This week I have been dwelling on the proverbs "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life." 

Maybe, this proverbs is familiar to you, as it is for me. I have quoted it and had it quoted to me many times.

When I get bad news, hear of a friend receiving something I want, or feel as though I am getting the silent treatment from God, que Proverbs 13:12. The not so subtle reminder that yes, when you don't get what you want it doesn't feel good. As if I really needed a Bible verse to tell me this. 

However, as I reread this verse again this week, I felt my eyes land on the part of the passage I had always overlooked, "a desire fulfilled is a tree of life". Did you see that "tree of life" not just a feeling.

To bring some clarity to my revelation this week, I also have to share a passage from my current read, Live No Lies by John Mark Comer. I will admit, I do NOT understand all of what this Portlandian pastor is saying but this line felt like putting my eye up to a Canon DSL as it focuses perfectly on it's subject.

"Our strongest desire are not actually our deepest desires"

Which is to say, yes when we are don't received our desire it is disappointing, it is heart breaking, it is sad. YET, WHEN (and I do want to emphasis the when), we DO receive our true desires, a deep desire it becomes like a tree, growing and producing life.

Today, I am living is a desire fulfilled. My life is a tree of life not because of anything Marissa did but all because of God's giving, working, refining, and leading me in this desire to serve his Daughters in Spain. I am so over come with joy to be here in this season. God receives all the glory and honor for this desire. 

I am praying today for you and your desire that it would be for Jesus and His Kingdom. I am praying for your unfulfilled desire and any disappointment that might be there. Jesus never disappoints us.

All the best,
Marissa

Hola amigos!

I have been living in Spain for just over a month. The transition overall has been great. Of course, there are always the fun challenges where I stand in a line at four different banks in 2 hours to learn I missed my window of the service I need. But, each day I am telling myself is learning something new. Whether I am practicing spanish with coworker, trying to buy produce at the Mercat Central, or how to finding my way around the city.

I am settling into my new home or hogar and it does feel sweet. As sweet as when I first can and visited this city. I am so grateful to be here and have the privilege to work with the Project Rescue to see women and children rescued and restored from sexual slavery.

If you would like to partner with me financially, I ask that you would instead consider giving your gift to Project Rescue to this ministry. You can do this easily and by using the same Giving instructions found on my Give Page. Here is the general giving link for AGWM and you can give directly to Project Rescue by enter their name.

Happy New Year to you!
​Marissa