tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62072311873137085972024-03-05T20:20:21.337-05:00Strength in Quietness<small>...thoughts from a heart set free by quiet confidence in her heavenly Father's unfailing love...</small>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-10758372109320314252011-12-22T22:27:00.000-05:002011-12-22T22:27:19.700-05:00Secure<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i>The LORD will fulfill his <b>purpose</b> for me;</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i>your steadfast love, O LORD, endures<b> </b>forever.</i></div>
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<i><br />
</i></div>
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<i>You hem me in, behind and before,</i></div>
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<i>and lay your hand upon me.</i></div>
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</i></div>
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<i>Even the darkness is not dark to you,</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i>for darkness is as <b>light</b> with you.</i></div>
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</i></div>
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<i>In your book were written the days that were formed for me,</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i>when as yet there was none of them.</i></div>
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<i><br />
</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i>~From Psalm 138-139</i></div>
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You are not here by accident.</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Your existence, this season of life, these circumstances--none of it is by chance. God is the author of your story. You have been placed right where you need to be. </div>
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Maybe you have a lot of questions. The stress and pain in your life is about to overwhelm you. Your fears once again are getting the best of you. You are crushed under the sting of rejection or abandonment. You are tired of struggling on. Perhaps you want to give up. </div>
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Run to Jesus. He loves you more than life itself. He wants to hold you close, "hem you in," and keep you safe. He can see, even when you can't. </div>
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<br />
He is overwhelmingly good. He has promised to make everything work out for good for those who love Him. He is completely trustworthy. He is absolutely able to do as He has promised. <br />
<br />
Hang on. He's not finished. If it's not good yet, it's not the end yet!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-43728621556023484652011-07-05T01:50:00.000-04:002011-07-05T01:50:29.526-04:00A Touch of His Hand<div style="text-align: center;"><i>“He laid His right hand on me . . .”<span style="font-size: xx-small;">1</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><br />
In the midst of the awesomeness, </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>a touch comes, </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>and you</i> know <i>it is the right hand of Jesus Christ. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRoA56ve9tuTe5kPMlz1FA3nyYYtIkFQciqAc3OXo_5Bg978eGximqTBpDFd0RnrfiIMyvl8l9S39NbeMYUqFky6t_LWuq-GGGPD79xIK8eJZ9-Vlkx3rx9ZLA_noyfL-_yAaw8hb2x0/s1600/hands+touching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRoA56ve9tuTe5kPMlz1FA3nyYYtIkFQciqAc3OXo_5Bg978eGximqTBpDFd0RnrfiIMyvl8l9S39NbeMYUqFky6t_LWuq-GGGPD79xIK8eJZ9-Vlkx3rx9ZLA_noyfL-_yAaw8hb2x0/s320/hands+touching.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
You know it is not the hand of restraint, </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>correction, </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>nor chastisement, </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>but the right hand of the Everlasting Father. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
Whenever His hand is laid upon you, </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>it gives</i> inexpressible peace <i> </i><br />
<i>and comfort, </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> and the sense that </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>“underneath are the everlasting arms,”<span style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;">full of support,</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b style="font-weight: normal;"> provision, </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b style="font-weight: normal;">comfort, </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b style="font-weight: normal;">and strength.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b style="font-weight: normal;"> </b><br />
</i>And <b>once His touch comes, </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>nothing at all can throw you into fear again. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
In the midst of all His ascended glory, </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>the Lord Jesus comes </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>to speak to an insignificant disciple, saying,<b style="font-weight: normal;"> </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b style="font-weight: normal;">“Do not be afraid.”<span style="font-size: xx-small;">3</span></b></i><b style="font-weight: normal;"><i> </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-weight: normal;">His tenderness is inexpressibly sweet. <i>"</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">—Oswald Chambers, <b style="font-weight: normal;"><i>"</i></b>My Utmost for His Highest" </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>1 (Rev. 1:17) , 2 </i><i>(Deut. 33:27), 3 (</i><i>Rev. 1:17)</i></span></div>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-68423314669358326712011-03-12T00:04:00.001-05:002011-03-12T00:08:23.646-05:00Little blessings<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0jSDGB2hqe6NcF5a6bPu_MIiu2fNwqTruwO8oudh7ADtdAUSFW90NcPhn4riSjIUCNZCLu9IGwk7pId7f1mN995VSnt4-_Wx8RCDchx3iz_Lc8AKNmsLo7DdiaVmC4HCQOZdUaM7CPU/s1600/IMG_7912-rt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0jSDGB2hqe6NcF5a6bPu_MIiu2fNwqTruwO8oudh7ADtdAUSFW90NcPhn4riSjIUCNZCLu9IGwk7pId7f1mN995VSnt4-_Wx8RCDchx3iz_Lc8AKNmsLo7DdiaVmC4HCQOZdUaM7CPU/s320/IMG_7912-rt.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little sister with me - Fall '10</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sometimes you pray for God's blessings, for things you need, but overlook the obvious blessings right under your nose.<br />
<br />
I've been concerned about some things lately and praying for God's provision. But tonight, He sent me a small Reminder to not worry about tomorrow, but instead to appreciate the beauty of today.<br />
<br />
In the form of a little girl's plea, "Rissa, can you read me the Bible tonight?"<br />
<br />
You see, if I'm around when my sister Elise is going to bed, I'll often read her to sleep, usually from the Bible, because, "Rissa, you make it interesting and exciting! <br />
<br />
Tonight she snuggled into my shoulder as I read from Psalm 139, "<i>You hem me in, behind and before, and lay Your hand upon me</i>."<br />
<br />
"Do you know what a hem is?" I asked her. <br />
<br />
When she replied yes, I explained, "See, a hem keeps the fabric from being frayed and ripped. Something like that, God hems us in and holds us, so that we're safe from being ruined and torn apart. He protects us."<br />
<br />
Her eyes lit up in her signature way and her smile widened. "That's so cool!"<br />
<br />
We talked and snuggled for a little while longer, when she stopped and looked at me, stroking my cheek. "Rissa, has anybody told you you're beautiful?" <br />
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I smiled and felt my eyes tear up. "Thank you, darling."<br />
<br />
I had just showered so my hair was an unruly mop of drying curls, no makeup or anything. I didn't feel all that lovely. <br />
<br />
But in taking time to love her, to give her my undivided attention, to share Jesus' love for her, with her... <i>I wasn't even thinking of my looks. </i><br />
<br />
The Apostle Peter said that a gentle and quiet spirit was how the holy women of the past used to make themselves beautiful.<br />
<br />
Not necessarily by spending extra time on her appearance. Not by having everything in life under control. Not by doing more, being more, spending more on herself.<br />
<br />
No, her beauty lay in her gentle, quiet attitude. Her trust in God's safekeeping leaves her free to give of herself to love and serve others.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, in my preoccupation with my own agenda and modern efforts toward making myself beautiful and successful, I forget it, but...<br />
<br />
Perhaps the old-fashioned method is still the most effective.Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-86653960327669963482011-03-08T14:40:00.000-05:002011-03-08T14:40:51.664-05:00Of plans, hope and loveI was encouraged reading this post over on <a href="http://ylcf.org/">YLCF</a> recently, and I hope it might be a blessing to you, too!<br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>Trust that [God's] plans are always good and filled with hope. </i></blockquote><blockquote><i>Trust Him. He is good. His love endures forever. </i></blockquote><blockquote><i>On the days where the father of lies whispers that you’re unlovable, undesirable, an unworthy failure, may you understand that he is the condemned liar.</i> </blockquote><blockquote><i>He wants to deceive you into thinking that the Giver of all good things cannot be trusted just because you do not have a husband or a family.</i> </blockquote><blockquote><i>Don’t believe the lie.</i> </blockquote><blockquote><i>Remember—he’s condemned and defeated by the Jesus Who chose you.</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">—Nicole Merchant </div></blockquote><blockquote>(Read the rest of the post: <a href="http://ylcf.org/2011/02/dear-single-sisters/">"Dear Single Sisters" @ YLCF</a> ) </blockquote>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-60828859647985553132011-02-26T20:26:00.002-05:002011-02-26T20:27:52.176-05:00Expressing Worship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqDmfWsOeuwTwT_tc-JeyKfuyPGcOo0_t1tsVHkHiXrx8E4JVXKQa4txq5uiEaYhMnZXlXP5SkDQa1K7rYLnH3f8Uf5Rckz4xZ1yzYPVeeMzD47RVnker8AQ2XjVr557UF5HkMDzibzQ/s1600/3infield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqDmfWsOeuwTwT_tc-JeyKfuyPGcOo0_t1tsVHkHiXrx8E4JVXKQa4txq5uiEaYhMnZXlXP5SkDQa1K7rYLnH3f8Uf5Rckz4xZ1yzYPVeeMzD47RVnker8AQ2XjVr557UF5HkMDzibzQ/s400/3infield.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Sometimes I wish I knew how to dance.<br />
<br />
Not that I'm especially graceful, but there are times when I feel like I need another way of expressing my heart.<br />
<br />
When I want to sing along to worship music but have had a cold and lost my voice.<br />
<br />
When my heart is overflowing with emotion and voice alone will not express it.<br />
<br />
When my limited piano skills are inadequate.<br />
<br />
But… <i>I can raise my hands</i> to my Maker and lift up my voice in praise.<br />
<i> </i><br />
<i>I can move my feet</i> in worship anytime I run errands and help others.<br />
<br />
<i>I can stretch out my hands</i> to the needy or embrace with compassion those hurting.<br />
<br />
This is all worship.<br />
<br />
All of this can give a voice to my thankfulness. <br />
<br />
And you know what?<br />
<br />
I bet God's enjoying it, too.Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-62680023655608372082011-02-17T00:35:00.001-05:002011-02-17T00:36:23.786-05:00Never Dropped You Once<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqeMP-DafROjaLyieHywqsZhUK9mpA954A62Rye9HDbp7T-Dxh1Mb-OD6pTj6UQOKLuHIWO5wkhTpvOzpNqSxMI97CBSmNATUXCGM14UcgD1rkY1b7FMuIAfnkTFBYm3vsw4G400ypHI/s1600/swinging-child.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqeMP-DafROjaLyieHywqsZhUK9mpA954A62Rye9HDbp7T-Dxh1Mb-OD6pTj6UQOKLuHIWO5wkhTpvOzpNqSxMI97CBSmNATUXCGM14UcgD1rkY1b7FMuIAfnkTFBYm3vsw4G400ypHI/s400/swinging-child.jpg" width="265" /></a>Did you ever play on the swing as a kid?<br />
<br />
Higher and higher you'd go, closing your eyes and grinning as the wind swept across your face, when you heard a voice in front of you, calling your name.<br />
<br />
It was your daddy. "Jump," he'd beckon, holding out his arms. "I'll catch you."<br />
<br />
There was never a question of whether he would<i>.</i><br />
<br />
It was safe to let go of the ropes with daddy waiting there, safe to jump when he called, <br />
<br />
<i>I'll catch you.</i><br />
<br />
It was perfect security, knowing daddy loved you, that he'd never once dropped you.<br />
<br />
Not once.<br />
<br />
<br />
A few years have passed since then. You're all grown up now, trying to make decisions, maybe kind of worried. Then you hear a voice calling.<br />
<br />
It's your Father. "Jump. I'll catch you."<br />
<br />
His arms are up to the challenge. He's strong, and He's had a lot of practice. When He calls to you, telling you to jump, you can trust Him.<br />
<br />
He will catch you.<br />
<br />
After all, <i>He loves you</i>.<br />
<br />
<b>And He's never dropped you once.</b>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-57456694888077935762011-02-02T00:59:00.012-05:002011-02-02T01:12:13.037-05:00Filtered Through Fingers of Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Joy, peace, and stability come from believing</span></div></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that every circumstance that touches our lives </span></div></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">has first been filtered through His fingers of love </span></div></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and is part of a great, eternal plan </span></div></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that He is working out in this world and in our lives.”</span></div></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 18.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 10.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">—Nancy Leigh DeMoss, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lies Women Believe</span></i></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDk6yphwHQPGMJHP02YkHLlI4GCp3UN5jwSF7uYZtfDo1WF0wt42m3clWhXzhj6TFQ44VebRCB-A9taRHDSC2BSMv-0OpbIa2xrZAKUkmmCkThQYULwiPc8eXjBCazNf-XlXmohjmFoQ/s1600/old-hands-bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDk6yphwHQPGMJHP02YkHLlI4GCp3UN5jwSF7uYZtfDo1WF0wt42m3clWhXzhj6TFQ44VebRCB-A9taRHDSC2BSMv-0OpbIa2xrZAKUkmmCkThQYULwiPc8eXjBCazNf-XlXmohjmFoQ/s400/old-hands-bible.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i></i><br />
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<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Whoever would draw near to God </i><i><b>must</b> believe</i><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>that He </i><b><i>rewards</i></b><i> those who seek Him</i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">~From Hebrews 11:6</span></i></div>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-40507975532621165812011-01-20T00:06:00.004-05:002011-01-20T00:11:09.857-05:00Faith, Questions & 2010This past year began with a lot of questions. It's been a year with seemingly no rhyme or reason, settling in at church and work, comfortable in who I am, while at the same time being asked to step out with faith in some ways that honestly scare me.<br />
<br />
It's been a year of ups and downs, with time flying by sometimes, and other times dragging on, feeling like life will go on the same way forever. It's offered me a lot of decisions. Held a few awesome road trips, a bunch of great friends and plenty of new experiences.<strong> </strong><br />
<br />
It's been a good year.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs752.ash1/164328_10150122090950420_558380419_8193591_6674208_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" class="img" src="http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs752.ash1/164328_10150122090950420_558380419_8193591_6674208_a.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas time '10<br />
with my best friend and sister</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Learning to worship God with all that I am, just because He is worthy, is an incredible experience. Praising Him just because I know He is awesomely faithful, whether everything seems to be going my way or not. Because I have tasted and seen that He is good. Seen Him provide time and again. Witnessed the amazing ways He takes what seems hopelessly broken and fashions something beautiful beyond imagination. Watched disappointments often turn out to be wiser answers to my prayers than my dreams ever were.<br />
<br />
Some answers I'm still waiting on. But if I've come away from 2010 with nothing else, I know this: My God is greater than fear, pain or obstacles. Greater than my plans and dreams.<br />
<br />
He is the Master Designer, who will fulfill His purposes for my life. He loves through every season of doubt or failure. Gives peace for today and brilliant hope for tomorrow. He doesn't give up on me.<br />
<br />
I've mulled over this quote a lot, because it captures my thoughts better than I can:<br />
<blockquote><strong>“I am so flawed that Jesus had to die for me, yet I am so loved and valued that Jesus was glad to die for me. This leads to deep humility and deep confidence at the same time.”</strong> -Timothy Keller, <em>The Reason For God</em></blockquote>I don't want to waste this Love, or keep it all to myself. I want to place the kind of value on each person that Jesus does, to not give up on them. I want to make a difference, to pass His love on. I don't want to live a little life. And I don't want to love just a little, either. After all, my God loved with everything He had, everything He was. Whether it was well-received or spat back in His face. He loved anyway.<br />
<br />
That is what I want to do. These are my ambitions for the new year.<br />
<br />
To know my God better. To learn to really love others. To step out of my "boat" when Jesus calls, "Come." Even when I'm scared to cross the sea in front of me. I know Who called me and that He won't let me drown.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbf9It0Pf4Igt-idsyxAUWjoppxw3kMnQuDiCOeOXUTsrHEQWAKwGACDH9cP6HnauUmOHsfxFV_KJJfPApnYFTCnA7EHrq4rrQBKE9ZXKSeGcgxBrhrW-1Ad3hr1SzCd2hmSZ6BU6TZk/s1600/father%2526child-stormywaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbf9It0Pf4Igt-idsyxAUWjoppxw3kMnQuDiCOeOXUTsrHEQWAKwGACDH9cP6HnauUmOHsfxFV_KJJfPApnYFTCnA7EHrq4rrQBKE9ZXKSeGcgxBrhrW-1Ad3hr1SzCd2hmSZ6BU6TZk/s400/father%2526child-stormywaves.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I've still got questions. Lots of them. But I know God is piecing together this puzzle into a spectacular masterpiece, and I'm really excited to see what He's going to do in 2011!<br />
<br />
Chris Tomlin's "Our God" would have to be my summary song of 2010.<br />
<blockquote>Water You turned into wine<br />
Opened the eyes of the blind<br />
There's no one like You<br />
None like You<br />
Into the darkness You shine<br />
Out of the ashes we rise<br />
There's no one like You<br />
None like You<br />
<br />
Our God is greater, our God is stronger<br />
God, You are higher than any other<br />
Our God is Healer, awesome in power<br />
Our God, Our God<br />
<br />
And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us<br />
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?</blockquote>Nothing is greater than my God.<br />
<br />
This is the God that goes ahead into this year.Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-90415565717892623152010-10-25T23:35:00.000-04:002010-10-25T23:35:02.244-04:00When Life is a Question MarkI have an awful lot of questions.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZ_gQ5Ti_41KR4hYZZsei95covogPhYkZE-GkWnPjo4sETpAmY2uX-qes8sZf3cTpXzo0TCH83St_NJtxAMT0sbtRnw51Vbio4OrStRfooi4VSrWUVkohQ2aNQXOBYulBZQvRnRXB_18/s1600/IMG_7893-rt-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZ_gQ5Ti_41KR4hYZZsei95covogPhYkZE-GkWnPjo4sETpAmY2uX-qes8sZf3cTpXzo0TCH83St_NJtxAMT0sbtRnw51Vbio4OrStRfooi4VSrWUVkohQ2aNQXOBYulBZQvRnRXB_18/s400/IMG_7893-rt-crop.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Me in Thornbury, ON, Fall 2010. Photography by Melody Whitney.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I may not have always asked them out loud, for fear of sounding silly, but for as long as I can remember I've looked at everyday objects, wondered who invented it and how they thought it up. I look at a word and am curious as to how it came to be. When told of God's love, I try to comprehend how could He really see me as blemish-free, and love me not conditioned on my performance. At times, I dare myself, for a split second, to prove whether laws of gravity and physics actually hold true in every case, but my fortunately my brain (or maybe just my self-preservation instinct) kicks in rather swiftly and I disregard the foolish notions.<br />
<br />
My sisters have looked at me strange if I would dare to voice my questions out loud. "Wow, you have a strange mind. Where do you come up with these thoughts? It's how it is, so I don't even think about it."<br />
<br />
So, most of the time I keep my questions locked inside my head, or silently turn to Google or dictionary.com for answers.<br />
<br />
But... *gasp* Google isn't providing the answers to all my questions these days!<br />
<br />
<i><b>What should I be doing with my life? </b></i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Should I go to college? What should I study? How will I pay for everything? </i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>What if I don't find "the right somebody to love" (as Shirley Temple put it) for a long time… or never?</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i></i><i>What if I end up as a career woman all my life, and never have a family of my own?</i></div><i><br />
</i><br />
<i>What if I choose a career and end up hating it? </i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><b>How can I make a difference</b>, whether by career, volunteer projects and ministries, or just in the lives of family and those I meet every day?</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><b>How can I find and maintain passion and purpose in life</b>, through EVERY season?</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
These are some of the questions weighing on my heart in this time of entering adulthood. Sometimes it feels more like breaking and entering, like it's a foreign place where I'm not sure I belong.<br />
<br />
These are things that have kept me running to God.<br />
<br />
Crying.<br />
<br />
Searching.<br />
<br />
Clinging.<br />
<br />
<b>Waiting</b>.<br />
<br />
These are what pull me closer to His heart, until I'm near enough to feel His heartbeat. Close enough to hear Him whisper, "I love you," as His embrace assures me that it's going to be okay. Close enough to realize that He would never leave me abandoned or cause me pain unnecessarily.<br />
<br />
<i>"<b>I know the plans I have for you</b>," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, <b>plans to give you hope and a future</b>." <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Jer. 29:11)</span></i><br />
<br />
He is good. I know this much. The rest? Does it really matter so much whether I know?<br />
<br />
I know He's led me this far.<br />
<br />
He's gonna continue.Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-81612695686308094622010-10-23T23:47:00.002-04:002010-10-25T23:39:37.149-04:00Waiting<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Have you not known? </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Have you not heard? </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Lord is the </i><b><i>everlasting God</i></b><i>… </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>He does not faint or grow weary; </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>His </i><b><i>understanding</i></b><i> is [beyond our comprehension]. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJUliOjrdCceW4fm2B8CgSnwozq-o35HNo8an-B2M0zDKQfk4l_2NzGMC2vXUm0Cr99pyoWSxEg1oY536o1-BxraPLCPcrAsZSXbwtg0tjF6QmrLNUMINzp33QFJmXDVPLyAJoHi7_oQ/s1600/IMG_7979-rt-crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJUliOjrdCceW4fm2B8CgSnwozq-o35HNo8an-B2M0zDKQfk4l_2NzGMC2vXUm0Cr99pyoWSxEg1oY536o1-BxraPLCPcrAsZSXbwtg0tjF6QmrLNUMINzp33QFJmXDVPLyAJoHi7_oQ/s400/IMG_7979-rt-crop.jpg" width="353" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thornbury, ON ~ Photography by Melody Whitney</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><i>He </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><b><i>gives power</i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><i> to the fainting… </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><i></i></span><i>They who wait [or, </i><b><i>watch in expectation</i></b><i>] for the Lord </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>will </i><b><i>renew</i></b><i> their strength; </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>They will [</i><b><i>soar above the storms</i></b><i>] like eagles; </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>They will </i><b><i>run</i></b><i> and not be weary; </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>They will walk and not faint. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>~Isaiah 40:28-31</i></span></div>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-6956115789888338442010-08-07T12:43:00.000-04:002010-08-07T12:43:36.450-04:00The Gift of Thorns<div style="text-align: center;">"It seems that His servants who are used in special ways </div><div style="text-align: center;">often experience commensurate trials. These trials </div><div style="text-align: center;">are simultaneously burdens God gives </div><div style="text-align: center;">to keep them utterly dependent; </div><div style="text-align: center;">and<i> thorns which pin back the veil that hides His face</i>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>In a fallen world,</b> <i><b>they are gifts</b></i>." </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">—Sono Harris <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(emphasis mine)</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKpxTwti8Pci1dSC6rShhw3BEgXV6dvjkLAQsPvDhPOr-3_G1T9kqS1hA8mvv9k5NGaNJtcA5FVDZCbvEy-d90S6QT8FWzwe24s8nK2okVcuCuVija9AhlZgBDh9TqpRCmVlmMlO4Nt8/s1600/rose-wthorns-dewy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKpxTwti8Pci1dSC6rShhw3BEgXV6dvjkLAQsPvDhPOr-3_G1T9kqS1hA8mvv9k5NGaNJtcA5FVDZCbvEy-d90S6QT8FWzwe24s8nK2okVcuCuVija9AhlZgBDh9TqpRCmVlmMlO4Nt8/s400/rose-wthorns-dewy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-10910300332756220522010-06-09T01:53:00.000-04:002010-06-09T01:53:20.945-04:00The Time In Between<div style="text-align: center;">"For still the vision awaits its appointed time… </div><div style="text-align: center;">If it seems slow, wait for it; </div><div style="text-align: center;">it will surely come."</div><div style="text-align: center;">—Habakkuk 2:3</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cFweaQ-jSWoLqlHZF36gEm8YQWzQJi-Cdj9UmHv__6eWTsJ9yDDnDB_CAgseRD39yTyRrGJfNcLFA9YMSQfj7Tl7XxeZn_XYt8qN_byn1yNbV7cHuWU4FA_0M7dS4ZIIBtdhgglYcwU/s1600/praying-kneeling-man-sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cFweaQ-jSWoLqlHZF36gEm8YQWzQJi-Cdj9UmHv__6eWTsJ9yDDnDB_CAgseRD39yTyRrGJfNcLFA9YMSQfj7Tl7XxeZn_XYt8qN_byn1yNbV7cHuWU4FA_0M7dS4ZIIBtdhgglYcwU/s320/praying-kneeling-man-sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't take much for this crazy world </div><div style="text-align: center;">To rob me of my peace</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the enemy of my soul</div><div style="text-align: center;">Says You’re holding out on me</div><div style="text-align: center;">So I stand here lifting empty hands</div><div style="text-align: center;">For you to fill me up again</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But it’s the time in between </div><div style="text-align: center;">That I fall down to my knees</div><div style="text-align: center;">Waiting on what You'll bring</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the things that I can't see </div><div style="text-align: center;">I know my song’s incomplete</div><div style="text-align: center;">Still I'll sing in the time in between</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">—Francesca Battistelli </div><div style="text-align: center;">"Time In Between" from <i>My Paper Heart </i>(c) 2008</div>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-79056698692147217322010-04-22T10:59:00.000-04:002010-04-22T10:59:08.672-04:00On one condition...<div style="text-align: center;">"He will use you to accomplish great things<br />
on the condition that you believe much more in His love<br />
than in your own weakness."<br />
—Mother Theresa</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZAlY24nsXnNezUKCYKzH965qY_Xj8WE3pjeqnCNdeEh9t6V8KJnnZxT5RXPCI84ow1P_qIUb2w13bTt_cfuLKrYJSQkBvNfmF_wHNqGnWWuY4Czb_624dUCIFgG2A9PFG0DJqfOFuNE/s1600/father-daughter-facingwaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZAlY24nsXnNezUKCYKzH965qY_Xj8WE3pjeqnCNdeEh9t6V8KJnnZxT5RXPCI84ow1P_qIUb2w13bTt_cfuLKrYJSQkBvNfmF_wHNqGnWWuY4Czb_624dUCIFgG2A9PFG0DJqfOFuNE/s320/father-daughter-facingwaves.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Bless the LORD, O my soul, <br />
and <b>forget not</b> all His benefits, <br />
who forgives... who <b>heals</b>... <br />
who redeems your life... <br />
who <b>crowns you</b> with <b>steadfast love and mercy</b>, <br />
who <b>satisfies</b> you with good... <br />
As a father shows compassion to his children, <br />
so the LORD shows <b>compassion</b> to those who fear Him. <br />
For He knows our frame; <br />
<b>He remembers</b> that we are dust."<br />
—Psalm 103:2-5, 13-14</i></div>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-3352281473593785122010-04-04T01:45:00.006-04:002011-03-08T14:43:07.198-05:00Just As He PromisedSpring is arriving in my part of the world. <br />
<br />
And with it, the promise of life. With a glorious burst of colour, the earth displays a beauty and vibrance that winter has done her shivering best to make us forget. Almost, she succeeds. Almost, we despair of spring's arrival.<br />
<br />
Then she comes. At last. We feel her warm smile in the sunshine. Her loveliness is accented by the colourful clothing she wears. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5bRisF3GtAiuB_gNV5IUL_oS1H-swOFVj04Ly7xkgqw3ABQBPak5HHxvFtLPlvH1VRQHj1cqu2SjMI-67qi943CGGh_JfmX9m4xKO2gB3JIfyMyjWdABsxLkwNc6JXpZv45Hvd8UREA/s1600/May13seedlinginhands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5bRisF3GtAiuB_gNV5IUL_oS1H-swOFVj04Ly7xkgqw3ABQBPak5HHxvFtLPlvH1VRQHj1cqu2SjMI-67qi943CGGh_JfmX9m4xKO2gB3JIfyMyjWdABsxLkwNc6JXpZv45Hvd8UREA/s320/May13seedlinginhands.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
She brings hope.<br />
<br />
<i>Sunshine is here. Better days are coming.</i><br />
<br />
But, let us not alienate poor winter completely. She prepares for spring's arrival in a way summer never could. As strange as it seems, these colourful flowers need to experience winter's harsh, cold temperament in order to reach their potential. The richness of their beauty would not be possible without winter. She holds the seeds until spring arrives, and during her watch, they die. <br />
<br />
But that's not the end of the story. <br />
<br />
Seems like it is, doesn't it? Death seems pretty final. Those seeds are dead. But, in the mystery of His plan, the Father leaves those seeds for a while, dead. Until there seems to be no hope of beauty, of resurrection. <br />
<br />
Then He brings them to life. Miraculous life. Kinda like He did with His Son on that Resurrection morning all those years ago. <br />
<br />
Three days dead. Sealed in the tomb. Bound. Where was the hope for His disciples? Their Master, their Messiah, their Deliverer, their Friend... dead. <br />
<br />
But wait. <br />
<br />
There He was. He was alive! <br />
<br />
Just as He promised. <br />
<br />
<blockquote>"Why do you seek the living among the dead? <br />
<b>He is not here, but has risen. <br />
Remember how He told you</b>, <br />
while He was still in Galilee, <br />
that the Son of Man must be <br />
delivered into the hands of sinful men <br />
and be crucified <br />
and on the third day rise."<br />
—Luke 24:5b-7</blockquote><br />
Jesus Christ died so that we can live. The cross was my just punishment for my sin and self-worship, but He carried the full weight of it for me. As I gratefully accept His payment, like a spring flood He washes my wrongs off the record. I am clean and new. I have life! <br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>Before the throne of God above<br />
I have a strong and perfect plea<br />
A great High Priest whose name is love<br />
Who ever lives and pleads for me</i><br />
<br />
<i>Because the sinless Savior died<br />
My sinful soul is counted free<br />
For God, the Just, is satisfied<br />
To look on Him and pardon me</i></blockquote><br />
But as He lives, I also share in His death. As I walk in His steps, seeking to become more like Him, He will ask countless "little" deaths of me. Yet as we walk on together, it becomes clearer that in that death, there <i>is</i> abundant life. <br />
<br />
Just as He promised.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pon3L06tVzBtK7O6Lg4pK-N9zngiKvsLUxqGuXZpKGByidxH-9O9IQ-sFBf19QlnLxuYKKkkA4C-YPjHP9eQrXi5T34jm_54YvDyN4U7KD1LfAvDe7SQcjMm2uua0UMUwXMi7W0Q3eI/s1600/EmptyCross-nail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pon3L06tVzBtK7O6Lg4pK-N9zngiKvsLUxqGuXZpKGByidxH-9O9IQ-sFBf19QlnLxuYKKkkA4C-YPjHP9eQrXi5T34jm_54YvDyN4U7KD1LfAvDe7SQcjMm2uua0UMUwXMi7W0Q3eI/s320/EmptyCross-nail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<blockquote><i><b>Behold Him there, the risen Lamb</b></i><br />
<i><b>My perfect, spotless righteousness</b></i><br />
<i>The great unchangeable I AM</i><br />
<i>The King of Glory and of Grace</i><br />
<i>One with Himself I cannot die</i><br />
<i>My soul is purchased by His blood</i><br />
<i>My life is hid with Christ on high</i><br />
<i>With Christ my Savior and my God</i></blockquote><br />
Happy Resurrection Sunday to you all!<br />
<br />
<small>Unmarked quotations taken from the Hymn, "Before The Throne of God Above" by Charitie Bancroft, Public Domain</small>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-42006952538214232202010-02-19T23:14:00.001-05:002010-02-19T23:33:58.019-05:00Happy To Be His Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEfiaAG94Vzm1S1GctGb8qHAwS8bAu-m3p0ZC-AzTj1U7Ty4YQJOhU_zID4sJcYn-zUanOXinkrPZ8bgBV_cUqLGXDl7Q8BfNifDJBzP3HmQ4jIKRhoPZnZcilSS1MA1x6GycjSSX8pc/s1600-h/child-love-handhold-woodswalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEfiaAG94Vzm1S1GctGb8qHAwS8bAu-m3p0ZC-AzTj1U7Ty4YQJOhU_zID4sJcYn-zUanOXinkrPZ8bgBV_cUqLGXDl7Q8BfNifDJBzP3HmQ4jIKRhoPZnZcilSS1MA1x6GycjSSX8pc/s320/child-love-handhold-woodswalk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I've been thinking a lot lately about the concept of Jesus as our betrothed bridegroom.<br />
<br />
How many brides-to-be have you known who are worried as they wait for a coming surprise from their fiancé? Personally, I haven't seen many. But why is that? <br />
<br />
Because a bride knows and loves her beloved and trusts his love for her. She knows whatever he's planning is gonna be awesome, that she's gonna love it, and that she'll enjoy going anywhere as long as it's with him. (And she knows he wouldn't dream of surprising her with something she wouldn't like.)<br />
<br />
My friend has had some advice for me,<br />
<blockquote>"Let God surprise you. Learn to enjoy the suspense." —Anna Kraft </blockquote>I'm not usually very keen on surprises—I've "wanted to know" whatever is going on, all my life! But one thing I do know is, whatever He's up to, it's gonna be awesome! I can know that, because I'm confident in the unfailing love of my Beloved. I know His heart is "kind beyond all measure." To Him, I am His princess. He <i>delights</i> in me. I want to prize and cherish that love. To trust Him with my heart, my life, my happiness.<br />
<br />
I want the world to know I'm happy in His love, and ever so happy to be His girl.<br />
<blockquote>It may be in the valley, where countless dangers hide;<br />
It may be in the sunshine that I, in peace, abide;<br />
But this one thing I know—though it be dark or fair,<br />
If Jesus goes with me, I’ll go anywhere!<br />
<br />
If Jesus goes with me, I’ll go anywhere!<br />
’Tis heaven to me, where’er I may be, if He is there!<br />
…If to go or stay, or whether here or there,<br />
I’ll be, with my Saviour, content anywhere!<br />
<br />
—Charles A. Miles, Public Domain</blockquote>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-5087048134180815052010-02-14T23:16:00.003-05:002010-02-14T23:16:57.287-05:00The Most Beautiful Love<div style="text-align: center;">A passage I absolutely love, because nothing else in life compares to God's overwhelmingly faithful, tender love. <br />
I may disappoint people; they may disappoint me. But even when I disappoint this Lover, He never gives up on me and - what I still can't wrap my head around - still is actually <i>delighted</i> and rejoicing to have me near Him and calls me His royal jewel, His beautiful bride.<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<i>"For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>until her righteousness goes forth as brightness,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>and her salvation as a burning torch.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgWACkwg7UjuwgHpIdoZPHp-SNXK8CTYwKAfK-fy0DmCfbzsfdTW1SkO3Jv_IVOMWhshiZvOujarHTBflV1LHEzhelNj4g6Qs85YI7_L0n7Lng0cjBXCnsb0JcskDLOiZg9weWyev5iQ/s1600-h/engagement-ring-hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgWACkwg7UjuwgHpIdoZPHp-SNXK8CTYwKAfK-fy0DmCfbzsfdTW1SkO3Jv_IVOMWhshiZvOujarHTBflV1LHEzhelNj4g6Qs85YI7_L0n7Lng0cjBXCnsb0JcskDLOiZg9weWyev5iQ/s400/engagement-ring-hands.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"You shall be a <b>crown of beauty</b> in the hand of the LORD,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You shall be called My Delight Is in Her,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>for the LORD <b>delights</b> in you.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>As the bridegroom rejoices over the <b>bride</b>,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>so shall your God <b>rejoice</b> over you."</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>~From Isaiah 62:1,3-5 (ESV)</i></div>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-18030541218282449192010-02-03T23:46:00.002-05:002010-02-04T00:01:09.374-05:00So, I Wait...<div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Those who fear him have no lack!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Those who seek the LORD lack no good thing."</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>-From Psalm 34:8-10</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENHApKdIdfie_d-2kTT4V4c6ZwWn1BFjwanbwe7FqvmcRGuWvz7D9T6wSy6NIGoULBx6_omawQrg_Uyg3JiimihuHbnX9UOS6WzMWOK0G1_fFHJ8Hqwhpiuj8vZbiTjwqdjndLiP3An0/s1600-h/praying-distressed-woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENHApKdIdfie_d-2kTT4V4c6ZwWn1BFjwanbwe7FqvmcRGuWvz7D9T6wSy6NIGoULBx6_omawQrg_Uyg3JiimihuHbnX9UOS6WzMWOK0G1_fFHJ8Hqwhpiuj8vZbiTjwqdjndLiP3An0/s320/praying-distressed-woman.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hungry I come to You</div><div style="text-align: center;">For I know You satisfy.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am empty, but I know</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your love does not run dry;</div><div style="text-align: center;">So I wait for You.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm falling on my knees</div><div style="text-align: center;">Offering all of me</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Broken, I run to You</div><div style="text-align: center;">For Your arms are open wide.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am weary, but I know Your touch</div><div style="text-align: center;">Restores my life;</div><div style="text-align: center;">So I wait for You.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Kutless, "Hungry" from the album <i>It Is Well</i></div>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-45955269410025442072010-01-19T06:28:00.027-05:002010-01-19T23:03:55.117-05:00Unfailing Love (In Every Season: Part 2 of 2)<i>(Missed Part I? Read it <a href="http://strengthinquietness.blogspot.com/2010/01/unbelievable-grace-in-every-season-part.html">here</a>!)</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmpNygLkYg-lESzxk25qjJv7ZIEqAKDC-3aXHZb1KxefRmjG2_N-etNU7LMw6F1BLX-0ef19KeYpuwxN3j9v4Z4NndGWv3pJpkqnqclZrOY5hJMfwx8cVMlcf0W54m3DPoJlNW3GZC7Q/s1600-h/DSC_1000-retouched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmpNygLkYg-lESzxk25qjJv7ZIEqAKDC-3aXHZb1KxefRmjG2_N-etNU7LMw6F1BLX-0ef19KeYpuwxN3j9v4Z4NndGWv3pJpkqnqclZrOY5hJMfwx8cVMlcf0W54m3DPoJlNW3GZC7Q/s320/DSC_1000-retouched.jpg" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Sure enough, spring came in its own sweet time. With it began the slow, steady process of physical healing. My sister's beautiful wedding. The gift of plane tickets to visit a dear friend. Children's ministry opportunities. Hope was planted. I had no job, no idea where life was heading, but I was content. I was happy enjoying spring and daydreaming of summer, hoping it wasn't far away. But God loved me, had always provided and He knew what He was doing, so why should I worry?<br />
</div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">When summer arrived, it seemed like hope's tiny rosebuds burst into full bloom with colour more glorious than I had ever before seen. Where did all this beauty come from and why had God chosen <i>me</i> to receive this enormous bouquet? <br />
</div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I savoured it. It was the most amazing gift I had ever been given. I clung to it with both hands, not daring to let it go. I didn't deserve it... not at all. But it was unequalled in beauty and I felt so cherished. I loved it.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZbPJbkJmCsmhe19csNKGV5ZNkVMGhqEB2oZljsnff7mJ1KnPiYZfqbrfRxEockBssjoAF-BmLEqYAmeqMgVZ7RMs2dnHuciUH3UcIqLzRV8jrFkv70IsUqQLbPSTGaY8R_lDyW9Pjx8/s1600-h/b&wcrusheddaisy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZbPJbkJmCsmhe19csNKGV5ZNkVMGhqEB2oZljsnff7mJ1KnPiYZfqbrfRxEockBssjoAF-BmLEqYAmeqMgVZ7RMs2dnHuciUH3UcIqLzRV8jrFkv70IsUqQLbPSTGaY8R_lDyW9Pjx8/s200/b&wcrusheddaisy.jpg" /></a></div>Autumn appeared, and as the weather got cooler, the wind picked up, and the petals began to fall from my beautiful roses until all that remained was the seeds at the centre. I was left tightly grasping nearly bare stems, shielding the seeds from the elements, lest they too escape me. <br />
</div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I questioned. Yes. I was confused. Why would my Lover give me such a gift... only to tantalize me as I watch it be ripped apart and its beautiful petals scattered by the wind only a short while afterwards? I felt betrayed, like He was less than honest with me when He gave it. If I had only known it was so fragile, I would have... would have... what? Refused it? Enjoyed it less? <br />
</div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">No. I<span style="font-style: normal;">t was </span>a beautiful gift. The brevity of its lifespan could subtract nothing from its beauty. It gave me a glimpse of just how much He loves me, and now I refocus my attention on my Lover Himself. He really was so immensely kind in giving such an exquisite gift. And, though I have little left of the gift, I know, without doubt, the depth of His love. He stayed close by, observing my fascination with His gift. He was always ready when I wanted to talk with Him, when I needed advice or a listening ear, whenever I needed His help. Even when I was too busy, enraptured by His gift, He pursued me and sought me out, and never let me wander too far. <br />
</div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">But. I have little hope seeds left on these bare stems. They're all I have left of the roses, and I'm holding them tightly. He asks that I give them back to Him. I wince. <i>Jesus, you know how I'm sentimental that way. Can't I keep them in memory of it?</i> <br />
</div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">His hand tenderly rests on my arm. <i>You know I love you. So trust Me with those seeds.</i> <br />
</div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I glance at the Hands holding me. Strong, steady, gentle Hands that have never been unkind to me. My gaze travels to His face, to His eyes so full of love and tenderness, and, as I slowly hand him the leftovers of my bouquet, he takes the remains and prepares the seeds for planting.<br />
</div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He smiles. <i>It'll take time and the cold of winter. There, buried in the dark ground, they'll die. But, leave them alone, and, in the spring, they will grow. In time, you'll have many more roses than just a bouquet, and you and anyone that passes by can enjoy their beauty.</i><br />
</div><br />
<i><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-style: normal;">How kind He is. How wise. How very, very good to me. And to think that, in my shortsightedness, I can consider forfeiting all this just to hold on to some dead stems? </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjifF0p-hIAbqFF5R3mtyKxrQwZbyboFuZOLRTiYzpMdP7dNxN9LA96Q9FO73mJmclMba6u2dPv16QjTuS_p3MOjounIuxiczK5YYJ39WsQqYVta3rOPaaX2rJOCEXWjeh8XUa8FCfmOQ/s1600-h/IMG_1346-retouched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjifF0p-hIAbqFF5R3mtyKxrQwZbyboFuZOLRTiYzpMdP7dNxN9LA96Q9FO73mJmclMba6u2dPv16QjTuS_p3MOjounIuxiczK5YYJ39WsQqYVta3rOPaaX2rJOCEXWjeh8XUa8FCfmOQ/s400/IMG_1346-retouched.jpg" /></a><br />
</div></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I'll leave you with this quote from Charles Spurgeon: </span></div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-style: normal;">“</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Remember this: </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">had any other condition been better for you </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">than the one in which you are, </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Divine love would have put you there.</span>”</b></span><br />
</div></i>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-91414361695482276992010-01-12T06:24:00.004-05:002010-01-19T23:05:38.589-05:00Unbelievable Grace (In Every Season: Part 1 of 2)<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>I do a year-in-review note for myself and my friends every year, but this year called for something a little different. I knew I needed to summarize 2009 somehow. To tell the faithfulness of my amazing God, especially this year, but didn't know quite how to do it.</i><br />
</div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>Well, after reading a blog post by a friend this fall, I got to thinking about seasons. I noticed how closely life can resemble nature's seasons and was compelled to start writing about my year along those lines. So, while it's different in style than usual and a little longer, here is my year-in-review story, Part I:</i><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I'll begin where the calendar did, with winter. My least favourite season. The earth around is dead and lifeless, lacking the vibrant colour and fruitfulness of the other seasons. Sure, I enjoy snowball fights and playing in the snow with the kids, wool coats and tall boots, hot tea and Christmas, but the best part of winter is knowing spring will follow. <br />
</div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicN0gtvCHFQpWv0edogFMd_vLWcae9akA0szdkYzOsYyxikOGsNXqKu8Gyi-dl7ZI31qdyxUqLk3NPC3zje5F0wJ0Xda7X-CikYyFX4syLzrx_bA6y0SGa0vc_aaDizcAwtK2vF-zealc/s1600-h/winding-dismal-road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicN0gtvCHFQpWv0edogFMd_vLWcae9akA0szdkYzOsYyxikOGsNXqKu8Gyi-dl7ZI31qdyxUqLk3NPC3zje5F0wJ0Xda7X-CikYyFX4syLzrx_bA6y0SGa0vc_aaDizcAwtK2vF-zealc/s200/winding-dismal-road.jpg" /></a>Last winter was hard. I spent a lot of time in doctor's offices, filling out a lot of paperwork, and dealing with the big mess of a workplace injury that left me without a job and, at least for a season, without many of the physical capabilities that I usually took for granted.<br />
</div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I had so many of questions for God. I knew He wasn't obligated to give me reasons, to tell me why and what He was doing. I knew better than to question whether He was in control or whether He had good plans in mind. But still. It was five months of, often intense, <span style="font-style: normal;">rhetorical</span> questioning: WHY?! Months of fighting bitterness as continued work made things worse. Fighting for faith when I couldn't see an end to the pain.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTTVstMBNuS_bJVSUztJ_5aE3oUxN-Gcv5r6DXN7Ye0JAyiRzwdms4PEQ4dw17ltkSDsM6-yg-_jWPxpWMtrMIBDcxunEud5cZU6A3M5htUPKRaUWdMirMXkep6m62L7l6XWDyDE-gkM/s1600-h/web-on-window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTTVstMBNuS_bJVSUztJ_5aE3oUxN-Gcv5r6DXN7Ye0JAyiRzwdms4PEQ4dw17ltkSDsM6-yg-_jWPxpWMtrMIBDcxunEud5cZU6A3M5htUPKRaUWdMirMXkep6m62L7l6XWDyDE-gkM/s200/web-on-window.jpg" /></a>Growing up, I've been kind of proud of being the strong one, the healthy one. The one that rarely gets down sick and never had to see a doctor. I may not have many special skills, but I could manage nearly any manual labour anyone gave me to do, and employers were certainly no exception. Suddenly that all changed. Now I not only was useless to my employer, but to my family, and, to some degree, myself. I just plain needed help and I very much resented that. <i>God, surely I'm more useful when healthy and strong? I'm sure I could serve You a lot better if this would just go away! </i> <br />
</div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Or, maybe not. Maybe He could better use someone not so self-sufficient?) </span><br />
</div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">It was a season of silence. Cold silence. But, not unlike the intensity of winter's sunbeams, the support of true friends was priceless and renewed my hope that spring would come and bring life to my world. Winter couldn't last forever.<br />
<br />
<i>(Continue to <a href="http://strengthinquietness.blogspot.com/2010/01/unfailing-love-in-every-season-part-2.html">Part II</a>!)</i><br />
</div>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-77631235274417612002010-01-07T18:31:00.001-05:002010-01-07T20:38:09.181-05:00Grace. Love. And 2009.Wow. 2009 is over.<br />
<br />
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">So much has happened in a year. So much has changed. But I still have the same gracious, faithful, completely trustworthy God who is as sovereign and worthy of worship as ever. Never have I been so sure of that as now. He is good. Always. And His love never ends.<br />
</div><br />
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He truly has “crowned the year with His goodness,” with mercies new every morning, with everlasting love, and I'm excited to see what 2010 will hold!<br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZxxr7ZhkJoG5Gb-BsGravevPczuFbRLrG5PtIMqaWudbaL1gJ4fRDoC6n_S6KisNT75lfLPDF-VBeIHPwYxawWRPSjmpnds7soHMyMUM4v4FEQ57H5ESmgKnftXU65C0flnHG9S7LHw/s1600/shoppingwdaria070709+223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZxxr7ZhkJoG5Gb-BsGravevPczuFbRLrG5PtIMqaWudbaL1gJ4fRDoC6n_S6KisNT75lfLPDF-VBeIHPwYxawWRPSjmpnds7soHMyMUM4v4FEQ57H5ESmgKnftXU65C0flnHG9S7LHw/s400/shoppingwdaria070709+223.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I think this is my summary song of 2009:</span><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"></div><blockquote>I can sing in the troubled times<br />
Sing when I win<br />
I can sing when I lose my step<br />
And fall down again<br />
I can sing 'cause You pick me up<br />
Sing 'cause You're there<br />
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord<br />
When I call to You in prayer<br />
I can sing with my last breath<br />
Sing for I know<br />
That I'll sing with the angels<br />
And the saints around the throne <br />
<br />
How can I keep from singing Your praise<br />
How can I ever say enough<br />
How amazing is Your love<br />
How can I keep from shouting Your name<br />
I know I am loved by the King<br />
And it makes my heart want to sing<br />
<br />
—Chris Tomlin, "How Can I Keep From Singing"<br />
</blockquote><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">May God go with you and bless you with a beautiful 2010!</span><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><br />
(<i>Author's Note: A related two-part series is upcoming! It will deal more with the past year, with its questions, Answer, pain, joy, disappointments, and blessing.)</i><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZxxr7ZhkJoG5Gb-BsGravevPczuFbRLrG5PtIMqaWudbaL1gJ4fRDoC6n_S6KisNT75lfLPDF-VBeIHPwYxawWRPSjmpnds7soHMyMUM4v4FEQ57H5ESmgKnftXU65C0flnHG9S7LHw/s1600-h/shoppingwdaria070709+223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></a>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-82095111656715393512009-12-20T17:08:00.003-05:002009-12-20T17:12:32.808-05:00In God's Hands<div style="text-align: center;"><i>"...I am not ashamed, for I know Whom I have believed, </i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>and I am convinced that He is able to guard until that Day </i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>what [I have entrusted to Him].</i>" <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">(II Timothy 1:12)</span><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdCrGvboOYsSDaz-I-wHTw69l9oKjW7BIBFa5kylvoGMIgjxrgItTirSFwL7PjgW8InJhuHwrF_3EHgzg5aIOMjvqA9OCl1sqhXEnc2OFCWD39wneoUG2My7uEEj3B55C2oDLimp74bo/s1600-h/sand-slipping-thru-fingers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdCrGvboOYsSDaz-I-wHTw69l9oKjW7BIBFa5kylvoGMIgjxrgItTirSFwL7PjgW8InJhuHwrF_3EHgzg5aIOMjvqA9OCl1sqhXEnc2OFCWD39wneoUG2My7uEEj3B55C2oDLimp74bo/s320/sand-slipping-thru-fingers.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: auto;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">You say let it go; <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You say life is waiting...<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You say You will be everything I need;<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You say let it go.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What do I love? What do I hate? <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What will I lose? What will I gain? ...<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What if I bend? What if I break?<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What will it cost? What will it take<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For You to save my soul?<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You say let it go.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">—Tenth Avenue North</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; </i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess." </i><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">—Martin Luther</span><br />
</div>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-3461244457568928152009-11-28T23:27:00.001-05:002009-11-28T23:29:22.232-05:00Just Not Tonight<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgolJuOJ8eTSYxKlWWSDVEvwKtxd9uqqac8ED3IxVxpfHLy5fwuqPctgHVzl5sJYuiZLm7t_3JuxJ2yO68A5t3wMF7ZrjfIZP8qUB9pDhxHH2vwc1qHunTw8AD6CZ7TPMtVUwvU0bBiE/s1600/alone-in-rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgolJuOJ8eTSYxKlWWSDVEvwKtxd9uqqac8ED3IxVxpfHLy5fwuqPctgHVzl5sJYuiZLm7t_3JuxJ2yO68A5t3wMF7ZrjfIZP8qUB9pDhxHH2vwc1qHunTw8AD6CZ7TPMtVUwvU0bBiE/s320/alone-in-rain.jpg" /></a><i></i><br />
<i>"I'll get you out of this place. It just can't be tonight."<br />
</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>"You're just going to leave me here?!"</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>"I promise I won't leave you here any longer than I have to."</i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">—Belinda to her little brother Jacob, who were orphaned and split up in different homes. Jacob was in a cruel home, but they needed to stay put so they could be found by their father later on (From </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Love's Unending Legacy</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
That made me think of the conversations we sometimes have with God. He's always right there, able to take me out of a tough situation or season, but, in order to fulfill a higher purpose, often chooses not to. Instead, He stays close by, watching out for me and "feeding" me day by day right where I am. Even though it hurts Him to see His child hurting, to hear the cry, "You're just going to leave me here?!"He knows I have to stay right here for a while.<br />
<br />
Because this will bring a more glorious result, a much bigger deliverance than simply an escape from pain. He will instead give unlimited grace. Unexplainable joy. Inexhaustible strength. Unspeakable glory.<br />
<br />
<i>"Therefore the LORD will <b>wait</b>, that He may be<b> gracious</b> to you;</i><br />
<i>And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have <b>mercy</b> on you.</i><br />
<i>For the LORD is a God of justice; </i><br />
<i>Blessed are all those who <b>wait for Him</b>.</i><br />
<i>For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem; </i><br />
<i>You shall weep no more.</i><br />
<i><b>He will be very gracious</b> to you at the sound of your cry;</i><br />
<i>When He hears it, <b>He will answer you</b>."</i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Isaiah 30:18-19 NKJV)</span><br />
<br />
<i>So tell me, what is our ending? [It will] be beautiful, so beautiful...</i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(BarlowGirl, "Beautiful Ending," 2009)</span>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-70611685158346809832009-11-20T00:41:00.000-05:002009-11-20T00:41:25.020-05:00I Wait<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>So I haven't posted many of my own thoughts here lately... but the quotes, lyrics and verses I have been sharing <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>is always some glimpse of what's on</i><i> my heart. Sometimes there just isn't anything to say that someone else hasn't already captured with much more clarity and wisdom than I can. One preacher put it like this, "I never have an original thought; I'm just a walking quote." </i></span></i><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>I am working on a few things literary, but I'm not sure when/if they will be finished or if they will be posted. But, read on. Elisabeth Elliot's writing has been such an encouragement to me over the years, and I trust you will be blessed by it as well!</i></span></i><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnXBC-W7MWRUZ4C2s1-xN9MHKryNXVTYNIwx2ueXPeIqBVEd6VFf0jsKAiK8aWHHO_XHy88YH-XOPI9CLI6poBtmCRosbJH-81FMRXWTI1ZBuM1FXmkErsZTP-eIZ2NWo9hHkjWnAtj8/s1600/AFsunlitree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnXBC-W7MWRUZ4C2s1-xN9MHKryNXVTYNIwx2ueXPeIqBVEd6VFf0jsKAiK8aWHHO_XHy88YH-XOPI9CLI6poBtmCRosbJH-81FMRXWTI1ZBuM1FXmkErsZTP-eIZ2NWo9hHkjWnAtj8/s320/AFsunlitree.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I wait.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dear Lord, Thy ways<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Are past finding out,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thy love too high.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">O hold me still<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Beneath Thy shadow.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is enough that Thou<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lift up the light<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Of Thy countenance.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I wait—<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Because I am commanded<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So to do. My mind<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Is filled with wonderings.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My soul asks, "Why?"<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But then the quiet word,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Wait thou only<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Upon God."<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And so, not even for the light<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But for Thee, dear Lord,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I wait. <br />
</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">—<i>Passion & Purity</i>, p. 72<br />
(c) 1984, 2002 by Elisabeth Elliot<br />
</div></div>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-78307066632096002802009-11-08T16:24:00.002-05:002009-11-09T14:46:38.209-05:00The Hands Holding You...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why do you say... "My way is hidden from the LORD...?"</span></i><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you not known? Have you not heard? </span></i><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.<br \="" />He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable.</span></i><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(Isaiah 40:27-28)</i><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBZ0J15QqVjHbkOQ5ILetKyZn_GoWrIyqUH6Kz2gdtkgtQ8His5kimt7vxfjYQnyGV8Kvt0jS1obQyXZOO3r4PGeCr6KigSmqSC-5sKHfJ2RpoIE2XO8ct-f1bTVdfcIAY3nUaYMtRAc/s1600-h/Hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBZ0J15QqVjHbkOQ5ILetKyZn_GoWrIyqUH6Kz2gdtkgtQ8His5kimt7vxfjYQnyGV8Kvt0jS1obQyXZOO3r4PGeCr6KigSmqSC-5sKHfJ2RpoIE2XO8ct-f1bTVdfcIAY3nUaYMtRAc/s320/Hands.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These are the Hands that built the mountains<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Hands that calmed the seas<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These are the arms that hold the heavens<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">They are holding you and me<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These are Hands that healed the leper<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pulled the lame up to their feet<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">These are the arms that were nailed to a cross<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To break our chains and set us free<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You will be safe in His arms<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">'Cause the hands that hold the world <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Are holding your heart<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">—Phil Wickham, 2009, "Safe"</span><br />
</div>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6207231187313708597.post-10082953332731417482009-10-26T02:19:00.002-04:002009-10-26T02:20:47.842-04:00Why I Trust You Anyway<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, </i></span></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, </i></span></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>fully convinced that</i></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> God was able to do what he had promised."</i></span></span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>—Romans 4:20-21</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHF79qHdmBfxtJFojOU42IrqHjYsmlOUWEO47_sEgUWx2rIQstXBvVbFmGpffnFBufWNQIWNS3x3Hlsce1zvU3dkn5VJ7Dbf5qhhpbNPU-1bF25NDBB2WAbWBTJt2nhN6f99JMQW93v4/s1600-h/littleboy&daddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHF79qHdmBfxtJFojOU42IrqHjYsmlOUWEO47_sEgUWx2rIQstXBvVbFmGpffnFBufWNQIWNS3x3Hlsce1zvU3dkn5VJ7Dbf5qhhpbNPU-1bF25NDBB2WAbWBTJt2nhN6f99JMQW93v4/s400/littleboy&daddy.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
"As believers, we cannot always know why,<br />
but we can always know why we trust God, who knows why.<br />
A Christian does not say,<br />
'I do not understand You at all, but I trust You anyway.'<br />
Rather, he says,<br />
'I do not understand You in this situation,<br />
but I understand why I trust You anyway.'"<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">—Audio series: </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Suffering & Sovereignty</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">, by C.J. Mahaney</span><br />
</div>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080603352435047935noreply@blogger.com1