Friday, April 29, 2011

Lyrical Friday - Love Song

Hi dear friends. Happy Friday. Our song for this week comes from one of my favorite Christian bands: Third Day. Today's song is a very special one to me. I don't know about you but when I ponder and truly meditate on God's love for me, I can't grasp it. His love is infinite, He is limitless and divine... My love is conditional, I am limited and rubbish. But God does not see junk when He sees us. In Christ, God sees us as we will be, not as we are! He has done everything to be with me. He has done everything to be with you.

My prayer is that these lyrics will echo to you His love for days, years and eternity to come. "May you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is." Ephesians 3:18

“You asked for a loving God: you have one. The great spirit you so lightly invoked, the ‘lord of terrible aspect,’ is present: not a senile benevolence that drowsily wishes you to be happy in your own way, not the cold philanthropy of a conscientious magistrate, nor the care of a host who feels responsible for the comfort of his guest...s, but the consuming fire Himself, the Love that made the worlds, persistent as the artist’s love for his work and despotic as a man’s love for a dog, provident and venerable as a father’s love for a child, jealous, inexorable, exacting as love between sexes.” - C. S. Lewis

Love Song, Thrid Day


I've heard it said that a man would climb a mountain
Just to be with the one he loves.
How many times has he broken that promise
It has never been done.
I've never climbed the highest mountain,
But I walked the hill of Calvary.

Just to be with you, I will do anything
There's no price I would not pay no
Just to be with you, I would give everything
I would give my life away.

I've heard it said that a man would swim the ocean
Just to be with the one he loves
All of those dreams are an empty motion.
It can never be done.
I've never swam the deepest ocean,
But I walked upon the raging sea.

I know that you don't understand
the fullness of My love.
How I died upon the cross for your sins.
And I know that you don't realize
how much that I give you
But I promise, I would do it all again.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Waiting

Serene, I fold my hands and wait,
Nor care for wind, nor tide, nor sea;
I rave no more 'gainst time or fate,
For, lo! my own shall come to me.

I stay my haste, I make delays,
For what avails this eager pace?
I stand amid the eternal ways,
And what is mine shall know my face.

Asleep, awake, by night or day,
The friends I seek are seeking me;
No wind can drive my bark astray,
Nor change the tide of destiny.

What matter if I stand alone?
I wait with joy the coming years;
My heart shall reap where it hath sown,
And garner up its fruit of tears.

The waters know their own and draw
The brook that springs in yonder height;
So flows the good with equal law
Unto the soul of pure delight.

The stars come nightly to the sky;
The tidal wave unto the sea;
Nor time, nor space, nor deep, nor high,
Can keep my own away from me.

by: John Burroughs (1837-1921)


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





Whatever it may be that you are waiting for, wait on the Lord. He who knows you and sees you is faithful. He will answer. "Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." Psalm 27:13-14

Monday, April 25, 2011

I am a Martha

Happy Monday!
Today's post comes from my wonderful friend Carolina. I read this last night and identified so much with her struggle. Praying that God may speak to you in a very special way through her. From one Martha to all the Martha's out there, this word is for you:

It's strange how the first place I thought of sharing this was on the blog, not sure why. I come here feeling heavy, lonely, confused. I joke saying this is my "quarter life crisis" but it really isn't, this is a petty issue that I have rolled into a huge snowball of sillyness.

I am Martha, I am the person who has 35 things to do, 5 places to be, all in one day. It's a bit absurd, thinking to myself this is healthy, normal. I've come to realize that I'm martha (Luke 10:38-41). I'm that girl that gets herself so busy, and preoccupied that she doesn't even see Jesus is a guest at her house.

I don't want to worry, I don't want to be anxious about things anymore. God revealed to me that my "god" were my life plans. I had such a tight grip on them, they were MINE and no one else's. No one was allowed to interfere, I was shaken to my core realizing this is what is preventing me from coming to Jesus fully.

In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul. Psalms 94:19 I remember this verse way back when, It made me feel hopeful that there is someone greater who can comfort me. The enemy is fighting for my attention, he wants me to fall on my face and let my desires/worries lead me to a place where I exclude God from everything.

FOR HIS YOLK IS EASY AND HIS BURDEN IS LIGHT.

I want to feel His love again, I need to immerse myself in His river. Taking steps to fall in love with my savior...MY JOY IS NOT FOUND IN THE INCONSISTENCIES OF LIFE BUT IN THE CONSISTENCY OF GOD.


*Seed Planters by Caro on this blog click HERE.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Lyrical Friday - Glorious

Happy GOOD Friday!
I love Easter season. Jesus died for you, for me, for the ENTIRE world!!!

For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8

Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. John 20:1

That's right Friends, the stone had been taken away from the tomb and the tomb was and is empty for our Jesus is alive!!! Truly my eyes have seen the glory of the Lord. Not only has Jesus risen from the dead but so have I along with many others, risen from the death that our sin has caused. Have hope dear friends, for we too shall be taken up with Him to the Holy of Holies. May today's Lyrical song cause you to worship the glory of the risen King and awaken within you a heart of gratitude.

If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior all you have to do is invite Him inside your heart. Confess your sin, ask Him to wash you clean. No hokus pokus about it, just a humble, broken, and contrite heart which the Lord will never despise. God bless YOU!

Glorious, Paul Baloche



Look inside the mystery
See the empty cross
See the risen Savior
Victorious and strong

No one else above Him
None as strong to save
He alone has conquered
The power of the grave

Glorious my eyes have seen
The glory of the Lord
Glorious He stands above
The rulers of the earth

Look beyond the tombstone
See the living God
See the resurrected
Ruler of my heart

No one else above Him
None to match His worth
The hope of His returning
Fills the universe

Happy Easter!

If you are in the Miami, Fl area join me this Easter. For more info click HERE.  

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Has He promised you...

 For God's promises are still promises even if you don't receive them right now.

Has God promised you anything [fill in the blank], trust that He will respond. Be reminded today that He who has promised is not a liar but is faithful. All the promises in Him are Yes and Amen! As you wait upon the fruition of that promise, wait with joy and not with grumbling. As you wait, know the Lord your God in an intimate way. As you wait, serve God and His people with an abundance of love, compassion and fervor. As you wait, don't run ahead of God, don't lag behind but right in the center of God's will for your life.

And if you are convined that God has forgotten you and the promises He has made you, I challenge you to search the bible and read up on all the promises recorded. I bet your faith will be renewed.
God bless you!
 
For all the promises of God in Christ are Yes, and in Christ Amen, to the glory of God through us. 2 Corinthians 1:20
 
Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. 2 Corinthians 7:1
 
For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 1 Timothy 4:8
 
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
 
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12



Friday, April 15, 2011

Lyrical Friday - You Are For Me

You are for Me, Kari Jobe


So faithful, so constant and so true
So powerful in all You do
You fill me, You see me
You know my every move
You love for me to sing to You

I know that You are for me, I know that You are for me
I know that You will never forsake me in my weakness
And I know that You have come now even if to write upon my heart
To remind me who You are

So patient, so gracious, so merciful and true
So wonderful in all You do
You fill me, You see me
You know my every move
You love for me to sing to You

Lord, I know that You are for me, I know that You are for me
I know that You will never forsake me in my weakness
And I know that You have come now even if to write upon my heart
To remind me

Thursday, April 14, 2011

from Beth

How can a person stay pure?
By obeying Your word.
I have hidden
Your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against You.
I have rejoiced in Your laws
as much as in riches.
I will study Your commandments
And reflect on Your ways.
I will delight in Your decrees
And not forget Your word.
Psalm 119, Beth stanza

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Dear Mom,

hi friends.
I wanted to share with you a letter that my cousin Cindy wrote to her Mom. April marks a year since my Aunt experienced complete healing from Cancer, this healing resulted in her passing. Thank you to those who have prayed for my cousins (her children) and the entire family.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Lyrical Friday - More

Happy Friday!
I am thrilled to share with you today's song. About 9 years ago I purchased a Christian magazine and to my surprise there was a 5 song cd packed inside. More by Matthew West was the last of the five and since then it has rocked my world.

What makes the lyrics of this song so special is the one singing it. No, I don't mean Matthew West but God! Yes, this song is written as if it were God singing it to us. When ever I feel down or unfit for life I am reminded of this song. My prayer for you: That you would know the heart of God through these lyrics.
God bless you dear Friends.

More, Matthew West


Do not fear; 
Let not your hands be weak.
The LORD your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:16-17

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

to: All // from: Paul

For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.
Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible.


This is why it is said,
“Awake, O sleeper,
rise up from the dead,
and Christ will give you light.”
-Ephesians 5:8-14

Saturday, April 2, 2011

little princess

Yesterday was a wonderful day. My dear Mother, her best friend, my Aunt, her daughter (my cousin) and I went shopping together. Not only did I see beautiful jewelry, but I got to take a few pieces home. Yet the most valuable and treasured keepsake I have of this day is not a tangible jewel but a picture and a lesson.

My little cousin is 7 years old and is fitting of the title, "Little Princess". She is vibrant, smart, funny and like all little girls a lover of all things shiny, sparkling and pink! Every shop that we went to there was something that she liked. Whether it was pretty or tacky in our eyes, it was beautiful to her. She tried on countless bracelets and if given the opportunity she would have tried on every piece of jewelry in that entire Mart.

My Mother's best Friend has a heart of gold. She is a generous giver of her love, her friendship, her time, her talents and yes, her money too. And every shop we went to she wanted to buy a gift for someone, my little cousin being one of them. Indeed, she did buy her little girl sets and some adult jewelry for her to play dress up with. My little cousin learned rather quickly that if she wanted something all she had to do was make sure that our dear friend knew it. LOL I told you she is smart!

This morning the screen on my phone lit up and there was this picture of my little cousin and I. A huge smile came upon me as the Lord spoke to me, "You are my Little Princess. Talk to me, what is it that you want?"

So often, We get caught up in the distractions and affairs of this life that we forget that we are God's Little Princess' and He wants nothing more than to spoil us with His love, His goodness, His grace and His blessings. He has His best for you, for me!

You are God's Little Princess. Take Delight in YOUR God, YOUR King, YOUR Daddy! What matters to you, matters to God... so talk to Him. Tell Him what you lack. Tell Him what you want. Don't be afraid to ask for BIG things. God is greater than our dreams.God is greater than our disabilities and our infirmities; greater than failures and shortcomings. God is greater than our debt. God is greater than our insecurities. God is greater than our faithlessness. God is greater than that which we fear. God is greater than death. He is greater than the box we put Him in, He is limitless. And don't you ever forget that every good and perfect gift comes from our wonderful Father, so thank Him.

Childlike faith is what Jesus requires of us.
Like my little 7 year old cousin, let's look to God, the one whom is the giver of all good things, and humbly share with Him our dreams, our desires, our hopes, our petitions and thanksgiving.

Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

Friday, April 1, 2011

Lyrical Friday - Chain Breaker

Good Friday to YOU!
Very quickly, I forgot to share with all of you how much money we collected at UTH Nation for the 30 Hour Famine. Our goal as a youth group was $5,000. I would not believe the amount if someone told me. 42 kids and leaders raised over $11,000 for the hungry kids in Haiti!!! That's is over 11,000 meals. You read that number right. Thank you for praying and donating.  If you'd like to get involved with 30 Hour Famine and get your church group involved click HERE.

Carrying on with today, it's Lyrical Friday!!! So excited to share with you today's song by Charlie Hall. 'Chain Breaker' first caught my attention bu it's title. Chains represent being held captive, a stronghold, slavery and for those like me, it represents our past. Truly Jesus is our Chain Breaker, Heart Savior, Redeemer, Life Changer and Liberator.

I pray that these lyrics may be the song of your heart. I pray that you may know, with out a shadow of doubt, that as the redeemed of the Lord you have been set free. For who the Son sets free is free indeed (John 8:36). Drop your chains, sons and daughters. Come and run into liberty. Live as the redeemed of the Lord. Seek accountability, seek fellowship and sing freedom!

Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,
Bound in affliction and irons—
Because they rebelled against the words of God,
And despised the counsel of the Most High,
Therefore He brought down their heart with labor;
They fell down, and there was none to help.
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
And He saved them out of their distresses.
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
And broke their chains in pieces.
Psalm 107:10-14

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
Galatians 5:1


Chain Breaker, Charlie Hall

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