Welcome to my little sanctuary—where words inspired by The Word connect with something in your heart, something you have been feeling, or thinking—and you think, “maybe...I’m not alone”—and no treasured friend, you are in very good company. Here, in this place, deep calls to deep (Psalm 42:7).
My name is Marissa and I need you to know a couple things as we begin spending time together. First, I’m not literally graceful as perhaps my tagline “living gracefully” suggests. In fact, my husband reminds me that when I’m in heels, I’m a bit like a giraffe in roller skates...thanks honey. Nope, not physically graceful, but I’m living a life filled with God’s grace and I’m so so thankful for those new mercies that keep showing up every morning. And I’m not a classically trained expert in theology. But God keeps laying messages on my heart that I want to share with someone—with you. Especially in this season of new motherhood, I’ve been trying to wrap my mind around what it means to not just be a woman of God, but now a mother and an example to my future daughter.
So, please, join me in this very safe space in a very unsafe world.
My theory is this. God must trust us in the little daily things before He trusts us with the big, leap-into-the-water things. That’s where the “writing faithfully” part of my life comes in. I’d love for you to come alongside me as I attempt to show up every day of my life.
Finally, you need to know that I love Jesus. I love Him for saving me day-by-day and decision-by-decision. There is no miracle drug to turning you into a perfect Christian five days and ten steps after you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. But there is an anointing, a connection with the ultimate teacher, the Holy Spirit, and the nudges on your heart that change your thinking and ultimately your behaviors. In 2011, God found me wandering in a dry place: spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. Where I am today is ALL due to God and I pray that it is for His glory.
My prayer for you:
Another example of gracefulness…
May The Father wrap you in His arms and give you a little hug around the heart right now.
May you know (deep in your gut) that He loves you right now in this moment as much and as completely as he ever will.
May He open your eyes to whatever in your life needs awareness and awake-ness at the right time.
If you're a writer, may he fill you with a confidence and a perseverance that's bigger than the voices in your head.
May He surprise you with JOY.
Peace + Blessings,
Marissa
What I Believe
I believe that God is triune; consisting of a Father, a Son, and a Holy Spirit. His Son, Jesus Christ, died for our sins, conquered death, and was risen on the third day. Whoever believes in Him in their hearts and confesses this truth with their mouth will be saved and get to spend eternity in unimaginable love and beauty. No more pain, death, or sorrow. Ever.
I believe the first church was in a garden where humanity walked alongside their creator in splendor and fellowship. I believe that the stars and the universe and the green and the alive were all created by God. And I believe that I will never understand how it all works until I get up there and ask Him myself! I believe that when humanity fell from the garden, God has been working ever since to rebuild that intimate relationship with us and He used a bridge of unimaginable sacrifice to overcome the distance.
Finally, I believe God created us to question. How do you build intimacy with a partner, a friend, or a spouse? You ask lots of questions. We may not get the answer right away, but that’s where faith comes in. Faith and rich unending grace. So never stop seeking Him and His truth. You never know when and where He will answer. And in that moment I hope the surprise of the truth will fill you with incredible joy.