Passionately. With a longing. Timeless. Deeply. With no condemnation. Unending.
Oh my stars don't those very words penetrate my very core and my heart as a woman!
I have always longed to be loved this way. I don't know of a woman who, if honest with herself, doesn't long to be loved that way, every single day.
I am still being transformed each day by the growing knowledge and understanding that I AM loved in this manner. And that I always have been.
That as I was created with such loving care in my mothers womb, it was all from such a precious age old design and plan that existed long before time ever began.
If you are in need of a reminder of how you are loved, or desire to know even for the first time you were ever loved at all, then join me for The Esther Experience Womens Retreat March 25th - 27th with Pat Wade and the Living Vessels Team at Ridgecrest Conference Center in NC... a beautiful, intimate, quiet setting perfect for a weekend that will allow your King to pour His love into you until it overflows! http://www.livingvessels.org/retreats
Marisa Lykins
http://love89djmarisa.blogspot.com
facebook: marisa lykins
twitter: marisalykins
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Working for Treasure?
Prov 8:17-21 “I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me. I have riches & honor, and enduring wealth and justice. My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver! I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice. Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries."
If we work for HIM this week friends, we WILL will be filled, and HE WILL provide!
If we work for HIM this week friends, we WILL will be filled, and HE WILL provide!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Is there a leak in the the dam?
Remember that scene from National Lampoons Family Vacation when Chevy Chase and his family were taking the tour and he stood there trying to put his bubble gum over the leaks in the Hoover Dam? Ridiculous right? You were watching it like me thinking, OMG - what an idiot!
Have you ever noticed a light on your dash board that says service engine soon and just kept driving? Maybe your heat and air unit made a strange noise every now and then but it was too cold to think about possibly having it off for a few hours to have it checked so you didn't? Your lap top froze a few times and you got that weird blue screen - not the fatal one - the other one that does however warn that something’s not right?
But we drive on, ignore, keep working, the whole time saying to ourselves that we really need to attend to whatever the noise, light, and warning sign has been. Then BOOM! The bottom of whatever it is drops out and there we are, shocked at the chaos, the aggravation, the attention that now must be poured into whatever is not working properly. Yes, even though there have been signs all along that we have ignored we then find ourselves in full blown panic and race around trying to plug up the proverbial hole in the dam even though there has been water leaking out for some time.
What about in our relationships? In our own physical or emotional lives? We see, feel, know that something’s not right and we even think to ourselves, I really need to tend to that - later.
What about that friend you haven’t talked to much in awhile because you had that weird argument? The spouse you find yourself just sort of existing within the house each day but its been going on so long you couldn't even put your finger on when it all started? The child that doesn’t seem to be at family dinners as much, doesn’t seem to be making an effort anymore at school when they always have before?
There are always warning signs. But for some reason we put off the things in life that make us feel uneasy until they become so unbelievably uncomfortable we can't even imagine addressing the issues at all.
Heed the warning signs - they're always there. Just like when the dashboard light comes on, when you first realize the relationship just isn’t what it was, when communication isn’t happening, when you are spending more and more time in uncertainty then stop, take stock, and address the problems before they become loud, smelly, chaotic, uncomfortable and costly holes in the dam.
"You have seen many things, but have paid no attention; your ears are open, but you hear nothing." Isaiah 42:20
Marisa
Marisa Lykins
http://love89djmarisa.blogspot.com
marisalykins@yahoo.com
facebook: Marisa Lykins
twitter: marisalykins
Have you ever noticed a light on your dash board that says service engine soon and just kept driving? Maybe your heat and air unit made a strange noise every now and then but it was too cold to think about possibly having it off for a few hours to have it checked so you didn't? Your lap top froze a few times and you got that weird blue screen - not the fatal one - the other one that does however warn that something’s not right?
But we drive on, ignore, keep working, the whole time saying to ourselves that we really need to attend to whatever the noise, light, and warning sign has been. Then BOOM! The bottom of whatever it is drops out and there we are, shocked at the chaos, the aggravation, the attention that now must be poured into whatever is not working properly. Yes, even though there have been signs all along that we have ignored we then find ourselves in full blown panic and race around trying to plug up the proverbial hole in the dam even though there has been water leaking out for some time.
What about in our relationships? In our own physical or emotional lives? We see, feel, know that something’s not right and we even think to ourselves, I really need to tend to that - later.
What about that friend you haven’t talked to much in awhile because you had that weird argument? The spouse you find yourself just sort of existing within the house each day but its been going on so long you couldn't even put your finger on when it all started? The child that doesn’t seem to be at family dinners as much, doesn’t seem to be making an effort anymore at school when they always have before?
There are always warning signs. But for some reason we put off the things in life that make us feel uneasy until they become so unbelievably uncomfortable we can't even imagine addressing the issues at all.
Heed the warning signs - they're always there. Just like when the dashboard light comes on, when you first realize the relationship just isn’t what it was, when communication isn’t happening, when you are spending more and more time in uncertainty then stop, take stock, and address the problems before they become loud, smelly, chaotic, uncomfortable and costly holes in the dam.
"You have seen many things, but have paid no attention; your ears are open, but you hear nothing." Isaiah 42:20
Marisa
Marisa Lykins
http://love89djmarisa.blogspot.com
marisalykins@yahoo.com
facebook: Marisa Lykins
twitter: marisalykins
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Our state of the union - sad, but for a different reason
I'm not gonna get into the direction of Obama's speech - you have your opinions and beliefs and I have my mine, right? But what I do want to note - sadly - is that one way to gage I think the state of our union is unfortunately by the huge amount of Americans out there who could care less about actively participating in it.
They want no part of listening and watching a speech by the appointed and elected leader of our country. A man who is attempting to set the tone and direction for the next 12 months. Many prefer to get info second hand, watch tv shows that are on every week already, talk about frivolous things, and post random comments when people in other countries were listening and watching it all and would die, and do die, to have the chance to participate in what their governments are doing.
I purposefully kept one eye on Twitter and Facebook while I was listening.
So many were either slamming it before it began, not caring enough to know it was even on, or purposely choosing not to listen.
If its because of a certain party they feel the President does or does not represent, then they are choosing not to care based on completely affiliating themselves with a certain group of people - a group of human people. Humans. Where does that normally get any of us?
If its because his personal beliefs don’t align completely with theirs, how could they then not want to be informed first hand about what actions and direction he intends to take on behalf of our country?
I posted this verse earlier for a different reason but in this case I think it bears repeating.
Daniel 2:21-22
He controls the course of world events;
he removes kings and sets up other kings.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the scholars.
He reveals deep and mysterious things
and knows what lies hidden in darkness,
though he is surrounded by light.
Just like with anything else - God doesn't intend for us to sit back and let government and political agendas just happen TO us. Yes, He spins the cosmos, He tells the seasons to change, He doesn’t need us, He is that God.
But that God allows and expects us to actively be IN His story. Every part of His story. And as characters, not bystanders simply reading about it. And in the midst of it all He reveals things He wants us to know, to feel, to understand.
If the government is upon Christ’s shoulders shouldn't we take an interest in it?
If we are to intercede and pray for kings and those in authority because it pleases our Savior, then shouldn’t we do that from an informed basis? These are things His word tells us are true.
Look, its not always exciting or even easy to understand but we also cannot base what we think or believe in this arena any more than we can depend on what someone else says Gods word means if we don’t read it and study it for ourselves. If we actively engage, participate, and pray for wisdom, guidance, and enlightenment it will please Him.
Plus, I cant gripe about what I don’t try to understand or help change.
Just my humble opinion.
Marisa
They want no part of listening and watching a speech by the appointed and elected leader of our country. A man who is attempting to set the tone and direction for the next 12 months. Many prefer to get info second hand, watch tv shows that are on every week already, talk about frivolous things, and post random comments when people in other countries were listening and watching it all and would die, and do die, to have the chance to participate in what their governments are doing.
I purposefully kept one eye on Twitter and Facebook while I was listening.
So many were either slamming it before it began, not caring enough to know it was even on, or purposely choosing not to listen.
If its because of a certain party they feel the President does or does not represent, then they are choosing not to care based on completely affiliating themselves with a certain group of people - a group of human people. Humans. Where does that normally get any of us?
If its because his personal beliefs don’t align completely with theirs, how could they then not want to be informed first hand about what actions and direction he intends to take on behalf of our country?
I posted this verse earlier for a different reason but in this case I think it bears repeating.
Daniel 2:21-22
He controls the course of world events;
he removes kings and sets up other kings.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the scholars.
He reveals deep and mysterious things
and knows what lies hidden in darkness,
though he is surrounded by light.
Just like with anything else - God doesn't intend for us to sit back and let government and political agendas just happen TO us. Yes, He spins the cosmos, He tells the seasons to change, He doesn’t need us, He is that God.
But that God allows and expects us to actively be IN His story. Every part of His story. And as characters, not bystanders simply reading about it. And in the midst of it all He reveals things He wants us to know, to feel, to understand.
If the government is upon Christ’s shoulders shouldn't we take an interest in it?
If we are to intercede and pray for kings and those in authority because it pleases our Savior, then shouldn’t we do that from an informed basis? These are things His word tells us are true.
Look, its not always exciting or even easy to understand but we also cannot base what we think or believe in this arena any more than we can depend on what someone else says Gods word means if we don’t read it and study it for ourselves. If we actively engage, participate, and pray for wisdom, guidance, and enlightenment it will please Him.
Plus, I cant gripe about what I don’t try to understand or help change.
Just my humble opinion.
Marisa
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sometimes a girl just misses her Daddy.
My Daddy died on April 1st 2005. Which I must tell you, I do still find just a bit hilarious. Daddy was such a prankster, a joker, and had just the best and silliest sense of humor - so really, it should have come as no surprise to me that God picked April Fools Day to bring him home :)
But here I am, almost 6 years later, sitting on the couch, unable to sleep, and missing my Daddy tonight.
I recently lost not just my job of 13 years, but my biggest outlet for personal ministry. But tonight its not so much about that, as how taken aback I am with how deeply I still need my Daddy.
Don't get me wrong, I have seen God moving in my life very specifically during this change and season.
"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." Psalm 68:5
And I am a blessed woman in that He is speaking and loving on me when I most need it.
Matthew 6:8 “Your Father knows the things you have need of, before you ask Him.”
But when I feel any sense of loss, or a feeling of being lost myself, I not only want my heavenly Father but I always want my earthly Daddy too!
I just want to be able to talk with him. Be able to sit with him. To pour out my heart to him, to let him just love me as he listens.
Daddy was a good listener.
You know how it is when someone isn't. There you are sharing your core self, your thoughts, your innermost feelings, and you slowly become aware that at some point the person you are with has already jumped a full 2 minutes ahead of you in the conversation. They really aren't hearing half of what you say because they somehow feel that what they're about to share with you next will completely change the way you look at the world and bring you to great enlightenment so they can hardly concentrate on anything else. You know what I'm talking about. In fact you can envision their face. Yep, me too.
But not Paul Rush. A man with a lifetime of experience, who loved God, loved me, and truly wanted to help never rushed to respond. He always made sure he was hearing clearly the cry of my heart, that each feeling I had was expressed, and that he never interrupted me. He simply listened. It was important to him to understand me. Then, if I hadn't already fleshed out my own answer - which tends to happen if we take the time to talk through it out loud - he would then quietly began to ask me questions. The questions I hadn't thought to ask because I was too wrapped up in the emotion and hurt, or the questions I had dared not ask myself because I feared having to look deep enough to answer them.
One of the other things I also miss about how well my Daddy listened was that at some point, at exactly the right time, he would use that wonderful sense of humor of his to make me laugh (no doubt also why I was attracted to my husband, who still makes me laugh so hard each day). It was never too soon so that I didn't feel like he wasn't taking me seriously. Never at the wrong moment where I could have taken it that he was uncomfortable with our talk. And never just thrown in randomly at the end to try and wrap it up too soon. It always came from a place of love, care, and when and where he was led by the Holy Spirit.
Paul Rush was a man, a marine, a pastor, and a tradesman of a different generation - this all could have easily added up to him being a no nonsense kind of a guy. Things could have been very very different. He could have assessed the situations I brought him, complied the evidence quickly, determined the most plausible course of action I should take, and have been done.
But Daddy was a good listener. He loved me through that. And I really wish I could talk with him now. Sometimes a girl just misses her Daddy...
Marisa Lykins
But here I am, almost 6 years later, sitting on the couch, unable to sleep, and missing my Daddy tonight.
I recently lost not just my job of 13 years, but my biggest outlet for personal ministry. But tonight its not so much about that, as how taken aback I am with how deeply I still need my Daddy.
Don't get me wrong, I have seen God moving in my life very specifically during this change and season.
"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." Psalm 68:5
And I am a blessed woman in that He is speaking and loving on me when I most need it.
Matthew 6:8 “Your Father knows the things you have need of, before you ask Him.”
But when I feel any sense of loss, or a feeling of being lost myself, I not only want my heavenly Father but I always want my earthly Daddy too!
I just want to be able to talk with him. Be able to sit with him. To pour out my heart to him, to let him just love me as he listens.
Daddy was a good listener.
You know how it is when someone isn't. There you are sharing your core self, your thoughts, your innermost feelings, and you slowly become aware that at some point the person you are with has already jumped a full 2 minutes ahead of you in the conversation. They really aren't hearing half of what you say because they somehow feel that what they're about to share with you next will completely change the way you look at the world and bring you to great enlightenment so they can hardly concentrate on anything else. You know what I'm talking about. In fact you can envision their face. Yep, me too.
But not Paul Rush. A man with a lifetime of experience, who loved God, loved me, and truly wanted to help never rushed to respond. He always made sure he was hearing clearly the cry of my heart, that each feeling I had was expressed, and that he never interrupted me. He simply listened. It was important to him to understand me. Then, if I hadn't already fleshed out my own answer - which tends to happen if we take the time to talk through it out loud - he would then quietly began to ask me questions. The questions I hadn't thought to ask because I was too wrapped up in the emotion and hurt, or the questions I had dared not ask myself because I feared having to look deep enough to answer them.
One of the other things I also miss about how well my Daddy listened was that at some point, at exactly the right time, he would use that wonderful sense of humor of his to make me laugh (no doubt also why I was attracted to my husband, who still makes me laugh so hard each day). It was never too soon so that I didn't feel like he wasn't taking me seriously. Never at the wrong moment where I could have taken it that he was uncomfortable with our talk. And never just thrown in randomly at the end to try and wrap it up too soon. It always came from a place of love, care, and when and where he was led by the Holy Spirit.
Paul Rush was a man, a marine, a pastor, and a tradesman of a different generation - this all could have easily added up to him being a no nonsense kind of a guy. Things could have been very very different. He could have assessed the situations I brought him, complied the evidence quickly, determined the most plausible course of action I should take, and have been done.
But Daddy was a good listener. He loved me through that. And I really wish I could talk with him now. Sometimes a girl just misses her Daddy...
Marisa Lykins
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
It's raining...
As the rain falls outside my Holiday Inn Express window, I sit here in my warm room with all the comforts I need, curled up under a warm fuzzy green blanket in a comfy chair. To my left is a refrigerator with my cold coffee drink for later. My bottle of water. I have the option of warm clean water to bathe or shower in. I have already eaten supper. To my right a big soft bed with not just one, but 4 pillows on which to rest my head. I'm under an intact roof.
And I'm thinking about Haiti.
About the children of Compassion International. But not just those children. About the children who desperately wish they were sponsored children of Compassion International. Because they see, they know, what a life saving difference a mere $38 a month makes in their friends lives who have sponsors. What blessed changes come when you're hungry, scared, thirsty, lonely, in need of medical care, emotional care, and to know hope... to get a sponsor means you are fed, clothed, schooled, see a doctor, get glasses, receive counseling and therapy if need be, and needed repairs to a leaky roof your family lives under. It means you are safe, you have hope, and above all this you meet Jesus - the Author of Hope.
I sit here thinking about the 200 children we will try to find sponsors for in the next 2 days at WCQR's onair drive to "Remember Haiti with Compassion". See, I have already looked at their precious faces through this link http://www.wcqr.org/
Those children who may not only be listening to the rain fall tonight, but who may be out in it, still hungry, still lonely, still yearning for what they dont understand but know they need... Hope
But when you are a child of Compassion like Guetchine you have hope, its there waiting when tragedy strikes
Remember Haiti - don't forget the least of these...
Marisa
And I'm thinking about Haiti.
About the children of Compassion International. But not just those children. About the children who desperately wish they were sponsored children of Compassion International. Because they see, they know, what a life saving difference a mere $38 a month makes in their friends lives who have sponsors. What blessed changes come when you're hungry, scared, thirsty, lonely, in need of medical care, emotional care, and to know hope... to get a sponsor means you are fed, clothed, schooled, see a doctor, get glasses, receive counseling and therapy if need be, and needed repairs to a leaky roof your family lives under. It means you are safe, you have hope, and above all this you meet Jesus - the Author of Hope.
I sit here thinking about the 200 children we will try to find sponsors for in the next 2 days at WCQR's onair drive to "Remember Haiti with Compassion". See, I have already looked at their precious faces through this link http://www.wcqr.org/
Those children who may not only be listening to the rain fall tonight, but who may be out in it, still hungry, still lonely, still yearning for what they dont understand but know they need... Hope
But when you are a child of Compassion like Guetchine you have hope, its there waiting when tragedy strikes
Remember Haiti - don't forget the least of these...
Marisa
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Sometimes a Nap is Just Right
I was thinking about Goldie Locks as we headed home from church today. Not the bears, but Goldie Locks.You know, how she looked for just the right bed? The bed that wasn't too hard, that wasn't too soft? See, I was thinking about a nap.
I was thinking that this weekend had been a busy one. I had dinner, laughs, and great conversation on Friday evening with my husband Todd, along with our pastor and his wife (so good in fact we didn't get home until 1am Saturday morning). Then it was early to rise for me on Saturday morning, off to spend a much needed sweet day of needed down time with the women's ministry leadership team (including a brief time of event planning), and a good meal together. Sunday of course was another early morning as Hubs and I headed to worship and hear the second message in a fantastic series our pastor is walking us through, on who we are as a church, what we believe, and where we are going as a united body of believers. This was followed by a long leisurely lunch with 20 friends.
The problem was, how do I justify a nap? Yes, it was a few really long days... but for such great and fun things! And here I was, actually considering where to have it as I looked out the passenger side window at the sun light glistening on the little patches of snow still dotting the sides of the road. In the bed, on the couch, in Todd's recliner - where would be just right for me today? But there were dishes to wash, clothes to wash, the second bedroom needed to still be completely cleaned out, and a lot more tasks that I needed to finish.
In the first chapter of Genesis, as His creation is revealed, it ends with "on the sixth day He rested", right? But that was after all once He created the earth and all it contained - not after He had hung out a couple of late nights with friends.Then I thought back over those 31 verses in Genesis again. Wait,... as God created the world - the WHOLE world mind you - it actually says that 'He saw what He had made and it was very good'... and it says that way more than once. It doesn't say He broke a sweat, then needed rest. He's God after all. But He did rest.Then it struck me. He was joyfully spending His time getting everything ready for fellowship with us! What He rested from were things that gave Him great pleasure, and I think to also say wow, this is good, this is what I desire.
This weekend was full of great fellowship, great pleasure, and time with friends who love Him - and it was good.
And so I napped. And it was just right :)
Marisa
I was thinking that this weekend had been a busy one. I had dinner, laughs, and great conversation on Friday evening with my husband Todd, along with our pastor and his wife (so good in fact we didn't get home until 1am Saturday morning). Then it was early to rise for me on Saturday morning, off to spend a much needed sweet day of needed down time with the women's ministry leadership team (including a brief time of event planning), and a good meal together. Sunday of course was another early morning as Hubs and I headed to worship and hear the second message in a fantastic series our pastor is walking us through, on who we are as a church, what we believe, and where we are going as a united body of believers. This was followed by a long leisurely lunch with 20 friends.
The problem was, how do I justify a nap? Yes, it was a few really long days... but for such great and fun things! And here I was, actually considering where to have it as I looked out the passenger side window at the sun light glistening on the little patches of snow still dotting the sides of the road. In the bed, on the couch, in Todd's recliner - where would be just right for me today? But there were dishes to wash, clothes to wash, the second bedroom needed to still be completely cleaned out, and a lot more tasks that I needed to finish.
In the first chapter of Genesis, as His creation is revealed, it ends with "on the sixth day He rested", right? But that was after all once He created the earth and all it contained - not after He had hung out a couple of late nights with friends.Then I thought back over those 31 verses in Genesis again. Wait,... as God created the world - the WHOLE world mind you - it actually says that 'He saw what He had made and it was very good'... and it says that way more than once. It doesn't say He broke a sweat, then needed rest. He's God after all. But He did rest.Then it struck me. He was joyfully spending His time getting everything ready for fellowship with us! What He rested from were things that gave Him great pleasure, and I think to also say wow, this is good, this is what I desire.
This weekend was full of great fellowship, great pleasure, and time with friends who love Him - and it was good.
And so I napped. And it was just right :)
Marisa
Monday, January 10, 2011
Remembering Haiti
As I prepare next week to travel to the Tri-Cities at WCQR Christian Radio to help my good buddy Dave Kirby host a two day 'Remembering Haiti' Child Sponsorship Drive with Compassion International, I am incapable of stopping the images from flooding back into my mind we all saw a year ago. Every local or national newscast, every online news source, every newspaper and magazine all reflected the horrors of the devastation that 7.0 magnitude earthquake left behind in Haiti in January of 2010.
Can it really be only a 12 months ago in Port-au-Prince that more than 220,000 people died, some 300,000 people were injured, and more than 1 million were left homeless?
Can it really be only a 12 months ago in Port-au-Prince that more than 220,000 people died, some 300,000 people were injured, and more than 1 million were left homeless?
And oh how our hearts broke at the images of the youngest of those left behind - so very many children. Some with only remnants of the families they once knew, some orphaned and completely alone.They are still there you know, still living in make shift tents of ripped tarps and rocks. Still needing clean water, food, medical care, emotional help. And still needing the most basics things in life we all take for granted.
These children who had a hard enough time daring to dream bigger than what they saw within blocks of their homes before the disaster, now can't dream past tonight and the dire circumstances and extreme poverty in which they know they will still awaken to tomorrow morning.
But ever at the ready, with your help, is Compassion International and they ARE bringing hope! I have three Compassion children myself (one each in Guatemala, Columbia, and Ghana). I have seen first hand that in needy communities, operating through the local church, Compassion International projects all over the world are there ready to provide food, education, safety, health care, spiritual guidance, love, and hope - all wrapped up in Jesus!
Would you say a prayer for me, the staff of WCQR and those who will be tuning in? I'm so excited to be able to go help, and share the Children of Haiti and of Compassion with ther community. Pray for many to catch the vision, God's vision, of simply welcoming a child in His name. That with a monthly financial gift and exchange of letters they don't just provide the daily things that every child in this world deserves, but that they become the source God will use to begin to sew His Hope and help that child dare to dream bigger than they ever did before!
Yes the need is still so incredibly great in Haiti, but our God is greater, and through Compassion International hope is rising - and for those who will dare to help, they will be His hands and feet!
Every good thing is not for every one to do, but if you think you may be called to help a child to dream again, simply click the Compassion link you will find on my blog at http://love89djmarisa.blogspot.com/ (if you are already reading this and are already on my blog just look to your right toward the top of the page) Then pray for God to reveal the child He has already picked out just for you and release that child from poverty in Jesus Name!
Friday, January 7, 2011
About Town
I'm sitting here with Hubs tonight and was thinking that you know, its January, things aren't quite as happening as they were around the holidays. Not that we all don't need the rest, to veg every now and then, but if you are looking for something to do and don't mind bundling up for a couple of them, there ARE some neat things around to partake in...
Its colder, but a fact is many animals at the Zoo love this time of year and are actually more active - now thru Feb 28th 2011 the Knoxville Zoo is holding "Penguin Discount Days"... That means admission to Knoxville Zoo is half-off! Bundle up and also don't forget the Wee Play Zoo - an indoor activity are perfect for a break and time to warm up. If it gets below 40 degrees some animals are taken inside but the big guys like the elephants, gorillas, bears and more are out, and also the reptiles and indoor areas are open! http://www.knoxville-zoo.org/
Its also time for the Zoo's annual phone book recycling program too now thru Jan 31st so you can bring an outdated phone book to the zoo and receive special admission. For each outdated phone book, guests will receive one-free admission ticket with the purchase of another. Since its also the Penguin Discount Days that means if you bring a phone book to recycle you can buy one admission is at half-price and get one free.
"Free Saturday Stories and Songs" programs are being held at participating Knoxville Library branches - get full schedules and locations at http://knoxrooms.sirsi.net/rooms/portal/page/Sirsi_HOME
There are other libraries with special events too like:
Blount County http://www.blountlibrary.org/GeneralCalendar.pdf
Cheer on 100+ people participating Jan 31st & Feb 1st in the "Special Olympics Winter Games in TN" at Ober Gatlinburg - details are at http://www.obergatlinburg.com/event/11/
Join others to support these athletes with intellectual disabilities as they compete in Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding!
The Titanic's first ever "Pigeon Forge Professional Ice Carving Competition"
Watch the world’s-most celebrated ice sculptors chisel 250-pound blocks of ice into fantastic designs that are beyond belief. This free one-day family event will take place in Titanic’s outdoor entertainment center Saturday, Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Professionals and amateurs will compete for prize monies. It'll probably be pretty popular so I'd go early for the best views! http://www.titanicpigeonforge.com/
Don't forget too that a leisurely drive through Cades Cove can do wonders, even this time of year... great views can cleanse the mind and spirit and remind you of Gods handiwork in a whole new way than just the typical warmer seasonal visits. So consider packing lunches and heading out on that famed loop or one of these trailways below where the vistas should be nice and clear this time of year on those unclouded days!
http://www.smokies.ws/lookrock/
http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/
http://www.cherohala.org/
There are more events than this of course and I'll try to post some from time to time for you. I truly think that East TN is the best place to be any time of year!
Marisa
Its colder, but a fact is many animals at the Zoo love this time of year and are actually more active - now thru Feb 28th 2011 the Knoxville Zoo is holding "Penguin Discount Days"... That means admission to Knoxville Zoo is half-off! Bundle up and also don't forget the Wee Play Zoo - an indoor activity are perfect for a break and time to warm up. If it gets below 40 degrees some animals are taken inside but the big guys like the elephants, gorillas, bears and more are out, and also the reptiles and indoor areas are open! http://www.knoxville-zoo.org/
Its also time for the Zoo's annual phone book recycling program too now thru Jan 31st so you can bring an outdated phone book to the zoo and receive special admission. For each outdated phone book, guests will receive one-free admission ticket with the purchase of another. Since its also the Penguin Discount Days that means if you bring a phone book to recycle you can buy one admission is at half-price and get one free.
"Free Saturday Stories and Songs" programs are being held at participating Knoxville Library branches - get full schedules and locations at http://knoxrooms.sirsi.net/rooms/portal/page/Sirsi_HOME
There are other libraries with special events too like:
Blount County http://www.blountlibrary.org/GeneralCalendar.pdf
Cheer on 100+ people participating Jan 31st & Feb 1st in the "Special Olympics Winter Games in TN" at Ober Gatlinburg - details are at http://www.obergatlinburg.com/event/11/
Join others to support these athletes with intellectual disabilities as they compete in Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding!
The Titanic's first ever "Pigeon Forge Professional Ice Carving Competition"
Watch the world’s-most celebrated ice sculptors chisel 250-pound blocks of ice into fantastic designs that are beyond belief. This free one-day family event will take place in Titanic’s outdoor entertainment center Saturday, Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Professionals and amateurs will compete for prize monies. It'll probably be pretty popular so I'd go early for the best views! http://www.titanicpigeonforge.com/
Don't forget too that a leisurely drive through Cades Cove can do wonders, even this time of year... great views can cleanse the mind and spirit and remind you of Gods handiwork in a whole new way than just the typical warmer seasonal visits. So consider packing lunches and heading out on that famed loop or one of these trailways below where the vistas should be nice and clear this time of year on those unclouded days!
http://www.smokies.ws/lookrock/
http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/
http://www.cherohala.org/
There are more events than this of course and I'll try to post some from time to time for you. I truly think that East TN is the best place to be any time of year!
Marisa
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Chick-Chat: "Distractions - The Prequel"
Chick-Chat: "Distractions, the Prequel"
I posted earlier about how sometimes God provides good distractions. Those meant to take my mind off me and my own struggles, to focus on how He is working around me and how that can be just the best blessing and picture of Him and who He is. The more I've thought about this, the more I kept going back in my mind to a much simpler time in my life...
(ok, this is where you should now hear that typical dream sequence music from every t.v. show and movie you've ever seen)
See that young girl over there? The one who's bending over that dandelion so intently examining each little tiny petal in her flip flops and shorts? She sees how each delicate petal tucks so tightly under the next ring of them, and marvels at how they look like hundreds of flowers in one!
See the other little girl, the one with the magnifying glass? Looking at the caterpillar she caught earlier? She's watching it undulate and wrinkle in on its self like many tiny waves meeting and moving apart as it crawls around slowly on the leaf she's holding in the other hand.
What about the girl who's lying in her back with her best friend? They're both wearing pink shirts (they like to wear the same colors on the same day because they've been best friends since they were in kindergarten, and its Pink Thursday after all). They lay there, head to head, looking at the clouds drifting by in ever changing shapes, deciding what each sees in them - a flower, a bunny, a mans head, a football, a bird...
We all handle it differently and we've dealt with it for longer than we think.
Picture yourself as one of the girls above. Those girls also have something they were waiting to do. One may have been waiting on mom to call her home for dinner. One may be waiting until the time her friend who lives down the street said to come over and play, once she was done helping her sister do chores. Or maybe waiting on her dad to finish whatever he was doing in the garage to come take her for a bike ride. Maybe the two picking shapes in the clouds were simply just waiting to grow up so their life could begin :)
We wait on that much needed job, on the kids to behave, on friends to stop making bad decisions and just listen to us already, for that future spouse to show up, or pop the question, maybe just for a chance to live out the dream you have been chasing for years, for that new way God will finally begin to use you again for His glory...
I used to be those girls, but I got older. And I had trouble waiting without getting anxious, fretting, getting impatient and trying to rush God's hand.
Psalm 52:8-9
8 But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.
9 For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.
So we should actually flourish, grow, and praise Him in the waiting – find hope in the waiting!
I remember being those girls, lazily distracted by the good things God provided because I was much more eager to see them then, to look for them. I still had enough child like wonder in me to seek them out even.
I have decided that’s how I should wait now. Like a child!
Because I think when I look at how much care He takes placing things around me for my pleasure, for my glimpses of Him, and yes my distractions from worry, I see how much He loves me.
Gods incredible creations are meant to perplex, amaze and baffle me!
So next time I'm getting impatient maybe I'll stop at a nursery or greenhouse and start choosing some flowers I may want to try my hand at planting in window boxes this Spring.
If you know me at all you know I won't be looking for creepy crawly things to look at to say wow look at what my God did - BUT I just may take a few hours at the zoo watching the lumbering mammoth elephants and the quick curious twitchy prairie dogs and see what His hand truly has done, and enjoy a nice walk at the same time.
And I just may find a spot in my own front yard the next time I'm feeling anxious, lay on a warm blanket, relax, and see what boats, planes, fish, and ducks I can find in the clouds.
But I'm thinking to really set the stage for connecting with that young girl I should first find a park with swings and see how high I can fly!
Marisa Lykins
I posted earlier about how sometimes God provides good distractions. Those meant to take my mind off me and my own struggles, to focus on how He is working around me and how that can be just the best blessing and picture of Him and who He is. The more I've thought about this, the more I kept going back in my mind to a much simpler time in my life...
(ok, this is where you should now hear that typical dream sequence music from every t.v. show and movie you've ever seen)
See that young girl over there? The one who's bending over that dandelion so intently examining each little tiny petal in her flip flops and shorts? She sees how each delicate petal tucks so tightly under the next ring of them, and marvels at how they look like hundreds of flowers in one!
See the other little girl, the one with the magnifying glass? Looking at the caterpillar she caught earlier? She's watching it undulate and wrinkle in on its self like many tiny waves meeting and moving apart as it crawls around slowly on the leaf she's holding in the other hand.
What about the girl who's lying in her back with her best friend? They're both wearing pink shirts (they like to wear the same colors on the same day because they've been best friends since they were in kindergarten, and its Pink Thursday after all). They lay there, head to head, looking at the clouds drifting by in ever changing shapes, deciding what each sees in them - a flower, a bunny, a mans head, a football, a bird...
We all handle it differently and we've dealt with it for longer than we think.
Picture yourself as one of the girls above. Those girls also have something they were waiting to do. One may have been waiting on mom to call her home for dinner. One may be waiting until the time her friend who lives down the street said to come over and play, once she was done helping her sister do chores. Or maybe waiting on her dad to finish whatever he was doing in the garage to come take her for a bike ride. Maybe the two picking shapes in the clouds were simply just waiting to grow up so their life could begin :)
We wait on that much needed job, on the kids to behave, on friends to stop making bad decisions and just listen to us already, for that future spouse to show up, or pop the question, maybe just for a chance to live out the dream you have been chasing for years, for that new way God will finally begin to use you again for His glory...
I used to be those girls, but I got older. And I had trouble waiting without getting anxious, fretting, getting impatient and trying to rush God's hand.
Psalm 52:8-9
8 But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.
9 For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.
So we should actually flourish, grow, and praise Him in the waiting – find hope in the waiting!
I remember being those girls, lazily distracted by the good things God provided because I was much more eager to see them then, to look for them. I still had enough child like wonder in me to seek them out even.
I have decided that’s how I should wait now. Like a child!
Because I think when I look at how much care He takes placing things around me for my pleasure, for my glimpses of Him, and yes my distractions from worry, I see how much He loves me.
Gods incredible creations are meant to perplex, amaze and baffle me!
So next time I'm getting impatient maybe I'll stop at a nursery or greenhouse and start choosing some flowers I may want to try my hand at planting in window boxes this Spring.
If you know me at all you know I won't be looking for creepy crawly things to look at to say wow look at what my God did - BUT I just may take a few hours at the zoo watching the lumbering mammoth elephants and the quick curious twitchy prairie dogs and see what His hand truly has done, and enjoy a nice walk at the same time.
And I just may find a spot in my own front yard the next time I'm feeling anxious, lay on a warm blanket, relax, and see what boats, planes, fish, and ducks I can find in the clouds.
But I'm thinking to really set the stage for connecting with that young girl I should first find a park with swings and see how high I can fly!
Marisa Lykins
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