My soul has been deprived of peace;
I have forgotten what happiness is.
Then I thought: My future is lost,
as well as my hope from the Lord.
Remember my affliction
and my homelessness,
the bitterness and the poison.
I continually remember them
and have become depressed.
Yet I call this to mind,
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the Lord's great faithful love
we do not perish,
for His mercies never end.
They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness!
I say: the Lord is my portion,
therefore I will put my hope in Him.
For the Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
to the person who seeks Him.
It is good to wait quietly
for deliverance from the Lord.
...For the Lord will not reject us forever
Even if He causes suffering,
He will show compassion
according to His abundant,
faithful love.
For He does not enjoy
bringing affliction
or suffering on mankind.
...Who is there who speaks,
and it happens,
unless the Lord has ordained it?
Do not both adversity and good
come from the mouth
of the Most High?
Why should any living
person complain,
any man, because of the punishment
for his sins?
...Let us search out and examine our ways,
and turn back to the Lord.
Let us lift up our hearts
and our hands
to God in heaven.
[from Lamentations Chapter 3]
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Enough
I like winter
I really do
I would dare to claim it as one of my favorite seasons
I love bundling up in scarves, hats, and mittens
Sipping cocoa by the fire
Building snowmen
But I'd just like to say one thing:
enough.
There's just something about this winter
that is ticking me off and wearing me out
I awake in the morning and longingly
my ears search for the sound of red-winged blackbirds
Singing their tunes outside my window
I peer through the ice-frosted glass
and my heart dreams of brighter days
Lush greenery
Flowers shyly blossoming
Oh, that it would be springtime
That I could skip through a field of daisies
In my lovely yellow sundress
With my toes painted pretty pastel purple
Sun rays beaming elegantly upon my gently flowing hair
Yes.
Yes, reader,
I like winter.
But, I'm searching for the brighter days.
I really do
I would dare to claim it as one of my favorite seasons
I love bundling up in scarves, hats, and mittens
Sipping cocoa by the fire
Building snowmen
But I'd just like to say one thing:
enough.
There's just something about this winter
that is ticking me off and wearing me out
I awake in the morning and longingly
my ears search for the sound of red-winged blackbirds
Singing their tunes outside my window
I peer through the ice-frosted glass
and my heart dreams of brighter days
Lush greenery
Flowers shyly blossoming
Oh, that it would be springtime
That I could skip through a field of daisies
In my lovely yellow sundress
With my toes painted pretty pastel purple
Sun rays beaming elegantly upon my gently flowing hair
Yes.
Yes, reader,
I like winter.
But, I'm searching for the brighter days.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
To Whom It May Concern:
Stop drunk calling me.
Please.
I like talking to you.
But not at 2 a.m.
And I don't know how to deal with you
When you're wasted.
Please.
I like talking to you.
But not at 2 a.m.
And I don't know how to deal with you
When you're wasted.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Ethiopia 2011
My sister, Lindsey, and I have started a new blog. It is entitled "Send Me." We are going on a missions trip to Ethiopia, Africa next summer, and this blog will follow our journey. Feel free to check us out and add us to your blog reading list!
followyou2011.blogspot.com
followyou2011.blogspot.com
Friday, January 21, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Not Even A Hint
Ephesians 5:1-7
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.
This is Worship
Words on a screen
Room full of teens
Cement floor
Broken doors
Haven't showered in two days
Maybe three
Wore these pants yesterday
Fell on ice
Bruised my knee
Hair thrown up in a mess of a bun
Just to get it out of my face
So that I can have fun
Sweat drips in beads
Cold and hot
You meet my needs
Feet in a constant state of wet
Can't feel my toes
Don't even fret
Time to dance
Time to sing
All I have
To God I bring
Give it everything you've got
Dance your heart out
Sing your soul out
Be present in the moment
"ATTITUDE CHECK"
Stand up and own it
"Pharaoh, Pharaoh"
Fall to your knees
"Let my people go"
Your everlasting love is reaching out to me.
Sweat, dirty, cold, surrendered
Hold nothing back
This. Is. Worship.
I am not hindered.
Room full of teens
Cement floor
Broken doors
Haven't showered in two days
Maybe three
Wore these pants yesterday
Fell on ice
Bruised my knee
Hair thrown up in a mess of a bun
Just to get it out of my face
So that I can have fun
Sweat drips in beads
Cold and hot
You meet my needs
Feet in a constant state of wet
Can't feel my toes
Don't even fret
Time to dance
Time to sing
All I have
To God I bring
Give it everything you've got
Dance your heart out
Sing your soul out
Be present in the moment
"ATTITUDE CHECK"
Stand up and own it
"Pharaoh, Pharaoh"
Fall to your knees
"Let my people go"
Your everlasting love is reaching out to me.
Sweat, dirty, cold, surrendered
Hold nothing back
This. Is. Worship.
I am not hindered.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Life Goes On -- the tragedy of a teen
"My heart was wasted long ago."
He's desperately in love with her.
She loves...that other guy.
It seems like a tragedy, doesn't it?
Almost like a movie.
Almost like someone is penning this story
Right before our eyes.
Have we hit the climax yet?
Is it only downhill from here?
"She hates me as much as I love her."
Those are the words
That pierce one's heart.
You want to help,
But there's nothing you can do.
"I'm a key without a lock."
She has his heart.
He has only memories.
Was she wrong?
Is there any condemnation?
Does he even deserve her?
She's so lovely.
Maybe it just wasn't meant to be.
Life goes on.
And so should you.
There is a time to mourn
And a time to dance.
I know you don't feel like dancing
And you hate it when I quote the Bible
But one can only mourn for so long
While still retaining the chance of coming out of it.
You have to come back.
Come back to joy.
Pick up the pieces of your shattered heart
And let them start to heal.
You're stuck in a time warp.
Living in your past
Recalling the days
When love was your life.
Now you know not love
You know not kindness
Or mercy or beauty.
But all hope is not lost.
There is still purpose for your life, dear heart.
Joy awaits.
Joy. Awaits.
Maybe you're right.
Maybe I cannot help you.
But I know One who can.
Pick up your pieces and run to him.
Be healed.
Be new.
Be free from the chains
You tie yourself in
Day after sorrowful day.
He loves her.
She loves him not.
But life goes on.
Life goes on, dear heart.
It goes on.
He's desperately in love with her.
She loves...that other guy.
It seems like a tragedy, doesn't it?
Almost like a movie.
Almost like someone is penning this story
Right before our eyes.
Have we hit the climax yet?
Is it only downhill from here?
"She hates me as much as I love her."
Those are the words
That pierce one's heart.
You want to help,
But there's nothing you can do.
"I'm a key without a lock."
She has his heart.
He has only memories.
Was she wrong?
Is there any condemnation?
Does he even deserve her?
She's so lovely.
Maybe it just wasn't meant to be.
Life goes on.
And so should you.
There is a time to mourn
And a time to dance.
I know you don't feel like dancing
And you hate it when I quote the Bible
But one can only mourn for so long
While still retaining the chance of coming out of it.
You have to come back.
Come back to joy.
Pick up the pieces of your shattered heart
And let them start to heal.
You're stuck in a time warp.
Living in your past
Recalling the days
When love was your life.
Now you know not love
You know not kindness
Or mercy or beauty.
But all hope is not lost.
There is still purpose for your life, dear heart.
Joy awaits.
Joy. Awaits.
Maybe you're right.
Maybe I cannot help you.
But I know One who can.
Pick up your pieces and run to him.
Be healed.
Be new.
Be free from the chains
You tie yourself in
Day after sorrowful day.
He loves her.
She loves him not.
But life goes on.
Life goes on, dear heart.
It goes on.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Like a Rose
"I don't want to hurt you."
"It doesn't matter. You can't help it," was the reply.
You see, you're like a rose.
You have thorns.
Most people do.
But also, like a rose,
You are beautiful.
The rose is worth it,
Don't you know?
The beauty is worth the pain.
It always has been.
It always will be.
And after a while
One becomes familiar
With the rose.
And he remembers
Where the thorns lie
And places his hands accordingly.
So with time,
The pain lessens
And the beauty increases.
And you see,
I'm like a rose, too.
I have thorns.
Most people do.
But the beauty is worth the pain.
It always has been.
It always will be.
"It doesn't matter. You can't help it," was the reply.
You see, you're like a rose.
You have thorns.
Most people do.
But also, like a rose,
You are beautiful.
The rose is worth it,
Don't you know?
The beauty is worth the pain.
It always has been.
It always will be.
And after a while
One becomes familiar
With the rose.
And he remembers
Where the thorns lie
And places his hands accordingly.
So with time,
The pain lessens
And the beauty increases.
And you see,
I'm like a rose, too.
I have thorns.
Most people do.
But the beauty is worth the pain.
It always has been.
It always will be.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Believe
*Inspired by the book "Oh, the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss.*
To the One on His Way,
I have only one thing to say -- only one concept I insist to assert. It may sound cliché, silly, or useless. But, I’m serious now. No more moping around. What I have to say is this: believe in yourself.
Believe that you can do great things. Believe that you can change the world. Believe that you can overcome any rainstorm, mountain, or valley you face. The world is waiting for you. Life is happening all around you. And, it’s time for you to start happening, too. So, get up and go! Take a deep breath and believe. Tell that mountain to tremble, because you’re on your way. You will go far. You will succeed. Really, all success means is to be happy, indeed.
So, pick up your things. Now, walk out that door. Tell the world to get ready. Hold your head high and begin your adventure. It’s time to start living. And, oh, the places you’ll go!
A Fellow Traveler,
MaryBeth
To the One on His Way,
I have only one thing to say -- only one concept I insist to assert. It may sound cliché, silly, or useless. But, I’m serious now. No more moping around. What I have to say is this: believe in yourself.
Believe that you can do great things. Believe that you can change the world. Believe that you can overcome any rainstorm, mountain, or valley you face. The world is waiting for you. Life is happening all around you. And, it’s time for you to start happening, too. So, get up and go! Take a deep breath and believe. Tell that mountain to tremble, because you’re on your way. You will go far. You will succeed. Really, all success means is to be happy, indeed.
So, pick up your things. Now, walk out that door. Tell the world to get ready. Hold your head high and begin your adventure. It’s time to start living. And, oh, the places you’ll go!
A Fellow Traveler,
MaryBeth
Monday, January 10, 2011
To the 76 I left behid
I want to tell you something
And when you read it you're probably going to make that "psshh" noise
Because you think I'm lying or stuck up or brainwashed or something
But I want to tell you anyway
Because I'm getting kind of fed up
I'm not religious
Yeah, what the heck, right?
I'm probably like one of the most religious people you've ever met
Or at least you might think that
You might've put that label on me
Perhaps, to you, I'm "that religious girl"
What do you remember of me?
You know, from way back when I used to go to school with you
Who was I to you
And why the heck do you think I left
If you think I left because I was super religious
And thought I was too good to go to that school with you
You're dead wrong
I wasn't pregnant either
Not that any of you thought that, I'm sure
I'm way too religious to be having sex
But as I was saying, I'm not religious
Cuz sometimes when I ask my friends what you think about me
They tell me you just think I'm that religious girl
It kind of feels like a dagger to the heart when I hear that
Which maybe is a little messed up
Because that should make me happy, right?
Knowing that the legacy I left was one of superb religion
Should be like...the fulfillment of my goal, right?
That's what religion is all about, right?
Making sure everyone else knows what you stand for
You probably remember things about me
Like the time I wore red duct tape over my mouth all day
Or the fact that I could read aloud faster than the rest of you combined
So I was always picked to read in class so we could get it over with
Or the papers I wrote about abortion and depression
And God and love and all that good stuff
"Smart" --you'd likely pin that word to me as well
But did you ever get to know me?
Like...really get to know me?
Did you know that religion is not who I am?
Maybe you're wondering why I keep saying I'm not religious
When I so clearly serve God and read my bible and pray, la la la
Welp, I hate the word religion
It sounds so....cold
So lifeless. So void of meaning or purpose
Religion.
Like the Sunday morning church goers and the meal-time prayers
I want you to know that I'm so much more than that word
I am a Christian. Yes.
But I have a feeling it might be different than you think it is.
I might be different than you think I am
I want to tell you why and how
not like this
But rather, over a cup of coffee at Cafe Aroma
Or the cafe of your choice (that's just my favorite)
This might come as a surprise to you
But I am not perfect
I'm actually really messed up
I have issues. I do.
You just never saw them
Because you never got to know me
Wanna know what else?
I'm a kid just like you
Everytime I took the hall pass to the bathroom
I was really just leaving to text my boyfriend
And some days I would stay home from school
And go to the mall in Peoria or do something awesome like that
Because school sucks
I hated it just as much as you do
Except art class
I liked that
But my point is, I'm different than you thought I was
I'm homeschooled now
And even though you followed my link from facebook
To get to this page to read this letter I wrote to you
That doesn't mean we're actually friends
We're facebook friends
But you don't know me and I don't know you
You know me a little more now than you did 5 minutes ago
You know what I'm not
I'm not religious
Or perfect
Or subtle
But what I really want most of all
Is for you to know what I am
And then I...
I want to know what you are
I really do
It's not too late for us to get to know each other
The opportunity didn't end when
I walked out that door two years ago
I'm still here
And so are you
I have more thoughts.
Maybe a whole other post worth
But that will be saved for another day
So stay tuned
So there it is, my dear 76
...I thought you might want to know that
And when you read it you're probably going to make that "psshh" noise
Because you think I'm lying or stuck up or brainwashed or something
But I want to tell you anyway
Because I'm getting kind of fed up
I'm not religious
Yeah, what the heck, right?
I'm probably like one of the most religious people you've ever met
Or at least you might think that
You might've put that label on me
Perhaps, to you, I'm "that religious girl"
What do you remember of me?
You know, from way back when I used to go to school with you
Who was I to you
And why the heck do you think I left
If you think I left because I was super religious
And thought I was too good to go to that school with you
You're dead wrong
I wasn't pregnant either
Not that any of you thought that, I'm sure
I'm way too religious to be having sex
But as I was saying, I'm not religious
Cuz sometimes when I ask my friends what you think about me
They tell me you just think I'm that religious girl
It kind of feels like a dagger to the heart when I hear that
Which maybe is a little messed up
Because that should make me happy, right?
Knowing that the legacy I left was one of superb religion
Should be like...the fulfillment of my goal, right?
That's what religion is all about, right?
Making sure everyone else knows what you stand for
You probably remember things about me
Like the time I wore red duct tape over my mouth all day
Or the fact that I could read aloud faster than the rest of you combined
So I was always picked to read in class so we could get it over with
Or the papers I wrote about abortion and depression
And God and love and all that good stuff
"Smart" --you'd likely pin that word to me as well
But did you ever get to know me?
Like...really get to know me?
Did you know that religion is not who I am?
Maybe you're wondering why I keep saying I'm not religious
When I so clearly serve God and read my bible and pray, la la la
Welp, I hate the word religion
It sounds so....cold
So lifeless. So void of meaning or purpose
Religion.
Like the Sunday morning church goers and the meal-time prayers
I want you to know that I'm so much more than that word
I am a Christian. Yes.
But I have a feeling it might be different than you think it is.
I might be different than you think I am
I want to tell you why and how
not like this
But rather, over a cup of coffee at Cafe Aroma
Or the cafe of your choice (that's just my favorite)
This might come as a surprise to you
But I am not perfect
I'm actually really messed up
I have issues. I do.
You just never saw them
Because you never got to know me
Wanna know what else?
I'm a kid just like you
Everytime I took the hall pass to the bathroom
I was really just leaving to text my boyfriend
And some days I would stay home from school
And go to the mall in Peoria or do something awesome like that
Because school sucks
I hated it just as much as you do
Except art class
I liked that
But my point is, I'm different than you thought I was
I'm homeschooled now
And even though you followed my link from facebook
To get to this page to read this letter I wrote to you
That doesn't mean we're actually friends
We're facebook friends
But you don't know me and I don't know you
You know me a little more now than you did 5 minutes ago
You know what I'm not
I'm not religious
Or perfect
Or subtle
But what I really want most of all
Is for you to know what I am
And then I...
I want to know what you are
I really do
It's not too late for us to get to know each other
The opportunity didn't end when
I walked out that door two years ago
I'm still here
And so are you
I have more thoughts.
Maybe a whole other post worth
But that will be saved for another day
So stay tuned
So there it is, my dear 76
...I thought you might want to know that
Monday, January 3, 2011
These are the words that give me breath.
"Rejoice, young man, while you are young,
and let your heart be glad
in the days of your youth.
And walk in the ways of your heart
and in the sights of your eyes;
but know that for all of these things
God will bring you to judgement.
Remove sorrow from your heart,
and put away pain from your flesh,
because youth and the prime
of life are fleeting."
Ecclesiastes 11:7-10
and let your heart be glad
in the days of your youth.
And walk in the ways of your heart
and in the sights of your eyes;
but know that for all of these things
God will bring you to judgement.
Remove sorrow from your heart,
and put away pain from your flesh,
because youth and the prime
of life are fleeting."
Ecclesiastes 11:7-10
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Heck yeah!
In my futile life I have seen everything:
there is a righteous man who perishes in spite
of his righteousness, and there is a wicked
man who lives long in spite of his evil.
Don't be excessively righteous,
and don't be overly wise. Why should
you destroy yourself? Don't be
excessively wicked, and don't
be foolish. Why should you die
before your time? It is good that you
grasp the one and do not let the
other slip from your hand.
For the one who fears God
will end up with both of them.
Ecclesiastes 7:15-18 [emphasis mine]
Balance, baby. Balance.
there is a righteous man who perishes in spite
of his righteousness, and there is a wicked
man who lives long in spite of his evil.
Don't be excessively righteous,
and don't be overly wise. Why should
you destroy yourself? Don't be
excessively wicked, and don't
be foolish. Why should you die
before your time? It is good that you
grasp the one and do not let the
other slip from your hand.
For the one who fears God
will end up with both of them.
Ecclesiastes 7:15-18 [emphasis mine]
Balance, baby. Balance.
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