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"the prophets must have been shattered by some cataclysmic experience in order to be able to shatter others." - the prophets, abraham j. heschel.

set us ablaze.

Today was a normal day, with a normal ending.

I think that's the best part of marriage. I love the normal.

For us, normal is living in the tension of the mundane. Trips to Target are now among the highlights of our week, mixed with the brief glimpses into eternity. Household chores and trips to the grocery store have become the avenue for fellowship. And that is why marriage is so great.

To have fellowship in the mundane.

And in the mundane is our glory. In the mundane He is making us whole, and in the mundane we wait. We wait for our blessed Hope. Our fellowship whispers, come Lord Jesus, our fellowship is with You.

set us ablaze.


-rv

I love the description of God's Word printed in the Gideon Bibles:


THE BIBLE contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.


It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.


CHRIST is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end.


It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

to forsake the wisdom of this age, and choose that which seems foolish. i am convinced, that i will be justified. oh that he would turn our hearts from vanity, and choose to awaken us who slumber ::Christ in me... my hope of glory::: -r valdez

i see beauty in the midst of the mess
i see hope in the chaos
everyday.
i also see a stirring in the hearts of people.
and the One who makes the woeful heart sing.


 ...and in Him my faith rests.
so come, and expand Your kingdom in the hearts of men
for zeal for your house has consumed me





-by r.valdez.

"lovers bloom in the arid desert wind. we are traveling across a vast desert. we didnt choose the desert. it chose us. it is in our bones. we are the children of abraham, of isaac, of jacob. we are a nomadic people called to pilgrimage. at times, we may deny the desert. with enough music and singing and dancing and laughter, we might just drown out the pangs deep within our soul. yet sometimes, the deep longing throbs loud enough to wake us up and remind us of our soul-parching thirst for the fountain of divine love. in these moments of absolute weakness, of absolute dependence, we can do nothing but simply ache for the presence of God. this helplessness, this longing, this desire, is a sign that love has already reached out to use and is drawing us ever closer, ever upward into His heart. but the desert has so drained us that we are too weak to try to impress Him. we cannot perform amazing feats of prayer and fasting. we cannot muster the strength to stand tall and go charging forth as valiant warriors. instead, like a mumbling drunk or dying Savior, we simply cry out, "i thirst." and He comes and satisfies our thirst with a spring of love that knows no bounds." -doug floyd










-

lord you have my heart,
and i will search for Yours
let me be to    You

a  sacrifice.