"A Little Bit of Love and Joy"

Man has invented many things through the centuries to improve (or detract from) life. Countries succumb to power and war. But life, apart from man-caused changes sustains.

Nature – tree, flower, mountain, sun, star, wind

Remains the same

Emotion – love, sorrow, joy, hate, fear, hope

Remains the same

Man’s purpose remains the same

In the spring of the year, in the forest by the creek

I was listening to Queen, the epic story songs.

Freddie Mercury’s “March of the Black Queen” tells of evil leading man down the evil path then punishing him for being evil. Evil flourishes till a presence emerges. The presence very simply and quietly reminds man that good is present, not to forget the good within:

"A voice from behind me reminds me

Spread out your wings you are an angel

Remember to deliver with the speed of light

A little bit of love and joy

Everything you do bears a will and a why and a wherefore

A little bit of love and joy

In each and every soul lies a man very soon he’ll deceive and discover

But even till the end of his life, he’ll bring a little love"

That everything has a will (purpose) and a why (plan) and a wherefore (place).

Even evil and good

And that evil, though crushing, cannot exist over, instead of, or without good.

And that good’s purpose, man’s purpose, is to spread love and joy.

Of course the setting of the song is make-believe, and in that fantasy world the Queen is sovereign and continues to stir strife. But in our own world, humanity is free to follow through spreading love and joy.

Destiny and a bit of Jonny Lang

Watch your thoughts, they become your words

Watch your words, they become your actions

Watch your actions, they become your habits

Watch your habits, they become your character

Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.

     Truthful words a friend shared with me some years ago. A bit disconcerting to think how our destiny might be shaped while we are living life unawares. I remember an accompanying discussion with friends over exact meanings of the word and usage of destiny. However, though I think the progression of these phrases is true, I prefer the message in this song I heard again today while driving through the mountains: Jonny Lang's "Turn Around."

God’s Top Ten List

1. Quit Worrying – Yes, life is hard, but you spend too much time and energy worrying. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all of your burdens and to carry them for you?

2. Put It on the List – When something is troubling you, put it on MY to-do list. Talk to me about it. I can’t help until you turn it over to me.

3. Trust Me – Once you have given me your burdens, quit trying to take them back. Trust that I will take care of all your needs. The problems with the kids, the grandkids, finances, your spouse, work and church. I already know about them. Put them on my list, I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.

4. Leave It Alone – Don’t wake up one morning and think, “I’m feeling stronger now, I can handle things from here, God.” Why do you think you’re feeling stronger? It’s simple. You gave me your burdens and I’m taking care of them, Leave them with me and let me do my job.

5. Talk to Me – There are a lot of things I want you to forget. Forget what is making you crazy; forget the worry and the fretting because you know that I am in control. But please don’t forget to talk with me. . .often! I love you; I want to hear your voice.

6. Have Faith – I see a lot of things up here that you can’t see from where you are. Trust me; you don’t want the view from my eyes. Have faith in my love for you; I have your best interest in mind.

7. Share – You were taught to share when you were little, when did you forget? The rule still applies. Share your stuff, share your joy, share your laughter, share your tears and share your faith.

8. Be Patient – I have managed to fix it so that in just one lifetime you could do a lot of things. You get to grow up, maybe have children, change jobs, learn a trade, travel to many places, meet many people and experience so much. How can you be so impatient when it takes me a little longer than you expect for me to handle things. Trust my timing; it’s perfect.

9. Be Kind – Be sure to be kind to others, for I love them as much as I do you. They may not dress like you, talk like you or live like you, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for my sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all the same. I love your differences.

10. Love Yourself – As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason only: to be loved and to love in return. I am a God of love, so love me, love others and don’t forget to love yourself in the process. You are very precious to me, don’t ever forget that.

Anonymous