Hello,

It's The Nameless One again. I'm just gonna get straight to the point. What happens when you have one discouraging thing right after another befall you? And it's not just a bunch of big discouraging things, but all the little things that eventually turn into this one, big despair.

You know, like, when you're late for a meeting or an appointment. Or when someone really gets on your nerves and you lash out at them, and later regret it. Or when you break a dish. Or how about when you can't find something at a time when you really need it. Or when you get a nice outfit soiled. All those little discouraging things that get you down. And you wonder why they have to happen. Wouldn't life be better without them?

But, what about character and learning the lessons of life bit by bit? What about being able to appreciate the good things in life and learning how much attitudes really matter? What would happen to all that if those annoyances were to disappear?

The everyday grind of life. The things that frustrate and annoy you; the things that aggravate and anger you; the things that. . .that are a part of the life we live, and part of the stuff God uses to mold and shape us in His likeness. The everyday grandeur of life. The things that make you smile and laugh; the things that bring you joy and happiness; the things that. . .that are a part of the life we live, and part of the stuff God uses to mold and shape us in His likeness.






It's nice to know that God uses both in your life. To know that you can learn from your mistakes and move on, and that God has a plan and purpose for your life that includes all the moments--both the good and the not-so-good.

Signing out,
The Nameless One

P.S. As The Nameless One, I've never done this before, but I'd like to share a song that goes hand in hand with this post and helped inspire it: This Is The Stuff

So sweet and smiley
So nice and warm-hearted
The strengths of a person,
So simply one-sided.

Their deeds and accomplishments
Their daring and bravery.
But their secrets and struggles,
Still kept in slavery.


The aches and the pains
The failures and bleakness
All kept inside,
A basket of weakness.

The lies shroud out
Any hope that you hold.
Crushing, destroying
The misery unfolds.

It must spill out,
It must be told.
The pain can't hide,
Can no longer withhold

To tell a friend,
And shed some tears.
Release it all,
And calm your fears.

Not alone in all the muddle.
Not alone in the fight.
Many know the rugged path
And how it ends so bright.

The deeper each one probes the heart,
A bond there is to find.
Growing ever stronger,
And being ever refined.

For Christ said,
"My grace is sufficient for thee,
My power made perfect in weakness."
Oh, the wonderful love of a Savior as He.

A basketful of weakness
Made strong through the Blood.
So perfect in splendor,
Overflows as a flood.

Oh, thank God,
I'm a basketful of weakness.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
~2 Corinthians 12:9

With their candor and sayings,
With their games and their playings.
With their cute little noses,
And their made-up noises.

With their scrapes and their bruises,
With their breaths and their snoozes.

With their crayons and their numbers
With their curiosity and blunders.

With their tears and their hurts,
With their scares and their blurts.

With their trust and simplicity,
And their amazing authenticity.

The spices of life to spread 'ore the world,
God's gift to us, stories to unfold.

Beating, beating

Life it gives.

Red as rubies

As it lives.



Deeper, deeper

Deeper still.

Getting darker

As it will.



Searching, searching

Finding sin.

Black as coal

Deep within



Crying, crying

Crying out.

Its helpless plea

And fearful doubt



Stretching, stretching

Out its arms.

The Spirit moves,

And calms alarms.



Gently, gently

Washing clean.

Making new

The heart once mean.



Slowly, slowly

Like the clay.

The Potter shapes

Day by day.



Turning, turning

The hardened heart.

Lovely softening,

The rough, torn parts.



Painful, painful

As it is.

The heart can smile

And rejoices.



Lovely, lovely

The heart drawn to Him

Never by force,

And filled to the brim.

The world says that greatness is wealth, beauty, smarts, fame, etc. It says that in order for women to succeed we must be independent, get our degrees, be financially successful to do whatever we please. A woman who nurtures her children, keeps order in her household, blesses those around her by her gentleness and submissive spirit to her husband (Proverbs 31; Titus 2), is neither praised nor valued by society. And sometimes, because Christ isn't at the center of our lives, the grass starts to look greener on the other side. The world's ways start looking more appealing, and our focus gets lost. It might be a time of complaining and griping about how little we can accomplish and it seems like nothing ever happens. Or maybe it might be more drastic, like running away from our problems by pretending they aren't there and don't affect us. So it may seem, that when we get to these points, hope fades away. How is it possible to turn back to the truth when we've rejected it so much? But there is always hope, because of a Friend and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Becoming a woman of God is a slow and long process that takes time, patience, mistakes, getting back up and starting again; it's a process that is painful yet amazing, ugly yet beautiful, and it's a process that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. May we be continually reminded that God's way is best no matter how green the grass looks on the other side. . .

She sits at her desk

As she thinks of her tasks.

The monotony, the drudgery,

Is this all life asks?

What of the dishes?

What of the clothes?

Shopping and meals,

“Do we need more of those?”

The life-changing things

Is what I want, she says.

The challenge, the adventure,

Living life on the edge.

How long must she stay here?

What must she do?

To end this path mundane,

And start life anew?

So she starts her seeking,

And looking around.

But then something hits her,

And its message resounds.

Bold are the words

As they run through her mind

“Why aren't you seeking Me instead?”

Rang like a chime.

“You waste so much effort

On plans that aren't Mine.

Be still and listen.

And then you will find...

That all the monotony and drudgery

Is exactly the thing I want you to do.

Be patient,

Take joy in all tasks that I give you.

Learn to be virtuous,

Learn to be pure.

Learn obedience,

While I give strength to endure.

The girl could now see

What her problem had been.

She now was contrite,

And ashamed of her sin.

But the Lord saw her sorrow,

And gently reminded;

His grace was sufficient,

And His love was not blinded.

She renewed her commitment

And learned to obey.

The years passed on,

And now today?

Her husband and children

Can't thank God enough

For the blessing He's given them

Once a diamond in the rough.

She lives as a light.

Silently, gloriously

As the threads of her life,

Leave their mark upon history.

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. ~Proverbs 31:10

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. ~1 John 2:17

One million chains,
All wrapped around.
So binding and heavy,
I fall to the ground.

One million chains,
They dig and they tear.
It hurts so much,
I can hardly bear.

One million chains
I cry out through the pain.
Tears fall one by one,
As the heaviness gains.

One million chains
Can I ever be free?
The darkness falls and the silence deafens,
But something inside stills me.

One million chains
A light shines through the darkness
A voice calls my name.
My eyes strain and see brightness.

One million chains
The voice says, “Come.”
I shake my head,
How can I move with this ton?

One million chains
The voice beckons again.
I pitifully look up,
Willing to give in.

One million chains
I move toward the light,
And strain every muscle.
Somehow, as I move, my burden gets light.

One million chains
A picture before me, as I get closer.
It looks like a cross,
Being borne on a shoulder.

One million chains
A man comes into view.
He's so battered and torn.
Does that sign say “King of the Jews”?

One million chains
I start to realize,
What He is doing.
And it brings a wrenching outcry.

One million chains
He called my name,
And showed me why.
I must now proclaim.

One million chains
I accept His offer.
His tender look,
Lets me know He's now my Father.

One million chains
All broken and gone.
They fall off one by one.
My wounds heal as the day dawns.

One million reasons
To praise His name.
His love so deep, so powerful
I can't contain.

Hello,

It's me again, The Nameless One. I know it has been a while since I've written, but there are many times when the pen just refuses to write the page. But it's starting to write it again, for a little while at least...

You know when you sit on a chair without even thinking? Or what about when a father is teaching his child how to ride a bike? It's all so scary at first, and the child wants the father right there with her to watch her every move. But then, it becomes second nature, and the child no longer needs her father's guidance. How about a baby bird that is just learning to leave the nest? Or a person who keeps digging for gold even though he knows it might not be there? Trust. So much wrapped up in five little letters put together.

What happens when you completely trust something or someone and then that something or someone does something that makes you have to rebuild that trust all over again? What happens when your heart feels so torn and betrayed? When who you treasure the most feels like they've turned their back on you? And it hurts. So much. You'd just rather die. What if that someone was God? And you wonder how He could possibly allow that much pain to be inflicted upon you? Then you realize...

That He hasn't abandoned you. That the pain is only temporary. That you will smile and trust Him completely again. That all that searing pain brought you through a cleansing fire and mad you purer than gold. And that your relationship with the Savior only grew stronger and more beautiful as you realize the pain that He went through was ten times worse than yours, and that He understands so dearly. The lessons are long and hard, but the peace of the Father's hand slowly molding you is comforting in the fullest.

Signing Out,
The Nameless One

I usually don't have posts where I directly talk about what God has been doing in my life. But sometimes, like now, there is just no better way to give God the glory than by simply telling the facts just the way they are, without any kind of fictional embellishments. ;) So get comfortable, 'cause this story, this real story, is a bit on the long side...




For many years now, I've been led to go on a mission trip. When I was younger, I had this dream (yes, an actual dream) of going to Africa, so I always thought God wanted me to go there for a mission trip, and who knows, maybe someday I still will. :) But this summer the Spirit really put a burden on my heart to go on a trip this year. I had no idea where to start or who to go with since I'd never been on a mission trip before let alone overseas! My prayer was, "Ok, Lord. You're just gonna have to lay it all in my lap if You want me to go somewhere." Well, I have some friends in Chicago who go on medical mission trips periodically with an organization called Operation Renewed Hope. I was talking to mom one day about wanting to go on a mission trip and how I was being more burdened about it, and she suggested that I ask these friends if I could come along. This month will be 7 years since I've seen the family, and I've kept in touch with one of the girls on and off over the years. So I send her an e-mail, but she doesn't respond. I'm also friends with her on FB and saw that she was on chat. I debated whether or not I should say 'hi' and I finally decided to go ahead and do so. She replied and said, "I'm so sorry that I haven't answered your e-mail, things have been busy. But we would love to have you come with us on a trip!" So, she starts giving me information about an upcoming trip to India which is in November; and I start looking into things such as getting a visa, vaccines, and other things I would need to bring along. Even though I started doing these things, I had no idea if this was where God wanted me to go. The trip alone cost $2700, and I had a little over half of that. That cost didn't include the money I needed for a visa, vaccines, a plane ticket to get to the group meeting place in the U.S., supplies, and a little extra in case of an emergency. So, I guess you could say I was sort of in a pickle. The finances were a big deal, and I knew that if God wanted me to go, He would provide. I continued to do research, especially with getting a visa since I needed to get it as soon as possible and already had my passport.

While I was working on that, there were little things I noticed. Such as reading a book which gave an example about a theologian who was from India; and who used instances showing how logic is basically the same in Western and Eastern countries, using India as the example for the Eastern country. Or when I talked to friends about the about possibly going, they'd say, “Oh, I've always wanted to go there!” Which I thought was pretty neat But you might be wondering what these incidents have to do with anything, and if you're like me, you'll tend to take things to the extreme. When I start to focus on something or think a lot about it, I tend to notice little things that related to what I thought about. For example, I would read a book and it would mention something that I'm focusing on (i.e. I want to go to the Philippines, so I automatically become more sensitive to that word), and then I would take that sensitivity as a 'sign' from God that that's what He wanted me to do. But by doing that, I would let my emotions get ahead of myself, and instead of doing something because God wanted me to, I would do it because I wanted to. And I didn't want to do that with this mission trip. So by the grace of God, I've been able to keep my emotions in check and just think of these “coincidences” as neat, but not necessarily a sign from God.

Anyways, back to the story. When it came time for me to purchase my visa, I had to make a decision. The visa cost $115 and this was a point of no turning back for me if I were to get the it. I cried out to God, asking Him for direction. Doubts filled my head. Here I was about to spend $115 on a visa which take me on a trip that would devour me of all my savings, every penny I had. Nor did I have most of the initial cost of the trip, much less all the money I needed for the entire process of the trip! How could this possibly be smart?!? I agonized and pleaded desperately with Lord, and He finally gave me peace about getting the visa. So I did. There was a minor setback when applying for it, but God worked it all out and I started telling friends and family about the adventurous trip I was going to embark on. I still had on idea how God would provide all the funds, just that He would. I get a call from my grandparents one day. It was one of those casual calls, the ones where you talk about what's been going on in your life. Anyway, after hanging up, I really didn't think much about it afterwards. A few days later, they call me back and say they want to help out with the trip by giving financially. I couldn't believe it! They didn't tell me how much they were going to donate, just that they'd send a check. So I waited, and waited....and when the check finally came in the mail, it was for $1000 dollars! I was amazed with God's goodness and provision! That left $1700 for the initial cost of the trip. I already had $1500, so I only needed a couple hundred more. About two weeks later, I had a friend's birthday arrive. I decided to call them up wishing them a happy birthday and all, and we get to talking about the mission trip for a little while, since I had been keeping them updated on how things were going. We hang up and later on that night, they send me an e-mail saying they would like to donate. I found out they were willing to give $300. I was in shock. I couldn't believe they wanted to help out financially! My heart was bursting forth with praise for God's continued faithfulness! So now that the initial costs had been covered, all that was left was the extra I needed for other expenses. It totaled to around $700. God had provided thus far, and I knew He would provide the rest. And He hadn't forgotten to show me the little things either. :D I started reading the book of Esther, and in the first sentence, guess what it says?

Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:) ~ Esther 1:1

As it turns out, there are only two places in the Bible where it mentions India. And the other place? In Esther too! Now that's pretty cool. A sign for sure! ;) I have also been able to meet a sweet girl who knows a family, not extremely far from where I live, who are natives to India! I would love to meet them, and I'm very excited to see what God works out there.

I continued to tell others about the trip and how God had amazingly provided. I was up late one night talking with another friend, and after mentioning my trip, she asked how much more I needed. I told her, and she said that she would like to donate her missions money for the month of September. I said, “Are you serious??” I had no idea how much she was going to send, but after I received the donation, I found out that her brother sent a check too! Together, they donated $175. And again, God showed me His awesome faithfulness in providing.

That's all the story I have so far, and I'm still in need of funds, but God has proven Himself to me time and time again. He will never fail to provide for our needs. Truly we can move mountains, little by little, inch by inch – faith the size of a mustard seed. It's not easy, but then, things that are worth it, usually aren't. So sit back and watch God work. I pray that what you've read above has blessed and encouraged you. This story isn't over yet by a long shot, and I'm excited to see what else God has in mind. May we continue to seek Him with all our hearts, souls, and minds.

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows ~Matthew 10:29-31

God Bless,
~Tiffany

Put The Big Red Button on your site

Hello there.

Don't you just love the bright sun bursting its rays at you, covering you with warmth? Or maybe you enjoy a cloudy day that brings rain, and delicious mud-puddles to jump in, and maybe even a rainbow. And don't you just love bubbles? The clear crispness of them just makes you want to slip your finger through one. But then, you touch it, and POP! It makes you smile and want to do it all over again. What about the wind rushing around your body as your feet play around in the green, prickly grass. And you look out over the horizon thinking how small you are and how wonderful it feels to just slow down and watch nature. Or maybe you just love it when a little one chatters sweet baby talk, their curiosity a wonder as they discover the world around them... But you might be wondering by now who I am and why I'm asking you these questions? Well, I'm just a person out of the billions in the world. A person like you. I call myself The Nameless One, and that's how you'll know it's me. And all the questions? So I can connect to you in a familiar way. I'm not just The Nameless One who is far away and weird, I'm The Nameless One who likes things that a lot of other people, such as yourself, like too.

Another question for you...what happens when your life is going smooth and everything is good (or most everything, I mean, nobody's perfect, right?) so everything is good, great even, and then -BAM- like a bomb, your world starts to explode? What happens when darkness starts to surround you? You crash. Fall apart. Every glass piece of you starts to shatter. And those pieces don't just lay there on the ground. They poke you. Stab you. Cut you. And then, you're a wound. A walking wound. But the problem is, nobody can see it. It's hidden, and no one knows unless you show them. That's when things can get really bad. Because when you hold it all in and don't tell anyone, well then, you start wounding other people. And now you're not the one being hurt, but the one hurting others. So telling others about your hurt is good. People can help you, comfort you, encourage you, help you heal. You just have to know when it's the right time to tell someone and who's the right person. But...

What if there is no one? What if there is no one you can turn to? What then? Well, there is Someone. Someone you can always go to. He's always there. He always gives just the right amount of comfort, the right amount of encouragement, the right amount of healing, to keep you going. Living. Breathing. And amidst all the darkness and confusion, all the whys and what ifs, there's hope. Hope. Always hope. Because this Someone, this one person, one God gave His life. And His ray of light reaches into my world and shatters the darkness that shattered me. But the shattered pieces of darkness don't just lay on the ground. They disappear. And the confusion? It's replaced with a peaceful trust. All of a sudden I'm no longer a walking wound that's open, but a healing wound. That can laugh, and cry, and be joyful. And that's what happens when He's the center of your world.

Signing Out,
The Nameless One.


~NOTE~ This entry has been entered into a giveaway at (In)Courage

What if I told you the sky was blue and the grass was green. That bluebirds sang and children played.
What if I told you that bubbles were round and trees swayed in the breeze.

What if I told you. . .would you believe me?

And what if I told you that germs will spread and people get sick, but they get better again--most of the time.
What if I told you that snow glitters in the sun, and each one of them are different from each other.

What if told you. . .would you believe me?

What if I told you that there's such a thing as love and people use it to label many things without realizing what it truly is.
What if I told you there once was a man who laid down his life for someone--for many someones.

What if I told you. . .would you believe me?

But what if I also told you that this man was no ordinary man that he was also God, and that His sacrifice paid the debt for our sin.

Would you believe me?

Probably not. Maybe, just maybe you might...but it wouldn't matter if you didn't... because what I believe isn't based on whether or not someone believes me, but upon truth.

So go check it out, search for it, and maybe you'll come to the same conclusion. ~Luke 11:9-10

Way behind. It's been like a month since my last post?? *shakes head* Way too long for me to be away from my writing...I do have quite a few ideas for posts floating around in my head, but it's been crazy finding the time to write them! SO...instead of working on those posts, I'm going to post on something random...

Staying up late...is bad for you. And why? Because it's not normal, is why. The majority of the population goes to bed at some insane hour of 8-9 o'clock at night, and then gets up at 6 in the morning?!? Well, just because most people do it, doesn't mean I should and it doesn't make it right either. Ok, on to the next argument...the Bible has so much to say on getting up early and how good it is for you. Let's take a look at some of them, shall we?

Psalm 127:2
It is vain for you to rise up early...

Proverbs 1:28
Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

Isaiah 5:11
Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning...

Isaiah 37:36
Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.

Zephaniah 3:7
I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings.

As you can see, waking up early can be detrimental to our health...and can also corrupt us. No wonder this nation is in shambles; people just aren't seeing the light (no pun intended). There are such things as nocturnal animals, why not people? And who says that getting up at 2 in the afternoon is late? For those of you who may not know, that is early in the night owl's dictionary. You just have different definitions for your "early." So for all those people out there who are night owls, kudos, for going against the flow and being unique.







P.S. Yes, it really is 3:37am...

My good blogger friend, Kirsten Erin, has awarded me with the Kreative Blogger Award. Thank you, Kirsten! :) I'm now supposed to write seven things I love, and then pass the award on to seven other people. So here goes:

1. I love and adore my personal friend and Saviour Jesus Christ.

2. I love His Word.

3. I love my family.

4. I love all the different people that God puts in my life.

5. I love it when God continually displays His mercy and grace.

6. I love a thing called child-like faith.

7. I love it when you can realize that the trials that are in your life are just another way of God saying "I love you" and drawing you closer to Him.

And I pass the award on to:

Erica @ The Life of Cowgirl E

Sheila @ Always Exploring

Lisa @ Lisa's Little Corner

Camille @ Think Upon
These Things

Sadie @ Maiden of Rivendell

Alyssa & Christine @ Godly Ladies in Training

Alyssa @ Among The Flowers

My eyes fluttered open and I jerked up in bed. I gave a sigh of relief. It was only a dream, but it had seemed so real...I shook my head and looked at the clock. I moaned. It was three in the morning and my alarm was about to go off in a few hours. I needed to get as much sleep as I possibly could; tomorrow was going to be another grinding day, but I was almost too afraid to sleep. I laid back down and thought about what I'd dreamed. I had had nightmares before, but somehow, this one seemed different. Like it related to my life in some weird way. I remembered God using dreams in the Bible to tell people things, but what did that have to do with mine? Surely he didn't use dreams anymore-that was a thing of the past. I'd been feeling so estranged from God lately anyways. I restlessly slept until 6:00 finally rolled around. Groggily, I got up and showered. I was getting breakfast and about to head out the door for work when I realized I didn't have work to go to anymore. I went back to my room and sat on the bed staring off into space. I knew I needed to go visit Mom and Dad in the hospital, but I was way too depressed. My job was everything. And my family didn't even know about my personal problems, they had too much to deal with as it was without me complaining to them. Maybe I could just overdose on medication or drive off the road. Huh, I didn't even have a working car to do that with. I had had to take the cab yesterday to get to the hospital. My mind began to swirl. I hated my life and everyone in it. I wanted things to go my way for once! Why couldn't Mom and Dad just stay healthy? Why did the company have to lay me off? Why did the stupid car have to break down when everything else was already breaking down? And why did my sister have to be so selfish?? Why, why, why??? Where was God when I needed Him most?! I banged my fists on the bed, and started screaming and crying. I finally fell asleep from pure exhaustion. I was too worn out and tired to even attempt to kill myself.


I was falling. Everything around me was disappearing. I grabbed a precipice and hung with all of my might. I knew I wasn't going to be able to hold on forever, I needed help. But how? Where? I could see no one nor any kind of object. Just a pit of blackness with screaming coming from it and this horrible, evil laughter. And I could see the reflection of flames against the high walls. I felt completely alone and utterly helpless. There was only One Person I knew that could save me from this, but how would I know that He would answer? How could I know that He was really there? I felt totally abandoned by Him, but I had no choice. I either call His name or fall into this pit. My hands started slipping. I cried out, “God! God, please help me! I can't do this anymore!” A hand slips, and I hang my head ready to let go. Then, like a flash of lightening, two bright lights rush towards me and carry me away. The abyss slowly closes, and in its place, is the most beautiful land I've ever seen. I gaze in dumb wonder. The two beings that carried me out of the abyss are gone. I'm alone again, but it's different this time. Not far from me is a bubbling brook and a large tree with beautiful fruit on it. I walk towards the brook and see my reflection. I gasp in horror. I'm so filthy and grotesque. How did I get this way?? I sit down and lean against the tree as tears stream down my face. It was my own doing that made me so dirty. I was the one who abandoned Him. He never did; He was there every moment, waiting patiently for me. I was the one who fed my flesh and gave in to my fleshly desires. I had become so selfish and ugly. This filthiness had eaten at me until I could barely recognize myself. “Oh God, please, please forgive me! Forgive me for this thing that I've done! I have hurt not only myself, those around me. But what pierces my heart most is that I've hurt You! God, have mercy upon me!” I was weeping uncontrollably, and then He came. I could feel His presence, and I looked up. He held out His arms and I got up and ran as fast as I could go. Bursting into His arms full of love and forgiveness, we both wept. He took my hand and led me near the stream again. And, again, I looked at my reflection. But this time, it wasn't my reflection, it was His! I yelled for joy. He saw me as clean and pure as He was! I was washed with His love and forgiveness, and there was no way I was going to walk away from that again.

I woke up. I must have been asleep forever! The sun's rays had found their way into my room. The early morning birds were singing their melodious songs, and I just lay there soaking it all in. I thought about my dream and the feelings I had had last night. Maybe God did still use dreams nowadays. Similar to my dream, I had been ignoring God. I couldn't remember the last time I'd prayed or read my Bible. If I had, it was for my own selfish reasons. I was glad that life wasn't as dramatic as my dream. But then again, with everything I was going through, it sure felt like a mini-hell. Dreams sure were strange. I looked at the dusty Bible on my nightstand. I grabbed and stared at it. And then I bowed my head and cried. As I prayed that morning to the Lord, an indescribable peace covered my soul. I realized I had lost something. Myself. I wasn't mine, but God's. All these circumstances I'd been going through weren't mine, but God's. The job I had lost wasn't my job, but a job that God had given me for a little while. The car that broke wasn't mine, but God's car to do with what He wanted. My family was God's family, and He had given them to me as precious gifts. But in the process of losing myself, I had gained something so much more. The joy and peace of the living God. I could trust Him with my life and everything and everyone in my life, because of the sacrifice He made for me. The words I read that day from the Word jumped out at me:

 

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ~Philippians 1:20-21

I guess that dream had more relevance on my life than I thought it did. I shook my head and smiled. The phone rang. Probably my sister wondering why I haven't made a visit to the hospital. I took a deep breath. “Lord, this day is Yours. I'm ready to start each new day with You as my guide.” I got up to go find the phone...

I'm told that I need to update my blog...unfortunately, I don't have the rest of that story written, so you'll have to exert your patience even further. But with the pressure of having to write a new post, and the rest of a story that I don't have, I'm forced to post this poem. It's written a certain way, but I can't seem to format it like I want. >_< Ahh well, you'll still get the picture anyways-I hope. :D Enjoy!



Leaves rustling their fate;
Lake shimmers the late.

Owl soars low;
Eyes start to glow.

Stars in regal attire;

Moon.




Silver.



Shining down.


Flowers admire.

Everyone sleeps
Except for a few peeps.

Don't wait.
Before it's too late,
Take joy in the small things.

This will be a different sort of post. A kind of story. I haven't finished it, so there will be more than one part; and I'm not exactly sure how it will end, so you will have to bear with me and find out too. :)


~~~


I had just about had it. Enough was enough. Why was God letting all these things happen to me? I'd just been laid off, Mom was in the hospital for pneumonia, my sister was mad at me for forgetting to call her on her birthday (and, yes, we still spat after 'growing' up), my car was broke and it was costing me an arm and a leg, and on top of all that, my friends were telling me I was stuck up and needed to get a life. Ha! I just dare them to be in my shoes for a day! Could things get any worse? The phone rang.

"Hello?"

The next thing I know, my sister's voice is telling me that Dad had been working on the house roof when he fell and broke some ribs. He was in the hospital now, and could I please come quickly because she couldn't handle this with three kids. As I hung up the phone, I sighed and resolved never to ask 'what could go wrong' again!

I was exhausted after coming home from the hospital. I went straight to bed and slept. . .

I woke up and found myself in a strange land. There were people bustling about everywhere. Each person pushing and shoving like pigs at a trough. Everyone only caring about what they had to do and where they had to go. I was shocked. How could people be like this? I mean, I did it all the time, but in public?? Oh, this was overwhelming. I decided I'd try to find some relief from this vast mass. It looked like there was a shopping plaza on down the road. Maybe I could find some coffee and a haven there. I was faced with only one problem-I didn't know how to get there. Not with this throng of people pushing about. I couldn't see a single transportation device besides my own two legs. I sighed. Could I possibly become one of them? I just couldn't bring myself so low, could I? I waited...and waited...and waited. I was getting hot, weary and frustrated. I couldn't take it anymore, this crowd was driving me insane. I looked around and saw a sliver of a spot to squeeze into. I quickly rushed in and started moving forward. Hmm, this wasn't as bad as I thought. It was sort of fun pushin' people around and going where I wanted to. Maybe I didn't want to stop at that shopping place after all. It didn't take long for me to get to the shopping center, but I was having so much fun, I almost missed it. I decided I did want to check out the place, so I managed to get away from the mesmerizing crowd long enough to grab a bench. After catching up with my breath(or my breath catching up with me; I never can tell which...), I suddenly realized what I had done. The horror of it! How could I have possibly done the very thing I despised?!? Feeling horrible, I stood up and looked around me, and the sight that my eyes beheld was breathtaking! My guilt-conscience thoughts vanished as I saw the tantalizing temptation before me--the biggest most alluring shopping place you have ever seen! One could spend years in there and still not see all of it! My whole body wanted to go in there, yet my spirit screamed, "NO!" I ignored my spiritual desires, and went right on in. I experienced the same fun and satisfying feelings that I had had when joining the pushy crowd. I tried on all the glamorous clothes, and prettied myself to my heart's content. I ate every good thing I could possibly smell; and, oh, I got everything my little heart desired. The rudeness and bustling that was in the crowd outside was here too. In fact, it seemed that half the crowd had stopped in here! I eventually got tired. Really tired. My body was sore not only from all the walking around I'd been doing, but also from all the shoving and pushing. I was sure I was going to have bruises somewhere. Then a thought flashed through my mind. I'm sure you've given not a few bruises yourself. I hung my head in shame. I got up and lethargically walked around. What was I doing here? What was my purpose? Why couldn't I just listen to the part of me that told me I shouldn't do something? I was just like all these obtrusive people. The only difference between me and them was that I hid myself behind a mask of self-righteousness instead of being blatant. Engrossed so much in my thoughts, I hadn't realized that everything around me had started getting dark and fading away. The whole world began turning into an abyss. An abyss that I started to slip and fall into. I screamed. . .

~~~

TO BE CONTINUED.

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there lived a princess. She was a very beautiful princess, and everyone that knew her loved her very dearly. For she was a very sweet, kind and gentle young lady. This princess had dreams. Dreams that would take her far away from home, far away from all that she loved. But her dreams were her dreams and she wanted to fulfill them, but there was a catch. She had to get her father's permission before she could leave. So she told her father all about her dreams and how much she desired to go out and fulfill them. Her father smiled and told her to her to wait. So she waited...and waited...and waited. Days, weeks, a month passed. She was starting to get impatient and thought maybe she should remind her father about the adventure she wanted to take. On the exact day she had made the decision to remind her father, he came into her room in the early morning while she was still in bed and sat down beside her. She sat up. Her father heaved a sigh and gave her a tender look. "My dear daughter, I have mulled over it and have stayed up late into the night these past few weeks praying over your dreams, and I have decided it's best that you do not go." The princess turned her face away and tears started to stream down her cheeks. She looked back at her father and saw mixed emotions of pain and love in his eyes. He said, "I know this hurts, but you will look back over this and see what a beautiful imprint it has made in the pottery of your life." The princess loved her father dearly, and she knew that he knew what was best for her. He had never been wrong or led her astray for as long as she'd known him, and that had been her entire life. Her emotions were so confusing. She hurt, yet knew everything was going to be alright. She was confused, but knew that there was understanding in trust. Her mind was chaotic but her heart was at peace. She smiled softly at him and with tears still coursing her face, she said, "Father, your will be done." She clung to him tightly and didn't let go.

As Christians, we strive to bring honor and glory to our Lord. We want our entire lifetime to glorify Him and that lifetime starts with each new day. Whether we're spending time with friends and family, or doing mundane chores, or being studious in our studies we want God to be glorified in everything.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

So what happens when things just don't measure up to the world's standards? What happens when I get a C on a paper instead of an A? Does that mean I didn't glorify God enough or maybe there were steps I could have taken that would've have glorified Him more? Would getting an A on a paper, or doing the chores to perfection, or being an "angel" among friends and family mean that I'm glorifying God?

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Psalm 105:3

Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. Jeremiah 9:23-24

Seeking the Lord and understanding Him brings glory to our Savior. He delights in lovingkindness and righteousness. This brings glory to God. Which makes it an issue of the heart. If my heart is in the right place, then no matter what I do, I will bring glory to God. If I try getting an A just to please my parents or to show how good of a student I am, then what does that do but glorify myself? Or what if I did my chores to a tee, yet my attitude is wrong, then what kind of glory have I brought Him? Or what about when I do good things just to please others and be accepted, where's the glory that belongs to Lord in that?

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently. 1 Peter 1:22

A pure heart. That brings Christ glory. It's not the things in and of themselves that necessarily bring glory to God, nor is it how we do them (though that can play a part), but it's what our hearts and minds are doing while we do them. There is no such thing as glorifying God the wrong way - you either are or you aren't.

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24