I decided to write a brief few words even as my belly growls for lunch here – I’ll use my hunger to drive me on to pen my thoughts before giving in and going downstairs for a sandwich. At Books and Beans right now this cold and rainy day and delighting in the warmth and light inside here as I’ve been relaxing this morning(now afternoon!). Been reading a bit, as well as doing some miscellaneous computer and internet errands and soon enough, time to brave the wet city and hop over to Rosie and David’s for Rosie’s birthday tea…and then later this afternoon, Chris and Jo and I are off to see the Hobbit again!! Of course me and Maryanne and Mom already saw it, but it will be awesome to be with Chris and Jo and just enjoy the beauty of Middle Earth once again…

And I feel like I should be writing more than this, because really – this is a rather short update thus far, but what shall I write? Ah, I know – I’ve been reading through Mark lately(such a great book! I think it has some of the most hilarious lines in any of the gospels. Particularly relating to the disciples’ interactions with Jesus…they’re so silly sometimes(Mark 8:16!)…and then I realize they really don’t differ from us at all. We’re all just as weak and dim-witted most of the time, so then it simply comforts me that Jesus still loves us and holds us close to Himself nonetheless(or should I say – all the more!!). Anyways what was I saying? Ah yes, Mark. Anyways, for some reason the past few days I’ve been reading Mark 13 over and over again. If you’ll recall, this is the chapter talking about the Last Days and the return of Christ to this earth in all His glory. I think my heart has been especially yearning for this Day recently…partly as I read my yummy book A Memory of Light as it describes a fictional End of Days and this makes me think of the true Day of the Lord when our Christ comes back to this earth…and it will be dark and glorious and epic and fiery and lo – the end of this present age. And lo – the beginning of the reign of Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords! Him who will reign forever, whose kingdom will have no end!

Anyways, let me share a few verses that have struck me recently(all in Mark 13- you can read the whole chapter to see them all in the context of Jesus explaining to His disciples something we should all long to know more about)..

When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be frightened;
those things must take place; but that is not yet the end.
For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom;
there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines.
These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs…

…And then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ’;
or, ‘Behold He is there’; do not believe him; for false Christs
and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders,
in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect.
But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance.

But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened
and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven,
and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken.
Then they will see
the Son of Man
coming in clouds with
great power and glory.
And then He will send forth the angels,
and will gather together His elect from the four winds,
from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven…

And those words do stir my soul – let us all be eagerly looking to the coming of our Lord – let us be on the alert! Let us be longing for this most terrible and most glorious day!!

And now on that awesome note, it is time for a humble lunch. Ham and cheese panini and salad I think? Going to hop downstairs and order that and then maybe read a bit more this morning(er..afternoon I mean). Peace, y’all!