Roses in the Desert: Courted, Chosen, & Cherished Sample

I love wandering the first century medina of Marrakesh dodging donkey carts, motor scooters, and shopkeepers’ full court press. My blood quickens in Jemaa el Fna square, excited by monkeys, henna artists, dancing Sufis and cobras pulsing to the cacophony of Middle Eastern bagpipes, drums, tambourines, and lutes. Of the 27 countries I’ve explored, no other has touched my soul like Morocco has. Yet when I was five and my best friend announced she was going to be a missionary nurse in Africa, I supported her dream but secretly prayed, “Please, God, don’t send me there!” Just as she moved home to the States after raising her children in Niger, I was headed on my adventure-- to northern Africa. God knew what I needed even when I didn’t. What thrills my heart probably doesn’t thrill yours. But our Creator and Father and Husband knows us like no other can. We can trust our dreams, gifts, needs, desires, and fears to Him. A final word to those who feel left behind by the ones you loved most... Christ sees your pain. David found comfort in knowing God cared when his heart ached: “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” He knows and can redeem all...in His timing and in His way.  As we spend more time with Him, we know and trust His unfailing character. As The One who pursues us reveals what real love looks like-- available, strong, tender, and passionate (read Song of Songs!)--we fall deeper for Him.  He is our shelter, our comfort and companion in the wilderness. His banner over us is love. Our love story--THE grande amore \-- has a happy ending because it has no end. It goes on forever, but He invites us to taste it now. [IMAGE CONTENT]