tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20953622131280741632024-03-12T21:07:18.614-07:00AdventuringThroughTheGreatWideWorldJustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-63616087660437256122018-02-15T12:12:00.000-08:002018-02-15T12:12:06.201-08:00On Psalm 91<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
From infancy it had me in its grasp.<br />
Until now, I was caught by the trap.<br />
The Enemy ensnared me with his web.<br />
<br />
But his reign is not forever.<br />
In fact, <i>his</i> reign is just a facade, a temporary feature.<br />
<br />
The One who Speaks the Truth spoke to me today.<br />
Like a breath of fresh air, His Spirit came.<br />
In a moment, he loosed the chains to set the captive free.<br />
<br />
Little by little, His sanctifying work moves within me.<br />
Like a wind sweeping across the plains, He refreshes me.<br />
<br />
Like a diver coming up from deep water, I surfaced.<br />
Past the web, past the lies, past the destruction that lay in wait for me.<br />
Air, fresh air. Sweet, unpolluted, healthy, happy air.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">LIFE</span>.<br />
<br />
<br />
The Enemy's grip on this world will fade.<br />
In a hostile society steeped with comparisons, the children of God will arise.<br />
The descendants of Abraham will lift their praises to heaven.<br />
<br />
<br />
"The Enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy. But HE has come so that you may have life, and life to the full" (John 10:10)<br />
<br />
Though the Enemy comes with darkness and hatred,<br />
though the earth be covered in war, plague, and death....<br />
<br />
The people of God will stand.<br />
They will wear His armor, made for them through trial.<br />
In Golden light they will stand. With shields of faith locked they will rise.<br />
To the One who is Almighty - El Shaddai - to Him alone will they look.<br />
<br />
Let faith arise.<br />
Let hope live!<br />
Our God is mighty to save!<br />
"He will surely deliver us from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover us with His pinions, and in His wings we will find <i>refuge</i>. His faithfulness will be our shield and our bulwark!" (Psalm 91:4)<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-1752516884276061232018-01-27T11:00:00.001-08:002018-01-27T11:00:29.279-08:00From Seed to Tree<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ever have sleepless nights?<br />
<br />
Well, I do.<br />
<br />
Here is a word for you.<br />
You are not your red eyes and damaged skin.<br />
Your fear of the dark doesn't define you.<br />
The doubts and questions in your soul, no matter how big, will not consume you.<br />
The groanings of your heart will not go unanswered.<br />
Your pain is not your enemy.<br />
<br />
<br />
-----<br />
Our God is Mighty.<br />
King of Kings, He is Lord of Day and Night.<br />
He is my Dad,<br />
The One who causes flowers to grow in the wilderness,<br />
and the barren plains to gush with living water.<br />
<br />
Though it is not from Him, my hurts are in His hands.<br />
What the Enemy intended for evil, God has turned into a seed.<br />
Planted in HIs fertile soil- even in my heart!<br />
Tended by Him oh so sweetly and gently-<br />
His banner is over me!<br />
<br />
What was intended for evil will become a flowering tree,<br />
and life will burst from its branches- from me, and my heart!<br />
Not one part of it (me) will be left to decay,<br />
none will be lacking sun.<br />
<br />
See-- Good things have taken root.<br />
His Word will come forth, a sprout will show.<br />
Life is His, and in His hands secure.<br />
Great and marvelous is He-<br />
Someday, this tree, this girl, this daughter will look back and see,<br />
<br />
What was darkest night to me is where He made room for life to grow.<br />
Under the shelter of His wings is where life is found again.<br />
Under His Son, His Stars, you will breathe and flourish,<br />
...Like a tree planted by living water.<br />
<br />
What was desert around you will bloom.<br />
His Word is true, His love is steadfast, and not all of time could change its smallest piece.<br />
The wicked will perish, but the people of God will stand, swayed not by the winds of chance or fear.<br />
<br />
Your bark (character) will be true,<br />
Your roots (foundation) firm,<br />
and your trunk/core (heart) will be steadfast in Him.<br />
<br />
You will be like a tree, and you will be called His own.<br />
Have courage, dear heart.<br />
<br />
Morning is coming, but also the night. If you would ask, then ask again.<br />
Who is Lord of the Day?<br />
and Who, then, is Lord of the Night?<br />
<br />
When they come, know and see,<br />
and place your trust in Him <b>alone</b>. </div>
JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-26317361835162185562017-11-20T20:52:00.001-08:002017-11-20T20:52:50.072-08:00There WILL come a day...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
There was a day when Fear reigned over her heart....</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
...Chaos and pain were there, in abundance.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
....Joy and Sorrow waged war within her.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Day by day she went, burdened and clouded by fear, the weight of it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Moment by moment the war took its toll, as Fear and its minions stood by...</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>But that day did not last forever. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There was a day when that broken, almost false "joy" reigned. </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
....It was still a day of Fear.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For a time, it seemed like the war had ended.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The MASK was on. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then it cracked.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>That day did not last forever.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There was a day when sorrow came, and for a time, fear was washed away in the flood.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ah. Raw pain.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But sorrow could not get deep enough, and the wells remained shut. </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Need I say more? Fear continued its tyrannical reign in her heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How long could she last? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The days went on.... Then they ended.... And new ones came.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Did they? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Where was hope?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Insides torn asunder- what is a step forward? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Three days of death. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then..... Life?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>YES.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In a rush.... and also a slow trickle.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Someone lifted the girl up. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love brushed aside the cobwebs of fear. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Now</b>, she laughs from a <i>well</i> that is open. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the storms, she groans from that deep place. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sorrow at last has come out of hiding.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yet the mask is no longer- the smile, too, is real.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Can it be? </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is a day where she wakes up....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
....Overwhelmed with <i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">GRIEF, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">unable to face the day. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sorrow so deep it can barely stand to crawl.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">At last, the pits have been unturned.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pain has found a safe place to come out of hiding. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Can it really?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is a day where she wakes up....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">....Laughs with the little ones, <i>glories in the beauty around.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">JOY so bright and deep, the darkest nights <u>cannot</u> dim it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope no longer fights itself, but falls into safety.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
It's true, I know.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
LIFE has come.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now she stands in the storm, Joy in One hand, Sorrow in the Other. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No longer at war, Joy and Sorrow are the doors to her heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love keeps it safe, a Watchman on the wall.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>There will be a day</b> when Fear comes again,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to put to war that which is within. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Fear <u>will not</u> win. </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sorrow and its children, Pain, Grief, Loss, Doubt....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Joy and her children, Hope, Trust, Faith...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They have been entrusted to the One who conquered that death.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>On <i>that</i> day</u>, She will lift her head, eyes on Life, which is the Light of all mankind.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">She knows who she has believed, and is convinced that He is <u>able</u> to guard what has been entrusted to Him until that day. </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Verse References: 2 Timothy 1:12, John 1</span></div>
</div>
JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-4513250180409793772017-05-04T17:55:00.000-07:002017-05-04T17:55:04.799-07:00That Fire Inside<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Deep in the core of my being is a fire...<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
... Out of that fire life has come, </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
.... out of that fire love has come,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
...... and into that fire is where I go when pain is hard, when life hurts, when I want to quit. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This fire did not come from me. </div>
<div>
It is not even of me - the substance is different, yet not incongruent. Yet we mesh, the fire and I. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I look at the world and it makes me sad. </div>
<div>
I look at my life and sometimes that makes me sad too.... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You may not see it, </div>
<div>
but I have felt pain. </div>
<div>
I have known hurt - hurt that makes my insides want to come out, that makes my blood scream and my heart bleed. Hurt of body, hurt of heart - I have felt them both. </div>
<div>
Hurts from others, hurts from myself - I have felt these two. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But I don't give up. </div>
<div>
I haven't, and I won't. </div>
<div>
And I don't think you should either. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'll fight for it. </div>
<div>
I'll fight for your life, I'll fight for your hope. </div>
<div>
I'll fight until the fire in me comes to you too. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Why would I fight for you? Why would I fight you - over your own life? </div>
<div>
Because the fire in me IS life. </div>
<div>
This life is not my own. </div>
<div>
It is not of me - yet it is within me. </div>
<div>
This life calls me to love, it calls me to see. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I see you, dear heart, hurting. </div>
<div>
There's pain in you too- and anger, hurt, rage, frustration, despair.... All these things can be there. </div>
<div>
Sometimes it seems like it is too much. </div>
<div>
But life is calling. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
YES. It is HARD. </div>
<div>
It hurts. </div>
<div>
It hurts so much sometimes you wonder if it is worth it. </div>
<div>
BUT IT IS. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The fire inside of me attests to this. </div>
<div>
The LIFE inside of me.... can be in you. </div>
<div>
Because my LIFE is not my own - it was bought with a price. </div>
<div>
Yet that price freed my soul like nothing else could. </div>
<div>
My darkness became light, and lightness was a feather. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With fire in my heart and hope in my hands I will fight. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Out of this fire comes a conviction, and this conviction runs through my veins. </div>
<div>
<i>Life is not done yet.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
..... In....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
........Out...In....</div>
<div>
.....In......</div>
<div>
...........Out....In....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Like an athlete after a race, </div>
<div>
like a swimmer coming up for air.... I breathe. </div>
<div>
Dear friends, breathe with me. </div>
<div>
Don't give up on life - not now, not ever. </div>
<div>
Not when the rain comes, not in the hurricanes, not at the very end. </div>
<div>
From start to finish we run, we breathe, we struggle, we love, we cry, we laugh.... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>LIFE.</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No - the suffering was not meant to be. The hurt, the pain, the struggle - you are right to say it's unnatural. It is. </div>
<div>
Yet life has still come - it has come hard and fast, or slow and painful, or for some it seems it hasn't come at all, or it was gone too soon. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But when i struggle, I go back to that fiery place in me. </div>
<div>
<i>Take heart, for there is ONE who has overcome the world</i>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I cannot make you see it. </div>
<div>
For me, Life came at a young age - before the hurts came. </div>
<div>
Life came and asked -- <i>Will you believe, Dear Heart? </i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
I'll admit. I have at times felt forsaken. I have been hurt - oh so hurt. I have even lost my hope for a bit, like a child wondering through a store, afraid of being abandoned. I have walked away from Life in anger. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have raged at Life. Me- the optimist. Believe it, it's true. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Yet Life has not left me</i>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Like a little child I have raged at God -- "YOU LEFT ME!" "WHY?" "WHERE WERE YOU?"</div>
<div>
Weeping, I have asked, looked... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
...at times feeling forsaken.... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Yet LIFE has never left me</i>. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
It started when I was a child. Little - trusting, untouched by pain. </div>
<div>
You see, there is life- that which comes and goes, that which hurts and burns and gives you all the feelings you wanted and those you never did, too. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then there is LIFE. LIFE that brings hope. LIFE that brings love. LIFE that is a safe <strike>place </strike>to go when all seems lost. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But not a place. This second kind of LIFE - a person. </div>
<div>
I met Him when I was a girl. </div>
<div>
I believed He was good. </div>
<div>
I believed He was God. </div>
<div>
I believed He died to save me - and rose again. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And here's the thing...</div>
<div>
That fire? </div>
<div>
It's still there - </div>
<div>
because I <i>chose</i> to walk with God. I keep <i>choosing</i>. </div>
<div>
And He - He named Himself <i>Emmanuel</i> - God with US. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So through all that pain, all that "life" (first kind), His LIFE, His Son </div>
<div>
-- Jesus has never left me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I still believe. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
.....<span style="font-size: large;">Want in?</span> Romans 10:9-10 says that if you "declare with your mouth 'Jesus is Lord' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." </div>
<div>
I promise it <u>won't</u> be easy. "<i>In this world you will have trouble"</i> -- He said that. But He also promised this -- <i>"Take heart, for I have overcome the world" </i>(John 16:33). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And get this -- You don't have to be alone. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-15445608583726291232017-04-21T09:06:00.001-07:002017-05-04T18:24:40.597-07:00Colors of the Storm <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Eyes open, tired and heavy. Too tired for a young adult.<br />
Heavy thoughts and Tired Body - feeling old before my time.<br />
<br />
The mirror shows dark circles, not enough sleep.<br />
My thoughts are slurred and painful - but I don't drink. I don't do drugs.<br />
Sometimes the lightest person can feel heavy weights.<br />
<br />
...Even the optimist appreciates the gloom of rainy days sometimes. Especially if it matches the pain in heart, pain in mind.<br />
<br />
One night of heavy sleep doesn't make up for dozens with almost none.<br />
Hard to read, hard to work, hard to think.<br />
<br />
Ah, but it isn't just the gloom of rainy days that attracts.<br />
There's something wonderful about wet trees, wet green, wet world.<br />
New colors come up in storms, like deeper character popping out right when it is hardest.<br />
You see the character... and the future. The future of the tree, the grass, the world... bright with color, vivid in life.<br />
<br />
Hammers pound in the back of my head, trying to block out the world.<br />
Light hurts, the world hurts, memories hurt.<br />
<br />
But birdsong comes through the storm. I see them flitting through the trees.<br />
Silent minutes before, now happily pulling up worms and singing away.<br />
<br />
Only moments before the sky sent down buckets of rain.<br />
Now the pines show their deep dark roots on their bark sleeves.<br />
The Junipers wear an Irish green, brighter than their usual.<br />
All the colors contrast with water and shadow.<br />
There's a steady drip drip, coming from a leak in the wall.<br />
<br />
My thoughts stray, I shudder.<br />
Some things are better left unthought.<br />
I hide from my thoughts, the world.<br />
Small people always are better at hiding...<br />
<br />
Ah, but I will be like a bird.<br />
I won't drown.<br />
The pain will be absorbed, or wash away, like water in a storm.<br />
I'll hide from the storm, in the shadow of the sheltering tree, the Great Refuge of my heart.<br />
Maybe soon the storm will stop.<br />
Maybe new colors will show.<br />
Maybe soon, I'll sing again.<br />
<br />
It stirs in my heart already....<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="poetry top-05" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><span class="text Ps-18-3" style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">From the Psalmist....</span></i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><span class="text Ps-18-3" id="en-NIV-14122" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I called to the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, who is worthy of praise,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14122I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14122I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and I have been saved from my enemies.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14122J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14122J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-18-4" id="en-NIV-14123" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>The cords of death<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14123K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14123K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> entangled me;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">the torrents<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14123L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14123L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of destruction overwhelmed me.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-18-5" id="en-NIV-14124" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>The cords of the grave coiled around me;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">the snares of death<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14124M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14124M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> confronted me.</span></span></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-05" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><span class="text Ps-18-6" id="en-NIV-14125" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>In my distress<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14125N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14125N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> I called to the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14125O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14125O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I cried to my God for help.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-18-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">From his temple he heard my voice;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14125P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14125P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">my cry came<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14125Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14125Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> before him, into his ears.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-18-7" id="en-NIV-14126" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>The earth trembled<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14126R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14126R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and quaked,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14126S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14126S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and the foundations of the mountains shook;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14126T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14126T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">they trembled because he was angry.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14126U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14126U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-18-8" id="en-NIV-14127" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>Smoke rose from his nostrils;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14127V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14127V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">consuming fire<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14127W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14127W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> came from his mouth,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">burning coals<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14127X" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14127X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> blazed out of it.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-18-9" id="en-NIV-14128" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>He parted the heavens and came down;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14128Y" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14128Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">dark clouds<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14128Z" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14128Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> were under his feet.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-18-10" id="en-NIV-14129" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>He mounted the cherubim<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14129AA" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14129AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and flew;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">he soared<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14129AB" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14129AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> on the wings of the wind.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14129AC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14129AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-18-11" id="en-NIV-14130" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>He made darkness his covering,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14130AD" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14130AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> his canopy<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14130AE" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14130AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> around him—</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">the dark rain clouds of the sky.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-18-12" id="en-NIV-14131" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>Out of the brightness of his presence<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14131AF" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14131AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> clouds advanced,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">with hailstones<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14131AG" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14131AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and bolts of lightning.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14131AH" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14131AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-18-13" id="en-NIV-14132" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>The <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> thundered<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14132AI" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14132AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> from heaven;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">the voice of the Most High resounded.<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-14132d" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-14132d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2018#fen-NIV-14132d" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-18-14" id="en-NIV-14133" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>He shot his arrows<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14133AJ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14133AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and scattered the enemy,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">with great bolts of lightning<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14133AK" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14133AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> he routed them.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14133AL" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14133AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-18-15" id="en-NIV-14134" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>The valleys of the sea were exposed</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and the foundations<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14134AM" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14134AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of the earth laid bare</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-18-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">at your rebuke,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14134AN" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14134AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">at the blast of breath from your nostrils.</span></span></i></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-18-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-18-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><span class="text Ps-46-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">God is our refuge<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14616A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14616A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and strength,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14616B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14616B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">an ever-present<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14616C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14616C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> help<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14616D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14616D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in trouble.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14616E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14616E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-46-2" id="en-NIV-14617" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>Therefore we will not fear,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14617F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14617F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> though the earth give way<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14617G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14617G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and the mountains fall<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14617H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14617H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> into the heart of the sea,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14617I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14617I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-46-3" id="en-NIV-14618" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>though its waters roar<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14618J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14618J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and foam<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14618K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14618K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and the mountains quake<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14618L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14618L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> with their surging.<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-14618c" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-14618c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+46&version=NIV#fen-NIV-14618c" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</span></span></span></i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-18-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-46-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-14618c" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-14618c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-18-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><span class="text Ps-91-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Whoever dwells in the shelter<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15397A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15397A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of the Most High</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">will rest in the shadow<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15397B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15397B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of the Almighty.<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-15397a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-15397a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+91&version=NIV#fen-NIV-15397a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-91-2" id="en-NIV-15398" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>I will say of the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, “He is my refuge<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15398C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15398C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and my fortress,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15398D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15398D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">my God, in whom I trust.”</span></span></i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-18-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-91-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-18-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-91-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-18-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-91-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></i></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXr4GbhkKPuvUjAHIq37N90Rqwe7bR0MghCmhphrBVk7R3KxKruIYqplxUwdAFCS83iGtTV_HKhzIwqB4hamk7umhYmZXRnpmc64eCGivXLTemfXGyzyrMaRP095-96FwESlH6SFqK12Y/s1600/IMG_2496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXr4GbhkKPuvUjAHIq37N90Rqwe7bR0MghCmhphrBVk7R3KxKruIYqplxUwdAFCS83iGtTV_HKhzIwqB4hamk7umhYmZXRnpmc64eCGivXLTemfXGyzyrMaRP095-96FwESlH6SFqK12Y/s320/IMG_2496.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
</div>
JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-69336761013264725082017-03-08T07:45:00.002-08:002017-03-08T07:45:49.448-08:00Late night Puzzles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sometimes I lay in bed and can't sleep. It just happens, no reason.<br />
<br />
So I flip on my light and find something productive to do until I can sleep. Sometimes I read- a book, my bible. But lately I've taken to trying to make my own puzzles.<br />
<br />
Sudoku puzzles, to be exact.<br />
Despite being an "expert level" sudoku player, I'm terrible at making the puzzle.<br />
<br />
See, the key in creating is to start by making the solution.<br />
This, I soon found, is a puzzle in itself.<br />
Creating a solution is no simple task- at least not for mybrain.<br />
You can't sporadically place numbers and call it good.<br />
...and I'm trying to use my own brain and pen to do this, not a computer formula.<br />
<br />
Ive now tried five times without success.<br />
Every time, I get close to the end of the solution, and I find that I have three 4s in one box, and no place for my 9, or that I mixed up the placement of all the 2s.<br />
<br />
Then I think- I'll just fix those numbers and it will work.<br />
But to fix those numbers, I usually have to change Another number. Yikes.<br />
<br />
Without fail, this puts me to sleep after a while. My brain gets tired from all that work!<br />
<br />
....but then I wake up thinking about puzzles. And I find myself thinking about puzzles, thoughts about them flitting around my head like stray flies in the middle of the day...<br />
<br />
How can you start with a solution?<br />
Surely, you have to have an end goal in mind, an overarching picture of where you want to go. But to be successful, you have to be able to see all the pieces fit together.<br />
<br />
I've always thought God was a great puzzle maker. I've always loved puzzles of any and every kind, so I've also loved the picture of God being able to see the final solution before we can. It was nice imagery for me, I suppose.<br />
<br />
My problem is, I always slap these labels -"PuzzleMaker"- on God without really understanding them. Now I think I'm starting to get it.<br />
<br />
God started with the solution.<br />
He didn't make the test then say, let me make the key, like some of our professors do on multiple choice tests. He didn't say this is my goal, so let me think about how I'll get there.<br />
<br />
The goal and the solution were one and the same.<br />
The puzzle fell apart when we tried to handle it- but it was always intended to come back together, because it STARTED as a solution.<br />
<br />
I hope I'm making sense, and not just "puzzling" you to death.<br />
Personally, this whole thing makes so much sense and yet none at all to me.<br />
It's that.... wonderful mystery of God...<br />
<br />
Maybe the best thing for you to do is try it.<br />
Try to make a puzzle today.<br />
<br />
Start with the solution.<br />
Then test it.<br />
If there is more than one solution, it's an invalid puzzle.<br />
<br />
Makes you think, doesn't it? </div>
JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-19119513117304827632016-11-07T18:07:00.001-08:002016-11-07T18:07:39.523-08:00Finding Solid Ground in the Janitor's closet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Some days are purely emotional.<br />
<br />
There's that odd combination of work-related and life related stress that just puts your senses on overload.<br />
Think about it: you have a crap ton of work on your desk, and there's some sort of random beeping noise coming from a malfunctioning fire alarm. Throughout the course of the day, the most ridiculous things happen. Some are good, some make you angry. Some are laughable, some bring you to tears.<br />
<br />
You have conversations with your boss and there's more work to do.<br />
Life at home might be a little crazy....<br />
And relationships, who knows what's happening anymore?<br />
<br />
Today I had one of those days.<br />
Life was on overload and I couldn't quite keep up with its supersonic speed. I was limping, time was strolling slowly through the day like it was a Sunday afternoon instead of a Monday.... but the life things. Like bullets that I could see from a mile away but couldn't dodge, they just kept coming.<br />
<br />
None of them hit me directly. But I still broke a little.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Naturally, I found myself sitting on a bucket in a janitor's closet of our building.<br />
You've got to do strange things to find quiet sometimes- but sanity is important.<br />
<br />
A few deep breaths, in and out.<br />
Finally the tears streaming down my face, what a relief.<br />
Thoughts still swirling in a confusion around my head, and I settle on one thing,<br />
<br />
"Peace."<br />
<br />
<br />
With a breath the headache is gone.<br />
Leaning my head against the concrete wall, I look at the line of dry, clean mop heads.<br />
They know their purpose- they hang, spaghetti-like, ready to immerse themselves in bleach water and floors marked by the passing of parents, kids, staff...<br />
<br />
That's it, I think.<br />
I have never once doubted the Lord. My whole life I have trusted Him, and trusted who He is.<br />
I know that His opinion of me has never changed, and that His love for me is unending.<br />
I know that He has claimed me before all of time. I even saw it once- the Lord, mighty in power and sitting on his heavenly throne. He stood up before all of creation and all of time. In righteous anger and perfect firmness and truth, he confronted my enemies. With a mighty stamp of His staff He sent ripples through space, declaring once and for all, "She is mine!"<br />
<br />
He claimed me, He claimed all of us who would also claim him.<br />
<br />
This I have done my whole life. I have always claimed him.<br />
I am not perfect, but I have run to him and lifted him high.<br />
<br />
But I have been guilty of one thing.<br />
I have embraced a false humility, and allowed myself to be trodden upon.<br />
I have embraced my king, but I have not stood up and declared who I am.<br />
<br />
<br />
By His blood, I am:<br />
Free<br />
Chosen<br />
Not Alone<br />
Marked with Hope<br />
A Prisoner of Hope<br />
Redeemed from all my sin and shame- ALL OF IT (even what I still struggle with)<br />
I am set free, liberated<br />
I am no longer a slave<br />
I am not an orphan or a castoff<br />
I am uniquely created in the image of the Uncreated Creator<br />
I have been brought into His presence<br />
By His love I have heard His voice<br />
I am one who knows God<br />
I am His, and He is mine....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The list goes on.<br />
And it isn't just for me, you know.<br />
It goes like this. Some friends of mine have been using the hashtag #where'smyground?<br />
What is your foundation, your "worth living for," your "this is who I am, and nothing you say or do can change it?" Where is the place that you will make a stand?<br />
<br />
In the janitor's closet today, I realized that my ground can't just be knowing who God is, or even just knowing Him. You see, He stood for me. He stands with me. He goes before me and behind me....<br />
<br />
<br />
I am not going to sit quietly anymore.<br />
I know where my ground is.<br />
<br />
<br />
It starts here:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I AM A CHILD OF GOD.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Now, Where is YOUR ground?</span></div>
<br /></div>
JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-71448253600865160922016-10-24T21:35:00.003-07:002016-10-24T21:35:51.694-07:00Surfacing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On the surface again...<br />
<br />
A gasp for air- not desperate, but refreshing.<br />
Into the lungs it goes, ignoring the wetness all around.<br />
<br />
Out of murky depths I had come.<br />
Now I tread, enjoying the fresh air...<br />
each breath a gift.<br />
Finding myself again- surfacing from the depths.<br />
<br />
Had they been all that bad?<br />
No, the explorer cries.<br />
We saw great wonders.<br />
The colors down there.... *sigh*<br />
....and the sights!<br />
<br />
But it got murky after a time.<br />
I got distracted-<br />
Forgot who I was with, where my line was.<br />
I lost myself in the mire.<br />
<br />
<br />
A tug brought me back.<br />
Like a call to the heart, and my body remembered.<br />
My lungs responded- a need to breathe, to feel, 59 see...<br />
<br />
My feet found the bottom, the depth of the pit.<br />
Beautiful sights- how can these compare?<br />
To sweet air...<br />
<br />
In, and out it flows.<br />
Lifeblood.<br />
<br />
And I am myself again.<br />
<br />
No longer distracted.<br />
I remember the cord,<br />
I see my lifeline.<br />
And I see... the horizon, ahead.<br />
<br />
Unseen, but still it calls-<br />
Home awaits. </div>
JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-49656483132595902892016-09-27T19:00:00.001-07:002016-09-27T19:00:59.808-07:00RVs 'n things that shine in the sky<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sometimes it's nice to climb things.<br />
<br />
Ladders, mountains... steps are ok, but they don't quite hold the same challenge.<br />
<br />
And not job ladders.<br />
To be honest, those don't impress me at all.<br />
<br />
I'm thinking more of the kind of where you have to pull yourself up,<br />
Make yourself breathe hard.<br />
<br />
The kind of climb that has a view of the top.<br />
Preferably one including mountains.<br />
<br />
Not that I'm picky. It's just nice to be sometimes:<br />
To get somewhere and know that you made it,<br />
Full of thankfulness hat your body could, that your mind doesn't have to...<br />
<br />
To just be.<br />
That's not the question, it's the joy.<br />
<br />
It lets you be who you really are.<br />
<br />
One rung, and you feel your muscles pull.<br />
Two, and the cars go by, wooshing tire on gravelly pavement.<br />
Three, and the light sinks behind the hills.<br />
Four, almost there....<br />
<br />
......a few more,<br />
<br />
And there it is....<br />
<br />
The top.<br />
<br />
<br />
Does anyone else appreciate the view like I do?<br />
Or is it just me-<br />
Me and the lights shining on quiet small towns already asleep...<br />
Me and RVs with rooftop seats to view the night sky-show.<br />
Me and the dogs....and the cars....and my thoughts.</div>
JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-13977792158950502572016-09-24T00:01:00.000-07:002016-09-24T06:32:26.617-07:00I'm judging you.I'm judging you.<br />
Just that phrase probably made your blood boil.<br />
<br />
Angry yet?<br />
At least a little annoyed?<br />
<br />
If you aren't, think for just a few minutes about the last time your blood really boiled.<br />
Maybe it was a righteous anger. If so, good for you.<br />
I'll be the first to say that usually my anger is not super 'righteous.'<br />
<br />
Whether it's something on the news or in politics or work or some other instance, we all know what it is that makes your blood pressure spike and the wrinkles on your face to get deeper.<br />
<br />
Maybe it was Hillary or Trump. Maybe an 'insensitive' Facebook post... maybe a 'bad call' made by a sports referee.<br />
<br />
"So," you say. "So what if I get angry," you say, (feeling defensive yet?). "Why are you bringing it up? I'm only human..."<br />
<br />
Sure. Defensiveness, anger, frustration, callousness....hatred... these things are all very human of us.<br />
<br />
Sadly, routine doesn't make anything easier. Or acceptable.<br />
In other words: You, me- we're called to something More.<br />
<br />
<br />
One of my favorite quotes is the "love them anyway" quote by Mother Theresa. To summarize, Mother Theresa basically says that another person's actions will never give you an excuse to do anything but love them- "because in the end, it wasn't between you and them anyway." In the end, 85 is between mankind and their Creator.<br />
<br />
<br />
So often in life we are tempted to look at one side of a situation and make a quick judgment... this is in all aspects of life- from politics to civil rights to what your perspective is like on where you are at.<br />
<br />
<br />
I know I'm still a work in progress.<br />
I'm not judging you, because I'm guilty of the same.<br />
<br />
But we're called To more. We exist for more than some carnal rage burning within us. We have a greater purpose than to just be frustrated or upset or depressed or apathetic to/about the world around us.<br />
<br />
<br />
"....We have a responsibility to succumb to empathy. To lay your pride and will down and attempt<br />
to understand the pain and suffering and happiness and banal emotions of your fellow humans. I<br />
say responsibility because you don't have to do it but it will make you a better human to do it.<br />
<br />
....We've replaced turning the other cheek and rising above with wallowing in our own self."<br />
(Walter S Dyer IV)<br />
<br />
I'm not judging YOU. I am just as guilty of disregarding others as the next person....I'm judging your fruit, and mine- what we produce. If we continue to preoduce violence and strife in the world around us (or in our own thoughts).... then we're doing something wrong.<br />
<br />
So stop.<br />
Practice empathy- start by listening. Don't say anything the first few times a response occurs.<br />
Listening is an easy way for you/us to love one another.<br />
Listening tells the other person- "you're valuable."<br />
<br />
Let's rise above our instincts and value others above ourselves.<br />
<br />
<div>
Start by listening to those you despise, and considering the heart of the "other side." </div>
<div>
Maybe you'll learn something. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
...one final note: </div>
<div>
Who is on the Throne? </div>
<div>
I tell you this, that though the earth moves out of its course, He will not change or even be shaken. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So be still. </div>
<div>
Live as children, not as slaves. </div>
<div>
Speak in love, not fear. </div>
<div>
Or don't speak at all- and just love. </div>
<div>
LISTEN. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Listen well....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What is the sound? </div>
JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-67239753312033575852016-09-12T21:15:00.000-07:002016-09-12T21:15:07.980-07:00The Stage is SetToday I was guilty of letting all the little things distract and disgust me.<br />
For a moment, I forgot who I was...<br />
And I let the world around me dictate my actions.<br />
<br />
I have worshipped in the past, even when the night was heavy and the pain was great.<br />
Why is now any different?<br />
<br />
The dawn is about to break.<br />
The battle is upon us-<br />
Now is not the time to sit and mope.<br />
Now is the time to unify, as sons and daughters.<br />
<br />
A united front focused on Him will become<br />
An impenetrable wall, and darkness will<br />
Shrink from his light upon our eyes and faces,<br />
Though we are but reflections of Him,<br />
Darkness will not stand.<br />
<br />
To war, let's go!<br />
Not of flesh and blood...<br />
To dream, to gaze upon his face, to know him.<br />
To hope, to share in peace, to unite in love,<br />
To see the broken restored...<br />
<br />
Yes, this is why we fight.<br />
<br />
For to love is not to take,<br />
But to lay down your life for another.<br />
<br />
Take up your arms, oh soldiers of the faith!<br />
Stand strong, prisoners of Hope!<br />
<br />
Arm in arm we will stand,<br />
Hand in hand and love on all,<br />
His bride has come to battle.<br />
Arrayed in splendor, with restoration in hand,<br />
<br />
She calls aloud, and the earth listens-<br />
"Look to the King!"<br />
For He is mine, and I am His.<br />
<br />
And so the shaking begins.<br />
Who will stand?JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-52474704512594249322016-04-14T18:03:00.000-07:002016-04-14T18:03:01.634-07:00When its just one of Those days, and you can't winSometimes there are days when moving on seems impossible, and time just gets you down. So keep trusting. It's worth it.<br />
<br />
Remember what our God has done. He is the one who promises rain to the barren land, who stopped the enemies of His people and cut them down. He is the one who is with us in our exhaustion and our struggle. He's the one who set the stars in the sky so we would see light in the darkness, and the birds to whistle in the day to remind us of the beauty He has made.<br />
<br />
For most of my life I have asked myself who I want to be when I am 5 years down the road, where I want to be and what I want to be doing.<br />
<br />
Now I am at a crossroads of life.<br />
<br />
Moving on and pressing forward.<br />
Every day I have a chance to quit. Or to keep going Anyway.<br />
<br />
I wish I could say that I keep going.<br />
But on my own usually I quit really hard.<br />
I end up flat on the floor, staring up at the ceiling, wondering where my life is going.<br />
.... Crying in the laundry room...<br />
<br />
An emotional wreck, really.<br />
But then...<br />
.... Then comes that voice of Someone who loves me, despite all of my mistakes and failures and plain old stupidity. Despite all the hurts that I carry like a dirty bandage that just needs to be thrown away, He loves me still.<br />
<br />
In the midst of my every day, petty frustrations- you know them, the ones that drive you nuts and make you lose sleep and... and the ones that you don't quite remember what it was you were frustrated about. In the midst of THOSE, this gentle Man comes, in all His Divine State, and speaks to me.<br />
<br />
His Spirit witnesses to my spirit.<br />
<br />
WOOSH- a breath, a rush of air. Sweet relief, and peace returned.<br />
<br />
Redirected.<br />
Hopeful.<br />
Focused on my Jesus,<br />
Hand in hand with Him-<br />
NOW.<br />
<br />
So I get up, and I move forward.JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-71028306899213710622016-04-09T23:25:00.002-07:002016-04-09T23:25:42.373-07:00What Love Has DoneThis isn't a post about romance, even though I'll admit I'm a diehard romantic.<br />
I love slap-happy, tear-jerking, totally cheesy love stories.<br />
And I love real ones.<br />
<br />
Can I tell you what love has done to me?<br />
Love gives my eyes power to look past just me, my concerns, my hopes and dreams and worries.<br />
Love sees hearts and delights in them, as they are.<br />
<br />
Love makes me tell my best friend that I love her 7 times just today (her count, not mine)...<br />
Love causes me to be that crazy person that doesn't hate very many things in life, because each joy, even each trial, points me to even more love and even more joy.<br />
Love keeps me awake at night, petitioning my Beloved for the ones on my heart.<br />
Love causes me to look at insecurity, at sickness, at trauma, and bless the One who reaches out a hand to help...<br />
Love allows me to forgive the ones who brought on the pain, and<br />
even to hope the same Life for them, that now finds itself in me.<br />
<br />
Love makes my heart bloom.<br />
But my love is not forced.<br />
It was a gift to me-<br />
One that I chose first to receive.<br />
<br />
And I do! Oh so joyfully! This love has given me breath. It has given me hope and dreams and a Reason. This love has given me definition, purpose...<br />
<br />
But this love is also mine to give (& yet simultaneously to keep! What a joy!)<br />
I choose to love.JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-62277861950892163842016-02-29T22:13:00.001-08:002016-02-29T22:21:50.469-08:00Goodnight Moon! Goodnight moon, goodnight stars!<br />
<br />
Such meaningless and silly words from a kids book that the little ones I watch Love for me to read to them.<br />
But is it really meaningless?<br />
<br />
Think about it.<br />
"Goodnight."<br />
"Good" "night"<br />
<br />
There's an idea stirring in my brain. Perhaps even the darkness can be good. There can be beauty there, not just fear. I mean, I know I sleep the deepest, hardest, and longest nights when I am in the darkest rooms- those completely void of light can bring the greatest rest.<br />
<br />
Could this literal idea of rest in the darkness translate to our spiritual lives? Or our mental, emotional ones?<br />
<br />
How would one regain that childlike innocence to look the Darkness in the face and say "goodnight," dismissing the evil with a sweet carefreeness?<br />
<br />
Then my mind wanders again.... I find myself sitting in a dark room, eyes about to close, comforted by the storm.<br />
<br />
But it wasn't always so. I remember when the storm used to terrify me. I remember when the dark nights used to paralyze me, when I couldn't sleep without a night light.<br />
<br />
So what's changed? Is it just that I grew up?<br />
No, there's something more. I learned to trust my foundation. I have learned that even if the storms cause power outages, I will never be lost in the dark, for I have a light. I have learned that even if the storms come, my good shelter won't falter from the moisture or the wind. The roaring thunder will not shake the protective walls of a well built refuge.<br />
<br />
A storm rages outside my window.<br />
I find myself in utter darkness.<br />
And yet, it is a good night.<br />
The moon, the stars, whether or not I see them, stand as silent witnesses to something beyond the storm.<br />
The walls around me stand, unflappable.<br />
The sun, half way around the world, seems to whisper a promise.<br />
The light will come back at its appointed time.<br />
But the dark has the same Ruler as the day.... So I will not fear.<br />
<br />
*sigh*<br />
It IS a good night.<br />
Rest is surely a gift....<br />
One that can come even in darkness.<br />
....perhaps, especially in darkness.<br />
<br />
And my mind remembers the poem- you know, the greatest ever written.<br />
"...through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me...."<br />
Could one be comforted in darkness? Could rest come in despair?<br />
<br />
And another line.... "He restores my soul...."<br />
And the final line- "...shall follow me all the days of my life...."<br />
They don't specify- on good days or bad? During the night or the light?<br />
<br />
Could it be, that our bodies are made to rest in the darkness of night, so that our spirits can understand a deeper truth?<br />
If He is Lord over all, could He not give rest in the darkness....?<br />
<br />
Amazed by the thoughts coursing through my head,<br />
Of One who can use darkness? Does this also mean He can use chaos, despair?<br />
<br />
Hm. Enough to think about tomorrow. Now the night beckons.<br />
I hear the whisper of the Ruler of the Day and the Lord of the Night- "Rest, little one...."<br />
And I'm back to where I started-<br />
"Goodnight moon. Goodnight stars. Let us all rest together, knowing that even when the moon and stars fail to govern the night, it is yet good. For Another King reigns over all, and He is good! So good night, good night, for it is indeed just that kind of night!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-65258527569412209782016-02-18T06:56:00.003-08:002016-02-18T06:57:56.304-08:00and He spokeI lift my head up.<br />
Air has returned to my lungs.<br />
My heart remembers You--<br />
It has not forgotten Your promises.<br />
<br />
A friend sees and asks.<br />
They look to my care, and without noticing touch my heart.<br />
In that gentle moment, I see You,<br />
And my heart remembers its Hope.<br />
<br />
Make the hope firm.<br />
Tread again the steady paths of the wise.<br />
He says, "Listen, I will speak to you."<br />
<br />
My heart silences its noise, its fears are quieted.<br />
With the eager anticipation of a child, the desperation of one who knows I'd be lost without Him, I sit.<br />
<br />
I am still.<br />
<br />
I wait on my God.<br />
<br />
He is my Hope, my Deliverer.<br />
<br />
And then He speaks.<br />
My head lifts to listen better.<br />
From somewhere in the distance I hear a song<br />
.... it is my heart singing.<br />
<br />
<br />JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-20833894304487711572016-02-02T17:50:00.002-08:002016-02-02T17:50:45.150-08:00The day I lost control and it was the best thing everSo, yeah. I'm not in control. And I'm ok with that.<br />
<br />
Before I start, can I just clear something up?<br />
Feeling humbled does not mean I feel less,<br />
only that someone Else has become more.<br />
Someone greater than myself has risen in my esteem,<br />
so my thoughts are turned towards Him.<br />
<br />
This isn't a classic romance, ok?<br />
It's a sweeter one than the world can give.<br />
And my heart has been touched in the deepest places.<br />
<br />
Want to hear?<br />
<br />
The Lord has humbled me.<br />
He took me up from the places I had set myself.<br />
He took the control out of my hands, and in its place gave me freedom.<br />
I know it sounds contradictory, but it is the truest thing I've ever said.<br />
<br />
The Lord took me out of control and gave me freedom.<br />
<br />
How?<br />
<br />
He humbled me.<br />
He turned my thoughts from me to Him.<br />
<br />
In my arrogance, I thought I could control them.<br />
I could tell the people what to think, and they would listen to me.<br />
And they did- many were swayed by my fancy words, my 'wise' speech.<br />
But the sound of my wisdom rang with a pang in my ears.<br />
It was not true, but somehow off pitch, off kilter, lost..<br />
<br />
He humbled me.<br />
He closed my mouth and opened my heart.<br />
He is teaching me to listen, to love, to really truly LISTEN.<br />
And I am learning...<br />
<br />
I'm finding that my word is not the final word, nor is it always the best.<br />
I'm finding that I really just don't know it all, and that is actually a good thing.<br />
I'm finding that I still have a lot to learn.<br />
<br />
But that's not all.<br />
<br />
The Lord humbled me again.<br />
He turned calmed my rage and ministered to my soul.<br />
<br />
In my pain, the hatred and violence came from my breast.<br />
In my anger, I wanted to destroy, to loathe, to conquer, to shun.<br />
I wanted to hate.<br />
But the hatred left a bad taste in my mouth, the bitterness made the bile rise up, the anger made me swoon.<br />
This too, was not of God.<br />
<br />
So the Lord humbled me.<br />
He spoke to the unforgiveness, and He called out my folly.<br />
He challenged me to more, He said I was capable of more than hate and mindless rage.<br />
He said I was capable of love.<br />
<br />
Then He loved me.<br />
He showed me love through people- even those I was supposed to serve, they began to speak words over me. The Lord used those I was 'supposed' to minister to- He used them to touch my heart.<br />
He reminded me that He saw, that He cared, and that He had made me for more.<br />
He cleansed me, washed me in water, and made me new.<br />
<br />
So I gave my rage to him.<br />
I gave up control.<br />
<br />
But still He humbled me.<br />
"Your hard work, your image, those are Mine too," He said.<br />
So He took them, and He molded me into something.<br />
He took the determination I had, and gave me a perseverance to endure past exhaustion, to even find rest in the storms.<br />
He took all my skills and talents, and melded them with His.<br />
He discarded the waste- it fell off in the fire.<br />
<br />
What need have I of image? of status? of recognition?<br />
I have been recognized by the Most High God.<br />
Called His Own, given a place, trusted with His work.<br />
<br />
He has humbled me to my core,<br />
and He has made me His.<br />
I am not my own, I was bought with a price.<br />
Yet what freedom is mine! What Peace! What love!<br />
<br />
I have lost control.<br />
I cannot do it.<br />
I am humbled by my smallness.<br />
<br />
Yet the Lord!<br />
He stands enthroned on High,<br />
and He- He cares even for me.<br />
In the valleys and on the mountains He has walked with me.<br />
Through the storms He has carried me.<br />
He has tended my heart.<br />
<br />
I am not in control.<br />
I don't think I ever really was...<br />
But today, I recognize it again.<br />
<br />
Yet I have hope.<br />
I look to my Jesus, the One who is glorified over all!<br />
Surely, the greatest reward is to be with Him.<br />
<br />
So, "Return to your fortress, you prisoners of Hope!" (Zechariah 9:12)<br />
The Lord Himself is coming.<br />
Today is His day.<br />
<br />
Not mine.<br />
Isn't that the best?JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-221530089340072402016-01-29T12:48:00.000-08:002016-01-29T12:48:00.284-08:00Confessions of a Total Control FreakYeah, so I'm a control freak.<br />
<br />
Don't think so? Get this: I've been freaking out about my future. Why not? I mean, I am a senior in college, I'm starting a new job this summer, and I'm leaving the places I have known for things that are totally new, and that I have no idea how God is going to use.<br />
<br />
Still not seeing the control freak? Well, in my need for a feeling of stability, of control, I completely rearranged and redecorated my room, got frustrated with every person who even partially disagreed with me on anything, and considered all variety of insane things from getting another tattoo or piercing to dying my hair crazy colors.<br />
<br />
Yikes. Like, maybe this is not a big deal for half the world, but please understand I am the girl that hates change. My parents got a new car when I was a kid, and I wept, hugged the old car, and wept a lot more. I hated the very idea that our sweet little red minivan was going away. It was a constant, a norm. So I freaked out, and I cried. OVER A CAR.<br />
<br />
Pathetic, right?<br />
<br />
Yeah, well, the thing is... I realized today that I've been doing that all over again. Seeing change coming up and freaking out about what is beyond my control. And honestly, I'm guessing I'm not the only one.<br />
<br />
Want a diagnosis? Ask yourself a few questions: have you been feeling empty, frustrated, dissatisfied, or ridiculously exhausted, even when you aren't sick or sleep deprived? Feeling anxious over nothing, furious over the littlest things, or disgusted over aspects of life that aren't the way YOU would do them?<br />
<br />
If you said yes to any of the above, you are potentially either depressed, sick, or struggling with a case of the control freak. If you feel sick, please just get some sleep and go to the doctor. If you feel at the level of depression, you need to talk to a counselor. Trust me, it will help, and there is no shame in seeking help. For the rest of us who are struggling to control EVERYTHING, well, we also need help. Again, trust me. This is my honest confession from real life struggles. You will not be able to fix everything on your own. The fact is, when we try to control things, we are trying to operate outside of where God put us.<br />
<br />
In our frustration, we try to have things ordered just so. But here's a tip about God: He's not a fan of dictators (which is why He GAVE us freedom, rather than mandate that we serve him... but let's not go there, that's a whole other discussion).<br />
<br />
Look, I am a visual person. So let's visualize. No one ever pictured life as an iron or a stone wall, right? That would be hard. The smooth edges are just too much to picture life happening on. I mean, you can't rationalize <a href="https://youtu.be/9d_wGQQpBzc">this</a> video of a gurgling baby with a WALL. It just doesn't look like life. Yet, when we try to control, we try to create this perfect thing....<br />
<br />
Guys.This control thing- it just won't work. STAHP. (I see all of you who cringed at my spelling. Your disgust has been noted).<br />
<br />
So what is life? Well, generally, life has been associated with water, wells, rivers.... Flowing water is not just important to where men have settled their homes, but it has come to represent what life looks like. Rivers are my favorite- they are messy, windy, straight, crackly, bubbly, and emotional (seriously). They can be smooth and calm, and the next second raging, frothy, and beautiful. And sometimes the rivers even fall -- for most of us, this is our favorite part.<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;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQuQ-WFeMPJrll-CGXtBaaYbGXS2LwwNszknmsvhU37kyUwXjP_1hpYW99N9UVW1uErp5LYihV4GeW0pBjvE_lIkvfyzRzeBIhKxc860c_BPLGpIP7MPaOISinmNkpdfzSUGtcV4Zm8s/s400/images.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Niagara falls. Anyone want to go? SO BEAUTIFUL. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEiGuc-Fyo970KiNpFgT8p9_6FgUfNLPqG3NrWnNdtYYMQA1uaPfE_FtKtQC0qEM9ddd0ObYYWDYZWrWKk_YUK8OOriEKgNOXCPGyS9ILvBKVQwC0Dmz2L2vS1MYsgVA3yYxpaSTOMGQh4A/s1600/o-ANGEL-FALLS-570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuc-Fyo970KiNpFgT8p9_6FgUfNLPqG3NrWnNdtYYMQA1uaPfE_FtKtQC0qEM9ddd0ObYYWDYZWrWKk_YUK8OOriEKgNOXCPGyS9ILvBKVQwC0Dmz2L2vS1MYsgVA3yYxpaSTOMGQh4A/s320/o-ANGEL-FALLS-570.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I'm getting sidetracked. BUT THEY ARE SO PRETTY.<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We're all afraid of the fall. This is why we complain so much about life flowing like a river. We long for adventure but freak out when it actually comes with all of its high mountains, smooth rivers, low valleys, and waterfalls.... Because when we get to the valley or the falls, we can no longer control the course of our river. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So we set up camp, and we stop. Like stupid, stubborn idiots we stick in the valley or at the top of the falls because we are too afraid of what we can't control. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But what if we gave up the need to control? In the Church, we call this humility. Its this insane process of acknowledging that you can't, or maybe that you aren't enough. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Incredibly painful, but so worth it. It will help the frustration, ease the anxiety. You'll be able to be content, instead of pacing your room or feeling like some crazy unknown MUST change. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You'll be able to sit, and be still. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's when you are still that you hear the babbling brook, winding its way through the deepest valleys. For those who are walking with the Spirit of God, this rush of life comes as a soft whisper, a worship song, a scripture, a word from a friend, or any variety of ways that our awesomely creative Creator chooses to use. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So please, join me in laying down that ridiculous need to control. Calm down for a while. Take some time away from the busyness of the day to relax, to let go, and to worship God. It will be worth it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<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/AVvXsEhphpd2K9ebuUs4MaSP2GUdyz3h_WHjluIv2NG-_9jhUTEyvl4zZd8HYrhhjsb1TEWpsaZXxhTAb5u-xW7ayNmqPsHdtQKd5ALmY0Dg-9EHe1unwvFBSHAJ2vS_RwzElBbXYbPeLWFliro/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphpd2K9ebuUs4MaSP2GUdyz3h_WHjluIv2NG-_9jhUTEyvl4zZd8HYrhhjsb1TEWpsaZXxhTAb5u-xW7ayNmqPsHdtQKd5ALmY0Dg-9EHe1unwvFBSHAJ2vS_RwzElBbXYbPeLWFliro/s400/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously. So pretty. Calming pictures help too ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQuQ-WFeMPJrll-CGXtBaaYbGXS2LwwNszknmsvhU37kyUwXjP_1hpYW99N9UVW1uErp5LYihV4GeW0pBjvE_lIkvfyzRzeBIhKxc860c_BPLGpIP7MPaOISinmNkpdfzSUGtcV4Zm8s/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1"></a><br /></div>
</div>
JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-22244394534394902592015-12-15T12:27:00.003-08:002015-12-15T12:27:49.101-08:00The Dance of Hope and TrustTrusting-<br />
It's like forgiving and breathing.<br />
Like the beating of your heart, it has to keep repeating, going and drumming.<br />
<br />
If it didn't, you would experience death in life,<br />
Instead of the life in death that it offers.<br />
<br />
Trusting makes you look around, see things.<br />
You see stars instead of dark nights,<br />
the design of the wind instead of the ferocity of the storm.<br />
<br />
Trusting gives hope.<br />
Or, hope helps trust succeed....<br />
Maybe trust is hope in action.<br />
<br />
Trust is more intimate than hope, though.<br />
It makes hope personal.<br />
<br />
But what is underneath the two?<br />
There has to be something inspiring their dance.<br />
Is it faith?<br />
No, faith is a certainty of hope, hope's child.<br />
<br />
What is the foundation?<br />
What is the ground that hope and trust dance on?<br />
<br />
They are too vulnerable to grow alone.<br />
Respect, admiration, these could not be the foundation- they whither in a day.<br />
So what remains when hope and trust are gone?<br />
From whence do they come? What drives their dance?<br />
<br />
Sacrifice and offerings don't build hope or trust.<br />
<br />
Unless-<br />
What if the sacrifice is one of love?<br />
Could it be a foundation?<br />
Could love remain when trust and hope are gone?<br />
Is love strong enough to hold the dreams of hope, and the arms of trust?<br />
<br />
How does one trust?<br />
Where does one find hope, if not in love?<br />
<br />
Hope without love- it makes me shudder.<br />
It seems more like fear than hope.<br />
It is bred out of desperation, not hope.<br />
Determination isn't enough for hope without love,<br />
For determination will die before hope is fulfilled.<br />
<br />
<br />
But hope WITH love has purpose.<br />
Hope and love together breed faith, courage...<br />
These bring determination.<br />
<br />
Determination for what?<br />
To persevere in action and character,<br />
To trust the hope- hope of love.<br />
<br />
Hope that dances on a strong foundation.<br />
Trust that acts from Hope's inspiration.<br />
All because of love-<br />
<br />
Love that caused a Life (indeed, Life itself) to conquer Death.JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-90287963131409449102015-09-22T08:43:00.001-07:002015-09-22T08:56:26.129-07:00I'm A Determined StrugglerI know what it feels like to not feel hope. To be desperate, to be afraid of the dark, and afraid of your own shadow. Even yesterday, I was up late into the night, staring at the ceiling, struggling with life.<br />
<br />
But enough on that. I don't want to push it away or say that life is not hard or that is only a portion of my life. In fact, I am learning that most of life is a struggle. And I am not the only one who REALLY struggles. (such a good word, right? Sorry if I overuse the word "struggle," but it is so appropriate for what I am feeling. If you want, maybe substitute "wrestle with life," or use your imagination. But I like "struggle").<br />
<br />
Ok, I take that back. I do not "like" struggle, or struggling, but I am realizing that is a fact of life. However, I just wasted two whole paragraphs talking about what you guys already know, but few people acknowledge -- life is hard. I say "wasted" because the struggle is not what has been occupying my attention or energy.<br />
<br />
The struggles have been trying to drain me, to steal all that I have. They have been sucking away my hope and my sleep and my vitality. They've been giving me back problems and causing my hair to shed like a small animal. But still the struggles are not on the forefront of my mind.<br />
<br />
At the front is hope.<br />
<br />
Do you know hope? Not the person, though I have known many an amazing Hope. I mean the knowledge that goes through and deeper than feelings and emotions. The knowledge and the wish and the TRUST, that everything will be ok. That somehow you are going to make it.<br />
<br />
Through the back pain, through the migraines, through the memories of trauma... Through the storms...<br />
<br />
Its like having a really good friend. A true friend, you know? A true friend, that loves you. But not the kind of love that all of you are probably picturing, or even what I would picture. A true friend listens to all of your talk and doesn't call it jabbering; they sit through your tears. A true friend doesn't actually care if you reciprocate friendship-- even though this friend loves you, they will give without requiring back. They'll sit with you on sleepless nights, and walk with you when you are scared of the dark. Even more, a true friend would give anything for you, even if you didn't accept it. If you were in trouble, this friend would even give their life.<br />
<br />
Perhaps you know someone like this. I know I WANT to be this kind of friend. And I have friends that I would call true, yet I do not hold them quite to this standard. My friends are human, after all. There might be some sleepless nights where they can't make it. But, however "cliche" it sounds, Jesus is a true friend. He even gave his life for me, for you, not caring if we would reciprocate or accept. But he wants it. In fact, he is so jealous for my/your friendship, that he waits outside the door, waiting for us to let him in. And if you're like me, maybe you've given him ownership... Sometimes he just sits at the table with you, waiting patiently for you to talk. Either way, he is a true friend. He is the reason why I hope.<br />
<br />
SO we come back today. I have class, and I am living real life. I am priviledged to have real friends who look a lot like my best friend, but none are quite like him. He's the one I'm leaning into. And here's how I hope. I am going to hope so hard that I can't stand on my own. People will ask how I am, and I will say I can't stand, but it isn't because the struggles. It's because the second part of "I can't stand" is "without my Jesus."<br />
<br />
Maybe I'm crazy. Maybe I'm misplacing my hope. But I don't care. I know I'm not a pessimist to say that the day will get harder sometimes. But I'm leaning in to my Hope-- my Jesus-- with all that I have. So I don't actually care. Bring on the rain.JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-70217186671200595062015-08-20T12:58:00.002-07:002015-08-20T12:58:22.674-07:00Lucky PenniesI think I have come to a new conclusion about pennies. I wonder if I can help you catch my view...<br />
<br />
Suppose after one rather tiring day of contemplating the future, a girl comes upon a bright, shiny penny lying in front of her foot. Well, if she's anything like me, she'll pick it up. Not thinking much about what she usually tries to get rid of, she can't help but glance at the brightness, and read the words.<br />
<br />
"In God We Trust" lies along the top in bold letters. Maybe it is lucky to be reminded of that. Lucky to trust in something bigger than you.<br />
<br />
A sigh, a few steps more, and fidgety fingers bring the other side into focus. A shield.... somewhat dimly she realizes "God will protect me," and with more excitement "he is my shield!" <i>E pluribus unum</i>, it says. <b>Liberty</b>, in tiny capital letters next to Lincoln's truthful head.<br />
<br />
Why bother? Why would anyone care when the thing you make is work less than it takes to produce it? The Wall Street Journal revealed in 2014 that it costs 1.7 cents to make a ONE CENT coin. Pennies cost more than they are worth. I'm not sure what pennies used to be worth, but let's pretend it has always costed more to make than the value of a penny.<br />
<br />
So why put in so much money and effort into something so worthless? Apparently, to Someone it has or had value. Someone saw a vision, even in something so small and worthless that few people care if it is lost in the pits of their couches.<br />
<br />
Perhaps they saw that a nation could pride itself on the littlest things, and even the poorest of the poor could hold a shiny copper penny that pointed to higher and grander things - like God or freedom. A tiny thing that could be so worthless to some, yet to others it pointed to trust in time and work -- one comes from many, and many from one, after all. Holding a penny, all men were suddenly equal, just as they were created.<br />
<br />
Maybe its extrapolation, but in my view the penny captured the essence of the nation. The founders took something big and compressed it, or maybe they saw something small and said that greatness has little beginnings. Either way someone developed the vision for a penny.<br />
<br />
I'm not saying don't shoot for the stars. But remember that pennies are good too. Vision can be just as much for the little things of life as it is for the big.<br />
<br />JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-26564031420366834592015-04-30T22:30:00.004-07:002015-04-30T22:30:57.743-07:00Why I try to be smallI'm a little person. If you know me, you know I'm not the tiniest person in the bunch, but I'm always on the shorter end. Lately, it seems like kids are even taller than me. Let's just say I can't reach the top shelf of anything without climbing on something, or otherwise getting a really tall person to help. (...And for your information, my definition of a really tall person is "anyone who can reach the top shelf. If that's you, congratulations- I am in awe of your body's ability to stretch itself.<br />
<br />
Perhaps I shouldn't be writing this when I'm tired. If there are excess amounts of sarcasm in my writing, just take it for exhaustion. I just finished finals week in my 2nd year of undergrad (which makes me, officially, a senior. Praise the Lord!), and I have so much to do. Number one on that list is sleep. But something popped into my mind and I just can't get it out. Thus, here I am, spilling out my mind and heart to a lovely blank space.<br />
<br />
*Ahem* (Again, tired...)... First off, I suppose I should clear up some things about my title. I frequently wish I were taller. My apparent sarcasm was really truth. Sometimes I have to fight jealousy over all the tall people in the world. People tell me I have it better; apparently all the guys like shorter girls, etc. But really, it seems like all you tall people have it better. The only thing small people seem to do well is hide-and-go-seek. Seriously, unless you are five years old and under 4feet, I will probably beat you, every time, at hide-and-go-seek. Otherwise, being short isn't all that great. I get people asking me if I am 16, if I need help, telling me how cute I am, thinking I can't do something....So I find myself always trying to be taller. I climb trees, I climb shelves (tall people are always conveniently absent when you need them), I wear heels.... but it just doesn't work.<br />
<br />
My mind has gradually been changing on the concept of smallness. Don't get me wrong, I still love all my tall people friends, I love the feeling of tallness when you climb or wear heels... But I'm learning to be content with my littleness. Even more, I have learned something about being little.<br />
<br />
When you are small, you always look up to people. If you treat that opportunity right, you start to learn things. You get a chance to listen, and perhaps to begin that process of understanding the world around you. Kind of like being a kid, when there was someone older and wiser than you, and you had a moment where you could just sit and listen and learn from them. When I had those experiences, I usually walked away feeling motivated to do something.<br />
Do you remember how you used to dream in those moments?<br />
<br />
I do, because I've been having them a lot lately.<br />
<br />
Maybe you're starting to see my point. I hope so. I mean, I'm not writing a thriller here.<br />
<br />
For those of you visual learners or mathematicians, I made a formula. (LOL). Here it is:<br />
SMALL + LISTEN = LEARNING<br />
LEARNING + MOTIVATION = DREAMING<br />
<br />
Kids dream. Small people dream. Being small sometimes has nothing to do with height. Smallness comes when you realize that you are not quite big enough to fill the room, and you recognize those people that take up more space than you. I mean really, have you ever seen a really tiny person confront a really big person? It always seems to me that the "wow" factor is more on the smaller person's side.<br />
<br />
Smallness is not putting yourself down or saying you are not enough, except perhaps to notice that your body is not quite big yet. So you recognize those that are, and watch to see how they got there. Unfortunately, this no longer works for me as far as height goes, but when we talk dreams...<br />
<br />
I guess what I'm getting at is that we (I) should try to listen better. I think there is a reason that Jesus asked us to have faith like children, and also to sit at the back of the table rather than the seat of honor. In those places you can still grow, and when you are moved forward it is even sweeter. Plus, children have this amazing tenacity that leads to "impossible" dreams and "too-large for life" motivations. I have this feeling that if we could get our kids to NOT lose their dream-big mentality, and if we could find it ourselves, the world would potentially explode with the amazing things that would happen.<br />
<br />
OK ok. My tired self is going nuts. Obviously the world would not explode. Metaphors people!<br />
Anyway, I could go on and on about this. However, in the interest of grammar and word errors that will certainly appear any moment now (wait for it), I am off to do that wonderful thing called sleep. You all should try it sometime. And you should consider dreaming, but not just the sleep-kinds.<br />
<br />
One last thing before I go. Another "if you know me" moment, but my tagline is very obviously that "life is an adventure." This isn't by accident. My view on life as adventure comes from a firm belief that God is on the throne, and that He is my friend. My dream, if you care to know, is to see Jesus glorified. And out of this dream comes a whole adventure that I call life. YES, I can't wait for heaven. But I'm also pretty thrilled with right now. I'm with Jesus, and no matter what happens...This is not an idealist statement, but a "look, I have had those moments of total crap in my life. I understand and still think this" moment. So I'm off to bed. And in the morning, when I wake up with joy (because God is SO good, all the time), I'll spend my day trying to be small. Because small people learn a lot, and small people dream big dreams. I want to be a small person who sees God, because I know those people will do big things with Him.<br />
<br />
I hope it goes without saying, but obviously you can too, regardless of stature.<br />
'Night friends.JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-91066116739767073282015-04-07T20:13:00.001-07:002015-04-07T20:13:19.407-07:00What is an Adventure?Perhaps I have written about this...<br />
<br />
But I don't suppose it can be spoken of enough, and definitely not too much.<br />
<br />
So I'm guessing you've all noticed my blog's title (I know, call me Captain Obvious).<br />
It's there for a reason, and definitely not because I am trying to join some hipster movement.<br />
<br />
I like adventures, and I go nuts over fantasy stories.<br />
My reasoning is simple, really.<br />
The protagonists and all their struggles look like me, and the heroes in all their grandeur remind me of Jesus.<br />
<br />
Stories speak to something deep in our souls, something that Jesus' kids like to call that "eternal" call.<br />
I know you know this story, sometimes I think we were born with it in our DNA. But bear with me as I tell it yet again, won't you? Won't you sit with me and listen (or read, I suppose) to the story that makes my blood sing, my heart rejoice, and my feet to dance?<br />
It starts like this...<br />
<br />
We were never called to be here, at least not like this. Life was made because the God of the Universe lacked one simple thing. In all His perfection He was (and is) love embodied, yet He had no one to love. So He created a beautiful world, the most impressive utopia ever imagined. He put all of the most wonderful things ever imagined into it, more than man could write about or even study in a few lifetimes. Like an overeager lover setting up an exciting first date, He set up the world for us. He wrote His zeal in the clouds, built it strong in the mountains' foundations, and weaved it into the core of the earth's very atoms.<br />
<br />
Then all of creation eagerly waited, looking for that day when God breathed life into a creature unique from all the others -- a creature that looked like Him, thought like Him, and talked like Him.<br />
Can you imagine the shock and the joy on that day? The most perfect Being ever had done it, He created A MAN, a mirror image of himself.<br />
<br />
As if things could not get better, He proceeded to make another, just as unique yet just as mirrored to Himself as the first. The woman was different from the man, yet still she looked like God, talked and thought like Him. God recognized that they were made in His image, that like Him they needed an equal to love. So he gave them to one another, to love as He loved them.<br />
<br />
For a little while everything was Perfect, untouched and unscarred. Can you imagine the joy that the creation felt each morning? Surely the air vibrated with it!<br />
<br />
And then it was all gone in an instant. The simple choices of men and women, the stupid pride tore them away from God like flesh from bone. The rend was instant, and the earth screamed with it. The innocence of man was destroyed, how could humanity go on being like God now? Perfect love had been destroyed when trust was cast aside and disobedience was embraced.<br />
<br />
<i>....So man was separated from God, this we all know. I see you there, nodding your heads in frustration and sighing in boredom. Deal with it for a moment longer, and listen now. I am not a bard or a poet, but try to see where I am coming from, what my heart's cry is. Lifeblood will be found here, just wait and see....</i><br />
<br />
Centuries, millennia passed. The world sighed time after time with exhaustion, for it could no longer bear the weight of the would-be-gods of man. Mankind had meant to be loved and be lovers (in the purest fashion, my friends. Don't let your minds stray now!), yet they had begun to stamp and push and shove, each fighting to Be the God that created them, rather than be His image and reflection. They did not understand the beauty of the 'simple' reflection of the Sun on the Moon in the evenings (that beautiful moon that brings so much light to the dark!), but instead strove to be the Sun.<br />
<br />
Yet God cared not for men's futile attempts to be Him. He could have erased it all and started anew... But out of the same love that sparked the creation, He made it fresh instead. In His mercy God made the nightmare into a dream, for all who would see the Way that was made. Just as before, He Himself did it. In a moment He restored what in another moment had been destroyed. And in His way, He stretched out the firmament to make it permanent. What was made firm then was the love that will never end, a love that came and died for man, a love that longs to be in close connection.<br />
An unending God declaring who He is -- Love.<br />
<br />
<br />
...So maybe you liked my story, and maybe you did not. Stay a moment longer, won't you? Come see how it applies to you, to stories, to adventure (if you don't already)...<br />
Here is where the adventure is: not in the horrors or temptations of life, not in the horrible valleys that seem to have no end of darkness, and certainly not in the struggles and griefs that each of us must face as men on earth. The adventure lies in the doing, <i>If it is done with God</i>. For Jesus Christ (surely you know His name?) did more than sacrifice Himself so that we would not die. He made a way so that we MIGHT LIVE.<br />
<br />
Now then, like the greatest heroes of old that we tell our children about, and whose stories tug at our deepest beings, we too are on the greatest of adventures. If you choose to accept Jesus for who He said He was, that is... Then you will find the adventures that have magic and fairies to be nothing compared to those we will face as His followers, for He is our guide, our destination, our rear-guard, and our constant companion. You will find, if you follow Jesus, that like the heroes of old you will face valleys and rivers and mountains and battles and times when it doesn't seem like you can go on (at times you will even have to crawl)... You will find times when it seems all is lost, times when you wonder why you started the adventure at all, times when you find adventures aren't always that great, times when you cannot see if good or bad lies around the corner... at times you will be betrayed by those you held dear, at times you will be frustrated by your enemies, at times you may be captured... and some of you may even be killed on the course of the adventure.<br />
<br />
But this is the Best kind of adventure, you see? Not because of the bad, but because you know that NO MATTER WHAT the hero faces, he/she will Always win, will always reach the finish line, will always defeat the enemy.<br />
<br />
Our solution is assured. Jesus said so when He died, and said "It is finished." And as if we weren't sure, He came back again, in Glory to lead the charge. Our struggles are before us, yes -- for the world has still not completely accepted its King again. As long as it abstains from His love, creation will writhe with the tragedy of it. For man was not created to BE God, but to be Loved by God, and to love Him. We destroyed it, but guess what? Still He loves us.<br />
<br />
Dare I go on? I fear my words are at an end... all adventurers need to rest, you know. And anyway, I can only speak of the adventure for so long. There comes a time when the adventure must be Lived. I hope to see you along the way, my dear friends. Join us, won't you?<br />
<br />
Live this adventure with my Jesus and I, if you care or dare. There is plenty of room for more. ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-88172981268997365892015-02-23T09:24:00.003-08:002015-02-23T09:24:47.107-08:00i gotta have that "single person" post now...So another one of my friends got engaged yesterday.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I am beyond thrilled.<br />
I mean, I already have their wedding gift half-way done.<br />
<br />
But I couldn't help the little mental sigh that came. You know the one.<br />
Please don't get me wrong, I am far from in a hurry to be in a relationship. But my mind can't help but make the tally. This friend in a relationship for almost two years. That one entering into a more serious relationship, those ones going Facebook official (because apparently that's a big deal), and my other friends with several guys pursuing them.<br />
<br />
Oh dear, there's that sigh again. The inner mirror turns and looks at me, and sighs again. I'm not unsatisfied with what I find in me, yet I can't help the next sigh that comes out.<br />
I find myself in this strange place of wanting and yet not wanting, because I know that now is not the time.<br />
<br />
Here's the deal: I am trying to be content in being single, and I don't care who knows. It's not because I disdain relationships (because I don't), or because I'm trying not to be jealous of my friends (because I'm not), or even because I am trying to find patience for right now (well, I'm always trying to do That). It's more because I believe that God has called us to be content where we are, regardless of circumstances.<br />
<br />
Maybe this is just another single girls' post. I'll be honest that someday I do want to be in a relationship, to be married to a guy (who I unashamedly hope is like my dad and brothers). But my desires and dreams don't center around this one thing. My dream for a husband is that someday I can pursue the rest of my desires (and his) with him, not pursue him.<br />
<br />
Because the ultimate goal and desire in my heart is God. I don't care how cheezy it is, but I want to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, and to walk in this way towards him-- whether I am single or not.<br />
<br />
<br />
It seems my heart is settled, so why the sigh?<br />
Maybe to laugh at myself...<br />
Maybe in relief that it's not me yet....<br />
Maybe in answer to the reminder that someday....<br />
<br />
<br />
Sigh. Looking out at the snow, I remember I have bronchitis-- that's probably why I sighed. Oxygen getting to lungs, that's an important thing. ;)<br />
I sigh again, surprised to find it is one of utter contentment.<br />
When you know you're looking for God, life can be nothing but an adventure-- whether sick or single or whatever status you happen to have.<br />
<br />
Laugh a little harder and longer, and more often at yourself.<br />
Dance in the rain if you like to, but not just because it's cheezy, because you can.<br />
Sing in the morning and in the night, because the morning will just come again.<br />
Say "I love you" to the people around you and mean it with your actions too...<br />
Pursue God with all your heart and all you have.... He'll be found.<br />
And you'll find life, don't worry kids. You really will.<br />
<br />
And thanks, everyone, for reading my #odeToCheezy post. Be encouraged!JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-13146951431081043552014-12-25T07:14:00.001-08:002014-12-25T07:14:29.241-08:00Surprise PackagesWaking up this morning was hard.<br />
My body was tired, my muscles sore, my attitude a jumbled mess of emotion.<br />
Despite my troubles, my worries and my pains, there is a burden on my heart I cannot ignore.<br />
I lay and I dread getting up, but my burden pushes at me, wants to lift me by the shoulders and get me on my way. <i>Tell them</i>, it whispers.<br />
My spirit has jumped up to grab the burden, and in spite of myself I find myself begrudgingly following, tagging along with my childlike side, which is racing after the burden. Together we grab it, and I find myself, heart and soul, being lifted up, encouraged and strengthened as this balloon-like burden lifts us up, not down.<br />
<br />
<i>What is this?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>How can this be?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>He did it!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
In my humanity I forgot. In the space of a day I got tired, and my weariness led to frustration. I forgot- but somehow I have it still. This burden, this message, this gift, this life.....<br />
<br />
<br />
He hasn't left me.<br />
My burden has a name, and He's given me a heart.<br />
He gave me His heart.<br />
I am astounded again, but somenow I can speak.<br />
Would you hear it?<br />
Listen well...<br />
<br />
His heart is the heart of a man who saw the darkest things, wept over them, and loved them.<br />
And still He came! And loved.... And he loved us.<br />
He loved me, with all my mess.<br />
And you, he loved you too, even in your brokenness!<br />
He fought for us, I tell you! He fought to bottle your tears and catch your fall.<br />
He gave his life for it, for you, for me.<br />
<br />
But He came as a surprise, you know.<br />
To you, to me, to his teenaged mom.<br />
Things weren't supposed to happen that way,<br />
And no one saw it coming.<br />
The signs told about it and the earth declared it, but we were still confused, lost in the dark.<br />
Yet for all our confusion, he came.<br />
<br />
He came the weakest He could be, a simple baby in a humble family, in one of the darkest times of the world.<br />
The world must have stopped for a second, when nature realized that God just became man.<br />
Can you imagine, the wind holding its breath?<br />
And then came the baby's first cry, announcing himself so normally to the world, no pomp at all.<br />
But nature couldn't hold itself back, the heavens needed to rejoice.<br />
They saw what we couldn't. A Savior was born! Hope breathed life into the world, and the peace on that day couldn't be contained. Peace exploded into joy as the stars arranged themselves to point to the world- <i>He's Here! He did it! Look, come and see! Soon all shall be restored! </i><br />
Then the Heavens shouted as the hosts of angels came to declare- these other beings created just to serve Him, how on that lovely night they praised Him! <i>Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth,</i> <i>peace to men</i>...<br />
<br />
He surprised the world.<br />
Death didn't stand a change, and darkness fled before him.<br />
Many didn't see, they couldn't. But still he came, accomplishing His purpose.<br />
<br />
He brought life into the world.<br />
He set the earth in motion, to begin the restoration.<br />
Still he is here... Surprising us.<br />
How could we know, how could we see?<br />
We cannot predict the plans of God....<br />
But we can encounter them, and be moved by them.<br />
Or we can ignore them...<br />
<br />
Here is my prayer for you, and for me, this Christmas morning.<br />
I pray that we would be surprised around the corners today.<br />
Those moments you dread, those darkest deepest shadows of your heart...<br />
I pray that we would find Him there, a light in the darkness.<br />
I pray that He would invade your hearts with life, as only God can.<br />
I hope that today, you will remember His love as I did, and you will know His heart.<br />
<br />
And I pray that we would be those people talked about in Isaiah, who "walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, his light has dawned....."<br />
I pray that you would rejoice! That in the darkest times you would hold on to hope, you would know peace, and even when you shouldn't, you would feel joy.... For you are Loved.<br />
<br />
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,<br />
And the government will be on his shoulders.<br />
And he will be called wonderful counselor, Mighty God,<br />
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.<br />
Of the greatness of his government and peace<br />
There will be no end."<br />
-Isaiah 9:6-7a<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2095362213128074163.post-85188893001361698692014-12-13T08:55:00.002-08:002014-12-13T08:55:36.521-08:00Confessions of the Ever Positive PersonHave you ever walked through the door and unexpectedly found yourself crying?<br />
Somehow this happens to me a lot.<br />
You see, I'm the kind of person that shows all my emotions all the time, except for the negative ones. I always have a smile on my face. Generally people know something is wrong if I'm not smiling. I've always been the kind of person that sees the silver lining and everything, and keeps my negativity to myself- Until I get home that is. At home I can't be fake, and somehow all the emotions come out, all at once. <br />
<br />
My whole life I've been this way. I remember one time when I flipped head over heels on my bike, after coming down a steep hill and hitting a speed bump. There was a definite smack and loss of air as I hit that asphalt, HARD. Did it hurt? Oh yeah. But did Megan cry? oh no. I picked up my bike and walked myself shakily back to our campground (on one of our many family camping trips). People asked me if I was ok and I smiled and joked and kept walking. The second the camper door closed behind me I collapsed into a crying heap on the floor in front of my mom.<br />
<br />
Even rocks feel emotions people. Why else would they show the weather of time and space across their faces? Here's the deal: I'm not saying don't be positive. I am the Biggest fan of positivity in the world. I generally think the cure for everything (other than Jesus) is either a cup of tea, a good night's sleep, or a simple smile. (Sometimes all three...).<br />
<br />
But sometimes the best cure is that raw human emotion we talked about earlier (see previous post).<br />
My thought on my 'anti-negativity' stance that sharing those thoughts generally doesn't help anyone. I'm not trying to be in-genuine, just trying to enjoy life, you know?<br />
<br />
Yet I am still so human, and it just takes one thing to remind me. One thing, like coming home after a long stay away, and not hearing the familiar jingle and bark that was constant through my childhood. This happened last night, when I came home from college, and for a split second I looked for my dog, even though I knew she wasn't there. They'd already told me, but I forgot. Then the welcoming bark failed to come, and that little wagging tail never showed.<br />
<br />
So here's the deal people. Please be real. That doesn't mean let yourself go all the time, or that you should give in to negativity. But its ok to cry when things go wrong, or be upset when something happens. Just remember that you are human. Even God cries. Remember Jesus weeping over Lazarus? (if not ask me sometime and I'll tell you all about it).<br />
<br />
The best advice that someone ever gave me was after my Grandma died, and I was (in appearance) my usual, happy, "God is good" self. On the inside I was dying and afraid and so extremely sad. This friend of mine saw it, gave me a hug, and whispered "<i>It's OK to cry" </i>in my ear.<br />
<br />
I'm not rejecting my love of positivity, tea or silver-linings. And sleep and smiles definitely never seem to hurt (joy comes in the morning, remember?). But I'm admitting that in my journey through life, I get hurt, and I cry.... and it's OK. Be human.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn. (Romans 12:15)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />JustADaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08781163993398696102noreply@blogger.com0