“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~ Isaiah 9:6
A look and listen back to the 2015 release (Album: ‘Hope Love Joy Peace’) of ‘Wonderful Counselor.’ It’s still alive and relevant today!
Lyrics: Wonderful Counselor, born to us Born to love, and want good for us You want good for us, Lord Jesus
Wonderful Counselor, given to us Given to guide, and provide for us You provide for us, Lord Jesus
Your presence surrounds me Your glory for all to see
Wonderful Counselor, sent to us Sent to heal, and to comfort us You comfort us, Lord Jesus
This album was inspired through an advent season of change, It was written and released ten years ago as I was adjusting to my mother’s residential change to heaven. It marked a time of transition, a moment of growth, and the realization of a deeper faith through healing.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” ~ John 1:5
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. ~ Ephesians 6:12
You see, as New Testament believers, our fight is never against people, but against principalities and powers. Thus, we should be waging war in the Spirit through prayer against this perversion that has blinded so much of our country and our leaders. ~ Jon Courson
I see our society as indicative of a serious moral issue. We can candy coat it, we can spin all kinds of worldly scenarios, but inevitably it’ll come down to our lack of moral fiber.
Other than being an example, I don’t see any other way of making a dent in our world’s decay. Lately I seem to return to the idea of being bold in our response to damning situations, because I know from experience how easy it is to just walk away without making waves, without making a statement …but that’s probably the only way (baring an act of God) that any change can happen.
Father, embolden me to be a proud, unabashed, soldier for you!
If you had a freeway billboard, what would it say?
Oh, without a doubt, it would say Dig Love! It’s my belief that above all, that’s what’s wanting in our world, we just don’t seem to care about each other anymore, we have discounted the value of human life.
With just one voice, love can be heard With just one hand, love can be felt With just one smile, love can be seen With just one heart, change can begin Dig love ~ E.M.
Last Sunday was a crisp, fresh day that was filled with worship, fellowship, and wonderfully creative and nourishing meals. Last Sunday I offered my gifts and my love to others. Last Sunday was the day that the Lord had made, and I rejoiced in it!
Each day contains unimaginable joy. We wake each morning to endless opportunities to serve. What we make of those opportunities creates the amount of joy we, and others, will experience. You see the joy is in the giving. The joy is in making others smile. The joy is in making others feel loved.
Last Sunday is today! It’s everyday!
“This (today) is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 ESV)
The ever widening chasms between each of us seem to grow daily as we continue to establish barriers between what we call acceptable, and what we deem objectionable. In doing so I’m afraid we’re dismissing an important narrative to our happiness. The moment we start to discount our differences, is the moment we start to cheat ourselves out of the things that can make our lives richer. Our ingenuity illustrates our individuality. We’ve got it all messed up. In our quest to get on with each other, we’ve told many people to get out. Instead of drawing the world a little closer we are drawing divisional lines in the sand. We’re not closing gaps, we’re creating gaps.
When we close our ears and eyes we are missing the beauty of an extremely diverse world. A world that was created for our benefit. It was created out of love for us. All of it’s beauty and splendor was designed by our Creator, for good! So what does it say when we turn from His ideals, from what He deems good for us, from His loving vision of our lives (Ephesians 2:10)?
Diversity does not demand division.
We bridge the gaps by putting aside our differences, by opening our eyes and ears to new and different sounds and sights. When we open our mind to new ideas evolution can occur. The natural flow to a united and loving world begins with a judgement free view of life (Romans 12:16). Thankfully we don’t all lookalike, and soundalike. That would be pretty boring don’t you think? Well thinking everyone should think alike is the same thing. It’s a very narrow view of a very panoramic creation.
So I spend my days first trying to identify, and then trying to bridge these gaps. The inspiration comes from my never ending idealistic dream of a loving united world. One that cares for others more than themselves. One that truly finds more satisfaction in the act of giving than in receiving (2 Corinthians 9:7). A world that differs a great deal from the one I currently seem to live in.
My platform for such change has always been music. I find enormous joy in touching the hearts of others through poetry and song. A tough message can be much easier on the ear when it’s riding the the crest of a memorable melody. or being propelled along by an irresistible rhythm.
Come, let us walk together Come. let us walk hand in hand Cone, let speak with one voice Come, let us walk in the light of love ~ E.M. (‘Come. Let Us Walk’)
My plea is one of compassion. If we start with a loving approach to our differences I believe that we would see and hear things with a new found appreciation. I invite you to join me in opening up a new world of inspiration. Pray for a cleansing view of the world. Ask God for new ears and eyes that would lovingly see and hear the beauty of diversity. That fresh mindset will bridge gaps both small and large over a period of time. A period of time when we can draw closer as friends and families… as our Creator intended.
My motivation each and everyday is to serve and give back simply because I’ve been so blessed. I love on others because I was first loved. I know it can sound too sweet at times, but the truth is the truth, and that’s the honest …
My Alms – from the Chapel Songs album.
Let my love be my mark… Be my mark in this world Let my love be my alms… Be my alms to the Lord ~ E.M.
I love that I have been blessed to settle into two very creative settings. One in Bucks County, PA, and another on a barrier island in Brevard County, FL. Both homesteads are remote without being out-of-touch with society, and offer a personal connection to nature. What I love the most is that I’ve found them both to be spiritually inspiring places to call home.
When my path is straight And love replaces hate Don’t you know I’m home again ~ E.M.
What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world?
Wow! I’ve been championing a world that embraces diversity for some time now. So that would be the greatest change that I could ever hope for.
I in them and you in me and we in kind can change the world together May we experience a unity like never before A neighborhood of brotherhood and sisterhood as one together How deep and broad we flow from shore to shore ~ E.M.
Works 