Initially, I was 12 years old, but did not begin growing in His grace until much later. Participated in numerous Bible studies in the 80's (Precept and BSF), and finally drew a line in the sand in 1991 and committed my life entirely to Christ. The journey was, and continues to be, awesome!
EVERY aspect of life has changed. Once I actually embraced God's Sovereignty and Providence, there was no turning back. I am grateful for God's abundant grace in my life. All pain and grief of the past make sense. Christ was there and used it to make me who I am today. Troubling events fall right into place. No more questioning or resentments. Thank you, God.
In the evening I pick up the current issue of Table Talk and my ESV Bible and spend time in God’s Word. The current study covers Joseph...one of my favorite Bible characters. Since acquiring The Valley of Vision CD set and book several months ago, I find these Puritan prayers vital to my worship. Plus, they echo my cry to God for similar needs and frailties. Relevant today, and are eloquently written. Interesting how man in the state of nature remains sinful and needy throughout the ages.
In addition to Joseph, David is my favorite Biblical character because he was completely human. From shepherd, to giant slayer, to Saul's harpist, to loyal friend of Jonathan, to warrior, to king, to adulterer and murderer, to being an unconditional loving father (i.e. to Absalom...have you read Faulkner's Absalom, Absalom?...one of my favorites), etc, etc. In all of these life events, he was open to God, repentant, heartbroken, depressed, joyous. ...expressing the full range of emotions recorded for us in the Psalms.
My life is rich and full...full of friends and family, a home, rewarding employment, health, stability, and numerous interests, plus a wonderful church family, and on and on. I regularly thank God for these specific blessings and more. Yet, there remains an empty space, a longing for a life companion, friend, spouse. God saw that it was not good for Adam to be alone AFTER Adam was in communion with God and surrounded by animals. So it must be important to the Creator that humans not be without a communing partner (as Eve was for Adam). So I wait upon God's plan for my life, and pray that it includes a like-minded, Christian spouse.
4 qualities friends say I have: Honesty, stability, loyalty, and depth
My spiritual growth (knowing God and seeing myself as He sees me...as James teaches). Friends and family. Also music, literature, and any other activity involving the arts (museums, live theater...even opera).
Being in relationship with God, our Father, for family, and for best friends (two Chosen Sisters...we are as close as David and Jonathan). In summary, for LIFE IN CHRIST!
Kind, honest, loyal, intelligent, always seeking, always learning, stable in every way (spiritually, financially, emotionally, relationally, etc). These mirror my own traits.
God has been gracious to place just-the-right-people in my life at just-the-right-moment, even when I did not recognize them as such. No, ESPECIALLY when I did not recognize them. As far as men of the Reformed Faith who played significant roles in my Christian walk, there are two: Dr. Oliver Claasen and Dr. R.C. Sproul. Writings of CS Lewis, Ravi Z, Piper, St. Augustine, Calvin, etc. have also sweetened my journey. And friends of the heart (past and present)have been irreplaceable. In fact, I am still in touch with 3 special girlfriends from kindergarten days. We are Blood Sisters (we cut ourselves with a broken coke bottle and mingled our blood! More than you care to know, I suppose.).
We married much too early and lacked maturity. Portraying himself as a Christian, I accepted un-Christlike behavior from my fiance because I wanted to marry him...and this created havoc throughout our 24-year marriage. It, however, taught me a valuable lesson. In prayer I may pour out my wants and wishes to God through Christ, but quickly follow up with a sincere cry, "Not my will, but thine be done." (We are now on cordial terms). I have been divorced for 15 years (with more-than-adequate Biblical cause), and that break made possible a crucial turning point in my life. My first and only goal as a single woman was to find truth in all its dimensions, or I would die in its pursuit. There was much to be learned and changed. Through several years I wrestled with God for the answer and was shocked to discover that HE was/is that answer. Of course, it was a little more complicated than that. As peace, contentment and joy slowly took residence in me, I tried repeatedly to assign this metamorphosis to my own efforts. Finally, I saw the light (yes, He is the light) and I am eternally grateful. My life statement is Out of darkness, light. Out of ashes, LIFE!!
RABBI BEN EZRA Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, The last of life, for which the first was made: Our times are in His hand Who saith "A whole I planned, Youth shows but half; trust God: see all, nor be afraid!'' (Rbt Browning) Also enjoy Tennyson, Emily D, Cooleridge (The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner)and contemporary poets (ie. Billy Collins) For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor 4:6 Fav Hymns: A Mighty Fortress and It is Well with my Soul.
After 13 years in corporate America, God answered my prayer for meaningful work. Through unexpected circumstances, a position opened for me in a religious organization, which "happened to be" 7 miles from home, rather than the former 27 miles each way. The work is rewarding, and I am ever-grateful for my Father's provision.
One goal is to relocate at some point to a small mountain town, or back to my hometown on the GA coast. OR to live in a larger city or suburbs thereof. What do each of these situations have in common? I like the thought of being in a community...a place where church, shopping, and regular destinations are nearby. VERY nearby, hopefully, within a leisurely walk or bike ride. And there must be an arts community nearby. But primarily my goal is to fully surrender to my Heavenly Father and become all He wants me to be....and do all that He wants me to do.
Reading (little TV for this lady!), an occasional movie or watching old movies at home, working on projects around the house, listening to music, sitting on the terrace or lying in the hammock listening to the bird symphony, or daydreaming. I also enjoy a stroll through my tree-filled neighborhood or a walk to the town square (less than 2 miles away). My only experience with camping was the sissy way (Girl Scouts and their leaders tend to camp in tents...tents built up on wooden platforms)...would like to try something slightly more rustic, or get back into hiking. Plus I find great joy in being with my 4 grandchildren...3 live nearby.
I was born, bred, and currently reside in my native state. Have traveled to Central and South America, Victoria, BC, Ukraine, Israel, and a few other European countries. Enjoy visiting new places, even in the U.S.
Much of my family lives in the same general area, or no more than a 5-hour drive away. Oops, one brother lives overseas. My 2 adult daughters have families of their own. So I am free to live where I please. Relocation is a possibility, but would not be my first choice.
Am on the board of a poetry society and on the board of my neighborhood association.
Did you ask for more details about my love of music? I enjoy most music including folk (James Taylor, Paul Simon, Jeff Talmadge and the like), plenty of classical (including choral and opera), jazz and the old stuff from the 30’s – 50’s, soft rock (if there is such an animal), and a wee bit of country. My extensive record and CD collections reside in “The Robert Shaw Memorial Conservatory and Dance Hall” (dance hall, rather than ballroom, lends an earthiness to the lofty name of a favorite room in my home). Think beaded curtain, an organ, a cowbell….yes it is ultra eclectic. Similarly, I cannot be pegged….am a one-of-a-kind lady….and am worth getting to know. My seemingly reserved appearance includes a twinkle in my right eye, which betrays the witty, fun person who may emerge at any moment! Thanks for taking the time to visit my profile.
Share this profile
Facebook
del.icio.us
Digg
Windows Live
Stumbleupon
Furl
Blinklist
G Bookmarks
Diigo
MySpace
Twitter
Xanga
Bebo
Twine
Blogmarks
Faves
AIM
Technorati
LinkedIn
Y! Bokmarks
Newsvine