Smile. Even when you feel upside down. : )

I'd like to introduce you to a friend of my youngest son.  His name is Tiny Lion.

(Not to be confused, mind you, with Little Lion or Big Lion.)  Tiny Lion is, as you may have imagined, the smallest of the bunch.  He and the other lions came with us to Peru and this picture was taken this afternoon of Tiny Lion just before he was removed from the laundry line where he had been hanging after he got a bath last night. That's why he looks a bit frazzled and upside down. He fluffed right up after I took him down and gave him a good shake, but I didn't get a picture of him so you'll just have to trust me that he looks much different now.

(Are you wondering yet what in the world I'm getting to?)

This afternoon I read this post by author Mary DeMuth and it got me thinking about this next year that is starting very soon.  Like Mary, for the last (sheesh!) maybe 16  or 17 years I have asked God to give me a word for the year - something He would teach me about.  I haven't had any real ideas yet for this coming year so when I read Mary's idea about asking God for a picture instead of just a word, I thought it sounded interesting and I think maybe I did it.  I don't exactly remember asking God this afternoon to give me a picture for this next year, but I did want one and was going to keep my eyes open.

It wasn't much later when my youngest was bugging me about getting Little Lion and Tiny Lion down from the laundry that I had an image pop in my head of them hanging up there upside down smiling and knew I needed to take a picture of Tiny. (He's the smiliest.) : )

Oh friends, it is such a picture of how I was feeling today...  a bit frazzled and upside down here on the South side of the equator... Now that we've gotten through the big move and Christmas, we're wanting to settle down and settle in, but we aren't actually going to be in this place for very long - so I can't get settled yet.  (I'm still hanging on the line like Little Lion had to do because his paws were still damp.)

But the smile on Tiny Lion's face is unmistakable and I want it to be my inspiration this next year. I want to learn to smile when I feel like I've blown in culturally somehow and to smile when the adjustments are hard and the language is confusing.  I want to smile when I can't find just the right words to express my feelings and thoughts even though words are some of my favorite things and it bothers me to mix things up and to not be able to talk as fluently/expressively in spanish.  I want to smile anyway knowing that even a month from now I'll be more fluent than I already am and THANK YOU LORD for inspiring me to learn this beautiful language long before You showed me why.

Father, bring this picture of Tiny Lion to my mind OFTEN.  May it never grow old during the 365 days of my first year in Peru and may I trust You more and more.  And smile.  : )

At the Christmas service last week here at the Trujillo MB church

Gracias

I'm writing this time from the kitchen table in our home in Trujillo. : ) We've been here since last Wednesday and every day it feels more like home. We had a nice Christmas celebrating with the church, another missionary here, the pastor's family and our own little family. The kids have been doing really well. God has been so gracious.

Since last Spring, I've found it intriguing that the Spanish word for "thank you" means "graces" and the French word for "thank you" means "mercy." And I am so incredibly thankful right now for God's grace and mercy....

Read the rest of this post here.  : )

We are in Peru!!!

click here to read the post!  : )

Travel Update

Hi friends!  As of yesterday, we have tickets to fly to Peru on December 14th!  More updates on the other blog...  Click on the picture over there on the right to get to our family missions blog.  : )

The Last Song for Now...

It’s Beyond Me  (Psalm 139)

1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;

You understand my thoughts from afar.

3 You observe my going out and my lying down

You are familiar with all my ways

4 Before a word is out of my mouth

You’ve heard it clearly, O LORD.

5 You have me surrounded, behind and before;

You have placed your hand upon me.

6 Lord, it’s beyond me, the way that You know me

Lord, it’s beyond me, the way that You love me

7 Where can I run from your Spirit?      

Where can I hide from your presence?

8 In the grave or in heaven, You are there

9 If I fly on morning’s wings to the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand won't let me go.

11I could say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me,

for even the light around me will not last”

12 But even the darkness will shine like the day,

for darkness and light are the same to You.

Lord, it’s beyond me, the way that You know me

Lord it’s beyond me, the way that You love me

13 For You made me, Lord;  You knit me together

14 My soul knows very well

Your works are marvelous; I praise and thank You

For I am fearfully and wonderfully made

23 Search me, O God, You know my heart;

Look closely and reveal my anxious thoughts.

24 Show me where I go astray,

and walk with me in your everlasting way.

Lord, it’s beyond me, the way that You know me

Lord, it’s beyond me, the way that You love me

Melissa Ens 7.16.2011

God is Still Good

In May of 2009, I wrote this song and these words about it:

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all...” Psalm 34:18-19 

"Sigh... This has been a heart-breaking week. I won't explain it all because it isn't my story to tell, but some dear friends of mine have had one of the hardest weeks imaginable - literally... I have been honored enough to sit with them through some of it and as I have prayed for them and cried for them, these words have echoed through my thoughts: "God is still God and God is still good." No matter what happens or how things appear, that Truth will never, ever change. The other night, I wrote the words to a song - for my friends and anyone else who might need it - for me when I need it. I hope they encourage you wherever and whenever you might need it, too."

I still tremble to offer words of any kind to people in situations so much harder than any I've ever faced, but when I wrote this song for my friend, she was encouraged by it - so it gives me more courage to share it with others.  I've been reminded of it this week, so I thought I'd post it along with the recording I made for my friend back in 2009.

Click here to listen...

God is Still Good

 “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all...” Psalm 34:18-19

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is FAITHFUL.”  Hebrews 10:23

God says He never changes

His promises are Truth

Even while the storm still rages

And we’re searching for proof

As faithful as the sun is to rise

And the seasons are to change

When all other hope is gone

This eternal hope remains

God is still God

And God is still good

When all you see is darkness

Though your heart’s been torn in two

You will find the strength to believe

Walk by faith and not by sight

In the middle of the winter

All through the darkest night

Hold on to what you know with all of your might

God is still God

And God is still good

So even when you don’t understand

His ways, His “hows”, His “whys”

You can count on His love

Don’t you dare listen to the lies

God is faithful and He’s loving

God’s Word is always true

God is able, God is holy

God is always, always with you

He’ll protect you, He will help you

He will quiet you with His love

He will carry you, He will heal you

His unfailing grace is more than strong enough

God is still God

And God is still good

The sun is going to rise and Joy comes in the morning!

And Spring will come anew

God will give you strength to believe

To walk by faith and not by sight

His strong arms will hold you

All through the darkest night

Hold on to what you know with all of your might

God is still God

And God is still good

You can trust Him because He loves you

You can rest in His strength

God is still God

And God is still good                                 

Written by Melissa Ens 5.1.09

To The Ends of the Earth

To the Ends of the Earth

I’m braver with you

Than I’ve ever been on my own

I’m stronger with you

So glad I don’t have to walk alone

Keep following the Father

‘Cause I’m following you

Wherever you go I will go

Wherever you stay I will stay

Where you rest your weary head

I will rest mine too

To the ends of the earth

I will go there with you

I see love in your eyes

Like I’ve never known

I see faith in you

So proud to see how you’ve grown

Keep following the Father

‘Cause I’m following you

Wherever you go I will go

Wherever you stay I will stay

Where you rest your weary head

I will rest mine too

To the ends of the earth

I will go there with you

From the shores of California

To Thailand or Peru

Wherever you go

You’ll find me right beside you

Wherever you go I will go…

Happy Birthday, My Love

Melissa Ens ~ 10.19.2011

Little Lump of Clay

Funny name for a song, right?  Well, it makes sense if you've spent the weekend at a women's retreat listening to the wonderful Pottery Lady as she shares while she creates pieces of art right in front of your eyes.  Her pottery work was mesmerizing, her stories inspiring and her wisdom deep.  I was attending the retreat with my mom and her church and had been invited to share a bit of music while I was there.  I wrote this song Saturday afternoon based on what we had been learning.  (I'll try to get an audio version of it created sometime soon!)

So thanks to my mom, Carole & her hilarious husband Wayne, and all of the wonderful Campus Bible Church ladies.  I was blessed by my time with you this weekend!

This is one of Carole's beautiful creations!  (It says "Shalom" in Hebrew.)

Little Lump of Clay

Isaiah 64:8, Romans 15:13

I’m just a little lump of clay

You are the Potter. Have your way

I will trust You today

You know what You’re doing

I’m just a little lump of clay

Spinning ‘round and ‘round each day

Help me be patient, I pray

Keep your hand on me

            So mold me and make me

            Spin me and take me

            Through the fire as long as

            You’re with me, O Lord

You  know my heart

Wash me with your Living Water

I am the work of your hand

            So mold me and make me

            Spin me and take me

            Through the fire as long as

            You’re with me, O Lord

            Fill me.  Use me

            Pour me out. Renew me

            Let me serve You, Lord

            I am yours

O God of hope

Fill me with all joy and peace

As I trust in You

So that I will overflow

With your glorious hope

By the power of your Holy Spirit

I’m just a little lump of clay

A chosen, precious lump of clay

Melissa Ens

Campus Women’s Retreat

10.15.11

NOTE: You may have noticed I haven't been posting every day of this 31 Days of Songs!  Well, I decided last week I wasn't going to try to do it everyday but will still focus on sharing my songs when I do post this month.  Hopefully there will be another song up soon!  Thanks!

Hold My Hand (Day 10 of 31 days)

This is a simple little song written a few years ago...  I think it's funny to use the image I did in the middle of a "little lost dog" (it's not terribly poetic), but it was and still is such a fitting description of how I can feel at times.  Wandering aimlessly through my days - pretty sure I'm supposed to be getting somewhere  but not sure how.  It's my prayer these days as I trust God to lead me and as I long to walk hand in hand with Him.

Hold My Hand

“Remember – it is My job to hold on to you…  not just the other way around.”

PLEASE Lord, hold my hand

Don’t let me go

I can’t stand without You

I get lost without You

In the sun and the fog

Can’t find my way without You

Like a little lost dog

But I cannot stay with You on my own

I am too weak, but You are so strong

Bind my heart to yours

Fix my eyes upon You

So that all distractions fade

In Your face of Truth

You are my Way

Please help me to walk with You

M. Ens  9.20.06

All Creation Sings

This was one of the very first songs I ever wrote and it's still one of my favorites...

All Creation Sings

  

In the beauty of the mountain peaks I see Your majesty

Your power in the mighty ocean waves

Your loving, gentle touch, a cool summer breeze

Your refreshing in the falling rain

Your faithfulness in the rising sun

Your healing in the dawn of Spring

Your joy and delight is the laughter of a child

Of You, all creation sings

Lord, You're bigger than the sky above yet closer to me

Than the very air that I breathe

The grandest canyons wide could never hold all Your love

And Your truth is a rock for eternity

Your freedom is like the eagle as it soars

Your Word like a fire that burns in me

The light of heaven shines in the moon and stars at night

The universe sings of Your glory

So Lord unto You I lift this, my humble prayer

That the world would somehow see

More of You and less of me

Of You, may my life sing

Of your love, and of your power, of your peace, hope and joy

May my life sing        

M. Ens  1995

Be My Strength

Be my strength

Be my song

Be my salvation

You are my God

I will hide

Myself in You

My refuge, my fortress

I am safe with You

Hallelujah!

Our God reigns!

Hosanna!

Our God saves!

Give thanks to the Lord

For He is good

The Lord is with me

And His love endures

M. Ens

Aug 26, 2010

I wrote this song last year during the final week of moving out of our house before moving up to Canada for training.  We finished moving out of our house on the evening of Aug. 30 and drove off for Canada on Sept. 1.  Phew!

God has been teaching me lately more about what it means to hide myself in Him.  I can't really put words to it yet, but am thankful that He is with me to protect me, shield me, comfort me, strengthen me...  He is always here.  Always present.  Always available.  Always strong.

Always in me.  And I'm always in Him.

Mind blowing, people.

John the beloved disciple put it this way (emphasis mine):

1 John 4:13-20

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

¹³ This is how we know that we remain in Him and He in us: He has given to us from His Spirit. ¹⁴ And we have seen and we testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. ¹⁵Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God—God remains in him and he in God. ¹⁶And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.

What a beautiful mystery...

I Cannot Help but Praise You {Day 5 of Songs from My Heart}

This morning it was rainy and gray. We got home yesterday from a packed trip to Missouri, Kansas & Oklahoma visiting a bunch of people and churches and even a school to share with them about our call to Peru. It was tiring but really good. And upon preparing to come back (I'm starting to feel strange calling Fresno "home") I was sort of expecting to feel overwhelmed today. With all the things there are to do in the weeks ahead as we anticipate leaving for Peru just after Thanksgiving (we hope!) there is a mountain of stuff for God to get done. : ) Much, much to do! 

I usually come home from trips worn out and less than enthusiastic about cleaning up and unpacking and getting back into the normal routine. I often end up fighting to not get depressed. But today, to my surprise, I woke up in a good mood! Not fighting the blues and grays like I expected. Instead for most of the day I've had joy and peace that doesn't make any sense. Could be denial, but I'm gonna choose to believe it's God's wild grace and proof that if I trust Him and walk with Him He'll guard my heart with peace that is beyond comprehension.

Which leads me to today's song. It was written several years ago & roughly recorded (as in I cringe a few times when I listen to it!) in 2009.  : )  Click here* if you want to listen to it.

*Might I suggest you right click and select "open in new window" or new tab to listen and read along at the same time. Or right click and select "save link as" to download.)

I Cannot Help But Praise You

I cannot help but praise You (3x)

‘Cause You’ve done so much for me

You’ve given me peace

You’ve given me life

You’ve given me power to stand in the strife

You’ve given me joy

You’ve rescued my soul

Your love is amazing and there’s so much more

I cannot help but praise You (3x)

Because of who You are to me

You’ve filled me with hope

You’ve shown me your truth

With every sunrise your mercy is new

You’re changing me Lord

You’ll show me your way

As I seek You day by day by day

Your love gives me joy, peace, patience, kindness

Goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control

And as I abide in You, You abide in me

Until there’s so much fruit it over-overflows

And for eternity I’ll praise You

For eternity I’ll praise You (2x)

As I bow before Your throne

Singing “Crown You with many crowns!”

           And Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord

           The Lord God Almighty upon the throne

           You are worthy to receive

           Honor, glory, praise and power for eternity!

So for eternity we’ll praise You

For eternity we’ll praise You

For all eternity we’ll praise You

And You’ll reign forevermore!

M. Ens 6.1.07

GREAT IS THE LORD

GREAT IS THE LORD

Psalm 48, Deut. 33:12

Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise

In the city of our God, His holy mountain

It is beautiful, the joy of the whole earth

Is Mt. Zion, the city of the Great King

            God is in her walls, He has shown Himself to be her fortress

            As we have heard, so we have seen:

            GOD MAKES HER SECURE FOREVER

In your temple, O God, we’re amazed by Your great love

We’ll sing Your praise, to the ends of the earth

Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him

For He shields her all day long

            And the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders

            For this God is our God forever and ever

            He will be our guide to the very end

Remember what He’s done

Tell the next generation

So they will know our God

            So they will rest in Him

                        And tell the world of His unfailing love

M. Ens   3.24.2010

Not By My Might

Last night was our last stop in our whirlwind tour of MO, KS & OK.  We've shared/spoken/visited at about 12 or 13 events in the last 11 days and it was a lot of fun.  The kids still have a bit of homework to finish up (ugh) but we are really thankful for the time we've had to share about this journey of ours and our dreams for the future.  Doing it all with our teammate Stacy made it even better.  : )  It was our first time doing anything as a team and even though it was only part of our team (there are at least 3 others who are on our team as well) it was a great glimpse of the joy working together is going to bring.  PRAISE GOD!

Last night at our last sharing time at Watershed Church in Kansas City, MO, I felt led to share this song with them.  So I thought it would be an appropriate one to share with y'all today.  ; )  I wrote it during the crazy summer of 2010 when we were working hard on moving out of our house so we could start training in Abbotsford and I KNEW there was NO WAY we would be able to get out of our house without God's help and strength and supernatural power at work in us and around us.  This song was one of the ways I could remind myself of that and plead with God for Him to show me His power at the same time.  And as always, He did indeed come through!!!

Not By Might

Zechariah 4:6 “…'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.”

Exodus 9:16 “But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”   

(Chorus)           It’s not by my might

                                It’s not by my power

                                But by your Spirit, oh Lord Almighty

                                It’s not by my strength

                                It’s not by my wisdom

                                But by your grace I stand

David didn’t slay Goliath

‘Cause he was good at throwing stones

Gideon didn’t win the battle

By strength of his own

The walls of Jericho fell by your hand

As your people walked by faith

Moses didn’t set the people free

Peter didn’t walk on water

Your people never won the victory

But by your Spirit’s power

                Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief

                In my weakness show me your power

                You have raised me up so that

                I might proclaim your name

                In all the earth

M. Ens  7.16.10

Mark 9:23-24  " 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." 

Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

Day 3

Before the Throne

Originally posted March 21, 2011

**************************

A couple of Septembers ago, I was in awe of the invitation God gives us - to approach God's throne of grace boldly!  Back in the Old Testament times, if the High Priest entered behind the curtain into the Most Holy Place, he had to carry burning incense with him so the smoke would conceal the atonement cover (aka mercy seat) of the ark where God's presence rested - OR HE WOULD DIE.  Wow. (Leviticus 16:12-13)  

I have always been moved by what God did when Jesus died on the cross for us - that He reached down from heaven and tore that curtain in two from top to bottom!  To go from "you can't come in here or you'll die" to an open invitation is stunning.  God has shown me the reason it means so much to me is because more than anything else, I long for intimacy with God.  I don't always realize that's what I am longing for, but it's there at the bottom of it all.  And the curtain being torn is my invitation to intimacy with my Savior and King.  Wow.

So, that September, I was feeling like I would love to write a song about it but couldn't figure out even where to start.  Then God gently suggested that I start with some of His words.  Aaahhh...  of course.  Hebrews 2:15; 3:1; 4:14-16; 10:19-23; 13:5-6; Micah 7:18; Eph. 2:4-5... 

And the song was born.  

BEFORE THE THRONE OF GRACE  (click here to listen to it)

We have a great high priest

Jesus Christ, the Son of God

He came from heaven to earth

He knows our struggles and how weak we are

Yet He was without sin

And through His body, invites us in

CH:     Let us come before the throne, the throne of grace

With confidence before our God

Let us boldly approach the throne of grace

With confidence before our King  (1^st time, go to V2)

To receive mercy and find grace

To help us in our time of need

You offer mercy, You pour out your grace

You always help us in our time of need

So let us draw near to God

With sincere hearts, full of faith

Guilty consciences clean

Captives set free from the power of death!

Hold onto your hope (hold on to your faith)

God our Father is faithful!

BR:                 So we say with confidence

“The Lord is our helper.”

He will never leave us

We will not be afraid.

God, You delight in mercy

By your grace we are saved!

We will fix our thoughts on You

For You have called us by name

To receive mercy…  etc…

(So I cry)  Lord, have mercy on me!

Hebrews 2: 15; 3:1; 4:14-16; 10:19-23; 13:5-6 ; Micah 7:18  ; Eph. 2:4-5 

Song by Melissa Ens

9.12.09

31 Days of Songs from My Heart {Day 2}

Breathe

Be still my soul
Breathe and know
My God loves me
He loves me
Jesus loves me

Trust in His love
Rest in His grace
Everlasting
Unchanging
Never failing

Be still
Peace
Be still

****************

Emily @ Chattingatthesky.com is frequently inspiring me.  She and some almost 600 others are participating in a 31 Day blogging challenge/marathon/party...  To blog for 31 days in October about something.  Anything.  When I first heard the idea I thought pretty quickly about sharing my songs.  So I'm going to try to do that.  Sometimes I hope I'll actually get a recording up here as well so you can HEAR it instead of just read the lyrics - but I can't do that every time.

Or tonight. : )

Sometimes you'll get an explanation about the song and what it means/meant to me and sometimes you won't.

Like tonight.  : )

We're at the tail end of our whirlwind tour of Kansas, Oklahoma and even a little bit of Missouri. So breathing is about all I am going to try to do for now.  And if I can get an internet connection tomorrow, I'll post another song for y'all to read.

See ya tomorrow...  : )

31 Days of Songs from My Heart {Day 1}

On the Road Again... Again! : )

Click here to see a post about our trip to MO/KS/OK!  : )  (TX too if you count the layover...) ;)

Come for a walk with me?

 

I took a little walk this morning around our condo complex. With my iPod in my pocket, I grabbed the camera on my way out thinking that with the overcast sky I might find some interesting pictures. It always fascinates me to think that on the other side of the clouds, it is blindingly bright. The sun is always there, even providing light through the clouds, whether it is visible down here or not. There is beauty all around... whether I stop and enjoy it or drive right past it.

As I enjoyed the flowers and the grey sky, I also started noticing all of the signs around giving directions about parking and not parking, stopping and slowing. All over the place. I mused a bit about how this current new mini-season of life feels fast and furious in many ways. There are short months left (likely) before we leave for Peru.  There is much, MUCH work to be done to prepare. Sorting belongings (do we take this? store it? sell it? give it away?) and getting things in order to be gone, keeping track of names and numbers, applying for visas and still visiting churches and people to share the vision and dreams, touching everyone a few more times before we leave... Much to do. It can seem in some ways like there is no time for parking until we get to Peru.

And yet, in many other ways there is a great need for slow. Slow enough to listen to my husband and dream with him and stay in love and as one during this season of stretching.  Slow enough to watch my children to see how they are really doing and to provide a sense of security for them that everything really is going to be okay because we are okay. Slow enough to sit and really BE with our friends and family and whoever else we are spending time with so we can all know that we love and are loved by each other. Slow enough to savor the joy of being on an adventure with God. 

But there is not just a need for occasional slow in this sprint to the finish. There is also a need for stopping.  Stopping to rest with God. To listen to Him. To gain His perspective. To find shelter and comfort in His arms when I am grieving. To be renewed and refreshed and restored when I am weary. To seek His guidance and wisdom.

And we need God, the Sovereign Lord of our lives, to continue to show us where to go and when to move. We need Him to continue to open and close the right doors and gates and keep us on His path as He has been so faithful to do for us so far. It is wonderful to be able to say that we know so clearly that this is the way God is leading us. We know that we know that we know this is His leading for our family and we are so thankful for the way He is making the path straight.

Strength and endurance. Communion and connection. Shelter and rest. Provision and guidance. I need them all. We all need them all. And He will graciously provide it all as we walk with Him, follow His lead and trust Him. Forever and ever.

From Psalm 31...

3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 

4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God.

14 But I trust in you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.
16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.

19 How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.

23 Love the LORD, all his faithful people! The LORD preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full.

24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Strength, Peace & Endurance to you from our grace-giving heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit for whatever you may be facing this week...


With Much Love,
Melissa