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ThySonShines
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Name: Maggie Hope
Birthday: 3/5/1986
Interests: Falling deeper and deeper in love with Jesus.Reading the Bible. Being a youth group leader. Learning. Music. Writing. *Good* coffee and herbal tea. Art: Drawing, photography, designing/ creating, clay. Laughter. Randomly breaking into a song and dance. Fire, i.e. candles, campfire.
Expertise: Laughing. Making a fool out of myself. Ya know, the basics.
Message: message meEmail: email me
Website: visit my website
AIM:  mangoleaf02
Member Since:
11/13/2004
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| MyXangaFaceSpaceBook.ugh *Picks off the last piece of cobweb* If I were to say that it has been awhile, it would be just stating the obvious-- no matter how truthful it actually is. I think this Xanga 'blog is the most neglected out of my others, so I'll start here. "God takes full responsibility for the life that is totally yielded to Him." - Dr. Stanley Not much in life is absolute, I much as I wish otherwise. I love knowing the next step, the details are not necessary. Just sense of direction. It is like going on a hike, I don't need to know what is ahead of me as long as I know that I am on the right path. Or even on a path for that matter! I am humbly reminded at the wisdom of the quote mentioned above. I don't have to worry about what will happen next. I just need to trust. God has proven Himself faithful and loving time and time again. Yet, I still clutch onto what I selfishly claim as mine. My dream, my desire, my future, my life. I have spiritual seasons in my life that are good, and I lean on God daily. Then, when I need to take risk, I ask questions and analyze everything. But God only asks one question, "May I?" "May I have your life? Your heart? I have so much I want to do, I just need you to surrender." Beautiful brokenness can lead to blessing when I yield. But as of now, an inner battle is within me. It is my head verses my heart. I have to have the faith of a child. What comes to your mind when you hear "faith of a child?'' I don't think necessarily of the capability of a child believing in imaginative things, like Santa. But rather I think of why their trust is placed in everyone and everything. Their innocence covers any doubt. I think of a parent with his hand in his child's. Guiding the little one, leading the way because of the parent's experience and knowledge. Even if the child were to challenge his father or mother, the simple answer will satisfy the curiosity. "Daddy, where are we going?"
"We're going home."
"How come?"
"Because that is where we need to go, and that's where we belong."
"Oh, o-tay." Simple truth and trust with no extra analyzing required. To question truth, I believe, is not a bad thing at all. Whenever truth is rightfully tried, it will prevail victoriously. It will encourage growth, and yielding of one's life. "However, as it is written:
'No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love Him,'
but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God."
- 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
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| A Lily Among Thorns
As a bearer of Christ’s name, I must stand alone. Not be hidden in a corner where people try to shove me, but rather I must stand. I am called to shine this supernatural light. Warm, attractive, curious light. How can I shine when I am placed in the shadows?
Fortunately, I do not have to figure this out. I just have to trust, and stand firm—not to quiver and hide. I must be bold, courageous and everything but cowardly. I realize how light is only truly noticed and appreciated when the majority of it is absent. Like a small candle burning in a night filled room-or, when there is one lone star in the horizon. That is when light is comforting, when it resembles hope.
Even though I feel as though I am stifled, I am not really. No matter where I am, I can grow. I can change. And the beauty of it all is, so can you. I want to live a life that is full and meaningful. No longer be passive, but rather active. Running the race marked out for me. Taking risk when it is asked of me. I’ve realized how even ruts can grow to become “comfort zones.” Embracing change when it comes. Inviting each season without comparing it to the last. Slowing down and cherishing the majesty around me, when invited by a whisper. Fighting the good fight. To be humble, yet have a sense of self-worth. To be spiritually broken, yet content. To be a servant-leader. Even being strong enough in Christ, so I may be vulnerable with others. I want to love others without keeping them at arms length. To hate what God hates and love righteousness. To be searched, refined and purified. To be innocent and free.
As you might have noticed, this is something that has been on my mind for a long time. It amazes me how blinded people (including myself) are and how water-down virtues, like integrity, have become. Why is it ok for Christians to watch certain things, act without respect, say certain words . . . ? Don’t you realize that the words you say, and the things you do, echo what is in your heart? Degrading, demoralizing, and desensitized is what we’ve become. It is not ok to live life this way. We are called to a higher calling. As long as God exists, which is infinitely, we have the hope, strength, perseverance, guidance, comfort and vitality we need to live a life differently. A life as a lily among thorns.
I have so much work to do in my own life. Words are only words until they are put into action.
Lord, I need You. Help me to live like a lily among thorns.
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| Crazy goodness.I'm not dead, yet. Though, I imagine the rumors have started to circulate. Maggie has been home for over two months and not a single message from her? Yuppers, that is the way it has been, kiddos. And my apologizes for my absence. I let my Xanga grow too stagnant. I have been using MySpace, though. ( www.myspace.com/ardenthope )
So, my summer was amazing. Filled with joys, challenges and just strange things. I loved making a difference and being in such a beautiful place.( Living on the lake was rough.  ) I meet incredibly awesome people and have been able to keep in touch with some. I was challenged and stretched in more ways than I could ever imagine. But God showed His amazing faithfulness, and incomparable love to me. If I could, I would do it all over again. I hope and pray that I can return next summer.
So what is new with me? I finally have a job. Jobs are good, even if they're part-time. I am one of two youth leaders for the sr.high at my church. I'm really enjoying the opportunity to serve God in this way. Believe it or not, I have been working on another post all week. My free time has been limited lately. So whenever I get a few minutes, I'll sit down and type out a sentence or two. Hold on to your seats, boys and girls. I'm working on another post! Can you handle it?
~<><~
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| !i!i!i!ii!ii!i!ii!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!i!iHow Great is Our God!i!i!i!i!ii!i!i!i!ii!ii!i!i!ii!i!i!
Here it goes:
My summer will be very different from all my summers past. This year, I'll be away. I will be a full time counselor at Berea (.. ....!.... ...) After having such an awesome experience in March, mixed in with tons of prayer lead to an application for a full time counselor. The application led to an interview. And then a call asking me to be one of six girl counselors for the summer! God is so good. The fact that I got in, I know with out a doubt, is because God wants me there. I was told there were many applicants and only a few openings left. You do the math.
I couldn't tell you on Tuesday because I had let both of my employers know first. Yeah, so now you know why you had to wait.
On top of going to Berea, I'll be going to Arizona this month to visit my oldest brother, Ricky, and my sister-in-law, Jessie. YAY! It is going to be great! I can't wait to go.
That is all I have time for right now, but I'll definitely keep you posted. Ha, no pun intended, believe that one?
I love you guys.
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| *clears throat* Thanks for all your comments on my previous post! On a different note, I must say sorry guys. You'll have to wait one more day. I have to tell someone in person first. Tomorrow. Tomorrow you'll know.
And yes, it is great news. I don't want to sound like a tease. You'll understand shortly.
God is so great!
Love ya, friends!
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