Mary's Heartbeats

Steal away my heart . . . Lord, My Jazzy girl is gone. She came  so unexpectedly, so suddenly And brought me so much joy. I sense her presence still around me. I see her shadows near my bed, or on the leather couch.  I see her sleeping soundly on her pillow  in our family room. I hug her empty blankets, breathing in her furry scent,  I almost feel like I am hugging her when I shut my eyes. I knew she was an older dog, But she captured me with so much love, That I thought we'd had finally beat the reality of time.  Steal away my heart  . . . Lord, My Jazzy girl is gone. Why am I so enamored with Your canine creatures? Each one has grabbed and held my heart. Jasmine followed like the others,  Faithful, loyal and true. She held me in my times of fear and darkness, She welcomed my arms around her as I buried myself in her neck. She greeted every day with energy for walks, And joyou...

      You Lord are my Shepherd, the good Keeper of my soul. The only One who always provides my good. You give me peace in Your abundance. In stillness I find rest in You. You alone nourish healing in my inner being.  You point me in the right direction, for You have already walked before me. I don't need to be afraid. Why?  Because I am not alone, You are ever here, ever present, now with me.   You alone are my Protector, El Shaddai , my God Almighty,   And I take comfort in that fact. I find nourishment in Your provision,  Even when I'm surrounded by those who wish me harm. You soothe my inner  wounds and hurts. My transformation from You saturates my soul, And pulses forth from every pore of my being. Certainly, without a doubt, Your goodness and mercy is ever with me, Every moment of my life. Why?  For I am eternally Yours!