The Voyage Chronicles

The Continuing Story Of Love's Greatest Gift

 Segment Seven

Rick slowly opened the cover of one of the folders.  He could feel his heart beating much more intensely now.  He didn't know what to expect, and from the tone that has frequented the room,  he almost did not want to explore.  He carefully looked up "Please continue, Sir.  I have been preparing myself to speak with you, and await your response with great interest."

The tall figure gazed directly into his eyes, and didn't blink once.  He had a impersonal look on his face that made Rick feel even more uneasy.  "Well," He said.  "Your patience is appreciated."  He loudly tried to clear his raspy, low toned voice again.  There was an eerie silence in the room.  "What I have to say to you is of great importance."

He took one of the folders back from Rick, and pulled out a few things from the top folder.  Rick could feel a cold, icy feeling going down his back.  He actually would have loved to have been somewhere else right now.  He tried to gaze out of the window at the beautiful snow falling outside and began to pray with all of his might.

*******************************************************STAY TUNED!

The Can Do Prayer

Lord:

I know in my heart that I can do anything..

There is no dream that is too big enough for me,

Your love's in my heart and all the great things it brings

Nothing's impossible as far as I can see.

I can do awesome achievements both big and small

and capture the light of hope firmly in my hand

When you give me your strength I can climb any wall

and expect the greatest things all found in your plan.

I can do inspiring things and plant a seed

Beautiful seeds that can blossom more every day

Always having the knowledge that I can succeed

because you are always there, Lord, paving my way.

I can do the journey to reach the brightest star

No matter what clouds or storms try to hinder me

For I know what 'can do' will always mean by far

'Christ-centered achievement nurtures dreams outstanding' to see.

 

The Encouragement Factor:

A Light of New Direction

The Port of Wishes and Wonder

The heart that recharges itself with encouragement enriches the spirit to never stop dreaming

 

     So, if you live in the south, or find yourself a northern transplant like me, you know how bad lightning can be.  Well, lightning is bad no matter where you live.  But, it can be extremely damaging in the south.  People have lost equipment, appliances, and yes, even lives.

 

     People find themselves investing in 'back-up' answers to help deter the problem.  Things like 'back-up generators' provide a recharging effect and protection for everyday life.  

 

     Thinking about the journey, something like that would be very beneficial as well.  But, what would be the 'back-up generator' for the journeyman's travels.....encouragement.  The journey is a diverse pathway paved with many different things.

 

     There will be days when it seems like the sun is shining brightly.  There will also be times when it seems like the greatest lightning storm is taking place.  So, what is this 'back-up generator'?  It is the brightest place in the heart that finds inspiration without any requirements or limitations.

 

     What are its key components to instill it and keep it strong.....faith, prayer, happiness, imagination and love.  A heart that is powerfully anchored in faith and prayer is standing firm on something genuine to believe in.  

 

     A heart that is defined by happiness and imagination knows that dreams are quite real and promise is the key.  It is the heart that always sees the best in things and takes great joy in even the smallest of blessings that most efficiently sets up the best 'back-up generator' for the journey.

 

  A heart that is filled with love always looks for and expects the beautiful component of everything.  So, as a journeyman, get your back-up generator in place.  Put on your greatest smile.  Be prepared for great things!

 

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

 

Mysterious waters are ahead!  Are you prepared?  Get your ticket stamped and get ready!  We are proceeding to the next port now!  All aboard!  Stay tuned please!

 

 

 

      

The Voyage Chronicles

A Continuing Story

of Love's Greatest Gift

Segment Six

     "So.....what......is it that you would like to tell me, Sir?"  Rick asked with an uncertain wonderment in his voice.  Two large, white folders were carefully placed before him.  Rick swallowed hard.

     "I have the answers that you have been waiting for".  The large gentleman said in a deep, impersonal tone.  Rick was motionless as he slowly tried to reach for the folders.

     "C....ontinue", he tried to say.  He didn't want to admit it, but, he was gripped with an overwhelming feeling that he just could not explain.  

PRAYER

FATHER: 

When I see the clouds filling the sky, my heart wants to walk away

But your presence gives me such peace & hope & pulls me closer to you

You give me the faith and strength to face the greatest part of each day

and always provide me the assurance that you will see me through.

I don't see the true meaning of the outcome to everything

But, you have it all oh so safely within the palm of your hands

You change my fear into the refreshment that a challenge may bring

and help me to see with your love, the promise of your future plans.

Your power is my foundation to move ahead at a good pace

and through the loudest part of the storm, I now see before me

That's when I see your anointing at work and witness your sweet face

as the most genuine restoration of myself comes to be.

GROWTH BEGINS AT THE STORMS GREATEST HEIGHT

THE PORT OF LEARNING AND TRANSFORMING

A heart that looks with the eyes of hope sees promise

 

     Can you recall times as a small child when you loved to listen to the rainstorm?  You'd lie back on your bed and listen attentively as the rain fell on the roof, dreaming of great adventure.  Perhaps you were a northern child, as I was, and not only liked the rain, but, the snow storms as well.

 

     Truthfully though, most children like the snow storms for three special reasons (bet you can almost guess one of them):  [1] you like to watch it fall, [2] those awesome snowball fights and snow men {3] the possibility of school closing.  Wait a minute... did I say that?  Yes, I said school closings.

 

     Even for those of us who loved school, the genuine excitement of hearing on the radio that your school was being closed due to inclement weather was too much to bear.  But, as adults endeavoring upon a journey, the definition of storms can be a totally different scenario.

 

     The clouds, fury, and cold of a storm can be altering at best.  Sometimes, they can become extremely rough and rugged.  But, it all comes down to two things:  perception, and observation.  Now, a storm can be perceived as an end, right?

 

     But, take a moment to consider this point.  God provided the storm to provide refreshing rain for the flowers and things to grow.  Even though it can be rough terrain with challenging and unwelcomed circumstances the same also applies.  

 

     How can you grow even more as the unique individual God wants you to be if you don't learn and develop with challenging environments and terrain?  The best option is to be a fully equipped traveler.  Three important tools are needed:  faith, hope, and love.

 

     Faith is the guiding force that propels the importance of each step.  When you know that God is in charge, a peace and comfort fill your heart.  No matter what kind of darkness may fall, there will always be genuine, eternal light.  Hope is the great promise that is found in that light.

 

     It is the knowledge that through this challenge, there will be a refreshment or restoration, building the inner person bigger, stronger, and brighter than before.  Love is the masterful gift of God

's presence that moves so genuinely in the journeyman's heart.  It is that light that fills so completely, and illuminates so perfectly that makes one a better traveler.

 

     So, when the storms come, you don't have to view it as a negative thing on your travels.  Look with the eyes of a child and the love of the Lord, and see the adventure and the wonderful promise just over the horizon.

 

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

 

OKAY.........TICKETS NOW PLEASE!  LAST CALL!!  WE ARE BOARDING QUICKLY TO AN EXCITING PORT OF CALL JUST AHEAD!  PREPARE YOUR HEART!  STAY TUNED!

 

 

 

 A Thought To Ponder

 The beauty of a positive heart is an enriched garden upon which God can plant the most promising seeds of hope. The warmth of its strength nurtures those seeds that when blessed by the love of the Father develop into unbelievable blossoms of inspiration that cannot even be imagined. It is an exquisite beauty that withstands the raindrops and the thickest of clouds to grow even more powerful and dynamic with time. But, this incredible beauty can only be facilitated if it is tendered for success with desire, faith, and will. So prepare the garden. Remember, the greatest harvest begins in the sunniest of meadows!

THE BEAUTY OF A FATHER'S HEART

THERE'S A BREATHTAKING LIGHT THAT ILLUMINATES SO PERFECTLY

MY HEART IS TRULY CAPTIVATED BY ITS WONDROUS SIGHT

IT BRIGHTENS AND FILLS ME INSIDE WITH A GIFT SO PERFECTLY

I STAND IN AWE OF ITS GRANDEUR AND MAGNIFICENT DELIGHT.

SUDDENLY, I FEEL A KINDNESS AND A GENTLENESS SO TRUE

THE WARMTH WITHIN MY HEART BEGINS TO BLOSSOM AND RICHLY GROW

THE GREATEST PART OF MY SWEET SPIRIT IS TOTALLY RENEWED

THERE IS SO MUCH MORE THAT MY DEAR HEART WANTS TO EXPLORE AND KNOW.

I SEE TWO HANDS REACHING OUT SO CLEARLY WITHIN MY MINDS EYE

AND SUDDENLY, WITH EXCITEMENT, I BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND

A FATHER'S HEART IS BEING OPENED, BUT, NOT TO MY SURPRISE

READY TO PROVIDE BLESSINGS AND LOVE AT HIS COMMAND.

FATHER, I EMBRACE ALL THAT YOU HAVE AND ARE GIVING TO ME

IT'S ESSENTIAL FOR ME TO HAVE EVERY THING WONDERFUL THAT COMES FROM YOU

I ASK THAT YOU BE MY PILOT AND PARTNER ON THIS JOURNEY

AND I KNOW, WITHOUT A DOUBT, THERE IS NOTHING WE CANNOT DO.

THERE'S NOTHING MORE SPECIAL THAN A FATHER'S HEART AND HIS GREAT LOVE

IT IS A BRILLIANT GIFT OF HOPE TO WHICH NOTHING CAN COMPARE

A WONDERFUL GIVING GIFT BESTOWED FROM HEAVEN ABOVE

BRINGING THE ASSURANCE THAT THE FATHER WILL ALWAYS BE THERE. 

Lord, you see the fragile points of my heart, so true

It looks like failures and imperfections to me

I want to make changes in all that I do

But, through the window of your eyes, you see beauty.

Sweet points of promise for the Potter's Hands to mold

Writing blueprints for something wonderful in sight

Working fervently with a perfect love untold

To create something great with an artist's strong might.

Suddenly, I see a brilliant light shining through

In faith, things begin to look much different to me

Through this special gift of hope I received from you

My failures are artistry to life's victory.

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

The Voyage Chronicles:

A Continuing Story Of Love's Greatest Gift

Segment Five

     "G...ood day, Sir."  Rick answered in a shattered and dismayed voice.  The large, skeleton like figure made several low toned sounds, as if trying to clear his voice.  Rick's attention grew even more concentrated and intense.

     "There...is much for us to discuss this... d..ay" he pronounced.  Rick could feel his spirit trying to close down.  But, he mustered up every ounce of strength that he could.  After all, a man is strong and tough.

     "O..kay" Rick slowly managed to say.  As the large figure slowly attempted to sit down, the hope and peace of Rick's heart suddenly seemed to collapse.

FAITH IS THE SEED THAT TRANSFORMS FAILURE'S GREATEST HOLD

THE PORT OF TRUST AND TRUTH

A heart that stands firmly on the trusted foundation of faith and prayer will succeed

 

     Have you ever gotten the horrible feeling that you failed?  Things that once seemed ideal by personal standards on the journey have possibly changed.  There are many factors that can be dynamic catalysts of change.  These factors may include:  life, circumstances / situations, people, and yes, even faith.

 

     The pathway of life has many paths and inroads that can facilitate change.  An example would be welcoming another birthday.  In the early years, birthdays are considered a milestone and celebration.  But, as progression happens in life, they become an annoyance.

 

     Why?  Every year is a precious and fragile gift from God.  We should be grateful for it, and count every blessing as a precious jewel of love upon our journey crown.  Why does society treat the elderly like a problem instead of an answer?  They should be revered for the beautiful blessings that they are.  

 

     Circumstances / situations arise in life where some are fortunate and some, not quite so much.  Suppose you just finished college.  But, due to a not so favorable economy, you cannot find your dream job, or for that matter, any job.  As time passes, your student loans start going into default.  What do you do?

 

     There are many ways that people can facilitate change.  The ideal example would be divorce.  But, how can faith be a facilitator?  Welcoming that perfect light of hope into your heart illuminates life anew...new man, new mission, new purpose.

 

     The main idea is no one ever said that the journey was going to be a straight road.  It is the way that the atmosphere is perceived that determines how beautifully the inner sun will shine.  There are a few ways to be assured of this.

 

     First, don't go by the perception of other people.  Secondly, be attuned directly to the perception of God and of the heart.  Just because something didn't go as planned doesn't mean it is a failure.

Keep in mind that no one is perfect.

 

     Failures are simply indentations in the mold of our lives that God can develop into something even more beautiful.  They may be challenging stepping stones in God's greater plan.  It is also a learning ground that facilitates the greater development of faith.

 

     When the heart realizes that faith and prayer are keys to the journey, it relies more strongly upon the trusted foundation.  Remember, failure as humanity sees it is simply victory's waiting room.

 

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

All aboard!  Proceeding to the next port of call!  What mysteries lie ahead?  Stay tuned!

 

PRECIOUS GIFTS

 

The beautiful light of a caring heart comes beaming through a smile so true

Presented and uniquely given to other hearts each and every day

A dedicated spirit who sees the wonder in life every moment through

Gives the precious gift of time with love to help others in many ways.

 

A devoted soul sees the power of kind words of hope given with love

A unique rose of inspiration that starts as a seed of happiness

And blooms with promise blessed by the gifts from the Father in Heaven above

To make an unbelievable difference and always do the very best.

 

 

Precious gifts uniquely given to be a great blessing for others and more

Mighty tools for life's journey that pave the way for greater things to come

It begins with a desire and a great prayer knocking at Heaven's door

Soon, the great beauty of change takes place and reveals to all it has begun.

 

 

THE VOYAGE CHRONICLES

A CONTINUING STORY OF LOVE'S GREATEST GIFT

SEGMENT FOUR

 

     Rick watched as the thin, ghostly, pale hand slowly approached him.  He looked up and grew even more horrified by the grossly thin face, and cold, vacant stare.  The eyes were widened and impersonal.  He tried to look away.  But, he knew that he couldn't be rude in any way.  He made a valiant attempt to try and raise his arm as well.

 

     Suddenly, he heard a muffled, low-toned sound.  He then heard it once again.  All at once, an extended, faint greeting filled the air.........G*o*o*d............D*A*Y.  Rick shuttered in his seat.  He always tried to be a positive person.  But, at that moment, he never felt more alone, and distant from everything in all of his days. 

A TRUSTING HEART'S PRAYER

I PLACE MYSELF INTO YOUR HANDS.....

GREAT FATHER OF GRACE AND ALL CARE

TRUSTING IN YOUR MOST PERFECT PLAN

AND KNOWING YOU'LL ALWAYS BE THERE.

 

TO HELP ME BE JUST LIKE YOU

CARING AND TRUSTING IN ALL WAYS.....

ALL THE BEST THINGS IN ALL I DO

REACHING FOR GOOD THINGS EVERY DAY.

 

RIGHT NOW, LET'S BUILD A TRUSTING HEART.....

STRIVING FOR THE BEST TO DREAM OF

BASED ON YOUR LOVE RIGHT FROM THE START

AND SO BLESSED FROM HEAVEN ABOVE.

 

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

The Terrible Toughness Of Trust

The Port Of Certainty And Belief

A heart that is grounded in pure trust has a better foundation for a successful journey

 

     Have you ever tried an old experiment when you were a child?  It was more likely a game at the time.  You stand with your back to your friend.  They'll say to you...'trust me', and you fall back, confident that they will catch you.  But, what if they don't catch you?  How do you know?  You could end up with a snoot full of dirt.

 

     One of the hardest issues to perceive is trust.  But, what exactly is trust?  Trust is the concept of placing complete, blended confidence in someone or something.  What is meant by blended confidence?  This is a combination of pure confidence and assurance.  It is the inner knowledge that someone is a reliable figure in which there is no doubt.

 

     There are two main sources of trust:  trust in a higher power, and trust in a concentrated source.  Placing trust in a higher power means not only completely believing in him, but, knowing other facts.  In other words, it is an everlasting trust.  God can never fail you or forsake you.  Whereas trust in another person or thing can still lead to imperfection or failure.

 

     Why is trust important for the journey?  It means allowing the heart to believe.  When the heart has great things to believe in, it can function more effectively.  It is important to believe in your creator and trust, knowing that he will always be there.  It is also important to place your trust in people / things on life's journey deemed important:  family, friends, acquaintances, associates, etc.

 

     What are some of the potential signs of trustworthiness?  They may include the following factors:  genuineness, character, and directness, just to name a few.  It may be hard in this day and age to trust anyone.  Remember that no one and nothing is perfect, except for God himself.  So, that is why forgiveness becomes a real part of trust.

 

     A trusting bond when built correctly on a proper foundation endures the test of time.  So, what are the keys to a trusting heart?  The first key as in most everything else is prayer.  The solid relationship with an amazing creator facilitates belief in hope, and enriches the heart with great points for the journey......like faith and trust.

 

     Other keys that might be included are:  belief, hope, happiness, peace, and love and the list could continue depending upon each individual's uniqueness.  Once that strong, trusting heart has been established, it's like turning on the center light in a lighthouse.  It is a powerful source of guidance.  

 

     So be a prayerful heart today that seeks direction.  Let that strong, trusting heart be created that envisions a powerful and success-filled journey filled with dynamic victory!

 

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

TAKE YOUR SEATS PLEASE!!  BOARDING PASSES MUST NOW BE PRESENTED!!  TICKETS!!  TICKETS!!  THE NEXT PORT OF CALL IS COMING SOON!!  STAY TUNED!

 

Love's Story

A Bystander's Prayer

I stood quietly with great compassion on that day

As the large crowd became greatly enraged all around

As he looked at me, there was nothing that I could say

I was awestruck by the love in his eyes so profound.

 

Their chants for him to be crucified gave me the chills

I could feel the sadness, and tears flow down my eyes

Why would they want to punish this man of such good will

As they mocked him and treated him so badly to my surprise.

 

They took him away and led him to a lonely hill

Where they placed a terrible crown of thorns upon his head

He did not say a word and was motionless and still

They nailed him to the cross and he said a prayer instead.

 

Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do

I stood in awe of the great love that was before me

A mighty Father who sacrificed his son, so true

So that I and others would be forgiven and free.....

 

That's a love story.....

 

The Voyage Chronicles

A Continuing Story Of Love's Greatest Gift

Segment Three

 

Rick's eyes opened wide with terror as the footsteps stopped.  He watched with great anxiety as the black curtain slowly guided over more.  Soon, a tall thin, rather pale figure stood before him.

The very essence of his presence brought chills down his back.  Rick tried to look beyond that and was alarmed by the insensitivity and coldness in his eyes.  He greatly feared the moments ahead.

There Is Power And Presentation In A God Centered Heart

The Port Of Devotion And Dedication

A heart that learns the true meaning of a bond with their Creator finds a lifeline for a dynamic journey

 

     Sometimes one of the most difficult questions for the heart to ask is why.  The journey of life is a diverse package filled with immense joy and intense challenges.  Some of those challenges, though simple in nature, might be clarified by the inner reasoning of the heart.

 

     But, the genuine ability to comprehend others of a more obscure nature may be difficult.  So, what steps can a journeyman's heart take?  There is power and presentation in becoming a God-centered heart.  Let's look at both issues of this statement.  First, a God-centered heart has great power for a few reasons:  {1} it is firmly in the hands of a dynamic creator who knows all, controls all, sees all and provides all, {2}  it believes in that power and the bond that rests within it.

 

     That power is propelled by an amazing love.  Just think about the essence of this perfect and amazing love.  There is a mighty Father who sacrifices his only beloved Son at Calvary so that there might be forgiveness in its greatest form.  Think about the statement with great intensity for a moment.  Do you know of anyone who would even think of making such a sacrifice?  The answer is no.

 

     So a heart that reaches out for its creator with the desire to become God-centered makes the best decision possible.  This means becoming devoted and dedicated to living for him.  This is in no way a restriction by any means.  It is a move of great intelligence and wisdom.  It opens up a whole new world of promise and success.

 

     It is a chance to grow in that bond, and through the second part of our statement...presentation, become a light of promise for others.  So, how does a journeyman obtain a God-centered heart?  It is really very simple.  Just pledge it to an awesome creator and ask him to fill it with his power and presence.

 

     Prayer then becomes a conversational connector between two hearts for one common goal.  It is a lifeline that gives the journeyman a plan.  So, on this Easter weekend and always, give thanks for that amazing love.  Always remember how truly blessed you are to make it the highlight and center of your journey.

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

 

OK.........WE ARE PROCEEDING TO THE NEXT PORT OF CALL!  TICKETS PRESENTED NOW PLEASE!  BE PREPARED AND STAY TUNED!