The Way Back

The Way Back

It has been such a very long time since I have written on my blog.  I have followed so many of you and read some wonderful posts but have been unable to devote much time to writing my own.  Some issues with my heart and a serious family situation have occupied much of my time.  Still, in the midst of all of this, I continue to  say that God is so so good.

I have learned that no situation is too difficult for God to handle, that it is possible to have incredible joy in the midst of adversity, and that God never ever leaves us alone.  He is ever present, waiting to comfort us and carry us when we feel we are so unable to take another step.  His love is so constant and His grace so amazing.  How awesome is our God!

One of my favorite songs is "How Great Is Our God".  This song has comforted me and encouraged me in the days when things were so dark and life so overwhelming.   When I was in the emergency room and no one was with me, I felt His presence.  As a cardiac nurse, I watched the heart monitor with full knowledge of  how serious my irregular hear rate and rhythm were.  I was so terribly frightened and thought I would surely die.  In the midst of all of this, I realized the truth of the words of this great song.  I realized that my God was, indeed, truly great and able to care for me when I could not care for myself.  Thankfully, there was no damage or injury to my heart.  The doctors determined that extreme stress and fatigue had created the irregularity.  I remain very grateful for all that God has done.

I am convinced that all things, good and bad, do work together for our good.  In the midst of all the events of life, God remains truly great.  I love Him so dearly and cannot imagine my life without Him in it.  He is helping me find my way back to the things I love---writing, singing, and, most of all, living.  I remain a blessed woman living a blessed life.  I  cannot ask for more than that.

In Grace,
Marie

The Only Way To Stand

The cover of the CD of the movie

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love the movie "Courageous".   I first saw the movie when I ordered it from my local cable's movies on demand.  I watched it 4 times within the next 24 hours and eventually purchased my own copy of the movie.  I was fascinated by the story of 5 men who made a resolution to live their lives by the Word of God.  In a formal ceremony, each of them took a pledge to be a better father, a better husband, a better man.  Each man was eventually tested to the limit of his resolve---the outcome is phenomenal.  It is a awesome movie.

One of the songs from the soundtrack of the movie, "Sing Your Song to Me" (sung by Third Day), became a favorite with me.  I purchased the soundtrack and I listen to it frequently.  Just this past week, I was just as struck by the words of the title song, also titled "Courageous".  The last line of the chorus says this:  "The only way we'll ever stand, is on our knees with lifted hands."

It seems an odd comment to make---that we must stand by kneeling, but if you think about it from a spiritual standpoint, it makes perfect sense.  When we kneel before the Lord, we are receiving strength, courage, direction.  We are recognizing that we cannot be what He needs us to be by attempting it on our own.  We need the Lord and we need His strength if we are to stand.

I must confess that as I listened to these words, I was reminded of own, dear father.  I have written many times about my father and the tremendous impact he has had on my life.  If I close my eyes and travel back in time, I can hear his booming voice calling my name in prayer---I can feel his hand patting my cheek---and I can hear him whisper in my ear, "Daddy's girl".    I can see him kneeling by his bed with his hands raised high as he prayed for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. I have witnessed him stand true to his beliefs when others faltered and failed.  His influence on my life cannot be described.

Oh, how we need men of honor and integrity---men of courage and principle---men who stand in the face of all opposition---who will not break in the face of adversity.   How we need Godly fathers and husbands who will teach their sons to honor God, respect authority, and treasure their families.  We so desperately need men who are unashamed to kneel before the Lord and to raise their hands in prayer.

I, too, pray to be courageous.  I pray to be woman of faith and integrity--- a woman of honor---a woman who will remain unafraid to take a stand for what she believes.  I pray to leave a legacy of faith and trust in a God who cannot fail.  My desire is for my children and grandchildren to remember me as a woman of prayer and a woman who willingly raised her hands in praise to God.  I pray to stand on bended knees and lifted hands.  Oh, how I pray to stand.

In Grace,
Marie