It's been a long time since I've written...I'd be surprised if many folks checked back any longer!
During my hiatus I have kept busy (as always) but I also passed another birthday and this was a big one. I guess that I could say that closing the door on my twenties was a depressing or frustrating experience but the truth is that to me it was just another small miracle in a life so full of them already. What I mean by that is that the longer I live the more I realize just how much we're not guaranteed tomorrow. I've had a dear friend die at a younger age than I find myself at now and I've known others who have experienced great sorrow and loss in their lives. So, when I celebrated my birthday (and celebrate I did) I also spent some time remembering those who haven't had so many blessings and thanking the Lord that I was here to count this day at all.
Now, this may come across as being morbid but truly it's just my inadequate words of thanks to a God who has provided me all that I've ever needed and so much more than I could have asked. So, if you are facing a birthday that you're not looking forward to because your age is older than you'd like, I'd encourage you to stop and think about all that God has done for you and count your blessings one by one. I suspect that by the time you're done (if you can ever truly finish such a task) you'll be ever so much more thankful for your upcoming day and able to celebrate with joy!
So, as I begin a new decade I'm encouraged by God's faithfulness in the days that have passed and resting solidly on His assured faithfulness in those to come. May you also do the same!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Philippians 4:8 From Another Perspective
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." - Philippians 4:8
Now, what if this had been written as a what-not-to-do list...I propose:
Finally, brothers, if you find something that is false or that does not give you a firm foundation or that you may wish to be true but isn't, a thought that is shameful or that encourages hiding from the light or that doesn't fight for truth, things that are wrong or evil or perhaps just not in staying on God's side of the fence, those things that are dirty and vile or maybe only slightly tarnished, whatever is ugly or imperfect or negative, things that are to be hidden from sight and disposed of instead of revered- if you find things that are not in keeping with God's standard, that don't glorify Him, that drag you into the world and take you farther from God - do not spend any ounce of your time thinking on such things.
Now, what if this had been written as a what-not-to-do list...I propose:
Finally, brothers, if you find something that is false or that does not give you a firm foundation or that you may wish to be true but isn't, a thought that is shameful or that encourages hiding from the light or that doesn't fight for truth, things that are wrong or evil or perhaps just not in staying on God's side of the fence, those things that are dirty and vile or maybe only slightly tarnished, whatever is ugly or imperfect or negative, things that are to be hidden from sight and disposed of instead of revered- if you find things that are not in keeping with God's standard, that don't glorify Him, that drag you into the world and take you farther from God - do not spend any ounce of your time thinking on such things.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Not You
Confession time: When I'm working through big things in my life I tend to talk to God while I'm driving along the road. So, if you ever pass me and I appear to be engaged in a deep conversation with nobody, that's likely me just working things out with the Lord.
This opening is important because on the way home today I was talking to the Lord about some big issues in my life; struggles that I just can't seem to wrap up in a neat package and emotions that leave me frustrated and a bit down. So, I was just talking to God, getting things off my heart and I found myself saying, "It's not you, it's me." As soon as the words passed my lips it made me laugh because it was such a funny thing to say when conversing with God!
After I thought about it though I saw a couple of things that I can take away from that random line. The first has to do with the statement itself and the fact that it rarely is God that I can blame for the things in my life that I struggle with. So much more often it's my thoughts or feelings running amok that cause the trouble, not God wrecking havoc on my neatly (!?) ordered life! So the reality is that when I'm walking through yucky things, so often I need to be looking at my own part in them and making sure that I'm not trying to cast the blame towards Him.
The second has to do with the typical context of this phrase. We all know that it most often comes into play during the closing statements in a relationship (to refer to such tumultuous talk in such a lawyerly context doesn't seem right but it'll do for now). When thinking about this in relationship to God, I realized that there are times when I feel like throwing in the towel in our relationship and how crazy that really is. How could I ever think that the solution to anything is to 'break up' with the perfect, holy, awesome God of the universe and walk away on my own? This might work on a human level and leaving an ill-fated relationship may actually be the best choice but it's never going to be the best choice when it comes to the Lord! This all just made me think of how much I need to (and truthfully do) rely on God in all my days and how I need to make sure that no matter where my path leads that I'm not trying to walk it in my own power and leave God out of the picture.
This opening is important because on the way home today I was talking to the Lord about some big issues in my life; struggles that I just can't seem to wrap up in a neat package and emotions that leave me frustrated and a bit down. So, I was just talking to God, getting things off my heart and I found myself saying, "It's not you, it's me." As soon as the words passed my lips it made me laugh because it was such a funny thing to say when conversing with God!
After I thought about it though I saw a couple of things that I can take away from that random line. The first has to do with the statement itself and the fact that it rarely is God that I can blame for the things in my life that I struggle with. So much more often it's my thoughts or feelings running amok that cause the trouble, not God wrecking havoc on my neatly (!?) ordered life! So the reality is that when I'm walking through yucky things, so often I need to be looking at my own part in them and making sure that I'm not trying to cast the blame towards Him.
The second has to do with the typical context of this phrase. We all know that it most often comes into play during the closing statements in a relationship (to refer to such tumultuous talk in such a lawyerly context doesn't seem right but it'll do for now). When thinking about this in relationship to God, I realized that there are times when I feel like throwing in the towel in our relationship and how crazy that really is. How could I ever think that the solution to anything is to 'break up' with the perfect, holy, awesome God of the universe and walk away on my own? This might work on a human level and leaving an ill-fated relationship may actually be the best choice but it's never going to be the best choice when it comes to the Lord! This all just made me think of how much I need to (and truthfully do) rely on God in all my days and how I need to make sure that no matter where my path leads that I'm not trying to walk it in my own power and leave God out of the picture.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Anybody have a map?
This week I could really use some help from somebody who knows what I should be doing with my life better than I do!
I'm trying to figure out what the best step is for me to take with my career and the distinct possibilities are very opposite and very time sensitive. There's a position with my current company that I have been encouraged to try for or I can start making plans to return to school in some capacity in order to completely switch job fields in the future.
There are pros and cons in both directions but I honestly don't feel strongly in one way or another and that makes the whole process one of second-guessing my thoughts and making list after list to try and determine the best move to make. Oh yes, and much prayer too! :)
Now, there are those who would just say that I like to worry so I'm making this a bigger deal than it should be. I'll agree that I'm not new to the worrying game but I'm also not sure that what I'm doing here is worrying. Maybe it qualifies and I'm just trying to think my way into validation. Definitely a possibility!
So I guess I'm just struggling and instead of not writing anything I thought I'd let you in on the struggle. An old friend of mine challenges me with his writing to let people see the journey, both the mountains and the valleys, and I want to do that here.
For now, I'll continue weighing the options and hoping for a big neon sign from heaven pointing in the best direction. Change is never fun but I look forward to where the path leads next - unknowns and all.
I'm trying to figure out what the best step is for me to take with my career and the distinct possibilities are very opposite and very time sensitive. There's a position with my current company that I have been encouraged to try for or I can start making plans to return to school in some capacity in order to completely switch job fields in the future.
There are pros and cons in both directions but I honestly don't feel strongly in one way or another and that makes the whole process one of second-guessing my thoughts and making list after list to try and determine the best move to make. Oh yes, and much prayer too! :)
Now, there are those who would just say that I like to worry so I'm making this a bigger deal than it should be. I'll agree that I'm not new to the worrying game but I'm also not sure that what I'm doing here is worrying. Maybe it qualifies and I'm just trying to think my way into validation. Definitely a possibility!
So I guess I'm just struggling and instead of not writing anything I thought I'd let you in on the struggle. An old friend of mine challenges me with his writing to let people see the journey, both the mountains and the valleys, and I want to do that here.
For now, I'll continue weighing the options and hoping for a big neon sign from heaven pointing in the best direction. Change is never fun but I look forward to where the path leads next - unknowns and all.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Back on the Homefront
It's been two weeks since I stepped off a plane on my journey back from Kenya where I had been for 12 days.
When I first returned back I would have said that the trip to Kenya didn't change me very much - that it was wonderful and that I loved working with the people but that I didn't really sense a huge change in my thoughts. Now that more time has passed I realize that I have changed - in some ways for the better and perhaps in some ways for the worse.
I recognize with greater clarity the overwhelming abundance we live with here in America and yet see how much less happy we are than the Kenyans who own much less but rejoice much more. I struggle with this reality while knowing that God places each of us in our corner of the world for a reason - one is not better than the other, just different.
The struggle for sensing God's will for my life has grown larger in the time since I returned - the questions of how and where I spend my time and resources seem more pressing. My experiences in Kenya have made me think a lot about where I am and what skills I have and how best I should use those. While I have thoughts about what this might mean to me, I struggle with how to start the process of putting thoughts into action. I have to force myself to not overthink this journey and instead to step forward with faith even when I can only see a small light pointing in a direction. I suspect that these thoughts are not going to end anytime soon!
As I sit here today, weighed down by responsibilities and expectations, I miss Kenya. I miss the people that I met and worked with over there, both fellow Americans and Kenyan brothers and sisters. I love America and those that I walk through life with but there's much to be said about a journey across the globe. It makes the important things more clear and the less important things fade into the background.
I'm blessed by the opportunity that I had to travel there and hope someday to return. For now though, I carry on my journey on these shores, not knowing where I'll end up but only knowing that even when I didn't see it, I was being changed by my latest trek.
When I first returned back I would have said that the trip to Kenya didn't change me very much - that it was wonderful and that I loved working with the people but that I didn't really sense a huge change in my thoughts. Now that more time has passed I realize that I have changed - in some ways for the better and perhaps in some ways for the worse.
I recognize with greater clarity the overwhelming abundance we live with here in America and yet see how much less happy we are than the Kenyans who own much less but rejoice much more. I struggle with this reality while knowing that God places each of us in our corner of the world for a reason - one is not better than the other, just different.
The struggle for sensing God's will for my life has grown larger in the time since I returned - the questions of how and where I spend my time and resources seem more pressing. My experiences in Kenya have made me think a lot about where I am and what skills I have and how best I should use those. While I have thoughts about what this might mean to me, I struggle with how to start the process of putting thoughts into action. I have to force myself to not overthink this journey and instead to step forward with faith even when I can only see a small light pointing in a direction. I suspect that these thoughts are not going to end anytime soon!
As I sit here today, weighed down by responsibilities and expectations, I miss Kenya. I miss the people that I met and worked with over there, both fellow Americans and Kenyan brothers and sisters. I love America and those that I walk through life with but there's much to be said about a journey across the globe. It makes the important things more clear and the less important things fade into the background.
I'm blessed by the opportunity that I had to travel there and hope someday to return. For now though, I carry on my journey on these shores, not knowing where I'll end up but only knowing that even when I didn't see it, I was being changed by my latest trek.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Return to Reality
Yes, it's been ages since I last wrote. Yes, I do still remember that I have a blog out here. Yes, I know that the five people who read it are probably frustrated that I haven't written anything in over a month! Yes, I will try to be better! :)
I do apologize for the length of time between posts but in my defense, things in my world have been swirling like crazy and I was out of town for two weeks in there! Ok, enough excuses.
Today was my first day back at work after a week of forced vacation - that's something that sounds good until you realize you have to use your vacation days during the time designated by the company. It was hard to come back but I think that after a couple days things will start rolling again and I'll get back in the groove.
My week off was full of home improvement projects and I have to say that for as much work as I did, my home doesn't look much better than it did at the beginning of the week! My biggest struggle is the yard - a word I still use rather loosely especially in the front. I knew that I was in trouble when I learned how much it had rained but then I got a notice from the city telling me that my grass was too long. I had figured that I'd be ok because I didn't have a homeowner's association but it turns out that the city too can get in on the deal. Of course, I suspect that I have a neighbor to blame but I'm trying not to point fingers when I don't know if I should.
So, all this to say, things have been busy but I do want to continue writing to check back in to see what new things are going on in my world - I can't promise they'll always be thrilling but hopefully they'll entertain somewhat!
Thanks for checking back in - I'm happy to be back!
I do apologize for the length of time between posts but in my defense, things in my world have been swirling like crazy and I was out of town for two weeks in there! Ok, enough excuses.
Today was my first day back at work after a week of forced vacation - that's something that sounds good until you realize you have to use your vacation days during the time designated by the company. It was hard to come back but I think that after a couple days things will start rolling again and I'll get back in the groove.
My week off was full of home improvement projects and I have to say that for as much work as I did, my home doesn't look much better than it did at the beginning of the week! My biggest struggle is the yard - a word I still use rather loosely especially in the front. I knew that I was in trouble when I learned how much it had rained but then I got a notice from the city telling me that my grass was too long. I had figured that I'd be ok because I didn't have a homeowner's association but it turns out that the city too can get in on the deal. Of course, I suspect that I have a neighbor to blame but I'm trying not to point fingers when I don't know if I should.
So, all this to say, things have been busy but I do want to continue writing to check back in to see what new things are going on in my world - I can't promise they'll always be thrilling but hopefully they'll entertain somewhat!
Thanks for checking back in - I'm happy to be back!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
2-Second Day Brightener
I went to Starbucks today after stopping by the doctor's office to have some blood drawn - I figured I deserved the treat! :)
While I was there I watched no fewer than three customers take their drinks from the barista (so fancy to know what they're called) without so much as a smile, a word, or even eye contact. Now, I know that you might not always find the best humor at a coffee shop prior to consumers receiving their desired product and having found time to consume it. However, when did it become okay to not even see that it was a human being handing out your coveted drink? You would have thought that these people were walking up to a machine and having it dispense their cup o' Joe.
So, my solution to this is to stop wherever you are served by another person and take two seconds, just two, to do the following:
1. Make eye contact.
2. Smile.
3. Say, "Thank You."
4. Say, "Have a good day."
All this can be done in two seconds and I guarantee that not only will the recipient respond favorably, but it will brighten your day too! Think I'm crazy if you will but I challenge you to try it and see if it doesn't just put a smile on your face too.
Also, let's not forget that those who serve us are also those that we're called to serve. Let's not find ourselves not giving them the acknowledgment that they deserve simply for being people that God loves!
"An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." - Proverbs 12:25
While I was there I watched no fewer than three customers take their drinks from the barista (so fancy to know what they're called) without so much as a smile, a word, or even eye contact. Now, I know that you might not always find the best humor at a coffee shop prior to consumers receiving their desired product and having found time to consume it. However, when did it become okay to not even see that it was a human being handing out your coveted drink? You would have thought that these people were walking up to a machine and having it dispense their cup o' Joe.
So, my solution to this is to stop wherever you are served by another person and take two seconds, just two, to do the following:
1. Make eye contact.
2. Smile.
3. Say, "Thank You."
4. Say, "Have a good day."
All this can be done in two seconds and I guarantee that not only will the recipient respond favorably, but it will brighten your day too! Think I'm crazy if you will but I challenge you to try it and see if it doesn't just put a smile on your face too.
Also, let's not forget that those who serve us are also those that we're called to serve. Let's not find ourselves not giving them the acknowledgment that they deserve simply for being people that God loves!
"An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." - Proverbs 12:25
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Weathering the Storm
Today my timing was off.
I stalled at my house thinking that whatever storm was turning my house to night and requiring me to turn on the lights to find my shoes would blow over before I had to leave. Well, after about 15 minutes I decided to try the other tactic and see if I could make it to work before the rain came down. I was wrong. I ended up trekking to work through the worst part of the storm which had not been my goal!
This was one of those storms that cut the visibility to almost nothing and was accompanied by lots of wind and many lightening bolts. I drove through it praying the whole time that I would safely make it to work and struggling to not let my anxiety grab hold too much. With a couple of narrow misses, I arrived safely and was able to get into my building.
While a storm is not an unusual occurrence, being face to face with this one made me think about how I always have a choice in how I'll respond when a storm blows into my life. Storms tend to arise in so many areas, whether physically appearing on the horizon and dumping buckets of rain or showing up in the spiritual realm and leaving me drenched in unexpected emotion and doubt. When each one comes, I have a choice to run around in fear, frantically trying to make sure that I'm controlling each aspect of my environment or I can choose to press on through it, holding tight to the Lord as my stable point in a shaky world.
I find that the more I take the second approach, the less phased I am by the storms I encounter. Sure, some of them knock me down and leave me reeling but I am seeing that through the years, my response to turn to the Lord is becoming more instinctual and I'm weathering things with more faith and less doubt. I think this is one area where practice does make perfect and while I doubt I'll ever get to the place where nothing can topple me, I do believe that the more I lean into the Lord, the more I am able to stand up through the winds. Today's storm was just another reminder of the fact that I can find peace in the middle of anything that may happen around me as long as I look up and not around.
I'll leave you with the lyrics to an excellent song that I've been hearing a lot lately by Mercy Me. It's called "Bring the Rain" and seems appropriate for today:
"I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain"
I stalled at my house thinking that whatever storm was turning my house to night and requiring me to turn on the lights to find my shoes would blow over before I had to leave. Well, after about 15 minutes I decided to try the other tactic and see if I could make it to work before the rain came down. I was wrong. I ended up trekking to work through the worst part of the storm which had not been my goal!
This was one of those storms that cut the visibility to almost nothing and was accompanied by lots of wind and many lightening bolts. I drove through it praying the whole time that I would safely make it to work and struggling to not let my anxiety grab hold too much. With a couple of narrow misses, I arrived safely and was able to get into my building.
While a storm is not an unusual occurrence, being face to face with this one made me think about how I always have a choice in how I'll respond when a storm blows into my life. Storms tend to arise in so many areas, whether physically appearing on the horizon and dumping buckets of rain or showing up in the spiritual realm and leaving me drenched in unexpected emotion and doubt. When each one comes, I have a choice to run around in fear, frantically trying to make sure that I'm controlling each aspect of my environment or I can choose to press on through it, holding tight to the Lord as my stable point in a shaky world.
I find that the more I take the second approach, the less phased I am by the storms I encounter. Sure, some of them knock me down and leave me reeling but I am seeing that through the years, my response to turn to the Lord is becoming more instinctual and I'm weathering things with more faith and less doubt. I think this is one area where practice does make perfect and while I doubt I'll ever get to the place where nothing can topple me, I do believe that the more I lean into the Lord, the more I am able to stand up through the winds. Today's storm was just another reminder of the fact that I can find peace in the middle of anything that may happen around me as long as I look up and not around.
I'll leave you with the lyrics to an excellent song that I've been hearing a lot lately by Mercy Me. It's called "Bring the Rain" and seems appropriate for today:
"I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain"
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Full Circle
I've been challenged for the last month by many friends to come back to the world of writing - to not stay lost in Boston (as they have so eloquently put it) where my last post left me.
After some (ok, a lot) of thought, I've decided to return and see what I might have to share again as I move along my paths.
Blogging is a funny thing - you start it thinking that you're just going to send your words out into the world with no ramifications but at the same time, the fact that you're writing to the world without specific targets makes the entire proposition a little scary. Over the course of the last month I've had people discuss why blogs are both good and bad and I've read a couple of articles about blogging that have really made me stop and think. One such article comes from the Pulpit online magazine and I encourage you to read this if you're writing (or thinking of doing so): (http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/04/25/the-blog-in-our-eyes-part-1/).
At the end of all this thinking, I've come to realize that blogging is an imperfect art. There's no guarantee that what I have to say will be well received or received at all. There's no promise of a solution to life's problems and there's no quick and easy fix for the struggles we all face.
However, for what it's worth, I still have the same aim that I had when I first sat down at this computer and began to write. That aim is to glorify God along my road and hopefully to lead each person who reads my words into a bigger understanding of who He is.
With that being said, if I ever fail at this point, I ask you to please contact me. I may not be able to control all the thoughts that you might think as you read this but I really hope that I might be able to be a friend on the other side of your screen and I'd love to be able to encourage you to walk in the truth and most definitely to answer any questions you might have.
So, I'll leave you now but I hope to share a new story soon and you can rest assured for the moment that I've returned safely from Boston and continue on with my daily life!
After some (ok, a lot) of thought, I've decided to return and see what I might have to share again as I move along my paths.
Blogging is a funny thing - you start it thinking that you're just going to send your words out into the world with no ramifications but at the same time, the fact that you're writing to the world without specific targets makes the entire proposition a little scary. Over the course of the last month I've had people discuss why blogs are both good and bad and I've read a couple of articles about blogging that have really made me stop and think. One such article comes from the Pulpit online magazine and I encourage you to read this if you're writing (or thinking of doing so): (http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/04/25/the-blog-in-our-eyes-part-1/).
At the end of all this thinking, I've come to realize that blogging is an imperfect art. There's no guarantee that what I have to say will be well received or received at all. There's no promise of a solution to life's problems and there's no quick and easy fix for the struggles we all face.
However, for what it's worth, I still have the same aim that I had when I first sat down at this computer and began to write. That aim is to glorify God along my road and hopefully to lead each person who reads my words into a bigger understanding of who He is.
With that being said, if I ever fail at this point, I ask you to please contact me. I may not be able to control all the thoughts that you might think as you read this but I really hope that I might be able to be a friend on the other side of your screen and I'd love to be able to encourage you to walk in the truth and most definitely to answer any questions you might have.
So, I'll leave you now but I hope to share a new story soon and you can rest assured for the moment that I've returned safely from Boston and continue on with my daily life!
Monday, April 16, 2007
Big as the Ocean
For all the times I've been in Boston I've never ventured out to the beach where the ocean meets the land. I've only seen the Atlantic from a distance as I fly over it either coming or going from this city. Today, however, I rode the T (that's Boston talk for the subway system) out to Revere Beach and took in the wonder of the vast sea.
I definitely have a thing about the ocean - I don't necessarily like to swim in it but I love to walk beside it. I guess the reason behind that is because it reminds me of just how very big God is. The ocean goes on forever and God knows everything that's going on within it. There's no building to fence it in and no barrier to keep it out - it just flows on throughout the days.
I think my temptation is sometimes to think that God is just not capable of doing the things that I hope for when I stretch my hopes out from the safe little place I like to stand. I believe with all my heart that God can do anything in the lives of others but I struggle sometimes in believing the same of my life. A walk by the ocean reminds me every time that this God I serve is bigger than I can even begin to imagine and that the things that are important to me remain important to Him.
I'll never begin to understand how a God who made the ocean can look upon me and find me worthwhile but even as I hear the waves crash and look out all the way to an unmarred horizon, I know with all of my heart that He does. This God who made the vast sea cares about me enough to know the number of hairs on my head. This God is one who can exceed my wildest dreams and fulfill my greatest hopes. This God is the one who I gladly serve through all my days knowing that even as one small person, He gives me the ability to make a difference for Him. And that's why I love the ocean - it shows me how great my God is!
"I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth." - Psalm 57:9-11
I definitely have a thing about the ocean - I don't necessarily like to swim in it but I love to walk beside it. I guess the reason behind that is because it reminds me of just how very big God is. The ocean goes on forever and God knows everything that's going on within it. There's no building to fence it in and no barrier to keep it out - it just flows on throughout the days.
I think my temptation is sometimes to think that God is just not capable of doing the things that I hope for when I stretch my hopes out from the safe little place I like to stand. I believe with all my heart that God can do anything in the lives of others but I struggle sometimes in believing the same of my life. A walk by the ocean reminds me every time that this God I serve is bigger than I can even begin to imagine and that the things that are important to me remain important to Him.
I'll never begin to understand how a God who made the ocean can look upon me and find me worthwhile but even as I hear the waves crash and look out all the way to an unmarred horizon, I know with all of my heart that He does. This God who made the vast sea cares about me enough to know the number of hairs on my head. This God is one who can exceed my wildest dreams and fulfill my greatest hopes. This God is the one who I gladly serve through all my days knowing that even as one small person, He gives me the ability to make a difference for Him. And that's why I love the ocean - it shows me how great my God is!
"I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth." - Psalm 57:9-11
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Steps of the Saints
I spent the first part of Sunday morning standing in the cold, wet day handing out granola bars to some very surprised folks. I found more people willing to read the card and show appreciation for us being there today than I ever have before. Something about standing in the cold Boston wind makes people think twice about the reason behind you being there.
The second part of the morning was spent in the church service at Hope Fellowship. It was an amazing service with awesome worship and a great message from Curtis. However, the thing that really made me think was the reality that I was standing in the same spot where people have stood for almost 100 years worshipping the same God that they've worshipped over time. Through thick and thin this church on the corner has stayed strong, continuing to preach the Truth, and drawing worshippers to its pews. There is something about walking the path that you know others have travelled before that makes me stop and take notice. It greatly reminds me of the verse at the top of my blog which tells me of all those who witness what we do as we run this race. There are times when I'm just overwhelmed by the fact that my feet are able to grace the same wooden floors that the saints of the past have walked. It's such an encouragement to me to know that I'm running the race that so many others have run in the past and that as I press on I will be able to finish strong for the glory of God.
For those of you who have been to Boston, you know that the sanctuary here isn't spectacular; there are no stained glass windows or shiny wooden pews. The paint is peeling in places that it shouldn't and the floor is worn. However, in this little place, the spirit of God is felt as week after week, year after year, saints new and old gather to worship the one true God and seek His face.
"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14
The second part of the morning was spent in the church service at Hope Fellowship. It was an amazing service with awesome worship and a great message from Curtis. However, the thing that really made me think was the reality that I was standing in the same spot where people have stood for almost 100 years worshipping the same God that they've worshipped over time. Through thick and thin this church on the corner has stayed strong, continuing to preach the Truth, and drawing worshippers to its pews. There is something about walking the path that you know others have travelled before that makes me stop and take notice. It greatly reminds me of the verse at the top of my blog which tells me of all those who witness what we do as we run this race. There are times when I'm just overwhelmed by the fact that my feet are able to grace the same wooden floors that the saints of the past have walked. It's such an encouragement to me to know that I'm running the race that so many others have run in the past and that as I press on I will be able to finish strong for the glory of God.
For those of you who have been to Boston, you know that the sanctuary here isn't spectacular; there are no stained glass windows or shiny wooden pews. The paint is peeling in places that it shouldn't and the floor is worn. However, in this little place, the spirit of God is felt as week after week, year after year, saints new and old gather to worship the one true God and seek His face.
"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Boston Tales
For those of you who might like to know more of what's happening on the Boston trip, you can check our web journal at:
http://www.prestonwoodyoungsingles.org/index.cfm/pageid/977/index.html
Have a wonderfully blessed day!
http://www.prestonwoodyoungsingles.org/index.cfm/pageid/977/index.html
Have a wonderfully blessed day!
Gift of Grace
I'm stealing a couple of minutes to let my loyal readers (those couple of you that there are :) ) know what's going on in Boston.
First, let me say that we sat on our plane on the ground for almost as long as we were in the air! However, God was awesome and let the bad weather that was plaguing the Northeast ease up enough for us to arrive safely. Since then things have been the typical whirlwind of activity with servant evangelism in the morning to Boston tours in the afternoons to game night this evening. It's been a wonderful trek to meet up with old friends and meet new people!
One story that I'd like to share with you occured while we were handing out granola bars to the rush hour crowd yesterday morning. Most people that you approach with a bar will accept it and carry on with their lives. However, one person's reaction stuck in my head more than most. I went to hand her a granola bar and she asked me to repeat what I'd told her. I said again that it was a free granola bar and then she grabbed it. It was her statement though that stuck with me and that was when she said, "There's not much in life that's free anymore."
I guess the reason that it made an impact is because she is absolutely right, there isn't a whole lot that you get for free. Almost everything in the world has a cost associated with it, whether its financial or physical or mental. This made me remember that what we're doing here in Boston by reaching out to people with nothing more than a kind word and a token granola bar makes an impact. We may not all be called to occupy a pulpit or serve as missionaries in Africa but we can make a huge difference to a world that doesn't see free things very often.
Of course, the other reason that I have mulled over her statement for the last day is because there is a free gift and it's free to everyone who might ask for it. That gift is the salvation that we can find when we place our trust in the Lord and begin to seek after Him. The gift of salvation is just that, a gift. One that we can do nothing to deserve and there's nothing that we can repay. We only have the choice to accept it for what it is and move on with our lives going in a different direction or we can leave it as it is and continue on in the same old paths. It's my prayer for all of you today that you'll remember the free gift that's available to you and those you know and seek after it with all your hearts!
Thank you for your prayers for Boston - they are appreciated more than you'll ever know!
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9
First, let me say that we sat on our plane on the ground for almost as long as we were in the air! However, God was awesome and let the bad weather that was plaguing the Northeast ease up enough for us to arrive safely. Since then things have been the typical whirlwind of activity with servant evangelism in the morning to Boston tours in the afternoons to game night this evening. It's been a wonderful trek to meet up with old friends and meet new people!
One story that I'd like to share with you occured while we were handing out granola bars to the rush hour crowd yesterday morning. Most people that you approach with a bar will accept it and carry on with their lives. However, one person's reaction stuck in my head more than most. I went to hand her a granola bar and she asked me to repeat what I'd told her. I said again that it was a free granola bar and then she grabbed it. It was her statement though that stuck with me and that was when she said, "There's not much in life that's free anymore."
I guess the reason that it made an impact is because she is absolutely right, there isn't a whole lot that you get for free. Almost everything in the world has a cost associated with it, whether its financial or physical or mental. This made me remember that what we're doing here in Boston by reaching out to people with nothing more than a kind word and a token granola bar makes an impact. We may not all be called to occupy a pulpit or serve as missionaries in Africa but we can make a huge difference to a world that doesn't see free things very often.
Of course, the other reason that I have mulled over her statement for the last day is because there is a free gift and it's free to everyone who might ask for it. That gift is the salvation that we can find when we place our trust in the Lord and begin to seek after Him. The gift of salvation is just that, a gift. One that we can do nothing to deserve and there's nothing that we can repay. We only have the choice to accept it for what it is and move on with our lives going in a different direction or we can leave it as it is and continue on in the same old paths. It's my prayer for all of you today that you'll remember the free gift that's available to you and those you know and seek after it with all your hearts!
Thank you for your prayers for Boston - they are appreciated more than you'll ever know!
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Boston Bound
Tomorrow I set off to spend a bit of time in wonderful Boston, Massachusetts! This will be the third time I've traveled there and it gets under my skin a bit more each time. The reason I've gone each time is to partner with a small church up there, Hope Fellowship, and help them out with whatever ministry they have going on at the moment.
This time we'll be working on reaching out to the community through handing out granola bars during rush hour, spending time with the college students, helping somehow with the Boston Marathon, and scoping out possible sites for the church to move to in the future. The thing about this trip though is that one can never know exactly how everything is going to happen - we have a tentative plan but I love the fact that everything is kind of free-flowing. We might switch things around or skip over things or do something completely different than we've ever done before. The whole trip just reminds me that in my life things are best experienced just by going with the flow and not fighting the direction things are moving. It's led to some great experiences in Boston in the past and I have no reason to expect this trip to be any different.
So, as I finish packing everything into my subway-friendly suitcase and get ready to fly four hours to the east, I'll just ask that you pray for our team as we go. Pray that we would have open hearts for the people of Boston, that we would meet them where they are and truly share the love of God with them in any way that we can. Pray for safety and guidance and health. Pray for unity and that God would work in mighty ways among our team and those that we come in contact with. Finally, pray for Hope Fellowship and the powerful work that they're doing up there as they seek to reach out and truly be God's hands and feet in a world where the Gospel is not popular and the people often feel that they don't need the Lord.
Above all else, our team covets your prayers as we go only to serve the Lord and seek to make His name known and we know that prayer is the requirement for success there. Thanks for joining us in prayer! All glory to God for what He will do!
"[I]f my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14
This time we'll be working on reaching out to the community through handing out granola bars during rush hour, spending time with the college students, helping somehow with the Boston Marathon, and scoping out possible sites for the church to move to in the future. The thing about this trip though is that one can never know exactly how everything is going to happen - we have a tentative plan but I love the fact that everything is kind of free-flowing. We might switch things around or skip over things or do something completely different than we've ever done before. The whole trip just reminds me that in my life things are best experienced just by going with the flow and not fighting the direction things are moving. It's led to some great experiences in Boston in the past and I have no reason to expect this trip to be any different.
So, as I finish packing everything into my subway-friendly suitcase and get ready to fly four hours to the east, I'll just ask that you pray for our team as we go. Pray that we would have open hearts for the people of Boston, that we would meet them where they are and truly share the love of God with them in any way that we can. Pray for safety and guidance and health. Pray for unity and that God would work in mighty ways among our team and those that we come in contact with. Finally, pray for Hope Fellowship and the powerful work that they're doing up there as they seek to reach out and truly be God's hands and feet in a world where the Gospel is not popular and the people often feel that they don't need the Lord.
Above all else, our team covets your prayers as we go only to serve the Lord and seek to make His name known and we know that prayer is the requirement for success there. Thanks for joining us in prayer! All glory to God for what He will do!
"[I]f my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14
Monday, April 9, 2007
Faith to Stand
Today I find myself fighting for the joy that I know comes from knowing the Lord and walking through my days with Him. It doesn't seem that it should be so hard and yet, some days it just is. This is one of those times. However, as those of you who know me are already aware, music is one of my greatest sources of inspiration and today is no exception. I heard two songs today, both of which just helped me to stand strong knowing that no matter how I might feel or what circumstances I might find myself in, God is always faithful and true. So, here's what I've been listening to today (and I highly recommend picking up these albums as they are both AWESOME)!
First, from one of my all-time favorite artists, is "Believe Me Now" by Stephen Curtis Chapman. This whole song reminds me that God never ceases to be present and giving us strength but this section in particular struck me this morning:
"You hear the enemy
That's closing in around you
And I know that you don't have the strength to fight
But do you have the faith to stand and...
[Chorus:]
Believe Me now, believe Me here
Remember all the times I've told you loud and clear
I am with you and I am for you
So believe Me now, believe Me now "
Second, a relatively new song from another favorite artist is "How Can I Keep from Singing" by Chris Tomlin. This song just reminds me that no matter what I'm going through today or how down I'm feeling at this moment, someday it will all be gone in the reality that is heaven and because of that, I just can't stop talking about and rejoicing in the goodness of God. Great song!!!
"I can sing in the troubled times
Sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step
And I fall down again
I can sing 'cause You pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know
That I'll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne
How can I keep from singing Your praise?
How can I ever say enough?
How amazing is Your love?
How can I keep from shouting Your name?
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing"
I hope these encourage your heart today as they encouraged mine!
First, from one of my all-time favorite artists, is "Believe Me Now" by Stephen Curtis Chapman. This whole song reminds me that God never ceases to be present and giving us strength but this section in particular struck me this morning:
"You hear the enemy
That's closing in around you
And I know that you don't have the strength to fight
But do you have the faith to stand and...
[Chorus:]
Believe Me now, believe Me here
Remember all the times I've told you loud and clear
I am with you and I am for you
So believe Me now, believe Me now "
Second, a relatively new song from another favorite artist is "How Can I Keep from Singing" by Chris Tomlin. This song just reminds me that no matter what I'm going through today or how down I'm feeling at this moment, someday it will all be gone in the reality that is heaven and because of that, I just can't stop talking about and rejoicing in the goodness of God. Great song!!!
"I can sing in the troubled times
Sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step
And I fall down again
I can sing 'cause You pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know
That I'll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne
How can I keep from singing Your praise?
How can I ever say enough?
How amazing is Your love?
How can I keep from shouting Your name?
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing"
I hope these encourage your heart today as they encouraged mine!
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Easter Sunday
"On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " - Luke 24:1-7
Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus; the miracle that proved that death did not win, that evil was not the victor, and that the God of the universe holds the power of life in His hands! Praise the Lord for His sacrifice and the promise that's reflected in our celebration this day!
A very happy Easter to all!
Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus; the miracle that proved that death did not win, that evil was not the victor, and that the God of the universe holds the power of life in His hands! Praise the Lord for His sacrifice and the promise that's reflected in our celebration this day!
A very happy Easter to all!
Wacky Weather
Today, April 7th, I sat in Starbucks in Irving drinking my coffee, talking with my sister, and watching some snow flakes fall from the sky. Must be global warming! :)
Thursday, April 5, 2007
This Kind of Love
As we grow closer to Good Friday I am yet again bowled over by the love God has for us that was demonstrated so powerfully in every step that led Jesus to the cross. Think with me for just a moment about the reality of this scene.
Jesus set aside the joys of heaven to come to earth as a man, at once both fully human and fully God. He submitted Himself to the physical limitations of a human body, experiencing pain, joy, love, and heartbreak. God Himself, walking this earth with one primary goal in mind - to rescue those who were perishing here on this planet. Perishing because ages ago, sin had entered the world and affected every life that was to come after the garden - every man, woman, boy, and girl was bound by sin and subject to its deadly sentence. Yet God never stopped loving all the people who walked upon the earth - He saw what sin did to them in their lives, in their relationships, in the world at large and He never turned away and just started over somewhere else. Instead, He had a plan, a plan that He'd thought of before the world was created. A plan that would enable Him to once again have communion with those that He loved ever so much.
Yet that plan was unlike anything we would have come up with - it involved God sending His only son, Jesus, to pay the price for every human that was ever to live. You might then ask what that plan really looked like and I'll tell you, it was a plan that involved intense suffering, physical anguish, and finally death in the most awful way that the people could come up with doing it. However, the Lord in His ultimate goodness was willing to make the biggest sacrifice because He loved us enough to say that we're worth it.
I hope that you are able to find time to think on what God really did when you celebrate Easter this year. Know that the cross is the place where Jesus made the choice to put everything on the line to give you the ability to know God and that His resurrection on Sunday is the proof that He accomplished that which He came for. Be blessed and know that He truly is the Lord!
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16
Jesus set aside the joys of heaven to come to earth as a man, at once both fully human and fully God. He submitted Himself to the physical limitations of a human body, experiencing pain, joy, love, and heartbreak. God Himself, walking this earth with one primary goal in mind - to rescue those who were perishing here on this planet. Perishing because ages ago, sin had entered the world and affected every life that was to come after the garden - every man, woman, boy, and girl was bound by sin and subject to its deadly sentence. Yet God never stopped loving all the people who walked upon the earth - He saw what sin did to them in their lives, in their relationships, in the world at large and He never turned away and just started over somewhere else. Instead, He had a plan, a plan that He'd thought of before the world was created. A plan that would enable Him to once again have communion with those that He loved ever so much.
Yet that plan was unlike anything we would have come up with - it involved God sending His only son, Jesus, to pay the price for every human that was ever to live. You might then ask what that plan really looked like and I'll tell you, it was a plan that involved intense suffering, physical anguish, and finally death in the most awful way that the people could come up with doing it. However, the Lord in His ultimate goodness was willing to make the biggest sacrifice because He loved us enough to say that we're worth it.
I hope that you are able to find time to think on what God really did when you celebrate Easter this year. Know that the cross is the place where Jesus made the choice to put everything on the line to give you the ability to know God and that His resurrection on Sunday is the proof that He accomplished that which He came for. Be blessed and know that He truly is the Lord!
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Ancient Perspective
As Easter Sunday approaches I've spent time reviewing the last days Jesus lived prior to His death and resurrection and for some reason as I read over the accounts, my attention was captured by a different group of characters than one might expect. This time I was caught up with the people who came to praise Jesus on Palm Sunday and yet less than a week later those people (or others similar to them) were calling for His crucifixion. Let's take a closer look.
"The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!" - John 12:12-13
For a moment, let's put ourselves into the picture. Feel the thrill in the air, the excitement to get close to the man you've heard so much about. Hear the voices on the wind, proclaiming his greatness to the world and celebrating his arrival as the new king of Israel. Imagine how it feels to think that someone has arrived to free you from the governmental oppression you've experienced for years - the hope, the wonder, the excitement of seeing the plan you've dreamed about coming true at last!
Ok, fast forward five days and let's see what's happening now:
"'Here is your king,' Pilate said to the Jews. But they shouted, 'Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!'" - John 19:14-15
What has happened!? Within five days the people's opinion has done a complete turn and we see them attacking the one they heralded. Well, here's what I started thinking: This group had decided that Jesus was the one they'd been waiting for and that He would rescue them, but from their government, not their sins. As they thought about how it would feel to be free they decided that they knew how it would happen - they believed that Jesus would claim an earthly throne and then they could just live out their days in a better situation.
Then Jesus came and He did come to bring freedom but not in the way they thought. Jesus was revolutionary - He brought freedom that lasted through their lives on earth and into eternity and it wasn't just for those who heard the message while He walked the earth, it was for everyone who would follow! This wasn't what they wanted at all - it wasn't going according to their plans! So the public opinion turned against this man they declared a troublemaker, this one who they thought held such promise but who wasn't going about things as they wanted.
Of course this is but a small piece in a very large course of events but it's what got me thinking this week. So, now let's bring this up to the 21st century and look into our lives.
How often do we start to believe that there is a change right around the corner - that something we've struggled with is about to be changed or that something we've prayed for is about to be answered? As we think about whatever situation we find ourselves in, do we not sometimes begin to think that we know how it's going to work out, that we know how God will choose to resolve things in our lives? Then, God acts in a different way than we expect and it may not be a way that we like - perhaps a loved one dies or a job is lost or a relationship severed. In that time, don't we sometimes act as the crowd did on that fateful day - railing against God for not performing as we had planned? One day we find ourselves praising Him and the next we find ourselves yelling at Him because He just didn't meet our expectations.
However, at those times, I challenge you to think on this: Did God not do the very best thing 2,000 years ago? Did His solution not meet the deepest need of every person's heart, even the ones who were angry for not getting their way?
When we face trials or heartbreak, remember this crowd and know that just because God does not act in the ways that we expect or plan for, He never ever fails to have a plan that is better in the long run. Let's not be content with placing Him in a box and only allowing Him to act as we dictate or cursing Him when He doesn't. Let's trust that the Lord has a plan that we may not understand but a plan that works the very best in our lives that we might be made more like Him and that He would be glorified!
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11
"The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!" - John 12:12-13
For a moment, let's put ourselves into the picture. Feel the thrill in the air, the excitement to get close to the man you've heard so much about. Hear the voices on the wind, proclaiming his greatness to the world and celebrating his arrival as the new king of Israel. Imagine how it feels to think that someone has arrived to free you from the governmental oppression you've experienced for years - the hope, the wonder, the excitement of seeing the plan you've dreamed about coming true at last!
Ok, fast forward five days and let's see what's happening now:
"'Here is your king,' Pilate said to the Jews. But they shouted, 'Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!'" - John 19:14-15
What has happened!? Within five days the people's opinion has done a complete turn and we see them attacking the one they heralded. Well, here's what I started thinking: This group had decided that Jesus was the one they'd been waiting for and that He would rescue them, but from their government, not their sins. As they thought about how it would feel to be free they decided that they knew how it would happen - they believed that Jesus would claim an earthly throne and then they could just live out their days in a better situation.
Then Jesus came and He did come to bring freedom but not in the way they thought. Jesus was revolutionary - He brought freedom that lasted through their lives on earth and into eternity and it wasn't just for those who heard the message while He walked the earth, it was for everyone who would follow! This wasn't what they wanted at all - it wasn't going according to their plans! So the public opinion turned against this man they declared a troublemaker, this one who they thought held such promise but who wasn't going about things as they wanted.
Of course this is but a small piece in a very large course of events but it's what got me thinking this week. So, now let's bring this up to the 21st century and look into our lives.
How often do we start to believe that there is a change right around the corner - that something we've struggled with is about to be changed or that something we've prayed for is about to be answered? As we think about whatever situation we find ourselves in, do we not sometimes begin to think that we know how it's going to work out, that we know how God will choose to resolve things in our lives? Then, God acts in a different way than we expect and it may not be a way that we like - perhaps a loved one dies or a job is lost or a relationship severed. In that time, don't we sometimes act as the crowd did on that fateful day - railing against God for not performing as we had planned? One day we find ourselves praising Him and the next we find ourselves yelling at Him because He just didn't meet our expectations.
However, at those times, I challenge you to think on this: Did God not do the very best thing 2,000 years ago? Did His solution not meet the deepest need of every person's heart, even the ones who were angry for not getting their way?
When we face trials or heartbreak, remember this crowd and know that just because God does not act in the ways that we expect or plan for, He never ever fails to have a plan that is better in the long run. Let's not be content with placing Him in a box and only allowing Him to act as we dictate or cursing Him when He doesn't. Let's trust that the Lord has a plan that we may not understand but a plan that works the very best in our lives that we might be made more like Him and that He would be glorified!
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
'Fraidy Cat
Fear is a funny creature - it tends to be something that can sneak up in the most unexpected ways and commandeer your mind completely. Perhaps it's from something that you've watched on TV or a scary story you've read in the news or a book. Maybe it's doing something that challenges you or sometimes it's just finding yourself caught in the clutches of second-guessing decisions you've made or things that you've done.
Today, fear seems to be my companion and while I'm trying to convince it to pursue a different journey, it seems to be content to remain by my side for the moment. It's a funny thing to me that I would give in to feeling afraid when I know that the God of the universe knows me by name and cares about everything I'm facing. Yet, at times I still become overwhelmed by the fear of the unknown. Most often it's when I start to question whether I took a wrong turn or stepped out of line somewhere or crossed over some unseen boundary.
The worst part about fear in my world is that it brings along its buddy, worry. That's where I really have to watch that I don't get tied up for when I start to be afraid it's not long before I also start to worry about it. I find myself retracing my steps and thinking through what has happened and what it making me feel afraid and then, if it's something I feel I should have had control over, I worry - worry that I said the wrong thing, that I acted the wrong way, that I didn't do something I should have (or did something I shouldn't). In the long run, I've found that 90% of the time (or more) my worrying has never been legitimately backed up by the thing I really fear coming true. However, it continues to be something that I have to guard against in order to keep my heart and mind focussed on what God has set before me.
So, while I battle through some fear, eventually to be vanquished by the truth of the Word, I'll leave you with the following thought: God knows and loves us more than we can imagine and He desires that our trust would be so firmly placed on Him that we find no need to fear the things that are to come because we know that where He leads us is that place where He calls us and that He goes out before us to prepare the way.
"The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalm 27:1
Today, fear seems to be my companion and while I'm trying to convince it to pursue a different journey, it seems to be content to remain by my side for the moment. It's a funny thing to me that I would give in to feeling afraid when I know that the God of the universe knows me by name and cares about everything I'm facing. Yet, at times I still become overwhelmed by the fear of the unknown. Most often it's when I start to question whether I took a wrong turn or stepped out of line somewhere or crossed over some unseen boundary.
The worst part about fear in my world is that it brings along its buddy, worry. That's where I really have to watch that I don't get tied up for when I start to be afraid it's not long before I also start to worry about it. I find myself retracing my steps and thinking through what has happened and what it making me feel afraid and then, if it's something I feel I should have had control over, I worry - worry that I said the wrong thing, that I acted the wrong way, that I didn't do something I should have (or did something I shouldn't). In the long run, I've found that 90% of the time (or more) my worrying has never been legitimately backed up by the thing I really fear coming true. However, it continues to be something that I have to guard against in order to keep my heart and mind focussed on what God has set before me.
So, while I battle through some fear, eventually to be vanquished by the truth of the Word, I'll leave you with the following thought: God knows and loves us more than we can imagine and He desires that our trust would be so firmly placed on Him that we find no need to fear the things that are to come because we know that where He leads us is that place where He calls us and that He goes out before us to prepare the way.
"The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalm 27:1
Friday, March 30, 2007
In the Waiting
One of my most favorite songs is one that I just randomly heard one day on the radio but it had such a message that it just stuck with me. I've since heard it a couple more times but I don't know who sings it or really much else about it except the chorus. For some reason, various events I've been going through brought that song to mind today so I thought I'd share it. The chorus goes mostly like this:
"You are in the waiting. In those moments of my life where my faith and hope collide. While my heart's anticipating how and when You'll move, that's when You prove, that You are in the waiting too."
This song speaks to how God exists in the moments while we're looking forward to the next bend in the road. To those times when it feels that we've been stuck in the same holding pattern for ages and we're just not sure how we're going to get out. I think a lot of the time I'm tempted to want to rush ahead and push through the wait and find the next milestone so that I can mark it off on my journey. However, I've found through the years that this isn't what the Lord wants for me at all. Instead, He wants me to find peace, contentment, and patience in the slow times and above all to see Him in those places just as much as I see Him in the momentous events.
I understand the desire to move on to something new and exciting but I think that the more we allow the Lord to satisfy our hearts in the waiting times, the more we are able to glorify and praise Him when He does move us on. For all who find themselves in the waiting, be encouraged that the Lord does not move at the wrong time for our lives - He guides us along the path asking that we trust Him and allow Him to work as He sees fit. He uses time and the journey to work in our lives in order to make us more like Him.
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9
"You are in the waiting. In those moments of my life where my faith and hope collide. While my heart's anticipating how and when You'll move, that's when You prove, that You are in the waiting too."
This song speaks to how God exists in the moments while we're looking forward to the next bend in the road. To those times when it feels that we've been stuck in the same holding pattern for ages and we're just not sure how we're going to get out. I think a lot of the time I'm tempted to want to rush ahead and push through the wait and find the next milestone so that I can mark it off on my journey. However, I've found through the years that this isn't what the Lord wants for me at all. Instead, He wants me to find peace, contentment, and patience in the slow times and above all to see Him in those places just as much as I see Him in the momentous events.
I understand the desire to move on to something new and exciting but I think that the more we allow the Lord to satisfy our hearts in the waiting times, the more we are able to glorify and praise Him when He does move us on. For all who find themselves in the waiting, be encouraged that the Lord does not move at the wrong time for our lives - He guides us along the path asking that we trust Him and allow Him to work as He sees fit. He uses time and the journey to work in our lives in order to make us more like Him.
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9
Monday, March 26, 2007
Sticks and Stones
Everyone has heard the phrase "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." Today I'm thinking that the person who came up with that was either crazy or completely unaware of what people were saying about him (or her as the case may be).
I think it's a wonderful thought to hope that we won't be hurt by those things that people might say but the fact is that we can all be affected by the words people speak about us or about those we love. Both fortunately and unfortunately, words are the primary manner of communication and they have the greatest impact on all of our relationships. The great thing about words is that they can be used for such awesome things - the speaking of great truths or the soothing of hurt souls. However, on the flip side, they can cause immeasurable harm to others if we choose to use them unwisely.
I was reminded recently by some painful words spoken of me that in the same way that I can be hurt by words that are spoken carelessly, I can also hurt others. I aim to avoid that but when I don't think about what I'm saying and take the time to make sure that it is kind and encouraging I can definitely fall into a trap of causing harm.
All of this reminds me of the words that James wrote:
"We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check." - James 3:2
I hope to attain the standard laid out here in controlling the words of my mouth. May we all stop and think before we speak and assess how uplifting and appropriate our words are. Let's be challenged to set our sights on glorifying God with the words of our mouths!
I think it's a wonderful thought to hope that we won't be hurt by those things that people might say but the fact is that we can all be affected by the words people speak about us or about those we love. Both fortunately and unfortunately, words are the primary manner of communication and they have the greatest impact on all of our relationships. The great thing about words is that they can be used for such awesome things - the speaking of great truths or the soothing of hurt souls. However, on the flip side, they can cause immeasurable harm to others if we choose to use them unwisely.
I was reminded recently by some painful words spoken of me that in the same way that I can be hurt by words that are spoken carelessly, I can also hurt others. I aim to avoid that but when I don't think about what I'm saying and take the time to make sure that it is kind and encouraging I can definitely fall into a trap of causing harm.
All of this reminds me of the words that James wrote:
"We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check." - James 3:2
I hope to attain the standard laid out here in controlling the words of my mouth. May we all stop and think before we speak and assess how uplifting and appropriate our words are. Let's be challenged to set our sights on glorifying God with the words of our mouths!
Friday, March 23, 2007
Living Hope
This morning I was reading in 1 Peter 1 and ran across a verse that really stuck with me. In fact, I kept reading but my mind was stuck on this one verse and I ended up going back to it and really contemplating what it had to say. So, here's where I found myself camped out:
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time." - 1 Peter 1:3-5
I put the whole section in here but really the thing that captured my attention is where it talks about God giving us new birth into a living hope through Christ. It made me think that when we have a relationship with Christ we don't just have a new expectation to live differently or a new set of rules to follow - we have a new hope. This new hope is alive and it translates into affecting everything that we experience here on earth. This hope promises a future so bright that we can't even begin to imagine it but we can live with the hope of it right now. Before we know Christ our hope tends to be so temporary and transient - we struggle through our days hoping that we won't get caught in traffic or hoping that we might meet the right person or hoping that we'll get a promotion we want. However, knowing Christ brings a new and living hope into our lives. We don't have to place our hope in the temporary things of this world longing for them to bring us peace and joy. Instead, our hope is different - it's set upon the Lord and His promises and while we may face disappointment and struggles, we now have a hope that doesn't get caught up in the circumstances we find ourselves.
We tend to toss around the word hope and it is appropriate for so many areas of our lives but let's not forget that in Christ we can have a new hope, a hope that supersedes the temporary and walks above the worldly, and carries us along with it towards the glory that God has for us.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time." - 1 Peter 1:3-5
I put the whole section in here but really the thing that captured my attention is where it talks about God giving us new birth into a living hope through Christ. It made me think that when we have a relationship with Christ we don't just have a new expectation to live differently or a new set of rules to follow - we have a new hope. This new hope is alive and it translates into affecting everything that we experience here on earth. This hope promises a future so bright that we can't even begin to imagine it but we can live with the hope of it right now. Before we know Christ our hope tends to be so temporary and transient - we struggle through our days hoping that we won't get caught in traffic or hoping that we might meet the right person or hoping that we'll get a promotion we want. However, knowing Christ brings a new and living hope into our lives. We don't have to place our hope in the temporary things of this world longing for them to bring us peace and joy. Instead, our hope is different - it's set upon the Lord and His promises and while we may face disappointment and struggles, we now have a hope that doesn't get caught up in the circumstances we find ourselves.
We tend to toss around the word hope and it is appropriate for so many areas of our lives but let's not forget that in Christ we can have a new hope, a hope that supersedes the temporary and walks above the worldly, and carries us along with it towards the glory that God has for us.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Feels Like Today
The other day I was listening to the Rascal Flatts song "Feels Like Today" and I had the most interesting thought. Ok, maybe it was just interesting to me but I'll let you be the judge of that!
Basically, I was thinking about those days when I wake up and really feel like something huge is going to happen that day. Those days when the anticipation of something big almost tosses me out of bed in readiness to face the day. However, sometimes those mornings happen but then the day goes by without me ever seeing anything special occur in my world. At the end of the day I stop to think through things and realize that I was so excited for something to happen but that big feeling didn't lead to a big result.
Well, for some reason as I listened to the song I thought about those days and thought to myself that perhaps those are big days in my life but they're not big because of something I get to see firsthand. What I thought is that perhaps those days are the ones in which someone that I've shared the Lord with or prayed for finally meets the Lord. Perhaps that's the day when the harvest is being reaped and even though I don't get to actually see it happen, it's something that is tied to my life and the Lord gives me those feelings to remind me that He's at work.
Granted, I've got no real proof of this and I could be completely off but maybe this will help us to remember that we should be sharing as much as possible because the Lord sees the harvest even if we don't ever here on earth. Either way, let's be faithful to the calling God has given us and give all glory to Him regardless of what we see!
"What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." - 1 Corinthians 3:5-7
Basically, I was thinking about those days when I wake up and really feel like something huge is going to happen that day. Those days when the anticipation of something big almost tosses me out of bed in readiness to face the day. However, sometimes those mornings happen but then the day goes by without me ever seeing anything special occur in my world. At the end of the day I stop to think through things and realize that I was so excited for something to happen but that big feeling didn't lead to a big result.
Well, for some reason as I listened to the song I thought about those days and thought to myself that perhaps those are big days in my life but they're not big because of something I get to see firsthand. What I thought is that perhaps those days are the ones in which someone that I've shared the Lord with or prayed for finally meets the Lord. Perhaps that's the day when the harvest is being reaped and even though I don't get to actually see it happen, it's something that is tied to my life and the Lord gives me those feelings to remind me that He's at work.
Granted, I've got no real proof of this and I could be completely off but maybe this will help us to remember that we should be sharing as much as possible because the Lord sees the harvest even if we don't ever here on earth. Either way, let's be faithful to the calling God has given us and give all glory to Him regardless of what we see!
"What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." - 1 Corinthians 3:5-7
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Crooked
In my backyard there is a tree that grows in a crooked direction. When I say crooked I don't mean that it's slightly off but instead I mean that it grows at almost a 45 degree angle to the ground. I've wondered since I first moved in what happened to this tree to cause it to abandon the normal way of growing and aim for something that's so out of the ordinary. Perhaps it was a huge storm that sent it sideways or maybe the original owners hit it with the lawn mower and never stopped to plant a stake in the ground to encourage it to grow upright. Honestly, I doubt that I'll ever know what happened to this little tree but that's not really what this story is about!
Ever since I noticed the tree I've known that it doesn't conform to perfect tree standards and as I've thought about taming the wilds of my backyard I've found myself wondering if I shouldn't just cut this poor sideways tree down and start over with something brand new and more standard. So I've watched it through the winter and debated what should happen come spring. To be honest, I was really close to just doing away with it and starting over. However, spring has a funny way of making all things new! The other day I walked outside and noticed that something different was happening with this sideways tree. What had just been a bunch of branches, bare through the winter, were beginning to break out in blooms of color! On each limb were tiny blossoms of pink and white bursting forth! This tree had become an absolutely charming addition to my yard now that spring had arrived and brought life back to its limbs!
Now for the lesson:
I walked over to observe more closely and as I walked away I thought to myself, "That tree may be crooked, but it sure is beautiful." Immediately I thought that this is how the Lord looks at all of us. We may not be perfect, we may not conform to what the world expects, but when He brings us to life, we are beautiful in His eyes too! We're all crooked in various ways but just like my little sideways tree, God looks at us and says that we are beautiful to Him and we should live and grow in that knowledge every day. God doesn't make all of us to grow in the perfect, normal manner the world might like but instead allows us to have our kinks that make us unique and endearing - just as the tree!
What a treat God had for me from a little tree I was tempted to get rid of. Now, as for the fate of the little sideways tree in my backyard, I will let it continue to grow and blossom and live not because it's the perfect tree but because it is perfect as it is and it reminds me of the Lord every time I look upon it.
Ever since I noticed the tree I've known that it doesn't conform to perfect tree standards and as I've thought about taming the wilds of my backyard I've found myself wondering if I shouldn't just cut this poor sideways tree down and start over with something brand new and more standard. So I've watched it through the winter and debated what should happen come spring. To be honest, I was really close to just doing away with it and starting over. However, spring has a funny way of making all things new! The other day I walked outside and noticed that something different was happening with this sideways tree. What had just been a bunch of branches, bare through the winter, were beginning to break out in blooms of color! On each limb were tiny blossoms of pink and white bursting forth! This tree had become an absolutely charming addition to my yard now that spring had arrived and brought life back to its limbs!
Now for the lesson:I walked over to observe more closely and as I walked away I thought to myself, "That tree may be crooked, but it sure is beautiful." Immediately I thought that this is how the Lord looks at all of us. We may not be perfect, we may not conform to what the world expects, but when He brings us to life, we are beautiful in His eyes too! We're all crooked in various ways but just like my little sideways tree, God looks at us and says that we are beautiful to Him and we should live and grow in that knowledge every day. God doesn't make all of us to grow in the perfect, normal manner the world might like but instead allows us to have our kinks that make us unique and endearing - just as the tree!
What a treat God had for me from a little tree I was tempted to get rid of. Now, as for the fate of the little sideways tree in my backyard, I will let it continue to grow and blossom and live not because it's the perfect tree but because it is perfect as it is and it reminds me of the Lord every time I look upon it.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Compassion Children
I am blessed to support through prayer and gifts four beautiful Kenyan children. They are an important part of my life and I'd love to introduce you to them!
Cecily Muthoni
She's 13 years old (5/6/1996) and living with her parents where she attends fifth grade and enjoys soccer, singing, and church.
Turesi Mmbone
She's 8 years old (12/17/2000) and living with her grandparents following her parent's deaths. She is attending the second grade but struggling. Please pray for her!
Sylvia Wairimu Muteru
She's 8 years old (5/7/2001) and living with her parents. She attends the second grade and enjoys jumping rope and Bible class.
Eric Kyalo Lucia
He is 7 years old (9/15/2002) and living with his mother. He is in kindergarten and enjoys playing with toys and participating in other games.
She's 13 years old (5/6/1996) and living with her parents where she attends fifth grade and enjoys soccer, singing, and church.
Turesi Mmbone
She's 8 years old (12/17/2000) and living with her grandparents following her parent's deaths. She is attending the second grade but struggling. Please pray for her!
Sylvia Wairimu Muteru
She's 8 years old (5/7/2001) and living with her parents. She attends the second grade and enjoys jumping rope and Bible class.
Eric Kyalo Lucia
He is 7 years old (9/15/2002) and living with his mother. He is in kindergarten and enjoys playing with toys and participating in other games.
Friends On the Net!
- Adam's Blog
- Jarrett & Deb's Blog
- Jarrod & Mikalah's Blog
- Jeff & Krista's Blog
- Jeff & Steph's Blog
- Jeremy & Shelley's Blog
- Josh & Jenny's Blog
- Kenny & Amber's Blog
- Leland & Melinda's Blog
- Linda's Blog
- Matt & Lindsey's Blog
- Mike and Michele's Blog
- Nathan & Vanessa's Blog
- Ricky & Corrie's Blog
- Shanda's Blog
- Shaun & Jala's Blog
- Steve & Halie's Blog
- The Diva's Blog
- Tom & Marla's Blog
- Trey & Danielle's Blog
Giving In
For a long time I've debated about whether starting a blog is a good idea or a bad idea. After all, my stories aren't always that interesting and it really doesn't seem to be a good plan to write about touchy subjects in a place where the whole wide world can read them. However, in the long run, I've decided that there are funny things that happen and curious things that I notice throughout my days and if somebody so desires to read about them, then this is the place.
So, I'm giving in to the whole blog idea and we'll give it a whirl and see how it works out. I hope that you enjoy reading your way through my journey and that whatever is written only brings you encouragement and draws you closer to the Lord. I guess in a nutshell that's the whole purpose for this endeavor so now I just aim to live up to it!
Peace,
Jen
So, I'm giving in to the whole blog idea and we'll give it a whirl and see how it works out. I hope that you enjoy reading your way through my journey and that whatever is written only brings you encouragement and draws you closer to the Lord. I guess in a nutshell that's the whole purpose for this endeavor so now I just aim to live up to it!
Peace,
Jen
Previous Quotes
4/22/2010
The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.
~Henry Ward Beecher
2/22/2010
In God's eyes, there are no surprises. We humans, with our limited perspective, are sometimes stunned by the events He allows. But God always has a plan and a provision.
~Unknown
12/29/2009
This is the real gift: we have been given the breath of life, designed with a unique, one-of-a-kind soul that exists forever-whether we live it as a burden or a joy or with indifference doesn't change the fact that we've been given the gift of being now and forever. Priceless in value, we are handcrafted by God, who has a personal design and plan for each of us.
~Unknown
11/4/2009
Happy people...enjoy the fundamental, often very simple things of life.... They savor the moment, glad to be alive, enjoying...the good things around them. They are adaptable; they can bend with the wind, adjust to the changes in their times, enjoy the contest of life.... Their eyes are turned outward; they are aware, compassionate. They have the capacity to love.
~Jane Canfield
1/14/2009
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.
~Helen Keller
1/7/2009
Predictions for the future are fun to think about. But they aren't real. No one knows what is going to happen next except God. Open yourself to the future He has for you - even if it may not match the predictions you've made for yourself.
~ Unknown
12/5/2008
Always be in a state of expectancy, and see that you leave room for God to come in as He likes.
~ Oswald Chambers
11/24/2008
Thanksgiving is a time of quiet reflection upon the past and an annual reminder that God has, again, been ever so faithful. The solid and simple things of life are brought into clear focus, so much so that everything else fades into insignificance.
~ Charles Swindoll
11/14/2008
Live today fully, expressing gratitude for all you have been, all you are right now, and all you are becoming.
~ Melody Beattie
11/03/2008
If you believe in a God who controls the big things, you have to believe in a God who controls the little things. It is we, of course, to whom things look "little" or "big".
~ Elisabeth Elliot
10/28/2008
The meaning of earthly existence lies, not as we have grown used to thinking, in prospering, but in the development of the soul.
~ Alexander Solzhenitsyn
10/20/2008
Our grandest duty undoubtedly is: not to seek for that which lies dimly in the future, but to do that which lies clearly at hand.
~ Thomas Carlyle
10/13/2008
We are accountable to God. Every task or favor someone presents us is arguably valuable, worthy, and needed. We, however, have been given only so many days and have also been given the responsibility to strive with God to fulfill His purpose in our lives. We must make a choice among a few things and make them precious gifts to give back to Him.
~ Nathan Clement
9/30/2008
Joy comes from knowing God loves me and knows who I am and where I'm going...that my future is secure as I rest in Him.
~ James Dobson
9/22/2008
To the children of God there stands, behind all that changes and can change, only one unchangeable joy. That is God.
~ Hannah Whitall Smith
9/15/2008
Not every day of our lives is overflowing with joy and celebration. But there are moments when our hearts nearly burst within us for the sheer joy of being alive.... [Like] the fresh scent of rain on a hot summer's eve-moments like [this] renew in us a heartfelt appreciation for life.
~ Gwen Ellis
9/10/2008
We need to throw ourselves open to whatever God has for us, to be able to pray "let is happen as you say," whatever that means for our lives.
~ Lori Smith
9/2/2008
A thousand voices clamor for our attention, and a thousand causes vie for our support. But until we have learned to be satisfied with fellowship with God, until He is our rock and our fortress, we will be restless with our place in the world.
~ Erwin W. Lutzer
8/28/2008
It is my calling to treat every human being with grace and dignity, to treat every person, whether encountered in a palace or a gas station, as a life made in the image of God.
~ Sheila Walsh
8/25/2008
We're not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.
~ C.S. Lewis
8/21/2008
Genuine faith is believing that whatever decision God makes is the right one, and that He's still good.... It's trusting that God is good and His hand is at work when there's a pain in your soul that goes beyond words.
~ Lori Smith
8/14/2008
What makes life worthwhile is having a big enough objective, something which catches our imagination and lays hold of our allegiance.... What higher, more exalted, and more compelling goal can there be than to know God?
~ J. I. Packer
8/13/2008
Life is full of things we can't do anything about, but which we are supposed to do something with. He himself endured a cross and thought nothing of its shame because of the joy.
~ Elisabeth Elliot
8/11/2008
Happiness is something that comes into our lives through doors we don't even remember leaving open.
~ Rose Wilder Lane
7/31/2008
At the end of the day faith is a funny thing. It turns up when you don't really expect it. It's like one day you realize that the fairy tale may be slightly different than you dreamed. The castle, well, it may not be a castle. And it's not so important happy ever after, just that it's happy right now. See once in a while, once in a blue moon, people will surprise you , and once in a while people may even take your breath away.
~ Meredith Grey
7/28/2008
Hope is not a granted wish or a favor performed; no, it is far greater than that. It is a zany, unpredictable dependence on a God who loves to surprise us out of our socks.
~ Max Lucado
The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.
~Henry Ward Beecher
2/22/2010
In God's eyes, there are no surprises. We humans, with our limited perspective, are sometimes stunned by the events He allows. But God always has a plan and a provision.
~Unknown
12/29/2009
This is the real gift: we have been given the breath of life, designed with a unique, one-of-a-kind soul that exists forever-whether we live it as a burden or a joy or with indifference doesn't change the fact that we've been given the gift of being now and forever. Priceless in value, we are handcrafted by God, who has a personal design and plan for each of us.
~Unknown
11/4/2009
Happy people...enjoy the fundamental, often very simple things of life.... They savor the moment, glad to be alive, enjoying...the good things around them. They are adaptable; they can bend with the wind, adjust to the changes in their times, enjoy the contest of life.... Their eyes are turned outward; they are aware, compassionate. They have the capacity to love.
~Jane Canfield
1/14/2009
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.
~Helen Keller
1/7/2009
Predictions for the future are fun to think about. But they aren't real. No one knows what is going to happen next except God. Open yourself to the future He has for you - even if it may not match the predictions you've made for yourself.
~ Unknown
12/5/2008
Always be in a state of expectancy, and see that you leave room for God to come in as He likes.
~ Oswald Chambers
11/24/2008
Thanksgiving is a time of quiet reflection upon the past and an annual reminder that God has, again, been ever so faithful. The solid and simple things of life are brought into clear focus, so much so that everything else fades into insignificance.
~ Charles Swindoll
11/14/2008
Live today fully, expressing gratitude for all you have been, all you are right now, and all you are becoming.
~ Melody Beattie
11/03/2008
If you believe in a God who controls the big things, you have to believe in a God who controls the little things. It is we, of course, to whom things look "little" or "big".
~ Elisabeth Elliot
10/28/2008
The meaning of earthly existence lies, not as we have grown used to thinking, in prospering, but in the development of the soul.
~ Alexander Solzhenitsyn
10/20/2008
Our grandest duty undoubtedly is: not to seek for that which lies dimly in the future, but to do that which lies clearly at hand.
~ Thomas Carlyle
10/13/2008
We are accountable to God. Every task or favor someone presents us is arguably valuable, worthy, and needed. We, however, have been given only so many days and have also been given the responsibility to strive with God to fulfill His purpose in our lives. We must make a choice among a few things and make them precious gifts to give back to Him.
~ Nathan Clement
9/30/2008
Joy comes from knowing God loves me and knows who I am and where I'm going...that my future is secure as I rest in Him.
~ James Dobson
9/22/2008
To the children of God there stands, behind all that changes and can change, only one unchangeable joy. That is God.
~ Hannah Whitall Smith
9/15/2008
Not every day of our lives is overflowing with joy and celebration. But there are moments when our hearts nearly burst within us for the sheer joy of being alive.... [Like] the fresh scent of rain on a hot summer's eve-moments like [this] renew in us a heartfelt appreciation for life.
~ Gwen Ellis
9/10/2008
We need to throw ourselves open to whatever God has for us, to be able to pray "let is happen as you say," whatever that means for our lives.
~ Lori Smith
9/2/2008
A thousand voices clamor for our attention, and a thousand causes vie for our support. But until we have learned to be satisfied with fellowship with God, until He is our rock and our fortress, we will be restless with our place in the world.
~ Erwin W. Lutzer
8/28/2008
It is my calling to treat every human being with grace and dignity, to treat every person, whether encountered in a palace or a gas station, as a life made in the image of God.
~ Sheila Walsh
8/25/2008
We're not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.
~ C.S. Lewis
8/21/2008
Genuine faith is believing that whatever decision God makes is the right one, and that He's still good.... It's trusting that God is good and His hand is at work when there's a pain in your soul that goes beyond words.
~ Lori Smith
8/14/2008
What makes life worthwhile is having a big enough objective, something which catches our imagination and lays hold of our allegiance.... What higher, more exalted, and more compelling goal can there be than to know God?
~ J. I. Packer
8/13/2008
Life is full of things we can't do anything about, but which we are supposed to do something with. He himself endured a cross and thought nothing of its shame because of the joy.
~ Elisabeth Elliot
8/11/2008
Happiness is something that comes into our lives through doors we don't even remember leaving open.
~ Rose Wilder Lane
7/31/2008
At the end of the day faith is a funny thing. It turns up when you don't really expect it. It's like one day you realize that the fairy tale may be slightly different than you dreamed. The castle, well, it may not be a castle. And it's not so important happy ever after, just that it's happy right now. See once in a while, once in a blue moon, people will surprise you , and once in a while people may even take your breath away.
~ Meredith Grey
7/28/2008
Hope is not a granted wish or a favor performed; no, it is far greater than that. It is a zany, unpredictable dependence on a God who loves to surprise us out of our socks.
~ Max Lucado
Previous Songs To Sing
1/18/2010
How Great Thou Art
By: Carl Boberg, 1859 - 1940
O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder
Consider all The works Thy Hand hath made.
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy power throughout The universe displayed.
Refrain:
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee;
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
I hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze.
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin:
When Christ shall come with shouts of acclamation
And take me home, What joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!
12/29/2009
O Holy Night
O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night, O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night, O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
1/16/2009
My Redeemer Is Faithful And True
By: Stephen Curtis Chapman
As I look back on the road I've traveled,
I see so many times He carried me through;
And if there's one thing that I've learned in my life,
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
CHORUS:
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
Everything He has said He will do,
And every morning His mercies are new.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
My heart rejoices when I read the promise
'There is a place I am preparing for you.'
I know someday I'll see my Lord face to face,
'Cause my Redeemer is faithful and true.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
CHORUS
And in every situation
He has proved His love to me;
When I lack the understanding,
He gives more grace to me.
12/22/2008
O Little Town of Bethlehem
By: Phillips Brooks
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight
For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may his His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel
12/9/2008
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Translated By: John Mason Neale
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.
O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
And drive away the shades of night
And pierce the clouds and bring us light!
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud, and majesty, and awe.
11/20/2008
Amazing Grace
By: John Newton
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining like the sun,
We've no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.
10/1/2008
All the Way My Savior Leads Me
By: Fanny Crosby
All the way my Savior leads me
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.
All the way my Savior leads me
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see.
All the way my Savior leads me
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father's house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.
9/10/2008
Come Thou Fount
By: Robert Robinson
Come Thou fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise
And teach me some melodious sonnet
Sung by flaming tongues above
I'll praise the mount, I'm fixed upon it
Mount of Thy redeeming love
Here I raise my Ebenezer
Hither by Thy help I come
And I hope by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home
Jesus sought me when a stranger
Wandering from the fold of God
He to rescue me from danger
Interposed His precious blood
Oh, to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be
And let Thy goodness like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart Lord, take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above
8/29/2008
River God
By: Nicole Nordeman
Rolling river God
Little stones are smooth
Only once the water passes through
So I am a stone
rough and grainy still
Trying to reconcile this river's chill
CHORUS:
But when I close my eyes
and feel you rushing by
I know that time brings change
and change takes time
And when the sunset comes
my prayer would be just one
that you might pick me up
and notice that I am
just a little smoother in your hand
Sometimes raging wild
sometimes swollen high
never have I known this river dry
The deepest part of you
is where I want to stay
and feel the sharpest edges wash away
CHORUS
Rolling river God
Little stones are smooth
Only once the water passes through
8/14/2008
Take My Life and Let It Be
By: Frances R. Havergal
Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.
8/11/2008
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
By: Thomas Chisholm
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.
Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
7/31/2008
My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
By: Edward Mote
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
Refrain:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
How Great Thou Art
By: Carl Boberg, 1859 - 1940
O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder
Consider all The works Thy Hand hath made.
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy power throughout The universe displayed.
Refrain:
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee;
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
I hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze.
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin:
When Christ shall come with shouts of acclamation
And take me home, What joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!
12/29/2009
O Holy Night
O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night, O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night, O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
1/16/2009
My Redeemer Is Faithful And True
By: Stephen Curtis Chapman
As I look back on the road I've traveled,
I see so many times He carried me through;
And if there's one thing that I've learned in my life,
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
CHORUS:
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
Everything He has said He will do,
And every morning His mercies are new.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
My heart rejoices when I read the promise
'There is a place I am preparing for you.'
I know someday I'll see my Lord face to face,
'Cause my Redeemer is faithful and true.
My Redeemer is faithful and true.
CHORUS
And in every situation
He has proved His love to me;
When I lack the understanding,
He gives more grace to me.
12/22/2008
O Little Town of Bethlehem
By: Phillips Brooks
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight
For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may his His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel
12/9/2008
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Translated By: John Mason Neale
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.
O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
And drive away the shades of night
And pierce the clouds and bring us light!
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud, and majesty, and awe.
11/20/2008
Amazing Grace
By: John Newton
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining like the sun,
We've no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.
10/1/2008
All the Way My Savior Leads Me
By: Fanny Crosby
All the way my Savior leads me
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate'er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.
All the way my Savior leads me
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see.
All the way my Savior leads me
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father's house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.
9/10/2008
Come Thou Fount
By: Robert Robinson
Come Thou fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise
And teach me some melodious sonnet
Sung by flaming tongues above
I'll praise the mount, I'm fixed upon it
Mount of Thy redeeming love
Here I raise my Ebenezer
Hither by Thy help I come
And I hope by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home
Jesus sought me when a stranger
Wandering from the fold of God
He to rescue me from danger
Interposed His precious blood
Oh, to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be
And let Thy goodness like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart Lord, take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above
8/29/2008
River God
By: Nicole Nordeman
Rolling river God
Little stones are smooth
Only once the water passes through
So I am a stone
rough and grainy still
Trying to reconcile this river's chill
CHORUS:
But when I close my eyes
and feel you rushing by
I know that time brings change
and change takes time
And when the sunset comes
my prayer would be just one
that you might pick me up
and notice that I am
just a little smoother in your hand
Sometimes raging wild
sometimes swollen high
never have I known this river dry
The deepest part of you
is where I want to stay
and feel the sharpest edges wash away
CHORUS
Rolling river God
Little stones are smooth
Only once the water passes through
8/14/2008
Take My Life and Let It Be
By: Frances R. Havergal
Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.
8/11/2008
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
By: Thomas Chisholm
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.
Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
7/31/2008
My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
By: Edward Mote
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
Refrain:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
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