Since I totally completely 100% have this song stuck in my head this morning and still love it even though there is no getting it out, I thought I would share it. Yes, it's Superchick again. :)
I love the sound of this song, and the harmonies on the chorus, and most of all the point of the song. People, life is waiting. This is the Time, get off your computers and phones, love people, do something you love, appreciate the little things. Don't be afraid to mess up, you fail more when you don't try (and of course that's a lyric from another superchick song ;)).
This is the story of your life A movie starring you What's the next scene have for you to do? Leave the dishes in the sink Leave your fear there too Live the story you would write for you
Say Hey! Hey! Wake your heart! and break break apart, the walls that keep you from being you And walk, walk towards the light And don't stop till you live your life Like someone died for you.
This is the time, to try Step out, your life is waiting and as you fall, you'll find that you can fly.
You can find a million words To build a wall of fear Safe behind that wall, imprisoned here Take that someday step today To who you're meant to be And turn your dreams to plans so you can breathe
Ask anyone whose time is up What they'd give for what you got And how they'd live your life Live like your life's worth dying for You just walked out that prison door and you'll know how to live your life
please please please, remember, today, that someone died for you. live like you know it. we don't get another do-over at this life, today will be gone forever. don't waste it!
yes, it takes work to live life well - but it is worth it.
So it seems I'm really out of the loop because I never learned until today that Superchic[k] had folded. A year and a half ago. Wow. Makes me feel sad and nostalgic because Superchic[k]. And since I've been meaning to post for a while (but haven't because of priorities and this winter has been just aahhmaayyzzing so far and hopefully there will be a post coming soon about it... it's in my drafts haha! along with lots of others :P), I thought today was the perfect occasion to do so.
Every day is Christmas
When every day is Thanksgiving
I can find the sunshine
If I count my blessings
I got love
And a brand new day
I don't have the best, but I make the best of what I've got
I can see I'm blessed if I don't obsess on what I'm not
Knocked down to the bottom, but I'll start it all over again
You can steal my songs, but you can't take away my pen
I've got nothing but love and a brand new day
I'm living a brand new way
If I miss, I don't cry - I change it up and try again
Every day I'm shooting, every day a chance to win
Easy to be hard, hard to let the light shine in
I love like a child, I never let the critics win
I got lint in my pockets
I got everything I need
Radio's broke so Imma make my own break beats
I get up when I get down
I never draw the perfect line
I got 99 problems
I knock 'em down one at a time
Hope you're all enjoying this winter - and if you're finding it cold and boring get out there because that's where the real fun happens! :D
Sometimes {how 'bout a lot of times??} I take for granted, the amazing privilege that we have to know God, to be in His presence, and to love Him back. For me anyways, I tend to just kinda float through it, and not think about it that much. But come on - this is the Creator of the universe, before Jesus died and the curtain split, only one man once a year could enter the presence of God, and that was a pretty risky thing to do. Now, we have constant access to the LORD, and we live in His presence at all times - it is even within us!
And also? We get to know Him and love Him back. He is the awe-some God, I AM, and we finite humans can know Him!! Not only love Him, but love Him. This song by Jamie Grace helps me to remember that when I forget, I love love love the part that goes:
'And I still can't believe,
That you've loved me for eternity,
And what's so marvelous to me,
Is that I finally get,
I finally get,
I get to love You, to love You back'
So today I want to share with you this song, and hopefully it will help remind you of the amazing privilege it is to love Him back. Cuz guys? this is something we need to do intentionally, with our whole hearts!
From the first sunrise You knew my name,
You knew I‘d fail You over and over,
But still You loved me all the same,
You still love me anyway,
The way You don't give up on me,
You really got a hold on me,
You give me more than I deserve,
You've become my everything,
The only reason that I sing,
The beauty is You chose me first,
And I still can't believe,
That you've loved me for eternity,
And what's so marvelous to me,
Is that I finally get,
I finally get,
I get to love You (to love You back),
I get to love You,
I get to love You,
I finally get, I finally get,
I get to know You more and more,
And make every single day about You,
I wanna live like I can't afford,
To spend another second without You,
The way You don't give up on me,
You really got a hold on me,
You give me more than I deserve,
You've become my everything,
The only reason that I sing,
The beauty is You chose me first,
And I still can't believe,
That you've loved me for eternity,
And what's so marvelous to me,
Is that I finally get,
I finally get,
I get to love You (to love You back),
I get to love You,
I get to love You,
I finally get, I finally get,
To go back to the start,
Back when my heart first met You,
Oh, I heard You were good,
But this is more than I expected,
So I answer the call,
I give You my all,
And lay it at Your feet,
I can't praise You enough,
But I promise to give You my love,
Oh I can't believe,
That you've loved me for eternity,
And it's so beautiful to see,
That I finally get, I finally get,
To love You back,
To love You,(to love You back)
I get to love You, (with every part of me)
I get to love You,
Oh I get to love You, yeah,
I get to love you back,
Oh how I love you...
On another note - I always knew I liked Jamie Grace - I really liked all the radio singles that she had (those were the songs I knew), but my sister got Ready to Fly for Christmas, so I've been listening to it quite a bit, and gosh, love this girl and her music! :)
I came and sat down to write this post quickly today, then realized it was Tuesday so it fit perfectly for a Tunes Tuesday post ;)
Lots of Christmas baking and cookie-decorating going on in this house today! :) Have I mentioned before how much I looove the Christmas season???! Lots of Christmas music playing too, and I thought I would share this super fun Christmas song that will likely inspire much dancing, singing (it's praise, y'all!), and help us remember the reason we're celebrating :) (don't be afraid to turn it reeeeaaaal loud ;))
Take the time to enjoy your day - try not to be caught up in all of the to-dos, and miss the point of the season, and the joy it can bring.
gingerbread house neighbourhood ;)
I promise you that even though these look like lumps of brownness they taste heavenly (double chocolate w/ candycane gooeyness)
also? you should play it again and again until you're almost sick of it.
Born unto us this day a Saviour
Gifted from heaven to a manger
The hope of the world
A light for all mankind
All of the earth rejoice
It's Christmas time
So lift up your voice and sing out His praise
It's Christmas
Born is the King, rejoice in the day
It's Christmas
Make a joyful sound
It's Christmas
Let His praise resound
It's Christmas
Goodwill to all the earth
And peace divine
All of the earth rejoice
It's Christmas time
It's Christmas time
So lift up your voice and sing out His praise
It's Christmas
Born is the King, rejoice in the day
It's Christmas
Make a joyful sound
It's Christmas
Let His praise resound
It's Christmas
So lift up your voice and sing out His praise
It's Christmas
Born is the King, rejoice in the day
It's Christmas
Make a joyful sound
It's Christmas
Let His praise resound
It's Christmas
So lift up your voice and sing out His praise
It's Christmas
Born is the King, rejoice in the day
It's Christmas
Make a joyful sound
It's Christmas
Let His praise resound
It's Christmas
Praying that today and the rest of the days leading up to Christmas are a time of peace and joy for you and yours - it's a time of celebration!
I meant to share this song on Tuesday but the day kinda slipped away from me, and then yesterday too, so here it is today.
It's one of my favourite Christmas songs, I love how it just feels so quiet and still, I can totally see the story happening. The song is so simple, so sweet, and has several lines that make you stop to think about them again.
It helps me to feel quiet and still before the LORD, to think about how 'heaven came down and changed everything', and how there was 'no one to kneel, and no one to sing'.
Quiet and still was the whole world that night
The stars and the land and the sea
All were enjoying the quiet moonlight
Spinning so effortlessly
And the wind blew tender and sweet
Through the manger stall
Over one new tiny heartbeat
That would save us all
One silent night, one holy night
When all was calm, when all was bright
With no one to kneel, and no one to sing
Heaven came down and changed everything
Let all the earth receive her King
His mother there holding Him close to her chest
Rocking the Savior to sleep
Sleep, baby Jesus, You need all the rest
You can get, there are people in need
For a moment Heaven stood still
As the midnight watch was kept
As on that Bethlehem hill
The savior slept
One silent night, one holy night
When all was calm, when all was bright
With no one to kneel, and no one to sing
Heaven came down and changed everything
Let all the earth receive her King
One silent night, one holy night
(Oh, come let us adore Him)
When all was calm, when all was bright
(Oh, come let us adore Him)
With no one to kneel, and no one to sing
Heaven came down and changed everything
Let all the earth receive her King
Oh, come let us adore Him
Oh, come let us adore Him
Come let us adore Him
Oh, come let us adore Him
Come let us adore Him
(Silent night, holy night)
Oh, come let us adore Him
(Silent night, holy night)
May you be blessed today and during this advent season, this time of preparing our hearts to receive the King who has come for us. May we not be too busy with all of the things to do and miss what is really important.
Anyone else have any favourite Christmas songs? Please let me know, I'd love to check them out! {I loooove Christmas music!}
Hey there friends! thanks for stopping by! You've found us at Day 24 of my 31 Days series on Celebrating Life. If you'd like to see all the other posts so far, you'll find the introduction here {includes post-list at the bottom} or the posts all here :)
This post isn't gonna have much text in it today because I have already slept in and I have to work all day, and I'm out at my local BFM's Volunteer Appreciation night.
But here's a song that I'm loving :) it reminds us to celebrate how God can work even when our hearts are breaking, and bring us closer to Him.
This is not what I asked
Not what I prayed for
Are you listening now?
'Cause all that I've built,
All that I've bled for
Is coming undone
But what if it had to be broken
Before my heart could be open?
Maybe the shattered parts
Are the places where Your love starts
And now I am closer to where You are
With every beat of my broken heart
Oh, oh
Maybe it's not what i would've chosen
And I won't understand
But I'm trusting You now
Cause all that I know is
I am safe in Your hands
But what if it had to be broken
Before my heart could be open?
Maybe the shattered parts
Are the places where Your love starts
And now I am closer to where You are
With every beat of my broken heart
Mercy is here with me
Even if I can't see it now
I am closer to where You are
With every beat of my broken heart
So break me all the way
'Til we are face to face
When Your work in me is through
Then all that's left is You
Maybe the shattered parts
Are the places where You're love starts
And now I am closer to where You are
With every beat of my broken heart
Mercy is here with me
Even if I can't see it now
I am closer to where You are
With every beat of my broken heart
Oh, oh
I am closer to where You are
With every beat of my broken
Beat of my broken heart
Hey there friends! thanks for stopping by! You've found us at Day 18 of my 31 Days series on Celebrating Life. If you'd like to see all the other posts so far, you'll find the introduction here {includes post-list at the bottom} or the posts all here :)
I have love love loved this song for such a long time and I always knew what it was about, but it struck me yesterday that this song is pretty much exactly what my series is about! My favourite lines are: "when we laughed so hard we cried, all the love between you and I, something beautiful"
I wanna start it over
I wanna start again
I want a new beginning
One without an end
I feel it inside
Calling out to me
It's a voice that whispers my name
It's a kiss without any shame
Something beautiful
Like a song that stirs in my head
Singing love will take us where
Something's beautiful
I've heard it in the silence
Seen it on a face
I've felt it in a long hour
Like a sweet embrace
I know this is true
It's calling out to me
It's a voice that whispers my name
It's a kiss without any shame
Something beautiful
Like a song that stirs in my head
Singing love will take us where
Something's beautiful
It's the child on her wedding day
It's the daddy that gives her away
Something beautiful
When we laugh so hard we cry
It's the love between you and I
Something beautiful
Hey there friends! thanks for stopping by! You've found us at Day 12 of my 31 Days series on Celebrating Life. If you'd like to see all the other posts so far, you'll find the introduction here {includes post-list at the bottom} or the posts all here :)
Well it turns out that I miss out on a lot of news... including the fact that Carrie Underwood had a new single out!!
I can't wait for her new album! :) I've heard it's going to be 'faith filled'.
He said, "I've been where you've been before.
Down every hallway's a slamming door."
No way out, no one to come and save me
Wasting a life that the Good Lord gave me
Then somebody said what I'm saying to you
Opened my eyes and told me the truth."
They said, "Just a little faith, it'll all get better."
So I followed that preacher man down to the river and now I'm changed
And now I'm stronger
There must've been something in the water
Oh, there must've been something in the water
Well, I heard what he said and I went on my way
Didn't think about it for a couple of days
Then it hit me like a lightning late one night
I was all out of hope and all out of fight
Couldn't fight back the tears so I fell on my knees
Saying, "God, if you're there come and rescue me."
Felt love pouring down from above
Got washed in the water, washed in the blood and now I'm changed
And now I'm stronger
There must be something in the water
Oh, there must be something in the water
And now I'm singing along to amazing grace
Can't nobody wipe this smile off my face
Got joy in my heart, angels on my side
Thank God almighty, I saw the light
Gonna look ahead, no turning back
Live every day, give it all that I have
Trust in someone bigger than me
Ever since the day that I believed I am changed
And now I'm stronger
There must be something in the water
Oh, there must be something in the water
Oh, there must be something in the water
Oh, there must be something in the water
Oh, yeah
I am changed
Stronger
I'm free
Are you a fan of Carrie Underwood? Who are some of your favourite artists?
Hey there friends! thanks for stopping by! You've found us at Day 6 of my 31 Days series on Celebrating Life. If you'd like to see all the other posts so far, you'll find them here :) (or here).
Today I'm celebrating beautiful music. I think this is my very favourite version of 10,000 Reasons (Bless the LORD)! It is so simple, soulful and beautiful.
The sun comes up; it’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes
Bless the Lord
Bless the Lord
Oh my soul, oh my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name
You’re rich in love
And You’re slow to anger
Your name is great
And Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness
I will keep on singing
10,000 reasons for my heart to find
Bless the Lord, oh my soul
Bless the Lord
Oh my soul, oh my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name
Sing my soul, sing my soul
Bless the Lord
Oh my soul, oh my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name
And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
10,000 years and then forever more
Bless the Lord
Bless the Lord
Oh my soul, oh my soul
Worship His holy name (Oh your Goodness)
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name
I’ll worship Your holy name
I’ll worship Your holy name
When we celebrate life, when we enjoy this gift that God has given us, it's kind of like we are blessing Him. Here's a really neat post Cynthia made about blessing the LORD.
We all have those 'giants' in our lives, things that stand in the way of dreams that people say will never be able to come true, and sometimes we even doubt them ourselves. And sure, maybe some of them will never happen, but the truth of it is, each and every one of them could. Because we have a God with whom everything is possible. Sometimes these things we're holding onto, dreams or whatever, don't happen because God doesn't allow them to, maybe they aren't a part of His plan for our lives. And that's something hard. But I think a lot of times our miracles don't happen because we don't step out and fight those giants. Friends, we are not alone in this fight, and everything is possible for the One we are fighting with!
I just love this song, it is so catchy and it holds such truth! :)
Everyone's telling you
To let go of what you're holding to
It's too late, too far
You're too small, it's too hard
Throwing water on that spark
Living deep inside your heart
With oceans of reasons
The things you're not seeing
But oh, maybe they don't
Know what you know
That you're not alone
[Chorus:]
Don't you be afraid
Of giants in your way
With God you know that anything's possible
So step into the fight
He's right there by your side
The stones inside your hand might be too small
But watch the giants fall
We could really live like this
Can't you imagine it
So bold, so brave
With childlike faith
Miracles could happen
Mountains would start moving
So whatever you may face
[Chorus]
Ask and believe
You're gonna see
The hand of God in every little thing
[Chorus]
Miracles can happen
Anything is possible
Watch the giants fall
What about you? What giants are holding you back from things you believe can happen in your life?
Feelin' tired of feelin' nothin'
Feelin' stuck in the mud and I'm over it
So far down, lookin' around
And I don't know how I'm gettin' out
But hey, hey, hey
I hear You tell me not to stay, stay, stay
The door is open every day, day, day
It takes me to another place, place, place
Like an elevator
Can't stop 'cause Your love is liftin' me up
Like an elevator
I've never felt like I'm feelin' tonight
Straight off the ground, we'll never come down
Can't stop 'cause Your love is liftin' me now
Like an elevator
Like an elevator
Way up high, like I'm flyin'
And I'm finally feelin' so alive
You and I, to the sky
Gonna blow the roof off from the inside
So hey, hey, hey
I hear You tell me not to stay, stay, stay
The door is open every day, day, day
It takes me to another place, place, place
Like an elevator
Can't stop 'cause Your love is liftin' me up
Like an elevator
I've never felt like I'm feelin' tonight
Straight off the ground, we'll never come down
Can't stop 'cause Your love is liftin' me now
Like an elevator
Like an elevator (Woo!)
Here we go!
Here we go!
When we gonna stop?
No one knows
Everybody up
Get on board
You know you wanna come along for the ride
So let's go
Everyone on the flyest train
Never gonna be the same
I'm feelin' so fantastic
This party's everlastin'
So grab your friends
Push all the buttons
Ain't gonna stop until we get up to the top floor
Top floor
'Cause there's no way that we can feel more
Feel more
Here we go!
Like an elevator (elevator)
Can't stop 'cause You're love is liftin' me up
Like an elevator (elevator)
I've never felt like I'm feelin' tonight
Straight off the groud, we'll never come down
Can't stop 'cause You're love is liftin' me now
Like an elevator (elevator)
Like an elevator (like an elevator)
Whoa, hey, an elevator
ever feel like you've just gotta dance?
maybe, even if you don't think you do, just turn on the song and start dancing. by yourself, with friends, or family. just try it? :)
When I first heard this song at church, it was back in the stpring, and I did not like this song. It sounds just like a hymn I grew up loving, My Hope is Built on Nothing Less. The lyrics to most of the verses are the same, but they changed the melody and that bothered me. so. much. :P
Fast forward several months... I love this song! :)
We sang it at church on Sunday, and I have had it stuck in my head ever since then. I know there is a point where even an amazing song gets annoying when it is stuck in my head, but one thing I love is when I get a great worship song stuck in my head and sing it all the time for a couple of days and I really begin to ponder the lyrics and what it means.
Like the first line {two lines?} of this song:
my hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I find that all too often my hope is built on things that are far less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. Things like the weather {seriously. far too much.}, and my family and friends, and my activities for the day. And the list goes on and on. I guess by the grace of God that's something I need to work on.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus name
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus name
Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong; in the Saviour's love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all
When Darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
My anchor holds within the veil
Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong; in the Saviour's love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all
He is Lord
Lord of all
Christ alone
Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong; in the Saviour's love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all
Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong; in the Saviour's love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless stand before the throne.
I pray that this song will encourage you today, and to think about what your hope is built on. Anyone else find their hope built on things that are not Jesus' blood and righteousness?
Today's song is Hillsong's Stronger. This is one of my favourite worship songs and it is relatable no matter what life is taking you through, and no matter how you're feeling. When I'm in a bad mood, or worried about something, this song is a reminder that Jesus is stronger than any of that. Sin is broken, and He has saved me! He is LORD of all! This is a cry for the LORD to be glorified, and for healing when I'm broken, and when I'm celebrating life, this is adoring and praising Him.
There is love that came for us
Humbled to a sinners cross
You broke my shame and sinfulness
You rose again victorious
Faithfulness none can deny
Through the storm and through the fire
There is truth that sets me free
Jesus Christ who lives in me
You are stronger, You are stronger
Sin is broken, You have saved me
It is written, Christ is risen
Jesus You are Lord of all
No beginning and no end
You're my hope and my defense
You came to seek and save the lost
You paid it all upon the cross
You are stronger, You are stronger
Sin is broken, You have saved me
It is written, Christ is risen
Jesus You are Lord of all
So let Your name be lifted higher
Be lifted higher, be lifted higher
So let Your name be lifted higher
Be lifted higher, be lifted higher
So let Your name be lifted higher
Be lifted higher, be lifted higher
So let Your name be lifted higher
Be lifted higher, be lifted higher
You are stronger, You are stronger
Sin is broken, You have saved me
It is written, Christ is risen
Jesus You are Lord of all
The other day I was running and I decided to finish before I got home, so I still had a ways to walk. This song came on and I walked down the road singing, with my hands in the air, worshiping. It was beautiful to my soul. I love songs that are just pure adoration of the LORD. This song is all about loving Him with no barriers or complications.
I come in simplicity
Longing for purity
To worship You
In spirit and truth
Only You
Lord strip it all away
'Til only You remain
I'm coming back
To my first love
Only You
You're the reason I sing
The reason I sing
Yes my heart will sing
How I love You
And forever I'll sing
Forever I'll sing
Yes my heart will sing
How I love You
I come with my broken song
To You the Perfect One
To worship You
In spirit and truth
Only You
Only You
Give me a childlike heart
Lead me to where You are
Cause I'm coming back
To my first love
Only You
You're the reason I sing
The reason I sing
Yes my heart will sing
How I love You
And forever I'll sing
Forever I'll sing
Yes my heart will sing
How I love You
How I love You
How I love You
How I love You
My first love [x2]
You're the reason I sing
The reason I sing
Yes my heart will sing
How I love You
And forever I'll sing
Forever I'll sing
Yes my heart will sing
How I love You
We got back from a little trip to MacGregor Point/Port Elgin late Tuesday night, and there was no time whatsoever to write a post. Now we are in the throes of canning peaches for the rest of the week, on top of usual things. So here is my quick post for the week.. :)
me and my girlies with the sunset over Lake Huron :)
As I mentioned here, I tend to listen to a lot of an artist or two for a long time, then switch it up. So today's Tunes post is Addison Road again.
I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?
[CHORUS]
So What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
So What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees
[CHORUS]
So What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
So What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
[CHORUS 2]
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life it's name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?
[CHORUS]
So What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
Take some time today and ponder the completely awe-inspiring holiness of God today. Just sit and feel the power of His presence. If you're having trouble, ask Him to help you keep your eyes focused on Him, ask Him to show Himself to you.
Let us never forget the perfect holiness of God. It truly could change the way we do everything!
We're busy packing up because we're heading away to visit family and camp in Michigan for a week and of course I am not organized enough to get my blogging done on schedule. So this post is late.
And because we'll be away, and once again, I'm not organized enough to blog ahead of time, there will be no Tunes Tuesday post next week either.
But on to this week's post. I found this CD at the thrift store, and I knew a couple of songs from Christian radio and I decided to pick it up. As I played it through, there was this one song that really reached me. I was sitting in the car, and listening to every word.
Oh, the chorus. Lately I have been convicted that I have been living a complacent comfortable life. And that is so not biblical! So I've been asking Him to mold me and chip away all those things I don't need. It is uncomfortable to grow like that but it is worth it! Broken pride hurts, it's not 'cool' to be under construction. But I'm gonna trust that the One who created me knows that better version of me and how best to get there.
And ya know what? it's not even that comfortable living the comfortable life anyways. :P at least, that's what I've found, after a while.
There's a better version of me
That I can't quite see
But things are gonna change
Right now I'm a total mess and
Right now I'm completely incomplete
But things are gonna change
'Cause you're not through with me yet
This is redemption's story
With every step that I'm taking
Every day, you're chipping away
What I don't need
This is me under construction
This is my pride being broken
And every day I'm closer to who I'm meant to be
I'm a change in the making
Wish I could live more patiently
Wish I would give a little more of me
Without stopping to think twice
Wish I had faith like a little child
Wish I could walk a single mile
Without tripping on my own feet
But you're not through with me yet
This is redemption's story
With every step that I'm taking
Every day, you're chipping away
What I don't need
This is me under construction
This is my pride being broken
And every day I'm closer to who I'm meant to be
From the dawn of history
You make new and you redeem
From a broken world to a broken heart
You finish what you start in everything
Like a river rolls into the sea
We're not who we're going to be
But things are going to change
I'm Livin' redemption's story
With every step that I'm taking
Every day, you're chipping away
What I don't need
This is me under construction
This is my pride being broken
And every day I'm closer to who I'm meant to be
I'm a change in the making [x2]
I'm not who I'm gonna be
Moving closer to your glory
Well this week I am away at CYWAL, and hopefully I will come back with some interesting and hopefully insightful things to share, but for now I have this lovely song to share with you all :)
(I chose this song a while ago, and then wrote something up last night (Saturday), and then while I was lying in bed last night, the line 'life will all make sense in the end' kept running through my head, and all I could think of was the sponsored kids at camp and how life wasn't fair. So I got up this morning and rewrote the post.)
"Life will all make sense... in the end"
Having just got to the end of OASIS week, one of the most awesome and exciting and exhausting weeks of my year, I seen just the tip of the ice burg on how life isn't fair. I live suche a blessed life, and when I come in to contact with the forty-or-fifty-some-odd sponsored kids who come to our camp, most of them from less than desirable situations, it makes my heart ache.
Some of the kids don't have CD players because the little money their parents have gets spent on other things, often addictions. Many of the kids have broken homes, some with step-siblings on both sides. Some don't even get breakfast in the morning.
I was talking with some of the parents of my campers on the last day, ad the father of one of the kids in my group said something that made me smile gratefully, yet made my heart break for this little girl. He said, "I could see just by the way she was holding your hand, looking at you, and sitting on your lap that she really took to you. She doesn't get to see her mom too often, and I know that she really took to you. I could see you treated her real well and I appreciate it. She really took to you."
Another of the kids in my group, a little boy who I know was going home to a hard situation, came crying to give me a hug at the end. "I'll miss you," he said, making the tears begin to roll down my face. "I'll miss you too," I told him, holding him close. Then I sat him on my knee, looked into his beautiful eyes and tried my best to speak life into his little five year old life. "But ya know what William*? Even when I can't be with you, God is always with you. And He loves you! Before He even made the world He thought up all the people He was going to make and He thought up you. He thought up your beautiful smile, and your lovely eyes, and the way you laugh, and He said, I'm going to make William Bridges*, and so He did. And I'm so glad! He made you William*, and He loves you, and He will always be right with you." He started crying again, saying something about forgetting, and I reminded him of the scrapbook we'd made that week, with the Bible points and verses, and stories, and pictures. "And I'll pray for you," I promised, "every day."
Life isn't fair. And I don't know why. Why is it that I have a wonderful family, with both parents and lots of siblings, and beautiful house, with always enough to eat, when there are kids in my own Canadian city who don't have any of that? It doesn't make any sense to me! But this song reminds us, that in the end, life will all make sense. We will see how God used all these messed up situations for His glory, to spread His love and lead people closer to Him. He doesn't like our pain, but He is with us throughout it, and He doesn't let it go for nought. I don't know why the little girl's parents are split and she doesn't get to see her mom, and I don't know why God is allowing William's* home situation to be hard, but He does, and we just need to trust. We know that Romans 8:28 tells us that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
Can't catch a break
You've had your fill of old clichés
Like "life is hard but God is good"
And even though it's true
It won't stop what you're going through
I wish that I could say it would
But He's outside of what you feel
It might not make sense
But one day it will
There's coming a day the sun will always shine
He's gonna wipe away every tear from your eyes
Hold on my brother, things are gonna better
You're gonna smile again
Cause we win in the end
You're standing still
Life has handed you a bitter pill
Once again you're on your face
You've got questions
Plenty of secret confessions
Wondering if you've run out of grace
But He's outside of what you feel
This life is just a moment
But our forever is sealed, oh yeah
There's coming a day the sun will always shine
He's gonna wipe away every tear from your eyes
Hold on my brother, things are gonna better
You're gonna smile again
Cause we win in the end
It won't be about streets of gold, pearly gates
Harps and wings, diamond lakes
All I know is that He's gonna hold you, hold me
Heartache will disappear
Questions will become clear
Life will all make sense in the end
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh
We win in the end
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh
There's coming a day the sun will always shine
He's gonna wipe away every tear from your eyes
Hold on my brother, things are gonna better
You're gonna smile again
Cause we win in the end
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh
We win in the end
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh
Glory, glory hallelujah
Glory, glory hallelujah
Glory, glory hallelujah
We win in the end
Glory, glory hallelujah
Glory, glory hallelujah
Glory, glory hallelujah
We win in the end
We win in the end
I pray this song would bless you today, as you think about what it really means when it says, 'we win in the end', and 'life will all make sense in the end', because it is true, and even if we can't see it now, we will someday!
Prayers would be appreciated for all the kids who were at camp this past week, but especially for the sponsored kids.
VBS camp is this week and one of the songs that we're asingin' that I'm alovin' is Forever Reign {camp version} and {regular version}.
This is one of my {many many many many many lol} favourite songs.... and on one of those days when I feel like everything is just out of my control and I can't deal I will put this song on, close my eyes, and let the truth sink into my soul as I run to His arms. I love that how it reminds my heart of the steadfastness of His character, He is good {when there's nothing good in me}, He is light {when the darkness closes in}, He is everything that I need and when I run to Him I am made whole.
I'm alookin' {don't ask me. I don't know why the language is acomin' out this way. ha} at last week's post, and realizing that there is a similarity. I guess that right now I'm just seeking the assurance of who God is, and that He will always be right by me. It doesn't matter what's going on, or how I feel: He is still peace, He is still true, He is still joy, and He is here. I so need that right now. Anyone with me?
You are good, You are good
When there's nothing good in me
You are love, You are love
On display for all to see
You are light, You are light
When the darkness closes in
You are hope, You are hope
You have covered all my sin
You are peace, You are peace
When my fear is crippling
You are true, You are true
Even in my wandering
You are joy, You are joy
You're the reason that I sing
You are life, You are life,
In You death has lost its sting
Oh, I'm running to Your arms,
I'm running to Your arms.
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign
You are more, You are more
Than my words will ever say
You are Lord, You are Lord
All creation will proclaim
You are here, You are here
In Your presence I'm made whole
You are God, You are God
Of all else I'm letting go
Oh, I'm running to Your arms
I'm running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign
My heart will sing
no other Name
Jesus, Jesus
Oh, I'm running to Your arms
I'm running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
know this, my friends, for it is true and always will be.
I was working on this post Monday and yesterday, but of course I was interrupted several times and didn't manage to post it. So here it is late :) {better late than never, right? ;)}
For me, as you may be able to tell by the number of posts which include music on this blog, including this post, music is very important in my life. It is very powerful, and for me, it has the power to work with the Holy Spirit to transform my day, or my outlook on a situation. While I do love a little bit of my country music, I listen mostly to Christian music because I know the impact music has on my life.
So my goal here, is to share a song and why it's special to me, every Tuesday :)
I've seen the view up on a mountain
Where trouble seems a million miles away
And I know the lonely of the valley
When sorrow is close enough to taste
I've had my share of suffering
I know the pain that life can bring
I've gone through some things
I may never understand (never understand)
But You've been good when life was not
Through battles won and battles lost
And when I look back
On everything I've been through
I see You (I see You)
I know that all things work together
For those of us who choose to call Him God
He might use calm, He might use chaos
He'll use whatever leads us to the cross
I've had my share of suffering
I know the pain that life can bring
I've gone through some things
I may never understand (never understand)
But You've been good when life was not
Through battles won and battles lost
And when I look back
On everything I've been through
I see You (I see You)
So now when heartache comes around
Surrounds me like a cloud
I know, I know You're standing next to me right here
I'm gonna hold Your hand right where I am
Yeah, yeah, yeah
I've had my share of suffering
I know the pain that life can bring
I've gone through some things
I may never understand (never understand)
But You've been good when life was not
Through battles won and battles lost
And when I look back
On everything I've been through
I see You
Standing next to me (I see You)
Standing next to me (I see You)
I see You
I don't know what it is, but lately I've been in a reminiscent sort of mood. And as I look back on my {albeit short}life, I can see that there is one thing that is the same all throughout. God. Sometimes when you're in the middle of life, in the moment it's hard to feel God's presence with you. I know this to be true! But when I look back, without a doubt, I can see God. That He has been with me, I have no doubt.
I'm not talking about how I can see Him working at weaving my story {although I can. mostly. there are still a few things... :P}, I am talking about the fact that His presence is the greatest most amazing thing I can have, and I have had it with me my whole life. I am talking about the fact that He is with me whether or not I feel it - which is hard to grasp sometimes, in my heart and mind.
And because He is God, He is also with each and every one of us. He has been with you throughout your whole life and is with you now, whether or not you see it. I challenge you to take some time, and ponder, reminisce, and see how the LORD has been with you. If you can see Him, thank Him. If you can't - take some time to pray, ask Him to show you, and He will. It's not always easy, but He will come through!
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