I am so thankful today that no matter the circumstance, or season of life, in Jesus there is life. His sustaining grace and love will remain steadfast at all times.
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
There are so many thoughts winding their way through the corridors of my mind. Thoughts that are just waiting to be spilled across the keys and onto the page before me, but as I sit here in the silence of these early morning hours, with shadows of sorrow surrounding me as the impending passing of a loved one rests on the horizon of my future, I cannot seem to find the words with which to begin composing my thoughts.
As I listen to sound of silence,and feel the ache of sorrow in every beat of my heart, I am thankful that "love is just a call away".
The song I have to share today is an original song written by Lexi. I had the privilege of meeting both Lexi and her mom last weekend. It was truly a day that I will remember for the rest of my life!
I will have much more to share about my experience in another post. I am truly in awe of God, and I am so thankful for the gift of friendship that He has given me in Jill. If you have not yet found Jill's blog for yourself, I encourage you to follow the link and soak in God's love and truth through her transparent reflections of life walked out in faith. Her love for God, her passion for the truth, and her heart for others inspires me daily to a greater pursuit of becoming like Christ.
Lexi is truly beautiful from the inside out! Her heart and passion for the things of God is like nothing I have ever seen in someone so young. God has blessed Lexi with many incredible talents and she desires only to use each one for His glory. God‘s love and light radiate from deep within her and leave sa profound impact on the lives of everyone she meets.
Will you please join me in praying over Lexi` as she trusts God with the future that He has planned for her?Next weekend she will be recording her first CD. After that she will be finishing up high school and God only knows the plans He has for her future, but one thing is for sure,His plans for her are GOOD because her heart is set on pleasing Him!
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3
Friendship is one of Gods most precious and remarkable gifts. As I prepare this week to travel and be reunited with a close friend and to meet another whom I cherish and respect, I am so thankful for the gift of friendship and for the reminder that brings. The reminded that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
I pray that I will take on the mind and nature of Christ and that my friendships with others reflect Him.
That I am quick to listen and slow to speak.
That my words would be laces with grace and would be used as tools in the hand of God to build up the faith and life of another.
That I would go before the throne of grace often desiring not to lay burdens of my own down at His feet, but the cares and concerns of others.
I would rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
That the light of Christ shining from within me would light the path for the journey that someone else had been called to travel.
That the counsel I offer would be to seek first the will of God
Lord, help me to be a true and faithful friend that I might honor you!
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4
As it is in many parts of the country right now, the canvas of creation around me is covered in a thick wet blanket of white While do I enjoy gazing upon the natural beauty of snow lacing barren tree branches, and icicles dangling from overhangs, I must confess, I am more than ready to embrace the warmth of the sun on my skin, and behold the sight of fresh flowers in bloom, and birds taking flight.
As I have been eagerly awaiting the changing of seasons, not only in the physical world around me, but in life, God has been whispering through the chill in the air, and the restlessness of my spirit, "at the appointed time the season will change. But, until then there is reason to rejoice. There is a time for every purpose under heaven." Both in nature and in our lives, winter opens the door for new life to enter in. God is working all things together for good, and making all things new!
May I wait patiently on the Lord, and give thanks in every season that He gives!
An instant- that is all it takes for life to change forever. In an instant all that is familiar can be stripped away to great unknown. Such an instant occurred for me this week in a phone call I received form a friend. As her words of ill health fell piercingly on my ears a weight of apprehension, and deep sadness came to rest heavy on my heart.
Hanging up the phone, I sat in silent disbelief before God- unable to formulate a clear thought, and unable to pray. After several minutes God broke the silence, quilting my heart with His word; reminding me to be still and cling to Him. He showed me once again that even when it seems like my world has been turned upside down, and I am left feeling utterly alone, He is there. His word will remain constant no matter the circumstances that surround.
Though many unknowns linger on the horizon, I will anchor myself to His word that is my very life. His thoughts for you and me outnumber the grains of sand that cover all the earth’s shores. His love is unfailing, and His word is eternal. These are promises we can cling to.
All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever. 1 Peter 1 : 24-25
Here we are one week into New Year. As I look back on all that this first week has entailed my first thought is, “wow, this year has not started off anything like I hoped it would.” Already I have experienced enough physical pain and emotional heartache to last me the rest of the year.
Then I call to mind the prayer that I laid before God as 2010 drew to a close. A desire and prayer that my eyes and ears would be open to see and hear God more clearly, that I would rely on Him completely, and trust Him no matter what.
In light of this desire, I see that the year has begun exactly as I prayed that it would. As my physical strength has been depleted, my heart broken and my emotions left raw, my spirit has been made hungry for more of God- who has promises to be my strength and my portion forever.
My eyes have been seeking to see His righteous hand at work. My ears have been tuned to listen closely for His still small voice in everything around me, and in every interaction that I have with other Christians.
I have been left with nothing to rely on but Jesus. His love, His direction, His peace, His truth, and His strength, are the only things in life that can be trusted. In our deepest needs He meets us with the grace to see us through. He alone is faithful.
As life’s seasons change throughout this year, may we long for more of Jesus.
Other than scripture itself, nothing captures the beauty, depth and wonder of Christmas more than the carols that have been handed down from generation to generation- melodies that we hold deep in our hearts that remind us of the gift of love that came to earth as a baby born in a manger- that though His death and resurrection we might be reconciled to God for all eternally.
Who better to sing of that holy, silent night than Lexi. I pray you all have a wonderful Christmas. May this season be full of reminders that God is with us!
I was introduced to this song by a blog friend whom I deeply respect. She requested that a video be made for the song, so I decided to take her up on the challenge. In the process of making the video I had to play the song many times over to get the timing right with the pictures. The more the song played the more the lyrics sank deep into my heart. Now every time I hear this song I am reminded of who God is, and how deep His love runs for all of His children. He desires nothing from us but our hearts. He invites us to "come sit at His feet! Come drink from His cup! Feel His heartbeat! Hear Him breath!"-Jill Samter Everything we could ever long for is found in Him. He is standing with arms wide open ready to meet us. He is savior, provider, and friend! How can we do anything less than praise Him?
The lyrics resonated within me as they filled the quiet space around me. “Savior He can move mountains. My God is mighty to save.”
Here I sit facing moutains that are much too high for me to climb. Mountains of intense physical pain brought about by circumstances beyond my control. Mountains of deep longing, and grief- for loved ones and others who are walking though life enduring hardship and suffering without the comfort of a relationship with God through His son -a relationship that can truly bring hope and peace to the darkest, most painful, and hopeless situations.
As I gaze upon these mountains I am reminded that noting is too hard for Him!
He who:
Parted the red sea for two million Israelites,
Save Daniel from the Lion’s den,
And David from Goliath.
Turned water into wine,
And a greedy tax collector into a man of overwhelming generosity,
Fed 5000 people with 5 loves and 2 fish,
Walked on the water,
And raised Jesus from the dead.
He has all power to move the mountains in my life and yours.
With a whisper He can calm the raging sea.
With the touch of His had He opened the eyes of the blind, and set captives free.
He can soften the hardest of hearts,
And open the eyes of those who have been blinded by this world.
Those who have been held captive by religion can be set fee to an intimate relationship with Him.
It is not His will that any should perish, but for all to come to repentance. ( 2 Peter 1:9)
Truly, He is mighty to save!
“His love is heart changing, mind healing, soul soothing.”-Jill Samter
May we live in such a way that we reflect Him at all times- freely giving His compassion, mercy and love to all- encouraging one another, and praying fervently for the salvation of those who are living without Him today.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
I am so thankful that when everyone and everything else fail me, the Lord will NOT! His eyes are ever on me. He is in front of me, behind me, and on either side of me.
How comforting to know that no matter what we face, when our faith is grounded in a relationship Christ, we are safe. Our past, present, and future are held in the palms of His loving hands. He will meet us in the middle of every situation, and sustain us by His grace. "Life’s worst curve balls can produce God’s greatest glory. He wins, every time.-" Sara May this truth cause us to rejoice, no matter where we find ourselves today.
If you would, please read this post and pray for this little, boy who is about to embark on the fight of his life after having a critical surgery on Monday morning. Thank you for putting love in action and praying for this family!
Trusting In God's Love and Grace,
Melissa
PS. As some of you have noticed, I have changed the title of my blog. I am currently looking for a header/ template to better match the title. If you have any ideas as to where I might find one please leave a comment and let me know. Thank you for your help!
This is something that God spoke to my heart as I was reading a friend's blog tonight.
When you find yourself at a bend in the road, with trouble and uncertainty surrounding you, “Look up, not inwards, backwards, or down.”Jill Samter God is beside you. Lift your eyes toward Him and know that He has the power to deliver you form whatever it is you are up against. Even if your circumstances don’t change, your spirit can be set fee to sour if you will only believe Him. He will deliver you!
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 corinthians 4:8-9
This is a reminder that I needed today. May it minister to your heart as well. Whether you are standing on a mountain top, walking though a valley, sitting in God’s waiting room, or anywhere in between- He with you!
As I make my way though this weary world I take great comfort in knowing that in my weakest moments, when I am tired and just feel like I can’t take another step, God’s there to be my strength. He stands ready to lift me up, and supply my every need. How encouraging to know that. through, my brokenness His light can shine even brighter. When our lives are hidden in Christ, we become so much more than we could ever hope to be without Him. He is enough!
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20 NIV
Last week I shared with you the song Fallen Chains written by 16 year old Lexi. Here she is again with a beautiful acapela version of You Raise me Up. Enjoy!
The more dwell on the attributes of God the more I stand in complete awe of Him. His grace, mercy and everlasting love are truly indescribable! Their depth is unfathomable. As I look at my life and realize the vast number of mistakes I have made- how many times I have let the temporary pleasures of this word become my first love, have allowed my heart become filled with envy, or consumed with fear, etc. the more I realize how unworthy of Him I am. Yet, despite it all God remains faithful. He stands ready to embrace me (each of us) no matter how far I /we stray from the path that he has made. He is waiting for me to truly believe that He will break the chains that bind me so that I can live freely and abundantly in Him. Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!
This song was written by Lexi- an amazing 16 year old girl with a beautiful heart for the Lord. As I was reading though her blog today I came across this powerful analogy that she has written. I pray you will soak this in!
"Your life is like a song, playing the melodies of your past, present, and future. Your very own song started the day you were born and each day a new measure is added to it. Along the course of the song, there will be beautiful harmonies and enchanting music; but with the good, there will also be mistakes too. Your song may skip a few notes or mess up a chord because you struggled with the One who was writing your song. You wanted it written your way, and in the end it turned out awful. But just like you, your song is gently picked back up by the Composer and a new, more beautiful tune is then created, reminding you that even though you messed up, there is still hope and a new beginning. I want you all to remember that your life is a song…and that someday that song will be played in Heaven before our Savior. When you go about your day, don’t struggle with the One who is writing your story, your song…but instead rest in the music He is making with your life and be willing to sing it out LOUD, no matter who is listening. Your life is a song…sing it beautifully."I Pray that I will live worthy of His calling! That my life’s song will be pleasing to the audience of One!
Thank you God for your mercy! Thank you Lexi for your song, and your beautiful heart for Him! God bless you!
Only By God’s Grace,
Melissa
My heart is full as I come to share another song with you. So many thoughts flood my mind …
Earlier this year my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. Her disease has gotten progressively worse, and now it is only a short matter of time before she will close her eyes to this world to fully embrace eternity. Standing in this valley of shadows waiting for her inevitable passing,has been one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. This is just one of many valleys that I have walked though in recent weeks.
Life is a journey through which our feet pass though many different kinds of terrain. What peace is found in knowing that no matter the path that we trod, whether walking through a valley, standing on a mountain top, resting by a stream, or walking through the plains of ordinary life, we have a companion in Jesus.
In Jesus there is salvation- the forgiveness of sin. In Jesus there is freedom! In Jesus there is a safe place to fall. In Jesus our tears are counted and then wiped away. In Jesus there is reason for rejoicing. In Jesus there is LIFE! I invite you to come to Jesus.
Such comfort and peace is found in knowing that no matter where we are, where we have been, or what we are facing we can always find what we need most in a relationship with Jesus. When there is no other prayer that seems fitting we can always whisper,” Jesus I come”
Here we are once again right in the middle of “the most wonderful time of the year”. There are so many things that make this season special. The music, the decorations, the time spent with family and friends, the excitement of children as they make their list and check it twice- waiting expectantly, and with great anticipation for Christmas morning. Finally the calendar reads December 25th. The waiting is over. They can now unwrap the neatly packaged treasure that lay beneath the well trimmed tree, and enjoy their new gifts until their heart's content.
I am throughly enjoying all of the Christmas excitement this year. But, in the midst of it all, I can not help but think about all of the children who will wake up on Christmas morning, just like every other morning, of the year feeling alone and forgotten. Without a home or a family to call their own.
Daily they wait to be loved and accepted, but for them the waiting seams to have no end. As you go though this joyfilled time of year please commit to praying for orphaned and abandoned children around the world. Children like Vasile who have one Christmas wish this year. The wish to feel genuinely loved. (Please take a minute and read Vasile's story. He will touch your heart.)
It has been several weeks since I posted a song to my small little corner of the word wide web. So I have decided to take a minute to share a few thoughts and a song with you.
Over these last couple of weeks I have found myself rather overwhelmed as I continue to walk down life’s road with the challenges of Cerebral Palsy. Much is changing, and to be honest I have been struggling to stay on top of it all. More than that, I have been fighting fierce battles with discouragement and sadness. As childlike as it may sound, life just has not turned out as glamorous as I dreamed it would.
As I ponder my recent struggle with the disappointments of life, I realize that it is not God, or even this world that has changed. There have always been, and will always be, hardships in life. It is my perspective that has drifted form what I know to be true.
Whether I see it or not, God has a plan for my life. While it may not be the plan that I dreamed for my life God’s plans for me are best because His plans are for time and eternity. He crated me to tell His story, and he has given me a very unique and powerful tool to use in accomplishing that eternal purpose.
So while life can be challenging and it is often painful, I am abundantly thankful for His grace and, the ways that He has chosen to use me for His glory. I am not worthy of Him, but I pray that He will find me faithful to the end.
May my life be a bacon that the lost may be found.
Here is Britt Nicole.
On another note, if you are loking for some insperation for your days check out, and consider becoming a follower of http://esentialz.blogspot.com/
Greeting to you on this Easter weekend. I hope you all enjoy your time with family and friends as we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and savior, and consider what it means for us that HE LIVES. For me His life, and His presence in my life, helps me face all of my tomorrows and ensures that I have a place to call home in eternity.
I find the Internet to be pretty amazing in terms of the wealth of information that is just a mouse click away. Today, while searching for something I stumbled upon the inspirational music of Keri Jobe. Her song “I’m singing” became a fast favorite. As I listen I am drawn to the concept that no matter the tempest that tries to engulf me the gifts of comfort, grace, peace and salvation that our Lord provides are enough to keep me singing His name.
No matter what I may experience in this life I pray that I always find reason to delight in the Lord, and never stop singing His praise. He deserves all that I am and so much more. To here this beautiful song you can visit Keri’s myspace by clicking here.
May you find reason to sing to Him this week and forever.
