Sunday, December 31, 2006

A New Year... A New Season... Under Heaven 2007

For most of the world, January 1st has already come. For those of us in the US, January 1st is still on its way. It is amazing that a year has already passed. There have been soooooo many lessons in the last year. I know that many of these lessons have deeply changed how I perceive my world.

One of the lessons that I have learned during the last year is that there is nothing more valuable than the relationships that I have with my children and that these relationships can be taken in a matter of moments. I have learned to value our interactions. I consider every day how we as a family have interacted that day. I wonder and ponder how we can get better the next day and learn to love each other more. I spend much time praying for my children to become all that they are meant to be. Afterall, in a blink of an eye, they will be adults and having children of their own. Time is but a breath.

Another of the lessons I have learned is to give myself permission to rest. I am often driven to achieve even in the face of my own body telling me, sometimes very loudly, to rest. I don't know where I learned that rest was not ok, but it is something that I am learning to unseat in my life. I am learning that rest is the most essential part of my life. Without rest, my body cannot rejuvenate itself enough to tackle the most important parts of each day. So, I must make an effort to allow myself to rest when my body requires rest. Rest is OK!! It is a necessary part of cell growth and rejuvenation. Too often in the old days of the US (the early 1900's to the World War II days), people were driven by such a heavy work ethic that they did not always allow for rest. If you slept in on Saturdays, you were called lazy. Now, we are learning that the world that we live in is such a stress filled world that the body requires adequate rest in order to survive the pressures and stresses of this world. Each body is unique in its rest needs. My body seems to need more. But then again, I am a caregiver and I am always in the position of giving care to others, especially my special needs children, so I am constantly having to remind myself to take care of "me," so I can adequately take care of others.

As I look towards this new year, I am pressed to consider those relationships around me which are important to me. I am also pressed to keep my eyes focused on the goals that I have laid out in front of me to attain. But most of all, I am pressed to make Jesus Christ, more and more, my King. The more I spend time with Him and consider His voice in my life, the more everything else gets very clearly and cleanly laid out for me. I can get through anything as long as I am deeply connected to my King.

Who knows what 2007 will bring. I am hoping that it will teach me many new things. I am also hoping that it will be a productive year in the lives of my children as well as the lives of those around me. I hope that I can be an instrument of grace in the lives of those I am blessed to touch. That is my life's prayer... three hours to go and a new season is upon us. I hope we all draw closer together and learn to live together in kindness and love.

My best to you,
RamyB

Monday, December 25, 2006

Merry Christmas!!! from Nashville, TN

Wow, it is CHRISTmas Day! Amazing... the gifts are unwrapped, the meals consumed and relatives across the world are gathering to celebrate one of the most important "holy days" (Rambo-McGuire, 2006) of the world. There are families gathering to celebrate together and individuals who are alone all over the world.

As I was logging on to read mail this afternoon, I noticed the headlines of world news. "Ethiopian jets bomb Somalian airport," (Associated Press, Yahoo News, 2006). As I read the news of the day, my heart was bothered by the fact that not all of the world was at peace today. I am so very well aware that there are those in our country and across the world, who do not have all of their needs met. There are those who are homeless, those who don't have anything to eat, or clothes to wear on their bodies. If only more cared to reach out to those who are less fortunate.

There are some people who believe that the poor have no right to blessing during Christmas, yet their attitude is one of essential scrooginess. The writer to the Hebrews in the first Gospel, Matthew, stated Christ's words, "the poor you will always have with you, but me you do not always have." (Matthew 26:11, NIV, used by permission). I am so keenly aware of how blessed I am, in comparison to many who have much less than I do. My children and I are so very blessed this Christmas. I pray for those who are on the streets who have need of blankets, food, clothes, and shelter from the cold. I ponder if there are enough angels to help these often forgotten members of our global community. I am also so keenly aware of Christ's presence today in my life.

Two-thousand, plus years ago, the divine Father made His second imprint on humanity. He overshadowed the Virgin, named Mary, to impregnate her with His seed, Jesus Christ, out of love so that the world might be reconciled to Himself. The first imprint was creating humankind in His own image, with all of the characteristics of the Godhead available to humanity. The second imprint was the gift of love that provided a way for humanity to find its way back to relationship with the divine.

Jesus Christ was born in a humble stable, not in palaces, or castles (McGuire, 2006). He came in a contrary way to what the religious establishment of the day desired. Isn't that so true of most of the religious world today? In many ways, religion seeks to box Christ in, to put parameters on who can and who cannot come into the Kingdom of God. Yet, Christ's work was complete. By becoming man and living a sinless life on earth and by enduring a humiliating experience on a wooden cross, He provided the perfect means by which humanity can come to the Creator of the Universe. Yet, even though He gave His life in such a free way, there are those who desire to put markers on humanity. There are those who wish to exclude individuals from the Kingdom. My question is this: Who has the audacity to raise themselves up to the position of judging humanity's eternal position? That place is reserved for God Himself and Himself alone. It amazes me how many people, in America, in foreign countries, in churches, make choices of hatred towards one another. Even in Christian families, there is often discord around the holidays; discord that often severs blood ties. This ought not be so.

Jesus Christ came that we might live an abundant life... this is often mis-interpreted to mean "abundant provisions." What I believe He really meant was that we would find abundance in His very real presence in our lives. That as we daily seek Him, we will find wisdom to walk out our daily lives and the ability to live in peace with all humanity. This Christmas would not be Christmas if it did not contain the word "Christ." The world would not be the same without this very special, Holy day! (Rambo-McGuire,2006). The name Christ, means "the anointed one," hence, Christmas literally means that this day is a Day of Anointing. It is totally possible to imagine that all who exist on earth could find themselves anointed for peace this day. Anointed for love, anointed for kindness, anointed for reconciliation, anointed for beauty, anointed for abundance, anointed for harmony, and anointed for the healing of their lives. It is also a day for anointing the lonely with companionship.

So this CHRISTmas Day, I challenge you to be aware of what you are being anointed with... is it reconciliation? is it peace? is it love? is it benevolence? I hope that today, you will find more than anything, peace and warmth for your soul.

Merry CHRISTmas!!

With love,
RamyB

Resource:
McGuire, D. (2006) Christmas Eve Sunday morning sermon: live comments. The River at Music City, Nashville, TN. www.theriveratmusiccity.com

Rambo-McGuire, R. (2006) Christmas Eve Sunday morning sermon: live comments. The River at Music City, Nashville, TN. www.theriveratmusiccity.com

Yahoo News (2006) Ethiopian jets bomb somalian airport. www.yahoo.com/news

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Christmas Day is Approaching...

It is amazing that Christmas Day is already five days away. Each year, the commercial establishments start setting up for Christmas in America just before Halloween now. It used to be that they waited a little while before Thanksgiving.

It is my hope that as Christmas Day approaches that the real meaning of Christmas becomes evidently clear to those who believe and celebrate it's true meaning. I also recognize that Hannukah is being celebrated right now as well and today is day eight of that celebration. It is important to celebrate your faith, whatever that faith might be, but to celebrate it. Be diligent in pursuing God in your endeavors. I believe that these seasons bring us closer to Him if we allow Him to draw us near.

In this season of giving, I hope that people will take a moment to relax, to ponder, to realize where they are headed in the new year; take moments to ponder the meaning and value of life... that life in and of itself is sacred. It is worth salvaging, no matter the mess that you are in.

I am hoping you are all filled with hope this season. I know that it is difficult sometimes when loved ones have passed on into eternity because celebrations occur without them, but remember that these loved ones are celebrating with you, just on the other side of the spectrum of what we call life. If you are not filled with hope, call one someone who is and tell them that you need a little of what they have. Ask for hope to be instilled in your heart and it will come to you. For Father freely gives to those who ask of Him. It is His way of giving gifts.

To celebrate Christmas, is to remember that it is about Christ coming to earth to love and save the world... to reconcile humanity back to its creator... this is the real meaning of Christmas. It is the "Christ Mass." I hope in this Christmas season, all those reading here will find themselves at greater peace with themselves and with others because of what Christ did for them... in reconciling the world back to the Father of all mankind.

After all, it's not about commerialism, or who gets the best gifts, it's about loving one another and celebrating each other and knowing that we are together one big community, a big global community called to peace.

With love,
RamyB

Friday, December 15, 2006

Sometimes you have to just stand...

There are times in life when you are hard pressed on every side. It seems like nothing goes right, and everything you do comes to nought. Those times and seasons seem to be the most unproductive times, yet in reality, they are productive. Yesterday, as I was helping my son clean an area of our home, I pondered how muscles gain strength when pushing against an immovable object. When pushing against the immovable object, the muscle comes up to the point of muscle failure which cause the muscle cells to rebuild new cells and increase its strength (Zickerman & Schley, 2006).

In these hard seasons of life, we are actually gaining strength physically, mentally, and emotionally by learning to get through the season. We learn how to get more frugal (McGuire, 2006). We learn how to be more sensitive to the needs of those around us, etc..

What we do not notice is that the hard season is preparation for the easy season when things are going well. In the hard season, we are forced to get all of our ducks in a row. We are forced to take notice of the little things that we've been overlooking. So there is purpose in these times that get hard in our lives. And sometimes when you've done everything that you know how to do, you just have to stand (Rambo-McGuire, 2006).

Standing teaches you to increase your stamina because standing means that your legs have to work. Standing means you're not under your bed hiding from the hard season. Standing means that you are ready to see the easy season coming. Standing means you've won the fight. Standing means that you're strong. Have you ever watched a knock-down drag out fist fight and the man keeps getting up to stand?? The fighter knows that if he can just get back up, he can get going again. If he can just get back to a standing position, he can fight back the opposition.

So perhaps today is a time when things seem especially hard for you and you are being forced to stand... so stand. Take care of everything you know how to do, and stand. The Father of the Universe is working in unseen ways for your benefit and He will bring about a victory that you could never have thought about. You're a fighter... you have it in you, so get back up again and get on your feet. There isn't anything you can't get through, cause we are here with you... and Father is with you too.

RamyB

Resource:

McGuire, D. (2006) Live Message on 23rd Psalm, December 13, 2006. The River at Music City, Nashville, TN.

Rambo-McGuire, R. (2006) Comments on Live Message on 23rd Psalm, December 13, 2006. The River at Music City, Nashville, TN.

Zickerman & Schley (2006) The Power of 10: The once-a-week slow motion fitness revolution. Retrieved December 15, 2006 from Google books.

Monday, December 11, 2006

Sheltered in Love CD Benefitting Covenant House

One of my songs, "I Am Here Child" from the Broken To Be A Blessing project, RHR001, on the Ram's Horn Records label, www.ramshornrecords.com was featured on the compilation project just released by Ring of Unity Publishing out of Pennsylvania benefitting Covenant House in Philadelphia, PA. All proceeds benefit Covenant House. For more information, write to at ringofunityproductions@yahoo.com. The cost of the CD is $16.00. There are some great artists on this CD, including Barry Strutt "Mystic Merlin"... and many others. When you buy this compilation project, you are supporting children with every cent. You can also hear my song if you go to this myspace link. I am thankful to Kathy Bonito and Ring of Unity Publishing for the inclusion in this project and I am glad that I can lend my music to benefit some very needy children.

Take a listen,
RamyB

These Are The Love of My Life

Christmas 2006 - The Lysaker Children, Storm, Soren and Audrey ____________________________________

These three beautiful children are my three. They are the love of my life. There is never a day that they do not amaze me, nor cease to teach me something new about myself as a parent. I am so thankful for them. They have their moments, as I am sure most children do, but these are my great and wonderful, artistic, dramatic, beautiful... gifts. The only gifts I need under the tree are these three. I don't need any other gift. I would love to take them one day to Disney World, or to Epcott Center... and watch their eyes bug out at all of the fun rides and things to do, but I've not been able to do that yet for them. As a single mom, I do all that I can just to make sure we keep a roof over our head. And in that department, I am learning more and more every day what it means to trust an unseen God.

I do all kinds of freelance work. I have to work out of my home as my three have to be schooled at home because of some of their special needs. Hence, I've taken up all kinds of things to do to bring in income. I have done paint jobs, faux paint jobs, performed concerts, taught seminars, teach voice and piano, fixed plumbing, put in lawns, done minor handywoman jobs such as putting knobs and fixtures on kitchen cabinets and walls for the elderly. I have even learned how to fix my car (yes, I can put in my own water pump). I am learning how to do all kinds of things. There are days when I am challenged in my body... those are the days when I get frustrated because I cannot earn like I want to earn. Yet, as my Pastor, Dony McGuire, says, there are times when "God makes you lie down in green pastures... to forces you to rest."

About three years ago, I suffered a severe headache in August 2004, out of the blue. I'd never had a migraine before, nor any other kind of severe headache that put me in the emergency room. But this headache was a kicker and caused me to get nauseated and my face began to contort, so I had to have a friend take me to the emergency room. Twelve hours later, a few pain shots, a lumbar puncture, a CT scan, and a lot of doctors not knowing what had happened, they sent me home. I have been seeing a neurologist for the past two years with them doing all kinds of blood tests, neurological tests, and other tests to determine what is happening to my body. I've had them think I had Multiple Schlerosis, Fibromyalgia, Psychiatric pain, IBS, and all kinds of other maladies. We still don't really know what the real deal is. I just have days when I cannot function at all and have severe headaches and severe body pain. As a singer, I have had difficulty with my throat narrowing (not a good thing)... so they've dilated my throat a couple of times.

Most of my medical issues, I keep from my kids. It is not easy on them because I am their constant. They get way upset when I am not well. Yet, I just keep believing that if I take better care of my body and keep holding on to my faith, I can get through all of this. They did determine that I have a form of narcolepsy which they help me with adding a medication to keep me awake during the daytime. That in and of itself was a lifesaver. I just couldn't figure out why I was falling asleep all the time... LOL... if only it was always that easy.

Tonight has been one of those evenings when I've not been able to do much. I worked hard all day getting a car ready to sell and I've been stripping a piano (yes, my son and I have started restoring pianos too). But tonight, I've had to settle for vegging. That means I have to work harder at trusting God to provide financially. Since I am someone who likes to get things done, I've had to adapt an attitude of grace into my life that accepts the fact that I am not going to get things done as quickly as other people get them done. When I find myself stressed, it is usually because I have found myself letting others pressure me to live by their schedule. I then remember that I have to maintain the schedule that my body and my children's bodies can do. Then the stress disappears.

Having special needs that are not always readily apparent to others is not always an easy to be... but it is the place where my children and I are, so we must exist here. I am learning to allow more joy into our lives and to stop allowing others to beat us up if we don't meet their deadlines. Life is just too short for the crapola. When we discover that each of us is here for a specific purpose, we will then realize that we are each gifted to do a specific thing in the world and in the middle of doing that thing... we will find the grace to do it all without stress and actually find joy in doing it.

The trips to Disney World... well, they will have to wait until I have the ability to take them. I will also have to have three college students to help my kids go on rides as I can't do it all by myself anymore... but that is ok cause I know when the time is right, it will come together. If I am faithful to love others as God puts them in my path, then God will take care of loving me.

I just want to get it right while I'm alive on this earth... that is all... and if I can't get it right with these three... the loves of my life, then I don't have a reason to live on this earth. These three lives are the most important lives of any other lives that I will ever touch, so it is tantamount that I place my focus first on them. The rest of it will all fall into place.

I guess I'm writing this tonight for someone, so just know that if you are facing some difficult challenge... you have it in you to get through it. I have been through so much in my short 45 years... and I am still alive and kicking. So... realize that you are worth it, you have the ability to make it through and then look for the light at the end of the tunnel... and I will be there holding the lantern cheering you on.

Merry Christmas.... from RamyB and my children, The Lysaker Children, Storm, Soren and Audrey

Saturday, December 09, 2006

14 Days until Christmas

How amazing that it is only 14 more days until Christmas Day 2006. I have not even set up one decoration yet in my house. Traditionally though, I have waited until the week before Christmas to set up the season of Christmas and then I tend to let it last all the way through the New Year.

In my Lutheran upbringing, Christmas began with the 1st Sunday of Advent. The calendar came out, the candles were lit, the devotionals read, and there was the constant reminder that Jesus, the Christ, had come to earth to save mankind from sin. It was God's free, loving gift to send His son to an unsuspecting world. Yet, the world, at that time could not make room for him. He was left to be born in a stable, pushed out into the cold, amongst the animals and the hay. I find it amazing the parallels between that day, 2000+ years ago, and now. Today, the world still wants to push this day, this Season out the door into the stable outside. I had a friend contact me the other day who works in Philadelphia in a retail mall. She said that people were complaining about the Christmas carols. Amazing... Christmas carols? complaining? America?? What is the problem with Christmas? Is it because it has the word "CHRIST" in the name?

Jesus Christ came out of love to the world... He came humbly. He came without pomp and circumstance. He came without demanding a limo, a top floor penthouse suite, without the best of the best, the finest dinnerware, the best of the wines, the richest of clothes... yet, the world tends to push Him out in the cold. Why?? What did He do? He simply gave His life in our place. He simply chose to give love instead of hatred. He simply chose to quietly endure a beating of a lifetime and be nailed to a cross... why?? so the world can continue to hate Him??

Christmas is about celebrating Jesus' birthday!! It is His birthday!! We celebrate it in so many ways... yet it is about the ultimate gift. The God of all Creation choosing to provide a way back unto Himself... by sending His Son, so we might all live in eternity with Him in total relationship. You don't have to earn it. You don't have to become something you're not. You don't even have to realize your dreams. You simply have to see Him for what He is... He is the most humblest, King of Kings! He is all about loving each other. He is all about restoring the broken hearted. He is all about the God of second chances. He is all about renewing hearts and reconciling a world unto His Father... so why all the hoopla about His birthday?? Is it so offensive that a man so great and so kind and so wonderful would do such a great thing for us? Is it so offensive that He would love every single man, woman and child? Is it so offensive that He is no respecter of persons?

I tell you what... I am playing the Christmas carols very loud in my house this year. I am setting up a wonderful display in celebration of my dear friend, Jesus Christ's, birthday! Yes, He is my friend... and He can be your friend too... that is if you want Him to be. Even if you don't want Him to be, He's still there for you. Why, because He loves you inspite of yourself.

I can't wait for Christmas this year... I can't wait to bake Him the biggest cake and sing Him Happy Birthday! I am so thankful He chose to love me that much. I am so thankful that He chose to come and endure being pushed out by the world, endure being beaten up and nailed to a cross... I am so glad that He chose to rise again to bring my life into a greater realm. I know that I know I am connected to my Creator in Christ.

It is why I feel so strongly about honoring the sacred places of your heart... why??? because HE DOES!!

Time to get out the decorations... time to get the house clean... time to write another verse to my new Christmas song... to my humble, King of Kings... who leads me ever closer to what real love means.

with love,
RamyB

Virginian&Ranchero

Virginian&Ranchero returns to Tim II's Phanton 309 December 29th and 30th, 2006
Make sure you get out to hear the great new sounds of Virginian & Ranchero. They will play from 8 pm to 12 a.m. at Tim II's Phanton 309, in Fairview, TN 37062, Exit 182 off of Interstate 40, both nights. They have a great sound and you will find them very comfortable in front of an audience. This team of experienced musicians brings both cover and original music that will set your ears on fire. Make sure you get a ticket on the train... it's track time!!

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Thanksgiving Eve

Thanks for being my friend!
Little do we know how much our friends mean to us until they aren't there anymore. This picture spoke to me so much about how even those whom you would think are enemies, can and do become friends.

Thanksgiving in America is the celebration of our Freedom to express our faith, our political views, our speech, our relationships... yet with such freedom comes also responsibility. Thanksgiving is also about remembering to be grateful for those around you who continually give into your life and yet go unnoticed, like being grateful for those who continue to manage the electric plant on holidays, so you can have your lights on during your Thanksgiving meal; thankful for those men and women who protect our streets, those medical personnel who work every holiday to keep our hospitals staffed. Thankful for the men and women of the armed forces who fight to maintain our freedom from terror. Thankful for close friends, new friends, so-so friends... thankful for friends at all. I suppose there are those who want no friends and are thankful that they have none. Thankful for those who have maintained the water plant, so we can have fresh water. Thankful for those who have processed our foods, so we can even have a turkey on our table that we didn't have to go out and kill, pluck its' feathers and then roast on a spit. Thankful for the people who have made the appliances that cook and store our foods. Thankful for the individuals who've made the containers that contain our drinks, whether soft, or hard. Thankful for the musicians who entertain us and the actors who make us laugh. Thankful for the college football games that keep our husbands entertained (well, some of us women too). Thankful for movies after dinner. Thankful to those who process our fuels, so we can have gasoline to put in our cars to drive to Thanksgiving dinner. Thankful for companions, and children, and a roof over my head, and cars to drive, sheets to sleep in, a bed to sleep on, blankets to keep me warm, clothes for my body, shoes for my feet... we really ARE BLESSED!!!

How much more should we be thankful? I am so thankful for good coffee, clean water, toothpaste, toilet paper, a shower to bathe in, my dogs and my cats (probably should start calling this an animal farm), for my church, for my pastors, for my lifelong friends, for even my enemies who teach me more about what love is about. I'm thankful that I have a lovely house, ample eating utensils, soap, shampoo, garbage bags, and even cleaners to clean up the house.

I am most thankful for my children. They are forever teaching me more about who I am and who I am not. They are forever reminding me who my source is, Father God. They are forever reminding me that I could not live without them. They are my dreams ... my joy... and I am so thankful for the lessons in life they teach me. I think it's called the doctoral college of motherhood.

So what are you thankful for? As Pastor Dony McGuire, says, "what could you not do without?" Is there someone you need to call tomorrow to say thank you for bringing you into this world? Is there someone you need to call tomorrow to say I am sorry for not saying thank you earlier?

The best part of all is the fact that I can freely express my gratitude right here, right now at blogger.com.... and I am very mindful of the people at blogger who keep it up and going. Thank you Blogger!

Happy Thanksgiving to the World... may you learn the art of gratitude.

with love,
RamyB

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

My Beagle - Huey Luis, From Dogs to Adam

In mid-September, my little Beagle, Huey Luis was dog-napped. I just haven't gotten over it. He was a dog that we rescued and fostered. Then we found his owner and were ready to let him go, but the owner didn't want him, as their little sister was afraid of him. His name at that time was just Huey, but the boy who gave him to me
was a teenager named Luis. So, my Beagle became Huey Luis.

He had such a special way about him. I think he had to have been a puppy, when we first got him. He always slept on my bed right at my feet and wanted to protect me from anyone and everyone. He even got along with my Laboradors, Sophie and Gracie, and my roommate's Blue Heeler, Gizmo. But when I rescued a cat, Huey Luis' temperament changed. I had to laugh though cause he really was the most important dog in my life. My kitten, Jeremiah, that I res-cued along with four other kittens could never take his place. Jeremiah was the only kitten that survived, so we kept him. Then, the Labs treed a black cat that someone had abandoned in the woods and she became our female cat, named Peace. Huey was really put out of place when she came into the house. He did not like her from the minute she came in, and was bound and determined to keep her in my room. He was the king of the house, he thought. But Gracie was alpha dog and every once in a while, whenever Huey Luis got too big for his britches, Gracie would pin him to the floor and put him in his place.

Still, Huey Luis was my lap dog. He was the one who comforted me. He sang with me, stayed with me everywhere I was. He was my little joy. Of course I didn't really care for his high pitched bark, but it always let me know that someone was in my driveway that didn't belong there. I so miss my little guy. I wish that whoever stole him would return him. My Huey never left the yard. He was faithful to stay home. He always hung around back with Gizmo when we had to leave for a short time, and most of the time, we made sure that he was inside before we left. But that day, the kids said he got out just before we left. Ugh... life just hasn't been the same. I really do miss him. He was MY dog, my special friend. Every once in awhile, I will be driving through town and think that I hear his bark, and I'll stop, only to realize that it's someone else's dog. They just disappear and I never see them again.

There are people in a town nearby who do covert things... unkind things... and I just hope that they didn't nab my Huey. All this sap for an animal... well yes, they become our companions when humans aren't available.

I am a Creationist, admittedly. I do not believe man came from an ape. My main reason... if man came from apes, why are apes still around? Go figure... Also, I believe that there is evolution WITHIN a species, but not between species and there is clearly a demarcation between humankind and the animal kingdom. I believe the THEORY of Evolution is flawed.

Anyway, God created man higher than the animals in the first place. He made man in God's image. I really believe though that when God was creating the animals and bringing them before Adam... he put in the animal the ability to relate to man in a certain way. Yet, it was God who saw that Adam needed a soulmate... one who was his equal in every way... a female counterpart. So God created that for Adam, yet the animals remained and I believe that Adam had a very special relationship with the animals because they were presented first to Adam.

I can only imagine the look on Adam's face when Eve showed up. I had a picture just now of a naked Adam sitting on a rock with his hand on his knee looking at all the animals that Father God was fashioning and bringing to Adam to see if they would help Adam feel less lonely. And I can see Adam shaking his head saying... "Dad, they just don't have what I need." And Father, seeing Adam's true heart need, caused him to fall asleep and took the rib from Adam's side, fashioning Eve from Adam's flesh, so she would be of his kind, his DNA, his marrow. Then the next morning as Adam wakes up by the stream, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, he sees this figure sitting beside him and runs half way across the Garden before he realizes that this is someone he wants to see.

Peering around the tree, Adam gazes upon this amazingly beautiful soulmate, and feels the pain in his side... the place where he was pierced, where his bride came from and looking again at the beautiful, ah inspiring woman in front of him, he had to sit down lest he faint with pleasure. He then looks over at Father God who is resting on the rock and states very clearly, "Dad, uhm, you've hit the nail on the head this time... oh baby... have you hit the nail on the head." Laughing Father blesses them and sends them off to enjoy the Garden cautioning them not to eat of the Tree of Life nor the Tree of Good/Evil.

It doesn't take much does it... to see that Father God had a plan from the very beginning. In that picture of Adam's side being pierced to bring forth his bride, there is a type and shadow of the Christ, when his side was pierced as he paid the price for the entire sin of the whole world, to buy back the relationship to Father that Adam and Eve lost in their disobedience in that Garden. Jesus Christ is the 2nd Adam, the pure Adam, the innocent one who came to redeem the world. The world is His bride. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, by being pierced in his hands and his feet and in his side brings forth the blood that redeems and atones permanently once and for all the sins of the world. He brings forth His Bride, the church. The church then is anyone who accepts this gift that Jesus Christ has paid the price for their sin and believes on His name and is called according to His purposes. All you have to do is receive it. That is it. It is a free gift. It doesn't have to be earned. It is FREE. He died that we might live and have all of the bad things that we've ever done wiped off of our slates forever, and ever, and ever.

In God, there is no time. He is endless. He knows your beginning from the end. Father God loved you so much that He sent His Son to take your place... His innocent Son died a cruel, humiliating, naked death to purchase back relationship. Why? Because of love. Father God loves you and I so very much. He wants us to come to Him. In the same way that we seek companionship from humans or animals, He seeks us. He built it into us... we need relationship. He is there regardless, even when the world has walked out. He is the Creator, and we are His creation... the entire world... there is not one culture that is left out. He loves us all, every tongue, every color, every nation. For we are all His children. He loves us all and He desires that none perish. He does not want us fighting one another, or hating one another. He wants us to love one another deeply from the heart.

Will you seek Him? Will you receive the love that He has to offer? All you have to do is call out His name... if you receive Him and believe in Him after reading this post, I want you to write to me at ramyalthea@yahoo.com. Wherever you are in the world... there isn't one place that escapes Father's gaze. He sees you. He knows what you are doing. He loves you just the same. Come to Him. He is waiting and listening... with wide open arms.

With all my love...
Ramy B

Friday, November 03, 2006

Sleeping Wonders...



Is it a wonder that this year has whooshed so quickly by? As I look at my sleeping teens, I am reminded that in a few short years they too will be leaving the nest in search of brighter horizons. They seem so dependent on me now, but it won't be long and they will have more important things to do. Classes to attend, papers to write, boyfriends and girlfriends to hang out with... bills to pay.

I ponder the moments of these sleeping wonders... for they truly are wonders. They are destined for greatness. Each one of our children is destined for greatness if we believe in them. If we believe in their creative abilities, their wonderful minds, their funny attributes, their thought processes, their ability to touch humanity.

They are wonderful creations... yes they bug the heck out of me at times, yes they challenge my authority every single day, but they are learning to be tomorrow's leaders. They are forming their idea of who they are. They are learning what frames their existence. It is my job to remind them that they have great potential, great abilities, and great ideas. It is my job to remind them that they are loved beyond measure... and it is still their job to clean up their room (hehehe).

I can't wait to see what they become... my beautiful sleeping wonders... ok, it's time to wake them up. Time for another day of leadership school... it's called life.

RamyB

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Sacred Ground



Early this morning as I awoke, the Lord placed several words in my heart... He began to speak to me about the sacredness of the hearts of humanity. He told me to be prepared to tread softly with them. I felt His pain at how carelessly we as humans treat one another. He spoke about how He pays attention to our breath, our innermost thoughts, our wants, our desires... the things that hurt us, the things that make us laugh. He said, "Ramy, this is sacred ground... walk softly. Be careful of the words that you speak. Listen to their hearts. Be kind to them when they don't know where to turn. Let them lean on you when they do not have the strength to stand."

It was an interesting discussion that we had this morning. I felt somewhat like an Eastern mystic talking with his teacher... I felt like we have lost something in our Western madness of culture. We have lost the ability to connect with one another. We have lost the ability to look straight into another person's eyes and protect the contents of their souls. As Christians, we often get scared about what other faiths teach. But having grown up in the Lutheran faith and now living in a very Pentacostal format... it is my heritage that brings me back to the sacrament of fellowship.

In the early years after Christ, Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, and others all considered their lives in context to the divine. They knew that with one stroke of a lethal weapon their mortal existence as they knew it ceased to exist. In this day, we have forgotten to seek the context of the divine. We have forgotten that with every footstep we are encountering God's creation. Every human being is sacred ground. We are to walk and to tread lightly. Every action that we take has a reciprocal reaction in the universal plane, therefore, we must take responsibility for our words, our actions, perhaps even our thoughts.

I chose to listen so intently to this talk today... it was a my King setting my feet on a solid path type of talk... and certainly... others can gain from the lesson.

With love and care,
Ramy B

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Learning how to stand...


Photo (c) 1999, Conquering The Storms by Thomas Kinkade

So many people I know are experiencing great life changes. Even I myself am in the midst of what seems to be a whirlwind at times, yet there is one thing I believe I have learned to do and that is I've learned how to stand in the midst of great trial. Storms are amazing events. They have a way of changing everything around us from the seascape to the atmosphere, to the way we view our lives daily. Yet, a secure fortress in the midst of a storm will not give way to the changes that come at you. I think I've learned that it is so important to remain anchored in the Word, and the Word is Jesus Christ Himself.

It is only when I remain anchored in Him that I am able to stand no matter what comes at me, even if it is the fiercest of winds. I may cry momentarily. I may even be discouraged momentarily. Yet, my anchor reminds me that I can stand in His ability to carry me through the storm. My feet are firmly anchored.

I can remember in years past when my feet were not so firmly anchored... and I would be tossed from side to side... wondering if I would ever come up for air from the tumult that had assaulted my senses. Yet, as I have aged, wisdom has taught me that to remain in the strong grip of the anchor is to remain firmly and completely grounded by something greater than I... the Creator of the Universe.

Hence, when I partner with the Creator of the Universe, there is no storm that can destroy me. I will always see the horizon through the anchors eyes.

Wisdom will gain its ground yet again.

In learning how to stand... I've learned that I can be a strength to others even when it seems like my flesh is weakened by external circumstances because I am firmly and entirely anchored in Christ... in whom I stand.

with love,
RamyB

(c) 2006, Ramy Bakke

Sacred Ponders of the Heart

Sacred Ponders of the Heart

You must come and share your hearts with us!

Ramy B

Monday, August 07, 2006

Cool Winter Mornings
(C) August 2006, Ramy Bakke

There are days when I want to go to this place... it is the dream land! The land that you wake up to in the early morning hours with a cup of coffee in your hands and a warm fire in the hearth and your children snuggled up in the blankets near your feet while you look out the window behind your couch. You are warm. You know that outside there is bitter cold, yet inside you are warm. You are cherished, safe, treasured... nestled in the arms of a mighty structure of snow, rock, trees and amazing grace.

Nothing can touch that feeling of grace... you know that without it you could not have made it through yesterday. You are breathing and alive and full of tranquility. This is your safe place. This is home.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Some things are better learned in humility...

Never has there been a better time to learn than the present. Learning takes humility. It means remembering that there is always someone smarter than you. It means listening to the other person. Being willing to render yourself submitted to the leading and ushering of Holy Spirit. It means acknowledging that there is more to learn and one can always be taught.

We can rush in like a firestorm, or walk in gently like a gentle, soft wind. Both have purposes only Father can really know and understand, yet His purposes are probably better accomplished with the gentle wind.

Speaking softly... listening for the whisper of His voice... listening for the sweet words of rebuke that come to teach us more of who we are in Him... molding and remaking us. Softly, gently... pushing down the parts of the clay that are imperfect and tenderly fashioning them back into the place that they were intended to be. The hands of the potter knows.

Lessons taught by humility... lessons taught by being willing to listen to another person's heart. Lessons learned through the power of Holy Spirit's anointing that crushes the yoke of bondage... and sets the captives free.

He is the King of Glory... I will humbly usher Him in to His throne room centered in my heart.
with love,

Ramy B

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Believe

To believe... to have conviction... to trust... to accept as true... that is what it means to believe.

Our beliefs... what we have confidence in, what we trust in... motivate our actions. To believe is an active word. It requires placing trust in a concept... to accept what is spoken.

It is a dangerous world that we live in. There are many opinions, pieces of propaganda, social injustices in this world... yet what do you believe? who do you believe? The scripture states that as the end approaches there will be great rumors of wars ... and many will come claiming they are the Christ... and many will fall away from the faith. Still, there is but one absolute and that is that the Father of us all, the Creator of the Universe is fully in charge of everything. Nothing escapes His gaze. This I can believe in. This I can put my trust in.

Consider what you believe in... consider what you put your faith in... consider what you take for fact... is it really true? examine... discern... pray... listen to Holy Spirit.

Look for the truth... and you will know what you can believe in.

love,
Ramy B

Monday, July 03, 2006

Heart Matters

There are certain things that are unthinkable...

intentionally discarding friendships as though they were trash...
pride in one's own position
humiliating another person
making light of someone's tragedy
forgetting that we are all clay.

Ramy B

Sunday, July 02, 2006

Counting the Costs

In a couple of weeks, my step-son is getting married. It is the biggest day of his life. I remember when he was seven years old. How young and tender he was. Now, he is a man creating his own household. I asked him if he was ready... he said he was. I can't wait to meet his bride.

One of the deepening parts of my life right now is the process of counting the cost of everything I endeavor to participate in. I used to think of this as a process called "the ripple effect" where everything I do, has an effect on others, therefore, I must think about the things that I choose to do. Can I afford to do them? Can I afford to not do them? Have I thought through all of the options? Is there anything I am leaving out? I know that I am not as quick to move to do certain things anymore. I tend to pray over things a lot longer until I have a peace and definite direction about doing them. I am learning that in order to be ethical, I must then be honest in all things and take responsibility for them. It means making wiser choices, even to the point of not speaking at times when I would rather speak.

Wisdom says to ponder the path until the path becomes clear. At least that is what I hear her saying. I believe that Holy Spirit inspires Wisdom's voice. And as long as I seek to wisdom, I will hear both Holy Spirit and Wisdom loud and clear. In the end, the costs will be the most effective.

Pondering on.... RamyB

Friday, June 30, 2006

Early Morning Ponders

It seems that some of my best writing occurs when the entire house is asleep. This is the launching day of this site. I know that as it continues more will come and visit here and post their writings. I hope it will be a safe place for people to come and share their deepest, most heart felt ponders without threat of being flamed, judged, or crucified. The heart, afterall, is sacred. We are called to walk softly.

I look forward to the interchange.

RamyB