Covenant Maiden: May 2010

Monday, May 31, 2010

Liberty and Justice

Liberty and Justice walk hand in hand;
they both seek security all across the land.

As they fly high above the vast world,
in the same water they are both swirled.

On the same Book they both stand firm;
God is their Maker who gave them their term.

Proudly their flags flutter in the waving wind;
to them nothing can rip, tear apart, or rend.

The poor widow's tears they seek to dry;
no more will she slave, slip, and cry.

The homeless they seek to find a home;
no more will they cry through the streets as they roam.

The unjustly accused will get a fair chance;
Justice rears back and throws his fierce lance.

Liberty sweetly sings her gay, glad song;
the bells peal their happiness with one big "dong!"

God in His glory rules with each on His side;
nothing can sweep them away with the tide.

The lost are returned, the poor given wealth;
the world rises in thankfulness for their new-found health.

Tears are reduced, pain is brought to a stop;
when Liberty and Justice rule, the world is on top.

God almighty sat His strong rulers on high;
He beckons the people with His hand to come nigh.

Liberty and Justice, both one in the same;
wherever they go, love follows their name.

~Rachel Brown

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Flowers and Creatures = Part of God's Most Wonderful Creation

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Our God the King

God is faithful, God is just;
God is in whom we can trust.

In His arms He shields us daily;
we can sing His praises gaily.

Mercy extends from His kind hand;
but heads must lift above the sand.

Grace is a gift from God on high;
therefore let us all come nigh.

Lovingly He'll guard our steps;
His love is deeper than the depths.

Justice is His own right hand;
He judges surely across the land.

Enemies fall beneath His sword;
His is above all as the Lord.

His eyes so full of gentle calm;
they can heal any qualm.

God is goodness, nothing wrong;
His joy is like the sweetest song.

God is all we'll ever need;
only to Him we all must heed.

This God of glory is our King;
our voices lift to Him and sing!

~Rachel Brown

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Insecurity is bleak; certainty is bliss!

I'm pretty reserved at times. Perhaps it is my lack of communication skills or my fear and embarrassment of mess up and ridicule. Both probably qualify as the same thing. Anyway, I know I have a problem that desperately needs fixed. But part of me doesn't want to improve that area, for a very silly reason. I'm afraid to speak up, voice my thoughts, and share my opinion. Sometimes I insert my foot. Well, let me rephrase that. Most times I insert my foot. You have no idea how insecurity feels until you've had someone roll their eyes disgustingly at you. (Oops. I do that sometimes. I'd better watch myself.)

There are so many insecurities in the world, and most people end up insecure about something in their life. However, what can we do to become patient and kind, meek and humble, submissive and responsive? Most people are crying out for a saviour, but why won't they accept the One that is given?

God truly does care for us. (1 Peter 5:7) But do we care for Him like we should? If we are bogged down in grief and despair, what is displayed in our lives? Certainly not the love and peace of God.

Excuses of woe and "You don't know my life!" don't get us anywhere. We may not know what each others' lives are like, but the same solution works for everyone, if they will accept God's free gift. Listening to the media, browsing the internet, envying other people and their lifestyles will not give us the satisfaction we so desire.

"While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage." ~2Peter 2:19

True liberty and freedom from anything only comes through the blood of Jesus Christ, and that includes peace of mind.

I have determined to rid myself of my insecurities. Life isn't Life with them. I'm too self-conscious as it is. (A terrible, weak fault.) In Christ my hope is found, not acceptance in the world's social circle.

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations, knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." ~James 1:2-4

I don't want to be an uncompleted woman. As James says, "let patience have her perfect work" so that we might be "perfect and entire." Life is much more glorious when we live it to the fullest degree. Insecurity does not even come close to the mark. I'd much rather laugh and sing. I'd like others to see a difference in me that isn't common in everyone else. Christ is that difference.

As Solomon says in Ecclesiastes, there is a time for everything. (Ecclesiastes 3) Sure, there is a time for tears and sorrow, just like there is a time for dancing, mourning, embracing, building, laughing, etc. And in those times of tears, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." ~Hebrews4:16

No matter what people may say, God cares and loves His children. He doesn't want to leave us helpless and despairingly discouraged. But if we shove Him away, we are at fault. God isn't to blame. Therefore, we must "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me." ~John 5:39

My determined effort is to rid my life of trivial insecurities. God made me exactly according to His plan, He placed me in the right and wonderful family I'm in, He gave me encouraging friends to lift me up, He is preparing me and my future husband for our special day, He has given me life, health, and all of my needs. But most importantly, He has given me eternal life. His grace and love are mine, and I can sing with peace and joy!

We can all take comfort in Jesus' words: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." ~John 16:33

Insecurity is bleak; certainty is bliss!

Monday, May 17, 2010

Kirstie Anne Brown (Birthday 2010)

Thirteen years old today!

Born: May 17, 1997

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Comforted in His Arms

Although pain sears my heart,
I needn't fear Satan's black dart.

His lie cannot harm me if to God I cling;
"Christ is my Rock and Fortress!" I shall gladly sing.

Troubles may compass me, tearing me apart;
but if God holds me close, He'll guard my aching heart.

Comforted in His arms, I heave a blissful sigh;
a prayer uttered from my lips rises to the Most High.

Distress may rise as the Dark lurks near;
but Christ is my Protector, I am his child dear.

Christ paid my price as my Saviour through His eternal blood;
I kneel with a prayerful heart through a tearful flood.

His love comforts me for many hours;
its fragrance is sweeter than that of flowers.

The pain that seared my heart is now long gone;
joy has arisen in triumph like a new dawn.

God's arms are for those, who like me:
often doubt in trial, until they finally see.

~Rachel Brown

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Spring's Amazing Results

Dear readers,

I know I have been inconsistent for three weeks except Saturday, but I promise y'all things will begin to liven up soon. I have an article in editing, and, because I've slacked off a bit, I've decided to post a few of my zillion spring pictures. (Most of my pictures go on Facebook.) Now that spring is here, I've literally been taking hundreds of pictures. (Anyone who knows me quite well knows only how true this is.) As I cannot post them all, I'll only post a few of the best. I hope you enjoy browsing for now!