Privacy (a valentine's poem)

To Die is Gain

"For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:19-21

These verses have been especially meaningful in my life of late. I wanted to share them with you. I love how Paul hints at the inner workings of the spiritual life, how the prayer of others is linked to his salvation (from what? his circumstances?) and also to the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, and his hope, because he hopes in belief. Does he want personal comfort? Does he desire a reputation? Admiration? NO. Only that "Christ shall be magnified," by life or death. Only Christ, and "to die is gain."

MillieJo

Perfect is Boring by Rich Mullins

Perfect is Boring

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Many of you know that Rich Mullins is one of my personal heros of the faith. Today I am sharing with you a small clip of him speaking about faith.

I realize that I have been sporadic at best when it comes to posting on this blog. I can't promise that this will change, but I still hope to share some things with you that interest me, and continue to write as the impulse suits me.

I hope you enjoy the words of Rich Mullins. If you are interested in hearing some of his songs I believe I have some on my player at the bottom of the page. Just scroll down through the songs and you should find a couple at least.

Be Still My Soul

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.

in the silence

I've been feeling in the dark this month.

Maybe it was the "hibernation" weather.
Maybe it was the lack of contact with the IMB
Maybe it was the uncertainty, cabin fever, the cold, the ice.
Maybe it was my attitude.

But God is at work, even in the silence. Even when it feels like He is silent.

God is with me.
I believe it.

And He proves it. With His strength, His gifts.

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Ro11:29 ESV

I have received some very good gifts this week. I was blessed by a sweet visit with my friends Krissy and Joy, and YAY! I was accepted to work for the International Missions Board.

Now for assignments.....

Rhett and Link

Few and Far Between

Some friendships are for awhile, while interests coincide. Some last only until the ocasion ends that brought the friends into each other's company. And still others are friends only until trust is betrayed, or character changes. And then there are friends for life and eternity.

Such a one is my sweet friend Jenna. We share great desires for Jesus, purity, music, worship, faith, and holiness. Kindred Spirits come few and far between these days, so I treasure every one.

You will not be surprised at my joy, then, when I heard that she would be coming to stay with me for about a week this winter break. We had one of the nicest weeks ever. Just hanging out was precious to us, because we don't know when we will see one another again. I will be leaving the country, and college dominates her schedule.

We went walking, in the semi-country, the golf course.
We spent talking time, relaxing time, movies and puzzles.
We played piano duets till my brain ached.
And we watched One Night With the King--one of the most romanticist movies ever.

Thank you God, for friends who know You, understand love for You, understand the choices of following You.

Thank you God for Jenna.