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
Friday, March 30, 2007
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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