Safe

Once again, I was going to start this post with an apology for not posting in almost a year just like I did last April . . . but then I got thinking about how God just wants us to turn from our old ways and not waste time on apologies. So now, I turn back towards my worship of Him without fear of letting Him (and you) down.

During my hiatus from posting, I have gone through many trials and troubles. I have been brought down by stress, responsibilities, and countless worthless worries. I have also watched people that I love get brought down by things of this world. So this post is for all of us who are living in fear and regret.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV) Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

As a self-proclaimed control freak, I constantly struggle with letting go of my worries, my stress, my issues, and my faults. I think that if I just worked harder, I could fix everything on my own. To my dismay, I am proven wrong every single time.

God is the only one who is in control, the only one who can give me peace, the only one who can keep my life in control. The more I try to do things myself, the more gloriously I fail!

I pray that those of you struggling would just give up! No, not give up on yourselves, but give up trying to fix things on your own. God promises to keep us safe in his arms if we hand over the reigns completely to Him.  He doesn't say that it is easy or comfortable . . . He just tells us that it is necessary.  We need to turn to Him because He is there, He is strong, He is loving, and He is capable of doing everything we can't do!

Safe by Phil Wickham    To the one who's dreams are falling all apart and all you're left with is a tired and broken heart.  I can tell by your eyes, you think your on your own; but you're not alone.  Have you heard of the One who can calm the raging seas?  Give sight to the blind, pull the lame up to their feet?  With a love so strong and never let you go.  No, you're not alone.   You will be safe in His arms.  You will be safe in His arms.  'Cause the hands that hold the world are holding your heart.  This is the promise He made: He will be with You always.  When everything is falling apart, you will be safe in His arms.  Did you know that the voice that brings the dead to life is the very same voice that calls you now to rise?  So hear Him now, He's calling you home.  You will never be alone.  These are the hands that built the mountains, the hands that calm the seas.  These are the arms that hold the heavens, they are holding you and me.  These are hands that healed the leper, pulled the lame up to their feet.  These are the arms that were nailed to a cross to break our chains and set us free.

So will you rest in His arms?  Will you trust that you are safe there?  I'm the first to admit that it's not easy . . . but it's what we all NEED!

Everything

As I was flipping through the channels last week, I stopped on channel twenty three and American Idol was on.  A show that I haven't watched all year long; and yet, I found myself watching the first singer of the night.  He began his song and I realized that I recognized every single word.  It was a worship song that I've loved for years . . . and it was being sung on national television!

I know that God brought me to that channel that night.  I didn't watch any of the other contestants, I didn't watch any more of the episode at all, I just went to my computer and found the song to listen to.  The song then lead me straight here, to my blog.  A place I haven't visited in much too long.  Yet here I am: writing. 

Every time it happens, God's timing still surprises me.  He always gives us just what we need at the perfect moment to reveal Himself to us.  My life has been hectic lately to say the least.  And to be honest, I haven't made time to get right with Him.  Yet He still is ever-faithful.  He persistently calls out to me, pursues me. 

This year I've faced so many challenges.  I often found myself using the metaphor that "I'm drowning, just trying to keep my head above water."  I have faced pressures at work, conflict in my relationships, and a lack of patience at home.  It's like my wheels are turning, yet I'm getting nowhere. 

Still, no matter how crazy things get, how busy I feel, how desperate I am . . . He is there.  He extends me His hand at the exact moment I reach out for it. 

I barely recognized my need while God was already calling to me.  I know He's been calling me for a long time, He's known my needs and desires.  Even when I'm not willing to listen, He is calling for me to return to him. 

Isaiah 65:24 (NIV)  Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.

So...is God calling you today?  Is He reaching out to you?  Have you even stopped to listen?

Everything by Lifehouse   Find me here and speak to me.  I want to feel you, I need to hear you.  You are the light that's leading me to the place where I find peace again.  You are the strength that keeps me walking.  You are the hope that keeps me trusting.  You are the life to my soul.  You are my purpose; You're everything . . . You calm the storms and you give me rest.  You hold me in your hands; You won't let me fall.  You steal my heart and you take my breath away.  Would you take me in, take me deeper now?  And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?  Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?  Cause you're all I want, you're all I need.  You're everything, everything.

I don't know what you're going through, but I know that no matter what it is, He is there for you.  Just reach out and let Him hold you . . .

My Hope Is In You

As I sit down to write this blog entry, I realize that it has been almost exactly one year since my last post.  What in the world has happened? . . . LIFE!  Within the last year, I continued teaching, working on my Graduate Degree, and spending time being a devoted wife & aunt.  All to which I added the addition of becoming a coach.  My husband and I now coach the local high school ski team together and we're sure that God wants us to be reaching these kids.  On the flipside, such a great responsibility brings about countless hours of organization, reflection, stress, and busyness.

I'm not making excuses; in fact, I am admitting that nothing in life should be an excuse for growing distant from the Lord.  Unfortunately, this is exactly what I allowed to happen.  Another momentous event this year was that a close coworker of mine was diagnosed with inoperable cancer.  The news has devastated our school and community.

While many of us are struggling with the news of her diagnosis, she is a testament to God's grace in how she is handling the events.  Her faith, strength, and peace are admirable.  Upon reflecting, I realized that I need to rely on God as surely as my coworker is.  I was reminded of my need to put my hope in him.   

Psalm 91:2 (NIV) I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

This scripture verse is a reminder of how our trust, our faith, and our hope needs to be in God.  It can't be satisfied by being busy, being successful, building relationships, or anything else in this world.  Nothing in our lives can replace the sense of fulfillment that we receive from a strong relationship with Christ. 

He is our refuge.  He our sustainer and healer.  He is our Lord.

As I was reflecting about my dear coworker and sending off a card to her in the mail, I found this song on the internet.  It's funny how God can bring something to you at just the right time.  It has been playing nonstop on my laptop since I heard it. 

My Hope Is In You by Aaron Shust    I meet with You and my soul sings out as Your word throws doubt far away.  I sing to You and my heart cries, "Holy! Hallelujah!  Father, You're near!"  My hope is in You, Lord, all the day long.  I won't be shaken by drought or storm.  A peace that passes understanding is my song and I sing My hope is in You, Lord.  I wait for You and my soul finds rest.  In my selfishness, You show me grace.  I worship You and my heart cries, "Glory!  Hallelujah!  Father, You're here!"  My hope is in You, Lord, all the day long.  I won't be shaken by drought or storm.  A peace that passes understanding is my song and I sing My hope is in You, Lord.  I will wait on You.  You are my refuge.  My hope is in You, Lord. 

This song and scripture verse are testaments of our need to put all of our hope in Him.  When we give Him our all, He gives us a peace that we can't even comprehend.  Even though it's hard to remember when we are bombarded with all the distractions in our lives, it's the only way to survive.   

Everlasting God

Lately, I have been searching and wishing for a roadmap for my life.  I want to know where I'm going and exactly what is coming next for me.  Wouldn't it be great if we could be totally prepared for the journey? 

Well, we are completely prepared...when we put our trust in God.  See the sacrifice?  It's putting our trust in Him, not in ourselves. 
Even when things are busy and overwhelming, He is in control.  When things are frustrating, He is calm.  And when we can't do it anymore, He is there. 

Psalm 25:10 (NLT) The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep His covenant and obey his demands.

With all the craziness in my life, it is hard to put my faith in someone other than myself.  I try my best to get things done and to make things go the way I think that they should....but when is there time to sleep?  I can't do it on my own! 

I am in complete awe of the fact that God is always there and is in perfect control of this world.  He is in control of our jobs, our families, our fears, and our hearts.  We need to constantly remind ourselves to give Him our trust.  He is, after all, a truly faithful God. 
God is faithful through the storms and the sun, through the tears and the smiles, through whatever it is that you are facing right now.  He is Everlasting.

Everlasting God by New Life Worship     One thing I know that I have found, through all the troubles that surround: You are the Rock that never fails. You never fail. One thing I know that I believe, through every blessing I receive: You are the only One that stays. You always stay. You never change. You're still the same. You are the Everlasting God. You will remain after the day is gone and the things of earth have passed. Everlasting God. One thing I know that I have found, through all the troubles that surround: You are the Rock that never fails. You never fail. You never change. You're still the same. You are the Everlasting God. You will remain after the day is gone and the things of earth have passed. Everlasting God.

Take Over

Yet again, I struggled today with my control issues.  When am I going to figure this one out?  I really do want to let God control my life; but, tragically, my own control gets in the way.  As much as I know I need Him, I can't seem to give up the control.

Psalm 31:14-16 (NIV)   But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God."  My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.  Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. 

Today, I found God in a very humbling way. I was at a lunch meeting for an upcoming mission trip and I had brought a salad with homemade dressing (that is scrumptious, if I do say so myself!). To make a long story short, there was a mix up and my dressing couldn't be used. A silly mistake left me frustrated and in tears as I stood in the kitchen.

Was I seriously crying over salad dressing?  No, I was crying because I was not in control. I wasn't in control of the misunderstanding and I couldn't use my control to magically conjure up more dressing . . . I even lost control of my own emotions as I cried over the sink.

I went on to let that one instance determine my mood the rest of the afternoon. I could barely hold it together as every little frustration tore me up inside. After my tears spilled over once again, a friend sat down to talk with me about it. She reminded me that Satan loves to tear us down through our weaknesses. Satan knew that this tiny instance would ruin my day and he took advantage of that. But, as always, God was there to pick up the pieces.

On the drive home, I heard the song Take Over on the radio and it was just what I needed.  The lyrics matched my heart perfectly.  It was God's way of reaching out to me right where I had fallen.  The song picked me up and it became my honest and heartfelt prayer for today.

Take Over by Aaron Shust    I tried to run, I tried to fight You.  I'm done.  I'm giving up.  I've learned to trust You, Your love.  Now I'm singing: can You take over?  Take over. Can You take over me?  I've been here over and over again, here on my knees.  I'm only closer and closer to where I want to be when You take over.  Take over.  Can You take over me?  I tried before to let go and I just hold on more.  Amazing Lord, I need the strength to let go and be Yours.  So, now I'm singing: can You take over?  Take over.  Can You take over me?  I've been here over and over again, here on my knees.  I'm only closer and closer to where I want to be when You take over.  Take over.  Can You take over me?  I surrender all I have and I surrender all I am as I remember what You've done to set me free.

Let God pick you up today.  Even though you might feel like you have fallen too far from His reach.  Just give it all up.  Give up the worries, the stress, the control - give it all to Him.  He will take over everything, especially the things you have failed at.  Let Him pick you up and He promises to save you with His love. 

Everything Falls

This post is for every person out there who, like me, wants to control everything.  I think that's one reason that I became a teacher - I can be the little ruler of my kingdom in that classroom.  I like to have things in their place, I like to have order, I like to be in control of the things in my life. 

Lately, I have been really tested by things going on around me.  God keeps reminding me that I'm not the one in control.  As much as I want to be able to be in charge . . . God is the one who's ruling everything in this world.  Even silly things in my daily life that stress me out, He is in control of those, too. 

That realization gives me both relief . . . and terror.  On one hand, it is amazing to know that someone else is in charge.  Someone who knows all and sees all.  We are following such a steadfast Creator.  On the other hand, I wonder, "why do I even try to control the things in my life?  Do I worry and stress every day for nothing?"

John 16:31-33 (NIV)  "You believe at last!"  Jesus answered. "But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home.  You will leave me all alone.  Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.  I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world." 

The one thing that I am in control of is myself!  While I can't control the people and circumstances around me, I can control my own attitude and outlook.  I can focus my energy and strength on becoming closer to God - instead of becoming closer to success.  I can work on being patient - instead of worrying about deadlines or shortcomings.  No matter what craziness and chaos surrounds me, the one constant is the Creator of the universe who is by my side through it all. 

Everything Falls by Steve Fee  You said You'd never leave or forsake me.  You said this life is gonna shake me.  You said this world is gonna bring trouble on my soul.  This I know: when everything falls apart, Your arms hold me together.  When everything falls apart, You're the only hope for this heart.  When everything falls apart and my strength is gone, I find You mighty and strong.  You keep holding on.  When I see darkness all around me, when I see tragedy has found me, I still believe Your faithful arms will never let me go.  Sorrow will last for the night, but hope is rising with the sun, it's rising with the sun.  There will be storms in this life, but I know You have overcome, You have overcome. 

He is with you through it all. When everything falls apart around you, God is strong. You just need to remember to hold on to Him, to lean on Him, to hope in Him.

Always

We are constantly faced with circumstances that test our faith.  On of the most jarring of these is the loss of a family member.  Unfortunately, we all face this trial at some point in our lives; but it's particularly difficult when it comes unexpectedly.  My prayers go out to those who have lost someone close to them.

Isaiah 43:10 (NIV) "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.  Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. 

Even though it may feel like God is nowhere near you right now, have faith that He is right beside you. He is always with you. God has been there before this pain, He is with you now, and He will be there after the pain subsides. He never fails and He never leaves your side. Hold on to His promises to love and comfort you.

You may be crying out to God saying, "I need you.  Why did you leave me?  Why did you let this happen?" 

Things often seem unfair, but God has a larger plan.  One that we can't even begin to comprehend.  He knew long ago that you would be going through this pain and He's ready to hold you in His arms.  Hold on tightly to His promise and assurance that He will wrap his loving arms around you. 

This song is written from true stories of pain and loss. Let the words comfort you through your sorrow.  God is with you!

Always by Building 429   I was standing in the pour raining one dark November night, fighting off the bitter cold when she caught my eye.  Her face was torn and her eyes were filled.  Then to my surprise she pulled out a photograph and my heart just stopped inside.  She said "He would have been three today. I miss his smile, I miss his face."  What was I supposed to say?  But I believe always, always our Savior never fails.  Even when all hope is gone, God knows our pain and His promise remains.  He will be with you always.  He was living in a broken world dreaming of a home.  His heart was barely keeping pace when I found him all alone remembering the way he felt when his daddy said goodbye, fighting just to keep the tears and the anger locked inside.  He's barely holding on to faith, but deliverance is on its way.  'Cause I believe always, always our Savior never fails.  Even when all hope is gone, God knows our pain and His promise remains.  He will be with you always.  Friend, I don't know where you are and I don't know where you've been.  Maybe you're fighting for your life or just about to throw the towel in.  But if you're crying out for mercy, if there's no hope left at all, if you've given everything you've got and you're still about to fall - Well hold on!  He will be with you always.

Not only is God always there for you, He knows what you are feeling.  He knows what it feels like to be let down; we let Him down every day.  He knows what it is like to be lonely; we constantly turn away from Him.  And He knows what it's like to lose a loved one - after all, He graciously sent His son to die for you.  He gave up His loved one so that you could be His child today.

Desert Song

A friend of mine recently recommended this song to me and I haven't stopped humming it since.  Similar to the hardships I spoke of in my posting Stand in the Rain, this verse and song talk about how the struggles we face are meant to strengthen us.

I Peter 1:3-7 (NIV)  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. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

The visual picture in my mind from this verse is that of a refiner purifying gold over a burning flame.  The refiner in this picture is God and we are the gold: imperfect and flawed.  In order for God to truly strengthen us and purify our hearts for Him, He needs to put us through flames of trials.  The trials are hot, uncomfortable, and difficult; however, they are not more than we can withstand. 

Whatever struggles you are facing in your life, remember that God is with you through them.  Know that He may be using these struggles to strengthen your faith, show you glimpses of His mercy, or purify your life of imperfections that are weighing you down. 

These struggles are not things we look forward to; but, we need to have faith that God is allowing us to go through these trials with the purpose of strengthening us!  Just as gold is purified by fire - we are strengthened and purified by the trials that heat our lives.

Desert Song by Hillsong United   This is my prayer in the desert when all that's within me feels dry.  This is my prayer in my hunger and need.  My God is the God who provides.  This is my prayer in the fire and weakness or trial or pain.  There is a faith proved of more worth than gold.  So refine me, Lord, through the flame.  I will bring praise, I will bring praise.  No weapon forged against me shall remain.  I will rejoice, I will declare God is my victory and He is here.  This is my prayer in the battle when triumph is still on its way.  I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ.  So firm on His promise I stand.  All of my life, in every season, You are still God.  I have a reason to sing; I have a reason to worship.  This is my prayer in the harvest when favor and providence flow.  I know I'm filled to be empty again.  The seed I've received, I will sow. 

No matter what you are going through, God is right there.  He is with you through life's storms and battles.  And He will still be standing with you when the storms and battles are over.  He is with you through it all.  

Stand in the Rain

I wanted to start with a scripture and a song to uplift and strengthen you. 

Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV)    Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes . . . Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 

These verses are all about how to prepare for those trials that will come in your life.  We all have them: the rough days, the lonely times, the broken relationships.  God doesn't say that following Him will be easy; having a relationship with the Lord will not be the end of all your troubles.  He tells us that we will have troubles and that the world will test us.  Let's just be ready for that day.  We prepare by having a relationship with God: by reading His word, following His commandments, singing His praises.  We need to stand firm in our faith so that we will not be changed by our experiences.  We need to be ready to stay strong when the winds of the world test us.  We need to Stand in the Rain.  

Stand in the Rain by Superchick (chorus)  Stand in the rain; stand your ground.  Stand up when it's all crashing down.  Stand through the pain; you won't drown.  And one day what's lost will be found.  Stand in the rain.