tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76637840904725958932024-02-08T06:03:21.480-06:00C H A D B L O GChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-45169932801440721952021-04-19T21:17:00.004-05:002021-04-19T21:18:18.970-05:00my heart is full<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 16pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">cool weather</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">warm sky<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">love eternal<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">forever to abide<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">faithful as<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">the sun in the sky<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">day after day<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">pouring forth speech<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">covenantal love<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">never to be breached<o:p></o:p></p>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-48968996974167316052019-06-18T08:06:00.002-05:002019-06-18T08:26:45.138-05:00to a runner<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
She is wild like the tangles of her hair<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
spiraling out in all directions<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
there is no place that she won’t go in conversation<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
and no land so foreign that she would not travel in person<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
yet all of the exuberance that she possesses may just be a way to run<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
She is uninhibited like a hawk in the sky<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
soaring free from the shackles of modern convention<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
unconfined by the trappings of the world<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
unique and unbridled, enthusiastic and expressive<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
and like a lone fawn in the forest, often prone to run<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
Her eyes sparkle with amber hues of champagne<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
light and effervescent, full of mystery and surprise<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
like bubbles in a glass, joy rises within her<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
drawing me in, yearning to know her fully<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
yearning to know and not run<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
She is stubbornly attached to her convictions<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
and often swims against the current of popular opinion<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
unable to fully accept ideas until they become ideals<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
and are firmly planted in her mind<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
even if they cause her to run<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
And these are all the ways that I have come to know her<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
and these are all the little things that I love about her<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
and while I yearn to know her more fully<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
I am only left with what I have been given<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
in the times when she does not run<o:p></o:p></div>
Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-81648638187796956362019-04-29T05:20:00.001-05:002019-04-29T20:16:58.939-05:00my stomach is full<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
Lord it is hard to serve you when my stomach is full<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
I’m stocked up on groceries like it was Y2K<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
My gas tank is filled up and my car is brand new<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
My clothes are all spotless I’m dressed to the nines<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
I’ve got five thousand friends on facebook and they all have plenty to post<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
My bank account has more than I will ever need<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
All of this prosperity must mean that you’re blessing me<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
but Lord it is hard to serve you when my stomach is full<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
I focus on my own needs and ignore your commands<o:p></o:p></div>
Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-47917753728168794182017-04-10T04:08:00.000-05:002019-04-29T05:22:41.391-05:00tennis shoes and teardrops<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16pt; text-align: justify;">
Tennis shoes and
teardrops</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Bicycles and
benches<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Cobblestones and
candlelight<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Memories in pale
moonlight<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Paddleboats and
picnics<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Melodies and
memories<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Soft green grass
and clear blue eyes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Underneath the
cloudy skies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Balconies and
balustrades<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Flights of stairs
and curly hair<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Countertops and kitchen sinks</span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My heart is full of precious things</span></div>
Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-88040285938815368542015-05-27T23:27:00.001-05:002019-04-29T05:24:55.208-05:00crisis of conscience<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Flat on
back<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">feigning
sleep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I need
heat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">to come
to me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Settle
me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">into
these sheets<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Rock me
gently<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">into
sleep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Awakened
now<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">to
productive cough<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Head is
clear<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">heart
is heavy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Everything<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">that
was important<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">is not
so today<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Relationships<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">have
more meaning<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">than
anything that I achieve<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Live
for love<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">whether
or not<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">you
receive it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cccccc; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">always
be</span><br />
the one
to bring it</div>
Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-3674660733150073062014-10-12T17:20:00.001-05:002015-05-27T23:29:55.442-05:00deep mystery<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;">Comparison is the thief of joy</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;">and I've been robbed many times</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;">So much life has passed by me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;">like water under the bridge it won’t come back</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;">It moves down to the sea where it is lost forever</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;">and I am stuck here on the bank</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;">Too old for the young girls and too young for the old</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;">I’ve sat at their tables and I didn’t belong</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;">It made me long for something more</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;">It makes me long for home</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;">or at least the same face every evening</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;">where we know we belong</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;">and our lives are rolled together</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;">like two verses of a song</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;">where the chorus brings us together</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;">Like rain on the sea we are joined together</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;">in a deep mystery</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">hallelejah</span></div>
Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-72915845496520315612013-12-09T19:39:00.000-06:002013-12-09T19:39:37.834-06:00great cityOh great city,<br />
Where streets connect at intersections<br />
and commerce happens at every corner<br />
business transactions with a handshake<br />
and legal documentation to support<br />
Where structures are erected or torn down<br />
in the name of progress<br />
where campaigns bring loyalty to ideals<br />
and divide people over the issues<br />
<br />
Oh great city,<br />
Where sturdy buildings are reminiscent<br />
of bygone eras and the lifestyles that went with them<br />
shrines for the working class and monuments to the daily grind<br />
Where moral codes are eroded by the hands of time<br />
like a shirt in a dryer or under a hot iron<br />
the heat is absorbed in the pavement<br />
and wears down all who walk upon it<br />
<br />
Oh great city,<br />
That is still yet to come<br />
Whose architect and builder is God<br />
Who alone is immortal and lives in unapproachable light<br />
Who prepares a place for all foreigners and aliens on earth<br />
who live by faith in what was promised and not yet received<br />
They shall posses gladness and joy<br />
in that great city where God is present<br />
and Jesus is Lord of all!Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-1909267288344952762013-10-22T18:38:00.000-05:002014-10-12T17:40:04.387-05:00waking up<div style="text-align: right;">
Let the wind blow through me</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
awakening what is deep within</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
cutting through the bones</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
past the marrow and the joints</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
flowing through the veins</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
to find a heart that beats within</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
From pale white to warm red</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
oxygen brings life</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
and anoints a joy to crown my head</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
bringing life to what was dead</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
waking up like a little boy</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
rising from his bed</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Wake up, wake up o sleeper</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
rise up from the dead</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Christ will shine upon you</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
and anoint your weary head</div>
Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-15693063749200968372013-08-12T18:16:00.000-05:002013-08-12T18:32:48.138-05:00on the other side of the fence“Hey you in the green shirt!” I heard the voice coming from the other side of the fence. Looking down to remind myself that I was indeed wearing a green shirt, I began to approach the fence skeptically. Perhaps it was just another sad story used only to manipulate and then after you’re conscience struck, only to ask for a few bucks.<br />
<br />
“They said those in the green shirts were supposed to pray for us!” She continued. As I drew closer I could make out the figure of an emaciated woman who probably could have slid between the iron bars of the fence without any effort. A small boy was standing close by at her feet. They had not been at the community event that afternoon, but had heard from a distance and sent out a desperate plea from the other side of the fence.<br />
<br />
“How may I pray for you?” I asked and she presented a litany of things to pray about. Looking down to where the boy was I saw another volunteer in a green shirt kneeling to talk with him. The lady on the other side of the fence repeated her list to the other volunteer in case she didn't hear the first time. She also confessed an alcohol addiction. When she finished emptying her burdens, we reached through the fence, joined hands with her and began to pray in the name of Jesus.<br />
<br />
Many of the people that live in my community are like this lady. They are on the other side of the fence where prosperity and plenty have no name. They struggle with addictions and coping mechanisms that only provide a temporary escape from reality. They have more mouths to feed than they are able and finding a decent job without a high school diploma seems nearly impossible. They are on the other side of fence struggling, but not without hope.<br />
<br />
God has called his children to reach through the fences, to pray and care for our community, to fellowship with them in the midst of suffering and to love them through our actions. As we do so, we find that the love of Christ melts the iron bars that separate us. We find that we are no different from our neighbors because we are all in need of God. We find that God longs to break down those barriers making a way through Christ to join with those on the other side of the fence.Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-83764051564040754642012-10-03T12:58:00.001-05:002013-10-22T18:36:02.710-05:00hopeI'm wide awake<br />
it’s the middle of the night<br />
and I reach for the light<br />
on the bedside table<br />
<br />
Something has taken me<br />
and won’t let me be<br />
I am restless and unable<br />
to know why it’s gripping me<br />
<br />
But I consider that my suffering<br />
is not worth comparing to the coming glory<br />
so I wait in expectation<br />
although I’m subject to frustration<br />
I wait for redemption<br />
and for this hope to come to me<br />
<br />
I’m wide awake<br />
it’s the middle of my life<br />
what plan do you have for me<br />
hope that is seen is no hope at all<br />
but don’t leave me hopeless in spite of it all<br />
just give me a clear call<br />
and a mind that is fixed on the joy set before me<br />
<br />
For when I consider my suffering<br />
it is not worth comparing to the coming glory<br />
so I wait in expectation<br />
although I’m subject to frustration<br />
I wait for redemption<br />
and for this hope to come to meChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-23213402452253935252012-08-26T18:59:00.002-05:002012-08-26T19:00:28.912-05:00let them know you<div style="text-align: center;">
Let them know hunger</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
let then know thirst</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
let them know pain</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
heartache and disease</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let them know about</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
things such as these</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let them know murder</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
anger and pride</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
jealousy and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hate for mankind</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let them know this</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
deep inside</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let them know heartache</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
loss and tragedy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
life without meaning</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and emptiness inside</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let them know despair</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and feel crippled from their pride</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So that they may seek you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the midst of the pain</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So they may reach out</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and find that you remain</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
never far from us</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
loving each the same</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So that they might know you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
instead of all the fear</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and that they might reach out</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to find that you were always near</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Close to the brokenhearted</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you come closer and appear</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Close to the brokenhearted</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you come closer and appear</div>
Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-56164650319131249942012-07-05T17:49:00.000-05:002012-07-05T17:50:16.886-05:00new dayI awake refreshed<br />
as the sun strikes across my face<br />
sitting up I feel the warmth<br />
and I am filled with awe at your embrace<br />
though the night is not far behind me<br />
and the darkness that it brought<br />
eclipsing all the goodness<br />
that resides within my heart<br />
but the morning dew is resting<br />
on green blades broken in the dark<br />
as a reminder that your love for me will never partChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-89241642561069939312012-04-05T17:36:00.001-05:002012-04-05T17:37:09.489-05:00formless and void<div style="text-align: center;">
Like the earth I am without form</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
needing substance to give me shape</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
needing something to fill me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and sustain me beyond what I can provide.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I remain shapeless until shape is given to me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
yet I conform to whatever consumes me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for I am consumer and I am consumed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The contortions that bend me in all directions</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and mold me into something recognizable</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
leave me sore and lifeless</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I desire to be left formless.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is where you found me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At the end of my striving,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at the end of my contrived methods to be</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
something useful,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
something noticeable,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
something with purpose,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you found me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was groaning inwardly,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
tired from trying to be that which I was not intended to be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You found me and spoke life into my body,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
birthed a thousand desires into my heart</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and set a new song aflame in my soul.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I desire to be conformed to your image alone.</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-34601856425204630492012-02-28T21:11:00.000-06:002012-02-28T21:12:13.518-06:00distant dayI sit in the car as the morning arrives<br />
hollow and empty deep down inside<br />
Notebook and pen rest there on the dash<br />
within my reach, within my grasp<br />
Camera beside me on the passenger seat<br />
full of photos and memories now out of reach<br />
and just like a photo I’m stuck in the past<br />
longing for things that never would last<br />
<br />
And I am not here<br />
I’m a million miles away<br />
in the shadows, in the movements,<br />
in the memories of a distant day<br />
<br />
Sun pours through the wind shield<br />
sprays light on a distant field<br />
Mountains cast shadows in irregular patterns<br />
a hawk circles overhead and turns<br />
Grass weeds sway in rhythm with the wind<br />
taking it all in I try to comprehend<br />
and just like the sun I feel you reaching in<br />
warming my heart with the love that you send<br />
<br />
And I am not here<br />
I’m a million miles away<br />
in the sunlight, in the clear skies,<br />
in the longing for a distant dayChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-61907908166257257302011-11-28T17:42:00.001-06:002014-10-23T19:05:06.408-05:00piano<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m3zJXIq9k_E/TtQdmk3mvFI/AAAAAAAACnU/ZBFYRWmLSVU/s1600/2011omaha041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m3zJXIq9k_E/TtQdmk3mvFI/AAAAAAAACnU/ZBFYRWmLSVU/s320/2011omaha041.jpg" dda="true" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You brought me this piano when I was only nine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and when I touched the keys upon it my face began to shine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
now I can’t thank you enough for the stories I would find</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when I played that new piano and escaped inside my mind</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You gave me an instrument that sent songs into my heart</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
yet when I think back on it I find it played a bigger part</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the piano wasn’t ornate it had no would carving design</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the bench was nothing special, but for me it did just fine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the piano would not be welcome in concert halls or places well refined</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was just a simple sturdy upright that I would learn to play in time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And it put a new song in my heart</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and in the darkness the melody was a shard</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
bringing hope when life was hard</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I would find it’s not the flashy things that shine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it’s what’s inside that resonates more loudly over time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Twenty five years later with my hand upon familiar keys</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I close my eyes in hope to find some peace</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I walk into a melody and I am lifted</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I walk into a melody and life is sifted</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
complications erased</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
dissatisfactions have no trace</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
chords untangle inside my mind</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I think back to another time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when you gave me this piano and my face begins to shine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It put a new song in my heart</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and in the darkness the melody was a shard</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
bringing hope when life was hard</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I would find it’s not the flashy things that shine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it’s what’s inside that resonates more loudly over time</div>
Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-74722080575912750062011-10-31T20:47:00.002-05:002014-10-23T19:06:07.916-05:00llama woolLlama wool is used to make many colorful fabrics in Peru. First, the dies are extracted from a cactus plant and stored in large containers. Next the wool is placed inside of the containers and then hung out to dry when enough of the dye has been absorbed. The wool is now ready to be used in making the colorful fabrics such as hats, socks, sweaters, bags and toys. <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PPg96eQrJ3s/Tq9L46keigI/AAAAAAAAClQ/fwhaArhr-C8/s1600/2011sacredvalley024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PPg96eQrJ3s/Tq9L46keigI/AAAAAAAAClQ/fwhaArhr-C8/s200/2011sacredvalley024.jpg" height="211" ida="true" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-08wqfgu1Eds/Tq9MS2aBhjI/AAAAAAAAClY/IXB6KCZJOIk/s1600/2011sacredvalley025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-08wqfgu1Eds/Tq9MS2aBhjI/AAAAAAAAClY/IXB6KCZJOIk/s200/2011sacredvalley025.jpg" height="211" ida="true" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lZcTKJVqb-w/Tq9MwRYp2wI/AAAAAAAAClg/cH5mYPmmkT8/s1600/2011sacredvalley027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lZcTKJVqb-w/Tq9MwRYp2wI/AAAAAAAAClg/cH5mYPmmkT8/s200/2011sacredvalley027.jpg" height="211" ida="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX7SQzdliE4/Tq9NIYmN8OI/AAAAAAAAClo/tM1Oayu5qds/s1600/2011sacredvalley031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX7SQzdliE4/Tq9NIYmN8OI/AAAAAAAAClo/tM1Oayu5qds/s200/2011sacredvalley031.jpg" height="211" ida="true" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U8tG2GuxoLI/Tq9NoKOh4ZI/AAAAAAAAClw/IO58PUaDBY0/s1600/2011sacredvalley033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U8tG2GuxoLI/Tq9NoKOh4ZI/AAAAAAAAClw/IO58PUaDBY0/s200/2011sacredvalley033.jpg" height="211" ida="true" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-21019426987718138932011-08-16T08:53:00.001-05:002011-08-16T08:53:58.113-05:00broken peopleBroken people in these seats<br />
Broken people at your feet<br />
Tears flowing down<br />
where words are not yet found<br />
In this moment, in this place<br />
we sense love in your embraceChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-65996119316378374222011-08-06T09:53:00.001-05:002014-10-23T19:06:39.465-05:00cuscoDeclared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, Cusco is picturesque. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92BR4mpLsvo/Tj1St-v3y9I/AAAAAAAACLE/sxtbN6sl6x0/s1600/2011cusco036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92BR4mpLsvo/Tj1St-v3y9I/AAAAAAAACLE/sxtbN6sl6x0/s200/2011cusco036.jpg" height="211" t="" true="" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kAF5fi2AYro/Tj1S9Sb1EqI/AAAAAAAACLI/gu9ZfBz0ppo/s1600/2011cusco056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kAF5fi2AYro/Tj1S9Sb1EqI/AAAAAAAACLI/gu9ZfBz0ppo/s200/2011cusco056.jpg" height="211" t="" true="" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LdX1O4bgCv4/Tj1TTr8dpDI/AAAAAAAACLM/UmdHNSz_Gyo/s1600/2011cusco069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LdX1O4bgCv4/Tj1TTr8dpDI/AAAAAAAACLM/UmdHNSz_Gyo/s200/2011cusco069.jpg" height="211" t="" true="" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vZ4FRRDZ6VU/Tj1TliULVUI/AAAAAAAACLQ/gWq9IQ7a19w/s1600/2011cusco061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vZ4FRRDZ6VU/Tj1TliULVUI/AAAAAAAACLQ/gWq9IQ7a19w/s200/2011cusco061.jpg" height="211" t="" true="" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0mpi1y9UpXU/Tj1T5QMzS0I/AAAAAAAACLU/tIQKMoAPQ_M/s1600/2011cusco041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0mpi1y9UpXU/Tj1T5QMzS0I/AAAAAAAACLU/tIQKMoAPQ_M/s200/2011cusco041.jpg" height="211" t="" true="" width="320" /></a></div>
Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-63845675439582872372011-07-26T21:49:00.004-05:002011-07-26T21:55:49.281-05:00savage wolvesSavage wolves are running with white teeth showing.<br />
Saliva mixes in their mouths and drips from their tongues.<br />
Paws beat rhythmically against the ground with increasing weight.<br />
Breaking through brush they appear dimly under a moonlit sky.<br />
Increasing in speed with new found freedom,<br />
they run hard through the field approaching the prey.<br />
Letting grunts and snorts be heard, they desire only one thing.<br />
<br />
A bleating cry rises up from an ewe like a flare in the sky.<br />
More bleating is heard and now scampering signals incoming danger.<br />
Those who run away from the heard will surely be devoured.<br />
<br />
But alas, there is another stirring in the brush!<br />
A new shadow is spreading, covering the heads of the sheep.<br />
Sharp facial features traced by the moonlight emerge from a hood.<br />
A strong, sturdy staff is gripped in a hand as if to be used as a club.<br />
The shepherd strikes out to defend his sheep<br />
and no one will snatch them out of his hand!Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-16213819751868420282011-07-19T19:55:00.002-05:002011-07-19T22:28:57.927-05:00mirafloresFounded in 1857, Miraflores is Lima's prosperous commercial hub, boasting shopping zones, theaters, art galleries, flowery parks, craft markets, cinemas and the city's highest concentration of cafés.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U8GAN2m5NO8/TiYfDe7ki5I/AAAAAAAACJs/mmfifwTpYX8/s1600/2011miraflores027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U8GAN2m5NO8/TiYfDe7ki5I/AAAAAAAACJs/mmfifwTpYX8/s200/2011miraflores027.jpg" t$="true" width="200px" /></a></div>The roof terrace at Larcamor shopping center has a reflecting pool and spectacular views of the coast.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tydcTJpYv3E/TiYfWRPMD9I/AAAAAAAACJw/A-is2TxQsgA/s1600/2011miraflores032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tydcTJpYv3E/TiYfWRPMD9I/AAAAAAAACJw/A-is2TxQsgA/s200/2011miraflores032.jpg" t$="true" width="200px" /></a></div>A view from the clifftops overlooking a pier containging shops and a seafood restaurant. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4sIUrMqmKik/TiYelA4ZL0I/AAAAAAAACJo/M_bMY8AVPr0/s1600/2011miraflores014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4sIUrMqmKik/TiYelA4ZL0I/AAAAAAAACJo/M_bMY8AVPr0/s200/2011miraflores014.jpg" t$="true" width="132px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A modern sculpture stands near the coastline. </div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GRd-AUiTbGU/TiYgjLrnMjI/AAAAAAAACJ4/jHDhOdggOYs/s1600/2011miraflores045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GRd-AUiTbGU/TiYgjLrnMjI/AAAAAAAACJ4/jHDhOdggOYs/s200/2011miraflores045.jpg" t$="true" width="200px" /></a></div><br />
This bridge is a gateway to the coast for those driving down Avenido O. Benavides.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lh5NRN0o4Eo/TiYg5LdN5NI/AAAAAAAACJ8/sWZIqci0lBw/s1600/2011miraflores057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lh5NRN0o4Eo/TiYg5LdN5NI/AAAAAAAACJ8/sWZIqci0lBw/s200/2011miraflores057.jpg" t$="true" width="200px" /></a></div>Inaugurated on February 14, 1993, Parque del Amor is devoted to the old Peruvian custom of courting in public gardens.Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-46384651181621639212011-06-02T08:46:00.002-05:002011-06-02T08:47:36.710-05:00picture of you<div style="text-align: center;">Complexity, diversity, unity and harmony</div><div style="text-align: center;">it all seems to come to me when I think of you</div><div style="text-align: center;">it all stands out to me when I'm with your people</div><div style="text-align: center;">like ceramic tiles of many hues</div><div style="text-align: center;">we make up the picture of you</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-88178449543244421302011-05-23T21:24:00.011-05:002011-05-23T21:49:53.765-05:00haiti faces<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-czT4IZ_xxJQ/TdsSoFcvcsI/AAAAAAAACH0/lXfdQf6VWVo/s1600/2011haiti249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132px" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-czT4IZ_xxJQ/TdsSoFcvcsI/AAAAAAAACH0/lXfdQf6VWVo/s200/2011haiti249.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div>A boy from the village plays with an old bicycle rim.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hE5hQq1Xz5E/TdsTeh2k7LI/AAAAAAAACH4/QWEb596XYkw/s1600/2011haiti231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132px" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hE5hQq1Xz5E/TdsTeh2k7LI/AAAAAAAACH4/QWEb596XYkw/s200/2011haiti231.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">A girl poses in the shade at the pavilion where others have come for medical assistance.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KaOhKnTKOVs/TdsUbuo2EtI/AAAAAAAACH8/UQUoRl-wSYA/s1600/2011haiti136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132px" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KaOhKnTKOVs/TdsUbuo2EtI/AAAAAAAACH8/UQUoRl-wSYA/s200/2011haiti136.jpg" width="200px" /></a>A cute little boy carries goods on his head.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cs3rJc-lbvU/TdsVYHOAZUI/AAAAAAAACIE/fKupRDf_hzc/s1600/2011haiti163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132px" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cs3rJc-lbvU/TdsVYHOAZUI/AAAAAAAACIE/fKupRDf_hzc/s200/2011haiti163.jpg" width="200px" /></a>A girl watches from the nearby bleachers.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iJHbxFb8Fw8/TdsWbDvj1kI/AAAAAAAACIM/GsHwnrEytd8/s1600/2011haiti232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132px" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iJHbxFb8Fw8/TdsWbDvj1kI/AAAAAAAACIM/GsHwnrEytd8/s200/2011haiti232.jpg" width="200px" /></a>A boy hangs from the rafters.</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-42536950046210925702011-04-12T19:08:00.003-05:002011-05-23T21:31:30.473-05:00armAfter the accident on my bicycle my arm was hurting. Movement was restricted and my hand was swollen. The x-rays showed that no bones were broken, but the x-rays could not reveal the pain that I was feeling. The medication that I was given caused me to be dizzy and I vomited once. The following days revealed to me just how difficult it would be to live with only one arm. I was unable to do the most menial tasks such as remove a lid from a tube of toothpaste or tie my shoe laces tight enough to stay together. Turning a door knob would send sharp pangs throughout my entire arm. It was miserable and I was humbled by my limitations.<br />
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The sling on my arm was a constant reminder of those limitations, but it also reminded me of that the Lord takes pity on the weak and needy (Psalm 72:13). After all He chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27). That is why Paul said “I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Also, David was not the first born heir to the throne and he had the least worldly experience being the youngest of his clan, but God looked at his heart rather than his accomplishments. David’s heart would stand up to a giant and show forth God’s greatness through utter dependence. David’s heart would also be humiliated when confronted by the prophet Nathan and rely upon the strength that God provides to bring restoration (Psalm 51:10-12). This is the kind of heart that God desires for “the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart [He] will not despise” (Psalm 51:17).<br />
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My arm is doing much better this week and I’m sure that I will soon forget about the pain that once plagued me, but I hope that I continue to be dependent upon God as though I can’t do anything without him.Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-51648639870495431392011-03-17T23:00:00.002-05:002014-10-12T17:26:35.180-05:00bringing lifeCome and blow the dust from my pages<br />turning to places where sun has not yellowed<br />revealing stages of past ages<br />now merging into the present<br /><br />Come and smear the oil on the leather<br />restoring that which was once hard<br />brining life to that which binds<br />the mystery deep withinChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7663784090472595893.post-41685644985382235142011-03-09T20:22:00.015-06:002014-10-12T21:32:50.240-05:00haiti landscapes<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AEmNQ6b6zDQ/TXg58rlvikI/AAAAAAAACGs/rcSm0cuZW4M/s1600/2011haiti006.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AEmNQ6b6zDQ/TXg58rlvikI/AAAAAAAACGs/rcSm0cuZW4M/s200/2011haiti006.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582275452781693506" style="float: right; height: 133px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a>The sky and ocean are bathed in sunlight.<br />
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Two trees at sunrise.<br />
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A view through the trees.<br />
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At the beach.<br />
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Early morning hills.<br />
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Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11716392478072243025noreply@blogger.com0