Suffering teaches us not to lean on our own understanding if we will let it. As light, we are called to illuminate darkness; as children of God we are called to walk in love; but we can't just waltz all willy-nilly into darkness wearing nothing but good vibes and pajamas. We must be strong in  spirit, with overflowing oil in our lamp, and wearing the full armor of God. In our suffering, God is faithful to give us wisdom and peace and relief.  

~ Patient endurance is what we need now. Take heart. ~

Each time I choose perfection in the love of God over pettiness, I am participating in the promise of Habakkuk 2:14: For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. 

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad ... those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. {Psalm 34:1-5, ESV}  

~ Patient endurance is what we need now. Take heart. ~

Some thoughts on the glories of nuance and the importance of not leaning on our own understanding; Sabbath as surrender and an avenue of restored delight in, and reverence of the personhood of God. 

Mentioned (Unsponsored) Resources:
The Weight of Glory, C.S. Lewis
The Knowledge of The Holy, A. W. Tozer
Seven Longings of The Human Heart, Mike Bickle with Deborah Hiebert
Morning Song (Greatly Loved) by Rebekkah The Band

~ Patient endurance is what we need now. Take heart. ~

To modify a quote from Bilbo Baggins, I don't know half of me half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of me half as well as I deserve. Ha. But God knows me better (and thinks more highly of me) than I know.

He has intricately gathered me together with purpose and intention and delight. The more completely I surrender to His process, the more clearly I see the importance of not trying to 'prune' myself.

... this take is quite a ramble but brings it back home, ha. Mostly thoughts on the environment that I have found myself in, and how it seems expertly suited to inspire and spur me on towards the natural next step in my journey of pouring myself into songs.

'Why Try,' a Rebekkah The Band original

~ Patient endurance is what we need now. Take heart. ~

My unmarried thoughts about accountability as "kryptonite." 

~ Patient endurance is what we need now. Take heart. ~

More thoughts on effort and humility; fresh  thoughts on mystery and mercy for weak belief. 

~ Patient endurance is what we need now. Take heart. ~

I don't wanna be a one-man band. But I am ... 

~ Patient endurance is what we need now. Take heart. ~

Some thoughts on the intersection of effort and anointing; when singing isn't easy. 

~ Patient endurance is what we need now. Take heart. ~

a story of vain tears reminding me that I am not entitled to effortlessness ... 

~ Patient endurance is what we need now. Take heart. ~

An unpolished evening musing on oil and lamps.

~ Patient endurance is what we need now. Take heart. ~