A Wish.

You have asked me what I wish for. I wish that I was not so fickle. I wish that I did not so quickly forget this love that shows up everywhere I go. I look at it and feel it and am overwhelmed. Then, I look away. This is what I wish. I want to be consumed. I want to forget all others but Him.

Your words where sweet and they give me courage. As I read them I could hear your voice. It is true I am well favored. What more can I ask for. I am His. I will never belong to another. He in His goodness will not allow it! He chose me! How wonderful!

Thank you, Linds. You have spoken His words to me.

the little one,

Nattie

For you, you who are great in heart

Nat, you are refreshing and wonderful. When all else feels down, God is working and loving, this much I have seen.

As I read your writing Nat, I can't help but think perhaps you are wanting to be what you already are. You are already new in Christ, your habits are gone, your standing with him is in the innermost circle and he doesn't need you to change. He brought you to Michigan for a reason and sooner or later you will know what that is. In the meantime, do what you do best my friend, love people and love God. There is nothing old or stale about that. I ask you my friend, what is it you are looking for? What end result would you wish? What picture in your mind do you see for your future?

I am learning, as I am thrown unwillingly into adulthood, that life is not real exciting, but that it contains fulfillment I never saw before. Serving others, mostly children in my case, is so satisfying. You serve so well Nat, some things you do not need to change, Jesus already shines from you brightly. I am sorry this time is hard for you. I wish I could jet up/over there for the evening and chat or run or whatever with you. Whatever the circumstances are, God is near you.

I'm on your side Nat, running with you, knowing that you can do everything God has created you to do. Never fear my friend, God is near.

With you on my mind.

Hi, girls. I wish that you two would write on this more often. Maybe if I keep writing you two will be inspired to add some posts. I miss you. Absence really has made this heart grow fonder. You two are my rocks. What would I do without you? I need you. Please post. I need to hear your thoughts and ponderings.

This time has been harder than I thought it would be. It is so hard for me to stay focused. I moved so that I could start new. I don't feel like I am doing much new. My habits are the same. I am working at Beaner's and struggling to see God. I want to live and breathe with the constant awareness of His presence. I am desperate. Nothing has changed. I doesn't seem like I am doing anything here that I couldn't do in Phoenix or Milwaukee. But I am here and Jesus us walking beside me. That is all that matters. No matter where I am He is there.

This time truly has oppened my heart to what you two are to me. With you I feel seen and understood. Here I do not. Jesus, give me the courage to be who you made me to be.

Jesus, let your love flow onto Deb and Linds today. Let them be overwhelmed with your presence. Let them hear your constant breath in them as they walk through out the day. We wonder, we stand amazed. How can we three humans know such as you? You cannot be comprehend and yet we yearn to know. Delight us with your presence. This is our prize. This is our hope and this is our glory. Praise to you forever. Amen!

You are still on my mind,

The Little One

When given words.

Blessed Condescension

Is is not enough,
Unhidden One,
When seeking
To have found You?
Has my hand yet room
For more that Yours
When bound in knots
Around Yours?

O, Blessed Condescention!
Willing, Reaching God!

What kind of souls,
O, wretched man,
Have, unbridled we?
To require promise
Of reward
For, having sought, Lord, Thee?

Mingled here
My shameful lusts
With Heaven's shameless love
My head cast on
Your bledding Hand
O, God, Thou art enough!

Give, O Giver,
For You must
Give all You have to me
But give Your best
Starve these lusts
Give Thy Son to me.

- Beth Moore

She gave words to my cry. Jesus, I need you! I must be starved of all that is not You!

The Little One

Let's talk!

Hmmmmmm. I am still feeding off of the lingering memories of our time together, Linds. That was so needed and so good for my soul. I am so glad that it came when it did because being here in GR is not really fun. It is so scary for me to get to know people. I don't feel comfortable in my own skin. How can anyone know me if I don't know myself? It is so hard for me to be bold. It is much easier to just be what I think everyone wants me to be. What will it take for me to walk in freedom? Why is it so hard for me to stay faithful and seek Jesus alone? I want to live for Jesus alone. It seems like I always try something else before I run to Him. Then when I do I am so full of shame and wrapped up in me that I don't praise Him. Today the song that is on my mind goes like this, "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, Have mercy on me." I think that I am coming to a new understanding of His mercy. He offers me redemption simply because He is mercy. That's it. There is nothing left for me to do. Why does this not bind me to Him?

Even this was sweet. So good to have friends like you. May distance strengthen our bond! Jesus lead us on! I'm always loving you two.

The little one,

Nattie

Linds!

I've been waiting for you to show up! I'm so pleased that you've resurfaced. Love the pics. What good times.

Here Three We

Hey Girls

you still out there?

Nat, what's up? How's Michigan?

Deb, two weeks of hair now. Lisa scolded me royally for chopping it off. Sigh. Ah well.

What shall we do with this site girls? Shall we continue questions? Other ideas?

I maust say, I have had fun keeping in touch with you this way.

Itching

The Scarlet Pimpernel is on my mind.

Let's do something.

I'm back

OK, so after half an hour of searching I finally figured out what my username and password is for this thing. I figured it was about time for me to post, but I'm not feeling very inspired so this might not be very inspiring, as you can see by the consecutive use of the same word :)

What makes you feel loved?
I'm finding that I feel loved when I know that someone knows me and still wants to be around me. I've always seen myself as exclusively a quality time person, but I'm discovering there are other things that make me feel loved as well. When someone serves me by doing something for me that they know is important to me I feel loved. I feel loved when someone gives me a gift that is just the right gift because that means they've taken the time to get to know me and know what I like. I must say though that having a deep conversation with someone is the ultimate.

What fictional character would you say yes to if he asked you to marry him?
Well there a handful of fictional characters out there that are definitely worth considering. Mr. Darcy would be at the top of the list, but I think the one I would say yes to would be Aragorn (sp?) from Lord of the Rings. He's everything that I would want in a husband. In being married to him I would become part of a grander plan. He fights for what is right and serves something bigger than himself. He is a strong leader. He is a picture of Christ to me and ultimately that is what I would want in a husband. To have the same relationship with him be an extension and picture of my relationship with Christ. He definitely makes my heart go pitter patter :)

What do you have to know to say you know someone?
Nat I think you pretty much nailed that one. It's knowing the good, the bad and the ugly about someone. You know their weaknesses and their strengths. I think to truly know someone you have to love them. You're not going to invest all the time and energy to know someone if you don't love him. And you will not see a person the way God sees them (which is who they really are) unless you love them. You can know the ins and outs of and enemy, but I don't think you truly know him until you're able to see past all the flesh and see who they truly are, who God made them to be. That's not a very good answer, but it's the only one I've got.

What would be the theme song for my life right now?
I really haven't a clue, but since I have to pick I would say...I can't think of anything. Nothing seems to fit. I'll have to get back to you on that one. My heart is songless at the moment.

My question to you: What do you enjoy the most about knowing someone?

Just here.

There are not specifics to this post. I am just miles away from all things and all people I have known and I am reaching out to the two people that know me best. I am feeling emotional, challenged, unseen and a little bit lost. Why has he brought me here? I don't know. How I pray that my mind can be still enough to hear the voice I love . The only voice that breaks through to my heart and stills my soul. I want to honor Him as I am. Proclaiming HE is enough. I need nothing besides Him. No riches, glory or fame. All of me moans and groans for the One that has redeemed me.

Thank you for being here. I love you both!

The Little One

Theme Song

Be Thou My Vision.

So many things don't make sense. I am learning not to trust my own eyes, my logic, my emotions, anything. I am in dire need of solid ground. There is beauty out there, I have seen it and tasted it and been touched by it. Still, there are moments when I simply can't find it. Father, please be my vision, hold my hand and lead me through. It matters not whether any other knows of me, my glories or my name. What matters now is only you, your wisdom, your pleasure, your own ability to see. Please Father, Riches I heed not, nor man's empty gain...

Here I am.

What makes you feel loved?

There are many things that make me feel loved. I love being touched and held. I love those notes and gifts that I get somtimes that show someone has put alot of thought into it. I think it all comes down to when someone looks past all the blah and sees the beauty that is in me, takes it and holds it up to be seen.

What fictional character would you say yes to if he asked you to marry him?

Hmmm. This is a tough question because most of the characters that I can think of might be courageous and brave but they are without real character. Like Prince Charming, he might be handsom and all that but who is he really? The guy from Braveheart, he is very dangerous, brave and all that but I don't think I would really want to marry him. The only on the I can think of is Micheal Hosea from Redeeming Love. He's real, he struggles, he's strong but he is given over to something greater than himslef.

What do you have to know to know someone?

I don't think that I really know the answer to that question but I will post my thoughts. I think that you need to know their ugliness and their beauty. You know how their flesh acts but you also know who they really are. When you know a person in this way even when they are being ugly you can pull out their beauty for them to see.

Question for you: If you had a theme song for your life right now what would it be?

And Now

What makes you feel loved? (Deb)

They say there are five love languages and that we each have primary ones. Sure, ok, makes sense. But for me and I think probably most people the love languages work together. For example: My primary love language is quality time. However, the quality time we spend together may be marvelous, but to know you were thinking of me while we were apart (let's say through a gift or words perhaps) my assurance of love is greatly enhanced. That said, the love languages do a pretty good job of summarizing things that make me feel loved. For more specifics, come see me personally and I'll let you know.


What fictional character would you say yes to if he asked you to marry him? (Nat)

First, let's briefly review the options:

Prince Charming from Cinderella-
While certainly wealthy and well-bred, undoubtedly with good manners, he seems to lack a certain something in depth and personality seeing how he tends to fall madly in love at the drop of a pretty shoe. In fact, most Prince Charmings tend to be alarmingly similar.

The Beast from Beauty and the Beast-
A bit hairy and bad tempered, but willing to change given the proper motivation. Some bad manners, hard to take out with friends and such. A little lacking in good standing with the in-laws, though he does have his own personality and opinions which is a definite plus. His friendly castle appliances are a nice addition too.

Ok, so the qualification was "fictional" not "animated" which would include people like Mr. Darcy and Gilbert Blithe. I think though, that for life-long commitment and accomplishing what I wish to accomplish in my lifetime, I would have to say Professor Bhaer. There is such gentleness and love and wisdom in that man, how could I resist?

What is one of your favorite moments with Jesus? (Nat)

My favorite moments with Jesus are the ones where he and his disciples are sitting talking, asking questions and eating breakfast together. Jesus does so many amazing things that prove who he is and how powerful he is, but I find I don't know much about power, or even about God for that matter, but I know, because he sat around with his disciples, that he would also sit around with me and answer my myriads of questions.

Who are 5 people you respect and what makes you respect them?

Mom and Dad- They love and serve people every single day with little gratefulness or payment in return.

My grandparents- They have prayed for me every day for as long as I can remember, they have served God from the moment they believed, they have overcome impossible roadblocks in their lives and they are almost 80 now and still living full, fruitful lives serving anyone who is in need.

Maria- Maria, my cousin has changed and grown so much in the past couple years. She is not doing the expected things just because they are expected, but she is where she knows God wants her and is toughing it out because it is good and it is right, even if it is not easy.

There are many more who could be added to this list, but these are the people of the moment, so I will let is stand as is.

Next Question: What do you need to know to say you know someone?

?

What makes you feel loved?

Anybody out there?

Hey! Do we have questions for this week? It's been like a week since I have checked the site and still no notes from Deb and Linds!

O.K. Here's my question:
What fictional character would you say yes to if he asked you to marry him?

Talk to you later.

The Little One

Here again.

What is your favorite moment with Jesus?

I am starting to get a long list of these. I have been coming to experience him in a way that I didn't think was possible while still walking this earth. I thought that people in the bible could really hear him but that I couldn't experience him that way. With that said, one of the first special moments was when I was in a Saturday night church service. I was crying for him to prove to me that He was near. He did. He sang to me and talked to me. Told me that He just wanted to dance with me. It was just the beginning!

Who are five people you respect and why?

1) My father. I respect him because he is who he is. I am called to resepct him and what joy there is in that. He is a treasured love.

2) My mother. How could I respect my father without rescepting my mother? She has nurtured me and cared for me. She is indeed worthy of my respect.

3) Debbie. What can I say? I am the younger sibling. I think that's just the way it works. I have tried to follow in her steps all my life.

.... I don't know how to go on. There are many teachers and friends that I respect and that the Lord has used in my life but these three people are the people that God chose to remain with me for my whole life. They are my traveling companions rain or shine. Their bond to me cannot be broken!

What is my dream vacation?

My, my! I don't even know how to answer that question. Sometimes it depends on what I am going through. I always love the beach though. Sitting on the sand watching the waves crash leaves me in awe. I sense the power of God there and the wonder of the fact that He cares for me and romances me. So, it would be the beach. Oh, yes and I would learn how to surf. Does the dream vacation include a supernatural ability to surf really well without any practice?:) Yep, being able to sit on the beach and bask in the beauty of God while being able to later go out and surf like a pro, that would be my dream!:)

Debbie

What is your favorite moment with Jesus? (Nat)
If I told you I would have to kill you :)

Who are 5 people you respect and what makes you respect them? (Linds)
These are not in order I'm just going to write them as they come to mind.
1) Jim Ellliot - because he gave his all for Jesus. He didn't just say Jesus was his overtaking he lived like it was true. "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot loose." He lived for something greater than himself.

2) Beth Moore - I respect her passion for the truth and seeing it change people's lives. She says it like it is. I believe she is one of the most influencing Christian women of our days.

3) Erik Carlson - He's by boss and I think he's about as good as they get. I respect his love for his wife and family. I also respect his servant leadership.

4) NTBI teachers - I could list them individually but then that would take up more space. Ernie Richards, Noel Mayes, Thomas Freeman...my all time favorites. I respect their knowledge of the Word and ability to make others want to be passionate about it too.

5) Last but not least...My Dad - I love the way people are changed by just being around him and he doesn't even realize it's happening.

What is your dream vacation and why? (me)
It would be impossible to pick just one. I think Door County with the two of you should definitely be at the top of the list. Every good vacation should include mountains, pine trees, a good book, good friends (you two), and outdoor fun (hiking for example). Either that or a trip to a foreign country, also with good friends. Somewhere where you can experience the culture and flavor of the country, not a tourist spot. Travel, travel, travel...Can you ever get enouph?

Just feel like talking. :)

Hi, girls. I don't really have a lot to say but I really like this website. I feel so at home hearing your thoughts. What would I do without them?:) You two have been with me through alot. Your live have upheld me, grown me and inspired me. I am glad that you are here to stay.:)

I will talk to you again tomorrow!

All my love to both of you!

The Little One

My Questions for Tuesday...

What would be your dream vacation and why?