Hosanna Emily's Blog, page 5
June 1, 2022
What Sewing Taught Me About Perseverance
Hello again, Friend! I'm here with a new post: a story + an urge for you, Dear Reader.
Sometimes I enjoy sewing. At least, at the beginning of yesterday I did. I rummaged through our closet to find the heavy, pink sewing machine and pulled it out, set up my projects, and prepared to run them through the machine!
But first, my toddler sister and I paused and asked the Lord to help the machine work and enable us to finish the project successfully.
I replaced the needle I broke last time (*covers face*) and began!
After a few minutes, it was a mini disaster. The thread kept knotting, and I cut it and restarted again and again. Then I even took apart the entire machine (at least twice), cleaned it, and it still knotted.
My sister watched. When it messed up yet again, her lips turned downward. "I'm sorry." She gave me a genuine hug.
But she also thought and looked at me as it seemed our prayer didn't work. "Maybe," she said, just honest, "Maybe God doesn't love us this time."
We stopped right there as I explained that prayer doesn't work that way. God loves us so much even in hard things, and often, those hard things are for good in the end; He has a purpose.
But isn't it a lie we might secretly wonder?
In those mundane moments of life, or when things are going wrong, there's that nagging thought that prayer isn't working or maybe God doesn't love us this time. Maybe if we disobey one too many times He will give up on us. Maybe we’re not doing something right.
I stood by that machine, ready to shove it back into the closet and forget the project altogether. I didn't. The machine began to run (I seriously have no idea how), and I broke the needle again. *giggle* I kept going, and somehow, the next day, I have those same projects on my desk, sewn and nearly completed.
And I can say, I'm glad it didn't work perfectly the first time.
I'm glad I had to learn patience and perseverance.
I'm glad I got to keep praising God when things went "wrong."
These projects were fought for. What should have taken 30 minutes instead took two hours, but He showed me a tiny piece of His heart; He completely, 100% answered the prayer I prayed at the beginning.
But friend, sometimes we have to fight for perseverance.
Keep going. Keep believing. Keep praying.
Keep loving that person that shows no fruit. Keep pursuing Jesus when the enemy attacks you with lies or reveals your inadequacies. Keep searching the Scriptures even if it’s hard. Keep praying when you don't see an answer.
The Truth?
Because of Jesus, we can have peace with God, and there is no condemnation.
Not works. Not us. All Jesus’ incredible grace.
What’s awesome is that He chose every believer before the foundation of the world—that means it’s not based off our attempts right now; justification is something He does in us, not us for Him!! (Read Ephesians 1:4 and Romans 8:29-35!)
So dear brother or sister, I challenge you to persevere and keep the loyalty. Discovering Jesus is a treasure worth giving everything for.
Lies are what the enemy attacked us with in the beginning (read Genesis 3!), and he is still attacking us today. So I'm fighting for Truth. I'm digging in the Scripture and basing my life off those words. I'm seeking and praying to replace thoughts in my head that aren't from the Lord with ones of praise, humility, and the love relationship Jesus and I have.
Fight on, friend.
I thought this would make me finally stop enjoying sewing, but who knows? In a few weeks, I'll probably get a hankering for some needle excitement again. *wink* But for now, I'm sewing on buttons, snipping off string, and ready to package them as gifts. I'm glad I didn't give up, because it was worth it, like how Jesus is worth it.
...knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
~♥~
May 24, 2022
What if Life Moments are Sacred?
Hello! It's been a bit since I hopped on here; I've missed you, Friend. *hugs* Let's catch up in the comments!
How can I describe several months in a sentence?
Oh, God has been good. And faithful. And not just because good things have happened, He just IS good. In big moments and small ones, victories and in the "middles" of life that involve working and pressing on and being faithful. Today I read this verse and loved it:
To those who, by keeping to what is right, continually set their hearts on these—glory and honor and immortality—He will grant life in the age to come.
- Romans 2:7
Oh, may that be me, us! May we be found keeping to what is right. Continually setting our hearts on God. Press on, Friend.
I can't describe the last few months in a sentence, but I do wanna share a special moment here. And who knows? Maybe there'll be more fun posts soon. ;)
A few weeks ago, I sat on one of those big, wooden spool thingies (what are they even called?) in the middle of our forest clearing. I pulled my feet close to my body. Half-wilted flowers lay around my toes, smudges of frosting, and they were the remnant of a wedding.
And when I lifted my chin, I saw a wedding arch above spring grass, and I wondered.
What if life moments are sacred?
Because earlier, my brother made a vow to a lovely woman who returned the promises, and somehow, God was there. There was a wedding with flower crowns and photos, dear friends and good food. The couple committed their lives together and drove away on their honeymoon.
But when it was over, I still sat in the clearing with tears and wondered how ordinary moments can become sacred.
I wonder if those type of moments are all around me.
What if right now, right where you are, God is waiting to make this moment more? What if there's beauty beyond the four walls or job schedule or ordinary tasks waiting to be completed?
What if I looked deep into the eyes of people around me and remembered: they're made in His image?
What if I paused and realized that right now the Holy Spirit is literally in this room? If I saw that He is always at work around me?
Because the wedding didn't feel different. I cut tomatoes and carried a tier of the cake down the hill, panting (it was heavy). I curled little girls' hair and ran around in my yellow Crocs. It was ordinary. And yet, it was sacred.
I sat pondering, and I cried too. My brother was gone, and it wasn't bad, but it was different. It made me think of Jesus.
I miss Jesus. I wish He was here. I wondered why He had to go away and sometimes asked how this promise was true:
Yet I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I am leaving. If I don’t leave, you see, the Helper will not come to you. If I go, however, I will send Him to you.
- John 16:7
That's why ordinary moments can be sacred: because there's this Helper who is living inside me and every person who puts their faith in Him. He transforms life.
Looking back on this year, that's what I yearn for: Jesus will return, and we'll have a glorious wedding one day. But today - right now - we have His Spirit in us. He answers prayer. He works around us. He connects His people in ways too wonderful to describe.
And He is in this simple life moment. That makes it sacred.
I pray God opens my eyes.
Lord, please help me fight these distractions that pull my vision down to this earth, let me see the way You do. Let me look for sacred moments. Let me look in the eyes of beautiful people around me and be blown away by the You in this world that's home for now.
Now, the “sting” that leads to death is sin, and sin’s severity and intensity turn on the Law. Yet thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus the Messiah!
So then, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, excelling in the Lord’s work always, knowing that your hard work and difficulties aren’t for nothing in union with the Lord.
~♥~
December 23, 2021
How the Christmas Story Points to a Kingdom
Once upon a time, there was a King.
Sometimes His people humbly gave the King their simple hearts. Those days were glorious ones, with festivals of remembrance and times of peace, the towering House they built Him of gold and precious stones and acacia wood or cedar and cypress.
But often, they forgot or just didn't care. That's when the King prodded them back. He did whatever it took to draw His people back to their loyalty. Enemies attacked, the land was barren. Thus, heroes ensued, heroes like Esther and Nehemiah and Daniel, who stood up for the King's people, who gathered them back to His land, and who offered the King's promises in the thick of exile.
One hero heard a whisper from the King, and it was a promise:
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting"
Therefore He shall give them up, Until the time that she who is in labor has given birth; Then the remnant of His brethren Shall return to the children of Israel. And He shall stand and feed His flock In the strength of the LORD, In the majesty of the name of the LORD His God; And they shall abide, For now He shall be great To the ends of the earth; And this One shall be peace.
And when the days grew long and the years felt endless, those people held onto the promises: this time of waiting and hurting won't last forever, for one day a birth would beget a King.
So they waited.
And the King did come. Amidst the prayers of countless, a decree went forth that the world should be registered, and the King answered His promise by using a young couple in the exact city He promised.
A Baby was born. And somehow that helpless Child was the King's Son who humbled Himself to enter the world.
Not as a King, welcomed by servants and armies with the majestic palace He deserved.
He was born in a barn, and His entourage was shepherds who literally lived in the fields.
Christmas morning, an awesome humility and the craziness that the Maker of all allowed Himself to become like us, to live life. He was the literal King of the Jews.
And yet His people, instead of lauding Him, treated Him with contempt. After a life of danger and people twisting His words and trying to take advantage of Him, He went further to give His own life breath into their hands and died a most terrible death. Because if He didn't, how could those sin-torn people ever come in the presence of the holy King without dying in His presence?
This was humility.
And yet the King’s Son was more powerful than death, and He defeated it the first time, promising that the enemy of death would one day be destroyed forever. Then He left for a time.
The King was gone, but His Helper remained in the land.
But remember the hero's promise? It wasn't complete. Because the King's people were still scattered abroad, and where was peace and this strength that was promised?
Another birth was needed. And the entire world felt it. It groaned and labored with birth pangs. Again, The King's people had to wait, to be loyal, until the Day arrived wherein the promise would be fulfilled.
Seasons passed. The Helper was faithful, and the King's message was spread across the world to foreign nations; children were adopted into His family, waiting.
And they still are.
But one day, the promise will be fulfilled.
This labor will be completed, and the King's Son will return a second time, with majesty and power. Evil will be judged, peace spread across the world that will be refined and made new.
Instead of shepherds, the armies in heaven will follow Jesus on white horses when He returns. He will come as King, as Ruler, and His government and peace shall know no end.
So they wait. We wait. And one day soon, the King will come and judge and make war. Then all will be new, and we will be with Him forever.
And that's the beauty of Christmas.
Christmas was Jesus' first coming, the humble birth of a God who deserved to come in power. What a day to celebrate and rejoice over and spread His good, wonderful news!
And yet, another Day is coming. It's a fearful, glorious Day of hope and judgement and newness. So we must live waiting in loyalty to our Father in Heaven that we may be counted worthy when He returns.
That's what I pray for this Christmas, how I ask my Father to work in my heart and in yours. (and it’s what I fangirl over too, get excited about!)
Merry Christmas to you, dear Friend! I hope it’s full of traditions and fun and joy and wonder! And may it be a day of celebrating the humility of Jesus and the glory to come! ♥
*hugs*
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Price of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His Kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgement and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
- Isaiah 9:6-7
~♥~
December 1, 2021
Author Interview || by Cherith Brook
Hello Friend!
*hugs*
Happy beginning of December! It's a quiet, ashy-grey day here as I rest before going to work, plugging those Christmas lights in, and going full speed ahead as I sign up students, check out customers, clean, do computer work, and all those fun things that come with working at a music store.
I'm already excited. *grin*
But before all that, I have a little treat for you!
My friend Cherith Brook hosted an author interview for me on her blog!
She asked great questions. If you ever wanted to know what my favorite books are, what my least favorite parts of being an author is, or what a typical writing session looks like, here you go!
And make sure to enjoy her other posts and get to know Cherith! She's a beautiful lady and sister in Christ I've been blessed to talk with, and I think you'll enjoy her bookish posts. *wink*
Click the image below to visit Cherith's blog and watch the interview!
Maybe this December is going to be hard for you. Or maybe you're already celebrating!
But may this beginning to December be blessed, my Friend. May it be full of Jesus' shalom. Because He is so, so good and worthy of praise! And that Hope you can have in Jesus - it's absolutely amazing.
(psst - want a challenge for December? Click Here to join me and some family + friends in memorizing Luke 2 this month!)
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
~♥~
Author Interview | by Cherith Brook
Hello Friend!
*hugs*
Happy beginning of December! It's a quiet, ashy-grey day here as I rest before going to work, plugging those Christmas lights in, and going full speed ahead as I sign up students, check out customers, clean, do computer work, and all those fun things that come with working at a music store.
I'm already excited. *grin*
But before all that, I have a little treat for you!
My friend Cherith Brook hosted an author interview for me on her blog!
She asked great questions. If you ever wanted to know what my favorite books are, what my least favorite parts of being an author is, or what a typical writing session looks like, here you go!
And make sure to enjoy her other posts and get to know Cherith! She's a beautiful lady and sister in Christ I've been blessed to talk with, and I think you'll enjoy her bookish posts. *wink*
Click the image below to visit Cherith's blog and watch the interview!
Maybe this December is going to be hard for you. Or maybe you're already celebrating!
But may this beginning to December be blessed, my Friend. May it be full of Jesus' shalom. Because He is so, so good and worthy of praise! And that Hope you can have in Jesus - it's absolutely amazing.
(psst - want a challenge for December? Click Here to join me and some family + friends in memorizing Luke 2 this month!)
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
~♥~
November 24, 2021
Dear beautiful Virginia || poems and pictures
// dear beautiful Virginia,I explored your land and flora weeks agoand sometimes, I miss it:the mountains, the water, the way the two merge in fog,sunrises dancing on rippled wavesbefore boats wake to slice the surface.so quiet, those mornings;seconds before siblings rouse the house in noisy tiptoes.oh yes, I miss that
dear beautiful Virginia,in you are glimpses of worship -worship in every wave and higher:in those mountain tops, Appalachian Trailwhere the trees merge in wide viewsto climbing green peeks.explorers trek those hilly pathsand we gave up after bare milesbut in the depths, unknown world, where birds praiseworship is there.
dear beautiful Virginia,
how busy we get
as you rest ever since the world was spoken to life.
us running, walking, living, driving, going;
my time in you had those too -
like drives through your twisty roads, stomach flipping -
times I forgot to worship.
and that's one reason I praise:
because we're offered mercy again
and again.
like waves hitting a shore foreveror deer on golfing green every time I look:my Father never gives up.
dear beautiful Virginia,we crept from your lakes and mountains to your citysideand there were glimpses of worship there too.stories hid in old, brick buildingsand railroads transformed into parks -and there were beautiful people:a homeless man who took our picture,two strangers who met my gaze for a second,and so many others as we sat to eat.I imagined my Father's Kingdom,that Marriage Supper.I see glimpses of it, even hereand wonder if it's worship.
dear beautiful Virginia,nearby, one of my favorite aspects: your historythose stories, worship too.in Appomattox where a war was endedpapers signed, release forms printed.and I stood where two armies once aligned,where the last man died, others met face to faceand one side put down their weapons, bravethe others accepted them as brothers,cheered them on.
I wonder if my Father smiled,if He rejoiced in the humility, the forgiveness, the chivalryand cried with them too.
dear beautiful Virginia,as the sun sets here in my home state againI remember, and I do miss youbut there's no place like home.not just herein this room I call mine -but Home.where I can be with Jesus.
He was with me when I visited you:in lovely overlooks and setting sunbut also in fearsdistractionsmistakes.
I praised in those, and I still do.I praise for Home.His Kingdom is comingand He will make all things new.so farewell Virginia,I'm going Home. //
happy Thanksgiving,
dear friend!
*hugs*
I wanna be next to YouI wanna be one with Your spirit, JesusTeach me to abide in YouTo hear Your voice all around meYour voice all around me- Abide by Kingdom Culture Worship
But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.
~♥~
September 21, 2021
Music Album Release || Man in White
Hello Friend,
Happy last day of summer! *hugs*
I'm popping on here today to share a new favorite music album that was just released! *claps*
// MAN IN WHITE //
If you're wanting music to start the fall focused on Jesus, on looking forward to our future Hope, on the awesomeness of our God, and the Kingdom He is creating, this is for you.
((and epic instruments and vocals and all the feels too))
I've been so enjoying the songs by Faith Warrior Films ! They encourage me to dream - to look forward to Jesus' return and be found faithful as we wait, longing.
I hope it brightens your start to fall and reminds you of the Hope we live for!
Scroll down for beautiful lyrics, then click the album cover to listen for yourself!
Majestic in all Your ways, The brightness of Your own expression Coming in the clouds (with glory and power) But right now You are sitting on Your throne (beside your Father) Waiting for Your time Yeah you are waiting for Your time
In this age of darkness, the light that we can see Is Your coming and Your Kingdom, we wait for patiently When every sinful action and every evil scheme Is shattered and broken before the King of kings
And oh, we long for You, long for You
Man in white, You are royalty, royalty Man in white, I give my loyalty, loyalty Man in white, You are coming soon, coming soon Man in white, I live my life for you, life for you
// Your turn! What songs have been pointing you to Jesus? And Happy Fall! How are you celebrating? How are you hoping to spend this new season for the coming Kingdom?
Let's chat below!
...they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
September 11, 2021
The Torch Keepers || the Home
((giveaway winners announced below!))
"My child." He blinked several times, and his eyes glistened. "I have come to take you home."
"Home?" My shoulders fell, and I felt the heat of the scar that stained my skin. If only I could hide it, could keep him from seeing the twisted mark.
He pushed back the hair hanging around my face. "Come, child. I have searched the kingdom these years and found you. Come home with me..."
My lips quivered. "I don't want to go back..."
Father didn't speak. His fingers squeezed my hand tighter.
I spat out the words. "I have purpose here. I have friends. I won't live under the King's overruling ways that limit me to be nice and good like everyone else. Sometimes we're not perfect!"
"My child, I never asked you to be."
I jerked away from him. Inhaling, I caught myself from stumbling backwards, forced my face to hold together.
"I don't ask you to be perfect." The light reflecting on his face burned mine as his eyes searched deep. His voice lowered to a whisper like a breeze through the mountain trees--the trees I missed. "I ask you to come home."
// chapter 23
The Bible is all about Home, and I love that! It begins in a garden home, and when that reality is ruined by human mistakes, He promises a forever Home to His people, Israel. (Gen. 12)
They enter their land, leave, enter, leave. Sometimes, when they're in that chosen land, there are invaders that dictate their lives. Other times, they're dragged away into foreign lands, their nation destroyed. And it's because of their unfaithfulness, their willful hearts.
Yet God's promise remains.
Home.
A physical place where we can be free. Where we can curl up with a blanket and sit in quiet with people we love. Where we can be safe and laugh free and dance or sing sometimes too.
But the best: Home is where our Father is.
The One who loves us forever. Who knows all of us. Who can't wait to hold us and be near us and live with us.
That's home.
I invite you to imagine. Picture your dream house.
Mine would a cabin in a forest glen with wildflowers all around and a creek that you can hear every night as you go to sleep. There'd be a porch with a swing to watch the sky and clouds and fireflies. And inside, I imagine a fireplace and cozy rug.
But I write fantasy, so I have other dreams too. Maybe I could have a huge oak growing in my house, the trunk part of my wall, and there'd be a stream inside too and bunnies that could slip in and out of the house, cuddle at my feet. We could sleep in hammocks and climb trees and ride horses and write stories and have parties and be with Jesus.
The New Earth, that Home Jesus is making for us, it's so much grander than even my dreams. But hey, I'll keep dreaming! Keep imagining. Keep living for that Kingdom and the Father who invites me there.
Not because I'm more faithful or less willful than Israel. My heart mirrors their story. I need a Helper.
And yet, there's this Savior who arose out of Israel to save His people, and He adopts us into that family.
So I embrace what He has done. And I dream of Home, when Israel is restored on that New Earth, and we can be with God, loved.
That's why the story excerpt is one of my favorites! And I challenge you, like Kadira, come home.
Come to the Father's heart. Be with Him. Give yourself to Him.
And let Him take you Home.
Did you know Kadira's name wasn't originally going to be... Kadira?
Yup. In the first short story, she was named Elkira. (ahh, isn't it beautiful?!)
Then readers told me how they remembered her name. "It sounds like Erika!" One said.
Problem: that was not the feel I was going for in a fantastical world of Torch Keepers and flame-wings and armies clashing, loyalties undecided. Erika? Not exactly. Much too modern.
So Kadira was renamed, and I've loved her name ever since. And if you read her story, you'll find out she has another name-change in the text. But that's for you to discover. *wink*
And I'm especially excited if you were one of the winners of the giveaway!
I was thrilled to have a giveaway on here and on my Instagram last week! And now for the winners!
first place:
// Rebekah A
second, third, and forth place:
// Anita S
// Caroline R
// Grace L
Horray!! If you were selected, I'll be contacting you soon about how to claim your prize. Thanks to everyone who celebrated The Torch Keepers' second birthday celebration! May we both live for our Home and the Father who draws us near. *hugs*
“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God."
~♥~
September 8, 2021
The Torch Keepers || the Father
"I--." That burning feeling came into my neck. I swallowed, and tears mixed with the rain. "I miss my daddy."
He rose and pressed me close. "I know. The King gave you a daddy for an important reason." Our gazes joined. "But now he's gone." Father let my feet touch the ground, and he knelt, taking my palm in his. Water trailed down his cheeks into his beard as he kissed the back of my hand. "My child, will you let me take his place?"
I inhaled quickly.
"And until the day when the King brings you and your daddy together again, can I hold you when you cry? Can I dance with you and know your secrets and share my home with you? My child," he said, "I love you."
I cried and let him hug me again. Father took me inside where we curled cross-legged before the fire and drank something warm that made steam in the air. And there, hiding on his lap with his finger caressing my hair, I nodded.
// chapter 9
Something I love about God is that He is a Father.
This almighty God, the Creator, the Sustainer, the One who makes the morning rise every morning without fail for thousands of years, who set the stars in their spinning formations like an unending top, who is the ultimate Judge of the world - somehow, I've been adopted into His family, and He calls me child.
Ooph.
And I'm just like Kadira.
I'm a normal person.
If you got to know me, you'd find out my quirks and weaknesses. I don't like being in big spaces. I stumble over my words, my hair randomly foofs, I'm so selfish inside, and sometimes, life just makes me scared. And I've messed up a lot.
I feel like Kadira: unworthy, broken, and I make a lot of mistakes.
Then, there's this Father. And He changes everything.
Not only does He create a home for us. He commands our hearts to keep beating right now, our blood to keep flowing. He writes life stories, sees the people we were created to be. He gives dreams and talents and excitements.
This Father delights in us. He wants to know us. And when we messed everything up with our own mistakes that separated us from Him, He made a way for us to be reunited with Himself because He made us to be with Him.
That's a life worth living.
And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
He is good and does good.
That's my prayer for The Torch Keepers and the character of Father. May they remind you of the love - in the justness and truth and mercy - of our Father. May it encourage you to sit and get to know Him. To be with Him.
I've always loved the character of Father in the novel. Writing his story was hard, unique, yet beautiful, because it made me ask, what is the Father's heart? What would He do in this situation?
The fictional Father blessed me because it helped me know my Heavenly Father's heart a little deeper.
And I challenge you to be still and get to know your Father. To sing or walk or read or talk with Him and just let your heart be open and vulnerable. Let Him change you, convict you. Curl up, like Kadira, on your Father's lap, drink something warm and steamy and autumn-ish, and give Him permission to know you in your strengths and talents and humanness and quirks and weaknesses.
You have a Father.
And He invites you to be with Him.
Dearest Father Closest Friend Most beautiful
One thing I desire Only this I seek Just to dwell, dwell, dwell Here forever
// Almost every character in The Torch Keepers has a theme song that represents their character! But after this novel was completed, I realized the book itself has a theme song too.
Can you guess it? If you get it right, you definitely get an award for the most astute reader. *wink* Well, actually, it's not too hard of a guess.
Hint: think themes of Fatherhood
What's your guess? Okay, okay. Here's the song:
The Torch Keepers' theme song //
(psst) I hope you've been encouraged by these bookish-themed posts! If you want to win your own copy of The Torch Keepers, click here to enter a giveaway! It's ending soon!
May this mid-week be blessed and may His face shine upon you; what joy!
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
~♥~
September 3, 2021
The Torch Keepers || the Presence
Hello Friend, and happy beginning of the weekend! *hugs*
I'm here with a continuation of the celebration of The Torch Keepers turning two years old! I hope you enjoy the fun post with an excerpt from the novel, a fun fact, and more.
And you can still enter the giveaway here !
Let's read part of Rekém's story. =)
My knees buried in the ground as I knelt before the flaming tower that separated me from the paradise the King had created. This fire that banished my ancestors from the Oasis when they made a simple mistake.
But I knelt mostly because of the Presence that fell upon me like heavy dew. There was something deeper, a treasure I could feel with the air that brushed the wall of fire. It was a faint scent on the wind, like when I used to run home from the Sea to smell my papa cooking sweet pastries over the fire, just for me. But now, my mouth didn't water. My whole body did. It tightened, squeezed, burned.
Here was something I had searched for so long. In the stillness of this quiet place, there was peace. Harmony.
Peace that ruffled the leaves and needles of the trees. Peace that made the flowers grow. Peace that gave the riverheads their coolness, the sky its intense yet gentle blue color, and my body a strange yet calming quietness.
Peace.
Maybe that was what was wrong. Living in Érkeos, we twisted what was beautiful in the Oasis and turned it into an ugly mess. Our lives were broken, shattered. But we only pressed forward for more, worked for more, when what we really needed was right here: to be still and know. To know, to find this lost harmony.
But how did one find what we lost?
// chapter 28
Do you ever feel like that?
I do.
Sometimes, I thirst so much. It's like I know there's something more in life, and I have that urge, that desire, my whole body watering for a drop of that Presence.
And we work so hard for it. We do so many things. We accomplish. We strive. But it's not enough.
I think of my little sister this morning. She beams at me, smoothing her shirt, and points out how she is wearing my favorite outfit of hers to make me happy. I smile, tell her how pretty she is. She dances away.
But the secret: that little act didn't make me love her more. It made me smile, for sure! But I already love my sister fully, and she doesn't have to do anything to earn it. She's stuck with my affection. ;)
Like a favorite verse says,
The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you."
Everlasting.
Isn't that beautiful?! It's a love not dependent on time, on us, but it just keeps on going forever. Right in this moment, you are being loved by your Father.
So I sit, read Rekém's story again. And that urge is in me, that desire to know that Presence.
I think it's the longing to walk and talk with our Father like we used to do in Eden.
Before sin came, we had harmony with Him. We could be with Him, completely open, vulnerable, and feel no shame. But the Fall happened. And now we lost that Harmony.
But He re-invites us into it. Our Father in Heaven desires us to curl up in His presence like children, love Him. To know and be knowing Him. To share our secrets, our struggles, our joys freely.
He challenges me:
be still and know. come be with Me. bare yourself, empty yourself, and let Me turn this body into the person I've created you to be. I am making a New Heaven and a New Earth, and I will make you a New Creation who can dwell there with Me.
let go. just worship. know Me.
It's the greatest invitation, the greatest honor: to know Him. And when I sit in His presence, worship, love, even when it's hard and I'm scared and I don't know what tomorrow holds and I feel ugly or unworthy inside, His Presence fills part of me that has somehow been thirsting for so long.
If you're like Rekém, know there is an answer. That longing can be filled. The answer isn't doing more or being more. It's relationship.
Truth: you are loved.
// Rekém's name is the most mis-pronounced name in the entire novel. (why do readers do this to me?!) *covers face*
His name is pronounced: Ra-keem.
Not Re-kem.
It means "torn between." And as you explore his story in The Torch Keepers, you'll see his indecision. His turmoil. He has to choose his side, just like you and I have to. Sometimes, it's the hardest thing we'll ever do.
(But if you've been pronouncing Rekém right, I think you deserve brownie points and a really big hug.) *wink* //
I hope you enjoyed this peek into the story, Friend.
May this weekend be full of praise, and may we walk humbly with our God. ♥
Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; ...Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live.
~♥~
