RUFORHIM2 - For Such A Time As This

Spring 2011 & The Supermoon

2011-03-19T09:51:00.012-05:00

Thanks to a fluke of orbital mechanics that brings the moon closer to Earth than that it has been in more than 18 years, the biggest full moon of 2011 will occur on Saturday, leading some observers to dub it a "supermoon."

The moon has not been in a position to appear this large since March 1993.

On Saturday, March 19th at 3 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, the moon will arrive at its closest point to the Earth in 2011: a distance of 221,565 miles (356,575 kilometers) away. And only 50 minutes earlier, the moon will officially be full.

At its peak, the supermoon of March may appear 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than lesser full moons (when the moon is at its farthest from Earth), weather permitting. Yet to the casual observer, it may be hard to tell the difference.

The supermoon will not cause natural disasters, such as the Japan earthquake, a NASA scientist has stressed.

So for all you stargazers - be sure to check it out tonight!

Source: space.com

Image by: David De Bacco

FROM NASA.Gov website. Goddard's Chief Scientist Dr. James Garvin (a more scientific approach)...

Dr. James Garvin, chief scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, answers your questions about the 'supermoon' phenomenon.

Question: What is the definition of a supermoon and why is it called that?

'Supermoon' is a situation when the moon is slightly closer to Earth in its orbit than on average, and this effect is most noticeable when it occurs at the same time as a full moon. So, the moon may seem bigger although the difference in its distance from Earth is only a few percent at such times.

It is called a supermoon because this is a very noticeable alignment that at first glance would seem to have an effect. The 'super' in supermoon is really just the appearance of being closer, but unless we were measuring the Earth-Moon distance by laser rangefinders (as we do to track the LRO [Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter] spacecraft in low lunar orbit and to watch the Earth-Moon distance over years), there is really no difference. The supermoon really attests to the wonderful new wealth of data NASA's LRO mission has returned for the Moon, making several key science questions about our nearest neighbor all the more important.

Are there any adverse effects on Earth because of the close proximity of the moon?

The effects on Earth from a supermoon are minor, and according to the most detailed studies by terrestrial seismologists and volcanologists, the combination of the moon being at its closest to Earth in its orbit, and being in its 'full moon' configuration (relative to the Earth and sun), should not affect the internal energy balance of the Earth since there are lunar tides every day. The Earth has stored a tremendous amount of internal energy within its thin outer shell or crust, and the small differences in the tidal forces exerted by the moon (and sun) are not enough to fundamentally overcome the much larger forces within the planet due to convection (and other aspects of the internal energy balance that drives plate tectonics).

HIS DIVINE APPOINTMENTS – He Knew Me Then

2010-05-17T18:19:00.004-05:00

Looking back, I know that my Heavenly Father knew me, had died for me and although I was only an eight-year old, He had chosen me. Though recollections of my childhood are sometimes sparse, one particular timeframe stands out...

I recall a very kind and loving neighbor whose name was Starr. She had two children of her own, yet would always make time for me. With parents that worked full-time, I was often home alone.

One particular day I was doing my chores and while peeling potatoes I took one clean swipe with the peeler and cut my finger pretty deeply. I tried everything to stop the bleeding but nothing helped. Finally I went over to Starr’s house and she pulled a leaf from her aloe vera plant and put it on my finger. Miraculously the bleeding ceased. She offered me milk and cookies, I think in part to comfort me in my distress.

I hung out for a while. Her house was always clean and tidy, even though there were children’s toys thrown about. The distinct smell of baking always touched my little nose as I entered there. It was a comfortable place for me.

That afternoon she asked me if I would like to go to Sunday School with her son Dennis. I wasn’t sure what it was about, but I asked my Mom and Dad. They never went to church, but had no qualms about it, knowing what kind people Starr and her family were.

SEEDS PLANTED

Although memories are few, I do recall feeling great about Jesus. I’d receive special rewards for doing bible memory verses. In my own little way, I came to know that He was good and it always left me feeling warm and loved. Little did I know, at that tender age, seeds were being planted in my heart.

I recall the day when my friend Starr moved away. It was a bit traumatic as I realized I would no longer be able to attend Sunday School. I had asked my Mom and Dad if they could take me but they said no.

SEEDS TAKING ROOT

It’s been over twenty-five years since those “Sunday School Days”, but I know in retrospect that the Lord of the Harvest was planting seeds in my heart through Starr. One particular morning I woke up and out of the blue she came to my mind. How I wished I could find her and tell her how much she had impacted my life.

I had some errands to run that day and needed to pick up something from the Christian bookstore in my old neighborhood. As I sat in my van and started to take my son out of his car seat I glanced out the window. I could NOT believe my eyes! Who did I see? Starr!! I opened up my window, and with a choked up throat, called out her name. She looked my way, but I wasn’t sure that after twenty-five years she would even recognize me. I was all ‘growed-up’.

But it was her! She walked over (rather hopped over—as was her joyous long-remembered gait) toward the van as I jumped out. I was SO excited; tears were streaming down my face. I could hardly slow down my words. Indeed she had recognized me and I surrendered into her hopping giant bear hug! We cried tears of joy together.

After we gathered ourselves I asked her what she was doing there. She told me she was in the old neighborhood putting together a clothes drive for the homeless, and then asked why I was there. I pointed to the book store. When she put two and two together she threw her arms around me again and said, “Praise the Lord!! My prayers were answered! I have prayed for you for years and have always wondered what happened to you and your family once we moved away.”

I briefly shared my testimony and told her how the Lord had worked in my life over the years and how on that very day out of the blue the Lord had laid her on my heart out of the blue. How I had longed to find her somehow so that I could thank her for being so faithful to share a loving God with a little child. How He had used her, unbeknownst to me at the time, to plant seeds in my heart.

As I drove away from that parking lot I noticed an even happier “hop” in her step and thanked the Lord for directing my path that day. I rejoiced in knowing that I had just caught a glimpse into the heart of my Sovereign God. He had foreordained this moment, this day, simply just to bless His children.

When He laid the foundations of the world, He knew me even then. How, when He laid the foundations of the world, He would place me and my family beside a godly woman of prayer. How, when He laid the foundations of the world He would lead us both to the same parking lot just to give us a glimpse of His love. Yes, He knew me then... Thank You Abba Father!

Living For What Lasts

2010-05-17T18:04:00.003-05:00

by R. McGuire

When life seems daily
And you’re just trudging through
When time is fleeting
And there’s an empty hole inside of you

Ask yourself this question
What are you living for?
Is it to seek earthly treasures?
Or pleasures all the more?

There’s joy found in righteous purpose
In doing what God asks
Live for the eternal
And only for what lasts

There will come a day
When we stand at The Door
Will there be regrets?
Would we wish that we’d done more?

To live for what lasts
Abiding in Him, it’s all Jesus asks
Keeping a faithful pace, finish well
Living for what lasts

Copyright R. McGuire - RUFORHIM2 Ministries, 2010

Rappin for Heaven - Lovin it!

2010-05-16T15:13:00.000-05:00

Great Job Tamara!!

Song: Hallelujah

2010-05-14T18:48:00.002-05:00

Those Hands by R. McGuire

2009-10-31T09:47:00.002-05:00

THOSE HANDS

He came and lived,

as an example for all to see.

Then He hung upon a cross,

Laid down His life for you and me…

A prophet foretold it,

to help us understand…

“Behold, I have inscribed you—

on the palms of My hands”…

Those hands that touched,

blind eyes to make them see.

Those hands that healed the lame,

He set the people free.

Those hands that held the child,

with tender, loving care

Those hands,

Whose nails of love—

held Him there...

He came and lived—

an example for all to see…

Then He hung upon a cross—

Laid down His life for you and me…

A Glimpse of His Glory...

2009-09-30T12:08:00.005-05:00

I was watching a TV special about planet earth. I opened my bible to Psalm 145 and was so inspired by King David's words...

All Your works shall praise You, O Lord
And Your saints shall bless You.
Psalm 145:10

Covered in Prayer, Encouragement for a Friend

2009-06-02T12:12:00.003-05:00

Facing The Torrents of Life*

2009-05-02T10:17:00.008-05:00

by R. McGuire

Each day, each turn can be a learning experience. We face challenges all of the time. The question is, “What do we make of it? What do we do with the knowledge that we gain from walking this earth and staring those tests and trials in the face? What can we do with what the Lord allows to see us through tribulation?”

Through some of my darkest hours, I know one thing is certain. God was there. He was there to guide me; show that He had not forsaken me. Some torrential waters I had waded into on my own. Some rivers of daily life I’d allowed to swallow me up. Some innocent looking brooks that appeared quiet and correct, but led to dangerous undercurrents that would drag me down, and unforeseen waterfalls that could overpower and drown me in the ways of men, the enticements of the world.

But in those hours I had a choice, I could allow the troubled waters to overtake me, overpower me and even sweep me away, or I could look to the One Who controlled the waters. I could surrender to what the Lord brought my way, for my growth and betterment for His ultimate use and glory.

Oh the River of Life, should I not choose The better?

*************

April 28, 2009

These days, nearly every day, we are faced with torrents of sad news, bad news, infuriating news, even scary news. It is during these times that we must choose to rely more heavily on what we know is true. And hope...

Lately I've struggled with maintaining a balance when it comes to my walk with the Lord, my family, my ministries, and my call as a citizen of Heaven and a temporary citizen of this earth. Sometimes I cannot help but want to scream aloud at the injustices, the corruption, the persecutions, the strong-arming of our current government, (and my responsibility to pray for him/them), for organizations like the ACLU that supposedly have the civil rights of all Americans in mind...

As I write articles, citizen action alerts or short stories on things happening in our country; as I conduct research, search for the truth and compile information one cannot help but feel tainted. As if I've just waded through a pool of filthy sludge...

Does our peace rest on man, or this country, or our Christian liberty? Should we fear?

Jesus answered this quite clearly when He reminded me, in John 14:27: "Peace I leave with You. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

And Philippians 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

One question I ask myself often, is it worth the time and effort? I love this country. I love my family. I love those who He has chosen to put into my life. As I was praying over this entry the Lord showed me a scripture:

"A wise man's heart discerns both time and judgment, because for every matter there is a time and judgment, though the misery of man increases greatly. For he does not know what will happen; So who can tell him when it will occur?" Eccles. 8:5b-7

Read that again if you will...

So therein lies my answer... We do have a responsibility to share what He reveals. May He give each of us courage, grace and love that we might impart it to all whom He directs in our path. Do not grow weary my brethren... Do not lose hope! for He has promised to be with us, that:

"When (not if) you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and through the rivers,
they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire,
you shall not be burned,
nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
Isaiah 43:2-3a

*Originally penned on 9/9/04

Battle Cry

2009-04-25T13:59:00.004-05:00

Hope in Troubled Times

2009-01-14T14:45:00.006-06:00

In a day and age of uncertainty there is a steady hope that we can cling to... The Lord laid this poem/song on my heart some time ago, but it is still even more relevant today... Hope it blesses and encourages you! Would love to know your thoughts, how the Lord may use this in your life. Blessings!

I am with you always—Even to the end.

A kind and loving Savior—Your most faithful friend.

Even when the trials come, and life feels too hard to bear.

I've promised to be with you—Always will be there…

So I choose to look up to Him, and trust Him at His word

Believing that He's promised—to work things for my good

I won't turn to my own resources,

To make it down this part of the road.

Instead I know He walks with me—and carries my heavy load

I am with you always—Even to the end.

A kind and loving Savior—Your most faithful friend.

Even when the trials come, and life feels too hard to bear.

I've promised to be with you—Always will be there…

see more at www.ruforhim2.com • www.sojustwriteit.blogspot.com

If you'd like to use this for print, web or powerpoint, please contact me first.

Wasteful Days & Wasteful Nights

2008-10-13T10:01:00.007-05:00

As of recent, I collapse into bed utterly exhausted, spent; yet feeling I've accomplished very little. The deduction I've come to is this... it's all been for naught. I've been trying to walk in my own strength, instead of relying on my Lord and Savior.

Sound hopeless? Perhaps.

Sound familiar? Probably at times.

Yet, I am hopeful, because on my spiritual journey to walk closer with the Lord, He's helped me to come to the realization that although I've allowed my walk to systematically be sent down the path of living daily; rather than living life in the eternal, according to His purposes alone... He is faithful to pick me up and turn me back in the right direction.

"Why do I become so easily weighed down

Falling into my same old ways

And not living for the Kingdom's crown?

Quickly ensnared by 'here and now' days

Lord, God of Heaven

Work in me again somehow."

rlm 10-12-08

So where do we start? God IS complex, but His leading and desire for us is not complicated. In fact, it's as easy as 1-2-3-4.

Repent
Renew
Return
Remember

1. Repent of what you know has hindered you or drawn you away.

2. Renew your commitment to pursue Him.

3. Return to the basics of your salvation. Where true transformation takes place - like when you first believed

Spend time pouring over His Word
Spend time in prayer and communion
Spend time with like-minded believers who are in the same godly pursuit - to live FOR Him

4. Remember these days are not all there is... The world and its system are quickly perishing. Live eternally-minded with an urgent message for those who do not hold the keys to the mysteries of God...

"Get me right again LORD, so I might get back to work..."

King David breaks it all down for us very simply in Psalm 37 as a model to live by.

Do not fret (Psalm 37:1)
Trust in the Lord and do good. (Psalm 37:3)
Delight yourself in the Lord (Psalm 37:4)
Commit your way to the Lord (Psalm 37:5)
Rest in the Lord (Psalm 37:7a)
Wait patiently for Him (Psalm 37:7b)

"The steps of a good man (or woman) are ordered by the Lord,

And He delights in His way.

Though He fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;

For the Lord upholds him with His hand..."

Psalm 37:23-24

(There is hope for me after all)

What Would Your Sign Read?...Cardboard Ministry

2008-09-09T16:33:00.002-05:00

A friend sent me a link to this very powerful video. I just had to share it. Would love to know your thoughts... I've checked it out. It's safe to view.

The Night Song...

2008-03-13T12:22:00.004-05:00

(by Rhonda McGuire)

My Dad had been slipping away for a while.. We had many conversations about the Lord and he had come to trust in Him... We were having a chat about heaven and what it would be like and my Dad told me he was having a difficult time sleeping. He was worried that he'd not awake. I know how hard nights can be. I prayed with him, assured him that his days and nights were in God's hands. Indeed they were.

He went to be with the Lord on January 29th of this year. I look forward to seeing him again. New body, no illness. I never had the chance to share a poem that the Lord gave me that night, so I thought I'd put it out there for those who stumble across this corner of the world of the internet... May it comfort you, no matter what you're going through.

**************
In the quiet hours of the night
When slumber fails to come
Disallow fears grip to hold
For You are watched over by The One

The One Who calms the seas
Who wipes away our tears
He's the Father & God of Heaven
Whose been beside you all your years

Remember all of God's promises
He always will be there
So the next time slumber fails you
Just whisper a simple prayer

*************

We know not what tomorrow holds, but we know Who holds all our tomorrows.

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep,
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety...
Psalm 4:8

I Surrender (You Carry Me)

2008-03-13T12:11:00.004-05:00

(by Rhonda McGuire)

Surrender
I surrender
I lay it all down
Casting my crowns before You
Only You

Surrender
I surrender
Leaning not on my own understanding
Placing my life on your altar again

When I think I've not the strength to carry on
That's when You come
And carry me
You carry me

Surrender
I surrender
I lift up my head
I lift up my eyes
And there You are
You've been with me all along...

My lips have been silent
Only my soul has cried out
In the darkest moments You prove
What loving grace is all about...

That's when You carry me
You carry me...
Lord, carry me...

3/12/08

Everybody's Looking for Answers To Life - Be Wise

2008-01-20T19:11:00.000-06:00

Wisdom is knowledge applied.

Foolishness is wisdom denied...

- R. McGuire, 1/11/08

Where can we find true wisdom? From the One Who is undeniably wise...

To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding
To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment and equity;
To give prudence to the simple.
To the young man knowledge and discretion-
A wise man will hear and increase learning;
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel...
Proverbs 1:2-5

So where can we find TRUE wisdom??
It couldn't be put more simply than this...

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,

But fools despise wisdom and instruction...

Proverbs 1:7

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,

Who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him...

James 1:5

I'll be expounding on this topic really soon. Not because I'm an intellect,

but because I serve a God Who holds all the answers to lifes' mysteries...

Blessings in Him!

RECLAIMED AT 30,000 FEET

2007-09-10T22:30:00.000-05:00

(by R. McGuire 9/10/07)

The travel arrangements were made. My husband and I would be flying to Phoenix to visit my ailing Dad & Mom. Reservations, to-do lists, good-bye calls and kisses were given. We settled into our Economy Plus seats toward the front of the plane. I surrendered my window seat to my husband Bob in anticipation that it would be mine on the return flight home. A jump-seat pilot for another airline sat on the other side of me.

This was our first cross-country trip without our one and only 17-year old son Nathan. Last minute reminders of “if something happens to us” was on my mind and lips as we hugged ‘so long’ at the airport.

Our takeoff was uneventful, as we held hands and prayed. But the ordinary quickly became terrifying, a mere forty-five minutes into the flight….

The first indication of trouble was a knock on the cockpit door, the captain being briefed, and then making a trip toward the rear of the plane. I hadn’t seen a restroom at the front of the plane so I quickly dismissed it as a bathroom break. I turned my attention back to my ‘travel norm’ – a crossword puzzle book.

A short while later the stillness of a routine flight took a turn. The captain returned to the cockpit, closing the door behind him. The sound of the jet engines changed as his voice rang out over the cabin intercom. “Attention Ladies and Gentlemen. This is your captain speaking. We want to let you know that we have smoke in the cockpit.” Everyone gasped. “No I’m sorry I mean there’s a report of burning plastic in the cabin at the rear of the plane, so we are making an unscheduled, emergency descent to a nearby airport here in ummmm--- Des Moines, Iowa. We’ll keep you posted. Thank you.”

And with a click of the on-board intercom system, before anyone could mutter a sound, the plane promptly nose-dived toward earth. I reached for Bob’s hand as we prayed silently. An eerie silence fell over the cabin with the exception of a few whimpers behind us. Gasps could be heard over the scream of the jet engines as our 43 ton life capsule plummeted from the sky toward terra firma… Our worst nightmare seemed to be coming true.

My heart raced and my mind jettisoned toward home as I pictured my son Nathan, parentless. I pleaded quickly with God to dispatch His angels to hold our plane safely until we could land. In mere seconds I flashed back to Nathan’s birth, to the moment I set eyes on my husband, my parents crying as they heard the news of losing yet another child, my sisters Terri & June, and my brother Roy. My pastor and his precious wife. My church family. Even my beloved puppy Cody.

“Lord please, may it not be so…”
A verse flashed in my mind, “Do not fear, for I AM with You.”
“Am I truly Yours Lord?”
“I have called you by name. My sheep hear My voice.”
“But Lord – I’ve been struggling in my walk lately. Even too busy for You. Am I okay?”
“None can be snatched from My hand…”

I sat there and continued to plead,
“Oh Lord. Lord Please!
Oh Lord please, get us down and out safely.”

In that brief moment I suddenly had an acute awareness of where we were landing and in my minds’ eye a long forgotten movie reel replayed over and over of Flight 232, a plane that crash-landed in Sioux City, Iowa back in 1989. The face of a young man (I even recalled his name in that moment), Jeff Miller, had come to our church long ago to retell the story of how his planes’ hydraulics failed and the pilot managed to crash-land their plane. The burning fuselage rolling violently on the runway, subsequently splitting in half with his piece coming to a stop in the ripe 8 foot high cornfield.

His section of the plane managed to land upside down, and when it came to a stop he was still strapped in his seat. Despite the carnage around him, he’d had a tremendous peace. He recounted the stewardess reminding them not to grab any personal belongings, but when he’d looked down on the ‘ceiling’ there sat his Bible. Once he was helped down he grabbed it and climbed out of the wreckage. An enormous amount of people in his section of the plane were unharmed.

He’d walked away totally unscathed. The Lord had indeed protected him like He did long ago for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who walked in the fiery furnace and came out without even smelling like smoke. In fact, those he managed to rescue & assist asked if he was an on-field angel or pastor because he didn’t have a black smudge on him and his suit was still crisp and clean…

As quickly as this memory recount played, my mind skirted over the fact that, here we were post-9/11 – only a few mere days away from celebrating the six year anniversary of our national tragedy. Was this a terrorist attempt on our plane? Isn’t that why I didn’t want to book our return flight on Tuesday, September 11th?

My heart skipped a few beats, my breath came short and my hand squeezed desperately around my husbands’, I was transported back into the moment. It was then I heard it once again, “Do not fear nor be afraid, for I AM with You – even to the end of the age...”

I exhaled deeply knowing it to be true. I was His, He had us in His hands and that NO MATTER WHAT everything would be okay…

As I slowly opened my eyes, I caught a glimpse of the cornfields. Then, besides the still small voice of my Savior, was the sweetest sound - the wheels of our plane touching down on the tarmac… We quickly deplaned as the Hazmat crews and fire trucks rushed toward and engulfed our jet.

It had taken only a mere five minutes for our plane to plummet then land – but it felt like a lifetime, slipping through your fingertips. Out of our control. Surrendered to the trust of our captain. But something else unique happened at 30,000 feet.

All 173 souls on board were saved – but there was one particular soul on board that was re-claimed as the Lord affirmed, “Despite your wanderings Child, you are mine and I am Yours. Walk with Me and I will carry you. Have I not shown you that today?…”

A familiar song played on the radio of our rental car as we drove to my Mom & Dad’s – but the words took on new meaning somehow…

“Who Am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I that the eyes that seen my sin, could look on me with love
And watch me rise again

Not because of who I am, but because of what You’ve done
Not because of what I’ve done, but because of Who You are

I am, a flower quickly fading – here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You, hear me when I’m calling
Lord You catch me when I’m falling
And You told me who I am”
I am Yours, I am Yours…..

Whom shall I fear, whom shall I fear?
For I am Yours… I am Yours..

Prologue: Well, it is September 10th, 2007 and I send this out to those I know. We’ve still yet to travel home to Chicago in a few days. I’ll let you know when we get there! Would love your reaction to this experience… I cried when I read it out loud to Bob… We serve an Awesome God. Here, there or in the air.

Blessings in Him,
Rhonda

http://www.sojustwriteit.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/ruforhim2
http://www.ruforhim2.com/

Another Day With You

2007-02-20T22:22:00.000-06:00

R.L.McGuire
1-10-07

Here I am again Lord
Another day to live and breathe
Another chance to demonstrate
What my heart believes

So take me Lord, and shape me
According to Your will
I'll not leave Your presence
Until my heart is still

You know the plans in store for me
Give me the grace to do
Your will here on earth today
And do nothing without You

Oh freedom - it's sweet release
When surrendered at Your feet
Heart bowed down, eyes lifted up
As You walk this day with me...

Say What!?

2007-02-20T21:39:00.002-06:00

by R.L. McGuire

My family and I are blessed with a wonderful golden retriever we named Cody. He is a character. He seeks our love and attention and just absolutely adores us. We've even been able to teach him literally how to talk...

Although we're continually trying to expand his vocabulary repertoire, he has three solid statements that'll blow the average mind... "Momma", "I Love You", and "I Want It". (We're working on teaching him "Get 'er Done" in hopes we'll get a spot on Jay Leno and a doggie movie deal).. (hehe)

He's also has a fixation with his toys which are constantly underfoot. Cody simply lives and strives to please us - his masters, and would probably learn how to pick up his toys and put them away if we took the time to teach him that task.

I just love him and am just tickled at his antics. We've taught him the names of his toys so if we commanded him to "go get his bear, or cow or 'lamby', he'd search every corner of the house until he's able to do what he's asked. Cody is a Master pleaser. He'll even catch a football with his paws instead of his mouth...

One habit Cody has is bringing his toys outside. Being that we're in the midst of a typical Chicago winter, and have two feet of snow on the ground, undoubtedly beneath the white blanket are more of his treasured friends, including his duck, tennis balls and his frisbee.

But as much as Cody loves me, and seeks to please, sometimes he can be downright stubborn.

One particular morning, as I sat in the living room having my devotional time, Cody ran to the door and announced his necessity to go out. In his mouth he clinched his all-time favorite, full-sized leopard. (I'll post a picture later -- It's quite hysterical watching him carry it around - but oh so gently).

I walked over and reasoned with him, "Buddy, you can go out, but you're not taking your leopard. You'll lose it in the snow." Of course he sat down, pal in mouth and looked up at me longingly, as if to say, "Come on - please!?"

"Ah, no. Drop it..." and after much hesitation he did, so I quickly swooped up the toy and set it up high out of reach. Of course his ears drooped and he just sat there - then defiantly ran and grabbed his bear. I crumbled, "Okay fine - but bring it back in with you."

(I know it sounds odd to talk to him like a human - but much of the time - he acts like one!)

A few minutes later he ran up to the door; snow-covered face and toy. So cute! I had to laugh at his antics. He must've dropped his bear into the snowbank, but had dug it out and returned with it in obedience to my request.

What a character...But it's what happened next that made me pause and write this little snippet.

He hadn't forgotten about his best buddy the leopard, whose spotted tail was just in view from his vantage point. He sat near the credenza where it was carefully perched, getting up on two paws, stretching upward to grab the animal by the tail. Then he gazed anxiously over in my direction. I was trying not to distract his efforts so I watched him problem-solve.

He stood, reached, stretched, cried, hopped around on two feet to no avail. The toy was just out of reach.

Then he sat down, turned and looked at me and I asked him, "What do you want?", and he let out a grown then said, "I want it..." I just gasped! "What!?" "I want it" he said again. Now I had to laugh as I got up and moved it just within his reach. He stood up one last time, grabbed it with his teeth and ran off happily!

It was in that moment that my Master spoke. "This is a clear illustration of our relationship, child."

"I know what's best for you. I've given you free will to choose. I will allow you to want your own way, but ultimately - if you will look to Me, reach for me, stretch, put forth godly wisdom and effort and obey - I will give you the desires of your heart; if you will ask. I've told you, "Come, let us reason together..."

So I inquire of you, "Do you want it?", and I reply, "Yes Lord, I want it - I want You..."

Does He chuckle at my antics as He watches closely, quietly, ultimately hoping I will turn to Him...?

Food for thought.. Life doesn't have to be Ruff!! =0)

(Watch for a video of Cody talking soon)

A Holy Passion

2007-02-20T21:14:00.000-06:00

by R.L. McGuire

How can I know, my love for You is real

Can't go on emotions, or what my feelings feel

My thoughts are often wandering

My actions contrary to do

The things the Spirit tells me

That come straight from You...

Can I say I'm wholly Yours?

Walking daily with holy passion?

Full on - sold out

Or prone easily to distraction?

This heart evaluation holds

Value beyond words

For in and of myself

Dwells nothing good...

But You've told me countless times

I'm adopted into The Beloved

Let Your Holiness and glory

Be the only thing I covet...

01-20-07

www.ruforhim2.com

I Know What I Know, What I Know

2007-01-08T22:31:00.000-06:00

You are... The God of possibilities and fruition
You can... make the seemingly impossible come true
I must... purpose to Ask, and Do what You reveal to me
My heart... must be quieted
My ears... must be open
My feet... swift to move when led
I must... be certain I am only listening to Your voice
- and drowning out all the other noise
Don't want to set my own plans in motion
I need... Help to obey
Whatever is most important to me... will always play out in my life.
I'll spend... most of my time on it, in it, with it, and for it...
Oh that I'd do the wondrous works of Your word...

1-8-07

Here I Am Lord

2007-01-08T20:27:00.000-06:00

by r.l.mcguire

Here I Am Lord
Desiring to walk in the victory You've proclaimed
I know my voice is being heard
Because You've called me by name

Getting back to the basics
Where You and I first started
That my life would reflect
A child's re-surrendered heart

1-8-07

Keeping Christ in Christmas

2006-12-05T21:41:00.000-06:00

by R.L. McGuire, 2006

Funny thing about putting this poem "out there", is I pulled it from my journal, and realized that I'd written it exactly one year ago today... odd. timely? Hmmm.

Keeping Christ in Christmas

My thoughts drift on to Christmas
And what it means to me
It's not just a 'holiday'
Or even a dressed up tree

It should hold firm to its' true beginning,
When God stepped out of His glorious place
And through His very birth and death,
He touched the human race

He came as an infant child
The humblest, most innocent form
To impact the world forever
And still does since that day He was born

Many idealize the nativity
Many marvel that the angels stood by
Some get caught up in the hustle and bustle
When all He wanted was to open man's eyes

You see even millenia later
Man still celebrates the God-Man's birth
Some don't want to acknowledge the true reason He came
He lived to die for all men on earth

This country was founded on His existence
Rooted firmly over two century's ago
But many cry "intolerance to Christmas"
And want to remove Christ from it all

So His name might offend some
Friend, you can't take Christ out of Christmas
That's like someone throwing you a party
But your name's not on the guest list!

I know the Lord's heart is breaking
Because it was He that once said,
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord
And who is not, is greatly misled"

It seems that our nation is dying...
For shaking its' foundation sure...
The reason this country's been blessed,
Is 'cos it was founded on that which endures...

So you want to take Christ out of Christmas?
Every man is granted free will
As for me and my house we'll continue
To serve the One Who's reigning still.

Copyright R. McGuire - RUFORHIM2 Ministries

Feel free to post your comments. Want to use it? Contact me through the above web-site.

Reinventing Who I Am

2006-11-25T19:08:00.000-06:00

We all have dreams, and they reshape themselves as we grow older...

Some are lived out and made into a reality, while others are either abandoned, forgotten - or considered a distant longing.

So here I am, at the tender age, well, mature age of 35/40, I mean 45 and have begun to once again entertain those childhood declarations of "what I want to be when I grow up."

No, it's not a matter of discontent; but a moment of realization that it's never too late to make my dreams become a reality. I do after all, have a pen in hand (or keyboard) at this space in time and it's crying out to the universe, "Hear Me!"

The paradox of a creative mind; (not that I'm declaring myself in a self-indulgent moment) longs to be expressed... Whether we allay it to an attributable bi-polarism or into something constructive, appreciable and useful is up to us. In my specific case and vantage point, I attribute such creativity to my Creator, Who has shaped every molecule of my being, and has a Master plan...

So thus begins this journey of Reinventing Who I Am, in that I can chronicle where I'm at in this moment... Who knows, perhaps it might be viewed by someone who is also on the path trying to better understand God's plan for their life.

~RLM - 11/25/06