Hunting for "Christmas Spirit"

Merry Christmas Eve! I don't know if you are anything like me, but I had to look back on this year with wide eyes. This year has been HARD, y'all. So many things have happened for our family--job hunting, health issues, working on relationships, school, volunteering, deaths, beginning new friendships...I actually can't believe it is Christmas already. 

 Truth be told, entering Christmas season was challenging for our family. Not to mention coming right off of the...uh...swarm of election emotions. Honestly, there were a few times I cringed when I thought about Christmas approaching. NOT because I wasn't excited to celebrate Christ, but because I was looking around as people were backbiting, tearing one another down, and "unfriending"--all the while preparing to sing about "goodwill toward men" and "peace on earth"....I really didn't want to "pretend", because it didn't make SENSE. It wasn't the truth. At one point, we were so out of sorts that three of us girls were driving (being really goofy) around the Costco parking lot "hunting for the Christmas Spirit". Needless to say, we couldn't "find" it and were left laughing (and a bit dizzy!). ;)

Still, in the back of my mind this month, I've been wrestling with these questions.

Lord, how can we truly have peace when there IS no peace in our world? How can I show others the Hope I've found when even I'M struggling to have Hope? How can we cling to Joy when people have no joy? How can we rest in Your arms when it feels like we're drowning in the chaos, pride and fear of man? How can we celebrate Your birth when we are wrestling with such discouragement? How do we, as believers, show "the Christmas Spirit" of Joy?

And one of the most reassuring, awesome things I have learned about God as my Father is the fact that He CAN handle our tough questions. He can handle us. :)

I was really praying and crying out to the Lord for help, when He oh so sweetly reminded me of the Truth. The Truth is that despite how we feel right now--we CAN sing about the birth of a Baby, we CAN rejoice in the coming of a Child, we CAN celebrate this small form because He didn't STAY a baby. For His birth wasn't ONLY the miracle of a new life; it was the beginning of a craved Hope. He IS the Messiah. OUR Messiah. HE IS the long awaited Christ. OUR long-awaited Christ. HE IS the one in whom "nations would (and CAN) place their HOPE" (Matthew 12:21). He is the One in whom WE can place our hope. In HIM is forgiveness of sins (Col. 1:14). In fact, He came TO save us from our sins--pride, fear, lust, greed, jealousy, lewdness, bitterness, adultery, witchcraft, and every thing that stands in opposition to a Holy, pure God (Matthew 1:21). He came to bear our burdens (Ps. 69:19). He IS our all in all...in the tiniest, most unassuming gift wrapping. A little, innocent child.

That's just like Christ. Humble. Unassuming. Yet SO powerful, SO true, SO unwavering, SO trustworthy, SO incredible. So very pure.

Tonight as you prepare to celebrate Jesus tomorrow and if you are finding your "Christmas spirit" lacking, just remember this. We don't just celebrate a birthday. We celebrate the birth of Hope. We celebrate the gates of Heaven being opened up to us in a NEW, glorious Way. He IS the promise of eternal life (Romans 6:23). He IS the Redeemer through whom we have been adopted as Children of God--inheritors of a Kingdom of Light (Gal 4:4-5). We celebrate the One who IS Himself JOY. We celebrate the One who IS our Peace, because no one can take Him away from us (Romans 8:31-39), Through Him, we can be freed from our burdens, our fears and our sins. Through one small bundle, so very long ago.

And in THAT, my friends, is every single reason to rest, rejoice and WORSHIP. No matter what, no matter where.

Rejoicing in Him!

Just A Glimpse

It's official! Aimee has graduated from Regent University! 

It is so incredible how the Lord carries us quietly, sometimes without us even really realizing it is by His strength that we press forward through every obstacle. When Aimee graduated, it was a testimony of hours invested in learning and also a proclamation of the Lord's faithfulness. He has carried her though so many things--including extreme plan changing and life goals being shifted. Even the week leading to Graduation held the glory of a God who provides for our needs. Each day He carries us in His arms.

After the ceremony, we shot over to Chincoteague, VA (known for their wild ponies) and spent two nights near the Downtown area. Full of Gift shops, Seafood, Ice Cream parlors and coffee shops--it was the perfect place for the Dumaresq family to land.

Step outside our hotel door and walk to your left. This is the view you will find.

I came fully prepared with my beach hat!

Wave Jumpers

Crabby Lady ;)

When at the beach, you HAVE to play Sand Games.

Exploring Secret Paths

Ice Cream Sundaes as Big as Our Faces. No Joke.

AND, we managed to find the horses!!

The best part was that each point in our weekend was an answer to prayer. We (as a family) have not had a truly relaxing weekend ALL together in such a long time. Our mini-getaway was just that--a time to step back and rest quietly as a family. Our dear "Fremily" (friends that feel like family) were able to join us for a night, making our time there even more special. Quiet nights with a salty breeze blowing by your window, Sunbeams bursting through the mist covered waves (which was really a sight to see!), laughter floating through the air as we joked and teased each other, and the beautiful reminder of how much we truly have to be thankful for. Every white-capped wave, every seagull, every wild horse prancing around, every baby waving as they toddle by--they all come from the heart of a God who knows us and longs that we might know Him. I am so thankful for His heart. 

I keep telling the Lord how grateful I am for His faithfulness and His thoughtfulness. Not just for "things", but that all of the visible sights are a mere foreshadowing of the a land awaiting us far beyond the beauty of Chincoteague. We have Him waiting for us on the other side. A time when the rest, joyful fellowship, peace and the companionship of Jesus will be "normal" days of Eternity. Even now my heart is gleefully anticipating hearing Jesus' laugh and running straight into His arms. It is going to be the sweetest day we have ever had. Hallelujah!

Looking Eagerly Towards Eternity, 

Rose from Brier

These last few weeks, I have really been combating fatigue--physical and spiritual. I am really tired. When I get tired physically, it is really challenging to have good quiet times with the Lord because of falling asleep! Yikes! (BUT, I am working on that whole schedule thing)

These last few weeks, I have also been working on organizing our Church Library and stumbling across some AWESOME books. I mean awesome. The first one to pique my interest was a small, worn book by Amy Carmichael (it's listed in my "What I'm Reading" Page) that she wrote while she, herself, was sick in bed. So often, as we listen to missionaries and pastors, we forget that they are actually people too. I think that one of the most touching things about this little book is the fact that she is honest. Here Amy lies, just a few rooms away from hundreds of kids that love her to bits and need her--and she has no strength to "be of use" besides sending notes of encouragement. For someone who is a "go getter", that is the definition of agony. She voices her disappointments, but also turns it into a lesson of finding the joy she learned while lying there--staring at the walls. It is pretty incredible.

All this to say, I want to share something with you! Whether you are battling illness, tiredness, or even just having a rough week, I really pray that you are encouraged by this little blip from her book!

Roses from Brier (Chapter 8)

[...] I cannot say that I love my chains (illness) in any literal sense whatever, nor do I feel that we are meant to do so. Our Lord did not tell the women who was bound to love the cords that bound her. But, [...] I believe that He can give it to us to find something truly lovable in that which (while he allows it to continue) is His will for us.

Disappointments, for example: in a quiet procession these weary little things have entered this room. After the foot began to mend other troubles came, one after the other, pulling me up just when it seemed as though I might soon begin to walk. As each corner was turned we thought it would be the last--but there was always another.

But one of the first of these disappointments was lighted by something so sweet and dear that I knew at once it could not only be for me, but MUST be for you who know so very much more than I do of such matters.

One of our Fellowship members was at home on furlough, and he was to return to us on Feb. 25; I had set my heart on being up and ready to meet him and the new brother, whom he was bringing with him. I was sure that I should be at the Welcome Service when (a special) song was to be sung. For a month or so before hat date it had seemed that this would be. Then hope gradually faded. I was still in bed when they came, not even in a chair. 

That morning, while the chiming bells of welcome were being rung from the tower, I was far more in the midst of that beloved crowd in the House of Prayer than here. And I ached to be there really, not just in spirit--ached till everything was one ache; then, each word as clear as though it slid down the clear chiming bells, this little song sang within me:

Thou has not that, My Child, but Thou hast ME, 

And am I not alone enough for thee?

I know it all, know how thy heart was set

Upon this Joy which is not given yet.

And well I know how through the wistful days, 

Thou walkest all the dear familiar ways, 

As unregarded as a breath of air, 

but there in love and longing--always there.

I know it all; but from thy brier shall blow

A rose for others. 

If it were not so I would have told thee.

Come, then, say to me, 

My Lord, My Love, I am Content with Thee.

"From thy brier shall blow a rose for others." In the hills of South India, there are tall and beautiful bushes of wild roses. The roses are larger than ours at home and of an unforgettable sweetness. But they were not called to mind by these words. I saw rather a little, low, very prickly bush in an old-fashioned English garden; it was covered with inconspicuous pink roses. But the wonder of the bush was its all pervading fragrance, for it was a sweet-brier. And I saw one who has long been in the land where no thorns grow, cutting a spray from the bush, stripping the thorns off and giving it to me. May these, for whom a rose from my brier may be caused to blow [...], always find no pricking thorn on the stem of this rose from my brier.

I think that when He whom our soul loveth comes so near to us, and so gently helps our human weakness then [that] becomes a present truth. We are born over the oppression that would hold us down, we mount up on wings, we find secret sweetness in our brier. But it is not of us. It is Love that lifts us up. It is LOVE that is the sweetness. 

Is the one who reads this in a great weariness, or the exhaustion that follows a sore hurt, or in the terrible grasp of pain? He who loves as no one else can love, who understands the uttermost, is not far away. He wants us to say, He can give it to us to say, "My Lord, my Love, I am content with Thee."

-Amy C.

So Dear Friends, whether you are learning full contentedness or feeling the prick of a painful thorn through illness, may you be born up over by the Strong arms of Jesus, and press through--eyes fixed on His face. May we press in to His side, and in turn "spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere" as a sweet English Rose (2 Corinthians 2:14). And, as always, trust Him. His is enough for our every need. His word says nothing can separate us from His love, so believe Him at His word. Run to Him, friend. He is ready to help. Day or night, sickness or health. His love is real and goes beyond that of only emotion. He just does. 

In His Love,

(Photo Source: Google)

Lullaby

I sometimes pray for my future kids. I pray for the strength to be a mom (Lord, willing) and that they would grow to love Jesus with their entire heart. I also pray for songs to sing to them, specifically lullabies. It may seem..different..but music is special to me, and I want my children (or even the kids I care for occasionally) to know how real the Love of their Heavenly Father is. Regardless of if kids have a fantastic relationship with their father here or if their dad isn't in the picture at all...the Love of God is tender and true. It's a place of safety for anyone who will call on His name.

I found this today as I was going through my journal and I realized how it's still even for us "grown-ups". When you are afraid, go to Jesus. When you cry--or when you are afraid to trust--He is your closest, truest friend. Quiet the turmoil in your mind. Sit beside Him for a while...just sitting. Listen to the comforting beat of a Heart that is filled with Love for you. He's your Father. He loves you.

Be Still (A Lullaby of Peace)

Be Still, Little One
In Daddy's arms,
for safe shall you be.
Even when it thunderstorms, 

He'll set you close upon His knee.

Don't fret, Little One
In Daddy's Arms
For truly He cares
Protected and sheltered, 

You can run to Him, 

When you feel scared.

Chorus: 

Find Rest, just rest.
Go and lay your head upon His chest.
Find rest, simply rest
And choose to trust,
for Daddy knows best.

Hush now, Little One
In Daddy's arms
There is no need to cry
He knows the thoughts
 In your heart
He'll wipe the tears from your eyes.

Find Peace, Little One
In Daddy's arms,
for He is Brave and True.
Every word that He has spoken
He will do for you.

(source:google)

(c) Anna Dumaresq

Renewing Your Strength

I feel like every time I post, the posts just get longer and longer. I suppose it could be me growing long winded. *teehee* But, truthfully, I am learning that funny things happen when you actually study scripture. Call me crazy, but when you spend time looking into the Bible, prepare yourself for your jaw to drop. That is usually what happens to me. :)

Take Isaiah 40:31. God has been giving me almost daily encouragement the last few weeks that correspond with this verse (waiting is a very common theme in life). So as I was sailing through my Isaiah reading the other night, I was just sitting on my little bed...thinking.

"Those who (1)wait for the Lord

will (a)gain new strength;

They will (b) mount up with wings like eagles, 

They will run and not get tired, 

they will walk and not become weary."
~Isaiah 40:31~

Incredible promises, right? Waiting on the Lord, Him granting us a new strength that will last as we run and will not become weary. As a young women who is a little bit tired, this is always a breath of Life for my Spirit. 

And then...I noticed cross-references. *eye-brow wiggles*. I love it when there are cross-references. I get excited. Really excited. It is like a treasure map, showing us how to "dig in" even further.

First, the little (1) is where you could also put in "Hope in the Lord", instead of wait. "Those who hope (feeling of trust) in the Lord."...those who trust God will gain new strength.

Second, the little (a):

• Job 17:9
  "Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to his way, and he who has clean hands will grow stronger and stronger."
• 2 Cor. 5:8-10
  "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; Perplexed, but not despairing; Persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed, always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the Life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh."
• 2 Cor 5:16
  "Therefore we do not lose heart, but although our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day."

Sin kills us--maybe not obviously (sometimes it can be very obvious), but it kills our spirits. Those little things we leave..those addictions, those unconfessed lies, the lust, that hatred you harbor...it eats at our hearts, our conciseness, and our spirits. These things may feel good at times, but it kills you quietly, for it is never satisfied with "just a little". Those addictions become stronger, those lies build, it becomes easier to hate and harbor bitterness (leading to self-pity). If left alone, each of these things will grow and grow like the disease it is.

If you talk to someone who has been saved through Jesus' mercy from a life of these things, he feels "set free" as if burdens have been lifted. Even as Christians, when we confess our sins to the Lord, He forgives us and lifts these burdens off of our shoulders. He strengthens us by taking the accusations and condemnation of sin. As we hold to the way of Righteousness--the way of Jesus Christ--our spirits grow stronger and stronger through every trial. Even as our physical bodies (like 2 Corinthians) begin to fail with age or through incredible persecution like our Brothers are suffering in the Middle East right now, we can be filled with a Breath of Life every day--Just as 2 Corinthians 5:16 says "we are being renewed day by day"!

The Little part (b) from "mount up":

• Exodus 19:4
  "You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles wings and brought you to Myself."
• Deut. 32:11
  "Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young, He spread His wings and caught them (the children of Israel), He carried them on His pinions."
• Luke 18
  -A parable of a widow who went persistent to a Judge, pleading for justice. The Judge, fed up with how much she kept coming, decided to grant her wishes, even though he didn't believe in God. "And will God not bring about justice for His afflicted ones, who cry out to Him day and night?" (vs. 7)
• 2 Cor. 4:1
  "Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart."
• Gal 6:9
  "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary."
• Hebrews 12:3
  "For considering Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

I love the picture of the Lord being like an eagle--His gentle wings covering His children in a protective gesture, shading and sheltering them. He protects us. Some translations talk about "pinions" instead of "wings". For those of you who don't know exactly what "pinions" are, they are the stiff feathers on wings that specifically help in both thrust and lifting the bird as it flies. God sustains us as we fix our eyes determinedly on Him, pushing forward with endurance to be close to Him (like the eagle) and in obedience. He gives us the thrust and the strength to climb the heights. Just as the widow in Luke 18 was persistent, so we must be persistent in "doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary" (Gal. 6:9). Where God says to go, when He says to speak, or when He says "stay put and wait"--there is where we must persist until He moves us. Don't lose heart if your work seems fruitless or things are not going as planned!

So. From Isaiah 41:30:
1) Those that Trust and Rely on God will gain the strength and Hope they need.
2) The more we release the sin or distractions that hold on to us, the more God can take those burdens and bondage that tie us down--and we gain freedom in Christ.
3) God, Himself--the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the One who has a name for every star, the One whom all of Creation knows  and praises--He is our protector and shelters us.
4) PUSH  forward in eagerness to serve Him and be fruitful for His glory. He promises to sustain you, to give you the "thrust" of endurance you need, and as you spend time with Him, truly TRULY you will find "rest for your soul"--even when trials come (Matthew 11:29)!

Resting Under His Wings,

(Original Image: google)

In His Hands

As I write this, I am actually out of the country. Prince Edward Island, Canada to be exact (think homeland of Anne of Green Gables).

I'm not going to lie-- It is probably one of my FAVORITE places. Ever.

 Combined with some of my FAVORITE people.

Although I would love to post photos, making you want to pack your bags immediately and join me, I just wanted to share something before I get too far ahead of myself. ;)

First off, I'd like to introduce you to Hope. 

She has an "AWWWW" Rating of a Billion.

We were hanging out today (voluntary babysitting) and...it's kind of crazy what you can learn from looking at a baby. But as we were sitting quietly in a big comfy chair, I started thinking about Jesus (Pretty random thought, huh? ;) ). I started thinking about being in the safety and security of His arms, and the comfort of His hands. I love thinking about the hands of Jesus. The skilled, strong hands of a carpenter--but gentle enough that  children would never hesitate to run to Him. While I was thinking, Little Hope started whimpering and her little teensy lip turned down in a determined frown. As I gently patted her chest and just started to whisper gently in her ear, her face turned completely peaceful and she settled down to continue snoozing. 

I feel like this picture is the exact same with Jesus. Even when I rest in His arms, I can forget He's holding me OR life circumstances may happen, which cause me to suddenly be overwhelmed with fear. Yet, Jesus has SUCH incredible compassion on us. He knows our frame and "as a father pities His children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him" (Psalm 103:13). He loves to comfort us when we run to Him. As we run to Him, as we cast our cares upon Him, he takes them upon himself and begins to quiet us with his promises. I love to run to Jesus.

Yesterday, as I was sitting on a rock facing the ocean, Jesus came and sat down beside me. My heart was quickened to the nearness of Christ, and then stilled by the peace of His presence. When we run to Jesus, we are able to feel the sweetest, gentlest hand of Jesus, gently placing his hand on our hearts--filling our spirit with the quietness of God. Just like baby Hope knows true security, I know when my Prince of Peace is near. To me, He is Emmanuel--God with us.

Google

In His Shadow.

Today's blog post is very simple. Have you ever stood in someone's shadow?

I have. 

You have to be really close to them in order to be in their shadow. REALLY close. Makes you almost a little claustrophobic just thinking about it, huh? ;) Before you feel too crowded, I'll get to my point. I have been reading "Shadow of the Almighty"(a MUST read), and today I was thinking about the title. What exactly does that mean--"Shadow of the Almighty".

Immediately, Psalm 91 came to my mind. 

"He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

Psalm 91:1. 

What does it mean to abide under the shadow of the Almighty? Well, what do we know about shadows?

In my logical mind and in a Anna-like fashion, I immediately thought of some basic (and obvious) observations:

- In order to stand in a shadow, it requires being physically close to that object or person

- If you're in a person's shadow, it usually means they are in front of you (in one way or another).

-Shadows usually also provide comfort and relief from heat

-Usually, the person in shade is not seen as well

What does it mean for us to abide in the Shadow of the Almighty? As I think about it, I feel like it's how God  desires our relationship with Him to be--close. By abiding in His shadow, we are choosing to stay literally near him and continually be in his presence. We are choosing to spend time with him, in order that we may be close to him. By choosing closeness, we are also choosing protection from evil. The Lord is fully able and WANTS to protect us from the fiery, devastating darts of the enemy because we are his beloved children. In order for him to protect us, we have to go to him and stand firm behind his Word--behind Jesus (John 1:1). Finally, by choosing to fall in behind Christ, we are also allowing Him to be the first focus while we fall into the shadow. HE gets the glory, not us.

In the Shadow of the Almighty, there is rest. There is peace and protection. There is comfort and the sweetness of true humility. And there is Joy. Choose His shadow, friend. You will never regret it.

Resting under His Wings, 

~Anna

(source: Christianimages.com)

A Lesson for Myself

Whew! The last 6 days have been a whirlwind of busy, little sleep, and such sweet times with dear friends! My sister Rachel and I flew up to Massachusetts on Thursday to surprise our "Big Brother" Josh before he headed off to Boot camp and were able to stay in the area another day or so to visit with some of our closest friends. I can honestly say that God truly takes whatever small amounts of time we have a multiplies it to be such an incredible blessing!( But, I will say that I left with the thought that we should live less than ten hours from all of them..haha!) We connected again with my mum in Lancaster county, PA to get dropped off (its a midway point between Connecticut and our home in Virginia) and then proceeded to drive another 5 hours home. As we were driving home yesterday, the weekend started to scroll through my mind. So many transitions are happening-Josh is in the Army now, my best childhood friend is getting married in March, one of my favorite couples in the world are expecting their first baby this summer...So many things! Even in my own life, things have been changing. I never ever would have imagined two years ago that I would be in the place that I am currently in--Waiting on God for my next step and recovering from 2 skin graft surgeries over Christmas(I'll tell you about that later)! The last year and a half have been a period of truly just sitting before God asking "What Next, God?". For those who truly know me, I love to work hard and get things done. So going through a time where I get direction in small bits and have to sit quietly has been one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Not to mention several injuries which reemphasize the "sitting quietly". ;)

Sometimes it's really easy to get overwhelmed with all that's happening AND when you're desperately trying to hear God wants you to do next--despite how crazy and incomprehensible it is to family and the world. BUT. God is timely, and this past Christmas I was presented with one of the best gifts I have ever received: "Strengthen My Spirit" by Charles Spurgeon. A few nights ago I was actually crying because of the weight of making decisions, changes, and because I was frustrated with myself because....I'm...frustrated....(yes...I know, it's complicated).  But God directed me to this short, good word by Brother Spurgeon and I really want to share it with you.

"He Will Direct, We must Walk"
He who walks does not need to think of direction his own steps, for there is One who will direct them for him. What if sin persuades us to take the wrong path and if poor judgment makes us err through oversight? There is no need for us to choose our own fate, but we may bow before the Lord and say, "You shall choose our inheritance for us". The choice is difficult for you; do not choose your own way, but leave it to Him who sees the end from the beginning and who is sure to make the wise choice.

The burden of life is heavy-do not try to carry it, but "cast your burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain you. Commit your way unto the Lord; Trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass." Do not let it be your choice; let it be God's choice.

If only we could but at once abandon our own choosing and say to the Lord, "Not as I will but as you will," how much more happy we could be! We should not be troubled by the thought that we should not direct our own steps, but we should be glad because our very weakness entitles us to cry to the Lord, "Now that I will not direct my own way, what I do not know, teach me."
~Charles Spurgeon

Even reading it again as I type it, God causes my heart to quiet down. Dear friends, even as I am learning this myself, God IS able. He has not created us, then left us alone to figure out life alone nor live in terror that we will make a mistake in decisions. We have been given promise after promise, and command after command--Trust and obey. We have to release our white-knuckled hold on "our" things-time, money, hopes, dreams...everything. A lot easier said than done, but God is gentle and patient...He will never lead you somewhere He will not go himself. :) Trust Him and obey.


"Now that I will not direct my own way, what I do not know, teach me."
Amen.

~Anna