MUCH!

There is congestion in my mind, too many things want to come out at once! I did want to drop in and say a quick hello. I pray all is well with you all!

I have been much stirred in my heart about what is afoot in our country. There are so many bills in various stages of being passed that it boggles the mind. There are at least 6 that will either likely or potentially will greatly impact our country through violating the Constitution, curtailing our God given freedoms. Expect that will be a post within the next day or so. A list. Since MSM doesn't tell the things we need to know, if you don't aggressively seek out news on-line, and listen to FOX News sometimes, you won't know what you have lost until too late.

My Mama and I have been having conversations since last fall about the spiritual state of our Nation and the Church at large. We have felt a tremendous need to pray for an Awakening of our Nation. Interestingly, back in March I happened to catch some dear ladies on a Bible teaching show (TV) sharing how God had impressed one of them back in their home church/prayer group (back in June last year - in the midst of the LONGEST election ever!) that the "election would not save America, but that an Awakening would" in other words. Pray for America to awaken. They explained the differences between revival and awakening and gave illustrations through history. Oh, it was sooo exhilarating to hear what your heart was already telling you, backed up with historical supporting facts!

And may I say if you have ever had to awaken someone who was sluggish, and slow to respond, it is not pleasant. I have not had much experience with this, because we all wake up promptly around here (Thank you, Lord!) but, I have had a couple of friends struggle with family members who suffer this lethargy, it is NOT fun to struggle to wake-up sleepy heads.

America is a great big distracted, comfortable, self righteous sleepy head. I love my country. And because I love my country, I am VERY concerned. I am also concerned that the Church wake-up. If we really truly engage and are the salt and the light, we should dare, we should tred, we should be exceedingly uncomfortable at times, yet ALWAYS in grace, always in faith.

I am a bit bothered that so many wonderful Christian people are quietly going about their lives knowing that they have voted and that God's Word has indeed told us that it would be like this one day, sort feeling that they must leave the rest to see what the future brings. I find myself in this regard to have reached my Martha zenith! ;) In my life with Christ I have always felt much more like Mary. Now I get to know what Martha felt like! While I know my approach is not perfect (of course) I do trust that God will continue to lead and guide me each day to do what I can to encourage others (that's my gift - I reckon - don't see much sign of anything else!) (well except hospitality) who are trying to make a difference, to pray, and to write, shine the spotlight, make phone calls or whatever else I can do to sound the alarm that America is somewhat on fire. We might want to wake-up.

I was led to spend the last 5 days on household matters, with family and with the Lord just in the quiet moments - which for me means I am not chatting so much on-line. Maybe observing a bit, but, that's about it. In the stillness of my heart the Lord was so good to me to refresh, and encourage me, as well as confirming and clarifying somethings for me. You ever notice that in the Old Testament that when Godly people cried out to God in the Psalms or just about any other book, it was often about either the wickedness of their Nation, or the results that the wickedness had wrought in their Nation. God was not separated from their political life, He WAS their life. How the Nation lived before God, impacted all, and there were Godly people who were NOT content to be passive about it.

In the past few years my life of faith (which I find should be somewhat messy) required trusting God daily for sustenance in many ways familiar to you my friends in Christ. As a former career woman, turned part-time clerical worker and home school mom, we had many financial challenges. As a parent of a child gone wild for a period of time - we had many reasons to trust God for his care daily. As a home school mom period, I had many reasons to trust God daily. There are many other things I could list, but I find that I STILL trust the Lord DAILY in these matters and yet, He is hinting at a further growth and likely discomfort. To trust Him as I stand up and speak up when I would many times prefer not to. Prefer to stay in my cocoon. And just like as a home school mother and as a part time (and then 100% sahm) I often struggled feeling that my contribution was not sufficient. The Lord always, always added His grace to it. He MADE it sufficient! And now as I feel what small pip-squeak voice I can add is seemingly insignificant, I find that the Lord seems to say, "use it for My purpose, my glory and trust me for the results".

I will close with the parable of the Good Samaritan as I was impressed to study it a bit this weekend. I feel that America is the neighbor. I want to be the Samaritan. but we need LOTS of neighbors! Luke 10:26-37

"26 Jesus said to him, What is written in the Law? How do you read it?

²⁷And he replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.

²⁸And Jesus said to him, You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live [enjoy active, blessed, endless life in the kingdom of God].

²⁹And he, determined to acquit himself of reproach, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor?

³⁰Jesus,taking him up, replied, A certain man was going from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him of his clothes and belongings and beat him and went their way, [unconcernedly] leaving him half dead, as it happened.

³¹Now by coincidence a certain priest was going down along that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

³²A Levite likewise came down to the place and saw him, and passed by on the other side [of the road].

³³But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled along, came down to where he was; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity and sympathy [for him],

³⁴And went to him and dressed his wounds, pouring on [them] oil and wine. Then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him.

³⁵And the next day he took out two denarii [two day's wages] and gave [them] to the innkeeper, saying, Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I [myself] will repay you when I return.

³⁶Which of these three do you think proved himself a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?

³⁷He answered, The one who showed pity and mercy to him. And Jesus said to him, Go and do likewise."

Thanks for dropping and and listening to me ramble! You are kind to indulge me! Much love! Maria

Faith Outside the Box

Greetings! I pray all is well with you, and that no matter where today finds you that your hope is in The One who redeems, sustains and upholds us, the only Christ the King!

I have a confession to make. I am passionate about political issues. It's funny, the world does not like us to be passionate about our faith. Too bad. It's essence of who we are and why we are here in the first place to grow and develop as we learn of Our Lord. But the Church nor the world really cares for people who are passionate about political issues.

I was raised to be passionate about both, though I did not and have not always done so. It's been a process for me. Doing without Christ drove me to Christ. Then as I grew and life moved forward, I happened to begin homeschooling 6 months prior to September 11 2001. Studying history with biblical perspective was such an eye opener and a gift to us. It gave rich perspective to the history making times we were living in.

I won't take you through the blow by blow here, because really, who cares? Suffice it to say that something happened last August which made me unable or unwilling to compartmentalize my life from faith and politics (twin passions). It began to seem that to live my faith I must apply myself to day by day, in whatever ways I can find appropriate for my family apply my efforts to keeping myself aware, finding ways to encourage and inform those around me (family) and friends on the 'net. When opportunity presents to do more (donate, make calls, sign petitions, etc) do so. And always, and in all things pray and give thanks!

It's tempting to say forget it, my efforts are inconsequential and politics attracts so many "me-me-me people" (yuk factor). But, my conscience won't let me turn away. Until I am led in a new direction I better run with determination the road set before me.

I finally made peace with this transition during the last few days. I am hoping that I can keep two blogs going by posting and cross posting from time to time. I haven't been doing much of either because I have been struggling with what strange thing was happening to me. My faith and family and relationship with the Lord was just as strong as always, but I struggled with why was I so driven to political things.

Finally, I just relaxed and had PEACE! It's OK to be who He made me! I can TRUST Him! How novel! ;) He gives us GOOD gifts for His glory and His purpose! Who am I to kick against the pricks!?!

Yesterday there was a successful (well behaved, highly motivated and about 300+ btwn hours of 12:00 5:00) Tea Party in my hometown of St Augustine. I chose to go to next door Jacksonville (4,500+ from 12:00-2:00) with my parents, and the party THRILLED my heart. So many different types of people, different ages ALL of 1 mind and 1 accord. When God was mentioned no one was offened or ashamed but all cheered and gave honor. There was no hate but lots of wisdom and insight from young children, young adults and adults in the middle of life and adults who have been there and done that and know what they are talking about!

I have some encouraging words to share with you all my dear sisters in Christ, and am looking forward to visiting and checking in with you all. This was an important "Bird" Housekeeping matter that required tending to first!

There were a couple of times that when we sang "America, America God shed His grace on thee...and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea..." and when we prayed that I had a flash that God was pleased, that we were taking steps in the right direction and it made my heart happy!

Whether America shines or falls, God's people must trust in Him, look to Him, put our hope in Him. The Word is filled with accounts of Nations falling or pulling back from the brink, in either case there is always a remnant that looks to Him and is provided for even in the midst of trials.

If you would like to know more about where I have been dabbling check out Minorcan Maven. I will be around to visit over the weekend and catch up with ya'll! Some of the posts I have written there explain what I am speaking about better.

"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14