Set Apart: His Girl 4 Ever

“And they sung as it were a new song before the throne…and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth” (Rev. 14:3).

“Your Father is training you for a part the angels cannot sing, and His conservatory is the school of sorrows. Others have said that He sends sorrow to test you, yet this is not the case. He sends sorrow to educate you, thereby providing you with the proper training for His heavenly choir.

“In the darkest night He is composing your song. In the valley His is tuning your voice. In the storm clouds He is deepening your range. In the rain showers He is sweetening your melody. In the cold He is giving your notes expression. And as you pass at times from hope to fear, He is perfecting the message of your lyrics.

“O dear soul, do not despise your school of sorrows. It is bestowing on you a unique part in the heavenly song.”

~ George Matheson

“Is the midnight closing ’round you?

Are the shadows dark and long?

Ask Him to come close beside you,

And He’ll give you a new, sweet song.

“He’ll give it and sing it with you;

And when weakness slows you down,

He’ll take up the broken cadence,

And blend it with His own.

“And many heavenly singers

Among those sons of light,

Will say of His sweetest music,

‘I learned it in the night.’

And many a lovely anthem,

That fills the Father’s home,

Sobbed out its first rehearsal,

In the shade of a darkened room.”

~Author Unknown; emphasize mine

          “Here, Mary,” Martha said, putting some coins into her sister’s hand. “Go to the market and get some vegetables.”

          Mary took the money and stared at her sister with a puzzled expression on her face.

          “Jesus and His disciples are coming to eat dinner with us,” Martha said with a knowing look and hushed voice.

          Mary blushed and dropped her gaze. She remembered the first time Jesus and His disciples had eaten dinner at their home. His eyes, His smile, and His words had called to her. . . shouted to her. . .

          “Now run along,” Martha instructed.

.                            .                            .                            .                  .

          Mary skipped along the dusty road towards the village market. The sun shone down warmly upon her, and a cool breeze danced across her face. As she skipped merrily along, her thoughts wandered to that evening. Would something wonderful take place again just like it had the first time Jesus ate with them? Mary wondered. Oh well. No time to dwell on that now. She had arrived in the market.

          After carefully selecting the vegetables Martha needed for dinner that evening, Mary wove in and out of the throng of people to begin the journey home. So many people, Mary thought, and no wonder with Passover just six days away.

          “Miss! Over here Miss!” a male voice shouted. Mary spun to the left. An old man’s gaze met hers, and he waved her over to his booth.

.                            .                            .                            .                  .

          “As you can see, everything here is of the finest quality, Miss,” this old man said with a gesture toward the bottles and boxes that held sweet smelling ointments.

          Mary smiled slightly, nodded her head, and gulped. “Uhh. . . I really don’t have money for these, Sir,” she began, “and I really have no need for them.”

          “Yes, yes, yes, but surely you’d like to purchase one at least. . . for a friend perhaps?” the man prodded. “Here take a look at this alabaster box that contains the costly ointment of spikenard. Now wouldn’t that make a fine gift?”

          Mary glanced up from the alabaster box that she was fingering and gave the old man a quick, slight smile.

          “You may smell it, if you’d like,” the man said, opening the little box.

          The ointment’s scent rushed up Mary’s nostrils. She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. The scenes played before her eyes:

          Oh Mary! Jesus is finally on his way here! Don’t you want to come with me to meet Him?” Martha questioned.

          Mary shook her head mournfully. She felt betrayed. Why did Jesus have to let her brother die!? He could have healed him, but He didn’t. It just didn’t make sense.

.                            .                            .                            .                  .

          “Mary! Jesus asked for you! He wants you!!!”

.                            .                            .                            .                  .

          “Mary,” Jesus said softly and tenderly. Compassion and love filled His eyes and voice.

          Mary fell down at His feet. Weeping she exclaimed, “Lord, if only you had come when we called, he wouldn’t have died!”

.                            .                            .                            .                  .

          “Lazarus! Come forth!” Jesus called.

.                            .                            .                            .                  .

          “Would you like it, Miss?” the old man questioned.

          Mary jumped, and her eyes flew open. Startled she glanced about wildly for a second. “Huh?” she asked the old man.

          “I asked if you wanted it—the alabaster box on spikenard.”

          “Uhh. . . yes, please,” Mary said slowly. Yes, it would cost everything she had, but wasn’t He worth it?

.                            .                            .                            .                  .

          The room was filled with talking and laughter as Jesus and His disciples enjoyed a meal with Lazarus. Martha was the perfect hostess, graciously serving the men under her roof. No, not out of duty or frustration any longer.

          Mary peeked out from the kitchen to watch her sister. Rosy cheeks, bright eyes, stray curls clinging to her wet face, and a big smile. No, Martha had changed. She now served out of love and with joy. Jesus had changed her, Mary thought.

          And then there was her brother, Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. How joyful he looks, Mary thought, reclining there with his friends; enjoying a meal with them.

          Mary no longer questioned whether or not Jesus was the Messiah. The Son of God. Martha’s change of attitude, heart, and behavior, and Lazarus’ resurrection from the dead could be explained in no other way. Jesus truly was the Son of God. Mary looked down at the little alabaster box she held in her hand. Jesus is worthy of it all and more, she thought, glancing up.

          Jesus glanced up from the plate of food Martha had served Him. His eyes met Mary’s, as she lingered behind the kitchen wall. He smiled at her. He seemed to be inviting her to come closer.

          Suddenly, a boldness like Mary had never know welled up within her. She could not hand back any more. She could not hid any longer. Bursting into tears, she ran out to where Jesus was sitting. Kneeling before Him, she opened the alabaster box of costly spikenard and poured it all on the feet of her Master—the One who had loved her first.

          “What’s the smell?” Lazarus wondered.

          Judas Iscariot scowled in displeasure. “Look at this Mary, wasting this precious ointment. It could have been sold and the money given to the poor!”

          “Oh, Mary. That’ll do. Come now,” Martha hissed into Mary’s ear as she began wiping His feet with her hair.

          Leave her alone!” Jesus commanded, looking at Martha and Judas. “The poor will always be with you, but I will not. Mary knows this, and this ointment she had poured on my body is for my burial. Therefore, let her be.”

          Mary glanced up and met Jesus’ gaze at He looked down at her. It had cost her everything she had, but that didn’t matter. She would gladly give up anything and everything for Him—laying it all down at His feet–, including a little alabaster box.

Written By: Allison Parker

May 26, 2008

The sun shone warmly on the green hills that were dotted with shepherds and sheep. The little faces of the flowers tilted toward the sun as they tried to soak in all the light and warmth they could. Birds could be heard calling one to another from the few trees that provided a little shade on those hills. Above all of these, came the musical laughter of a young woman as she merrily chased a butterfly.

          The wind teased her long, brown curls, which had been freed from their captivity from underneath a head covering. The sunlight made her deep brown eyes sparkle. With hands outstretched, she laughingly ran after the fleeing butterfly.

          “Fine. Have it your way,” she said with a tease as the butterfly flew up, up, and away. Sinking down onto the grass underneath the partial shade of one of the lonely trees, she leaned her back against the tree. Closing her eyes, she drew in a deep breath as the breeze danced across her face. Ahhh. . . it’s so peaceful here, she thought.

.                            .                            .                            .                  .

          “Mary! Where have you been all this time?” Martha snapped as Mary arrived flushed, wind-blown, and out of breath in the kitchen.

          Looking over her shoulder with a bright smile Mary replied as she finished washing her hands, “Out chasing a butterfly.”

          The look on Martha’s face was one of annoyance and exasperation. “Well, hurry up!” she finally snapped. “Jesus and His disciples decided to drop by for a visit. I have no idea how long they’ll be staying. There’s still so much work to be done,” Martha moaned. Looking Mary straight in the eye, she said, “I expect you to help,” as she shoved a water jug into Mary’s arms and glided out of the room.

          Mary sighed wistfully and hurried out of the kitchen. Their guests were arriving, and Martha expected her to help serve them.

.                            .                            .                            .                  .

          Buried underneath cloaks and backpacks, Mary quietly watched the men trample into her sister’s neat and orderly home. Some of the man were rather loud as they joked between themselves. Others were more quiet. One man in particular seemed to be taking notice of the little things in the home. There was something of a different air about this man. Mary watched Him intently. Oh, she knew that Jesus was a great teacher, but could He be the Messiah? Could it be the Son of God who was admiring the tapestry she had woven?

          Suddenly, Jesus turned from admiring the tapestry. His eyes met hers, and He smiled warmly at her. Embarrassed, Mary quickly lowered her gaze and head and hurried to drop the men’s things in the spare bedroom.

          In the darkness, Mary drew in a deep breath. Her heart still hammered away inside her chest. She closed her eyes and drew in another deep breath. His eyes had met hers, and them seemed to be filled with love and compassion. He had smiled at her. What was it all supposed to mean? Mary wondered.

          “Mary!” Martha snapped in a hushed whisper, bringing Mary out of her reverie. “What are you doing?”

          “I. . . uhh. . .” Mary stammered.

          “Oh, never mind,” Martha hissed. “Get your water jug and pour water for the men to wash their feet. Be quick about it!”

.                            .                            .                            .                  .

          Mary heard Jesus teaching. His voice was so powerful. He spoke with such authority. Quietly, Mary picked up her empty water jug. Hugging it close, she leaned her head back against the wall. Closing her eyes for a moment, she listened to the words of this great teacher. Could He really be the Son of God?

          Mary peaked around the corner into the living room. There sat Jesus teaching His disciples. Servants scurried about the room pouring wine to drink and water with which to wash dusty feet. Mary knew that she should be helping, but she just couldn’t bring herself move. . . except closer.

          Quietly, she slipped around the corner and along the back wall of the living room. Jesus glanced up at her. Once again, His eyes met hers—but only for an instant. Oh how His gaze penetrated her very being. His eyes—and words—seemed to be calling her—calling her to come yet closer still.

          Setting her pitcher down on the floor, Mary took a few steps closer to Jesus. Her eyes were locked on Him. Her ears tuned out everything else except His voice. One step at a time she came—closer and closer.

          By now, some of the disciples began noticing what she was doing. Some cleared their throats. Some looked at her strangely. Once again, Jesus looked at her and smiled. Literally running, she flew across the room and sat at His feet drinking in every word He said.

          It didn’t matter that she might be misunderstood. It didn’t matter how strangely the disciples looked at her. And somewhere in the distance, she heard her name being called. Yet all of it—everything—was drowned out by the call of her Master. The call to come and the call to listen.

          And both she did.

Written By: Allison Parker

May 24, 2008

“The Bible describes us as the fragrance of Christ(1 Cor. 2:15) and as shining stars in the universe(Phil 2:15). Wow! When people think of you, of your life, when you enter a room ~ would either of these pictures come to mind? Do you refresh those around you with the sweetness of ‘Christ in you, the hope of glory?’ Do you shine and radiate for Him in such a way that others are drawn to desire more of Him themselves?”

~ His Chosen Bride by Jennifer Lamp, pg. 17

Note: As I prepare for graduation next week, and get ready to leave for the mission’s trip in a couple of weeks, I’ll probably be posting more quotes than articles I have written. Hopefully after the mission’s trip I’ll be able to post more of my articles. Thanks for understanding!

“Yet as Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.’  We can choose to bring sunshine or rain by our attitude and disposition. As Christians, we have a joyful task of bringing sunshine in a way that can brighten even the most difficult days!

“Certainly there may be times when we struggle to be willing, but even then, we can choose to have a joyful spirit…Our emotions may not be in line initially, but they will follow our outward actions. Ask God to give you a joyful willing spirit, then go at your task with a smile while you wait for your heart to catch up!”

~ His Chosen Bride by Jennifer Lamp, pg. 67

 There is a difference…

Thoughts on Biblical womanhood and the mature gal

For years we have debated the function, role, freedoms, and restrictions of womanhood. In recent years the discussion has turned to a more common element of the twenty-first century—that of singleness. Gals used to get married at a much younger age, but what do we tell them

now

We live in a confused yet extremely opinionated society. Some say that single women should be content to help and support their mothers in the home. Some individuals say women should pursue an education and career. Still more say that women should be involved in fulltime ministry. Is there room for a little balance? Is it really

this vs. that

It seems that everyone around has a viewpoint on the matter at hand.

So many people try to fold up, squash, and squeeze single gals into the hope chest of the married woman. No matter which way you look at it, there IS a difference: There is a difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband— 1 Corinthians 7:34

In fact we are kind of a group in and of ourselves—We don’t mesh with teeny-boppers, we don’t mesh with married women, we don’t mesh with their children. We aren’t guy-giddy, crush prone, or up on the high school fads. We can’t share our husband’s recent successes. We can’t swap parenting tips or stories of first steps or first teeth. We can’t fully identify ourselves with those that already have what we want.

The truth of the matter is this: singleness can be hard.

Behind the Smiling Face of a Single Gal

Singleness for the younger gal is tolerable because she can cling to the hope of the future—that one day her prince

will come. Days turn into nights and nights into years; that “younger gal” grows into who we are today. Our hope begins to wane and we begin to realize that we just might be single for a while longer… or worse yet, forever. Why? Why does God choose to grant the desires of one woman’s heart yet leave the rest of us hanging and single?

In actuality we have never been “for sale” as our enemy would wish us to believe.

We are a one-of-a-kind collector’s item carefully case locked, valuable, too priceless to be on display, or even to be sold. Instead, we will be given away to the right person when the time is right. A guy, the right guy will have to actually know what he is looking for and ask for it specifically. Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies—Proverbs 31:10.

Believe it or not, singleness is all part of a grander plan!

More than anything, we must come to realize that God has chosen, for this season of our lives, to bless us with the gift of singleness. We didn’t do anything wrong. We are not being punished. He DOES know what He’s doing—we’re talking about the God that is …able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think—Ephesians 3:20. So l

We can

exchange our woe-is-me attitudes for a wooo-hooo attitude as we learn to bask moment-by-moment in the glory and wondrous power of the present! This is where loneliness ends and new life begins. Our true Source of fulfillment is found in the love and life of the Lord Jesus Christ. For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is His name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall He be called. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy… rest in His love— Isaiah 54:5; Zephaniah 3:17.

So what is the role of a modern-day, single, Christian gal?

Honestly, there is no cut and dry answer. It’s individual. It’s personal. It’s unique for each gal. It’s God-given. We must not put God in a box by limiting where He can and can’t work. God has strategically orchestrated the people, events, circumstances… everything so that we can fulfill a grander plan and purpose.

The Abundant Life

As God calls and equips a gal, He provides the perfect avenue for her to accomplish His calling. For one single gal, it may be in the home, for another it may be somewhere else. Who is to say it’s a one size fits all, squash you in the box method? It’s not about WHERE we are located geographically. Rather, it’s all about WHAT God has called us to do, specifically and individually. If someone is grudgingly serving at home with no understanding of how her tasks fit into God’s magnificent plans, she will waste away and live a “run of the mill” life. The same is true of a gal that serves in a ministry or works on the career field. If a young lady doesn’t know

who she is in Christ, what He has called her to do, who He has called her to serve, and where

So

start living or these precious years will pass you by! Live like you mean it! Use your single years as a launching pad for the rest of your life! Live with complete abandonment to this short season that the Lord has placed you in. In the words of Jim Elliot, “Live to the hilt

Here are some points to ponder as you seek to maximize your youth and single years:

What is the biggest need that I see in society?

What group of people is God calling me to serve, influence, and encourage?

To what specific needs do I tend to respond, and how do I tend to respond?

What means, methods, life interests, ministry, or vocation will I use to reach this group?

What is the message God has given me, and how will I share it with others?

service, ministry, and delight?

What significant, world-changing result might happen as I implement this purpose?

Written By: Gina C. Robertson

| PO Box 404 Bulverde, TX | www.woodylovesgina.com 

Living Happily Ever After

a girl’s story of finding true love

We’ve heard the tales before, those dreamy stories of Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty—all individuals who lived in a fairytale world. Their stories are enough to make us gals want to snuggle down under a warm blanket as the plot unfolds, revealing rising tension, climactic moments, and the resolution of the story. There is something in these accounts that tugs at our heartstrings, something that stirs up deeper longings lying beneath the surface of ourhearts.

Searching for a Happy Ending

Remember Cinderella—the gal with the wicked stepmother and cruel stepsisters? She encounters extremely difficult times when her father dies and she becomes a slave under her own roof. With each day’s trials, Cinderella handles everything with patience and strength of character that can only leave a young listener flabbergasted! One day she meets a prince, and through a series of events, they fall in love. On their wedding day, just as they climb into the carriage to begin their life together, one of the jealous stepsisters shoots the prince with an arrow. He dies on the spot. That’s how the story goes, right? Absolutely NOT! We all know Cinderella and her unnamed price climbed into the carriage and rode away into the sunset completely enthralled with each other… and they lived happily ever after!

Happy endings are programmed into all of us—it’s something that we long for and love.

my story. I wanted to hear those musical words of “happily ever after” pronounced for myself. Then it hit me—an inward struggle that led me to discover the Lover of my Soul, Jesus.

Battling with Doubts and Distractions

As an older single gal, I had dedicated my youth to whole-hearted service for the Lord. I knew my mission in life, and I was busy pursuing it! All my life I had passionately served without thought to my own prince. I had made a commitment to “courtship”—to waiting on God to bring the right man into my life in His timing, and I had never struggled with my commitment—that is, until now!

Suddenly I realized that no one had ever technically asked me out…asked for my number…pursued me…or anything! Did I have a third eye on my forehead that someone forgot to tell me about? Was I so incredibly unattractive that no one would even consider me? Was there some kind of fine print on that courtship commitment sheet that I forgot to read over? Why was I waiting? Was it even worth it?

Did I really trust the Lord? Honestly, no. I was afraid that He would call me to a life of singleness—or worse, give me the “leftovers” kind of guy at age 47. You know, the guy who doesn’t have a personality, terrible fashion sense, no money, an ugly car, lives in a shack, and possesses no romance or leadershipability. Did I trust the Lord? Um, it was getting harder.

A longing for the temporal slowly crept into my heart. The world really looked like they were having a blast. I shamefully admit that I wanted the momentary pleasures of this world without considering the side affects or consequences. Questions clouded my mind: Could the Lord really supply all of my needs? Did the Lord even know that I existed? Yes, life is supposed to be about serving the Lord…but what about me and my heart?

I was missing out on the now and becoming miserable in the process!

There is no question as to if He loves me or if He doesn’t love me. He does love me, and He knows what is best for my life! As I realized these things, I began to see a few truths from a different perspective.

A girl naturally longs to be pursued, loved, and cherished. Because of this, I began to recognize how the Lord Jesus Christ continually pursues my heart and demonstrates His unfailing, genuine love for me. In a day and age when counterfeit love is everywhere, only He can satisfy my deepest longings. 

! If I can’t be content with the love of Jesus now, with my current circumstances and current setting in history, nothing will ever satisfy me.

So Who is this Lover of my soul?

On a really bad day, He spreads a rainbow across the sky. (See Genesis 9:13.)

He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. (See Psalm 50:10.)

He stores all of my tears in a bottle. (See Psalm 56:8.)

He knows the names of the stars. (See Psalm 147:4.)

He loves me with an everlasting love. (See Jeremiah 31:3.)

He causes the sun to rise. (See Matthew 5:45.)

He clothes the lilies of the field. (See Matthew 6:28–30.)

He knows the state of the birds of the air—He feeds them (see Matthew 6:26) and He

knows when they fall to the ground. (See Matthew 10:29.)

He knows the number of hairs on my head. (See Matthew 10:30.)

He desires to be my first love. (See Revelation 2:4.)

What guy on earth can do that for me!? What guy on this earth can do that for you!? Sometimes a gal puts her life on hold, waiting for a knight in shining armor to ride into her life on a white stallion, while most guys are just looking for a suit of armor and white horse!

Life is now—this is the abundant life!

the life God created you to live. He offers to come as the Hero of your story, to rescue your heart, and to release you to live a fully alive, maximized life. Bask in His presence. Experience His saving grace. The Lord your God delights in you! Your First Love is busy preparing a place for you—a castle in the sky. (See John 14:2.) He is the Conquering Hero. He is our Prince. He loves with an “everlasting love” (see Jeremiah 31:3) and reigns supreme over the entire world. He is coming to get us… and He will be riding on a white horse! (See Revelation 19:11.) And you guessed it…

we will live happily ever after!

Written By: Gina C. Robertson

                                           | PO Box 404, Bulverde TX 78163 |www.woodylovesgina.com

A Different Solution:

“Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:13-14). Jesus’ solution is that we take one drink and be satisfied.

A Contradicting Statment?

When I first read this, there seemed to a contridicting statment, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst…” I though, Lord, that doesn’t make seem true. I’m still thirsty. Then it hit me: “…whosoever DRINKETH…”

Drinking His Water:

The next question that popped into my mind was, “Allison, have you been drinking, or have you just been skipping along your merry little way?” *ouch* So I ask you, have you been continually drawing like the Samaritan woman–always drawing but never satisfied–, or have you stopped drawing in your own strength, looking to the One who can quench ever thirst in your soul? Are you continually drawing or continually drinking?

An Invitation:

If you are reading this and you have never trusted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, you can’t drink. You have not yet tapped into the Fountain of Living Water. You are continually drawing, but never drinking. If you would like to invite Him into your heart so you can begin drinking, contact me, or read more here.

I hope that each one of you will continually drink and be satisfied in Him!

Written By: Allison Parker

May 14, 2008

“Then cometh he[Jesus] to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob have to his son Joseph. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water…Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:5-7a, 13-14, emphasize mine).

Coming to Draw Water:

Most of you know this story well. I know this story well, but today I saw a couple things I hadn’t noticed before in all the times I’ve read it. This Samaritan woman had had five husbands, and she was currently living with a man who wasn’t her husband. Look closely at what verse 7 says. “There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water…” Why would she be coming to draw water? Duh! She was thirsty; she needed something to quench her thirst.

What About You:

What about you? Are you thirsty today? Are you coming to draw water to quench your thirst for love? Are you coming back to draw another bucket because the other one left you thirsty? If you are hopping from one guy to the next–whether physically or mentally–, you keep coming back to drink from the well. You have a deep thirst, but you’re trying to quench it the wrong way. I ask you today, are you like the Samaritan woman who kept coming back to the well to try and quench her own thirst?

Written By: Allison Parker

May 13, 2008

A marathon runner was making her way through a beautiful city. The course was laid out before her, and people looked on from all around. Some cheered, others gave water, a few simply watched, amazed at the determined strength of this woman of endurance. But suddenly she made a turn to her left. The crowd watched in silence, perplexed. She ran inot an ice cream palor, “just for a small scoop,” she said. The workers inside were certainly surprised, but they scooped up her favorite and quickly sent her on her way. She had never tasted anything so divine, and though it seemed to tire her a little, she felt delighted by this little treat. When she came to the next city, she diverted once again. This time to a bookstore. “Do you have any books on ice cream?” she panted, catching her breath. The manager assisted her and after paying, she headed back out for the race. Her coaches were shocked, disappointed, and with good reason. They had poured everything they had into her, but was letting it all slip away.

She began to readas she ran. Her coaches exhorted her otherwise, but she insisted she could ran just as well, in fact, reading took her mind off the pain in her legs~she could run even better she thought. But then, as her eyes delighted in the description of double dutch fudge, she failed to see the swollen crack in the sidewalk as it caught her toe, sending her stumbling to the ground. “Ouch!” she cried. The pain felt intense. They bandaged her up as she rested, the hobbled to her feet once again and started back down the road. But her knee hurt now and she felt the pain anew with each step she took. “Maybe if I had some more ice cream, that would help me forget this pain.” She thought, “but this time I”ll try a different flavor.” So this continued until the end of the race. When she finally reached the finish line, she was surprised there was no one to greet her. There were no newspaper reporters to take her picture, or children  who had promised to cheer her across. They had gone home long ago. And she was along to realize that though she had managed to cross the finish line, there was no gold medal for her, only coached who were brokenhearted over her preformace in the race.

As I look back on my life, I’m sorry I can only too well identify wit her. Perhapes you can too. We so easily allow our thoughts and emotions to be caught up in various “knights,” using our timeto dream what could be, rather than concentrating on what is. Our runner failed, not because ice cream is always a bad thing, but because she allowed herself to be so caught up in it while she had a higher goal to reach. She did not fail because the thought of ice cream sprinted through her mind once or twice, she failed because she allowed herself to seek its distraction, drawing her away from all she had worked so hard for. Similarily, this divided emotional focus causes us to lose effectiveness in our race. Tomorrow’s hopes fog our attention for today. God gave our hearts the wonderful ability to be consumed in this direction because He desires that we be joyfully commited in marriage. Yet this same drice tries to consume us now, competing for so much of our attention. We stumble as a result  and hearts get bruised in the process. 1 Corinthians 7 issues a challenge to us all: “…The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit…”

~ His Chosen Bride by Jennifer Lamp, pgs. 45-47