Beauty Marks

Verity Institute, Indianapolis, IN

Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.

Isaiah 45:8

Marking Time

Verity Institute Film class~

I crossed the half way mark of his absence last night.
Sunday still feels like forever away.
His time is filled, as we were told it would be.
I don't mean to rush his return.

I'm thankful his need for fellowship, information, work, and fun is being met.
Yet, I wonder several times a day...what he's doing , what's he's thinking, how he's feeling, and who his new friends are.
I miss his fellowship, fluid information, fun, ...and friendship.
He's my firstborn...

I'm thankful for every text. When you're used to conversations, every letter matters!
Even the discovery of a missed call seemed somewhat a comfort, just to know he tried.
Photos are a glimpse into his presence, stirring my heart to feel a little closer.

68 hours and counting down

Marking a Course

Go forth to life, oh! child of Earth.
Still mindful of thy heavenly birth;
Thou art not here for ease or sin,
But manhood's noble crown to win.

Though passion's fires are in thy soul,
Thy spirit can their flames control;
Though tempters strong beset thy way,
Thy spirit is more strong than they.

Go on from innocence of youth
To manly pureness, manly truth;
God's angels still are near to save,
And God himself doth help the brave.

Then forth to life, oh! child of Earth,
Be worthy of thy heavenly birth,
For noble service thou art here;
Thy brothers help, thy God revere!
Samuel Longfellow

Although I really miss him, I'm thankful he's having a great time. What a blessing!!

In the Divine Hands of God

Mark Stephen's view before taking flight this morning...

Jesus instructed servants to fill empty clay pots with water, so He could turn water to wine at the marriage of Cana.
He took a boy's lunch and turned it into a meal for a multitude.
He formed dust from the ground w/His own spittle to remedy a blind man's eyes.

These are common, yet significant individuals and ingredients in the divine hands of God.
He knows the intricate details and eternal purpose for which He's called such a one.

"He knows our frame and remembers that we are dust. He knows the weaknesses and strengths, the tastes and fears and prejudices and ignorance and experience of each of us. What He wants to make of us, if we are willing to be made over, is sure to bear a relationship to what we are when we first come to Him. It is within His power to transform. It is for us to submit to the transformation.

...God often isolates a man in order to reveal Himself. It is when alone that a man most clearly recognizes God for who He is. But it is in relationship with his fellowmen that he come to know himself. Seeking the will of God as though it had nothing to do with anybody else leads to all kinds of distortions."

Taking Flight~Wisdom for Your Journey
Selections from the Writings of Elisabeth Elliot

"For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul." Psalm 103:14-22

A Woman's Circle of Influence

Meme & Poppy's Girls, November, 2011

"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30

Every woman, whether rich or poor,
married or single,
has a circle of influence within which,
according to her character,
she is exerting a certain power for good or harm.
Every woman,
by her virtue or her vice,
by her folly or her wisdom,
by her levity or her dignity,
is adding something to our national elevation or degredation.
Whatever breaks down the modest reserve,
the domestic virtues,
or the persuasive gentleness of woman
is an injury to the community.
--John Angell James

Poem Credit: shared by my CALM friend!
Thank you, Caryn!!

A New Year's Song on my Heart~

(Note: This video only provides the audio for this song!!)

A Passion For Thee

Set my heart, O dear Father,
On Thee, and Thee only,
Give me a thirst for Thy presence divine.
Lord, keep my focus on loving Thee wholly,
Purge me from earth; Turn my heart after Thine.

A passion for Thee;
O Lord, set a fire in my soul, and a thirst for my God.
Hear Thou my prayer, Lord, Thy power impart.
Not just to serve, but to love Thee with all of my heart.

Father fill with Thy Spirit, and fit me for service,
Let love for Christ every motive inspire,
Teach me to follow in selfless submission,
Be Thou my joy and my soul's one desire.

A passion for Thee;
O Lord, set a fire in my soul, and a thirst for my God.
Hear Thou my prayer, Lord, Thy power impart.
Not just to serve, but to love Thee with all of my heart.

Words: By Joe Zichterman

Note: If anyone knows how I can get a copy of this sheet music, please let me know. I'm having a difficult time finding how to order it.