Precious Is the Faith

I began penning the following poem back in January, shortly after I said goodbye to my dear friend, Mr. Jay Benson.   Four stanzas came together at that time, inspired by the precious, faith-filled response that Vicky Benson, Mr. Jay's wife, had to his sudden passing.

The rest of the lines were formed in my heart as I beheld Aunt Geri's steadfast faith in God and the fortitude with which she faced life's final hour.  For all who were blessed to stand by her bedside during her final days here on earth, it was plain to see that her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was real and that the hope of eternal life she had in Christ was sure.

Precious Is the Faith

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
—I Peter 1:7

 

Precious is the faith that rests

Its hope on Christ alone

For assurance of salvation

And the soul’s eternal home;

 

Which engenders a disdain

For the selfish ways of sin,

Bringing genuine repentance

That bears holy fruit within.

 

Precious is the faith revealed

Through kind and loving deeds;

Through selfless acts of mercy

Aimed to meet another’s needs;

 

Which, unafraid of sacrifice

Will give, and give again,

As Jesus gave His life for us

So we could be forgiv’n.

 

Precious is the faith

That to the Savior tightly clings,

When earthly moorings crumble

With the turmoil that life brings;

 

Which holding fast to Jesus

When all other sources fail,

Finds in Him the truest Friend

Amidst the worst travail.

 

Precious is the faith refined

By trials great and sore,

Which standing in the face of grief

Will worship and adore;

 

And bless the gracious hand of God

Which gives and takes away,

And chooses in His wisdom

What is best from day to day.

 

Precious is the faith that lifts

The heart to view each loss

In light of Jesus’ suff’ring

And the glory of the cross;

 

Which looks with loving confidence

On all that Jesus is,

Bestowing on Him honor

And the glory duly His.

 

Precious is the faith

That perseveres through every test,

Unwilling to relinquish hope

In heartache and distress;

 

Which drawing strength from Jesus

Presses forward through the fray,

And exercises patience

In response to each delay.

 

Precious is the faith

That calmly waits for God to move

Within the sovereign timing

That His wisdom does approve;

 

Which, trusting God completely,

Doesn’t rush or lag behind,

But seeks in every circumstance

To know His will and mind.

 

Precious is the faith that’s real

When life begins to wane,

Anticipating glory

And the joy of Heaven’s gain;

 

Where in God’s holy presence

Both the body and the soul

Will, in the twinkling of an eye,

Be made completely whole.

 

 © August 5, 2013 by Christine Nicole

Lovingly dedicated to Vicky Benson and my Aunt Geri who are living examples of a faith that is truly precious.

The Legacy Left Behind

Uncle Jim, Aunt Geri, & Me

2011 Elkhart County 4-H Fair



In the aftermath of losing yet another precious person in my life, I can’t help but ask myself , "What kind of legacy I am leaving for those who will come behind me?"  Everyone is a writer.  Perhaps not with pen and paper, but with every word spoken and deed done, we each write our own story on the parchment of the lives we touch.  

 

This thought sparks some compelling questions in my mind.  What kind of story am I writing on the hearts of those who know me best?  Will it be one worthy of being retold?  Will the lines reflect God's sacrificial love or a self-centered life?  Will it be a tale of blessings given or opportunities missed?

 

 I think I need to start each day by reviewing such questions, and then pray for God’s grace to make each moment count for Him.

  

A Life Well Lived

On Wednesday, August 7, my beloved Aunt Geri was gathered into the arms of Jesus.  We all knew early last week that it would only be a  short matter of time before God called her home, but somehow I never feel prepared for such moments, even though I know that they are an inevitable part of this life.

 Aunt Geri and Me ~ September 12, 2011

There really are not words adequate to describe the sweet combination of winning qualities that comprised Aunt Geri's character, but the tribute below provides at least a small snapshot of the special ways in which her deep, abiding love impacted my life.

A Life Well Lived
The Legacy of Geraldine Murray

January 20, 1920 — August 7, 2013

A life well lived and a soul well loved.  That’s how I would describe the beautiful woman I was blessed to call “Aunt Geri. “  To look into her eyes was like looking into the face of love itself.

Anyone fortunate enough to be called her kin was touched by a love that was truly unique, both in its quality and expression . . . a love that could only come straight from the heart of God.   If you were to ask her nieces and nephews who Aunt Geri’s “favorite” was, I think they would all say, “I was” . . . at least, I would. J

Aunt Geri had a way of making me feel like I was the most important person on the planet!  She knew how to listen, I mean really listen, not just with the ears on her head, but with the ears of her heart.  I knew my greatest struggles and deepest secrets were safe with her and would be carried straight to the Lord in prayer. 

Hardly a time drew to a close without Aunt Geri gently suggesting, “Let’s just take a moment to pray.”  Then I would listen with wonder and amazement as every joy and sorrow, problem and praise that I had just shared with her would wend its way into her thoughtful, heartfelt prayer.  Never once did I leave her presence without feeling wrapped in King’s love and clothed in heaven’s blessing.  The love she had freely received from God through Jesus Christ, she freely gave to others in His name.

Aunt Geri’s faith in God was real.  There was nothing shallow or superficial about it.  She didn’t just state it through her lips, she demonstrated it through a life of sacrificial love and faithful service to God and others.

 

One of the things I appreciated most about Aunt Geri is that she was not afraid to feel pain — her own or anybody else’s.  I remember the times, when touched by my heartache, she would shed quiet tears right alongside of me.  Then I would feel her gentle hand lifting my face as she would say with tenderness, “God knows.”

Aunt Geri had the uncanny ability to identify and sympathize with the human side of life, while lifting my heart to the sure hope found in God’s Word and the eternal reality of God’s love.

Aunt Geri mastered the art of living because she mastered the art of loving.  I am so thankful that I am just one of many who had the privilege of being touched by her ever compassionate and always caring heart. She loved deeply, just like Jesus, and she will be dearly missed this side of heaven.

 © August 2013 by Christine Nicole

My heart will always and forever treasure the joy of knowing her and being embraced by her heart.

A Father's Day. A Daughter's Delight

Perhaps for some daughters, celebrating Father's Day has become "old hat" by the time they are my age.  But for me, having a father to celebrate is a relatively new and totally wonderful experience!

For the past eight years, I have had the joy of celebrating all that God designed a daddy to be through the gift of my adoptive father Ray Schenk, now affectionately known as "Papa."   Through my papa's loving and faithful presence in my life, I have come to understand and appreciate how wonderful and empowering a father's love can be and how far a father's influence can reach into the heart of a child - even a child, who by the world's standards, is "all grown up."  

What a blessing it has been to experience and be enveloped by the mighty love of God, my heavenly Father, through the life of my dear papa!  Today, I praise and thank my heavenly Father for so abundantly fulfilling His promise to be a Father to the fatherless!  (Psalm 68:5)

For the "rest of the story," please follow the links below:

Part I:

http://www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com/index.php?id=2031

Part II:

http://www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com/index.php?id=2032

He Prepareth a Place for Me

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ~ John 14:2

This verse in John took on a whole new meaning as I watched my Father literally "prepare a place for me" over the past 12 months. After five years of, more or less, camping out at Grandpa and Grandma's house, I couldn't have been any more elated to finally have a space to call my own.

What I marveled at the most was God's careful attention to detail in giving me the desires of my heart. I had always wanted a sleigh bed, and it seemed like nothing short of a miracle when we found this one at our neighbor's garage sale. Not only was the price right, but the style was everything I had ever hoped it would be.

But the Lord didn't stop there. Within two days, we were able to redeem the cost by selling my old bed to our neighbor across the street for the exact same price! If we needed any more evidence that God's hand was in it, we had it!

Next we found this nightstand and dresser at a resale shop called "Home Again" in Goshen. Although they did not come as a pair, they make a pretty good match.

I had always wanted a nightstand, and this one is perfect in every way and serves many purposes. Now I have a drawer within arm's reach where I can store my stationery, pens, palm pilot, and of course, my pocket knives!

This dresser fit the picture I had in my mind, and with Mom's touch of love, the drawers now slide in and out beautifully. It is big enough to be useful, but small enough to not devour coveted floor space. I'm thrilled, to say the least, to have a spot to put my clothes. It sure beats stacking them in towering piles on my closet shelf!


Then there's the incredible mahogany bench that now nestles underneath my Kurzweil keyboard. We found this piece of work at Home Again too. Only it didn't look like anything special when we first bought it . . . that is, until my Papa got a hold of it. His skilled hands found its hidden beauty (concealed under three or four layers of paint), and turned it into a gorgeous keepsake that I will always treasure.
Each time I look at its beautiful finish, I think of what God can do with my life, if I will only leave it in His skilled and loving hands.


For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted a chair nook in my bedroom. When this came together, it was like the icing on the cake!!! This chair, which had been buried in the basement for the last five years, was a perfect match and a perfect fit! :)


Now I have my "own little corner" where I can spend time in my "own little world." Here I enjoy countless hours in "journal land" where I lose myself in the lessons God is teaching me and take time to reflect on His plan for my future.

Having a peaceful place to rest, study, and create has increased my overall productivity and brought structure to my daily routine. Everywhere I now look, there are visible reminders of my heavenly Father's love.

When I think of how graciously and abundantly God brought all of these things together for just a temporary dwelling place, I can't help but wonder how glorious the eternal home He has promised to prepare for me will be. I only know one thing. It will be out of this world! :)

The First Gift of Christmas

It was the week before Christmas, when the thought struck me, "Maybe I could write a poem in the shape of a Christmas tree!" I laid the idea before the Lord before I took it to the drawing board, and with His help, this is what came together . . .

The First Gift of Christmas
Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we,

being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes ye were healed.

– I Peter 2:24

A
Baby in
A manger: the
Father’s gift of love;
Sent down
to bring salvation
from heaven up above.
He left His home in glory, to save
us from our sin,
And make His home in
every heart that asks Him to
to come in. His name was called,
“Emmanuel,” God brought down to man:
Chosen by the Father
to complete redemption’s plan.
This first gift of Christmas, was placed
upon a tree, to satisfy God’s righteous wrath
on our iniquity. He bore our sins upon Himself,
and gave His very blood,
To pardon our transgressions and
to bring us back to God. This gift of God’s
redemption, through the death of His dear Son
and His glorious resurrection, over hell the victory won!
This first gift of Christmas was the Father’s love revealed, to
a world of lost and dying men that needed to be healed; restoring
the relationship that was by sin destroyed, and reconciling man to God
through Christ
the crucified.
Now a risen
Savior, Jesus
lives to set us
free, and give
us everlasting
life for all eternity.
© December 2009 by Christine Nicole

By the Grace of God

By the Grace of God
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me

was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all; yet not I,

but the grace of God which was with me.
– I Corinthians 15:10

By the grace of God I am
What I otherwise couldn’t be.
I am free from condemnation;
Born into God’s family.

By His grace, I am forgiven;
By His blood, I am made clean;
Jesus Christ is now my Saviour,
And the Lord of everything.

By His grace, I have been given
A new name with my new birth,
And a home in heaven’s glory
That contains eternal worth.

Clothed in garments of salvation,
I stand righteous in His sight;
God has made me an inheritor
Among the saints of light.

By His grace, I am His child,
A joint heir with His dear Son,
And united by His Spirit
With the God-head, three in one.

By His grace, no trial too great
That my heart cannot endure;
Not a wound He cannot heal;
Nor a pain He cannot cure.

Though all hell may come against me
And the devil’s darts assail,
Still the grace of God is stronger
And will ardently prevail.

The grace of God can more than match
Whatever foe I face;
I will never fight a battle
That is stronger than God’s grace.

His grace gives me the will to do
All that His Word commands,
And keeps my heart from fainting
‘Neath the strain of life’s demands.

My desire to surrender
And to yield to His control,
Is effected by the grace of God
At work within my soul.

Oh that His grace may have its way
Effectually in me,
And make me more like Jesus
In His love and purity!

And growing in this blessed grace,
May I His likeness find,
Imprinted more completely
On my spirit and my mind;

‘Til the beauty of His holiness
May in my life be seen,
As upon the mighty grace of God
With humble trust I lean.

I have no fear of falling,
When upon His grace I stand;
For it keeps me safely nestled
In the palm of God’s own hand.

© October 3, 2009 by Christine Nicole

Eternal Father, Full of Love

This poem was an early gift from my Father first thing this morning. The words came so quickly that I felt as though I was only a scribe recording what had already been spoken. I pray that God will give me the grace to rest in this eternal love of His, and that this truth will be etched by His finger upon the table of my heart.

Eternal Father, Full of Love
The eternal God is thy refuge,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
– Deuteronomy 33:27a

My Father’s love will never cease
In strife of war or times of peace,
But true and faithful will remain
Until my Saviour comes again.

Though friendship’s joys may come and go
And storms may toss me to and fro,
My Father’s love in vast supply
Will never wane and never die.

Though father, mother, kindred pass
Into the heights of heaven’s bliss,
My Father’s love will hold me tight
And comfort me through death’s dark night.

My Father, who His own doth keep
Through trials sore and sorrows deep,
Will with His boundless love so free
Sustain me through eternity.

Dear Father, while I dwell on earth,
Oh let my life proclaim Thy worth,
And bring Thee glory all my days
In offerings of endless praise.

Subdue my will and mold my clay;
Transform my heart without delay
To bear the image of Thy Son,
And be, with Thee, forever one.

Eternal Father, full of love,
I long to reach Thy courts above;
That I may worship and adore
Thy matchless grace forevermore.

Oh let Thine everlasting arms
Protect me now from all that harms,
And may Thy love from ages past
Transport me safely home at last.

© September 19, 2009 by Christine Nicole

He Giveth His Beloved Sleep

For as long as I can remember, I have always dreamed of having a sleigh bed, and today, God gave me this desire of my heart in a special way that took me quite by surprise.

We had seen this beautiful sleigh bed at our former neighbor's garage sale over a week ago, but at the time, they were not willing to sell it separately from the dresser set.

After placing a call this afternoon to see if they would reconsider, the Boomershine's offered to part with the entire bed, box springs, mattress, and all for only $100! We did not have to think twice to know that this was a good and perfect gift from God.

This is my first bed ever with a headboard and a footboard. The wood is maple, finished in a rich cinnamon color. It is everything I've always wanted and more. As with everything else that comes in the will of God, it was more than worth the wait!

God added to the "bring home" excitement by having Papa swing by just in time to help me carry in the mattress and box springs and share with me in the joy of the moment.

After the initial set up, Mom and I traveled down to Home Again in Goshen for the First Friday Sale, and found this perfectly coordinating maple nightstand made by Ethan Allen. This is a first too! With the drawer on top and the bookshelf beneath, it is more than pretty, it is also very practical.

I'm learning that when God decides to do something, He always does it in a big way!

The only thing that surpasses the beauty of my new bed, is the incredible comfort of it. The mattress feels as soft as a feather pillow and is by far the nicest one I have ever owned.

I did not realize that such a small change could bring so much warmth to my room. It now looks and feels like a bedroom fit for a "princess."

Such amenities are constant reminders of "the place" that Jesus has gone to prepare for me, and for all those that have placed their faith and trust in Him for salvation. As C.S. Lewis has said, "All these are just shadows. Real life has not even begun yet."

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." ~ John 14:2-3

Springing to Life

My flowers from Papa have really branched out beautifully since I planted them at the beginning of June. After a long week at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair, I was delighted to be greeted by such a vibrant scene during my first full day at home.

What was a symbol of Snuffy's death, has become a memorial of life as I have watched the flowers flourish there each summer for the last two years. This special spot has become a place of grace, where I reflect frequently on God's goodness and the power He has to bring life out of death and create eternal beginnings out of earthly ends.

Nothing better illustrates this divine irony than the cross upon which Jesus died. What was once the greatest symbol of suffering, has been transformed by the grace and power of God into the greatest emblem of joy and hope that the world has ever known. The same cross where Jesus' head once hung when He bore our sin and shame, is the cross that now lifts up our heads to behold His great salvation.

The last verse of my favorite hymn best illustrates this wondrous truth:

O Cross that liftest up my head,

I dare not ask to hide from Thee;

I lay in dust life's glory dead,

And from the ground

there blossoms red

Life that shall

endless be.

Elkhart County 4-H Fair Adult & Family Talent Contest

This was my first year assisting Jill Garris with the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Adult and Family Talent Contest, and I'm not sure who had more fun . . . Jill and me, or the contestants!

From the very beginning, I knew that Jill was, as Anne of Green Gables would put it, a "kindred spirit," but we discovered how much we really do think alike when we showed up wearing the same color the night of the contest. What were the chances? We planned many things together, but this was not one of them!

Working with Jill has been nothing but joy, and I count her one of God's greatest blessings to me during my third and final year as a Member in Training on the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Board. Even beyond all that Jill has taught me, she has become a trusted friend that I will always treasure.

2009 Elkhart County 4-H Fair Senior Queen Pageant

By the grace of God, Grandma was on stage again as a past queen this morning during the 2009 Elkhart County 4-H Fair Senior Queen Pageant. This is the ninth year that God has granted her the strength to make her appearance as the 2000 Elkhart County 4-H Fair Senior Queen, and we rejoice in His great faithfulness.

Of course, Mom also had a significant part in this royal process. It was Mom who rose early to waken the 90 year old sleeping beauty and help her put on her queenly apparel.

I couldn't pass up the once in a lifetime opportunity to get me picture taken with a 90 year old queen, who by God's gracious providence just happens to be my dearly loved grandmother.

Here is Grandma with Miss Katie Sautter, the 2008 Elkhart County 4-H Fair Senior queen, who we had the distinct honor and joy of sponsoring last year. On the far right, is Eileen Martin, our Room 4-U 4-H Club Senior Queen Candidate for this year's Senior Queen Pageant. Miss Eileen was pure grace and elegance and was announced as the second runner up just moments before this picture was taken.

After the crowds and cameras cleared, Grandma was able to have her picture taken with the newly crowned 2009 Elkhart County 4-H Fair Senior Queen, Beverly Earnhart.

Given the physical struggles that Grandma faced leading up to this year's fair, we counted it an extra special blessing and a token of answered prayer to see her strength and stamina throughout the morning. God certainly kept the promise that my dear grandfather used to quote so often: "As thy days are, so shall thy strength be."

My Snuffy Spot

God had a special surprise up His sleeve for me this afternoon, when my Papa brought me some beautiful Begonias to plant around my Snuffy stone. How fitting that they should be predominantly red, white, and green! Red to represent the blood of Jesus Christ which cleanses us from all sin; white to symbolize the resulting purity of being washed in that cleansing tide; and green to signify the growth that springs from that fountain of life. I look forward to watching them flourish as I tend to them daily over the summer months.

As soon as Papa left, I "dug in" to the task before me, with Cappuccino looking on as my captive audience.

These flowers are a daily reminder that nothing we experience on earth escapes our heavenly Father's notice. Every hurt that touches our lives, touches His heart, and He makes sure, in the sweetest and most simple ways, that we are aware that He cares.

Papa & Faye's 55th Wedding Anniversary

Tonight, Mom and I had the special joy of taking a gift, along with coffee and a freshly baked cake over to Papa and Faye in celebration of their 55th wedding anniversary. What an awesome milestone! We were honored to have a small part in commemorating this landmark of their love and faithfulness to God and each other over all these years.

After snapping a few pictures and singing, "May the grace of Christ our Saviour, and the love of God our Father, and the fellowship of the Spirit be with you," Papa and Faye blew out the candles and the party began.

The "extra moist" chocolate cake topped with mocha frosting, accompanied by freshly brewed Hazlenut Cream coffee, received rave reviews by all. This decadent dessert was surpassed only by the delightful fellowship we shared around the table.

Mom added to the richness of our conversation by sharing several choice poems from Mary Miller's book, "My Home by the River."

God surrounded our time with His blessing, making this a memory that I will cherish for many years to come.

Mom's Birthday

Tonight we celebrated Mom's birthday in a royal way, when Jonathan and Bethany treated us to some very fine dining at Ruth's Chris Steak House. This was a first for both me and Mom, and we relished both the scrumptious food and the fine fellowship as a family.

My Shepherd Goes Before Me

Preface to “My Shepherd Goes Before Me”


Journal Entry, Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Tonight, Pastor Fisher immersed us in John chapter 10 and verse four was where the Holy Spirit did His precious work of expounding the truth of God to my heart. I couldn't get past this verse: "And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice." - John 10:4

What glad news to this timid little lamb that hates venturing out on her own!!! When His will pushes me forth into the sphere of unknowns; into unforeseen grief and bewildering circumstances; He goeth before me - not sometimes, but ALWAYS! His will will never lead me to a place He has not already been - NEVER! The sorrow pierces His heart before it ever pierces mine. The grief touches His heart before it ever reaches mine.

And because He goeth before me, He knows just what I will need to come forth victorious. He carefully lays the groundwork in my life for what the future holds. He can do this because He always goes before me. He's been there and He already knows what I will need. He will never ask me to go ahead of Him. There is no place I can travel in His will where He has not already been.

What comfort this truth brings to my heart, and what confidence this truth inspires!

What a wonderfully loving Shepherd we have! What a sweet refuge our hearts may find in His Word!


© August 2006 by Christine Nicole

My Shepherd Goes Before Me

And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them,
and the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice. – John 10:4

When my Shepherd leads me,

He always goes before;

He knows far in advance,

What each pathway has in store.



And when I travel in His will,

He is ahead of me;

His loving heart preparing

Blessings that I cannot see.



Other things await me too,

Known to Him alone.

In His unerring wisdom,

He hides them from His own.



Sights too overwhelming,

That could cause me to turn back,

He conceals from my vision,

Lest my faith and courage lack.



For if I saw the mountains

Waiting just around the bend,

My feet would waver to press on,

And reach my journey’s end.



Instead, He bids me follow Him

One footstep at a time;

Walking where His feet have been,

As I upward climb.



Heights that I could never scale,

Without His hand of grace,

Are brought within my feeble reach

As I His footprints trace.



Wherever Jesus leads me,

He has already been;

All my joys and sorrows,

He is partaker in.



He knows what needs will face me,

And prepares me for each one;

Giving strength for each new day,

Till all my work is done.

© September 2, 2006 by Christine Nicole

"Michael Man"

This is Michael, affectionately known as "Michael Man," my precious second born nephew. It's hard to believe he was ever this tiny, but he is still just as huggable. It is my prayer that this little fellow will grow to be a mighty man of God, full of compassion and wisdom, and strong in the faith giving glory to God.