ThirstyFountains

Woah.  That is really  intense to think about. Christ, Lover of our souls, the complete embodiment of all that is beautiful and true, cherishes us. Webster's dictionary defines cherish as the following: a) to hold dear; to feel or show affection for           b) to keep or cultivate with care or affection: nurture to entertain or hold harbor in the mind deeply and resolutely It then states the word's synonyms which include "appreciate," "value," "prize," and "treasure."  (Now, I know this may seem like a lot of useless information, but stay with me...) The Latin root of the word "cherish" is carcus, meaning "dear, costly, beloved ."       Have you ever thought yourself as beloved by Christ? Have you ever felt priceless to Him? Have you ever accepted the truth behind this: "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give ...

     The word "lent" comes from the Germanic root meaning "spring." This is shocking to me because I thought its meaning would be defined as penance or sacrifice. However, this is not the case (as far as I know). This makes me wonder if Christ is telling us something by the origin of this word. It is almost as if He is re-emphasizing that "joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).      Although Lent is a time of meditation on the Passion of Christ, it is not only meant to stir in us feelings of remorse but deep gratitude as well. We should be thankful that a beautiful, perfect, selfless Being would offer his  life  for sinners.      I mean, look at us. I am not trying to say that we are miserable, no-dignity creatures... but  look at us.  We are so broken, lost, confused, hurt, anxious, stressed, calloused... Yes; we are undeserving of God's love but He gives it  freely.  Let that thought caress your wound...

         I was scrolling down my FB feed while I was in class (very irresponsible of me) and I happened upon an old friend's baby gender reveal video. I had seen certain pictures of her belly growing and was delighted that the time had come to see the gender of the baby. As I watched the video (in silence) I saw my friend and her husband run up to the little soccer ball and kick it. Hot pink dust flew into the air and spread like water hitting the shore on a windy day. I saw her face light up and the mass of people begin to circulate her and her husband to congratulate them.      The amount of people celebrating, hugging, and smiling for the coming of a beautiful little girl was tear jerking. I saw the joy in her grandma's eyes, in the soon-to-be uncle and her closest friends. All these people waiting cheering for the little princess. And I realize, how valuable this little person is.      There’s a reason why most lo...

Word. How often do we speak the truth and feel the need to defend ourselves? I, for one, do it often. It is as if fear whispers that truth is overrated so I must have a good defense case. Next time you speak the truth, do not defend yourself (unless absolutely necessary). God knows your heart, and the truth for that matter. Do not worry... "...we would either take charge or stop the whole process." Do these words awaken an awe-filled feeling within you? They awaken it it me, I know that for certain. Something incredible must be taking place- so amazing that we would either be bold (and prideful) and try to work it out on our own or fear would consume us... Not the kind of fear that comes at night when you're alone and hear scary noises... but the fear that we will become something so amazing that we will need to depend on Someone Else to help us. We seem to fear dependency. If we are honest with ourselves, which we always should be, we need to realize t...

     Split Person J. N. Cloutier      The next day, Nicole was going through her phone contacts. "Oh! Nate? Maybe I'll text him," she thought happily. "But, wait. I should let him text me first. I'll call Therese!" As soon as she decided to let the boys chase her, and not the other way around, a text came in. hey, it's Nate😃 hey! I was just thinking ab u😏 Oh, ya? yeeaahh...😊 so... u wanna do something 2gether tnt? yes! definitely:) give me a min so I can ask my father... ok😎      She padded softly down the hallway. Stepping into her father's room, she hesitated. Even though it was only 5:30pm, her father came in, smelling of smoke and alcohol. He stumbled in his room as soon as he entered the house and had stayed sleeping ever since. She prayed that would continue. Her keen eyes noted a partly burned newspaper in the trash can by his bed (it sat right next to the nightstand).  Quietly, ...

(Sorry this took so long, everyone) Split Person J. N. Cloutier (To   remind you of how it ended)...      In her room, she lay on her bed. just when she was starting to get used to this place, fit in, and find friends they had to move. She did not know this, but the move would take a huge toll on her. She would be affected in ways that were only dreamt of. But dreams can be reality...can't they? .  .  .  .  .      The sun was shining as Nicole walked to the counseling center. "I'm only going because Therese told me I should," she told herself. " I'm just experimenting. " The nightmares had gotten more detailed and scary over the few weeks they had lived in  Asheville . Therese, who had moved around the time Nicole had, was a new friend Nicole had gained. The girls got along right away and shared a lot of things in the first few days of summer. They had clung onto each other as lifebuoys...

Split Person J. N. Cloutier      Out of breath, she stopped. Although he was gaining on her, she could not get herself to continue running. "I give up," she thought. "There's no way that he will not take me." Defeated, she turned to face her attacker. Wait.      Maybe...just maybe she could grab a stick nearby and swing it at him. It would definitely do some damage. She could knock his knees or hit his head. Possibly. It was worth a shot.      The masked man was now within a few feet of her and an evil grin played on his face. Quickly, like a squirrel frantically gathering nuts, she leap for the stick and returned to her spot. The man advanced with a greedy look. He soon reached her; she swung... .  .  .  .  .      Nicole sat up on the small couch. This dream was nothing new; it never failed to remind instill an alert feeling within the depths of her being. She could neve...