A Persevering YES

Mary had plenty of opportunities to feel abandoned by God, to ask Him to pick someone else, to lament her situation, or to give up entirely, but she didn't. She couldn't have known just how difficult the road would be when she said YES to God's call, but she had to have known that life as she knew it would be over. She had to have known EVERYTHING would change and she said YES anyway. I have been feeling convicted lately about my YES. My "yes'es" aren't nearly as bold as Mary's was. Mine are more like, "Ok, I guess, if it doesn't force me out of my comfort zone or cause me to suffer in any way." Ugh. How embarrassing to admit.

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Who does He say that I am?

Dear Jesus, Who am I really? What do you see in me that you would move heaven and earth to capture my heart? My life feels like a collection of other people's expectations and disappointments. I do not even know anymore who I truly am. Reveal to me my true identity, my true place in Your story. Give me grace to hear your voice; shut out all other voices, and let me hear from you alone. I ask this in your name. Amen. -John Eldredge

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What to do with Brokenness

That's one of the most attractive characteristics of Christ to me.
There is no broken place of mine that He doesn't see.
Not only does He see those pieces, He tenderly repairs them.
In His timing, of course, but that is so much better than clinging to those piercing shards that re-wound us time and again.
But that part, the healing part, it is SO important.
We don't have to remain broken.
In fact, we shouldn't.

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Giving with Meaning

It was this time last year that the idea came upon me to try to make my gifts GIVE twice!
I sought out non-profits and other companies that sold goods made by women from third world countries or who had survived trafficking, prostitution, and abuse.
I've gathered up some of the best organizations I can find in hopes that the gifts we buy can benefit multiple lives.

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Rise Up, Church

Yes, Jesus Christ is still on His throne, yesterday, today, and forever, but that does not mean we sit idly by on this Earth, waiting for the day He calls us home.
We are at war and the battle plans have been drawn.
"Love one another, as I have loved you so must you love one another." John 13:34
"Set an example...in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12
"Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with you God." Micah 6:8
We are to be working HARD at bringing the Kingdom to Earth.

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Post Tenebras Lux (After Darkness, Light)

These people were literally living in the time period called "The Dark Ages".
They had nothing good, nothing clean, nothing true.
They didn't even know what they were missing.
But after the darkness, came the light.
The men, women, and children of that time began hearing the Gospel.
The beautiful truth that God created them and loved them even in their most desperate existence.
Sometimes I wish I could hear it again for the first time.
How sweet it is for the light to come on for the very first time.
What an unburdening for all who choose to believe.

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The Beginning

My whole heart is out there in this world on paper. I have indeed left quite a paper trail of prayers, thoughts, feelings, and reflections. If centuries from now, my great great great great grandchildren wanted to know who I was, they could piece together the love letters I have written to Matthew Darling, the journals where I wrestled with God, and even the emails my mother and I have exchanged over the years, and they would know me better than some people do even today.

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