Sleepy Hollow

Lovin' life. =)

Jeremiah

Jeremiah is basically my new hero. He did whatever the Lord told him to do, even if it put him in danger. He explained to the Lord that there were things he didn't want to do, and that he was discouraged, but he loved the Lord enough to do those things anyway. He didn't let his fears of what others may think of him ever stop him from doing what was right. And I really feel for him, that he went through so much persecution. It's one of those days where I'm realizing that he was an actual, real person, with emotions and thoughts and fears and hopes and personality. Hopefully I'll meet him someday, after the resurrection, and be able to tell him how much I admire him. As for now, I'll try to follow his example.

A portion of my soul

A portion of a poem I wrote today... i.e., a portion of my soul.

...Well, I don't have the swing, and I don't have the fields,
And as far as I know, don't have you.
But I have a porch, I have God, and the world,
And I know that there's plenty to do.
So I'll love, I will give, I'll create, and I'll find
That I will be ready for you.

Give me enough time, but not one second longer --
I'm waiting here for you.

Good Figs

I've been reading in Jeremiah, specifically chapter 24. Jeremiah has a vision of two baskets of figs. One has good figs, and the other has figs so bad they can definitely not be eaten. These are compared to the children of Israel and their bondage in Babylon. Both kinds of figs, or people, are taken. They are both put through the same trial. The wicked are cursed to experience all kinds of pains and afflictions as part of their bondage in Babylon, but this is what the Lord says about the "good figs."

5 Thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel; Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for their good.

6 For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up.

7 And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the Lord: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart. (Jeremiah 24:5-7)

All kinds of people go through trials. Whether I am following the Lord or not, my life is going to be hard. But if I am serving and loving Him, those trials will be for my good. He will keep His eye on me and ensure that the things I'm going through are helping me grow. He'll help me to eventually find success and peace again. Most importantly, through my trials He will give me a new heart, to know Him, and to know that He is the Lord. The more trials I go through, the more I can see Him help me through them, and I come to know that I am His daughter, and He is my God and my Father. And though sometimes I wander, it's easier to come back because I understand His nature that much better than the last time. Through every trial, my testimony of Him becomes more sincere, and I can testify, make choices, and act with even more confidence than before. It's a beautiful thing.

I am so happy to have read this promise, because I really feel like this season in my life is for me to truly come to know God. That has been one of my foremost desires for several months now. It amazes me how God answers prayers. =) I'm so grateful to have found these verses. Now I've just gotta do my part to become/remain a "good fig."