Day Four -Tattered Wings Can Still Fly...

I felt like I was back in the cocoon today...struggling again to emerge. I stumbled upon a photo of a butterfly I took in Costa Rica. The butterfly didn't land on a beautiful flower to bask and allow me to take it's picture, but for some reason, it landed on the rough sidewalk. After a closer look at the butterfly, I realized it was wounded. It's wing was damaged, yet curiously, it was still able to fly! I needed this photo today to remind me that though the challenges and struggles of this life wound my wings, I can still fly. I need to fly. I must fly. 

Fragile butterfly with tattered wing

Why is it possible that you can still fly?

At the very moment I decided to sing

though wounded, and not to question why.

my wings, though thin and fragile

were designed to be strong yet light

by a Creator who knew I'd need to be agile;

He designed me perfectly for flight.

Copyright © 2011 Marie Nease  All Rights Reserved

Day Three

Tonight my faith was at an all time low. To be honest, I was anxiously looking at my circumstances, worrying and wondering how God was going to get me through this season of my life. Rather than running into God's arms and talking with Him, I decided to watch a streaming Netflix movie. Aah, spiritual me, right?

After browsing through the movies to find something to take my mind off my troubles, I was drawn to a movie called "The Encounter." I ran right into God while watching this movie. I won't spoil it for you, if you haven't discovered this little gem that will get to your heart, if you'll allow it. 

I will say this: I encountered Jesus. I sensed the Lord using this simple movie to remind me that He uses EVERYTHING to get to us... to get under our skin and into our hearts, to show us He really loves us. Bruce Marchiano, the main character, was Jesus with skin on for me tonight. The water he gave was living water... his words were life... my hope springs anew!

Bruce has a gift from God and there is no doubt he is walking in it. 

Below are two links: one is Bruce's website and the other is for Pure Flix Entertainment, the company behind "The Encounter." 

http://www.brucemarchiano.com/

http://pureflix.com/archives/portfolio-item/the-encounter

Aah, yes I need a PS: I've decided to extend the 40 days to 44 days. Why you ask? Taking 4 more days to focus on allowing my heart to be content in my singleness and allow Jesus to work makes sense because the 44th day will be an anniversary of sorts for me. My 11th year of being single again. I don't know the outcome of these days of allowing the Lord to work in me in this area, (and take a break from any dating) but HE does and I believe He is up to something... :-)

I'm laying down my expectations, yet being expectant in Him.

Day Two of 40 - In the Flow

Well, officially, this is the third day, but my body clock is off so....

Today was busy. Didn't have much quiet time to be still and know that He is God, but you know, God is always at work accomplishing what concerns us. 

My job interview went well. I should have a written job offer and contract to sign on Wednesday of this week! YES GOD! 

I enjoyed some sweet bonding time with a friend and I treasure moments like that. I didn't sense the longing for a mate as strongly today; to me, that means progress. My heart is beginning to let go of MY desires and allow God's desires to grow in me. May my heart be fertile soil.

My photo, "In The Flow" won honorable mention in the Roswell Photographic Society review Monday night! The theme was Water/Liquid.

May I (and you) learn the art, the graceful art of being in the flow of God's Spirit as we learn and grow through these days. 

40 Days and 40 Nights

Yesterday, as I drove toward home, I sensed God's presence, His voice, whispering. I listened long, yet resisted. He won. He always does, through His wooing ways...His winsome gaze into my soul's deepest shadows. He knows me. Yet He loves me. 

Words whispered gently, warm, like light streaming into morning window, His words parted darkness, like curtains, and my heart knew what He desires: 40 days and 40 nights with me, closer...leaning on His chest, John-like. 

He desires 40 days and 40 nights with me sequestered within the "ark" of His protection, from all that floods my world...the longings, the stresses, the enemy's temptations. He desires for me to renew first love, divine and to let go of my desires for a mate...to run to Him and away from the world. To run to Him and away from men. 

What can I say but YES to Him who woos my soul? So, Sunday was day one of 40 days and 40 nights within His "Ark."

Desert Prayer

I'll try to keep my chin up,

cause I look better when I do...

even an empty cup

can be filled anew.

Life's lessons aren't easy to learn;

it takes guts to get up after I fall.

True confessions purify and burn; 

I weep, bowing low, at the wailing wall.

In the forest of tangled confusion,

may I see the path has been cleared ahead.

Can I trust it's no optical illusion?

Cracked dry, lips say rain clouds are overhead,

only to discover, I've been fooled by a mirage...

tired of grumbling in this desert, forsaken;

my wanderings allowed the enemy's sabotage,

but in my dreams I imagine I'll finally awaken,

amazed, realizing I'm resting in Your promised land

because spirit eyes will be fully opened to know

and behold You and intimately understand

your ways, so joy fills my cup so it'll overflow

your Spirit, and I'll yearn for daily fellowship,

face-to-face, you long for me to reflect your glory

and revel in Your sweet companionship,

living fully my part in this God-breathed story...

© Marie Nease 2011

Tranquil Shores

In this life there are no guarantees
and your heart may be heavy with dismay.
When the world pushes you to your knees,
you're in the perfect position to pray.

Has it grown completely still?
There's no wind in your sails.
In the quiet, may you find God's will
and peace during raging storms and gales.

May you learn through the rhythms of the tide
that He keeps you, though the seas may roar.
In darkest night, may His lighthouse guide
you safely to tranquil shore.

© 2011 Marie Nease 

I wrote this as I was inspired by my friend Stevan Overby' this morning. On his Facebook profile he shared this quote, "When the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray."

Moon Danced with Clouds