Early Morning Vibes

Clue.

"Failing to catch me at first keep encouraged,
Missing me one place search another,
I stop somewhere waiting for you."

{Walt Whitman}

Stay-Puttedness

(photo found on Pinterest)

These days, it seems like everyone buys a home with the intention of downsizing in the future. Houses are not bought with intentions of permanency on the part of the buyers. People do not intend to create home-y sanctuaries where one's life can be lived and where one's history can be recounted. 

Homes, in my mind, are to be places where one grows roots, where babies are born, where souls are trained, where loved ones pass into eternity. They are to be places where people are invited in, where meaningful conversations take place, and where rest is obtained. 

Our homes are to be our own personal monasteries and convents, where love to God is formed and where Christ is honored. 

I think we would do well to stay put. :-) 

Come to the Table

A Meditation on Luke 14:16-24 and on My Experience with Joni & Friends

M E D I T A T E: “To dwell on any thing in thought; to contemplate; to study; to turn or revolve any subject in the mind” (Webster, 1828).

What comes to mind when you hear the word table? Perhaps visions of leisurely evenings spent with family flash upon your inward eye, or perhaps memories of good meals eaten at your family table make your mouth water! This past summer, I learned about a very important table, one to which we are all invited.  Upon this table, a warm and inviting Host has prepared every food we need for maintaining our strength; and He calls us to gather round and partake of the feast He has provided. At this table, we are given the opportunity to enter into fellowship with the Host Himself, as well as with the other guests. Here, we are valued and seen as people, made in the image of our Creator. This table is salvation; this food is Christ and His Word. Through my internship with Joni & Friends, I came to understand this concept better than I ever had before.

Joni & Friends is a wonderful organization that provides spiritual resources and retreats for individuals and families affected by disability. During one of the first weeks with this ministry, I and my fellow interns were taken on a road trip to Southern California to visit the International Disability Center, founded by the one and only Joni Eareckson Tada. While on a tour of the facility, my group was shown a large mural painted by Hyatt Moore representing the feast detailed in Luke 14:16-24. There is much more to the mural than what is shown below, but this is the best photograph I took of it!

In this painting, as one can see, individuals of various backgrounds and abilities are shown, gathered around the table in the presence of Jesus. Each person has been invited to draw near to the Savior. For me, seeing this painting was one of the most pivotal moments in the internship. The visual representation of the parable in Luke 14 branded on my mind the beautiful truth that no matter the degree of ability that a person may have, God sees each of His children as precious.  And we, as members of the Church, are called to see each other in the same way. We come to the table, beggars all.

Hello, Dears.

Hello Dears. It's been a bit. I really have nothing to write at the moment. However, I read an encouraging quote from St. Augustine today on Twitter.

"Order your soul; reduce your wants; live in charity; associate in Christian community; obey the laws; trust in Providence."

Also, I have been engrossed by the musical group known as the Western Den. The following song especially has been on repeat.

May your New Year continue to be bright and merry.

Deep, Deep Love.

His love is deep and sure. As He shows love to us, may we show love to others, unhindered. Lord, give us hearts of mercy, compassion, and grace. Arm us with Your truth.

I read the quotation below on Pinterest yesterday, and it touched me. May it touch you as well.

By the grace and love of our Lord I live.

Love always, in Him, Rebecca :)

The Psalms

I have been taking a class on the Psalms that Jesus quotes in the Gospels; and my, it has been eye-opening! I am seeing the Psalms in a new light. They express the range of human emotions, and in them I can find both solace in my grieving and a means of expressing myself in my utmost joy. Thank you, Lord!