"Once we clearly acknowledge the soul, we can learn to hear it's cries. - Dallas Willard, Renovation Of The Heart."

It takes courage to pursue our dreams. It takes time and patience to unearth buried treasure. But I believe with all my heart that we must do both.

12.22.2009

Mary's song


"The Magnificat reminds us that what we most value, all that gives us status - power, pride, strength, and wealth - can be a barrier to receiving what God has in store for us. If we are full of ourselves, there will be no room for God to enter our hearts at Christmas." (Kathleen Norris, God with us)

All those things that we spend so much time on, all those things that we work so hard to achieve, do not bring us lasting fulfillment. They were not meant to.

"Most people, it they have really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise. The longings which arise in us when we first fall in love, or first think of some foreign country, or first take up some subject that excites us, are longings which no marriage, no travel, no learning, can really satisfy. I am not now speaking of what would be ordinarily called unsuccessful marriage, or holidays, or learned careers. I am speaking of the best possible ones. There was something we have grasped at, in that first moment of longing, which just fades away in the reality. I think everyone knows what I mean. The wife may be a good wife, and the hotels and scenery may have been excellent, and chemistry may be a very interesting job: but something has evaded us."

"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probably explanation is that I was made for another world."
~C. S. Lewis

Advent reading for Tuesday: Psalm 113; 1 Samuel 1:19-28; Luke 1:46-56


Father help us leave room in our hearts for you. For truly you are what our hearts deepest desire is, even when we are unaware of it. If there is too little room for you because we have filled it with too many other things, show us what needs to go. May we make room for you this Christmas. Amen

10 comments:

Jane Farr said...

Thank you Mary for another excellent post!
:-) ((Hugs))

Unknown said...

How your posts awaken in me feelings I've been thinking but haven't put into words. My love for God has changed so many things for me..sure I still have many desires...but they take a backseat to that perfect love..and my love for my husband has changed...it's stronger than when we first married. It's not that I'm feeling safe and secure, far from it (hehehe) but it's the deep love knowing he accepts me for who I am...like God does. What more could I want! Thanks sis for always touching my heart...love you

Wanda's Wings said...

I don't know where I would be if it were not for God's love. Thank you for the beautiful post.

Joji said...

Thank you Mary. I will be reading 1 Samuel 1 19-28 many times over. My son is off at college and having to make tough decisions. I had forgotten to lay it at Gods feet. Another perfectly timed scripture. But then again arent they all. Joji

Mollye said...

Thank you Mary for this treasure. Yes this is what we need above all..... Room in our heart for the one who matters most. What a Savior.

Mary your daughter is a beauty. I know you are so proud of your kids and I just hope you all have a wonderful fun-filled, spirit filled and delightful Christmas. Love ya my friend, Mollye

lori vliegen said...

another beautiful and perfectly timed post, mary!!! thank you!!
your daughter is beautiful.....i will surely keep her in my prayers....

i wish you and your sweet family a beautiful Christmas and happy, creative 2010!! :))

Poetic Artist said...

Mary,
Thank you for a wonderul post again.
I also love the suitcases..I have several.
Also on the last post of your daughter..She is so beautiful.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
Katelen

CountryDreaming said...

Love this timely reflection ... Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Hi Mary,
I want my heart so full of God that it overflows......
A beautiful post.
He touched me and all things pale in comparison.

Blessings to you Mary,
Tammy

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Have a wonderful Christmas Mary and thank you for all your kind and encouraging words!

Bren