't, shouldn't sing.  So I didn't.  I just mouthed the words silent and sullen. 

Years later, I found a friend, another songbird who poured love songs to Jesus.  She encouraged me to do the same.  For five years a group of us came together like a family to worship.  We praised the King with our laughter, our fellowship, our prayers and our voices. 

At first, I was petrified, white-knuckled and gasping for breath, hopelessly trying to catch the notes, struggling just to hear them, and not knowing how to translate or speak what was buried so deep within.  But God.

He sent light into those dark places through the love of friends, through the love of His Son.  I learned to soak full in His Spirit.  I learned to listen quiet for His voice.  I learned I was created to sing the song He had written inside. 

And I discovered that as soon as I turned from me, from my insecurity and all the lies I had believed, to focus on the One who loved me so well, who made me unique to give Him glory just by being, singing--when I sang for Him--I could sing! 

I sing!  My girls still make fun of me.  They don't like my music.  They don't like my songs.  They don't like my devotion to Someone they can't see.  But they are young.  And I have been assured that one day their songs will break free and give glory to the King.

I have it on good Authority as well, that He likes my offerings.  (smile)

Whatever it is that causes your breath to quicken and your knuckles to grip white give it to God, and let Him make something beautiful.  You were born to shine His light.  You were created to sing!

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." ~ The words of Jesus, Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

Today is the final day in my Days of Light series.  Thank you for joining me to light candles in words to highlight the Coming of our Lord as celebrated by some in Advent and The Festival of Lights.

Previous Posts:

Day 1:  Walk in Light

Day 2:  Almond Tree

Day 3:  Incandescence

Day 4:  Guest Post - Love Still Follows the Star

Day 5:  This Night

Day 6:  Gift of Light

Day 7:  Your Face

I am joining Emily and other singers today for Imperfect Prose.  Won't you join us?



Also, please consider visiting Exquisite Grace where I got my inspiration for this post, and where the light of God's beauty and grace abound.

It's not too late to visit L.L. Barkat and other ready writers who share about their place at Seedlings in Stone: 

Photo Courtesy:  flikr - Kassia

Your Face - Part 7, Days of Light

On Day 7, another poem from the archives:

Your Face 

by Melissa Campbell 

A hungry gaze, a longing cry

My heart is desperate, thirsty, dry

Weary of chasing Your shadow, then wondering why

These moments with You won’t satisfy

 

How much longer must I wait

To behold your glory face to face?

Lonely tears—my heart is faint

What must I do to see your face?

 

I need to know You; I need to see

I need to trust your love for me

It's not enough that You're calling me

True friendship's born in intimacy

 

From Heaven's Holy River, Your living waters fall

Deep calls to deep; my spirit hears your call

"Who will go for Me?"  Your gaze ignites my soul

Love's cost can be so great; I pledge to give you all 

 

With flames of holy fire, You sear my heart with love

With a brand of glowing ember, my lips you gently touch

I feel your holy burning, but still...it's not enough

To quench this need to know you more, the One I love so much 

 

LORD, show me your Glory; show me your face

I'm hungry and thirsty and needing your grace

You've called me to follow; I'm walking by faith

Ruined and desperate to see the Light of your face  

 

Today is Day 7 of 8 in the Days of Light series.  Please join me again tomorrow as I continue to light a candle in words to highlight the Coming of our Lord as celebrated by some in Advent and The Festival of Lights.


Previous Posts:

Day 1:  Walk in Light

Day 2:  Almond Tree

Day 3:  Incandescence

Day 4:  Guest Post - Love Still Follows the Star

Day 5:  This Night

Day 6:  Gift of Light

 This poem is being offered for One Shot Wednesday.

Photo: Dynamic Sun, courtesy: flickr - NASA Goddard Photo and Video.  Used with permission.

Gift of Light - Part 6, Days of Light

On Day 6, a poem written long ago:

Gift of Light
by Melissa Campbell

Into darkness God’s Light was given
Born in the land of the shadow of death
In a dirty cave, a sinful world
Jesus breathed his first breath

A gasp of hope, a cry of life
Sounded from the stable that night
When God bestowed his favor on men
And revealed His Gift of Light

A host of angels, the songs of heaven
Announced the wondrous birth
The very Word of God made flesh
Was spoken to the Earth

Lowly shepherds flocked to see
The Father’s gift, His own
A baby lain in manger cradle
A Prince upon his throne

Son of God and Son of Man
The first of many brothers
Was born to live and born to die
A child like no other

Who would have thought a little child
The Light who dawned by Way of the Sea
Would save the world from impending doom
Was God clothed in humanity

Salvation’s Plan at last unfolded
God’s Atonement for the world
Anointed for our sacrifice
His death was long foretold

Lamb of God, Prince of Peace
Humble, Servant King
Your body broken, bread for all
Your blood, our offering

Perfect Love in human form
Lifted high for eyes to see
You came to heal a hurting world
To set the captives free

Darkness shattered by the Light
The Morning Son appears
When Jesus, Breath of life and love
Breathes his Presence near

Kiss the Son, you children of the Light!
The King of Glory laughs!
The Father’s plan, so upside down
Has saved us from His wrath

The Gift of Heaven, our holy King
Now rules from David’s throne
Awaiting the day of promise
His bride becomes his own

Longing hearts will soon be sated
God’s joy the Earth will know
When two streams as one river
Both Jew and Gentile flow

Then God and man will celebrate
The wedding of the Son
For out of darkness, sin and death
The bride, in triumph, comes

With eyes of love, the veils now lifted
Over darkness, Truth has won
The Gift of Light no longer shaded
The bride reflects the Son

Death’s shadows cannot hide You
Come again to your land of birth
On clouds of Light and Glory
We’ll ride across the Earth

Then nighttime gone forever
Every tribe and tongue will see
Love crowned in radiant beauty
Truth robed in majesty

God’s Gift of Light, victorious
If now we will receive
Will shine in us forever
Not just on Christmas eve

Today is Day 6 in the Days of Light series.  Please join me for the next 2 days as I continue to light a candle in words to highlight the Coming of our Lord as celebrated by some in Advent and The Festival of Lights.


Previous Posts:

Day 1:  Walk in Light

Day 2:  Almond Tree

Day 3:  Incandescence

Day 4:  Guest Post - Love Still Follows the Star

Day 5:  This Night

Photo Credit:  flickr - A. Kuzminski

This Night - Part 5, Days of Light

This Night
by Melissa Campbell


Listen...

Do you hear them?

Angel octaves pealing

A Capella joy o'er the flocks

This night.

Behold...

Do you see Him?

No longer a babe, He

Reigns King of kings; Shepherds the World

With light.

Reach out...

Do you receive?
God-treasure hid in jars,
Forgiveness for those who forgive

This night.

Come to...

Do you believe?

Sons and daughters arise

When Emmanuel crams souls replete

With light.

Give praise...
Do you join in?
With mouth confess
God's glory 'cross the earth
Like calm waters cover the seas
This night.

Today is Day 5 in the Days of Light series.  Please join me for the next 3 days as I continue to light a candle in words to highlight the Coming of our Lord as celebrated by some in Advent and The Festival of Lights.


Previous Posts:

Day 1:  Walk in Light

Day 2:  Almond Tree

Day 3:  Incandescence

Day 4:  Guest Post - Love Still Follows the Star

Photo Credit:  flickr - Nerissa's Ring