Just As I Am

Just as I am, without one plea, 

But that Thy blood was shed for me, 

And that Thou bidst me come to Thee, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not 

To rid my soul of one dark blot,

 To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about 

With many a conflict, many a doubt, 

Fightings and fears within, without, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; 

Sight, riches, healing of the mind,

Yea, all I need in Thee to find, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

Because Thy promise I believe,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thy love unknown 

Hath broken every barrier down;

Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, of that free love 

The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove, 

Here for a season, then above, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

~Written by Charlotte Elliott

One Light Still Shines by Marie Monville - Book Review

WITHIN A SOLITARY MOMENT, MARIE MONVILLE REALIZED THAT LIFE AS SHE KNEW IT WAS OVER. 

On October 2, 2006, Marie Monville's husband entered an Amish schoolhouse in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and shot ten young girls, killing five of them, before turning the gun on himself. The event shocked the nation and left many staggering under the weight of such tragedy and evil. Marie was overwhelmed. What she never anticipated was a tangible encounter with God reaching into her circumstances, rewriting all she believed about herself, her faith, and God's ability to forge beauty out of life's ashes.

One Light Still Shines reveals three love stories: the innocent love of a devoted wife for a husband in pain; the incomprehensible love of God in the aftermath of massacre and destruction; and the redemptive love of Christ, waiting to unfold in the life of every person who reads this book.

Marie's journey since that darkest of days has been invaded with light that shines through these pages into the darkest questions we all face - questions about our past, our value, our identity, and our powerlessness in this fallen world. Come face-to-face with the power behind every answer - a love that begs to be received.

What I Love About the Book: The first thing that caught my attention when I first heard of the book was the title "One Light Still Shines." As I read the book, the context of book's title was woven through her entire writing. Amidst her pain and questions, she recognized the Light that was still shining for her & all the individuals involved.

She has borne her heart through her book and shared her struggles as she began to pick up the pieces and move on after the tragedy. She reflected on God's love surrounding her and the support of her family & friends as each day passed.

As she spoke of her husband, she recognized the tragedy that had befallen the individuals at the hands of her husband, but she also recognized him for the husband & father he was to their family, realizing the turmoil that he had kept hidden within for many years.

She chose forgiveness and love amidst all that had happened and reflects the joy that follows the sorrow.

Why I Recommend the Book: I recommend the book for the message that it portrays. Amidst the tragedy of the situation & circumstances that may come, she has shown that there is a Light and hope for the persons involved. She has revealed the need of a growing relationship with God, no matter what circumstances surround you, as well the love God shows to his children each and every day.

About the Author: Marie Monville, a lifetime resident of the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, area, often sat alongside her father in his milk truck as he served his Amish and non-Amish neighbors. She married her high school sweetheart, then gave birth to three children. The first 28 years of her life were quiet, predictable, and full of regular day-to-day country living. That all changed on October 2, 2006, the day her husband barricaded the Amish schoolhouse at Nickel Mines. Today, Marie to Dan Monville, and she speaks nationwide as she and Dan raise their five children in the Lancaster, PA, area.

Hearing from the Psalms...

It has been quite sometime since I wrote regarding the journey through Psalms. I decided to combine my thoughts of the last couple weeks. Psalms 66 focuses on "remembering what God had done and being thankful."

We are called to praise Him for what he has done. It gives a look into the future when all shall bend knee and worship God: 

All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee;              they shall sing to thy name. Selah. Psalms 66.4

Reference is made to many great things God has done, including the parting of the waters for the Israelites as they left Egypt. Although that was a "big" thing that God had done, we are reminded to be praise Him for the small things that He does in our lives as well. He is in our life at every moment and shapes our life.

Verses 13-20 reflect our response to what He has done for us. I will offer sacrifices, I cried unto Him with my mouth. What is my true response, when I feel the effect of God working in my life? I am afraid too often I brush it by without a second thought, when my immediate response should be that of immediate and constantly thanking Him for the wonder He has wrought  in my life. 

In reading this passage, I realize how lax I have come in thanking God for what He has done and continues to do in my life. But as the verse 20 reminds us, He has not turned away from our prayers. If we come to him in prayer, He has never turned away from us, even when we forget Him-a remainder to me that He loves me and cares about me. Why then should I not praise Him every opportunity that I have.

Blessings on your week, Andrea

♥Life is not measured by the breaths you take, 

but by the moments that take away your breath♥

Wednesday Window

Time flies by, moments captured by camera, and memories inscribed in my mind and heart.

Summer finds me buried in the textbook of Anatomy & Physiology, studying the intricate creation that our bodies reveal.  

Taking time to enjoy the small beauties of nature.

Refreshing my brain and taking time off to swim with my siblings.

Take time to enjoy the simple pleasures that surround you! They may be gone tomorrow!

Blessings, Andrea

How Great Thou Art!

How Great Thou Art...those words have been running through my mind continuously. I just completed my 2nd week of Anatomy & Physiology class. Studying the body in-depth leaves me awe-struck. How intricately all our body parts work together, upon command and behind-the scenes, should be proof alone of a Creator. How great He truly is! 

I've taken to coloring...hey whatever helps with making vital information stick in my brain.

Lab Homework - I might not be an artist, but it helps to remember the important parts.

Have a great week!

Andrea

I Will Never Leave You...

• Sitting in the pizza shop, waiting for my order and thinking over the evening that passed...
• Time spent with dear friends, discussing memories and pastimes...
• Partaking of a Nicaraguan supper-memories of the little stand in Malpaisillo...
• Laughing and playing with my dear little ones-children who hold special places in my heart...
• Thinking over the many changes that have taken place in my life over the past several years...
• Realizing that had it not been for the grace of God and His strength, I wouldn't be where I am today...

So often I tend to go through days, never stopping to realize why I am here or why I was there...and I may never know the reason, but I know the Person behind each moment. The One that has promised to never leave you, never leave me. He has brought me to this place. He will be by my side through it all!

"For he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Heb 13.5b

What a promise!

Christian blessings! Andrea

Five Minute Friday - Fall

FALL...this word has attained a new meaning to me. As a nurse aid, I am asked to keep my eyes open as I care for each patient - to check for signs that that could be potential fall risks for me patients. Are they unsteady? Are they confused?

As a Christian, there are also fall risks. Intentional disobedience, stumbling blocks...can lead to a spiritual fall. So what do I do about these issues? Am I constantly aware of the "falls" and am I doing all that I can to eliminate the potential fall?

What are the "falls" in your life?

Blessings, Andrea