One True Love

 

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 Tonight, as I'm sitting in my living room with dim Christmas lights, worship, and a warm blanket, I'm realizing...I need this.

I need to be stilled. To be calmed. To have storms raging outside and be pulled into His presence.

It's been too long.

And no matter what is happening outside, nothing else matters. 

There's no other place I'd rather be.

How quickly I forget.

Thank you, Jesus. 

Tonight, I'm reminded of my First Love. The One who has chased me, who has picked me up, who has molded me and protected me. The One who has looked upon me with passion when I could barely stand up from the ashes. And the One who smiles when I have victory.

A book I used to love, "Hinds Feet on High Places" by Hannah Hurnard comes to mind tonight...

"…it had opened her eyes to the fact that right down in the depths of her own heart she really had but one passionate desire, not for the things which the Shepherd had promised, but for Himself. All she wanted was to be allowed to follow him forever.
Other desires might clamor strongly and fiercely nearer the surface of her nature, but she knew now that down in the core of her own being she was so shaped that nothing could fit, fill, or satisfy her heart but He Himself. “Nothing else really matters,” she said to herself, “only to love him and to do what he tells me. I don’t know quite why it should be so, but it is. All the time it is suffering to love and sorrow to love, but it is lovely to love him in spite of this, and if I should cease to do so, I should cease to exist...."

He goes before me. He is behind me. He is all around me.
And I so happy to be in the middle of a love story unfolding.
To be in the middle of a battle raging. And be taught to fight by the King Himself.
And to enjoy in the promises He has brought.
And to learn...goodness I pray I would never stop learning.

Thank you, Jesus. 

For being what I couldn't.

And for turning ashes into beauty.

Make me like You.

And show me You. 

Enjoy your night of wind and rain,

mp

God Is An Investor

This weekend, William and I went on a wine making adventure. We took a drive to Ontario, New York where someone I know has a house settled by the lake with acres of delicious concord grapes.

This was super exciting for four reasons:

1. Adventuring with William is one of my favorite things to do. Along with working as a team.
2. I have wanted to get out and do an exciting fall adventure.
3. Making wine has been on our project list and we were finally starting it!
4. The grapes were FREE (thank you, Jesus!)

With all of that said, it was a really great day. Lots of outside, lots of picking, lots of laughs, and lots of indoor wine making steps ending with this beauty below (that we now affectionately refer to as our 'baby')...

 So we waited with excitement, anxiously anticipating our BUBBLES. These bubbles would indicate that all of our hard work paid off and the fermentation started. We waited, we checked up on it, we walked by it over and over again....

And for the first day, our wine did not bubble AT ALL.

As the wine sat there not doing what it was suppose to do Will and I talked about how even if this first batch botches, we are determined to try again. I think this is primarily because we are stubborn and will work at something until it's how we want it but ...

It's also because we have an investment in this now. 

We don't want to waste the money (and the time) that we have put into it.

Sitting in church yesterday God spoke to me and I realized,

God has an enormous investment in US.

Bigger than money.
Bigger than carboys and tablets and time spent mushing up grapes (and feeling like fiber glass was all over our arms afterwards!)
He invested His only Son.
So that we could exchange our sin for His glory.

"Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." Romans 13:14

This 'rather' speaks to me about exchanging one thing for something better. And we couldn't have had this exchange if not for His investment. We would be still in our 'filthy rags', unable to take them off, unable to find anything new to put on, unable unable unable.

Back to investments. Someone with an investment doesn't just give up when there's trouble or it doesn't go smoothly.
Our wine wasn't bubbling right away but I kept checking. I must have walked over there a million times and looked at that carboy filled with juice and grape skins not doing what I wanted it to do. What it should be doing.

How much more does God think about us? Work with us? Chase us? Redeem us? Cover over us with the blood of His son?

In Zechariah 3:2 it's put this way, "Is not this man a burning stick snatch from the fire?".
He is passionate about us. He would stick His hand in hot coals to grab us from our mess. He has loved us with an everlasting love. For goodness sake, the entire old testament is a story about a God so in love with His people that He forgives over and over just crying out, "If only you'd turn away from those things and repent". Sometimes they did, sometimes they didn't. But His pursuit never ended. 

Do we think that because we fall and fail and continually strive but not meet this level of holiness we so desire...that He just gives up?
He doesn't.
His desire is that we would be saved, and then be used.

"In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit" Ephesians 2:21-22

God's been working on my house for several years now. He demolished it, rebuilt the foundation, threw out the junk, reworked the electric, and as of recently did the nice stuff...painted, decorated, etc. And now...He wants me to do what this has all been for...be His house, created to do good works.
He didn't save me just so I could sit in my metaphoric house enjoying my nicely painted walls.
He did it so that I would want:

To seek out the broken.
To minister to the hurting.
To lead by example.
To snatch others from the grip of the enemy.
To speak truth in love.
To demolish all arguments that set themselves up against the truth of God.
And to help others let God rebuild their house. To tell of what can be done.
To stand as a testament to His power and purpose.

But, remember, Romans 2:8 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves". Your quest for holiness, for keeping your House a place where He can dwell and use you...will never be met and maintained on your own power. You didn't know your house was a mess, you didn't know it needed to be rebuilt, you didn't know where or how to start, and you certainly won't be able to do this....without Him.

So press in.
And when you fail or accusations come from the enemy against you (sometimes pointing to very true things in your life) remember two things:

1. You are, in fact, a mess. And need Him. Sometimes what the enemy is saying IS true. But...
2. God does not give up on His investment. And He wouldn't invest in something that He didn't KNOW would come together in the end.

So let God work out His investment in You.
Someday you  might just start bubbling...

xoxo,
mp

Hinds Feet on High Places

“I am afraid,” she said. “I have been told that if you really love someone you give that loved one the power to hurt and pain you in a way nothing else can.”
“That is true,” agreed the Shepherd. “To love does mean to put your self into the power of the loved one and to become very vulnerable to pain, and you are very much-afraid of pain, are you not?”

-Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurdard

First thing, if you haven't read the above book...I highly recommend it. This allegorical novel speaks to the depths of our souls. It enchants us, it challenges us, it pierces the places we try to hide, and it breathes and brings life.

Secondly, I am a girlfriend.

I say this because, this is a scary thing. 

To be in a relationship that is serious  and not some flippant thing. 

...one that you are fully invested in...is scary.

It's scary because, as Much Afraid realized, you let down all of your tall walls of protection so that the other person might come in and really know and love you.

But it is also a beautiful thing.

A thing that changes and grows and takes on different shapes and forms in various seasons.

It seems that part of God's design in relationships and ultimately marriage was to make us more like Him. To show us the parts of ourselves that are selfish and impatient. To learn to daily die to what we think we are entitled to, to pride, or to the 'victory' that comes in being right.

And it's hard.

Hollywood lies. Storybooks lie. Facebook lies. Older couples lie. Even our friends lie.
Because the truth is, it's hard, and it takes work, and it can be painful, and there really is an enemy that wants to wage war on your relationship.
 

But while we are trying so hard to not be found out (as people who are imperfect and struggle with many things...including the other person at times) we have missed the power that comes with honesty. When you are honest with the people God has put around you (and honest with God), this power can bring radical change to their relationships and heart.

Recently, I had a very raw and open conversation with God. And then one with a girlfriend on a long car ride. What I realized is that certain things need to change, that I was imperfect, and that we all along the way need a wake-up call...something to jolt us back into reality and into a walk that resembles more of Jesus. 

And God is faithful to give you everything you need to be able to do this as soon as you surrender it to Him. We are coming out of Rosh Hashanah (The Jewish New Year) and entering into Yom Kippur...a time of really letting the Holy Spirit reveal to you the hidden things in your heart.

I am encouraged that it's a New Year and a new season.

And as I began to embark on this journey, God prepared me with scripture I would need to be sustained and encouraged. Before I'm done, I wanted to share it with you here. If there's something you have not yet attained or a place God is calling you into that you don't think you can really make it to...look at these.

Say them out loud.

Post them around your house.

Write them on your hand.

Because 2 Tim 3:16 and Heb 4:12 tell us the power in the Word of God. We know that it is useful for training and for correcting and that it is living and active and sharper than any double edged sword. It is our life line and paired with the Holy Spirit, the only thing that can truly bring radical change when we find ourselves in a dried up place. I hope they bring life to you and resurrect any dead things you are carrying.

xoxo,

mp

Power Verses

1. Hebrews 13:20-21-"That the Great Shepherd of the sheep EQUIPT YOU for doing HIS WILL and may He WORK IN US what is pleasing to Him"
2. 1 Corinthians 10:13-"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man and GOD IS FAITHFUL. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted He will also PROVIDE A WAY OUT so that you can stand up under it"
3. 2 Corinthians 1:9- "Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death BUT this happened so that we might NOT RELY ON OURSELVES but on GOD who raises the dead"
4. Hebrews 2:18- "Because He himself suffered when He was tempted He is ABLE TO HELP those who are being tempted"
5. Philippians 2:13- "For it is GOD who WORKS IN YOU to will and act according to His good purpose"

Go Easy

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Summer has been stretching.

Summer has been growing.

Summer has been tears.

Summer has been laughter.

Summer has been love.

Summer has been challenge.

Summer has been courage.

Summer has been fear.

...summer has been magical.

I am preparing to put myself under the tutelage of the school year once again. I approach this with mixed emotions. Part of me wants to hide myself from reality and stay in a world where stress is limited, the sun shines, and the world has no expectations of you. But reality is unavoidable and necessary. While watching a Woody Allen documentary on Netflix recently (I'm a big Woody Allen fan) he puts it like this,

 "People in life are forced to chose between reality and fantasy. And it's much more pleasant to chose fantasy. But that way lies madness. And you're forced, finally, to chose reality. And you know, reality always disappoints, always hurts you."

Don't get me wrong, I'm excited too. But I'm learning what a sometimes incorrigible (and much too familiar) 'friend' (but really darkness enemy) that stress is. Is zaps away your hope (that the Bible says is, in fact, the anchor for your soul). It heaps upon you what feels like cement bricks until you cannot breath or see the sun. It strangles laughter. And it does not rest until you have given up and surrendered to it.

But this summer has taught me, refreshed me, and sprung me into a new season. I have made some changes and put in place some safeguards. I have learned how comfortable it is to sit in stress and let it strangle you and how critical it is to run from it and to Him. I have the Holy Spirit inside me and Jesus will never give me more than I can handle. I have learned the value in resting and in thought control.

Of not hurrying.
Of keep things simple.
Of letting go of perfection.
And of getting away (and being saved daily from it)

And as the poem below says, I want to go into this new seasons "easy, filled with light, and shinning".

xoxo,
mp

When I am Among the Trees by Mary Oliver

When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
     but walk slowly, and bow often.

Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, "Stay awhile."
The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, "It's simple," they say,
"and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine."

Planting Together

We planted them together. And watered them. And then tightened the soil around them. It means something, you know, when people plant things together. (from Okay For Now by Gary D. Schmidt)

Timeless truths remind you of the things you take for granted or forget. This summer I am reminded of the ineffable beauty in walking through seasons of life, good times and bad, with the people God has placed around me.

But it means you have to get your hands dirty.

They will need things that may not be convenient to you. Or they will offend you. Or you will need more courage. Or you will be asked things that are hard. But you will also experience the joy in working together and plowing up ground. You will experience the laughter and hope that comes from growth and fruit produced.

This summer, I am greatful that I have women in my life that plant seeds in me. That help me (and remind me!) to water those seeds. That come alongside me and tighten the soil. And it does mean something. It means everything.

I am also greatful for the charge God has placed on me for the lives of the specific women around me. To work with someone in their different seasons and to be invited in to speak into and share their life is a great gift, too.

This summer, I am greatful also for the man God has given me. For my teammate. For the promise I sometimes doubted would come true. Who will never tire or hesitate to get his hands dirty in the soil for me. Who not only waters what God has planted in me but who comes and gives it light and weeds around it (when under the tutelage of many things I get tired). And who reminds me of what it will look like when it breaks through the soil. That it's worth it. And who gives me shade when there's been a lot of sun. He is a great man. And planting with him in his life and mine is an honor.

We are iron sharpening iron to each other.
And we are in a fight together against a very real enemy.
No one ever said planting was easy (That's probably why many people don't).
But let's roll up our sleeves anyway knowing nothing can grow without us being willing to plant together.
Because when others are willing to plant in our garden and we are willing to plant in theirs, it means something.

xoxo,

mp

Adventure

The princess laughed and clapped her hands in delight. "A story!" she exclaimed. "And an adventure story at that! What a fine gift." (from Clever Jack Takes The Cake by Candace Fleming)

 Lately, life has been a series of transitions, changing of seasons, and adventures. And although I feel in my bones the slow and steady sadness of summer coming to an end there is also a lot to be thankful for this summer. Recently, the boy and I took on a water tower chasing project together. You see, water towers are really beautiful. You see them in the distant, majestically mysterious, and find out quickly that they are hard to find. You have to want to find them, you have to seek them out, you have to keep your eye on them and find your way towards them. God has been using a lot of metaphors with this water tower fascination (and I'm sure there will be more to come. and I'm sure I'll want to write about it.) I am so having fun working together as a team with Will on this. It brings a different dynamic to a relationship: chasing towers, editing photos, planning dates around future tower locations, and enjoying what God's made in the middle of it all. Adventure really is a beautiful thing. And a great gift from a great Dad.

Check out the site we made to show the water tower pictures and directions. There will be more on there eventually, too! 

Our WordPress :)

xoxo,

mp

 

(SEARS tower in Rochester, NY)

Light Up The Sky

"You light up the sky to show me You are with me"-The Afters

Yesterday was one of those quintessential summer days and nights. My boyfriend picked me up at my house and we drove to a local park to put my kayak in the water. We paddled all over the ponds, past a sea of water Lilly and yellow flowers, and sat in the kayak talking and laughing with the sun shining down on us.

But you know what's funny?
As incredible and caring and giving this spectacular boyfriend of mine is, he was never meant to fulfill all of my needs. And it wouldn't be fair if I expected him to. (or he expected that of me)
Only Jesus was meant to be that.

I am learning that even someone like Will, who is always affirming, comforting, and thinking of me will will never be enough; my needs are a grand canyon worth of needs and I am a colander when being filled. The next moment, I will need more. And don't get me wrong, I know that there is no one else on the planet I would rather be with and I am so full of thankfulness for the man God brought into my life. He brings a fulfillment and intimacy that I never thought I would have with anyone. 

What I am meaning to say is only that Jesus is telling me that only He is the true lover of my soul. He is the only one who can fill me up to overflowing.
 (with something to have to give for Will or anyone else in my life)

We are needy and sinful at our nature. And aching for love. And we can only truly be satisfied in Him.

But He does provide us with different avenues to reveal Himself and demonstrate this love; my boyfriend being one of those. (One of God's plans, I also believe, is to show me how to love Will right. How to be giving, and thoughtful, and self-sacrificial.)

My point? Last night as I was sitting on my back porch with the boy watching the heat lightning and giggling, Jesus whispered to my heart how much He wants to fulfill me, how deeply He cares for me, and how far He is always willing to go to prove that love (the God of the universe never has to prove anything. But He seems to always want to remind me).

He brought a song to my head I have heard on KLOVE. It's by The Afters and it goes, 

"When I'm feeling all alone with so far to go 

The signs that know we're on this road are guiding me home 

When the night is closing in falling on my skin Oh God, will you come close
You light, light, light up the sky You light up the sky to show me that you are with me  

And I, I, I can't deny no I can't deny that you and right here with me  

You've opened my eyes so I can see you all around me  

When stars are hiding in the clouds I don't feel them shining  

When I can't see beyond my doubt the silver lining  

When I've almost reached the end Like a flood you're rushing in  

Your love is rushing in
So I'll run straight to your arms  

You're the bright and morning sun  

To show your love there's nothing you won't do" 

I couldn't have made that up if I tried. 
In the middle of a heat lightning storm, when the sky was totally lit up, it was as if He was saying...

"I lit up the sky for YOU" 

He knows all of our heart's desires and He wants to bring us to a place of trust that is deeply rooted. What does the Word say about this? That "His goodness leads us to repentance" and that "He draws us in with loving-kindness".  For me, He knows thunderstorms and warm rain are a magical thing in my heart. And there we are, myself and this fulfilled promise that is my boyfriend...on the porch watching the most magical thunderstorm all year.

And the best part?

Just as I was about to burst with joy and thankfulness... 

one single, magical, exquisite, bright firefly flew by.

Fireflies are a really special thing between Jesus and I.

For reasons I don't even understand but can only feel.

And in the middle of it all (when I've never seen one before in my yard and only complain every day of the summer that they are in everyone else's backyards) there it was. One single one. For me.

It was almost as if He was saying, This is all for you. You are my beloved. I have chased you and loved you with an everlasting love. Even when you doubt, even when anxiety creeps in, even when you lose your way, I am unchanging. I know you better than you do. And I love you. And I have watched over you. And tonight is a reminder of the fulfilled promises I gave you long ago. Remember this night when you are holding on to promises to come. Remember I am faithful to fulfill my word. Remember I finish what I start"

As much as I can attempt to have you share in this moment with me, some things can only truly be understood between Jesus and you. Some parts of your heart He carves out just for Him.
Think on those secret places you have with Him today.

And here is the point to all of this: be thankful.
If your eyes are open just enough, there may be a firefly flying by...

 

xoxo,

mp