THE WALK IN THE MIDST OF THE FALLING RAIN

Take a walk with Me by the side of this ocean.
Gaze upon the rippling waves with the ocean's
spraying forth the whole Word in their spray.

The walk in the midst of the falling rain.

Dear Lord, What is it like to walk in the falling
rain with You?

There is a time to seek shelter.
And, then, there is a time to move out with
abandon to go forth in the rain.

In times of the down pour, sprinkling seems like a relief.
The down pour brings with it the soaking to the bone.

Clothes stick to your body.
Hair sticks to your body.
Raindrops refuse to let go of you.

All the while, you know there is a shelter from the
storms of life.

And, all the while, you seem unable to reach that shelter
in time to not get drenched.

That would be true, if you did not have the One who
covers your being, totally.

So, when it pours, LET IT!

When the rains refuse to cease,
And the sun hides behind the clouds.
And when the evening would --
Oh would -- bring no relief to the day.
Come unto Me, saith the Lord!
And I will cover you in the shelter of
My arms.

Wet and worn from the stormy day.
Comforted in the midst of down pouring rain.
And, in that very moment --

The rain disappears.
The skin is dry once more.
The hair is back in place.
The warm sun shines on into the night
And moves aside the cold light of the moon.

And, in those worst of times?
Would you like to know why?
Yes, Lord. Please tell me why that is.

Well, My darling daughter!
That is because I had the sun within the palm
of one hand and I held you in the other.

And, when I put both hands together
The sun enveloped you fully.
And all of the artificial light took on new life
And carried you along in the streams of a
brand new formed day just for you.

Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.

Well, My child, carry the light where you go
and rest in it when the rains begin to pour.
And fret no more.

For it is all in My hands.
And you are, too.

/signed
Your Heavenly Father, Jesus.


Copyright (c) 2007 Rev. Lainie Dowell.
The Mountainside Ministries. All rights reserved worldwide.

FOLLOW ME ALL THE WAY HOME

Follow Me home in the crest of the wave
where the eb and flow goes to the undersea
cave

Follow Me home in the bend of the road
where the highway curves and takes up your
heavy load

Follow Me home in the salty sea air
where the mist from the River clings to the blue sky
everywhere

Follow Me home in the rugged hill
where the clouds drift near to the quiet peak
and lie peaceful and still

Follow Me home in the dead of night
where the darkness gives way to
My brightest bright light


Copyright (c) 2007 Rev. Lainie Dowell.
The Mountainside Ministries. All rights reserved worldwide.

MINT GREEN WHISPERS OF SUMMER AIR

Mint green whispers of summer air fill the spaces that left
me a long time ago with the winter winds.

And, when my ear turned to listen to the whispering breezes,
a kiss lightly touched my lobe and moved swiftly along.

Before it left, where it landed, there remained the imprint
of summer branches before fall.

Melancholia draped the air all around me where once
summer leaves were hanging there.

Mint green whispers of summer air, please come to me
again, when the trees are bare.

Have you gotten to the point when a sniff in the air and a
breeze brushed by almost unnoticed - not just any old
breeze, but one with a special whiff?!

And has it ever taken you back to a place in time that you
had forgotten ever existed?

Like in childhood?
And as in school days?
To a time when life was forward looking and filled
with wondering about what life would bring
and how long it would take to receive it?


Copyright (c) 2007 Rev. Lainie Dowell.
The Mountainside Ministries. All rights reserved worldwide.

GO TO THE WIND AND LISTEN

Go to the Wind and listen, for if you listen there,
the breath of the forest shall speak with you
and he shall whisper all the lost echoes of
days long past, when trees were lush and green
and the leaves refused to fall until the earth
called up to them --- It is time

Once again time and season both respond --

Yes, Fall leaves
make way for new growth
for time awaits
and season changes its ways
and the trees creak and groan
and fall asleep until the sun
returns to its place once more
in time

How lovely the ocean waves and
peacefully wanders through endless
valleys and vales where rivers and streams
converge and lakes emerge anew

All without so much as a ripple in
the timeless days of wonder

And, in awe, fulfillment of promises
made long ago at the edge of life
begin to take shape and come forth

The breath of the forest knows
oh how well each creature that
scampers and scurries about on
its way upon the mossy banks
and scale the mountain that
overlooks all of it even spread out
across distant lands full of high
boulders and hidden places


Copyright (c) 2007 Rev. Lainie Dowell
The Mountainside Ministries. All rights reserved worldwide.

WHISPERING SOFTLY

A Whisper is as soft as a feather floating along on the wings of a dove.

A Whisper is as inaudible as a breath that is quietly slipping away.

A Whisper is as gentle as a breeze swaying on a bright summer's day.

A Whisper is as calm as a leaf rustling on a tree beneath the Fall sky.

A Whisper is as heartfelt as a newborn hand touching your breast.

A Whisper is as smooth as river rock peeking through a babbling brook.

A Whisper is as intimate as a bird nestling on top of a lonely branch.

A Whisper is as intense as a flame glowing from the sunshine.

A Whisper is as peaceful as sailing along on a silent ocean.

A Whisper is as loud as your aching heart can believe.

A Whisper is as quiet as a snowfall in the middle of the night.

A Whisper is as strong as a thousand oaks that stretch to heaven.

A Whisper is as silent as a cat stalking its unsuspecting prey.

A Whisper is as sacred as the heart that knows you best of all.

Copyright (c) 2007 Rev. Lainie Dowell. The Mountainside Ministries.
All rights reserved worldwide.

I WILL LOOK FOR YOU

I will point out the footprints
pressed down in the winter snow.
And I will ask the stars that come out at night
to tell me which way to go.

I will look for You beside the footprints
pressed down in the winter snow.

I will look up at the moon light
glowing through the trees.
I will look up at the beauteous leaves
and watch them as they fall.
And listen as they touch the earth
to hear each name they call.

I will search for You among
the golden leaves of Fall.

I will look for You by the oceanside
and listen to each eb and flow of the tide
wherein they shall surge forth.
Surely, the tide would let me know.
Shall I travel north?

I will wait for You there
along the sands of time.

I will whisper for You in the
silence of my soul
and listen to hear Your answer
to my spirit --

Behold.

I will reach for You even as
the sunlight hides its face.
And I will come sit by You
at Your majestic Throne of grace.

And ---

When this earthly realm
can no longer speak to me,
then I will look for You, oh Lord,
my comforter still to be.


Copyright (c) 2007 By Rev. Lainie Dowell.
The Mountainside Ministries. All rights reserved worldwide.

DRIFTING WHISPERS

Lord, What is a whisper?

The whisper is a sound.
At the moment you hear it and turn to look around
it is all too late
for that sound has moved on into the air.

Would you like to hear it?
Yes, Lord!

The moment the whisper has reached your ear,
it's job is done.

It tugs at your heart like a little child tugs
at your skirttails.

It takes hold and won't let go until you take it up
to your breast and hold it close.

It is where your ears meet up with My mouth.
In that moment.
In that one moment.
In that precious moment is when we meet in
Spirit and commune one with another.

Then ---

Forever the sound of a whisper drifts into your mind
and releases a sound in season
forever.

Then ---

We, We, We, Meet in the moment
where whispers drift.


Copyright (c) 2007. Rev. Lainie Dowell.
The Mountainside Ministries. All rights reserved worldwide.

Do Not Speak to Me On a Cloudy Day

Do not speak to me on a cloudy day
for it shall ne'er suffice
Tis when the sun goes away
I long for Paradise

Do not engage me in small talk
for such flowing words I shall but dismiss
My soul hungers all the more to walk
and talk with the One who speaks bliss

Do not ramble on in my hearing so
for it only reaches my head
when all the time my soul cries out
reach inside and touch my heart instead

Do not clothe me with gilded-lily terms
for tis then I feel unclothed and
my nakedness becomes most profound
when my spirit for His Spirit yearns

Do not speak to me on a cloudy day
for I cannot hear a word that you say
Rather bring to me your silence
clasp my hand as you pass my way

Do not your voice employ
for no words shall e'er lift up my soul
beyond this cloudless day

Save -----

the heartfelt melodious tomes
the precious spirited verse
the sweet savor of bright sunshine
the lily and the rose
the lamb and the blood
Calvary
O my soul would be lost

For tis that voice of voices
my soul longs to hear
so far beyond the veil
on a cloudy day

There where the sunshine
hides its face in shame
There where the Son of God is
the Voice of voices speaks my name

Copyright (c) 2007 Rev. Lainie Dowell
The Mountainside Ministries. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Snowfall of God in the Earth

Lord? How does the snow falling to the earth sound?

In the earth, cold crystals descend from above the earth.
The weather is a symbol for the way the Lord Jesus will come.

In the summertime -- The weather is so hot.
In the springtime -- The weather is moderate.
In the autumn -- The weather is so beautiful.
In the wintertime -- Frosty weather calls forth the other
effects of the cold.

Then there is never any doubt that God has provided every
contingency to meet our needs.

Then it would be evident that man must have shelter,
and the shelter must be strong.

The stronger that shelter --
The firmer you would be sustained against every element
whether hot, warm, or cold.

In the time of the Lord's return, no one knows the forecast
but the Father in Heaven.

Oh but when He speaks to call it forth --
The Lord shall break through whatever that may be.

Fog, drizzle, hazy, wet, dry, damp, hurricane, tornado,
and even cold snow.

For, when He appears --
Every windy gale shall move aside.
Every hardened --
Every month of the year shall become one.
Every day and every hour shall become one in
the same instant.

And, in the time of the snowfall.
And, in the time of the snowfall.
And in the time of the snowfall.

There and then.
Then and there would it be ---

So fluffy.
So light.
So --- snow.
So shall it snow.
So shall it be.

Copyright (c) 2007 Rev. Lainie Dowell.
The Mountainside Ministries. All rights reserved worldwide.

Morning Dreams Give Way to a Visitation From the Lord God

Lord?
When words are inadequate, how do I express my deep love
for you that is deeper than all the loves you have placed in my life?

That question is not with a reply.
That question is not without a reply.

There are answers that are not known to human hearts.
The language of God is known only to that heart that seeks God
and listens for His voice.

Then whenever the call is heard in God's ear --
It is translated by Spirit.

That translation is within the realm of Spirit, but is unknown to
the best proficient linguist on earth.

The language of God's love is without any comparison.
The Master of all knows the heart of all.
The heart that searches after God's heart shall find it.
The heart after God's own heart is without any passiveness.

That means that heart leaves no time between seeking
receiving of God's own heart.

That heart is aggressively searching after God.

It leaves no stone unturned to get to Him.
It uncovers every leaf.
It uncovers every stone.

It uncovers every encumbrance and sin that would keep
God's Spirit from touching them and placing in them all
of His love.

If God has, with all of His power, placed it in your heart to love,
Then that is the beginning of your placing that love in the
petition to God.

And all of the love of God will meet up with that love.
And it would leave you speechless.

There would be no words to express what is inexpressible.
But, it is God alone who translates and responds to that
overwhelming love that overtakes your heart and
encompasses your mind and blocks out all knowledge
of words either human or spiritual.

Copyright (c) 2007 Rev. Lainie Dowell.
The Mountainside Ministries. All rights reserved worldwide.

Solitude in Sunshine and Moonlight

If I could make the sun that shines come down and rest here
in my hand, Lord, who would understand?

Would any take notice that the brilliance glowing from my eye
had taken leave and left the sky?

Would any know that God had abundantly shined forth his rays
on such a wretch as I?

Would the moon take delight and forget to shine all
through the pitch black night?

Dare I call forth angelic hosts from heaven and intercept
them in their flight?

Would that the earth call to the mountain to slide into the sea
and leave room enough for all mankind to watch as there I cleave.

Oh, heavenly host upon that mount from where I entered therein,
Caused my soul to turn away from this old world of woe and sin.

For, I shall return that sun to shine and that moon to glow
with eternal joy and thankfulness to Him who loved me so.

Call the sun to move in space before daylight appears
and come down to keep me safe from all my doubts and fears.

Would the Shepherd of my soul so long for all my tears
not look over and be the everlasting comfort of these
my weary years?

To lift my heart from the dungeon's door and rest my soul
by mercy's shore

With eternal joy and peace inside His heart therein
shall my soul abide.


Copyright (c) 2007 Rev. Lainie Dowell
The Mountainside Ministries. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Leaves of Seasons Past

Springtime
Leaves from
Fall
Fell like a flock of geese
Across the air

Together
They soared in one direction
And took along with them
My eyes

For I see them
Still

Waiting I suppose for
Summertime
To call for them to follow
Where the Wind blows
Until

Wintertime
Calls for them to
Meet up with falling
Snow


Copyright (c) 2010. Rev. Lainie Dowell.
The Mountainside Ministries. All rights reserved worldwide.
Received Sunday, March 21, 2010, 2:00 p.m.

The Lord's Solitude Is Good

Sometimes you can't tell a rabbit from a hare.
Sometimes you can't tell a turtle from a tortoise.
But, you can always tell a sheep from a goat.


Very telling is it not?

How red and white and black and yellow
have not yet learned to come together as
a community, but they can all rush to
assemble as a mob?

If I close my mind and open my eyes,
I will still be blind and not see.

Norms have a way of settling what is
and what is not appropriate for a society,
which claims to be civilized.


If I close my mind and open my mouth,
I will still be unable to utter a
sound statement.

Am I imprisoned by my own skin?
Locked into the confines of the past?
Pressed by today?
Pushed by yesterday?
Pulled by tomorrow?

Lord? Must breakout wait for yet another day?

Copyright (c) 2010 By Rev. Lainie Dowell.
The Mountainside Ministries. All rights reserved worldwide.
Received Saturday, January 16, 2010, 2:41 p.m.

Underneath the Bridge Lies the Secrets of Life

Where there is a clear path,
the future looms ahead.
Where there is a muddled path,
the past has caught up with you
and overtaken you.

How can you say there is no path,
when your steps have not yet met
the walkway?

Underneath the bridge lies the
secrets of life.

But you have to stoop low enough
to cross underneath without letting
your chin touch the ground.


Sparks ignite.
Days are bright.
What a sight.
God's sheer delight.


Copyright (c) 2009 by Rev. Lainie Dowell
The Mountainside Ministries. All rights reserved worldwide.
Received Wednesday, December 21, 2009, 5:00 a.m.

Drifting Clouds Make Me Smile Wide

Frankly, they are so beautiful, the clouds.

When I catch a glimpse of their whiteness
skipping above the clear blueness of the sky,
drifting clouds make me smile wide,
whenever I see them pass by.


Jesus, please leave room for me by you
so that I might sit there
and weep, too.

For this road I trod has gone far ahead,
and the climb is oh so steep.
And, if I remain on the go,
this world's fate I will also reap.

Why should we have memories,
when we forget to remember?

Drag out the broom and sweep out this room.
And, then, put the broom far away.
For the room is no more --
And we must not stay.

Gone to wash off the soot and grime.
But, look for me when I come back
again in time.

Gather up these remains from yesterday
and gently tuck them safely away.
Those who are about to come along
will need us all one day.

Past the edges of time just beyond my window sill,
this aged woman strode by me.
I saw her from out of the corner of my eye,
but me she could not see.

She was looking through my eyes.
For, sad to say, I was she, you see.

Copyright (c) 2010. By Rev. Lainie Dowell.
The Mountainside Ministries. All rights reserved worldwide.
Received January 2, 2010, 5:54 a.m.

The Rose Had A Thorn

Silent Whisperings . . . .

The girl had a rose.

It came from a lover.

He lived down the lane.

But, when He came to town,

He stopped to buy a rose.

One rose for one girl, the lover had with him.

And there in His hand, He came with one rose

again.

The rose had a thorn.

But it was not sharp.

The edge was blunt.

It did no harm.

No blood was shed.

All He had was the rose with a thorn.

All she had was the rose when He was gone.

And, when He left, was when the One thorn

pricked her breast.

Copyright (c) 2010. By Rev. Lainie Dowell.

The Mountainside Ministries. All rights reserved worldwide.

Received Sunday, January 2, 2010, 5:53 a.m.