Mornin’ DearHeart.

The roses out back are over the moon. After the February -20 temps, I wondered if they’d bounce back. I hard-pruned the branches, leaving them 6-8” tall. They looked like sad, dead sticks coming out of the ground. I talked to them and sang to them (because I’m weird like that). Their longing to be closer to heaven, close to the heart of their Creator, won. They keep reaching higher and blooming deeper than I’ve ever seen.

Like the branches, you and I can not stop our longing for a deeper experience with God. It is with us always. A quest from which no one can hide. Even the emptiest and coldest heart longs for relationship with Christ. The pull on you and me – the pull by God Almighty is far more potent than

any set-back,

any dire need,

any situation,

and, that is why the Most High has led us here … to this moment … to be reminded.

We have a serious task ahead: to face challenges at odds with

human reason,

logic,

order,

justice,

fairness,

common sense.

We face trials.

We are driven red with anger.

We will be falsely accused.

We need walk-away strength.

And, we need stand-your-ground courage.

DearOne, answering the call to follow in the footsteps Jesus Christ requires that we are sometimes stripped bare. We are sometimes reduced. to. ashes.

Once that happens, from the pit, life yields growth:

Releasing old wounds.

Letting go of grudges.

Replacing hurt places with forgiveness.

Rising out of grief into new life with The Most High.

Starting over.

When your soul is called out, drive erupts that will will take charge of your life.

‘Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth.’ (Colossians 3:2 HCSB)

Uncommon drive.

Supernatural drive.

Holy drive.

Set your mind there.

Go.