Broken & Beautiful

As I was flying to Ohio, I was listening to my ipod. I usually let it shuffle but this time I was listening to Mark Schultz. He has a song called "Broken & Beautiful". I just love the imagery in this song. Once again, it is a song that stirs deep emotions within me. It's overwhelming to think of how I am so undeserving of God's love because I am a sinner. Knowing that I sin, I continually sin, but with God's grace, I am not broken but I am beautiful to Him. This song has such a positive message of redemption. No matter what we have done in our past or present or future, we can come to Christ just as we are...

I hope this song ministers to your heart as it does mine.

slow fade

i posted this song back in october but wanted to post it again. this song really touches a chord in me. this morning as i was listening to it, i was struck by tears. the powerful words of this song ring so true. as i think of bringing a child into this world, it hits me even harder. my husband and i are to be an example.

in today's world, affairs and divorce are common place. it truly takes God at the center of a marriage to make it work. i remember a friend i used to work with. she was older and she eventually went though a divorce. her and her husband were a godly couple who were very active in their church and ministry. you wonder how do people who are walking with the Lord get to that place? i remember her telling me it was a slow progress over a period of time. it started with missing a few sunday's here and there. then missing devotional time...it was a "slow fade". he was then at the point of giving himself away because he was no longer focused on Christ individually or as a couple. through God's amazing grace we can be picked up by His outstretched arm and be brought back to His side, but we still face the consequence. this song for me, more or less, is a warning...an encouragement to "be aware". don't let yourself slide. don't allow the black and white to turn to gray. be a lover of Christ. have Christ as the center of each and every relationship. be aware of those who look up to you as an example. whether it be brothers, sisters, friends, children, etc. be an example of Christ and of His relationship with His bride.

many of us remember the song "oh be careful little eyes what you see"..."slow fade" ties that song in beautifully in order to convey the message in such a poignant way. i hope it speaks to your heart like it does mine.

east to west

this song by casting crowns is one of my favorites. it really is such a picture of how God forgives and how we as humans struggle to understand just how far those sins have been removed and will be forgotten.

psalm 103:12

"as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." (NIV)

"and as far as sunrise is from sunset,he has separated us from our sins." (MSG)

my soul must sing

Don't you just love to sing praises to the Lord? Being a person who loves to sing, that is my main form of worship. Every time I sing I try to make it a time of worship with my Savior. It doesn't just have to be on Sunday's during service. Worship happens all week long. I praise the Lord when I'm driving, when I'm getting ready in the morning or even when I'm cleaning house. God is so wonderful, amazing and truly beautiful and my soul must sing to Him for all He has done!

He Knows My Name

It's so comforting to know that God knows each of us individually. He knows our thoughts, our dreams, our struggles and He cares! This is a great song with an encouraging message.

Encouragement for Today

A great reminder as we move forward as a country...GOD IS IN CONTROL!

hearing for the first time

We tend to get used to singing the same songs and hearing them played over and over again that we often just tune out to the words. I know I've done that with a lot of songs. Especially if they are played a lot or sung a lot. Yesterday in church we sang "Shout to the Lord". That is a song I've heard hundreds of times and have probably sung it that many times as well. It became one of those songs for me that I just sang and rarely thought about. Yesterday I felt as if I was hearing it and singing it for the first time. I was so thankful that the Lord used that song to touch my heart once again. The line that stuck out to me the most was "I sing for joy at the work of your hands...nothing compares to the promise I have in you." Wow. When was the last time you genuinely sang for joy at the work of God's hands? It's a challenge to all of us to really sing from our hearts and mean what we sing. We shouldn't just sing because others around us are singing and people might look at us funny if we stand there not opening our mouth. We need to be coming into the presence of the Lord with a heart of worship and truly meaning the words that we sing. I know a lot of you have heard this song just as many times as I have. I would encourage you to listen to it again. In a moment of meditation, close your eyes, listen to the song and think of the amazing privilege we have in praising our Lord.

HE IS ABLE

A couple of songs for you today. On my walk this morning I was reminded of a good song that I haven't heard in a very long time. The lyrics go like this:

He is able, more than able
to accomplish what concerns me today.
He is able, more than able
to handle anything that comes my way.
He is able, more than able
to do much more than I could ever dream,
He is able, more than able,
to make me what He wants me to be.

You can search for the song and play it here.


As I was searching for the song on youtube I found this other song by the same name. It's actually a song I used to sing as a special in church. I haven't heard this song in years as well. It was so encouraging to hear again. Interestingly enough the song is sung by one of my favorites, Whitley Phipps. He just has the most magnificent voice. The ironic thing is that he is singing this amazing song filled with unbelievable truth on the Oprah Winfrey show. Of course this was many years ago but to see this Oprah show of yesteryear and compare it to what her show is now, the two are very different.

Here's the video clip:

turning back the hands of time

I must say as I’ve gotten older I’ve become one of those people who long for the “good ‘ol days”. I know I still have a lot of life left to live if God has that for me but as I’ve aged I’ve experienced more. As a child, I remember feeling so safe and secure. I recall being able to play outside and riding my bike all over…I would walk over to the school across the street and play on the playground. I even remember as I got a little older, walking down to the drug store and grocery store! Some of those things kids can’t do today because of the world in which we now live. The thing I long for the most when I look back is the innocence. I hear people that are older than me talking about more innocent times when they were growing up and really those days were more innocent.

Things weren’t talked about as widely as they are today (i.e.: teen pregnancy, homosexuality, abortion, etc). Nowadays we fight over these things. We stand firm in our beliefs on these topics whichever side it may be. We vote on these issues. We look to leadership who believe the same things we do. Life seems to have gotten more hectic as the years go on. I know there is nothing new under heaven. Nothing is a surprise to God and shouldn’t be a surprise to us.

There are days when I wish I could turn back the hands of time. Go back to my more innocent days when I didn’t have the realm of knowledge I do today. But where does that put me? As nice as it would be go back to those days it is our future that has the hope and promise! I know during these days of uncertainty it doesn’t seem like there is a lot of hope but God does promise that to His children.

During this election period I just keep reminding myself that God is in control regardless of the outcome. People are scared. They want someone to save them and to make everything better. Neither of the candidates can do that only Christ can! Christ came so that we could have life and live it abundantly. Christ promises us that His plans are the best for us…they are plans to prosper us and not to harm us. What great truth! Why do we as Christians often forget this?

Christians can certainly get caught up in the “woe is me” feelings…the economy is crashing; our nation is headed into a socialist society, etc, etc. But remember…Christ already came to set us free! He has been and always will be in control. As we count down the days to Election Day, let us not stop looking to the one who holds our hope, who holds our future. May we earnestly go to God in prayer, asking, begging for His mercy on our nation.

IN GOD WE STILL TRUST!

examples in overcoming

I spent some time watching videos on godtube and youtube last night. I came across two that caused some tears to form in my eyes. One is about a deaf violinist. As a former violinist myself, I think of the adversity those with a disability might encounter in order to play a beloved instrument whether it be a violin, a piano, or even in singing. This video has a powerful message.


The second is another video on overcoming challenge. Two dancers come together and show how even without an arm or a leg they can do something amazing using each others strengths. It's an amazing video to watch.


Both are a good reminder that WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!

Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." Luke 18:27

being held

I like a wide range of music, especially when it comes to Christian music. The song I'm posting today is one that has always been encouraging to me. It describes the hurts and pains that we face in life and how at times we can feel so alone. There are others in life that have been through the same trials but none compare to what Jesus went through. He faced it all. He felt all the emotions we face. He has been there and He is there now to hold us and carry us through our struggles. How encouraging to know that the God I worship and love has experienced life as man and knows what I deal with day in and day out. I hope that encourages you too.

Hold Me Now
By: Kirk Franklin

The spring of April is gone
The leaves have all turned brown
The children are all grown up
And there's no one around
I'm looking over my life
And all the mistakes I've made
And I'm afraid, afraid
Somebody told me that
You would wash all my sins
And cleanse me from the scars
That are so deep within
So I'm calling to you
If you can hear me, I don't know how
I was wondering
Can You hold me now?

You are the only one that's patient when I fall
Your angels come to save me every time I call
You don't laugh at me when I make mistakes and cry
You're not like man, you understand me

See people change
One day they don't like You
The next they do
I wish that everyone
Could love me just like You
So here I am, this sinful man
Peace won't allow
I was wondering
Can You hold me now?
I was wondering
Can You hold me now?

To every broken person that may hear this song
To every boy or girl who feels their smile is gone
I know exactly how it feels
To lay in the bed at night
And cry, and cry
Don't you worry
God is faithful and He cares
About the tears you drop
And the pain you feel, He's there
When you are weak, that's when He's strong
Even though you don't know how
Don't you worry
Jesus can hold you now

it could be today

I received this devotional today in my email. It was written by David Jeremiah.

Country music artist Tim McGraw's hit single "Live Like You Were Dying" was a number one hit in 2004. It tells the story of a man faced with a terminal disease and how he chooses to spend his final days on earth: sky diving, bull riding, fishing, and mountain climbing. At a deeper level, the song's subject also begins to read the Bible and forgive everyone who had ever wronged him.

All of us are faced with the terminal disease called death that should keep us motivated to use our time wisely. But the Christian has an even more urgent deadline approaching: the Rapture of the church when Jesus Christ returns to call those who are His to meet Him in the sky. The Bible says that event could happen today. If you lived today as if it were your last day on earth, what would you do differently? Most important, who would you tell about Jesus? Who would you urge to repent of their sins and receive God's forgiveness if you knew that Jesus' return was just a few hours away?

The truth is, His return is nearer now than it was yesterday—and it could be today. Who is waiting for you to share the good news of the Gospel with them before it is too late?

Here is the song.

Standing on the Promises

Joshua 23:14

You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. (NIV)

The Lord your God has kept all of the good promises he gave you. Every one of them has come true. Not one has failed to come true. And you know that with all your heart and soul. (NIRV)

Know this with all your heart, with everything in you, that not one detail has failed of all the good things GOD, your God, promised you. It has all happened. Nothing's left undone—not so much as a word. (The Message)

My daily calendar had this verse on it today. The more I read it and mulled over it, the more it encouraged me. The fact that every one of God’s promises has been fulfilled and not one has failed is an amazing thought. That gives me encouragement today and in the days to come. No matter what happens in life God’s promises are true and we can stand firm on those promises. As I typed those last words I recalled a hymn we used to sing in church, “Standing on the Promises”. Below are the words and a video. Reacquaint yourself with that wonderful hymn that is full of truth. Through Christ, we can live victoriously regardless of the situations we face in life. Are you standing on God’s promises today?



Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

Chorus:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

Slow Fade

This is a great song with a powerful message. Check it out.

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

God shuffles my iPod

In the mornings when I walk, I usually have my iPod with me. When I start my walk I select “Shuffle Songs”. Even in the randomization process, I don’t believe it is totally random. I am convinced that the songs that play are meant for my ears that very morning. God has a hand in my iPod’s shuffling process. There have been many walks where a song comes on that just touches my heart in an amazing way or is a reminder of a truth that I needed to hear at that very moment. This morning that song was, “God Will Make a Way”. It’s an older chorus but its lyrics are overwhelmingly true.

God will make a way
When there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way
He will make a way!

real praise

Have you ever thought what it will really be like to sing praises to God when we get to heaven?

I know I mentioned this song in a post a while ago but I have to post it again. I heard this song when I came in from my walk and I just started singing at the top of my voice. I just have such a vision of people gathered around the throne of the Father singing hallelujah. The hallelujahs in the song bring me to tears. I get so overwhelmed thinking of the day when I get to stand before the Lord and sing at the top of my lungs in worship to Him. I just can't wait for that day!

VICTORY

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
I Corinthians 15:57

One of the songs that really gets me ready to face the day head on is "Victory" by Yolanda Adams. It is a very uplifting song that describes life's troubles and how we can face them with the victory that we find in Christ. We can stand on the promises of God and have victory in every situation. Feel free to watch this video and listen to the words of this song. I hope it lifts your spirits and causes you to remember the great victory we have!

I've got, got the victory
I've got the sweet, sweet victory in Jesus.
Yes I do
He is our mighty conqueror.
In him I will trust all my battles he'll fight.
I've got, got the victory
I've got the sweet, sweet victory in Jesus.
For me He died but He rose on the third day.
That’s why I have true victory every day.

Truly I've been through the storm and rain.
I know everything about heartache and pain.
But God carried me through it all without His protection I'll surely fall.
I’ve been broke without a dime to my name.
But all my bills got paid because I called on Jesus name.
You can't tell me that God isn’t real 'cause I've got the victory and that why I’m still here.

I'm not worried about material things I don’t have.
I'm just blessed cause I know that my Savior’s there.
Because I know that my blessing is on the way
I can't see it right now but I stand by faith.
I've fought many, many battles in His name.
I've held up the blood-stained banner and proclaimed.
That Jesus is the truth to the light.
Believe me when I say he will make it right.

Yeah I got the victory yeah
I got the victory yeah, yeah, yeah
And if you got the victory sing along with me
Yeah I got the victory yeah I got the victory
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Sing it with me I've got the victory

worry, worry, worry

We all worry. We all allow our imaginations to run wild. This morning I woke up thinking of Matthew 6:34:

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Matthew 6:25-34 is all about worry. If you have time check out the whole passage.

Here is another version of the verse:

"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." (The Message)

What an excellent way of putting it! I hope that encourages you today to leave your worries behind you and don't allow them to fester in your mind. That is of no benefit. Focus on God and He will bring you through whatever today or tomorrow has is store. Reading that promise makes me feel at ease...at peace...

My song today is a magnificent classical piece. I actually had this song played in my wedding. I just love it. It's such a serene and calming song. It's Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy. Many of you might be familiar with Fantasia by Walt Disney. This video clip is a deleted scene from Fantasia. Please take the time to listen to this peaceful song. I hope it will touch your heart & spirit and give you calmness in the midst of anything you might be facing today.

what is it about Mark Schultz?

This week I have heard 2 songs by Mark Schultz that just made me weep. I don't know what it is about his writing ability but he has the capability of pulling at my heart strings. Go grab a tissue before you listen to these songs.

"Letters from War": At the end of the video I just can't help but weep. I've been in that position of greeting a soldier home from war and it is by far the most amazing feeling ever.

She walked to the mailbox
On that bright summers day
Found a letter from her son
In a war far away

He spoke of the weather
And good friends that he'd made
Said I'd been thinking 'bout dad
And the life that he had
That's why I'm here today
And at the end he said
You are what I'm fighting for
It was the first of the letters from war

She started writing
You're good and you're brave
What a father that you'll be someday
Make it home
Make it safe
She wrote every night as she prayed

Late in December
A day she'll not forget
Oh her tears stained the paper
With every word that she read
It said "I was up on a hill
I was out there alone
When the shots all rang out
The bombs were exploding
And that's when I saw him
He came back for me
And though he was captured
A man set me free
And that man was your son
He asked me to write to you
I told him I would, oh I swore"
It was the last of the letters from war

And she prayed he was living
Kept on believing
And wrote every night just to say
You are good
And you're brave
What a father that you'll be someday
Make it home
Make it safe
Still she kept writing each day

Then two years later
Autumn leaves all around
A car pulled in the driveway
And she fell to the ground
And out stepped a captain
Where her boy used to stand
He said "mom I'm following orders
From all of your letters
And I've come home again",

He ran into hold her
And dropped all his bags on the floor
Holding all of her letters from war
Bring him home
Bring him home
Bring him home

"When You Come Home": Is a journey through life about a mother and her child. It gets me every time.

My first day of recess
They all laughed at me
When I fell off the swing set
And scraped up my knee

The nurse called my Momma
To say I'd be late,
And when she gave me the phone
I could hear Momma say
"I'm so sorry, son.
Oh I think you're' so brave"

And she was smilin when she said:

When you come home,
No matter how far,
Run through the door
And into my arms
It's where you are loved,
It's where you belong
And I will be here
When you come home

I waved good-bye through the window
As I boarded the plane,
My first job in Houston
Was waiting for me

I found a letter from Momma
Tucked in my coat
And as I flew down the runway
I smiled when she wrote:
I'll miss you, son,
You'll be so far away

But I'll be waiting for the day

When you come home
No matter how far,
Run through the door
And into my arms
It's where you are loved,
It's where you belong,
And I will be here
When you come home

Well, I don't think
She can hear you now,
The doctor told me
Your mother is fading,
It's best that you leave

So I whispered,
I love you
And then turned away.
But I stopped at the door
When I heard Momma say,
I love you, son,
But they're callin me away

Promise me before I go

When you come home,
No matter how far,
Run through the door
And into my arms;
It's where you are loved,
It's where you belong,
And I will be here
When you come home,
When you come home.

2 amazing videos about the love of my Abba

Today 2 videos reached me...one via email and the other through a friend's blog. Both special and very touching. Both about the love of God. The one was a Love Letter from God. It's a video that encourages the heart when you need it the most. It confirms what you might already know or shows you something you never heard before. The second video, to me, was an amazing reminder. We all are broken and all have our baggage...isn't it great to know that God loves us regardless? Here are the 2 videos. I hope they minister to your heart like they did mine. I pray that through these testimonies you are reminded of the love of God. He is just waiting for you to accept it.