7 Longings of the Heart

1. The longing to be fascinated

"We need to be able to experience wonder and awe in order to function emotionally. The power to be deeply moved is something we all long for."

I saw this picture of Lili posted on Facebook and thought of this longing. She is so fascinated by that rock! What a great reminder that we are all born with a longing to see beauty, mystery, and splendor. Each one of us is invited on a life-long treasure hunt to search for beauty that creates holy curiosity that knows no boredom. There is nothing more exhilarating than when God reveals God to the human spirit!

(I am so fascinated by this picture of Lili. Look at her cute little ears, her bright red lips, and her dark eyelashes that make her look like she is wearing mascara. Such a beautiful creature! Made in the image of God Himself!)

2. The longing to possess beauty and to feel beautiful

"God's beauty is transferable to us in the highest measure. This longing is satisfied by the revelation of the Divine beauty imparted to us, His children."

3. The longing to be great and successful

4. The longing for intimacy without shame

5. The longing for the assurance of being enjoyed

6. The longing to be wholehearted and passionate

7. The longing to make a deep and lasting impact

--from The Ravished Heart of God by Mike Bickle

"Breath of Life" by Anthony Crudup

Breathe on me Jesus,
let Your breath push aside
all of my worries and troubles,
all of my sadness and sorrow.
Make room in me for
Your spirit of love,
Your spirit of joy,
Your spirit of peace,
Your Holy Spirit.
Fill me to the brim
so there will be no room
for anything
but Your holiness.
Let Your breath warm me and inspire me.
Be my breath of life, Jesus.

Amen.

(A prayer by Anne Bender)
Anne's blog:

http://annebender.blogspot.com/

Imprisoned in My Bones: Releasing my Inner Jeremiah

How Can I Keep From Singing? --Enya

My life flows on in endless song;
Above earth’s lamentation
I hear the sweet though far off hymn
That hails a new creation:
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul—
How can I keep from singing?

What though my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Savior liveth;
What though the darkness gather round!
Songs in the night He giveth:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that refuge clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing?

I lift mine eyes; the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
And day by day this pathway smoothes
Since first I learned to love it:
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
A fountain ever springing:
All things are mine since I am His—
How can I keep from singing?

Babysitting for 3 under 3

Zoe's pictures of Miles

Michele's friend's pictures were so much better than mine, I stole some from Facebook! I don't think they are copyrighted, and I wanted you all to see them--Miles is SO precious!

Miles Matthew

Born: 09-09-09

Weighed: 9 pounds

19" long

Born at 5:59 pm

I'll wait to post a picture until Matt and Michele have posted the first one!

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all art and science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.

-- Einstein (1879-1955)