Welcome! This blog is based on the writings of Marie Allen – a woman who could be perceived as ‘ordinary’ if looking at the ‘facts’ of her life. She was a beloved wife, mother and homemaker. But those descriptions wouldn’t even begin to scratch the surface of who she was. She was a woman who sought after God with her whole heart. She was my fabulous mom who, over the course of more than 30 years, kept a hundred journals of her journey with God. She perceived the journals to be not just for her – but for her to share in the hopes that they would be a conduit to draw others closer to God. It is my privilege and joy to assist her towards that end.
Marie is now enjoying eternal life with her Lord, Jesus Christ, and it was her desire that these journals would draw others into a similar relationship: a deep, personal, dynamic, joyous relationship with the Creator in whose image we are made.
Her journey was not an easy one; she endured much hardship: infertility, the loss of a child (miscarriage), periods of spiritual drought, uncertainty about the future (financial and otherwise), angst over rebellious family members, the loss of her husband and, finally, the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Yet, these are not the themes you will find here because they are not the ones that defined her. You will find joy, peace, growth, vision, mercy, purpose, wisdom, faith – and doubt too: a spiritual journey conducted with raw honesty and humility – always seeking to perceive and obey her beloved God.
The journal entries begin with a ‘meditation thought’ – usually, but not always, a verse or two from the Bible. Then we see where the ‘meditation’ takes her thinking. Sometimes she perceives what is given her as a direct message from the Holy Spirit, sometimes she perceives it as her own thoughts and sometimes as prayer. She in no way intends for us to interpret these journal entries as the definitive Word of God (look to the Bible for that). Rather, they are the reflection and revelation of her personal relationship and journey – one that she hoped will inspire and teach you as you walk your own journey.
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you: the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-36)
Karen Allen Dorway
Marie’s middle child
on behalf of our whole family
Meditations of Marie's Heart 