tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27178308271637165692024-02-21T01:14:03.972-06:00365 PsalmsCarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-58125676497885092792013-07-15T17:10:00.001-05:002013-07-15T17:11:34.922-05:00Psalm 115<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oh God, maker of rain,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">ruler of the skies,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">your creation brings relief from the glare,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">the sun stoked summer furnace.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The clouds cover the earth in coolness;</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">the rain drums a comforting beat.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The land drinks in refreshment,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">praising its creator for soothing relief.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just so, Yahweh, maker of men, ruler of all,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">your grace gives us pause.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The burning heat of refinement if ever purifying</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">would reduce us to empty ashes.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We find instead mercy laid in our laps,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">gifts of rest, a time of calm breath.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">For you pour cool comfort with abandon,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">washing away our dross to reveal joy in the fire.</span></span>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-81596708355065260302012-12-25T09:05:00.001-06:002012-12-25T09:05:29.088-06:00Real Christmas: A PoemChristmas, a time filled with decorations,<br />
candles and lights and ribbons and bows,<br />
a time of great cheer, parties and toasts,<br />
a time to wish peace on each boy and girl<br />
of opening gifts and dinners galore.<br />
<br />
Yet don't forget through the comings and goings<br />
the real truth often veiled in the hustle and bustle.<br />
Not the reindeer or Santa (though he's based on Saint Nick),<br />
not Rudolph or Frosty or elves sprightly and quick.<br />
Though these bring joy, there's joy deeper still...<br />
<br />
Make no doubt about it,<br />
Christmas is not wishful thinking.<br />
Christ did come as an infant, a baby,<br />
conceived in a real woman's womb,<br />
the humble teenage virgin Mary.<br />
<br />
He was born into our world<br />
God in the flesh,<br />
the awesome, glorious Lord,<br />
made to be held and seen and heard-- <br />
light inaccessible breaking into the dark. <br />
<br />
He was real, this God-man,<br />
as real as you and me,<br />
He ate and he breathed,<br />
he hurt and he loved,<br />
he bled and he died.<br />
<br />
So remember on Christmas the truth of the day<br />
Jesus came as a man, a babe born to die,<br />
to save us from sin and he will come again.<br />
Manage to pause for a moment or two<br />
and remember the man who came here for you. Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-3086276235105335872012-08-02T08:35:00.001-05:002012-08-02T08:35:07.951-05:00Psalm 114<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You are the God of Hope.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We come to you in prayer,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We come with our requests.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We know our strength is limited,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">but your power endless.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hear our cry, O God,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Listen to the pleas from our mouths.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We wait.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We wait with patience.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And as we wait,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">we ask that our souls conform to your will.</span>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-63257267945168994102012-06-29T17:23:00.002-05:002012-06-29T17:24:14.644-05:00Psalm 113<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My heart grew troubled,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">my soul groaned within me</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">as I observed the ways of the ignorant.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I saw those who blind themselves to the Lord,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">who ignore his existence and his statutes.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I saw how they prospered,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">how power fell into their hands.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Wealth they have in abundance,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">yet they waste it on trivial nothings.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sinners dominate the culture,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">they draw others in with their sin.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Those who are lawless are honored</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and those who deny God lauded.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I asked myself, "Why is this so?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Why has God allowed the wicked to prosper?"</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My thoughts were helpless</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and my mood downhearted</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">until I remembered the truth.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The end of the wicked is to come.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The ignorant have gained their reward on the earth;</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">they have gained the love of men.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Those who seek the love of men</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">will find emptiness on the Day of Judgment.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I realized, O Lord, that those who love you,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">those who serve Yahweh,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">they will receive their reward at the end of time.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The righteous will stand on that day,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">but the sinner will fall.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Though the wicked prosper now,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">their downfall is assured.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I look to the faults of culture,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to a nation awash in sin,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to a country flaunting iniquity.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I know, O Lord, even if your people are slandered,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">if believers are reduced to but a few,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">if Christians are mocked and despised,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">you, O Mighty God, still reign.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Lord is King of Nations,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">God of Hosts,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and He will come to judge,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to proclaim his justice from the mountain tops.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Son of God will reign</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and all will bow before Him.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This, my God, is my hope,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and I put my trust in you.</span></div>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-43000613902314754012012-06-20T09:21:00.003-05:002012-06-20T09:22:35.774-05:00Psalm 112<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Take heed, all you who decry God's creation,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">who ignore the Almighty's handiwork!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">For the power of our God has created;</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">His hand has designed all we see.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">To deny His work,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to be deaf to His speech,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">is a way to judgment.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Bow before the Almighty God today</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">while it is still called today.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Preserve your life</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">and acknowledge the Author of All.</span></span>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-36623332683440782692012-06-05T08:04:00.000-05:002012-06-05T08:05:42.272-05:00Psalm 111<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You are Yahweh,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I AM that I AM,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">self-existent,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">created by no one;</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">existing in self-sufficiency,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">you need no one to live;</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">acting self-directed,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">you do as you please;</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">living eternally,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">you have no beginning and no end;</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">displaying consistency,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">you remain immutable.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Is there any being like Yahweh?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">None can compare.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">No being in existence can claim he is</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">self-existent, self-sufficient, self-directed,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">eternal and consistent in existence.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If there is no being like Yahweh,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">then who do I trust?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I must trust Yahweh,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">he who can see all ends,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">he who alone knows the depth of man.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">LORD, remind me at all times</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">that you alone are the sustaining force of my life.</span></span><br />
<br />Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-20842856140761866202012-04-19T21:10:00.004-05:002012-04-19T21:15:25.292-05:00Psalm 110<span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" >How can I attain contentment?<br />When circumstances go wrong,<br />I complain and grump about.<br />When people hurt me,<br />I cry and whine.<br />When the world chides me about my faith,<br />I feel anger and hatred.<br /><br />Teach me the secret to contentment.<br />Teach me to say as Paul,<br />"I have learned the secret of being content...<br />I can do all this through him who gives me strength."<br />I cannot find contentment on my own;<br />I cannot force change in my feelings.<br />Only You alone can work peace in me.<br />May I cling to you day in and out<br />for only in fixing my gaze on you<br />do I have the hope of true contentment.</span>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-76264563671023198472012-03-20T09:01:00.002-05:002012-03-20T09:04:12.237-05:00Psalm 109<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">God, may I chose life over death,</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">right over wrong,</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">love over sin.</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">May I never seek how close to the line</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I can get;</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">May I run far from the line.</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">May my life reflect Christ,</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">reflect his love and perfection.</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Make me not proud in my disobedience,</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">but humble in forgiveness.</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Make the path smooth before me</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">as you rescue me from temptation</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">and restore me in your grace.</span></span>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-16764165640833916052012-02-14T15:07:00.002-06:002012-02-14T15:14:44.160-06:00Psalm 108<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Could it be?</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Is it true?</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Is this what love looks like?</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Is love submitting to a slap in the face?</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Is it standing innocent yet on trial?</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Is it the scourge applied to the back?</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Is it a forced march to a hill?</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Is it nails through wrists and feet?</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Is it cries from a cross?</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Is it death in a tomb for three days?</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Yes, this is true love.</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Through pain, misery and death</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">can true love be found.</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">There is no love truer</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">than yours, my Savior.</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Proved through death,</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">yet more, through life,</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">a resurrection made a promise,</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">sealing me in the Spirit.</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><br style="font-family: times new roman;"></span><div style="text-align: center; font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">"This is love: not that we loved God,<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">but that he loved us</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">and sent his Son</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">1 John 4:10</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">"</span></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Greater love has no one than this:</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."</span><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">John 15:13</span></span><br /></span></div>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-24051846027760084012012-01-21T21:55:00.002-06:002012-01-21T22:00:42.364-06:00Psalm 107<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Peace</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Practicing patience</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Eliminating worry</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Actively trusting</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Cultivating contentment</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Establishing rest</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Give me the peace that passes understanding.</span></span>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-60822422479355171562012-01-16T14:25:00.003-06:002012-01-16T14:30:03.041-06:00Psalm 106<span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Give me patience, O Lord!<br face="times new roman">My flesh does not wait for you,<br face="times new roman">it wants what it wants now.<br face="times new roman">It pummels me with disappointment,<br face="times new roman">with hurt and with sorrow.<br face="times new roman">Subdue my flesh,<br face="times new roman">let me submit to your Spirit.<br face="times new roman">Let me not forget<br face="times new roman">the myriad gifts of favor you have bestowed.<br face="times new roman">Make me ever thankful.<br face="times new roman">always full of praise at all times.<br face="times new roman">And may my memory of gratefulness</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">teach me to wait for you gladly.</span></span>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-39922878322013394142012-01-14T22:51:00.005-06:002012-01-14T23:13:33.772-06:00Liebster Award<span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" >I received a unique award from <a href="http://pursuitoftitus2.com/">Pursuit of Titus 2</a>. She has a wonderful testimony--go to her blog and read it!<br /><br />The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers, in the spirit of fostering new connections. Liebster is a German word that means ‘dearest’ or ‘beloved’, but can also mean ‘favorite’. The idea of the award is to bring attention to blogs with less than 200 followers. (see note) The Award comes with a few rules. </span><p style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">You’re supposed to:</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">2. Reveal your top 5 picks for the award and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">3. Post the award on your blog.</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">4. Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the blogsphere – other bloggers.</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">5. Hope your recipients pass the award to their 5 favorite blogs to keep the love flowing.</span></p><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><br />So, here are the blogs I have chosen for this award:</span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /><a href="http://positivepostpessimist.blogspot.com/">Positive Paragraphs from a Perpetual postPessimist</a>--written by my closest friend who is seeking to truly live for God, even through obstacles and imperfections.<br /><br /><a href="http://kadeshcolorado.wordpress.com/">Amanda Johnston</a>--my awesome friend, a published writer and someone whose thoughts and writing are profound.<br /><br /><a href="http://mymaddiegrace.blogspot.com/">God's Gift of "Grace</a>--Every time Natalie posts I am encouraged in my Christian walk--This woman makes me want to be a better woman of God every day!<br /><br /><a href="http://kandjstaats.blogspot.com/">Another Day Stronger</a>--I am continually drawn back to Kellie's blog because she is so real! She is walking a tough road and clinging to God every step of the way and she doesn't hide her struggles from her readers.<br /><br /><a href="http://jesswitty.blogspot.com/">Witticisms</a>--I don't scrapbook or make paper crafts at all, but Jessica is just so talented, I always go there to see what she has made next!</span>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-89409639737289978892012-01-14T22:29:00.002-06:002012-01-14T22:38:07.893-06:00Psalm 105<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Lord, change my heart!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I want to be closer to you,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">go deeper with you, </span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">pray further with you.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I want you to be made manifest</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">in my actions and words,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">in my mouth and my hands.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I want impatience to flee,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">anger to cool,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">and fear to become trust.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I want to be covered with you,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">not only knowing,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">but living the death of sin.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I want your Spirit to fill me,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">night and day,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">sunrise to sunset.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Lord, rule my heart!</span></span>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-57201123492294633992011-12-18T08:07:00.004-06:002011-12-18T08:11:55.819-06:00Psalm 104<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Lord, banish fear from me!</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I cry out to you, O God,</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">because fear so often rules in me.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I fear the future and sometimes your will.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I don't understand this life</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">and I feel lost in it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Lord, I want to trust you.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Give me a heart of trust,</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">a heart that is satisfied in your will.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Make me certain in doubt</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">never overwhelmed by a confusing life.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Lord, may trust rule me!</span></span>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-83202602754926947722011-10-02T15:23:00.002-05:002011-10-02T15:25:22.467-05:00Psalm 103<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Lord, remove sin from me,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">may it not come near me.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Change my heart</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">and let me be clean.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">May the Holy Spirit fill me</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">and may he make my ways his ways.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Take over my life, my God,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">may may thoughts and actions be yours.</span></span>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-31097858773421112322011-09-12T21:48:00.003-05:002011-09-12T21:54:07.242-05:00Psalm 102<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">God, you say I'm a saint,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">but I feel only like a sinner.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Every careless word,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">every stupid act</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">shows up to haunt my steps.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Thoughts assail me, crying out,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">"You are worthless.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">You are terrible.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">You are a horrible person!"</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">How can I silence them?</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">They seem so true to me.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I feel like nothing,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">a beaten down blade of grass</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">crushed under the weight of imperfection.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I know you love me,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">but I don't feel love for myself.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Help me, Lord!</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Help me to feel your love.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I want to grasp the depth of your compassion.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">In me is only despair,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">the thought I can never be better than I am.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Let me feel the arms of my savior,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">he who gave his life for me,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">holding me tight, squeezing my hand,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">and whispering, "You were worth it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Nothing you can do will stop me from loving you."</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I long to hear these words,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">now in the midst of my depression.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Speak to me!</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">May I hear your voice!</span></span>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-91529994063228832832011-09-08T15:07:00.003-05:002011-09-08T15:13:43.721-05:00Psalm 101<span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" >This psalm is written in response to the video <a href="http://www.ellerslie.com/The_Gospel.html">here</a>.<br /><br />LORD God!!! Savior!!! Blow Taker!!!<br />I want to get out of the prison,<br />I want to stay out of the prison.<br />I don't want to make grace small,<br />released from the penalty<br />but staying in the cell.<br />I want to WALK THROUGH THE DOOR!<br />Keep me outside the door.<br />I want to live in my relationship with you,<br />a child invited and welcomed into your house,<br />your adopted daughter,<br />one with you.<br />Dress me in your armor,<br />cover me with your protection,<br />send me into the world<br />with a heart and mouth<br />bold to proclaim your truth.<br />Make me a lion that roars out,<br />"I am a lamb rescued by my Shepherd!<br />I will not yield!<br />I will not give in!<br />I will stand and cry out,<br />'My God reigns!<br />He can release you!"<br />This is my cry today.<br />This where I want to go</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">and this is what I want to do.</span></span>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-44011446189548501862011-09-01T14:49:00.005-05:002011-09-01T15:07:11.399-05:00Psalm 100<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">O Yahweh, hear my cry!</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I live in a world of evil,</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">evil appears on every side.</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Morals and values have disappeared</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">swallowed up in convenience and pride.</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Time is a rushing stream,</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">people dive into it and are swept away.</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">They say, "I must fill my life with the flesh,</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">with every thing my eyes see as good."</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">There is no thought of restraint,</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">no contemplation of good or evil.</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">For satisfaction, citizens have given up their rights</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">so that they may be oppressed.</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">"Save us!" they cry to their leaders,</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">but their leaders answer in confusion,</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">a busy mockery themselves.</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">There is no salvation in the ways of men,</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">men lack eternity and a sovereign mind.</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">How can fallen man save fallen man?</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Like blind men trying to cross a ditch</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">are those who trust in sinful man.</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">There is no hope in this way.</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Lord, even the religious have forsaken truth!</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">They cling to traditions or rules,</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">they hold tightly to man's opinions.</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">They sing out, "Worship, worship!"</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">yet turn around and fill their actions with sin.</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">They make for themselves a cheap grace,</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">treading down the gift given to them.</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Who is the man on the cross?</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">They want no true allegiance to him.</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">To love him they must obey,</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">but this they find too "hard" to bear.</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">But as for me, abolish sin in me.</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I do not harbor evil in my heart,</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">may evil never rule over me.</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Let me fix my eyes on your cross,</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Jesus Christ, whose blood washes me.</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">May fruit grow forth from my life</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">out of a heart of obedience, of love.</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">May my allegiance be to the Lamb who was slain,</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">to the Lamb sacrificed on my behalf.</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Make my life, O Lord, an offering,</span>
<br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">an offering of truth, morality and inestimable value.</span></span>
<br />Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-4843477045369130432011-08-16T07:30:00.004-05:002011-08-16T07:34:44.565-05:00Psalm 99<span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Martyrs:
<br />Strong and brave, for you, O Lord,
<br />Choosing the better way,
<br />Knowing to live is Christ,
<br />to die is gain.
<br />Not allowing their conscience
<br />to change through fear.
<br />Holding without doubt
<br />to absolute truth.
<br />They wait, they cry out,
<br />"How long, O Lord?!"
<br />Soon, soon, when the number is filled;
<br />then they will see your return,
<br />they will come on the clouds with you,
<br />this their reward and desire.
<br />I honor them,
<br />I remember their sacrifices,
<br />I pray for them:
<br />Martyrs</span>
<br />Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-64935633823393949612011-08-08T21:28:00.002-05:002011-08-08T21:48:10.743-05:00Jesus Was Jewish<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I know we know this, but recently this thought has been dominating my mind. Jesus was Jewish. He looked like a Jew, i.e. not an American. I'm guessing that almost all (if not all) of the standard pictures I grew up with show an Americanized Jesus and not an ethnically Jewish Jesus. Don't get me wrong. There are many beautiful pictures of Jesus. I don't think it is wrong to draw him differently in different cultures (some of my favorite Bible pictures are painted by an Indian artist who pictures the Bible in an Indian context). It's just, I got to thinking, "What did my savior really look like?" I wanted to think of him as a Jew, to picture him in my mind as he really might have been (is even now). I've found a picture </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.heartagency.com/artist/JosieJammet/gallery/1/image/532">here</a><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> that captures more of a Jewish Jesus. The picture </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://archives.cnn.com/2002/TECH/science/12/25/face.jesus/">here</a><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> shows what Jews of Jesus' time might have looked like. I guess what I am seeking in this cocoon is to throw off any false ideas I might have inadvertently imaged in my mind. Obviously, we don't know what Jesus really looked like. But I think in a way that even seeing Jesus as Jewish has changed the way I think about him. He lived in a very different culture than mine. It really hit me today how blessed I am. Jesus was a Jew and he reached out to Gentiles. This is radical! I am saved because he, a Jew, loved me, a Gentile. An amazing thought (read John 4 to see how the disciples were so shocked that Jesus reached out to a Samaritan and a woman). Putting Jesus in a Jewish context I think also has enlightened my Bible study. What a strange journey to be on, not only knowing that Jesus was Jewish, but thinking of him as Jewish. New and blessed perspective!</span></span>
<br />Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-17280473117379910472011-06-29T22:33:00.002-05:002011-06-29T22:37:04.850-05:00Psalm 98<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Banish fear, O my God,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Let my trust rest in you.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">As I look to the future</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I cannot see the whole path.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I trace but a short thread</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">as I live in the present.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I cannot tell what lies ahead;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">only you, my God, are wise enough to see.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Lord, bolster my trust;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Remind me of your faithfulness.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">You are my shield, my defender,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">my protector and father.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">To you I turn,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">to you I pray.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Trust in God, O my soul,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">and do not fear.</span></span>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-38391276637353721032011-04-19T20:23:00.003-05:002011-04-19T20:26:31.541-05:00Psalm 97<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Blessing upon blessing</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I've received from your hand.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I drink from a cup overflowing</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">with nectar so sweet.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">You pour into my life</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">your grace so profound,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">as deep as the ocean,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">as vast as the stars.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I look and I wonder</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">at the breadth of the sea,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">the enormity of the universe.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">And yet, You look at me</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">and choose to bless me.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">And for this, I am eternally thankful.</span></span>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-49735706811827315792011-03-30T08:38:00.002-05:002011-03-30T08:43:21.380-05:00Psalm 96<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">My God is holy.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">My God is just.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">My God is love.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Holiness means He is wholly other.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Justice means He is fair and punishes evil.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Love means He seeks to draw us close to Him.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Love does not negate His holiness.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Love does not negate His justice.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Love must contain both holiness and justice.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">For love does not delight in evil.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Love champions the powerless.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Love calls for absolute justice to be done.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">My God is holy.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">My God is just.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">My God is love.</span></span>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-33813634168962622822011-03-04T21:11:00.004-06:002011-03-04T21:27:34.114-06:00Psalm 95<span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Commitment.<br />You are the example.<br />Your life was yours.<br />You did not have to give it.<br />You could have called the angels to your rescue.<br /><br />You did not.<br />You loved us completely.<br />You gave your back to the scourge.<br />You gave your hands to the nails.<br />You gave your life to darkness.<br /><br />You are the Savior I look to.<br />You are the one who teaches me.<br />Me, a sinner, in need of an exemplar.<br />I the one who gazes on you.<br />I who chooses your truth.<br /><br />I give my life for my enemy.<br />I give up my comfort.<br />I give up my rights.<br />I love others completely.<br />I do not seek my own.<br /><br />I do not demand rescue from hardship.<br />I do not hold tightly myself.<br />My life is mine.<br />I choose to be an example of<br />Commitment.</span>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2717830827163716569.post-83667141321676533072011-01-15T21:47:00.003-06:002011-01-15T21:51:17.308-06:00Psalm 94<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">This world is steeped in sin.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I watch people choose sin,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">choose self and death over life.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Humanity seems not to care.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Pride and emotion rule the day.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">How long will this be, O Lord?</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">How long will people walk in darkness?</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I long for your return</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">when the sin of the world will be washed away</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">and a new earth will take its place.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">And yet, as you tarry,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">open the eyes of the blind.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Wake up those slumbering in the dark.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Let people see the truth and be changed.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Draw a remnant always to yourself.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">As for me, make me a light,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">a light that casts guidance</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">on the path of truth.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Give me patience and stamina</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">as I sojourn in this foreign land.</span></span>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13390145886732518176noreply@blogger.com0