Seriously...today was a BEAR! One of those days where I just don't know if I'll make it through. All in all, I'm doing pretty well, but it seemed like everything was coming at me at one time and I just wanted to laugh at the absurdity and cry at the insanity of it.
I remember getting in my car after work and having the sudden urge to just drive until my car ran out of gas and hope that I ended up somewhere far away. Since I would have made it to about La Center at best, I reconsidered. As I started my car, a familiar song began playing on the radio. The reason it was so familiar is because, literally, the last 4 times I've gotten in my car, this song has started playing.
I just love how God works. I think that song has been on each time I get in the car because God knew I would notice the pattern today. And today is exactly when I needed to take this message to heart. It may seem odd to the rest of you, but God knows how my brain works.
I hope that this song encourages you too. When it seems like life is too much to handle, that's okay! God knows about it and He is more than able to walk us through. His promises are sure and His strength unending. Our help is, indeed, on the way.
"Rest in God alone, my soul,
for my hope comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I will not be shaken.
My salvation and glory depend on God;
my strong rock, my refuge, is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts before Him.
God is our refuge."
~Psalm 62:5-8
My foes are many, they rise against me
But I will hold my ground
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always
Troubles surround me, chaos abounding
My soul will rest in You
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
From You Lord, from You Lord
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always, always
"Always" by Kristian Stanfill
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Social media is a contradiction of terms
About 3 weeks ago, the teen girls in the Sunday school class I co-lead opted to do a media fast for 1 week. This was part of a series of challenges we did over a 10 week study on the beatitudes. The particular focus of the week we did the media fast was 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.' (Matt. 5:8) This was a great challenge for reflecting on the things that influence us most and how it affects the purity of our minds, hearts and spirits.
I was humbled to realize just how much time I was devoting to certain types of media, especially facebook (this was what my focus was, specifically, during the week). I was surprised to find that after about 24 hours of fighting with myself not to get on the computer, it really wasn't a struggle. It was refreshing to see the world around me, what is right here in front of my face and not only be aware of it, but to find that it was better than what I had previously thought was so awesome.
I had wanted to write about my experience that week, but I didn't have it all pieced together. I felt like there was so much God was trying to say to me and it was this sort of mish mash, but I've been sorting through it.
First, I don't know that I've ever experienced such a consistent sense of the Lord's presence than I did during that week. Because I was choosing to be more aware of what was going on around me, I could see Him everywhere. I had taken off my blinders and there He was.
Again, at many times during the week I just shook my head at myself and said, 'Really? This is what you've been spending your time doing and THIS is what you've been missing out on?'
Who would have thought that social media would make one more shut off to not only life around them, but also to the Lord's voice. I was more interested in what almost 500 other people had to say about every little detail of their lives than in pursuing intimacy with my heavenly Father. It just sounds weird even saying it, but that's what I was doing!
Not only that, but the Lord really convicted me of how I was using facebook. I thought I was doing pretty good...I had already stopped complaining about things through facebook for the most part (something I was convicted over last year) and instead chose to use facebook as a place of encouragement. I could post Scriptures and links to uplifting music...it was great. And it wasn't that I shouldn't be doing those things, but I found that when the Lord was really speaking to me or I had seen Him working in me and in the lives of those around me, I would post it on facebook first.
In those moments when I knew God was moving or laying something on my heart, I would tell the social media world about it first instead of thanking Him for the gift of His presence. For the blessing of seeing His hand moving. For speaking to my heart through His Word and through worship.
Instead of pursuing His heart further and offering gratitude, I would truncate our communion and rush to post a Bible verse or song lyrics on my page. Yes, it was from a heart that wanted to encourage others - I had just experienced the Lord and who doesn't want to share that? But at the expense of cheapening my relationship with the Savior? Whoa.
I was gone from facebook for 7 days. One week, people. And in that short space of time I saw an outpouring from the Father. I felt His presence like never before.
'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.'
And I did see Him. And I want to see more of Him.
On another note, I realized something else during this fast. Just kind of a bigger picture sort of thing.
Being so connected to so many people and having access to 85 million news channels, websites and blogs is INSANE. Humans were not designed to be all-knowing. Only the Creator is omniscient. How overwhelmed do you get when you watch the news or try to keep up with all of your friends' status updates? We weren't made to see the big picture! God is aware of all things at all times and that's cool with Him. It causes the rest of us to explode.
Not to mention, when we are so worried about the entire planet all the time, what happens to our closest relationships? They suffer. We are no longer able to give ourselves over to true intimacy with those nearest and dearest to us. We can't be as compassionate as we need to be to those who are struggling within our arm's reach because we are setting our sights on people and situations that are out of not only our control, but our sphere of effectiveness.
I don't want anyone to take this to mean that we shouldn't know anything about the world around us or try to help others that are outside of our local region, but don't forget about your neighbors and family and friends because you're caught up in the barrage of information that comes at us from every angle 24/7. Take some time to unplug...remember who you are and Whose you are. Go out with a friend and find out how they're really doing. Take a meal to someone from church who's sick. Babysit for a couple who desperately needs a break.
It's so easy to offer our sympathies over facebook, but how about turning off the computer and offering a solution.
I was humbled to realize just how much time I was devoting to certain types of media, especially facebook (this was what my focus was, specifically, during the week). I was surprised to find that after about 24 hours of fighting with myself not to get on the computer, it really wasn't a struggle. It was refreshing to see the world around me, what is right here in front of my face and not only be aware of it, but to find that it was better than what I had previously thought was so awesome.
I had wanted to write about my experience that week, but I didn't have it all pieced together. I felt like there was so much God was trying to say to me and it was this sort of mish mash, but I've been sorting through it.
First, I don't know that I've ever experienced such a consistent sense of the Lord's presence than I did during that week. Because I was choosing to be more aware of what was going on around me, I could see Him everywhere. I had taken off my blinders and there He was.
Again, at many times during the week I just shook my head at myself and said, 'Really? This is what you've been spending your time doing and THIS is what you've been missing out on?'
Who would have thought that social media would make one more shut off to not only life around them, but also to the Lord's voice. I was more interested in what almost 500 other people had to say about every little detail of their lives than in pursuing intimacy with my heavenly Father. It just sounds weird even saying it, but that's what I was doing!
Not only that, but the Lord really convicted me of how I was using facebook. I thought I was doing pretty good...I had already stopped complaining about things through facebook for the most part (something I was convicted over last year) and instead chose to use facebook as a place of encouragement. I could post Scriptures and links to uplifting music...it was great. And it wasn't that I shouldn't be doing those things, but I found that when the Lord was really speaking to me or I had seen Him working in me and in the lives of those around me, I would post it on facebook first.
In those moments when I knew God was moving or laying something on my heart, I would tell the social media world about it first instead of thanking Him for the gift of His presence. For the blessing of seeing His hand moving. For speaking to my heart through His Word and through worship.
Instead of pursuing His heart further and offering gratitude, I would truncate our communion and rush to post a Bible verse or song lyrics on my page. Yes, it was from a heart that wanted to encourage others - I had just experienced the Lord and who doesn't want to share that? But at the expense of cheapening my relationship with the Savior? Whoa.
I was gone from facebook for 7 days. One week, people. And in that short space of time I saw an outpouring from the Father. I felt His presence like never before.
'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.'
And I did see Him. And I want to see more of Him.
On another note, I realized something else during this fast. Just kind of a bigger picture sort of thing.
Being so connected to so many people and having access to 85 million news channels, websites and blogs is INSANE. Humans were not designed to be all-knowing. Only the Creator is omniscient. How overwhelmed do you get when you watch the news or try to keep up with all of your friends' status updates? We weren't made to see the big picture! God is aware of all things at all times and that's cool with Him. It causes the rest of us to explode.
Not to mention, when we are so worried about the entire planet all the time, what happens to our closest relationships? They suffer. We are no longer able to give ourselves over to true intimacy with those nearest and dearest to us. We can't be as compassionate as we need to be to those who are struggling within our arm's reach because we are setting our sights on people and situations that are out of not only our control, but our sphere of effectiveness.
I don't want anyone to take this to mean that we shouldn't know anything about the world around us or try to help others that are outside of our local region, but don't forget about your neighbors and family and friends because you're caught up in the barrage of information that comes at us from every angle 24/7. Take some time to unplug...remember who you are and Whose you are. Go out with a friend and find out how they're really doing. Take a meal to someone from church who's sick. Babysit for a couple who desperately needs a break.
It's so easy to offer our sympathies over facebook, but how about turning off the computer and offering a solution.
Monday, February 14, 2011
"Love is just a word...until someone comes along and gives it meaning."
I saw this quote today and at first I just kind of rolled my eyes.
I roll my eyes a lot on Valentine's Day.
I think the idea of Valentine's Day is pretty solid, but it doesn't translate well to reality. I have never had a Valentine so I can't speak from experience, but I can't imagine that the gifts and flowers and dinners mean more today than any other day of the year. If anything, it probably means less because so many people participate in the holiday out of obligation. Or maybe that's my cynicism speaking.
I think the reason I can be cynical about Valentine's Day is because it's a holiday that puts so much emphasis on only one aspect of love: romance. Why don't we have holidays that celebrate other characteristics of love? Compromise Day. Sacrifice Day. You don't see those holidays anywhere. Perhaps I'm jaded because I'm single...who knows. :P
Anyhoo...I could go on all day about Cupid and his special day, but that's not why I'm writing today.
Back to the quote. I rolled my eyes initially because I read it as only a mushy quote for mushy people on a mushy holiday. However, upon a second reading I found it to be a simple, yet profound, statement. And I find it to be a statement that is applicable to everyone.
I am not married, I am not dating anyone. Yet, I have met someone who has given love a meaning that no one could ever come close to. Scripture says that God IS love. It also says that there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends, something the Jesus himself did for us. I have experienced love in the fullness of what it is because love has shown Himself to me. I wouldn't trade that for 100 Valentine's Days with the man of my dreams!
I have a deep desire for marriage and family, but I know that without Christ, it is meaningless. Knowing Christ now gives me the patience to wait for all He has planned for me. If any encouragement can be taken from this, I hope it's that you can know a true, full, perfect and never-ending love right now. Don't miss what's right here because you're looking for fulfillment in a person. God created us for relationship, but first and foremost, that relationship is with Him.
"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loves is born of God..." ~1 John 4:7
I roll my eyes a lot on Valentine's Day.
I think the idea of Valentine's Day is pretty solid, but it doesn't translate well to reality. I have never had a Valentine so I can't speak from experience, but I can't imagine that the gifts and flowers and dinners mean more today than any other day of the year. If anything, it probably means less because so many people participate in the holiday out of obligation. Or maybe that's my cynicism speaking.
I think the reason I can be cynical about Valentine's Day is because it's a holiday that puts so much emphasis on only one aspect of love: romance. Why don't we have holidays that celebrate other characteristics of love? Compromise Day. Sacrifice Day. You don't see those holidays anywhere. Perhaps I'm jaded because I'm single...who knows. :P
Anyhoo...I could go on all day about Cupid and his special day, but that's not why I'm writing today.
Back to the quote. I rolled my eyes initially because I read it as only a mushy quote for mushy people on a mushy holiday. However, upon a second reading I found it to be a simple, yet profound, statement. And I find it to be a statement that is applicable to everyone.
I am not married, I am not dating anyone. Yet, I have met someone who has given love a meaning that no one could ever come close to. Scripture says that God IS love. It also says that there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends, something the Jesus himself did for us. I have experienced love in the fullness of what it is because love has shown Himself to me. I wouldn't trade that for 100 Valentine's Days with the man of my dreams!
I have a deep desire for marriage and family, but I know that without Christ, it is meaningless. Knowing Christ now gives me the patience to wait for all He has planned for me. If any encouragement can be taken from this, I hope it's that you can know a true, full, perfect and never-ending love right now. Don't miss what's right here because you're looking for fulfillment in a person. God created us for relationship, but first and foremost, that relationship is with Him.
"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loves is born of God..." ~1 John 4:7
Monday, January 31, 2011
No song...gasp!
I apologize for the regrettable, but necessary lack of posting since, oh, August. For anyone who still happens upon this little corner of the internet that I call my own, hello. :o)
I'm afraid I haven't got a ton to say, but I wanted to dust off the page and update it a little bit and bring it into the new year.
(And as the title says - there will be no song in this post! Am I turning over a new blogging leaf? Who knows...I kind of hope not though :P )
The past year of my life has been an incredible mix of ups and downs, brokenness and healing. The constant through it all has been the Lord and His faithfulness to me. I can look back on all that has transpired and see His hand guiding me all the way, drawing me ever closer to Him. In fact, there were several events this past year that I truly believe if they had not happened, I wouldn't have been able to move closer to Him. Some were painful, but when the end result is intimacy with Christ, it's okay.
I had had the gnawing feeling early last year that if some of my past wasn't resolved soon, I would arrive at a bit of a standstill with the Lord. I certainly didn't want that, but I didn't know how to even begin unpacking that baggage. I remember spending much of the first few months of the year pleading with the Lord to show me what to do. It really felt like He was being silent, but I continued to ask. I spent time in the Word trying to glean some new wisdom and direction, yet both were elusive. I began to feel the Spirit impress on me that I needed to wait, just a bit longer. That wasn't really to my liking as I still couldn't see how this was all going to work out, but not really having any other choice, I waited.
About mid-year, the Lord moved in a way that I couldn't have anticipated and yet, per His usual way of doing things, it was the best possible way. I saw my God step in for me and guide me, undeniably, to a place of healing and forgiveness. I can't even describe to you what that moment was like. All my time spent pleading and praying and digging into the Word was my way of trying to make something happen. I thought if I prayed and read enough, God would have to listen and respond. It amazes me that I still think this way from time to time!
What He truly desired of me was to seek Him, not just the answer I was looking for. I had spent so much time and energy focused on the issue at hand and not the Lord Himself, that I had lost sight of abiding in Him and waiting on His timing.
It can be easy to forget that we aren't the only ones who hurt when we go through difficulties - God is right there with us, His heart breaking with ours. He desires our healing as much as, if not more than, we do.
My small group has been studying the book of Zechariah and last week we happened upon a verse that has helped me a lot over the years and as I read it now, I find peace again.
"Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'If it is too difficult in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, will it also be too difficult in My sight?' declares the LORD of hosts." ~Zechariah 8:6
The Israelites were returning to the Promised Land from exile in Babylon. They were fewer in number and had a massive rebuilding project ahead of them. What seemed impossible to them is not impossible with the Lord. He doesn't bring us to the place He promised us and then leave us to figure out everything from there. He brings us to Himself and restores us and stays faithful to His promises.
Yes, it's been a difficult year, but where I stand now has made it worth the journey.
I'm afraid I haven't got a ton to say, but I wanted to dust off the page and update it a little bit and bring it into the new year.
(And as the title says - there will be no song in this post! Am I turning over a new blogging leaf? Who knows...I kind of hope not though :P )
The past year of my life has been an incredible mix of ups and downs, brokenness and healing. The constant through it all has been the Lord and His faithfulness to me. I can look back on all that has transpired and see His hand guiding me all the way, drawing me ever closer to Him. In fact, there were several events this past year that I truly believe if they had not happened, I wouldn't have been able to move closer to Him. Some were painful, but when the end result is intimacy with Christ, it's okay.
I had had the gnawing feeling early last year that if some of my past wasn't resolved soon, I would arrive at a bit of a standstill with the Lord. I certainly didn't want that, but I didn't know how to even begin unpacking that baggage. I remember spending much of the first few months of the year pleading with the Lord to show me what to do. It really felt like He was being silent, but I continued to ask. I spent time in the Word trying to glean some new wisdom and direction, yet both were elusive. I began to feel the Spirit impress on me that I needed to wait, just a bit longer. That wasn't really to my liking as I still couldn't see how this was all going to work out, but not really having any other choice, I waited.
About mid-year, the Lord moved in a way that I couldn't have anticipated and yet, per His usual way of doing things, it was the best possible way. I saw my God step in for me and guide me, undeniably, to a place of healing and forgiveness. I can't even describe to you what that moment was like. All my time spent pleading and praying and digging into the Word was my way of trying to make something happen. I thought if I prayed and read enough, God would have to listen and respond. It amazes me that I still think this way from time to time!
What He truly desired of me was to seek Him, not just the answer I was looking for. I had spent so much time and energy focused on the issue at hand and not the Lord Himself, that I had lost sight of abiding in Him and waiting on His timing.
It can be easy to forget that we aren't the only ones who hurt when we go through difficulties - God is right there with us, His heart breaking with ours. He desires our healing as much as, if not more than, we do.
My small group has been studying the book of Zechariah and last week we happened upon a verse that has helped me a lot over the years and as I read it now, I find peace again.
"Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'If it is too difficult in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, will it also be too difficult in My sight?' declares the LORD of hosts." ~Zechariah 8:6
The Israelites were returning to the Promised Land from exile in Babylon. They were fewer in number and had a massive rebuilding project ahead of them. What seemed impossible to them is not impossible with the Lord. He doesn't bring us to the place He promised us and then leave us to figure out everything from there. He brings us to Himself and restores us and stays faithful to His promises.
Yes, it's been a difficult year, but where I stand now has made it worth the journey.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Strength in Weakness
It seems that many of my small revelations are brought on by music. This is an observation I made today and so I'd like to give some kudos to all of the singers/songwriters/musicians/etc. (and there are many so I won't list them) who have been instrumental (no pun intended...I don't think) in how the Lord reaches me. :o)
That said, tonight's revelation is brought to you by Matt Maher. :P
So I was playing some Frontierville and listening to the aforementioned artist when the first few lines of one of his songs resonated with me (eventually the whole song, but we'll get to that later).
I flirt with the world
It steals my love for You
My fear grips my faith
And I am left unmoved
Most of the summer I had been in kind of a slump spiritually. I was allowing other things to take precedence. Filling up my schedule and not really leaving time to spend with my Lord. It's frustrating for me when my faith operates on a Sunday/Wednesday schedule instead of living like my life depends on it (which it does).
So when I heard the first line of this song I tuned right in and immediately felt convicted (hallelujah!). As I thought about the past couple of months and the drifting I had been doing, I remembered a very familiar verse:
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." ~2 Cor. 12:9
At first, I wasn't sure why this verse was brought to mind because I had always kind of thought of it as Christ's power being made perfect in my weakness in relation to my witness to others. I reflected for a little bit and then I realized that it also means that Christ's power is made perfect in my weakness in regard to my own personal growth.
All the striving I do, the work I put into my faith because I feel like if I can conquer my weaknesses myself I'll somehow be closer to God, it doesn't help. Not that I shouldn't actively pursue God and spend time in the Word, I definitely need to do that. However, I spend so much time recognizing where I'm weak and trying to overcome it by myself before approaching the throne. That's why I get tired and end up floundering for awhile.
The first part of the verse says that His grace is sufficient...His grace is literally enough. If I accept His grace, which requires admitting I can't do this on my own and I need Him to cover me, then He will do the work needed on me. Where I am helpless, He is able. Where I am deficient, He is ample. Where I am weak, He is strong.
These are all things that aren't particularly new to me, but for some reason, I finally got it tonight. Jesus completes me...moves me...upholds me...is in me...around me...I could go on because He is everything. It is so refreshing to be back in a place of wanting to not only pursue Him, but to be pursued by Him (not that the pursuit ever ended on God's end...I just wasn't noticing). It's freeing to know that I still need Him to be my strength. I may fall away, but it just proves that I will never be able to do this on my own.
I said earlier that I'd get to the rest of the song later, so here it is. Only the first stanza really deals with the drifting, the rest of the song is about the deep love of Jesus and how it draws us back time and again and the praise that can't help but escape our lips in response. It's beautiful. :o)
I flirt with the world
It steals my love for You
My fear grips my faith
And I am left unmoved
Your gaze stops my heart
Your voice fills the dark
Your love is the spark that lights this life
So we rise
Out of the depths you cry
Come and be satisfied
Father, You sing
Father, You sing over Your children
You quiet the storm
Inside my shipwrecked soul
Your spirit will lead
It calls the wayward home
At the sound of Your name
Our sin is washed away
In Christ we're crucified
In You we die, in You we rise
Out of the depths you cry
Come and be satisfied
Father, You sing
Father, You sing over Your children
Let us see through Your eyes
We are Your great delight
Father You sing
Father, You sing over Your children
And we're singing along
Your daughters and sons
We're singing Your song
We are Your children
Out of the depths you cry
Come and be satisfied
Father, You sing
Father, You sing over Your children
Let us see through Your eyes
We are Your great delight
Father, You sing
Father, You sing over Your children
~"Sing Over Your Children" by Matt Maher
That said, tonight's revelation is brought to you by Matt Maher. :P
So I was playing some Frontierville and listening to the aforementioned artist when the first few lines of one of his songs resonated with me (eventually the whole song, but we'll get to that later).
I flirt with the world
It steals my love for You
My fear grips my faith
And I am left unmoved
Most of the summer I had been in kind of a slump spiritually. I was allowing other things to take precedence. Filling up my schedule and not really leaving time to spend with my Lord. It's frustrating for me when my faith operates on a Sunday/Wednesday schedule instead of living like my life depends on it (which it does).
So when I heard the first line of this song I tuned right in and immediately felt convicted (hallelujah!). As I thought about the past couple of months and the drifting I had been doing, I remembered a very familiar verse:
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." ~2 Cor. 12:9
At first, I wasn't sure why this verse was brought to mind because I had always kind of thought of it as Christ's power being made perfect in my weakness in relation to my witness to others. I reflected for a little bit and then I realized that it also means that Christ's power is made perfect in my weakness in regard to my own personal growth.
All the striving I do, the work I put into my faith because I feel like if I can conquer my weaknesses myself I'll somehow be closer to God, it doesn't help. Not that I shouldn't actively pursue God and spend time in the Word, I definitely need to do that. However, I spend so much time recognizing where I'm weak and trying to overcome it by myself before approaching the throne. That's why I get tired and end up floundering for awhile.
The first part of the verse says that His grace is sufficient...His grace is literally enough. If I accept His grace, which requires admitting I can't do this on my own and I need Him to cover me, then He will do the work needed on me. Where I am helpless, He is able. Where I am deficient, He is ample. Where I am weak, He is strong.
These are all things that aren't particularly new to me, but for some reason, I finally got it tonight. Jesus completes me...moves me...upholds me...is in me...around me...I could go on because He is everything. It is so refreshing to be back in a place of wanting to not only pursue Him, but to be pursued by Him (not that the pursuit ever ended on God's end...I just wasn't noticing). It's freeing to know that I still need Him to be my strength. I may fall away, but it just proves that I will never be able to do this on my own.
I said earlier that I'd get to the rest of the song later, so here it is. Only the first stanza really deals with the drifting, the rest of the song is about the deep love of Jesus and how it draws us back time and again and the praise that can't help but escape our lips in response. It's beautiful. :o)
I flirt with the world
It steals my love for You
My fear grips my faith
And I am left unmoved
Your gaze stops my heart
Your voice fills the dark
Your love is the spark that lights this life
So we rise
Out of the depths you cry
Come and be satisfied
Father, You sing
Father, You sing over Your children
You quiet the storm
Inside my shipwrecked soul
Your spirit will lead
It calls the wayward home
At the sound of Your name
Our sin is washed away
In Christ we're crucified
In You we die, in You we rise
Out of the depths you cry
Come and be satisfied
Father, You sing
Father, You sing over Your children
Let us see through Your eyes
We are Your great delight
Father You sing
Father, You sing over Your children
And we're singing along
Your daughters and sons
We're singing Your song
We are Your children
Out of the depths you cry
Come and be satisfied
Father, You sing
Father, You sing over Your children
Let us see through Your eyes
We are Your great delight
Father, You sing
Father, You sing over Your children
~"Sing Over Your Children" by Matt Maher
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Some Stuff
It has been a couple of months since I last wrote...whoops! I've been in a writing funk. Alas. :P
Even now, I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to write about, but there it is and here we are.
Thought for today: I have been craving innocence lately (maybe I should be craving it all the time?). I yearn for the time when I believed all people were good, I could be whatever I wanted and that one person can make a difference. For the days when I thirsted for knowledge, kept my head up and saw what was around me and expected more of the people around me without feeling guilty.
It amazes me how the journey of life can beat one down. Can shatter pure ideals and leave you wondering what the point is.
It reminds me on a daily basis that this is not the way life is supposed to be. It is not the way He intended things to turn out. What a meaningless struggle we have created for ourselves!
I'm not saying all this to be depressing, but it's simply an observation I've made over the past year or so. And once I was past the point of wondering when I went from wide-eyed wonderment to droopy-eyed acceptance, I began to ask, what do I do to get back what I have lost? Jesus came to redeem man...the whole man, not just part, so I have to believe that there is hope for perspective and not just purpose (though purpose, obviously, plays a lot into perspective).
I haven't gotten any answers yet, but I think the journey itself will be my answer. It is the journey that has been corrupted. The destination has always been Jesus...home...but there is a lot to happen still on the way and I pray that I would run a race worthy of the finish line.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." ~Hebrews 12:1
Even now, I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to write about, but there it is and here we are.
Thought for today: I have been craving innocence lately (maybe I should be craving it all the time?). I yearn for the time when I believed all people were good, I could be whatever I wanted and that one person can make a difference. For the days when I thirsted for knowledge, kept my head up and saw what was around me and expected more of the people around me without feeling guilty.
It amazes me how the journey of life can beat one down. Can shatter pure ideals and leave you wondering what the point is.
It reminds me on a daily basis that this is not the way life is supposed to be. It is not the way He intended things to turn out. What a meaningless struggle we have created for ourselves!
I'm not saying all this to be depressing, but it's simply an observation I've made over the past year or so. And once I was past the point of wondering when I went from wide-eyed wonderment to droopy-eyed acceptance, I began to ask, what do I do to get back what I have lost? Jesus came to redeem man...the whole man, not just part, so I have to believe that there is hope for perspective and not just purpose (though purpose, obviously, plays a lot into perspective).
I haven't gotten any answers yet, but I think the journey itself will be my answer. It is the journey that has been corrupted. The destination has always been Jesus...home...but there is a lot to happen still on the way and I pray that I would run a race worthy of the finish line.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." ~Hebrews 12:1
Monday, May 24, 2010
Healing Begins
Probably my favorite song right now. :o)
So you thought you had to keep this up
All the work that you do
So we think that you're good
And you can't believe it's not enough
All the walls you built up
Are just glass on the outside
So let 'em fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now
This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark
Afraid to let your secrets out
Everything that you hide
Can come crashing through the door now
But too scared to face all your fear
So you hide but you find
That the shame won't disappear
So let it fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now
We're here now, oh
This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark
Sparks will fly as grace collides
With the dark inside of us
So please don't fight
This coming light
Let this blood come cover us
His blood can cover us
This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
-"Healing Begins" by Tenth Avenue North
So you thought you had to keep this up
All the work that you do
So we think that you're good
And you can't believe it's not enough
All the walls you built up
Are just glass on the outside
So let 'em fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now
This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark
Afraid to let your secrets out
Everything that you hide
Can come crashing through the door now
But too scared to face all your fear
So you hide but you find
That the shame won't disappear
So let it fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now
We're here now, oh
This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark
Sparks will fly as grace collides
With the dark inside of us
So please don't fight
This coming light
Let this blood come cover us
His blood can cover us
This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
-"Healing Begins" by Tenth Avenue North
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