[summer weather in our hearts]

Basically have been sharing this excerpt with anyone & everyone all day long!

"If I sin and am rebellious, help me to repent;
then take away my mourning and give me music;
remove my sackcloth and adorn me with beauty;
take away my sighs and fill my mouth with songs;
and when I am restored and rest in thee
give me summer weather in my heart."
-Valley of Vision

Since I'm not accustomed to cold weather, really, it's a rather wonderful concept for it to always be summertime somehow:)

Over break I met up with my friend Mohamed who's a Muslim. We've met to talk about Jesus several times, and his disbelief that Jesus can be fully God and yet fully man is understandable. Why would God humble Himself so much? The answers we have are in Ephesians 2 and Philippians 2...because of "the great love with which He loved us." (Eph 2:4)

"O astonishing grace that the reprobate race should be reconciled-- what a wonder of wonders that God is a child!" - Although Christmas has passed, I feel rather like Scrooge after his transformation- being amazed by & keeping Christmas in my heart all year 'round.

Then reminders are embedded in every aspect of life of WHY Jesus had to come- "the reprobate race" bit. . .

Sin. Ezekiel 23 where Israel's sin is described as the worst of whoring, so graphic it makes me sick, but also curious. Then I realize that the curiosity and wicked delight at reading it only proves that in my heart I am the harlot I'm reading about.

= total depravity.

But at that moment, grace interrupts.

Jesus says that yes, Emma, you are a reprobate, but my Father wants you as His daughter & I want you for my sister and as an heir of my righteousness & eternal joy worshiping my Father.

Then, truly, it is summer weather in my heart.

(Thanks to Emily Charles & Victoria Lee for helping me find the picture:)