tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71578539153916469022024-03-08T03:57:52.987-05:00Witnessing PurposeA compilation of lessons God has taught and is teaching me as I become the woman He created me to be.Kristina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748586192578429446noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157853915391646902.post-89860666851601096832010-01-22T01:43:00.002-05:002010-01-22T09:35:05.509-05:00The Other Part<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cowner%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cowner%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" 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Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">A writing assignment for class.<span style=""> </span><span style="">
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>When I first arrived all I was aware of was fear.<span style=""> </span>The fear inside of me, from leaving my family and the other part, was so big that it blurred all the beauty that surrounded me.<span style=""> </span>All I could see was the brokenness and shallow depth inside of myself.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">After One Week</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>My fear had subsided.<span style=""> </span>I began to see the varied greens of the trees against the bright blue of the sky.<span style=""> </span>I talked to the other part on the phone in the evenings.<span style=""> </span>My heart missed him.<span style=""> </span>I knew he would appreciate the nature around me and the change in me.<span style=""> </span>I was becoming stronger. And he had built a love for nature within me.<span style=""> </span>We traveled to the mountains annually.<span style=""> </span>My other part taught me the names of the trees and how to enjoy the sounds of nature.<span style=""> </span>There is no better place to relax then in the comfort of Mother Nature.<span style=""> </span>She knows the perfect melody to the sweetest lullaby.<span style=""> </span>We journey to small islands, exploring the sandy beaches and the shallow surrounding water.<span style=""> </span>At times I missed my other part so much it hurt.<span style=""> </span>The time we would see each again seemed so far away.<span style=""> </span>But until then I would take pictures of the tall trees outside, the mountainous beaches, and the starry nights.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Week Two</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>My other part and I started off the week just grand.<span style=""> </span>But through the time of only a few days we seem to be growing apart.<span style=""> </span>It is hard to live when you are not complete.<span style=""> </span>My world is darkening, and I once again do not see anything but what haunts me in my mind.<span style=""> </span>Sometimes a change so big happens that you are never the same.<span style=""> </span>How I hoped the other part would not bring me despair.<span style=""> </span>I tried to enjoy the loveliness of the people around me and the glorious sights in my back yard.<span style=""> </span>But when your mind is dark it blinds the light of the whole world.<span style=""> </span>And there is only One who can change that.<span style=""> </span>So my second week progressed until my worst fear had come true.<span style=""> </span>The other part was no longer.<span style=""> </span>He was now a separate being in this big world.<span style=""> </span>We were no longer connected and I never felt so alone.<span style=""> </span>The world continued to be dark.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">4 Days Later</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>I grew to love being at the center of the forest.<span style=""> </span>O how the trees were so old and so tall.<span style=""> </span>I must serve an amazing God, for only a truly amazing God could create such a beautiful sight.<span style=""> </span>Sometimes I would sit on the edge of the creek, putting my toes into the cool water.<span style=""> </span>The ripples remind me that not only people have life. <span style=""> </span>I could see the obvious reaction of my foot on its surface.<span style=""> </span>In nature you can physically see your effect on it…not so much on humans.<span style=""> </span>Interesting isn’t it.<span style=""> </span>Nature can’t speak but how it shows the damage or care you can do to it.<span style=""> </span>People however are silent.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>The creek holds, to me, so many curiosities.<span style=""> </span>I am mesmerized by the life under water.<span style=""> </span>Its crystal beauty causes me to feel at peace.<span style=""> </span>I don’t really understand, but I am satisfied without knowing why. <span style=""> </span>I look from the man made deck on to a canvas painted by the hand of God.<span style=""> </span>In this self portrait of beauty…only revealing a part of him, for there are many attributes of God, I see a canyon made by the forest.<span style=""> </span>There are trees on both sides, running water in between, and a bright blue canopy.<span style=""> </span>I tried many times to take a picture in my mind. <span style=""> </span>I knew if I could fully capture that sight in my mind, I would never grow dull to God’s magnificence.<span style=""> </span>Once, while I was journeying through the forest I found a hollow tree.<span style=""> </span>It was so wide that I could step inside.<span style=""> </span>I wanted to be able to say, “I have been inside a tree.”<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>How nature fascinates the curious.<span style=""> </span>When I was inside that tree, I felt a bit outside of myself.<span style=""> </span>Sometimes it takes a radical change of view to see life in a more honest way, beautiful or ugly.<span style=""> </span>Inside the tree I felt, though it sounds a bit cosmic, part of that tree.<span style=""> </span>I was able to see what that tree looked out at.<span style=""> </span>I was not a broken human in a forest, I was not tainting the beauty of organic, but I was hidden inside that which made it up, looking around to see what this place was like without me.<span style=""> </span>I was finally looking out, instead of in.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Last Day</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>A hard loss can be a honest gain.<span style=""> </span>Sometimes by losing part of ourselves we are made more complete.<span style=""> </span>I can see.</p> <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Kristina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748586192578429446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157853915391646902.post-30126374992899316502008-10-01T20:45:00.015-04:002008-10-02T11:49:42.950-04:00Letting Go, To Be Lifted Up<span style="font-family:times new roman;">What is it like to put everything into God's hands? A question I thought I knew the answer to this past summer, but with school now in full swing; I realize I still have so much to learn. The answer to this question can be different for everyone...different for each situation...but with this "letting go" comes very similar feelings: fear, hopelessness, lonliness, unsurity, and insecurity. Francesca Battistelli sings a song titled "I'm Letting Go,",which gave me alot of hope and guidance this past summer. Listening to the powerful words of this young woman, I realized we all are going/have gone/will go through this same struggle...she sings:</span><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I'm letting go Of the life I planned for me </span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;">And my dreams Losing control Of my destiny </span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Feels like I'm falling and that's what it's like to believe</span></em><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">To feel so unconnected from control seems like such a wrong feeling, but thats what it is like to trust God. Which leads me to my next thought process....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Okay, so now that I am at school I have been faced with more power struggle situations. I am struggling to give it to the Lord and trust Him, but today, as I began to write in my journal I realized how silly I am and how burdensome the frustrations of the flesh are.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I began with asking myself...If God has something better planned for you...why do you continuously think to rely on yourself and your creations. As I wrote I began to be corrected, the Creator of the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen...is my God...and He loves me...and is planning my life. Why can I not be more than satisfied with that...then I realized how I think...what life is really like in my small mind...</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I'm hanging on a rock wall which is sharp and cold... God has laid out this cloud, a cushion for me to fall into...its a clear drop..no obstacles in the way...just a clear path to the destination...but Im too scared. So I stay there and hang...my hands are bleeding and I know full well that one of these days my arms will give out or the skin on my hand will wear away...but not to worry God will be there to catch me... then I will fall to the place I should have been ...but instead I choose to take the time that I am given to be in pain...constant struggle...relying on my own strength, when I could just fall and be released of ache. </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">That is the choice we have...I think I have fallen but...sometimes I feel like I have just jumped to another cliff...I fell only to find something else to hold on to. As a human I try to find ways around just falling..I make it harder than it is...I try to reason. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">To take it a step further...imagine the original setting..I was on the rock...it was gorgeous there...absolutely perfect...but I got curious and decided to venture (or eat a forbidden fruit). Before I knew it I am hanging on for dear life (a life I had for eternity), I am not strong enough to swing back on stable land, but God has another plan for me. He has prepared to catch me in case I had to fall...and I did...but now God is saying okay so you are hanging, let go and let me take you where you need to be. Its the fall we are dealing with..the fall from God...but now fall back on God.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">My advice: think of the most beautiful thing imaginable...and then think God created that and me and my future. Wow, what wonderful things are in store.<br /></span><br /></span>Kristina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748586192578429446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157853915391646902.post-40142462322727519072008-09-01T15:05:00.008-04:002008-09-01T16:10:36.329-04:00Dead Ends...Shortcuts...Main Street....<span style="font-family:times new roman;">Last night, as I wrote my last journal entry of my Summer 2008 journal, I realized how my life is taking form. Roughly a year ago, a friend of mine wrote a song titled, "Path of Faith." An amazing song, I encourage all to listen to. But the song's lyrics tell of how Jesus clears a path for us, but we as humans are weak and we listen to the call of sin. It saddens Jesus...as the lyrics state</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> <br />"He cries to watch me suffering</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> And bleeds to wipe away that sin</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> Wipe away my sin</span>"<br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The song ends with this person hopping back on the path and continuing to follow Jesus; keeping in mind not to look back. Such a powerful song, that leaves me feeling convicted and sad. I hate that I have hurt Jesus so much in the past and still continue to do so. But ever since I first heard this song, my mind has continued to go back to the imagery of life as a path led by God. Last night, I branched off from the song's initial impact on me and personalized it. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">We all go through moments/stages/times in our lives where we think...ok God it's in your hands, but why here? How can these dark places lead me to a brighter day. But while we focus on the dark scenery, we fail to think about all the sinful dead ends we traveled to..we thought we could journey on by ourselves. When we have it in "our hands" we dont travel too far. The road gets dark, bumpy, and lonely. But somehow God looks for us on these dead ends...He usually knows the popular routes people take, He finds us as we are sitting at the dead end. We are probably cold, crying, and ashamed that we took it on our own hands and ventured off. But God says something of this nature, "My child, dont be silly, I am here, we will leave this place, get you cleaned up and find that happiness again. You must be patient and trust me." Then, we turn around and find the road we are supposed to be on...I call this one main street. But even on our journey to main street, with God beside us, we begin to loose faith. God takes us on shortcuts that still look gray, they have brush on the road, and there aren't many travelers. I finally look to God and say, "Lord, where are we going? Dont all roads that lead to main street look somewhat like main street?" And God tells me," Relax Kristy, Be patient, remember how far away you were? Just trust me, I have you! I know the way, I created it. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Lately, I have been walking this path, and I see that it does resemble goodness. I can see how it will end up on main street, but some of these shortcuts are scary. Our time to do the Lord's work is limited, He must use shortcuts to get us back on the right track... we waste so much time. I know the Lord will not let me down...He will show me the way...and when I get to main street (the one that goes straight to Heaven), I will be so happy. I was reading some passages out of Psalms during my quiet time that gave me so much hope...."Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever. But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." Psalm 81:15-16 God will satisfy me...a task so giant. Humans are rarly satisfied.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">God is blessing me and will show me the purpose for traveling down undesirable shortcuts. And when I get to main street, I cannot wait to tell people of my journey.</span>Kristina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748586192578429446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157853915391646902.post-81425417354592744232008-08-17T19:06:00.003-04:002008-08-17T19:33:05.184-04:00A Familiar Costume<span style="font-family: times new roman;">I unleashed a common, human habit today: get angry too soon and realize your place too late. I have been on my sister's case lately about what she spends her time doing and not doing. But as I pondered/boiled over the amount of time she spends on her phone, with her friends, and on her computer...(which do not get me wrong, are popular among most American youth, including myself)...I realized I only saw right through her "lets spend the evening together" because I also wear the same costume of sin. I do not believe that any of her favorite pastimes are sinful (within reason), but when you neglect other responsibilities and priorities, sin is involved. As I vented to her about how much time she spent with others and not with me...I realized not so long ago, I too was using the..."I'll hang out with you while I think about everyone but you" card. Heck, like I said I still wear the costume. I think today I just learned another lesson... certain sin is easier to point out when you are familiar with it. You can spot Satan hiding in behavior and speech. I also uncovered a frightening but important fact...when you think you have mastered Satan and his ways...he has mastered you. Never think you have Satan figured out...he'll use that against you.</span>Kristina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748586192578429446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7157853915391646902.post-32654502370712163062008-08-16T00:49:00.000-04:002008-08-16T00:50:09.051-04:00A Summer Beneath the Redwoods<span style="font-family:times new roman;">"I'm terrified."<br />These were the last words of my journal on May 31, 2008, the first day of my journey to California. This summer God blessed me with an amazing experience. I was privileged to work at Camp Harmon in Boulder Creek, California. Camp Harmon is a special needs camp for people ages 5-65 with a wide range of disabilities. God showed me how to humble myself, while having an unbelievable amount of fun. And though I could go on and on about what I did there..and share some pretty amazing stories; I really want to share what God taught me through it all. Looking back to the last words of my journal, I truly see how God has begun to mold me into the Woman of Christ He wants and intended for me to become.<br /><br />July 25, 2008 6:50pm<br />So now as I close this road of my journey, I look forward to the next that follows. I can't explain my experience and its impact. I will never be able to thank God enough for this summer nor will I ever forget this summer or its impact. I have learned to live in the now. To appreciate creation and the importance of taking care of it. I know now that nothing is mine and your will and God's will can never pan out together. You can choose who's will you want, but choose wisely. I learned the importance of quiet time with God and how empowering and rejuvenating it is. I found me and know God has given me the strength to continue on my journey. I have learned how to be myself and intertwine my faith with fun(something I am still working on), I learned how to evangelize in other ways. I eat healthier, I learned don't sweat the small stuff...life is life and you can't spend it all worrying...just live. I have learned how annoying "costumes" are to yourself...don't pretend. Just because you change your clothes doesn't mean you are a different person. Don't let petty things dictate your lifestyle or your purpose. Don't rush! Let life go and relax, don't get worked up, it's wasted energy, but do stand when you feel it's the best decision. Old friends mean a lot and you may have only a few, but they really mean a lot...they matter. "Friends" shouldn't be over used..it has more meaning than it usually carries in the era of internet communication. Don't waste time...do something. If you have the choice to sleep or meet one extra person...meet people, they all impact you in some way, whether it is just triggering a thought. There is a connection your mind may have never made or you could have influenced them in some way. Talk to everyone, be friendly, don't pressure anyone. Be patient. LISTEN God talks. There are many ways to communicate, other than talking. You can do it! Spend more time listening and less talking (something I also am still learning.) See places. Don't fear anything, except God and his overwhelming/amazing power, but don't be arrogant. Give back to your family, they also are important. Pray harder and don't judge anyone who does or doesn't have your beliefs. Don't doubt people. Let God know you're weak, no one else. Life is too short to be jealous. I'm still learning about selfishness. Some of life's best lessons begin with an afternoon of tears. Don't be too extreme with words. "One day at a time...it will all be great." Don't live your life to regret it. Focus on the Lord and when you are doing something, focus. I'm still learning the idea of hard work. Answer only to the Lord. Chill is a good thing. Your home is a big part of you, but not too big. Be overzealous with your faith, be mindful of anything else you choose to be overzealous in. If God doesn't want you to feel a certain way (and you want His will) you won't feel it. God watches over you...even if you don't think He is... Don't dwell in unhappiness...even if it may be easier. DO NOT pity yourself...what a waste of time. Smile and get others to do it too. If you are feeling down think of the Lord, dance, and sing a goofy song. Spend time talking with friends. Build relationships. Never think you won't see someone ever again. Be mindful of the words Never and Always. If you feel uncomfortable with something, find comfort in it (within reason). Grow up...its okay a little bit. Love on people. Some of the best teachers never went to college. Drink water, it's good. Run to Nature. Be independent but not too independent that you shut the world out. Psalms are amazing. A little dirt really won't hurt you and germs...well we all have them. Smells...they are just funny. Cherish the familiar and find excitement in the unfamiliar. Compassion goes a long way. Don't try to change anything...do what you do..and if it's right, positive results will come from it. Look for the good...ignore the bad.<br /><br />Thank you Lord. I love you as a Friend, a Father, a Creator, a Protector, a Provider. You have blessed me with something great and I am so looking forward to what my future holds. Praise be to God! Amen<br /> 9:11pm</span>Kristina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16748586192578429446noreply@blogger.com1