Monday, December 30, 2013

The Flowers of Christ

"Let this beautiful flower serve to you as an emblem of humility and sweetness, by its modest colour, its disposition to flourish in hidden places, and the delicate perfume which it sends forth. May you, my dear child, be like the violet, modest in demeanour, careless of gaudy clothing, and seeking to do good without making any fuss about it."

1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.
"See, in this lily, my daughter, the symbol of innocence. Its leaves are finer than the richest satin, and its whiteness equals that of the driven snow. Happy is the daughter whose heart is also pure, for remember the words, 'The pure in heart shall see God.' The more pure the colour, the more difficult to preserve its purity. The slightest spot can spoil the flower of the lily, and so one word can rob the mind of its purity."

1 Timothy 4:12

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

"Let the rose," said he, pointing to that flower, "be the image of modesty. The blush of a modest girl is more beautiful than that of the rose.

1 Peter 3:4

But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

 "Mary's father then made a bouquet of lilies and roses, and, giving it to Mary, he said, "These are brothers and sisters, whose beauty no other flower can equal. Innocence and modesty are twin sisters, which cannot be separated. Yes, my dear child, God in His goodness has given to modesty, innocence for a sister and companion, in order that she might be warned of the approach of danger. Be always modest, and you will be always virtuous. Oh, and if the will of God so be, I pray that you may be enabled to preserve in your heart the purity of the lily!"
-A Basket of Flowers by Chrisoph von Schmid

2 Timothy 2:22
"Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

May we continue to sow in the Spirit and reap the marvellous fruits thereof, and desire to be beautiful daughters only in the eyes of our loving Father.
Amen!

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Tossed by Emotions

James 1:6
But let him ask in faith, not doubting anything. For he that doubts is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

I have to admit, my relationship with Christ does not feel secure. I can't "rest" in Him, neither can I accept His lovingkindness without doubting in myself whether I deserve it or not. My life IS a roller coaster, and surely not one that is for riders under 48 inches (haha). I could go on and on about the awful journey my emotions take me on, but I will switch to the good portion instead... 

God says, "For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." (Malachi 3:6)

See how drastically different this is from my feelings? Though I drive myself as far as the wilderness (Psalm 55:7), and I am on the verge of my ever-changing emotions, our Lord does not change. I don't just hope He doesn't change, I know it with assurance! The God that loved me at my happiest will love me at my grumpiest, and the God that supports me with His right hand will not suddenly drop me because I have sinned. 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress?
Romans 8:35

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear... 
1 John 4:18

We love him, because He first loved us... 
1 John 4:19

They shall perish; but Thou remainest... 
Hebrews 1:11

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee...
 Hebrews 13:5 

I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee... 
 Jeremiah 31:3 

Simply getting through the day is difficult right now, as it used to be. I have moments of sheer joyfulness, but then suddenly I let circumstances bring me to utter despair. It is hard to continually think, speak, and act according to my emotions, especially when they convict me to sin against my Father... How can I stand fast and not be "driven with the wind and tossed"? Many times when harsh words or a quick temper brings me to my lowest, I imagine myself wrapped in tender arms, who quietly pity me for what has just happened... But then I realize that this will never happen, because I cannot suffer for righteousness' sake with a bad attitude! Only the gentle, loving arms of Jesus can bow me down to my knees, and help me to confess how badly I have messed up... Only through Him can I be comforted--truly comforted, and reassured of my position as His daughter and His as my Holy Redeemer. How beautiful it is, that the King would care for me in such manner to never desire to leave me, not even when I feel furthest from Him! To love me when I am (really) unlovable, and approach me when I am unapproachable... 

Psalm 55:22 
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. 

Come to His throne... Let Him hear the painful song of your heart... Recite to Him the weariness you have secretly held inside during the day, and let Him take your right hand and leap you into His strong, everlasting arms! Love is higher than all, and when you place Jesus where He rightfully belongs, your whole heart (on top of yourself), and accept His love though you cannot understand it, this is when hyperactive emotions diminishes and we can truly abide in Him... :)

May we continue to press Jesusward (yes, I just made this up), listen solemnly to the Truth, and let our Lord lovingly correct our every faults and wrong feelings. Amen!

Isaiah 41:13
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

I love you!
-Noémie

Thursday, November 28, 2013

In The Night Watches

Tis' the time of day
To lay down again
And rest in the night watches
It is hard to accept Thy forgiveness,
Given in the stillness of dusk

Wilt Thou receive me gladly, O Lord,
Lest I leave this world to night?
If the beat of mine heart
Ceases for ever more?

In Thy presence I sit with knees bowed low,
Will this prayer reach heaven's door,
Up into Thine ear?
Or will it remain here,
In the darkness of the earth,
Because mine heart
Is encrusted in pride?

Whatever be Thy will, Jesus,
I know that Thou hearest me
And that Thou cleanses me in Thy blood
For I rest upon Thy promises
The counsel Thou hast given me to day,
Shall I carry to morrow
And the strength Thou showered on me,
Shall be renewed with the sunrise

I give Thee mine life
As I lay me down to sleep
Keep all Thy children safe in Thine hand
And shelter us
With Thy blanket of love

Now I go in peace
Until the morrow,
Lord willing

For ever in His love,
Amen.

-Noémie H.

Introduction: Let The Journey Begin


Since this is a blog about You, Jesus, I guess it is only appropriate that we begin this journey with a little prayer... Shall we? :) 

Dear God, please let this website be about You first, and not about my desires or what I fancy. Let my prideful and perfectionist attitude depart, only to let Your amazing light shine through... Thank You for giving me Your courage to open this blog, and may I listen to Your voice more than ever before!

Thank You Jesus, amen!

Dear sisters (and prayfully brothers!) in Christ,

Welcome to my little internet world! I must admit that I first wanted to make this blog more "girly" or "appealing" than it is. I wanted the name to be fancy and attractive. But guess what? It failed! It does not sound romantic, neither is it all roses. But I think that whatever holds the name, "Jesus", is the most beautiful thing under and above the stars... I can't precisely predict what this blog will be about, for the Holy Spirit is so spontaneous, but I can assure you that I will not cease to declare my love and devotion for Christ! Therefore, relax and enjoy, because I am about to take you on a little journey through the eyes of a sinner redeemed by love!

I am eager to know what the Lord has planned for us on this trip. Don't forget to pack your full armour of God (Ephesians 6:11)! ;)


Psalm 25:4 
Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by Your truth and teach me, for You are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in You.

In all sisterly love,
-Noémie

CAUTION: 
This blog might contain scenes of doubt or unpredictable emotions, as well as deep reverence and awe of God. Read at your own risk.