And I wake up, the same casings and two-by-fours, but another nail more. Maybe some sawing will be done, some priming and rising of the walls. I'm not sure when the windows will be carefully woven into the sideboards, but that's okay. Rarely do I think of it anyway . . . the Carpenter's steady hand has become a pulsing beat that I have grown use to . . . and amidst each rising timber and beam, amidst the yellow and deep red paint, is the consistent hammering and hoping and song. "My love endures forever." Forever. A plank removed . . . pain. "My love endures forever, danae." An annex. A window seat. "My love endures forever." Sanding and furnishing. "danae, My love endures forever." Forever. Exactly what is forever? I don't know. But for some reason, I think that's okay.
But I do know that I am built on the Holy, blameless Son. He holds me together, holds me up, holds my ragged life in His strong hands. And that which is sagging is what I don't allow Him to be under, to lift up, what I need to surrender (thanks, Lael, for that reminder).
We are being built. I often forget that He's still working because it happens simply piece by piece, beam by beam, nail by nail. But, (side note) I loved what I heard once, that God sees us as what we WILL be. Thank goodness! What a gift!
Today is my last day of being *insert age here*. :) And I'm so glad the building isn't finished because I'm not where I want to be when my hourglass's river of sand has settled in the bottom. I want to be more selfless by this time next year, more reliant on Jesus. I want to be less lazy, more humble. I want to speak more Truth and be able to discern it. I want to trust. I want to me more fully danae. More built, more established in Jesus. More like the girl Jesus sees at the end of the line. Well, anyway, here's for my last blog post of my year. Adios, dear blogosphere. When I see you next, I shalt be another year older. :) Farewell!
PS Oh, I must note a very blog worthy occurrence. It is actually SUNNY in this rainy state!!!! Hallelujah. :) I was starving for the rays. :) smile. What a gift . . .
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Thank You
I know this is early, but considering I have heavy duty homework to do tomorrow and thankfulness seems to be in season any day of the week, I'll make it a multitude of gift Sunday. :)
416. Her words to me and that love. What a true gift!!! Speechless . . .
417. That unexpected note.
418. Red and pink and white streamers hanging from the lights in the school hallway.
419. Hearts . . . lots of paper hearts.
420. Spring rain
421. I'm never alone.
422. That He is allowing me to grow. [Side Note: Growing hurts]
423. Balloons for Valentine's Day from the 'rents, as well as a fun gift bag. Too sweet! I love my parents. They are both gifts.
424. The rose from my sister . . . what a sweet-ness! :) I love my sissy! She is a dear gift!
425. President's Day = No School. Ohhh Yessss. :)
416. Her words to me and that love. What a true gift!!! Speechless . . .
417. That unexpected note.
418. Red and pink and white streamers hanging from the lights in the school hallway.
419. Hearts . . . lots of paper hearts.
420. Spring rain
421. I'm never alone.
422. That He is allowing me to grow. [Side Note: Growing hurts]
423. Balloons for Valentine's Day from the 'rents, as well as a fun gift bag. Too sweet! I love my parents. They are both gifts.
424. The rose from my sister . . . what a sweet-ness! :) I love my sissy! She is a dear gift!
425. President's Day = No School. Ohhh Yessss. :)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
I'm Not Like Those Other Guys
All right, y'all . . . this is beautiful [and kinda crazy]! :)
Chorus to: "Other Guys" by Jonny Diaz
"Cause I'm not like those other guys
that just hit on you and feed you lines.
But may I say you're looking fine tonight?
Well, I love my mom and you know I cried
when I saw The Notebook seven times.
but if that is not who you desire, get that out of your mind.
Did I tell you you're looking fine tonight?
Because you are."
[Jonny Diaz, you're the bomb . . . It's. True. :) And you're married. Rats. Kidding, people. Really. :)]
You can hear the song here. :)Did I mention he's a Christian?? :) Woot! I love the love songs that come from our camp! Even if some of them are kinda crazy, like this one and Firefly by Jimmy Needham (it's worth the youtube visit), oh, and 500 miles by Steven Curtis Chapman. As for serious ones, Lanae Hale's "Let's Grow Old Together" is beautiful, as is "For My Love" by Bethany Dillon. Good Valentine Songs. <3 Ask me why I know all of this? Uh, . . . well, . . . What can I say? :)I'm just simply danae. :)
Man, I love the first two lines of Diaz' song: "'cause I'm not like those other guys that just hit on you and feed you lines." Rats, that's happened to me. (The second part of that statement) But I've done it too. I've fed lines. Embarrassing. It's so not love. I regret. And from today on out, from February 9, 2010, I want to watch more carefully the way I speak to my fellow boy soldiers in this battle o' life. I want to serve them with my words and build them up, not shed hints that I wouldn't back up, ya know?
Oh man, Jesus, please purify . . . if I need the coals to touch my lips, so be it. I know how bad it hurts to be "fed lines," and I've probably hurt guys with it too. I don't want to do it. Again. But when or if I ever do, please carry me again, Love. And prepare me for You-know-who [I don't] if You will. I'll wait. :)
Chorus to: "Other Guys" by Jonny Diaz
"Cause I'm not like those other guys
that just hit on you and feed you lines.
But may I say you're looking fine tonight?
Well, I love my mom and you know I cried
when I saw The Notebook seven times.
but if that is not who you desire, get that out of your mind.
Did I tell you you're looking fine tonight?
Because you are."
[Jonny Diaz, you're the bomb . . . It's. True. :) And you're married. Rats. Kidding, people. Really. :)]
You can hear the song here. :)Did I mention he's a Christian?? :) Woot! I love the love songs that come from our camp! Even if some of them are kinda crazy, like this one and Firefly by Jimmy Needham (it's worth the youtube visit), oh, and 500 miles by Steven Curtis Chapman. As for serious ones, Lanae Hale's "Let's Grow Old Together" is beautiful, as is "For My Love" by Bethany Dillon. Good Valentine Songs. <3 Ask me why I know all of this? Uh, . . . well, . . . What can I say? :)I'm just simply danae. :)
Man, I love the first two lines of Diaz' song: "'cause I'm not like those other guys that just hit on you and feed you lines." Rats, that's happened to me. (The second part of that statement) But I've done it too. I've fed lines. Embarrassing. It's so not love. I regret. And from today on out, from February 9, 2010, I want to watch more carefully the way I speak to my fellow boy soldiers in this battle o' life. I want to serve them with my words and build them up, not shed hints that I wouldn't back up, ya know?
Oh man, Jesus, please purify . . . if I need the coals to touch my lips, so be it. I know how bad it hurts to be "fed lines," and I've probably hurt guys with it too. I don't want to do it. Again. But when or if I ever do, please carry me again, Love. And prepare me for You-know-who [I don't] if You will. I'll wait. :)
Monday, February 8, 2010
Happy!
Well hello! Today was kind of a dreary day where I live . . . the clouds were thick and held up the sky, and I was kinda down today. Probably mainly a result of tiredness. Ya gotta love that disease, but things are looking up. Such good things have been happening in my life lately. My mom was praying over me yesterday evening - - - I was having a case of the "blahs" (I know, that's a pathetic way to put it, but it really does sum it up)- - - and she prayed that Jesus would add spice to my life. And He so did! Honestly though, He does all the time. Sometimes, I've gotta look for it harder than others though, but as I've been reflecting, He's placed some big, beautiful, exciting spices in my life lately. Would you like to join me as I thank Him?
Thank You, Lord . . .
401. I've been accepted at MULTNOMAH!!! [Oh Jesus, thank You! This might be it, huh??]
402. The compliments . . . especially the unexpected.
403. Preview weekend at Multnomah!!! Oh My Word! What a fabulous time! [might write about that later?]
404. The safe drive up to Portland.
405. Meeting new, beautiful people
406. Hanging out with friends
407. Your freedom and love
408. Excitement of my unknown future
409. That little guy, sitting on my lap
410. Her tiny hand holding mine
411. Him being such a good brother and helping me out
412. Watching the kids play the Wii . . . too cute
413. Christian music playing in the house
414. The community and fellowship of hanging out with youth group, watching Super bowl party [Yay, Saints!]
415. Her encouragement and friendship
One of my friends told me recently that life is so good! And I responded that it is for us. I know some people's lives are so tattered and filled with hopelessness. And I mourn for them. I hope they come to know the incredible love of my Savior and the life He gives. I want to strive to bring God into those hopeless lives, but in the meantime, I want to thank Him for my life, 'cause it is GOOD! because He is good, and He is in it. alleluia.
Thank You, Lord . . .
401. I've been accepted at MULTNOMAH!!! [Oh Jesus, thank You! This might be it, huh??]
402. The compliments . . . especially the unexpected.
403. Preview weekend at Multnomah!!! Oh My Word! What a fabulous time! [might write about that later?]
404. The safe drive up to Portland.
405. Meeting new, beautiful people
406. Hanging out with friends
407. Your freedom and love
408. Excitement of my unknown future
409. That little guy, sitting on my lap
410. Her tiny hand holding mine
411. Him being such a good brother and helping me out
412. Watching the kids play the Wii . . . too cute
413. Christian music playing in the house
414. The community and fellowship of hanging out with youth group, watching Super bowl party [Yay, Saints!]
415. Her encouragement and friendship
One of my friends told me recently that life is so good! And I responded that it is for us. I know some people's lives are so tattered and filled with hopelessness. And I mourn for them. I hope they come to know the incredible love of my Savior and the life He gives. I want to strive to bring God into those hopeless lives, but in the meantime, I want to thank Him for my life, 'cause it is GOOD! because He is good, and He is in it. alleluia.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Thinking
Sometimes, I think I think too much . . . Smile. :) But really, I do. I'm such an analyzer, thinker, over-analyzer, you know. I think too much. But maybe a little's okay.
Like I'm thinking about the Christmas pageant. Do you know how many months ago that was? Actually, it's been a month and fifteen days since the last performance. [Is that weird that I know that? I mean, I did some mental math, but it didn't take that long to figure it out] It was December 16, 18, 20. The night of December 20th I was pretty much a train wreck. And then I got better, and then I'd dip into periods of mild "depression" and the memories stuck to me like autumn leaves on wet pavement. You know, it kinda feels like a dream. It's funny how, even after a month and fifteen days later, I still haven't processed the whole experience. OR maybe I've processed it way too much. Maybe I'm missing the big picture? Maybe it's all too simple that I can't see it? [I told you I over-analyze . . . *grin*]
I can't wait to meet Mary, by the way. We've got a lot to talk about . . . ;)
By the way, have you seen the rain recently? :) The drops were pouring heavy and thick and the sky was bright . . . reminds me of spring rain. I'm excited for spring. I see hints of it once and awhile. Maybe it's Jesus' hints to me . . . spring always comes. Always. [alleluia]
You know, I've noticed that I probably say "maybe" [a lot] and "I wonder . . ." a whole lot. I'm a dreamer child, I know. Wonder what the end result will be, Jesus? [I JUST USED WONDER AGAIN! Honest, I didn't think about it! It just came out! Weird . . . ] haha :)
Well, tomorrow I go to Multnomah. I'm excited. All prayers would be so gratefully accepted. :) Thank you!
This was definitely one of the most random posts I've ever written. but I kinda enjoyed it. Might have to do more like 'em. :) Have a lovely day!
Like I'm thinking about the Christmas pageant. Do you know how many months ago that was? Actually, it's been a month and fifteen days since the last performance. [Is that weird that I know that? I mean, I did some mental math, but it didn't take that long to figure it out] It was December 16, 18, 20. The night of December 20th I was pretty much a train wreck. And then I got better, and then I'd dip into periods of mild "depression" and the memories stuck to me like autumn leaves on wet pavement. You know, it kinda feels like a dream. It's funny how, even after a month and fifteen days later, I still haven't processed the whole experience. OR maybe I've processed it way too much. Maybe I'm missing the big picture? Maybe it's all too simple that I can't see it? [I told you I over-analyze . . . *grin*]
I can't wait to meet Mary, by the way. We've got a lot to talk about . . . ;)
By the way, have you seen the rain recently? :) The drops were pouring heavy and thick and the sky was bright . . . reminds me of spring rain. I'm excited for spring. I see hints of it once and awhile. Maybe it's Jesus' hints to me . . . spring always comes. Always. [alleluia]
You know, I've noticed that I probably say "maybe" [a lot] and "I wonder . . ." a whole lot. I'm a dreamer child, I know. Wonder what the end result will be, Jesus? [I JUST USED WONDER AGAIN! Honest, I didn't think about it! It just came out! Weird . . . ] haha :)
Well, tomorrow I go to Multnomah. I'm excited. All prayers would be so gratefully accepted. :) Thank you!
This was definitely one of the most random posts I've ever written. but I kinda enjoyed it. Might have to do more like 'em. :) Have a lovely day!
Sleep
I read these words in my Bible this morning:
"Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives to His beloved sleep." (ESV)
Solomon penned these words in Psalms 127, verses 1 and 2. I wonder what he was thinking when the tip of the pen touched the parchment . . .
"Unless the LORD builds . ."
"Unless the LORD . . ."
"Unless . . ."
Nothing I do matters. Nothing. UNLESS "the LORD builds," "the LORD watches." And God gives us, His beloved, sleep. alleluia
"Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives to His beloved sleep." (ESV)
Solomon penned these words in Psalms 127, verses 1 and 2. I wonder what he was thinking when the tip of the pen touched the parchment . . .
"Unless the LORD builds . ."
"Unless the LORD . . ."
"Unless . . ."
Nothing I do matters. Nothing. UNLESS "the LORD builds," "the LORD watches." And God gives us, His beloved, sleep. alleluia
Monday, February 1, 2010
Beautiful February
I quietly visited Ann Voskamp's website, "A Holy Experience," again today . . . today is Multitude of Gifts Monday, once again. Her post for today makes me dream. :) Today's a new day to give thanks, so here goes:
391. An unexpected e-mail
392. Hearing Merideth Andrew's "Draw Me Nearer" . . . a beautiful song. Touched my heart.
393. Rocking back and forth to "Something Beautiful" by NeedToBreathe
394. Her face when we surprised her . . . 18th birthday. Happy day, beautiful girl! I love you, CB!
395. Semester finals . . . finished
396. The money raised from Church's garage sale . . . mission trip fundraiser
397. A beautiful new month
399. The verse she shared . . . Joshua 22:5 . . . yes, a perfect verse for a list-type-of-girl. [Love you, Miss "Caroline!" *wink*]
400. For the many people praying for me as I make decisions, big decisions. What a humongous blessing and grace.
391. An unexpected e-mail
392. Hearing Merideth Andrew's "Draw Me Nearer" . . . a beautiful song. Touched my heart.
393. Rocking back and forth to "Something Beautiful" by NeedToBreathe
394. Her face when we surprised her . . . 18th birthday. Happy day, beautiful girl! I love you, CB!
395. Semester finals . . . finished
396. The money raised from Church's garage sale . . . mission trip fundraiser
397. A beautiful new month
399. The verse she shared . . . Joshua 22:5 . . . yes, a perfect verse for a list-type-of-girl. [Love you, Miss "Caroline!" *wink*]
400. For the many people praying for me as I make decisions, big decisions. What a humongous blessing and grace.
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