http://joeyclifton.com views from this side of heaven Sat, 29 Mar 2008 12:45:10 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Sometimes I feel like I'm lost, Lord.  I can't seem to see where I'm going for all the distractions around me.  I head one direction, thinking that's where you want me to go, only to find it gets me nowhere.  I turn around and try again with the same result.  ... http://joeyclifton.com/2008/03/29/mindless-carnival-toys/ Sometimes, Lord, I feel like I can do anything.  I believe there is no mountain too big to defeat me.  I believe that no matter how steep or how high that mountain is, I can climb it with ease.  I believe these things because I know you are my God, ... http://joeyclifton.com/2008/03/28/never-ending-steps/ Lord, you are a magnificent God.  God of grace.  God of blessing and wonder.  You heard my cry, my petition of concern.  You did not turn a deaf ear, but smiled upon my request.  When I finally, prayed with the smallest mustard seed of faith, you grew my tree overnight ... http://joeyclifton.com/2008/03/27/from-dawn-to-dusk/   I rushed about yesterday, Lord, failing to see the landscape around me.  I knew it would happen.  I even talked about it with you in the morning.  I had things to do that I knew would be frustrating and time consuming.  I talked with you about my need for calm ... http://joeyclifton.com/2008/03/26/swept-into-the-stream/ Sadness weighs upon me until I can no longer hold my head up, Lord.  I bow and weep.  I feel defeat and want very much to to retreat.  I want to stop the fighting and run from my troubles.  I fantasize sometimes about starting all over somewhere else where there will ... http://joeyclifton.com/2008/03/25/sadness-weighs-upon-me/ It is easy to sit by the road and watch the traffic go by, Lord.  Parked under a nice shade tree, I have a good view of the mountain to my south.  I can see the sun rising and setting and watch the busyness of the world along the highway.  ... http://joeyclifton.com/2008/03/24/watch-the-traffic-go-by/ I'm a friend of Cleopas, Jesus.  At least I would have been had I lived in Jerusalem.  The day of your resurrection I walk with him and another friend a few miles down the road to Jericho.  I'm perplexed at the news.  Alive!  The women say he is alive!  Who ... http://joeyclifton.com/2008/03/23/a-glimpse-of-the-risen-jesus/ The day after your crucifixion, Lord, the scriptures are silent.  A day of sabbath, disciples retreated to their homes and locked their doors. Stunned.  Waiting.  Grieving.  Silent. So, I, too, offer my silence this day.Share This http://joeyclifton.com/2008/03/22/a-day-of-silence/ Jesus, the prayer you prayed on Good Friday that came to my mind first this morning was your cry of abandonment, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"  I thought of this one perhaps because I, too, have felt abandoned at times in my life.  Then, however, I ... http://joeyclifton.com/2008/03/21/prayers-from-the-cross/ Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane you showed me how to pray.  Seldom, if ever, have I prayed with the kind intensity that you prayed that night.  I'm much more like Peter, James, and John who didn't fully grasp the significance of that moment.  Help me, Lord, to understand the ... http://joeyclifton.com/2008/03/20/gethsemane-prayers/