my sweet emily

Go

The message in this video is from Jackie Pullinger, a servant of Christ who literally gave up everything to minister to drug addicts and gang members in Hong Kong. Remember to turn off the music in my sidebar to listen to the video.






Although not every one of us is called to go overseas, nevertheless we must go...

Where is Jesus calling you to go?

"We aren't sentenced to death; we're just privileged to answer His call." --Jackie Pullinger

Flowers

"Everyone needs beauty as well as bread" --John Muir

Signs of Spring

Winter is coming to end. The official first day of spring is only a week away. (Cheers!!)

Nature speaks so eloquently of God’s faithfulness, but especially so in the spring. Regardless of how drab the winter may have appeared, God was at work. And no matter how often I disbelieve the promise of its arrival, spring always comes.

In more ways than one my winter has been long and barren.You know those long periods where God is at work in your life but you don’t see much outward evidence? Similar to the budding life encased inside the earth during a long winter, the great Artist is at work underneath despairing circumstances. And I know now that the trials have not been for nothing. Signs of blossoming emerge, and I rejoice. Spring is coming.

The budding pussy willows and eagerly growing daffodil and tulip shoots reaffirm my excitement. I am reminded of the words of the psalmist, “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Ps. 30:5)

If your winter, too, is growing wearisome and the voice of despair is clamoring at your door, don’t give in.

God is up to something awesome!

People Need the Lord

Everyday they pass me by,
I can see it in their eyes.
Empty people filled with care,
Headed who knows where?

On they go through private pain,
Living fear to fear.
Laughter hides their silent cries,
Only Jesus hears.

People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize, people need the Lord?

We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right.
What could be too great a cost
For sharing Life with one who's lost?

Through His love our hearts can feel
All the grief they bear.
They must hear the Words of Life
Only we can share.

People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize that we must give our lives,
For people need the Lord.

People need the Lord.

--Steve Green


“Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God.” –Bob Pierce, founder of world vision

“He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:6

Consecration

My heart, my dreams, my girlish hopes
I bring and place them at Your feet.
It's You who sings that love-filled song
To which my heart was meant to beat.

When hope has fled and tears don't come,
I find in You my second chance.
My heart and hands I place in Yours--
Yes, You may have this dance!

-R.J.S. (15?)


This simple heart cry was penned several years ago when I was first learning to walk with Jesus. I had even less of an idea then than I do now of what these words would mean. All I knew was that I loved this Jesus and I wanted to follow Him. That is the kind of childlike trust and bride-like love I want to have today.

Creative Block

I seem to have a major creative block lately...not only writer's block but "artist's block" in general. I cannot conceive of any decorations for this time of year that are both appropriate and beautiful. Hence, little or nothing has changed in the decoration scheme of this house since the day before Christmas. (Don't worry, there is not a dead Christmas tree in the corner or even any red ribbons to be found.) I am getting a little desperate because I am embarrassed to have company.

I can't even bake anymore. My latest cakes have been relative flops. (Meaning they tasted better than they looked and had crunchy edges.) I have been baking since I was seven. What is wrong??

And as evidenced by my somewhat stagnant blog, I can't come up with anything original to put on paper (or a computer screen). When I do write, all I can generate is cliches and probably the 100 most frequently used words in the English language.

Maybe with the advent of spring this haze will clear. I know that underneath the drabness I see, the earth is preparing for a glorious display of life. Maybe along with the warm spring breezes that breathe new life, the winds of creativity will again begin to blow in my soul. I hope so.

Perhaps the purpose of this stale season is to reinforce my dependence upon the Master Artist. Beauty does not originate with me or any other earthly artist. Our creative expressions, enabled by Him, are only pale, feeble imitations of His masterpieces. But I think He delights in our artistic attempts, as long as they are done to honor Him. I desire that in all aspects of life, my life would be a beautiful reflection of Jesus Christ.

"Let the favor (margin: beauty) of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands upon us;
yes, establish the work of our hands!" Psalm 90:17 ESV