"There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still"
--Betsie Ten Boom
I was very inspired recently and felt a blog coming on after what seemed like an eternity. It's interesting to see the locations of all the people who are accessing this blog now that Blogger instituted a stat counter. I would have never guessed some of the countries where people are reading this from, so I'm quite amazed. Thanks for reading! I apologize for the lack of updates (yeh, said it before) and will continue to plug away with the site when I'm able. Our studio just finished a project that took precedence over everything else but now things have settled a bit. I don't go back to work for the county school districts until first week of September (YAY) and I can accomplish what I've LONGED to do for months. Shaina will also be coming by for a few days and we'll get to go over our other projects (DOUBLE YAY) so I get to draw and do digital art for us instead of someone else :) As far as this blog post is concerned, it's about my little hiding place, as the title plainly states.
One particular movie caught my attention when I visited my sister in Colorado about 6 weeks ago called "The Hiding Place" about the life of Cory Ten Boom and her sister Betsie as they hid Jews from a terroristic government and were sentenced to a concentration camp because of it. Corrie made it through by an unforseen mistake on the part of the German officials, but Betsie passed away right before that. It was so moving and inspirational, being created from a book of the same title that I had read years ago. I love biographies more than any other type of reading material, because faith grows as you listen to others who have gone through difficult circumstances, and made it through. Maybe that's why I love reading the old testament so much. After watching the movie though, I remember telling my friends that I'd never complain again. Nothing would be comparible to the hardships that these ladies faced, and I set my heart on being more positive with my speech and mindset. No easy task when all you have is hope that is in your heart and the promises of a loving God. Nevertheless, I became proactive in seeking the Father's face moreso than before and praying with a clear conscience and determination that all HE said HE would do will be done, no matter what I see around me. I'm slowly changing for the best, at least I hope so.
Although the title of the book suggests a physical place of hiding, as Corrie and her sister gave their home to house runaway Jews, it more clearly suggests our refuge Christ as the story progresses. I can personally relate. I, too, have a physical place of hiding as well as a place where I go to be hid with God spiritually. It is a place alongside a path where I take my dog for a walk, shrouded by trees on either side. It's a small patch of sunken ground where I sit and pray. I've shed many tears here over the past 5 years in pursuit of answers and petitions and to just praise and worship. I sometimes pray that an angel would meet me here. It's a very special place for me whenever I need to cry out to God. I've found much relief here as well knowing that God hears my every word.
I once had an image come to my mind very strongly during the more difficult times; I saw myself sitting in mid-air with my knees to my chest and my hands wrapped around my knees. I saw two large wings from behind me (they were not mine) gracefully wrapping around me in protection. It was a confirmation that I was sheltered physically as well as spiritually. I was so moved by the experience and often refer to that image when the pits of life that Betsie speaks of in her beginning quote become very difficult to bear.
One particular movie caught my attention when I visited my sister in Colorado about 6 weeks ago called "The Hiding Place" about the life of Cory Ten Boom and her sister Betsie as they hid Jews from a terroristic government and were sentenced to a concentration camp because of it. Corrie made it through by an unforseen mistake on the part of the German officials, but Betsie passed away right before that. It was so moving and inspirational, being created from a book of the same title that I had read years ago. I love biographies more than any other type of reading material, because faith grows as you listen to others who have gone through difficult circumstances, and made it through. Maybe that's why I love reading the old testament so much. After watching the movie though, I remember telling my friends that I'd never complain again. Nothing would be comparible to the hardships that these ladies faced, and I set my heart on being more positive with my speech and mindset. No easy task when all you have is hope that is in your heart and the promises of a loving God. Nevertheless, I became proactive in seeking the Father's face moreso than before and praying with a clear conscience and determination that all HE said HE would do will be done, no matter what I see around me. I'm slowly changing for the best, at least I hope so.
Although the title of the book suggests a physical place of hiding, as Corrie and her sister gave their home to house runaway Jews, it more clearly suggests our refuge Christ as the story progresses. I can personally relate. I, too, have a physical place of hiding as well as a place where I go to be hid with God spiritually. It is a place alongside a path where I take my dog for a walk, shrouded by trees on either side. It's a small patch of sunken ground where I sit and pray. I've shed many tears here over the past 5 years in pursuit of answers and petitions and to just praise and worship. I sometimes pray that an angel would meet me here. It's a very special place for me whenever I need to cry out to God. I've found much relief here as well knowing that God hears my every word.
I once had an image come to my mind very strongly during the more difficult times; I saw myself sitting in mid-air with my knees to my chest and my hands wrapped around my knees. I saw two large wings from behind me (they were not mine) gracefully wrapping around me in protection. It was a confirmation that I was sheltered physically as well as spiritually. I was so moved by the experience and often refer to that image when the pits of life that Betsie speaks of in her beginning quote become very difficult to bear.
Usually I'm very optimistic as I mentioned maybe more times than I can remember, but in the past some months and years just got the better of me. My family and I have completed an unforeseen transitional period, and since the dust has settled I feel relief in one sense. Normally I wouldn't want to go through another transition like that one, but I truly saw God's hand in it. I feel that I now can breathe again as I take hold of what was destined for me since the beginning. I know I'm moving forward finally and I'm so joyful in it. I cannot compare my circumstances with Corrie or Betsie, but I can relate to living in the shadow of the Almighty's wings, and having a hiding place of safety and rest when the storms of life do not subside.
Something you said above caught my eye. "No easy task when all you have is hope that is in your heart and the promises of a loving God."
ReplyDeleteWhy did it catch my attention? Because as I read this I had just eaten a cookie with a piece of paper tucked in it. The bitty paper said: Hope is the most precious treasure to a person." Hmm ...confirmation that our hope is held in the nail-scarred hands of our precious LORD.
YES!! Hope is given to us for encouragement! What a great reminder from that little piece of paper! :)
ReplyDeleteI am very moved by your comments, Lisa. We stand together with expectations of deliverance and peace. May the Lord grant ALL your prayers and petitions...He will not delay!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Rita, for your prayers and encouragement. I know things aren't perfect and I need daily refinement, but when there's hope, there's assurance. We stand in the gap for each other! XD
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