2027 Hymn Calendars are in the shop and Christmas hymn cards are restocked! Dismiss

Marydean Draws

  • Home
  • About
    • About & Contact
    • Creating my hymn prints
  • Bible Studies
    • My Substack
    • The Gospel of Luke Studies
    • The Jesus Speaks to Women Studies
    • Bible Study links
    • Bible on the Blog (by topic)
  • Podcast
  • FREEBIES
  • The Blog Archive
  • TEACHING
  • WHOLESALE
  • the SHOP
    • SHOP ALL
    • NEW
    • ART PRINTS
      • Hymns
        • Spring 2026 Print Collection
        • HYMN POSTCARDS/Mini Prints
        • CHRISTMAS
      • Florals
      • Birds
      • Jesus Speaks to Women
      • Landscapes
      • Encouragement
      • Harrisonburg/Local
      • CHRISTMAS
    • Greeting Cards
      • Boxed Card Sets
      • Christmas Cards
    • POSTCARDS
      • All Postcards
      • Postcard Sets
    • Stickers
    • 2027 Hymn Calendar
    • Notepads
    • BIBLE PRINTABLES
      • Full Color Card Sets
      • Coloring Pages
      • Advent + Christmas Printables
      • PRINTABLES in SPANISH
    • Classroom Printables
    • Watercolor Templates
    • $5 BIBLE CARD SETS
    • Gift Cards
    • SALE
      • STUDIO SALE
    • Your account
    • Wishlist
  •  
December 16, 2014 hope•Jesus•trials•waiting

the longing heart

I’m waiting, not so patiently. Thirty-seven week pregnant and three weeks (or less) seem so far away.

I realize when I’m forced to wait that my faith is often small, my hope short, and my patience untested.

I am waiting for a baby that will most definitely come at some point. Small potatoes.

Others in my life are waiting too:
One for a foster child to fill a beautifully decorated room in her home.
One on a chaotic government to come through so she can bring home an adopted daughter from abroad.
One for a child to be conceived miraculously in her womb, waiting through miscarriages, another through terrible losses.
One for a spouse and a lonely bed to be warmed.
One for God to work in a marriage and spouse.
One for her body to heal and pain to cease.

So much waiting. And there is no erasing the pain of waiting. There is no promising that the waiting will end soon.

But there is ONE we don’t have to wait for.

JESUS.

We started putting this package (and only this one until Christmas day) under our tree last year.

He is here. NOW.
He HAS COME.
He HAS DELIVERED.
He WILL DELIVER.
He is my Comforter, Counselor, the Mighty God, Prince of Peace.

In my waiting, He may be up to a thousand things–or more. I like John Piper’s quote: “God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.”

On this I can rest my hope and turn my weary head, even in my “small potatoes” waiting.

I’m loving this Charles Wesley hymn this Christmas (and great video here):
Come, Thou long expected Jesus

Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

So I am praying these things:
  • Release us from our fears and sins
  • Let us find our rest in YOU
  • Be the joy of our longing hearts
  • Rule alone in our hearts
  • Raise our eyes to Your glorious throne!
Merry Christmas friends!

Previous Keeping in step
Next homeschool kindergarten: fall round-up & things we like in the homeschool room

Related Posts

Help me now, Jesus

confidence

Pain, Good news, and an Easter Bible Verse Coloring Page in English + Spanish

Easter

Right now counts + free printable!

books that shape me

Jesus Speaks to Women: the Little Girl

Jesus

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to the blog!

I’m Mary and I’m glad you’re here! Since 2014, I’ve been sharing encouraging words, fun Bible printables, and accessible art activities.

let’s talk about . . .

SEARCH THE BLOG

The November printable pack is out for my paid sub The November printable pack is out for my paid subscribers on Substack, along with this Philippians 4:6 FREEBIE for anyone to download. This pack illustrates Philippians 4:4-7  and comes with coloring pages and full color quarter-page cards. 

Today's newsletter also has some updates about my Winter watercolor classes and the November Lesterloot Christmas Market.

You can find me at the link below, by going to www.marydeandraws.com or by searching for "Marydean Draws + Substack."

Happy November!
Mary :)

https://marydeandraws.substack.com/p/marys-friday-newsletter-11626-8f7
No AI used here.🤓 Just me still drawing artwork on No AI used here.🤓 Just me still drawing artwork on my iPad. This month's Scripture printable will be out on Friday. I love how the artwork helps me remember the passage. Sign up for my newsletter at the link in my bio or find Marydean Draws on substack.
My next study in Luke is up! This is a pair of hea My next study in Luke is up! This is a pair of healing stories, but the second one takes an unexpected turn and introduces Jesus' first conflict with religious authorities. I talk about the conflict with the Pharisees and this incredible 16th century Netherlandish painting. 

Link to the study or just search for Marydean Draws on Substack!
https://marydeandraws.substack.com/p/the-gospel-of-luke-eyewitnesses-to-0a7
@sghairston2027 is a senior and we are LOVING thes @sghairston2027 is a senior and we are LOVING these photos by Jenny at @btmvphotography taken out near Peak View Elementary and behind Cross Keys Barn. They capture Sarah so well along with this beautiful place we call home. 💕We're so grateful for her life and the person she is and is becoming.
Follow on Instagram

Subscribe to the Newsletter!

Copyright ©Marydean Draws 2025 2026 Marydean Draws
Theme by SheShoppes

Hi there! Would you like to join my newsletter?

I send new Bible studies on Wednesdays and a free newsletter
on Fridays filled with encouragement, good reads, and shop updates.
As a thank you for signing up, I’ll send you a printable 5×7″ print.