It's been a while since I've posted. I took a bit of a hiatus from being online while I had some family visiting, and that was a nice reprieve. I've also had a couple of other situations crop up lately that have interefered with me finishing my website, but I really hope to have something up shortly.
From the talks and e-mail discussions I have had with friends recently, it seems as if I can pull out one common thread: almost everyone is enduring some kind of testing of their faith right now. Whether it be health trials, job loss, relationship stress, or something else, it is almost as if everyone I know is going through the wringer in some aspect of their lives! I'm trying to hang on to the scripture that says that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. Sometimes, on the contrary, it seems as if testing of the faith produces perplexity and pain, rather than patience and perseverance. But obviously, it's our choice of response to the testing that produces the fruit. I pray for all of my brothers and sisters who are enduring fiery trials. May your faith come forth as precious gold in the sight of the Lord.
I was reminded of a poem I wrote a few years ago, when enduring such a time of sadness and pain. I hope it blesses someone.
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Teach Me to Sing
April 21, 2007 – Upon observing a house finch in my tree
Upon thee I gaze, my ethereal winged friend
Whose emancipated singing knows not an end
Whose sweet melodious tones now impart
A balm of comfort to my downtrodden heart
Thy warbling reflects love eternal, divine
A song to thy Creator, who dwells not in time
Blissful contentment in thy voice do I hear
A heart bounding with mirth, and free from all fear
For thou knowest, assured, that thou hast not a need
While thy Father, in diligence, thy mouth He will feed
In peaceful security thy feathers may rest
In His capable hands, thou buildest thy nest
Sweet ballad of joy, o so rich, o so pure
Unfolds such a trust, o so steady, so sure
That though the north wind carry tempest or rain
Without falter, the south wind shall soon blow again
Thy fair rosy colour is imbued with warm glow
For the Son on thee shineth, His care thou dost know
Dear friend, upon whom my eyes are now fixed
While my soul lieth valley and shadow betwixt
May my spirit, from thine innocence, wisdom now glean
Through thy beauty and simplicity, my Saviour be seen
May my heart learn the notes of thy glorious song
Then join in thy praise, and for eternity long
Where like thee I’ll fly on the wings of the wind
Forever be freed from the sadness and sin
That oft dampen, and keep this royal songbird from flight
Stealing her joy, and her songs in the night
Like thine air, free of striving, struggle and sorrow
May my heart never faint at the thought of tomorrow
But rather, like thee, full of freedom and grace
Today, in this moment, see His glorious face.
-Melissa Dittrich
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