I love these two so much! Being away makes our time together all the sweeter. For all the short weekends spent at home, for listening to you practice piano and violin, for the "bear hugs" when I walk through the front door, for studying together on the couch, for laughter and the late nights - for all of these I am so thankful. I never could have imagined having such amazing siblings when I prayed for a sister and brother so many years ago... (that is a fun story for another time:) You both are incredible blessings to me. Love you :)
1 Comment
Every good and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. James 1:17-18 There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside Thee: neither is there any rock like our God. 1 Sam 2:2 The step of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in His way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. Ps 37:23-26 Wash ye, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow… Is 1:16-19 And be not conformed to this word: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 If any man among you seem to be religious, and brideleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:26-27
What do you do when it snows? I couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable afternoon than with these kiddos and my dear friend. Making banana tea cakes and reading books for hours on end was wonderful! Sitting with the kids reminded me of Christ's love for children and His commendation of their faith. We are to trust Christ - like a child. It is simple, but that does not mean it comes naturally. When I have complete trust in who God is, He brings peace, contentment, and joy. Whatever tomorrow brings, I can rest in His plan, His protection, and His Providence. 13 And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” 16 And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them. Mk 10:13-16 Banana tea cakes (or pumpkin bread) 1 c. flour
1 c. sugar 1 stick of butter 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 c. milk 2 eggs dash of salt 3 ripe bananas (or 1 1/2 c. pureed pumpkin) 1 c. pecans (optional) 1 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. cinnamon (for pumpkin version) Mix well, pour into greased muffin tins or loaf pan. For muffins: bake @375 for 20 min. For Loaf: bake @350 for at least 1 hr. (until toothpick comes out clean) Enjoy! :) Maybe it was the quickly melting snow or my steaming cup of tea... but I was reminded of this poem of sorts I wrote during the summer of '13. "... You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." James 4:14 Who is greater than my God? Yet failing is my trust.
I cling to that which moths destroy and wind and water rust. Who left His home in heaven for me? And yet no time I find To dwell with Him in His Word or in prayer with Him confide. Who knows my passions and my fears, my dreams and hidden thoughts? Yet I stumble on my own until in thorns I am caught. Who knows the future and with His hand the world doth hold? Yet I tremble for tomorrow though He is in control. Who gave His life a sacrifice? He died that I might live Yet grudgingly my time I give and think of life, my own to live. Who pours out mercy, love, and grace when I least deserve? Yet I for years a grudge will hold; will not forgive, revenge I search. How corrupt is my heart, my thoughts, my mind! How shallow is my faith and selfish are my desires! You have upheld me with Thy hand and still not let me sink In this miry, sinful world of evils I dare not think. You're faithful in your promises. You never leave me, nor forsake. You deliver the righteous, consume the wicked; You give, and You take. Graciously you saved me from the bondage of my sin. You made all things become new for your Holy Spirit lives within. You protect and guide me with Thine eye and keep me from life's snare With Your almighty, unseen hand and tender loving care. You give me peace past understanding when all else is uncertain You are my only source of hope, my strength, and my strong mountain. Through You alone I find true joy in the desolate wilderness You are the Way, the Truth, the Life and give my soul true rest. My Heavenly Father, Comfort, Redeemer, You listen when I pray. The everlasting, holy I AM let me in Your presence stay. Cause me to patient, Lord, to wait and seek Your will In time of trouble, to be quiet, to listen and be still. Create in me a humble spirit, not boasting, proud or vain That through my life, Your Spirit shine and You the praises gain. Give me music in my heart that to You, my soul may sing A pure and holy, joyful song as sweet incense to my King. Let me have Your compassion to see others as You do. Provoking to love, quick to forgive, seeking good, and peace ensue. Instruct me in obedience that I may not only hear Your Word But follow daily Your commands to obey what I have heard. Give me wisdom to discern the falsehoods from the truth, That I might not turn to the right or left but follow Your statutes. Make in me a grateful heart to give thanks in everything For every good and perfect gift is an undeserved blessing. Fasten my eyes on Thee alone that I may run with purpose bold The race now set before me; guard my feet; Thy hand I hold. Lord, be my strength; my flesh is weak; I have fallen and utterly failed To You I come; My life is yours though in broken pieces, feeble and ailed. May my life your praises sing of Your glory and majesty. Hold my tongue from evil lies, that with pleasant words, to speak softly. My ears, Thy voice they strain to hear - though still and small, my soul draws near. With my hands, Thy Kingdom build. They are not mine; their service I yield. Search my heart, with fire test - that it may be pure gold Strip me of all comes between; purify and mold. May my feet more closely walk with you everyday Keep my on The path, Dear Lord; lead my in Thy way. I am content, with Christ alone; to live or die, His still. Use my vapor, take all of it and lead my in Your will. ~ Marie Elizabeth |
AuthorI will be the first to admit that I am not a writer, but have a sincere aspiration to articulate Truth with grace, in love, seasoned with salt. Here is a journal of sorts, or photo documentations of a journey - one currently around the world in Papua New Guinea working at the Kunai Health Center. Thanks for visiting and your support! Archives
May 2019
Categories
All
|