Words from Above and from My Heart

What It Means to be a Pregnancy Help Center Volunteer

2012-01-26T14:01:00.001-08:00

It means welcoming in real people with a warm smile andfriendly tone when they may live in a very cold and hateful world.

It means loving unconditionally when women are used toputting up walls, afraid of being judged.

It means speaking the truth in love, smiling inside as youhear words coming from your mouth, knowing the Holy Spirit is bringing themforth.

It means offering a tissue as a hard heart breaks from thelove and conviction of that Spirit.

It means sharing the truth even when it is hard becausemaybe nobody else will.

It means smiling as you see life on an ultrasound screen andthat first glimpse of a young mother’s love for her unborn child.

It means sometimes you really get through to them, andsometimes you really don’t feel like you did, but knowing that the Lord is incontrol and you never know what seeds you planted.

It means trusting God for divine appointment and praisingHim for keeping the doors open.

It means fellowship with Godly women, serving Jesustogether.

It means that someone who was once a stranger when seen intown now smiles warmly at you, feels connected to you, and shares with othershow you were the one that told them they were having their child now toddlingbeside Mommy.

It means doing something to make a difference for eternity,and that is A BIG DEAL!

Every Day for Christ

2012-01-26T13:56:00.000-08:00

I forgot to post my Christmas poem for 2011. Here it is:

Every Day for Christ

“Let’s keep Christ in Christmas”

Is often heard this time of year,

But let’s keep Christ in every day

In every hour of every day.

For if we truly believe that Jesus came

If it’s not just a story we tell,

Then our lives are changed

By His death on a cross.

Our hearts have been changed.

Our debts have been forgiven.

Christ Jesus has risen,

And for that we owe all.

We can live now in freedom,

No longer slaves to our sin.

Praise Jesus! Praise Jesus!

All praise is due to Christ!

So say “Merry Christmas”

And think of the manger,

But don’t stop there,

Think of the cross.

Think of the love.

Think of the gift.

Think of the empty grave.

And every day, keep it for Christ

And bring glory to His name.

May you have a very MerryChristmas and a new year

blessed with grace andpeace in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2011

My God is Big!

2011-09-23T12:56:00.001-07:00

Big, Big, Big, my God is Big!

And Good. He is so Good!

Even when everything seems to be falling apart,

He’s holding it together and working it for good

Because He is Good!

And Merciful! God isfull of mercy!

When things look really bad,

He gives mercy and shows how much He cares!

And full of Grace! Amazing Grace!

Oh, to think about what we deserve…

But He gives us grace. Wow!

And Holy. Holy, Holy,Holy!

Perfect and Pure and Holy!

And He calls us to be holy as He is holy!

And Powerful! There’s nothing beyond Him!

And All-knowing! There’s nothing that takes Him by surprise!

And Everywhere! He is everywhere and without the restraintsof time!

He is God! And thereis no other!

And He is Savior! Saving His people for His glory!

And then letting them be a part of more saving!

How cool is that? He makes us a part of His master plan!

Oh yeah, my God is Big! Praise Him!

Born Into Heaven

2011-08-19T17:38:00.000-07:00

Born into heaven

But made a difference on Earth.

Isn’t it amazing

How God works?

We hurt and we cry.

We mourn that he died,

But isn’t it amazing

How God works?

God knit him together

In His mother’s womb.

He made him special

So glory he’d bring.

Glory, glory,

It’s all for God’s glory.

Isn’t it amazing

How God works?

Joshua means

That God saves,

And He’s still in the saving business.

And by God’s grace

Joshua now brings Him praise

As he stands at the throne of the Savior.

And souls here on Earth

Are turned toward the Lord

All because of a baby.

Isn’t it amazing

How God works?

Praise You

2011-08-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

Praise You.
I will praise You.
When it all falls apart,
I will praise You.
Some days look
A lot better than others.
Some days feel
A lot nicer.
I like to see You
In the smiles and the laughter,
But sometimes You shine
Through the tears.
Let me see You.
Let me see You in this.
When it all falls apart,
Let me see You.
And I'll praise You.
I will praise You through this.
Please hold me so close
that I'll praise You.

Hope

2011-07-27T15:10:00.000-07:00

My Hope would be five now if born when expected, but my baby was born into Heaven instead.

The Hope known as Nadiya has made a place in my heart, but the day that we part is soon upon us.

But I am so filled with hope from my Savior called Jesus for He is my portion, He is my hope.

And He made me his mouth, arms, and feet this last month to share hope with a stranger, now sister in Christ.

Thank Jesus for hope. Thank Jesus for hope.

Not a day has to pass without hope in my life.

Prayer as we await the arrival of Nadiya

2011-06-20T07:46:00.001-07:00

Dear Father in Heaven, who loves me so dearly, who sent His own son to pay for my sin, dear Father, dear Savior, dear Sovereign Lord, You are awesome in power, holy and just. And You listen to me, a tiny little speck, as I come to You in prayer. This next week is going to have so much in store. I’m ready yet wondering so many things. Will she like us? Will we like her? Will we love her right away? Will she feel like my daughter if but for five weeks? Will we even be able to talk to each other? Will we see Your power mighty to break through barriers of language and culture? Will saying goodbye be the hardest thing I have ever done? I pray for her heart, Lord. I pray that You are already drawing her to You. I pray for Your Spirit to overwhelm us. I pray that you drown Tony and me in Your love that it will overflow to all of those around us. I am so excited to see You at work! Please bring Nadiya safely to us. Our hope is in You for what You have in store. How awesome that we get to be part of Your plan, not just watch as Your sovereign story unfolds, but be involved, feel You all around us as what You planned before the foundation of the earth plays out for all to see. I know it is all for Your glory, every moment in life, and I praise You because You are worthy of praise! May this trip be for her, to teach her of Your love, to show her true hope, to know she is wanted. May it be for my family, to show us more of Your love, more about hope, about wanting what You want, to show us what really matters in life, to focus on the eternal, to love with Your love, and to serve as unto You. May it also be for those around us, our friends and church family, may we be an example to care for the orphan, to open our homes to the strangers, to love the unwanted. Unwanted, it was hard to type that word, to imagine how many children are out there, unwanted by the world. This should not be! Oh, the joy that fills my soul to know that I was wanted by the Creator of all the world, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, so wanted that death of the innocent, pure, holy Prince was paid on my behalf. Oh Lord, continue to soften my heart for this group that are unwanted by the world but should never be unwanted by Your church. Again, may we want what You want, may we focus on the eternal. All praise is due You for our are the One and Only! Thank you for listening to my prayer and knowing my heart. Thank You for the mighty things You will do this summer in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

What are you thinking about?

2011-06-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

I can choose to think about the acts of a selfish will and the struggles to be in control…

Or the seven-year-old heart that desires not much more than to be close to his momma.

I can choose to think about the breakdowns, the screaming fits…

Or the sweet prayers throughout the day by my four-year-old daughter.

I can choose to think about the tantrums, the mischief…

Or the sweet looks from that face that echoes my husband and I like no other.

I can choose to spend all my time trying desperately to make my children good in the eyes of the world…

Or I can bask in the grace of my loving Savior, the only one ever good, and share His grace with them.

I can make lots of rules, demand perfection, and leave no room for mistakes…

Or I can think about my Savior as I teach my children to taste and see that He is good.

I can angrily feel defeated each and every day as I am powerless to do what only God can do…

Or I can live out the gospel as I discipline in love and share the joy of being a child of the King.

By His power I can choose to think about whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— anything that is excellent or praiseworthy—I can think about such things.

And I can praise Him for His goodness and His grace.

Waiting to meet you

2011-05-24T13:49:00.000-07:00

Waiting to meet you,

Longing to know you,

Wondering what God has in store.

Eager to hug you,

Ready to love you,

Wondering what God has in store.

And my Hope is in Him

As I think of you.

My hope lies in Him.

As I trust in Him for you.

~thinking of my host child, eager to see God work in her life.

Good Friday, Good Savior, Good God

2011-04-22T11:06:00.001-07:00

Good Friday, Good Savior, Good God:
The only hope for mankind.
For there is no one good but One,
And He took the place of many.
He suffered and died in our place
For the price for our sin to be paid.
Our good God could not let us free
Without the payment due.
We think of His wounds and His bruises.
We cry at the thought of His pain,
But do we realize the pain
Of all of God's wrath for our sin?
We cannot even imagine
What He took when He took on our sin.
He is God and He lowered Himself to man,
He took the place of wretched sinners,
And God laid on Him all our filth,
Our filth laid on God's perfect Son,
Our wretched sin placed on Him
That when God looks at us,
He sees His perfect Son.
Oh how He loves you and me.
We are His people,
Bought at a very high price.
He paid the price that was death,
But He didn't stay dead
For He's risen; praise God, He's alive!
And that is very good news.

~Has God revealed to you where you stand before Him? Has He saved your soul by taking your place? Praise God for His grace! If you have never repented (turned away from doing wrong and turned to God to save you from a life of sin) and believed (fully trusted your life to Jesus), cry to Him for forgiveness, ask Him to take over, thank Him for His indescribable gift.

When One of God's Goes Home

2011-02-17T07:32:00.000-08:00

Sickness is a part of life,
This fallen world we live in,
But Heaven's on the other side
Where everything is well,
So much more than well.

It's where we praise Jesus
It's where we fall at His feet.
It's where we'll always praise Jesus,
The greatest place to be.

One day I'll see Him face to face,
The one who died for me.
Oh how I long for that embrace,
The way it's supposed to be,
And for eternity.

It's where we praise Jesus
It's where we fall at His feet.
It's where we'll always praise Jesus,
The greatest place to be.

When one of God's goes home,
It's a time to rejoice.
When He calls His children home,
What a time of joy,
A time of endless joy.

It's where we praise Jesus
It's where we fall at His feet.
It's where we'll always praise Jesus,
The greatest place to be,
And for eternity,
Praise eternally.

Reflection on Philippians 1

2011-02-10T21:40:00.000-08:00

Yes, we are servants, slaves to the Christ.
He calls us saints, "Holy" is our cry.
Grace be to you, peace be to you.
Please pray for me, and I'll pray for you.
Together for this gospel of truth,
Let's stay united in all we do.
In everything, let us rejoice;
He has a plan, and it's for His glory.
Let us live our lives for Christ,
Make them count, do what's right.
Things might be hard, but don't lose hope
It's in His hands, yes, this we know.

Praise Him in That

2011-02-05T08:56:00.000-08:00

When all seems to be right,
And I just want to smile,
I will praise Him in that.
I will praise Him in that.
When I've had a bad day,
And it brings me to the Psalms,
I will praise Him in that.
I will praise Him in that.
When it's all so confusing
And I search the Holy Word,
I will praise Him in that.
I will praise Him in that.

In all things, however they seem,
Give praise to the Lord.
Yes, praise His Holy Name.

When the pictures jump out
In the that old precious Book,
I will praise Him in that.
I will praise Him in that.
As He shows me His love
Eternal and true,
I will praise Him in that.
I will praise Him in that.
When I just can't make sense
And I see how big He is,
I will praise Him in that.
I will praise Him in that.

In all things, however they seem,
Give praise to the Lord.
Yes, praise His Holy Name.

As I care for my home,
Cook and clean and again,
I will praise Him in that.
I will praise Him in that.
As I hold a dear child,
Run my hands through their hair,
I will praise Him in that.
I will praise Him in that.
As I ponder the blessings,
What He gave and He took,
I will praise Him in that.
I will praise Him in that.

In all things, however they seem,
Give praise to the Lord.
Yes, praise His Holy Name.
Praise Him in that, yes everything.

~This started coming to me this morning as I was doing the dishes, praising him in that. I had to stop and write this. May He open your eyes to everything being for His glory. That is worthy of praise!

Set Us Ablaze

2011-01-10T18:53:00.000-08:00

Send down Your fire.

Set us abraze.

We stand before You,

An offering of praise.

Teach us to walk

In all of Your ways.

Oh Holy Father,

Set us abraze.

Ablaze, ablaze
Let our fire burn for You.
Ablaze, ablaze,
Light our world for You.

Consume us with Your glory.

Knock us to our knees.

Send down Your fire

And set us ablaze.

Bring coals from Your altar.

Take our sin away.

Here we are Lord.

Send us out ablaze.

Ablaze, ablaze.
Let us burn for You.
Ablaze, ablaze
Light our world for You.
Ablaze, ablaze.
Let us burn for You.
Ablaze, ablaze
Light our world for You.
Yes, Light our world for You.
Light our world for You.

~After an hour of prayer with my church family, desiring for our church to be set ablaze. Referring to Lev. 9:24 and Isa. 6:6-8 specifically.

Life Is Precious

2011-01-10T09:28:00.001-08:00

Life is so precious.

Life is truly a gift.

We walk around so caually

Forgetting this simple truth.

Thank you, Lord, for life.

Thank you for my breath,

For giving me a purpose,

For giving my life worth.

Thank you for my children,

Those born and the one taken home,

Thank you for my husband

Who loves me oh so much.

Thank you, Lord, for family,

For generations of saints.

Thank you for friends who love You,

For placing them in my life.

Yes, life is so precious.

It truly is a gift.

Please help me not take it for granted

As I take my every breath.

May each breath that I breathe

Be worship unto You,

May I see the gift all around me,

May I love because You do.

Christmas 2010

2011-01-09T19:03:00.000-08:00

Holy God, Holy King,

Awesome in power, awesome in strength,

Chose to make you, chose to make me

And before we could love him

Before our eyes could see,

He chose to love us

Unconditionally.

There was nothing worthy in us

That He might choose us for His own,

But with mercy and grace

He sent His one and only son.

He lived and he died

That we might truly live.

He led the way, paid the price,

Conquered death, and brought peace.

This Christmas let's focus on living our lives

For our great God and Savior,

For the glory of Jesus Christ.

Think About It (Christmas 2009)

2011-01-09T19:01:00.000-08:00

Do we think, think about it?

Do we really think about it?

We think about the baby,

The shepherds, and the star.

We think about the manger

And the wise men from afar,

But do we think, think about it?

Do we really think about it?

God sent His son

As a sacrifice for us:

Holy God from heaven

Sent down to the earth,

Born humbly in a stable

Among the animals and dirt,

Holy God from heaven

Just a tiny babe,

Helpless on His own,

Yet fully God He came.

Do we think, think about it?

Do we really think about it?

When we think about the baby,

Do we see His sovereign plan?

Do our minds stay at the baby,

Or do we look upon our sin?

Do we linger at the manger,

Or do we see Him hanging there,

No longer at the stable,

But on the cross our sin to bear?

When we think about the baby,

Do we love our Risen Lord?

Do we think, think about it?

Do we really think about it?

When we think about the baby,

Let’s think about His life.

He taught us how to live.

He taught us how to love.

When we think about the manger,

Let’s think about the cross.

He died that we might live.

He died that we might love.

When we think about the stable,

Let’s think about the tomb.

He rose that we might live.

He rose that we might love.

Stop and think, think about it.

Stop and really think about it.

A New Year: 2011

2011-01-01T13:30:00.000-08:00

Another year, another day,
Another chance to love,
To love the Lord who gave me life,
To love the life He gave,
To start each day with Him
And end each day the same,
To share His love with all around,
To bring glory to His name,
To serve Him in the big things
And in all the little things,
To do as unto the Lord,
To remember the least of these,
To see beauty in the ordinary,
To find Him all around me,
To seek the fruit His given,
To live a fruitful life,
To seek holiness and nothing less,
To run the race before me,
To keep my eyes on Jesus,
Yes, to keep my eyes on Him.

Mammy Cardwell

2010-12-12T18:09:00.000-08:00

Living in a small town

Everyone wants to know who you are,

"I'm Maxine Cardwell's granddaughter,"

Is what I've often said.

For most everybody's known her,

Been touched by her some way.

And everyone that's known her

Has something nice to say,

But she's not just someone I knew,

A teacher I once had,

She's my daddy's mother.

She's my Mammy Cardwell.

Mammy liked to watch us play.

She loved to see us learn.

She held us and she rocked us.

She read to us and taught us.

She let us just be kids.

She watched us grow and have our own.

We moved from fairy tales to deep talks about God.

From kid stuff to real adult conversation.

She loved us, how she loved us all

With a genuine love from the Lord

For she did unto the least of these.

She cared so very much.

She a life that's touched so many

A life that's part of us.

And there's no doubt in my mind

The words He has for her:

Well done, well done
My good and faithful servant.
Well done. Well done.

So now the legacy is ours

She left it for us to continue

That our children and grandchildren

Might be proud to claim us

When someone wants to know who they are.

~Maxine Cardwell October 24, 1921-December 12, 2010~

Prayer of Praise to the Sovereign Lord

2010-09-23T22:05:00.000-07:00

Sovereign Lord, my Father, my King, You are God, and there truly is no other. You are the Creator of everything. By Your mighty words all that is came to be. The creation cries out, "You are God!" Holy, holy, You are holy. You are perfect and wise, and Your ways are so high. You'll never get better, and You'll never get worse. You change not because You are God. You are never unjust, but You're so full of mercy. Your grace is amazing. It truly is humbling. You never do evil. You always do good for You're righteous and loving. You're gentle yet strong. From your Spirit flows joy, loving kindness, and peace. Your faithful and patient. You've always been. You know all and see all. It's all in Your hands. Nothing can thwart any part of Your plan so the victory's certain. The battle's already won. I praise My God, my Savior, my Everything. Holy, holy, holy You are. The whole earth is full of Your glory. You gave me breath, gave me life everlasting. You gave me a heart that I could love You. You gave me Your word to teach me and mold me, Your truth in my hands that I might live for Your glory. I love it. I do. Thank you God for Your Word. Thank you for time in Your presence, for speaking to me. Thank you for prayer, this time I come to You. I come in Your presence, I am here with the King. You're glorious and awesome, and You welcome me to You. Through Christ I come into Your presence and live. I come into Your presence and Your glory floods me. Who am I to come before the King? I am Your child. You birthed me and chose me; I'm doubly Yours. You made me and loved me for nothing within me. You loved me, me, and I now I love You. Your grace is irresitable; it's priceless, it's perfect. Praise You. Praise You. May my life only praise You. Take all that I am. Make it all be for You. Empty me of this world. Point me only to You. I want to live my life not for me but for You.

He Wants to Steal Our Joy

2010-07-19T13:09:00.000-07:00

The enemy is liar.
The enemy is a thief.
He keep you from the truth
For he wants to steal your joy.
He tells you that you're miserable
That your life is not worth loving.
He steals away your hope
So that your faith will be lost.
He draws you to ponder the negative
So that the good gets pushed aside.
He steals away your time
So that you won't feed from the Word.
He keeps a record of wrong
And keeps shoving it in your face
For if he can keep you from loving
He can keep you from joy.

The Savior is the answer,
The Savior, full of grace.
He leads us to all truth
For he wants to give us joy.
He tells us how He loves us
How life is all for His glory.
He offers us His hope
So that we might have faith.
He calls us to think on the lovely
So that the bad gets pushed aside.
He longs to spend time with us
So that He might teach from His Word.
He keeps no record of wrong
And His grace is ever before us
For if we're mindful of His love
We'll be filled with His great joy.

~After seeing the sad state of so many who live without joy. The accuser has no place in our lives. We are covered by Christ's atoning blood. May we look to Him for deliverance from this enemy that we might have our joy that belongs to us as children of God.

Closer

2010-06-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

What a priveledge to come before the King!

What an honor to be Your child!

Why am I hesitant?

Why don't I run near?

Oh, I chat with You throughout the day,

But to be intimate, alone, go deep...

To really enter the Holy of Holies...

Oh I'm fearful I think,

Comfortable to pray here and there,

But I know that there's more,

I'm invited to go closer.

Sure I read Your Word.

I hear You speak to me.

I learn and I'm filled with Your joy.

I'm in awe of You, and I know...

Closer... closer is better

But YOU ARE GOD, and I'm just a girl,

Fragile and human, not holy like You.

You call me to be holy...

You want me to learn from You...

I must go closer to be more like You.

Closer...

Okay Lord, I'm scared but willing to go

Closer...

Hoarding

2010-06-23T11:44:00.000-07:00

I've been stacking it up,

Storing it here

So glad to have gotten it,

But forgotten to share.

The Word's what I speak of,

The Word of God.

Yes, I've been hoarding

The Word of God.

See, I read and learn,

Thank God for His truth,

Then I throw it aside,

Move on and forget,

Well, it's not forgotten,

I still have up there,

But I forget to be sharing

Like I'm stuck in myself.

I take all it in,

But what good is it here

If I stack it, hoard it,

Like it's nothing to share.

Lord, help me to never stop

Receiving your Word,

But I pray that You use me

To share what I learn

That I may not hoard these truths

That You give me,

But share every morsel

Then receive more to give.

~after a conversation with a dear friend on how we consume God's Word but fail to share it.

New Journey

2010-05-04T08:35:00.000-07:00

A new journey's ahead,
So exciting yet frightening,
Leaving so much behind,
Not knowing what to expect,
But You Lord are Sovereign,
And we heard Your call.
You have plans for these people.
You have plans for us all.
Thank You for sending us
To live as Your servants,
To do work for the Kingdom,
Work that will matter.
When sadness comes on us,
When fear tries to take hold,
Please hold us and tell us
You're still in control.
Remind us of Your plan.
Turn us toward the goal.
Turn our sorrow to joy.
Cast our fear out with love.
May the prayers of our loved ones
Lift us up to your throne,
Where it's all for Your glory,
Where the battle will be won,
Where one day every knee will bow
and every tongue will confess
That Jesus Christ is Lord.

~for my friends going on mission

I Love Them

2010-04-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

They can be wild and crazy,

But I love them.

Sometimes we just need some peace and quiet.

Oh, but I love them.

Sometimes they just need to slow down,

So I can love on them.

There are times they just won't listen.

I still love them.

They are growing and changing,

And I love watching them.

When they trust me and look up to me,

Yes, I love that.

They might make me angry or make me sad,

But I will always love them.

They are my children,

And I love them.

From a parent's perspective: Me and my kids or the Father and His children.

Live My Life for You

2010-03-22T13:30:00.000-07:00

Let me look to You alone

To find my strength in You.

Let me live for You alone

To live my life for You.

May it be a life of love.

May I be a witness for You.

May the footprints that I leave behind

Bear the name of Christ.

I want to bring You glory.

I want to praise Your name.

I want to love you more.

I need to love you more.

Kindle the fire within me

That I might burn for You

That I might shine Your light

As I live this life for You.

Papa Byrd

2010-03-10T10:40:00.000-08:00

Papa loved his babies,

Both big and small.

And there was something about his arms,

Strong and comforting.

Of course the top of his head

Was the perfect place for a kiss.

And that old comb-over

Great for granddaughters playing beauty shop.

He had a great smile,

A little mischievious,

And his eyes

Were so full of love.

In his voice there was strength

It was deep and sweet.

He loved to sing about heaven,

Sweet Beulah Land,

Steppin' on the clouds

And getting new hands.

Now it's come to pass

Some glad morning's come.

Hallelujah by and by.

Oh, what a flight.

~for my Papa - Wayne L. Byrd 5/12/26-3/5/10

Rejoice

2009-12-17T08:30:00.000-08:00

Rejoice in the Lord always?
Always, really? always?
Again you say rejoice?
Always, really? always?
But life is hard;
Life can really hurt.
Rejoice in the Lord always?
Okay, let's think about this.
Life is all about the Lord.
Life is not about me.
If I look to the Lord alone,
The problems fade somehow.
Of course they don't just go away;
It is a fallen world.
Some days are harder than others.
Some get more, some less,
But still the Lord is bigger
Than anything we face.
Do we really love our Lord?
Do we really long for Him?
If we look back at the cross,
If we look ahead to heaven,
Then we might start rejoicing
For we know we are forgiven.
We know we have a Savior.
He suffered and he died.
There was nothing wrong He did,
But He died for my sin.
Rejoice in the Lord always?
Again you say rejoice?
Oh, may I always praise my Lord
Who gave His life for me.
He gave me joy that I might live
To glorify just Him.
Forgive me, Lord, for lack of faith
That keeps me from rejoicing.
Help me, Lord, to walk with you
And rejoice in you always.

Spirit Led at 34 months

2009-09-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

We took the kids out for dinner at a restaurant last Saturday evening with my grandfather and two aunts and my sister. Before we went in, we reminded them to stay in their chairs and be quiet. Luke did great. Lydia, not so much. When we returned to the car after dinner, I thanked Luke for his good behavior. He asked what his prize was. I told him that he did not need a prize for obeying, but that his obeying glorified God. Lydia asked Luke if he obeyed God, seeming happy for him that he did. She then solemnly said, "I didn't obey God." I told her I knew. She said it again and said that God was sad. Seeing that she was really concerned, I said, "You can ask God to forgive you." She softly and seriously bowed her head, and prayed, "God, forgive you me. I love you, God. I love you. I will be better next year when we go there." I was deeply moved and thought that I should write this. I believe that the Holy Spirit touched that almost three-year-old heart in a special way. May we also go to the Father for forgiveness and not forget to tell Him how we love Him.

Prayer for Unborn Child

2009-09-27T19:04:00.000-07:00

You made this life inside me
To glorify Your name,
To praise You for Your holiness,
To love You for Your grace.

Life is so uncertain,
And I want to pray Your will
So what is my cry for this child,
The longing of my heart?

Oh, sin is here already.
We are a fallen world.
I pray for Your own righteousness
To clothe my precious child.

Oh, may this child be Your child
To glorify Your name,
To praise You for Your holiness,
To love You for Your grace.

~thinking of my pregnant friends and family members and looking back on my prayer for my children during my pregnancies

For Papa

2009-09-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

His battle is over.
The victory’s won:
No more suffering now,
Only praise to the King.

He fought a good fight,
A legacy did leave,
Generations he touched
With the lessons he taught.

He worked hard, and he served;
His family, he loved.
His church and his town,
They all knew his name.

So since the battle’s been won,
Now it’s time to praise
The Leader, the King,
Our LORD who does save.

Papa’s praising him now.
Let us join him in song.
Let’s sing, “Holy, Holy”
To the one on the throne.

Let’s wipe our tears
And turn our hearts towards heaven
For the Savior’s due glory.
Let’s bring it to Him.

As we walk on this earth,
Let’s not forget
To walk looking to Him
That truly we’ll live.

~H.T. Cardwell, Jr. (July 15, 1920 - August 31, 2009)

Sing Alleluia

2009-09-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

Worship the King.
Bring praise to the LORD.
Sing alleluia.
Love and adore.

Alleluia.
Alleluia.
Alleluia.
Alleluia.

He's Savior, Redeemer,
Creator of All,
Counselor, Great One.
Sing alleluia.

Alleluia.
Alleluia.
Alleluia.
Alleluia.

Jesus was pierced,
Hung on a cross,
Suffered and died
For His sheep who were lost.

Alleluia.
Alleluia.
Alleluia.
Alleluia.

Now He's alive.
Bring praise to His name.
Sing alleluia.
Christ Jesus does reign.

Alleluia.
Alleluia.
Alleluia.
Alleluia.

Rest in the Mess

2009-08-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

Life can get messy.
So much can go wrong,
But God is still God.
He remains strong.
He calls to the weary.
He calls the burdened to Him.
In God we find rest.
In Him a new load,
One that’s much lighter
For He carries it with us,
One that brings rest,
Sweet rest for our souls.
He offers us His yoke.
Learn with Him in control.
He’ll teach us to be humble
And gentle like Him.
If we'll serve Him each day,
Get off our own thrones,
Then this life, through messy
Can bring glory to Him.
And if we look through the mess,
We’ll find He is right there,
Holding on to us daily.
Let us find Him in prayer.
Hold nothing back,
Bring it all to His feet,
But don’t stop at that,
Praise His name for His greatness.
Read His word each day
And walk His walk with our lives,
And praise Him, O praise Him
As we walk through the mess.

~reflection on Matt. 11:28-30 and life right now

Take It To The Lord

2009-08-03T13:50:00.000-07:00

Our minds keep on racing.
Can’t seem to slow down.
We all have our troubles,
The cares of this world.
So what’s one to do?
We can’t take any more.
What’s one to do
With all the stuff we bear?

Take it to the Lord.
Take it to the Lord.
Give it to Him.
Give it to Him.
Take it to the Lord.
Take it to the Lord.
He can handle it.
He can handle it.
Why do we try
To do it on our own
When we know
That he’s near?
Take it to the Lord.
Take it to the Lord.
The one who cares
He’ll carry your cares.

We feel weighed down
With all our worries,
But He can bring peace.
Just give it to Him.
One day at a time,
Let’s live for His glory.
It’s all in His hands.
Let’s trust and obey.

Take it to the Lord.
Take it to the Lord.
Give it to Him.
Give it to Him.
Take it to the Lord.
Take it to the Lord.
He can handle it.
He can handle it.
Why do we try
To do it on our own
When we know
That he’s near?
Take it to the Lord.
Take it to the Lord.
The one who cares
He’ll carry your cares.

Hope would turn three now

2009-07-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

Hope would turn three now if still here on earth,
But where Hope is now, the days are not numbered.
With each day that passes, there’s still infinitely more,
Eternity left to spend praising the Lord.
I love life on earth; don’t get me wrong,
But part of me longs to find what Hope’s found.
There’s no suffering, no pain, no sin, and no shame,
Just glory to God, true love all around.
The Lord gives and He takes;
It’s all His after all.
We’re blessed with four children; three here with us.
Blessed be the day we all praise God together.
Today as I think of a birthday that never came,
I thank God for a life, that I’ll never be the same.
He used Hope to teach me about love, life, and loss,
About His perfect timing, about healing and hope.
But Hope’s still a person, one with a soul,
Who now praises God, from the lips of my child.
Thank you , Father, for my Baby Hope,
No longer a baby, but a child of the King.

~My Baby Hope was due to be born on earth July 27, 2006. Hope was born into heaven December 2005.

Worship in Spirit and Truth

2009-07-22T12:07:00.001-07:00

Worship in spirit;
Now what does that mean?
Worship in truth;
Let’s not put on a front.
So there’s no special place
That I have to go.
I can worship right here.
I can worship anywhere.
As long as its true,
Not just going through motions,
Then my worship can happen
Wherever I am.
So what does it mean
To worship my Lord?
Is it something I feel,
Something special I do?
Please teach me, O Lord
To bring worship to You,
Worship to honor
My Holy God.
Do I worship You
As I serve my family?
Do I worship You
As I read Your word?
Do I worship You
When I’m speaking to others?
Do I worship You
As I come forth in prayer?
Worship, worship,
What does it mean?
Is my singing true worship,
Or is it just empty words?
As I listen sermons,
Do I worship You then?
Help me to focus
Every thought upon You
That my life might be worship,
A song unto You.
Do I esteem You
Before every other?
Is my devotion all Yours,
Or is it all about me?
Help me to die to myself
That I might live,
Live to Your glory,
Live to worship You.

GODLY WIFE

2009-07-22T12:06:00.000-07:00

God calls for us to be holy, (1 Peter 1:16)
Obeying the Word each day, (1 John 5:1-3)
Desiring to bring Him glory, (1 Chronicles 16:29)
Living for Him, not ourselves, (Galatians 2:20)
Yearning to know Him more. (2 Peter 3:18)

We’ve been united by God with our husbands, (Mark 10:9)
Instructed to pay them respect, (Ephesians 5:33)
Faithfully to serve our dear families, (Proverbs 31:27-28)
Every day as unto the Lord. (Colossians 3:17)

Dry Spell

2009-07-22T12:03:00.001-07:00

My mouth is dry,
Yet I hardly reach to drink.
I've eaten little,
Yet I hardly reach to eat.
Why oh body?
Where's my thirst?
Where's my unger
For God's word?
Why don't I thirst
For righteousness?
Where's my hunger
For His truth?
Lord, make me thirst.
Make me hunger for You.
Please bring me to draw
From Your living water,
To come
To dine with You.
May I not be complacent.
May I not be lazy.
May I return to the joy
Only found in You.

for Amy

2009-06-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

Praying for peace in the chaos,
Waiting for rest in the storm;
Looking for wisdom and answers,
Wondering what lies ahead;
Knowing each day was part of His plan,
Holding on to hope for He’s given us faith;
Wearing thin just taking it all in,
Being refreshed once again as we pray;
Longing for more, but not sure what that means,
Resting in Him, knowing He’s still in control’
And living, just living for life is a gift;
To Him be the glory for whatever may come.

~May God bless you during this time as you search for answers. May you know He's holding onto you and know the peace that only comes through Him.
Love, Emily

The Gift

2009-05-11T20:21:00.001-07:00

They were some of the hardest days of my life, to wonder if my baby girl would live. I look back and see the gift. Of course my daughter was a wonderful gift, but along the way the Lord gave me another gift, though at the time it was hard to see. I thank God for that gift.

I remember asking for the possible diagnosis.
I remember the small sheet of paper with the words achondroplasia and Trisomy 18. The third possibility was that it was nothing. The fourth was that it was something really rare; this was unlikely.
I remember hurrying home to look these up online.
I remember regretting that.
I remember each week as the doctor leaned towards Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome).
I remember longing to have a daughter with dwarfism.
I remember not wanting to buy baby clothes, not wanting to set a date for my baby shower.
I remember a friend telling me not to be negative because that was not like me.
I remember searching for children with Trisomy 18 that lived.
I remember finding only a handful.
I remember wanting my child to live but not wanting to be disappointed.
I remember praying for God’s will.
I remember praying that no matter what happened that God would be glorified through her life, however that might be.
I remember the needle.
I remember holding my breath as I watched them take the sample from by growing belly.
I remember the wait.
I remember the support from friends and family.
I remember all the prayers lifted on our behalf.
I remember the first call: no achondroplasia.
I remember the way that my heart sank.
I remember more waiting.
I remember the second call: Turner Syndrome.
I remember knowing it was going to be okay.
I remember knowing that my daughter would live.
I remember wanting her out so badly because maybe I didn’t know if she would live.
I remember her birth.
I remember how perfect she was.
I remember thinking the doctors were idiots for not knowing it was Turner’s not Edwards‘.
Now I know it was a gift.
To wonder if my daughter would live, to know it could be so much worse, perspective: it was a gift.
I will not wonder why for I know it was a gift that I will forever be grateful to have.
Thank you, Lord, for that gift.

Baby Dedication

2009-05-04T19:50:00.000-07:00

Dedicated to You , O Lord,
We bring our children to You,
We know they’re yours already,
Entrusted to us on this earth,
And we thank You for each life,
You’ve placed into our arms,
We come as brothers and sisters,
Devoted to You alone,
To guide us on this journey,
To lead them to Your truth,
Please draw each one to You,
That they may know Your love,
That they may know Your plan for them,
That they may walk with You,
Teach us, Lord, to teach them,
Love us, Lord, to love them,
Guide us, Lord, to guide them,
That they might call You Lord

Stop to Talk

2009-04-20T21:31:00.000-07:00

Me, O Lord, You call to me?
Come near to You to talk with You?
Not now, but later; I'm busy now.
Oh, not quite yet; I'll get there soon.
One more thing, Lord, then we'll talk.
Oh, I'm so tired; I better sleep.
A new day's coming with lots to do,
And that day passes with stress throughout.
Another comes but with no peace.
The joy is gone, but life keeps going.
If only I'd stop, just stop to rest,
Rest in my Lord where I'll find strength,
Where I'll find joy and peace anew.
So when He calls; it's time to stop.
The world will wait, but I should not.
I should seek Him all day long,
Throughout the chaos, while work is done,
Talk with Him as I do my tasks,
Do all for Him, His glory to show,
And stop, sometimes, just stop to talk.

Home to Heaven

2009-04-19T15:13:00.000-07:00

Home to heaven,
Home to Jesus,
Home to freedom
From this flesh.

Praise God for life,
Both long and short.
Praise God for life,
Birth and rebirth.

God, who makes
Not one mistake.
God, who’s children
He makes whole.

Mourn, we will
For earthly loss.
Rejoice, we will
For heavenly gain.

Thanks be to God
For Matt’s sweet life.
Thanks be to God
For lives Matt touched.

Baby Matt Closer to Heaven

2009-04-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

Check his blog for an update on Baby Matt http://prayformatt.blogspot.com/.

He is getting so close to seeing Jesus. Praise God for his short life that has and will have more good impact on this world than many who live what the world might call a "full life." When Matt passes, he will have lived a "full life," not measured in years, but measured by Jesus, a life that glorified the Father, that shared the gospel. Matt will soon meet Jesus, and someday I believe he will meet the people that met Jesus because of his story. Praise God for Matt. Praise God that we might live for His glory. Praise God for Matt's early family and friends. Oh Lord, surround them with Your love, comfort, and peace as they have surrounded Matt these past few months.

I look forward to the day when I will praise Jesus with Matt. Oh, He is so close to truly praising Jesus, right there, face to face! When he passes, may many mourn the loss of this sweet soul, but may we not forget to celebrate his passing into Glory and long to see Jesus ourselves. Oh, he will soon behold His glory!

Baby Matt and God's Grace

2009-04-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

As I prayed for Baby Matt last night and the wonderful family who brought him in to be their son, I thought about adoption, about God’s adoption of us. I love how the Lord gives us pictures so that we might better understand His grace. He is good. He is so good!

Baby Matt was not the baby everyone was fighting over to take home. He was not the baby that would make any mother so proud as he accomplished milestone after milestone. He was not the baby that would make his father beam as he babbled, “dada.” No, he was broken. He came into this world broken. He doesn’t know he’s broken, but it is sadly true. He is dying and short of a miracle, he will die at a very young age. This wonderful family brought him into their home even though he was broken. They have other children, alive and well, able to smile and laugh, able to say, “Mama, Daddy, I love you,“ able to look up to their parents, to want to grow up to be like them. They brought Matt into their home simply to love, not for anything they would receive in return, just because they chose to love him in spite of his condition.

So how does that relate to you and me? Well, we are Matt. We came into this world broken. We didn’t know we were broken, but it is sadly true. Our situation was not good because we were born with a sinful nature. Our desire was to please ourselves, not our creator and God. We didn’t even know Him. We couldn’t even call His name. We surely couldn’t love Him. We had nothing in us to make God want us. He is God. He has angels to shout His praises, to tell of His glory. If He commands even the rocks can cry out to Him. He doesn’t need us, broken creatures that we are. Yet, He chose us, not because He had to but because He wanted to chose us. He brought us into His family as children, not for anything we could offer Him (He is God and needs nothing.), just because He chose to love us in spite of our condition. Grace.

So what’s different? What is different is that when God adopted us as His children, He wiped away our disease. He removed our dead hearts of stone and replaced them with hearts of flesh, able to love Him. Now we can call His name, “Father, Daddy.” Now we can bring Him praise. Now we can live our lives every day to honor Him with obedience, devotion, and love.

I thank God for Matt’s earthly family who is living for God. They are showing us their devotion to a Father who took them in when they were broken. They are showing what it is like trying to be like Daddy.

I am sad that I can write about Matt as broken and not society’s wanted baby. I am sad that his situation is what it is, but I am so glad that we serve a God who is mighty to heal, if not here on earth, then completely one day in heaven. Praise be to God who does not make mistakes!

Lessons we’re learning, my almost 5-year-old and I

2009-03-31T11:17:00.000-07:00

1. The world is not about us; it’s about God.
2. God has given me multiply people to care for so to care for one and neglect others does not honor God. We must learn to wait patiently while others’ needs are met.
3. We are to live at peace with others. It does not glorify God to try to make others upset.
4. God created us to bring Him glory. We do that by loving and obeying Him.
5. Breaking the Ten Commandments dishonors God and is sin.
6. When we sin, our hearts are dirty, and cannot reflect God’s glory. Only God can clean them.

ABC Prayer (cont.)

2009-02-25T13:30:00.000-08:00

Utterly depraved I am in myself,
Unable to even seek You.
Under the curse I no longer am,
Unworthy to worthy, You‘ve moved me.

Victory is found only in Jesus,
Victory over death at the cross.
Voices come humbly, repenting to You.
Voices bring praises to You.

Why must I keep sinning?
Will I ever understand
What it took to pay my debt,
What You did that I might live?

eXcellent is the mercy You have.
eXtreme is the patience You bear.
eXemplary is the nature that‘s You.
eXhilarating is Your love for me.

You alone are God.
Yahweh is Your name.
You hold it all together.
You, Oh God, are sovereign.

Zealous for You I pray You make me,
Zealous to know Your word,
Zealous to seek You each day in prayer,
Zealous to make You known.

Prayer for Baby Matt

2009-02-18T18:56:00.000-08:00

Lord, I pray for Baby Matt,
Born not so long ago.
He’s sick and we are puzzled,
But we know You’re in control.

I know that You can heal him,
And I know You will.
Whether here on earth, soon
Or in heaven, he’ll be healed.

For his life right now,
I pray Your love he feels.
Thank you for his parents
Who before You do kneel.

Thank you that Matt’s life
Will make an earthly difference
He’s brought many to Your throne
To pray with more vigilance.

My prayer for him is to glorify you,
And I see Your will being done.
I look at his story and pictures,
And I know many lives he will touch.

So bless each time he’s rocked.
Bless each time he’s hugged.
Bless each time it’s whispered,
“You’re a baby boy I love.”

Please bless the arms that hold him.
Bless the ones that truly care.
Give them special grace, Lord,
For all that they will bear.

Oh, thank you for this family
Sharing your love with another
For the mother and the father,
For the sister and the brother.

Lord, I pray for Baby Matt,
Born not so long ago.
I thank you for your peace and love
Through him You mightily show.

ABC Prayer (continued)

2009-02-18T11:45:00.000-08:00

Open my heart to love more.
Open my eyes to see you all around.
Open my ears to hear Your voice.
Oh, that I might know You more!

Prayer is a gift You have given:
Placing my cares before You,
Praying to Christ for Your glory,
Powerful God, lowly me.

Quietly may I come to You,
Quick to listen and slow to speak.
Quietly may I wait upon You,
Quietly serve as you would.

Rescue me from myself.
Revive me with Your breath of life.
Renew in me a spirit that earnestly seeks You.
Reveal more and more of Your truth.

Sustain me with Your words of life.
Surround me with Your love.
Surrendered I come bowed before You,
Sovereign Lord that You are.

Tenderly You call me to You.
Totally You love me.
Triumphantly You conquered death.
Truly You have saved me.

Verses from Jeremiah

2009-02-18T11:10:00.000-08:00

"Thus says the LORD: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.'" ~Jer 9:23-24~

"There is none like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is great in might. Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For this is your due; for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is none like you." ~Jer 10:6-7~

"But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation." ~Jer 10:10 ~

"I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. Correct me, O LORD, but in justice; not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing." ~Jer 10:23-24~

"Thus says the LORD: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.'" ~Jer 17:5-8~

Pray for Matt

2009-02-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

Follow this blog to see faith in action.

“Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress (James 2:20).”

ABC Prayer continued

2009-02-11T12:28:00.000-08:00

Hold onto me, Father.
Have me tightly in hand.
Hear me when I call to You.
Hear me when words fail to come.

I want to be nearer to You.
In fellowship, so very close with You.
I’m not sure I know how, or maybe I’m scared.
Indwell me that I might be abiding, secure.

Joy has filled my heart.
Jubilantly I walk through my day,
Just happy to be where I am,
Joyously loving my family.

Keep me always in You, Lord
Keep me ever so near.
Kick away worldly distractions.
Kill what doesn’t bring life.

Love I feel all around me.
Life is truly a gift.
Let me love others like I’m loved.
Lord, may I be more like You.

Mighty are you, King of Kings.
Magnificent are Your works.
Majestically You rule, Lord,
Maker of heaven and earth.

No one else is like You, God.
Nothing else compares.
No other has the power.
No other has the grace.

Prayer on Prayer

2009-02-11T11:40:00.000-08:00

May I meet with you, O Lord
In this place called prayer.
You'll bring me to your throne room,
A place I guess I fear.
Alone with you, alone with God,
The only Holy One.
I know I am not worthy.
I'm not sure what to say.
My eyes, they cannot see you,
But I know that You are here.
Help me shed my flesh, Lord,
In spirit come to you.
You want me to be open.
You already know my heart.
But I don't want to break, Lord,
I'm trying to keep it together.
If I go there, I'll melt, Lord,
Your glory is too great.
Hear my voice, saying, "Lord."
Do I hear the words I say?
My Lord has called me to Him.
I must humbly go with Him,
Meet with you in spirit, in truth,
Meet with my loving Father.
What a privilege, what a gift,
Meeting with the King!
I don't want to be fake,
Not empty words to speak.
I want them to go up to you
A fragrant offering.
I want to bring you glory,
To worship from my heart.
Oh, make it right that I might be
Righteous in Your sight.
When I lift my voice,
Help me bow myself,
To know I come before the God,
The Holy, Holy God.
May my requests be selfless.
May thanksgiving fill my mouth.
May praise come forth to reach You.
May I focus all on You.
Hold me when I break, Lord,
As I give it all to You
To rule, to reign - this life of mine;
It already belongs to You.
Help me to get started.
Help me not to stop,
To meet with You forever,
Fellowship without end.

Notes on Romans 13-16

2009-02-02T13:17:00.000-08:00

We must submit to authorities, respecting their positions.

The most important thing we can do is love. If we love everything else will follow.

We must live in the light and put aside all that is darkness.

We must not do anything questionable by our faith, and we should be careful to help those around us to stand in their faith.

We must always remember to put others before us and God before all, striving for peace and unity.

We must praise God and love one another.

"Be wise about what is good, and be innocent about what is evil."

As Christians We Should Be Able to Say..

2009-02-02T13:05:00.000-08:00

Our bodies are offered to God above
As thanks for His great mercy and love.
Our hearts are humbled and lives set apart,
Each working together; we all have our part.
Our love, it is true for each of our brothers.
We think less of ourselves than we think of all others.
We're zealous for God, and we love what is right.
We hate what is evil; revenge's not our fight.
We joyfully hope and are patient through trails.
We're faithful to pray, to the Lord bring our cries.
We bless and don't curse, work hard to keep peace.
We care for each other without conceit.
We know God's made plans for all of our days
So we live to please Him and walk in His ways.

~reflection on Romans 12

Lessons I took from Romans 9-11

2009-01-31T12:22:00.000-08:00

God is in control, and we are not!

We must bring the gospel to all people because we do not know who is hardened and who will be shown mercy.

As creation we have no right to talk back to the Creator.

I am a child of God not because of anything in me but by faith given out of mercy and compassion shown to me because of my disobedience.

If we are saved, faith must fill our hearts and mouths as we submit to God’s righteousness. Self-righteousness has no place in believers’ lives.

God uses His people to make His word known.

People do not have to seek God to find Him; He makes Himself known.

God will always reserve a remnant for Himself by His grace.

We should never have pride in our status with God. We have no right to be called sons of God. It is an undeserved gift. He owes us nothing. God is to be feared.

We will never fully understand God, His knowledge, wisdom, judgment, paths, His mind. We should forever praise Him for His glory that is unfathomable.

In Christ Jesus

2009-01-28T11:26:00.000-08:00

Condemnation, no, not here for us.
We’re in Christ Jesus, bought by His blood.
The law couldn’t save us for our nature’s to sin,
But Jesus took the punishment meant for us men.
Now let’s live by the Spirit, in darkness no more.
Our old way is death; now there’s life evermore.
We have peace submitting our lives to the Lord.
No longer hostile to God, no longer self at the core.
Christ’s righteousness has made us alive.
If the Spirit’s in us, we can be called a child.
The Spirit kills the wickedness once within us
That we might walk without fear, looking to God above.
We cry, “Daddy,” to Him who made us his heirs
As we share in his suffering before glory to share.
The glory so great, we have hope as we wait.
We groan as we eagerly look to that day
When there’s no decay, no darkness around.
We’ll be adopted, to this world no more bound.
As we wait, we do know for He’s made it clear
That He’ll work it all out so we need not fear.
All things work for good to those who love God.
For his purpose he’s called us in His way to walk.
He already knows; for He writes His own plans.
We’re His to be made like clay in Has hands.
So we know, yes we know, that He is for us.
And nothing, no nothing, can take away His great love.
More than conquerors is what we have been named.
For it’s in Christ Jesus our Lord we’ve been saved.

~reflection on Romans 8

Thank You Mom

2009-01-28T11:25:00.000-08:00

Thank you Mom, for your help
With pregnancies and births,
For the one born into heaven
And the three born here on earth.

Thanks for holding me inside
And rearing me with love
Thank you for your faith,
Relying on God above.

It means so much to have you,
To know that you are there,
You’re one to bring my questions to,
You’re one I know who cares.

Bringing children into the world
Is such a priceless joy.
I’m glad you were there with me
For me, my girl, and my boys.

You helped me see the beauty.
You helped relieve my fears.
You were the woman by my side.
It helped to have you near.

You helped me keep on going.
You helped relieve the pain.
You helped me know it’d be okay
Which ever way they came.

Each time around was different,
But you were always there.
For happiness and sorrow,
You held me with your prayers.

With Luke, you saw me through it
Long labor and finally birth.
It was not like we planned it,
But from it much was learned.

With Hope, we saw much sorrow
No little child was born,
But a grandchild still was honored
And you helped a mother mourn.

With Lydia, our faith was tested.
A million prayers were prayed.
Her birth was truly wonderful,
So much joy on every face.

With Timothy, we tried again
To have that natural birth,
And with your help we did it.
Thank you for that gift.

So thank you, Mom for your work,
The tears you cried, the prayers you prayed.
The sleep you lost, the knowledge you gained,
Oh, thank you for the memories we made.

I love you so much, and I will be forever grateful that God made me your daughter and you my mother.
Love, Emily

Ten Years

2009-01-12T22:15:00.000-08:00

Thank you for asking the question.
Thank you for wanting a yes.
Thank you for taking me as yours
Ten years ago when we wed.

It was a decision I’ll never regret,
A decision ordained before time,
We made that decision together
For me to be yours and you mine.

I thank God that you are my husband.
I thank Him for our precious three.
Praise God that He is here with us
To lead us and our family.

You’re a wonderful husband and father.
I know I am safe by your side.
I feel blessed to share my life with you.
I’m honored to be called your wife.

I love the life I live with you.
I’m happy to mother your kids,
To see each one just adore you
The way that I always will.

It’s hard to put into words
The love I feel that’s inside.
I want you to know how I love you,
How I’m forever yours for all time.

~Happy tenth anniversary my dearest Tony.
Love and love and love,
Emily

Time to Praise

2009-01-12T22:13:00.000-08:00

All around I see His name.
Christmas time has come again.
Oh let us see that it is time,
Time to praise His name.
Let us praise Him now today,
But let’s not stop next month.
He is the Lord; He is our God
Twelve months of every year.
Oh He has blessed my family,
Another He has added.
Oh praise the Lord for He is good
In everything He does.
He is creator; He is the maker
Of all the gifts we hold.
Praise God today for children.
Praise Him for family close.
Praise Him for all the friendships,
For brothers in the faith.
He is God of our salvation.
He is the grantor of our faith.
He gives His holy Word to us
To grow and know His name.
Praise God today for life.
Praise Him who gives us breathe.
Praise Him for second birth,
For saving us from death.
He is God that sent His son.
He paid the price He did not owe.
He gave it all that we might live.
Now let us live for Him.
This Christmas may we look to Him
In reverence and in fear.
May we know He holds our very lives.
May we praise Him for His gifts.

May God’s blessings be evident all around you,
and let us praise Him today and always.

Happy Birthday, Mammy Joy (a little early)

2008-12-10T12:45:00.001-08:00

I am planning to be induced on December 13th, my late grandmother's birthday, but I wanted to post this poem I wrote earlier this year as well as the words to a song that was sung at her funeral and so reminds me of her. I loved her, she loved her family, and oh, she loved Jesus!

I Want to Love Jesus Like That

She opened her home to the one,
The one with no where to go.
She wanted to tell of her Jesus,
His forgiving love them to show.
Oh, I want to love Jesus like that.
I want to love Jesus like that.
Strangers she told of her Jesus.
Everyone needed to know
Of the Savior who gave His life up for us
So closer to Him we could grow.
Oh, I want to love Jesus like that.
I want to love Jesus like that.
She studied the word and she prayed,
Walked with her Jesus each day.
She knew of His love and forgiveness
And knew there would be a day,
A day when sin would be judged,
When we would stand before God,
And her love for the Savior made her tell
Tell others to turn toward God.
Oh, I want to love Jesus like that.
I want to love Jesus like that.
When her mind became ill and was failing,
She failed not to keep on telling
For Oh how she loved Jesus.
I want to love Jesus like that.

~My grandmother, Alice Joy Byrd truly loved Jesus. Her life testified to His love. I love and miss her and am inspired by her life to love Jesus more.~

I Bowed on My knees and Cried

I dreamed of a city called Glory,
So bright and so fair.
When I entered that gates I cried, "Holy"
The angels all met me there:
They carried me from mansion to mansion,
And oh the sites I saw.
But then I said, "I want to see Jesus,
For He's the One who died for all."

I bowed on my knees and cried,
"Holy, Holy, Holy."
I clapped my hands and sang,
"Glory, Glory to the Son of God."
and I sang,
"Glory, Glory to the Son of God."

As I entered the gates of that city,
My loved ones all knew me well.
They took me down the streets of Heaven;
The sights, too many to tell;
I saw Abraham, Jacob and Isaac,
I spoke with Mark and Timothy.
But then I said, "Timothy, I want to see Jesus,
For He's the One who died for me."

I bowed on my knees and cried,
"Holy, Holy, Holy."
I clapped my hands and sang,
"Glory, Glory to the Son of God."
and I sang
"Glory, Glory to the Son of God."

He is God, and There is No Other

2008-12-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

He formed you for He is God.
He will help you for He is God.
Fear not, His chosen ones.
Proudly bear His name.
Apart from Him, there is no other.
All are false, all but poor substitutes.
No other God can know, understand, or see.
It is but a detestable thing to the true God.
He has made us; we are His servants.
He has forgiven us; redeemed us for Himself.
We must sing; we must shout.
Joy come forth for we are His redeemed.
He is Lord, creator, He alone.
His words are commands, and they come to pass.
We shall know He is Lord.
He calls us by name.
He is God, and there is no other.
He is the Lord; there is none like Him.
He brings light and brings darkness,
Prosperity and disaster are His to disperse.
Salvation is from Him alone.
Righteousness is His creation.
Who would dare to quarrel with the Maker?
We are worthless without Him who creates worth.
We are but the clay in His hands.
We are His to make, His to shape as He pleases.
He made the earth and all mankind.
He stretched out the heavens with His hands alone.
He is God, and there is no other.
He is the Lord; there is none like Him.
He speaks what is true.
His declarations are right.
He is God, and he is Savior.
No other compares for there is no other.
Salvation has come to those who turn to Him
For He is God; there is no other.
In Him alone are found righteousness and strength.
In Him alone will we be found righteous.
We are low; we are helpless.
Only He can come to our rescue.
He can carry and sustain us.
He has from our birth.
He is God, and there is no other.
He is the Lord; there is none like Him.
He will do what He pleases, what He has purposed.
His plans will be completed; He will bring them to pass.
Listen. Be not stubborn. Righteousness is coming near.
He will bring salvation; it is His to grant.

~Reflection on Isaiah 44-46~

Hold Me

2008-12-02T10:53:00.000-08:00

What should I feel now?
I don’t even know.
Sorrow, shock, questions…
From here where do I go?
Oh, Lord, wrap me up tightly
In your warm embrace.
Hold me so closely
While my mind seems to race.
Give me your answers
In your perfect time,
But until then, Lord,
Hold me and all of mine.
Hold my dear family
Who sit in shock and denial.
Just blanket us in You.
Let us sit for a while.
This is so hard.
I don’t know what to think.
I don’t know what to feel.
Oh, just give me some peace.
I know that You will
Though it doesn’t make sense.
Use this, even this
It’s the lot that You’ve sent.
So I’ll rest in your sovereignty,
Rest in you plan
And know that its best
Though I don’t understand.
So hold me Lord Jesus.
Hold me just now.
And walk me through this journey.
As before You I bow.

~for Melissa~

Let Us Praise the Lord

2008-11-25T13:38:00.000-08:00

Let us praise the Lord.
For He alone is worthy of praise.

He is God, holy and just.
He is God, great and mighty.
He is God, maker of heaven and earth.
He is God, creator of all creation.

Let us praise the Lord.
For He alone is worthy of praise.

He is Lord, author of salvation.
He is Lord, worthy of our service.
He is Lord, commander of His army.
He is Lord, high and lifted up.

Let us praise the Lord.
For He alone is worthy of praise.

He is Father, sovereign and just.
He is Father, caring and kind.
He is Father, full of mercy and of wrath.
He is Father, sender of His son.

Let us praise the Lord.
For He alone is worthy of praise.

He is Jesus, fully God and Man.
He is Jesus, sacrifice for sin.
He is Jesus, the resurrection and the life.
He is Jesus, servant, master, friend.

Let us praise the Lord.
For He alone is worthy of praise.

He is Spirit, Holy, Holy, Holy.
He is Spirit, counselor and teacher.
He is Spirit, interpreter of Scripture.
He is Spirit, confidant and guide.

Let us praise the Lord.
For He alone is worthy of praise.

Who Am I?

2008-11-19T13:01:00.000-08:00

Who am I, O Lord, that You should bless me?
Who am I that You should know my name
And allow me to know Your name,
To call upon You at all times?
Who am I that I may enter into fellowship with You?
Who am I that I can call You friend,
A friend to the Most High?
Who am I to be called a child of God?
Who am I to be able to read Your word,
Oh, and to learn Your truth?
Who am I to be spoken to by God?
Who am I?

Oh, I am Your child,
And I am Your servant.
I am Your creation.
I am all Yours.
I am forever indebted to You.
You are the potter,
And I am the clay.
Oh, make me a vessel to be used by You
So that who I am is who You have called me to be.

Small Ones Taken Home

2008-11-11T17:27:00.000-08:00

My mind has turned to children,
The very small ones in the womb,
How many, Lord, you take home
Before we wanted You to.
You see we wanted them to hold, Lord.
We loved them; we already did.
So many out there don’t, Lord.
They can’t see them as a gift.
But we did, Oh Father, we did.
We knew they’d be a blessing,
But You took them home so early
Before we wanted You to.
And how, Oh Lord, I know
You know better than I do.
Oh teach me, Lord, to see your plans
The way You’d have me to.
Please mend my broken heart
Who misses my dear child
You gave to me to hold on earth
If only in the womb.
Help me know that it’s okay
To miss, to love, to cry,
To know they’re in your hands now
Though I might not know just why.
Continue, Lord, to teach me
Your holy sovereignty,
To know You are creator,
And you truly do love me.
You also love these children.
You made them too I see,
And now they stand before You
And praise You mightily.
Oh, they can see Your glory.
They behold Your face,
And there will come a day
We’ll be together You to praise.
Oh, thank you for the hope You give
Life eternal after death.
May I praise You in the meantime
And rest in Your sweet grace.

(My Baby Hope at 10 weeks)

~After many recent thoughts of my loss and those around me.~

ABC Prayer

2008-11-11T07:05:00.000-08:00

Awaken me from my slumber, O Lord.
Apathy has been my mat to sleep upon.
Arouse in me fervor and zeal for Your truth.
Align my thoughts with Your word.

Be ever near to me,
Before me to guide my every step.
Break up my impurities.
Bend me into submission to You.

Create in me desire to love only You.
Crush the flesh that longs for Your place.
Clean the filth that clings to my heart.
Clothe me with Your righteousness.

Dig out the stones that hinders my walk.
Draw me near to You that I may draw from You,
Deep from the water of life that you give.
Delight in me as I desire You more.

Every day, may I wake with a thirst,
Eager to walk with my hand within Yours.
Empty me of all desire but You.
Enter my thoughts and occupy them.

Fit my feet with the shoes to walk in Your way,
Following the precepts You’ve given to us.
Fill my mouth with the words You want me to say,
Furthering Your kingdom as You’ve called me to do.

Great is Your Word.
Glory is Yours.
Give praise to You, Father.
Great praise to Your Name.

~Upon studying Psalm 119~

Isaiah 8:12-13

2008-10-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

"Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the LORD of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread."

Isaiah 6

2008-10-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

I love this chapter in Isaiah. May we realize God's holiness and our insignificance in comparison to His greatness, our sin in comparison to His perfection. May we grasp the atonement and be eager to serve in whatever way He calls.

Todd Agnew does a great job of singing from the scripture.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugj62GaB_30

Isaiah 5:20

2008-10-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!"

When I read this, abortion came to my mind. They call it choice. They say they are helping women. God calls it life. They are taking life and hurting women. This should never be. Oh Lord, forgive our bloodshed and heal our land.

May Our Nation Repent

2008-10-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

Oh, rebellious children, we have forsaken our Father.
Our bodies are broken, and we have no medicine.
Our country is all but wiped out. Only a few remain.
Our worship is meaningless. How God detests it!
He doesn’t even want to look or listen when we pray.
We must wash our bloody hands, stop our wrongdoing, and learn righteousness.
We must seek justice and stand up for the oppressed, the orphans, and the widows.
God will remove our sin and cleanse us of our unrighteousness.
He will bless our willingness when we turn and obey,
But he will not bless rebellion. It will be our ruin.
We have come so far from God’s decrees, but He will restore us.
Redemption can be ours, justice and righteousness anew,
But forsake the Lord, and we will perish.
Let us seek God that He would teach us His paths.
Let us listen to His word and walk in the light.
Our people have adopted the practices of unbelievers,
And are worshipping the works of our own hands.
We must he humbled, our pride destroyed.
We must fear God alone, exalt only Him.
We must be brought low and our idols must be destroyed.
We will hide from His glory, stop trusting in men, and fear God alone.
He will allow us to fall, for conflict to abound.
Sin has been paraded, and disaster has been bought.
The Lord will judge and take that to which we should have never clung.
Oh, but the remnant will see His beauty, the Branch of the Lord.
His glory will protect us. Day and night we can rest under Him.

~Reflection on Isaiah 1-4~

Malachi 1:6

2008-10-29T13:23:00.000-07:00

"'A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?' says the Lord Almighty..."

TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS

2008-10-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

Refrain

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Refrain

Words & Music:
Helen H. Lemmel, 1922

I found myself singing the refrain of this hymn today for no apparent reason and thought I would look up the lyrics.

BLASPHEMY

2008-10-19T14:39:00.000-07:00

Belittling the name of the Lord who gives life.
Living a life that is far from the mark.
Assuming that God really does not care.
Settling for less than what’s holy and right.
Playing around with the language we use.
Having our own way, not caring about His.
Empty words for a name that means so much.
Making light of all that we should hold so dear.
Yahweh, God’s name, seen as sacred no more.

May we ever be mindful of our use of God's holy name. To slander the name of the one who gave us life is blasphemy. He is holy, holy, holy. Hallowed be His name.

"You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." ~Exodus 20:7~

Love and Hate

2008-10-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

This flawed idea of God we have,
A god without wrath, only love all the time.
Of course He loves, He is love after all,
But only love? No. What’s love without hate?
He hates our sin; it angers Him so
He will judge and will discipline out of His love.
We must remember that he’ll love and forgive,
But this is no license to bathe in our sin.
He’s washed, and He’s made us to be white as snow
So why would me return to the muck and the dung?
Praise God who is merciful, has compassion on us.
Praise God who keeps oaths, forgets not His own.
Praise God who gives hope, listens to sorrowful men.
Praise God who save, gave His son for us sinners.
So let’s not forget that His wrath is real.
It sent Christ to the cross to be nailed for our sin.
Each time that we wander, each time we don’t care
We must look to the cross, to the wrath He did bear.
Of course that is love; we can’t argue with that,
So let’s learn from this balance of love and of hate,
And let’s love mercy and justice and walk humbly in truth.
Let’s hate this world’s corruption and join not in it.
Lord, give us the strength to live as You did.
Lead, guide, and direct us in each step we walk.

~reflection on Micah~

Quotes from Micah

2008-10-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

"Look! The LORD is coming from his dwelling place;
he comes down and treads the high places of the earth.
The mountains melt beneath him
and the valleys split apart." Micah 1:3

"Therefore, the LORD says"
'I am planning disaster against this people,
from which you cannot save yourselves.
You will no longer walk proudly,
for it will be a time of calamity.'" Micah 2:3

"He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

"But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me." Micah 7:7

"Who is a God like you,
who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
but delight to show mercy.
You will again have compassion on us;
you will tread our sins underfoot
and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
You will be true to Jacob,
and show mercy to Abraham,
as you pledged on oath to our fathers
in days long ago." Micah 7:18-20

Dead to Sin, Raised to Life

2008-10-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

God forgives. We’ve got grace
So let’s go on sinning?
No, we’re dead to that now,
Not to go there anymore.
We’ve been immersed with Christ
Immersed in His death.
The sin, it’s buried;
We’re raised to new life.
We’re not slaves to the sin,
Slaves to sin no more.
So our bodies we should offer
Not to sin, not to wickedness,
But to God, to His righteousness.
This leads us to holiness,
The place we want to be.
So sin, it brings death,
But God gives us life.
It’s a gift to have life,
Eternal life in our Lord.
Praise Christ Jesus our Lord!

~reflection on Romans 6~

No One Righteous; Praise God for His Gifts

2008-10-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

There is no one righteous, NO ONE.
No one seeks God, NO ONE seeks Him.
There is no fear of God, none before men’s eyes.
All have sinned. ALL have sinned,
And no one will be called righteous by the law,
BUT there IS righteousness.
It comes only by faith, faith ONLY in Christ.
By His grace we are saved, by His grace justified.
No boasting allowed. Remember it’s all by Him.
Now the law is still good. Praise God for His law.
Let’s not throw it aside, but uphold it because
He gave it to us like He gave us our faith.
We are so blessed, so blessed by the Lord.
He’s forgiven our sins, not to count anymore.
He credits us righteousness, by faith freely given.
We’re delivered from death because He took our place.
We’re raised to new life, justified when He rose.
What peace this does bring! What peace this does bring!
Grace gained by faith in Jesus the Christ
Brings us peace with the Father, the one Holy God.
Oh, rejoice in the hope, the hope of His glory.
This hope is a gift, from the love of the Father
To our hearts by the his Spirit, the Holy Spirit.
So rejoice even suffering, even it is a gift.
Praise God for his death, for life that He gives,
For grace, for faith, for forgiveness from Him,
For salvation, justification, hope, peace, and joy.
His gifts are so wonderful, there could be nothing more.

~a reflection on Romans 3-5~

IDOLATRY

2008-10-12T19:28:00.000-07:00

Idols are not just ancient history.
Do we grasp how God truly wants us to worship Him and Him alone?
Only the true God deserves our worship, not a god we make to suit ourselves.
Love of this world is not love of God.
A graven image is as close as one's mind.
To allow anything to ocuupy our thoughts more than God is to allow idolatry.
Reading the Word is the route to knowing the true God.
Young or old, we must actively flee from idolatry and trust in God alone.

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
~Exodus 20:4-6~

Tagged

2008-10-11T08:48:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged by my dear friend Melissa at http://www.pearlsfromafrica.blogspot.com/ so I am supposed to list 6 random things about myself and tag 6 more people.

1. I am 30 weeks pregnant, and the gender of the baby is a surprise.
2. I love to bake homemade breads, preferably with freshly ground flour. I am currently grinding wheat from my father-in-law's farm.
3. I am currently studying the Psalms and that inspired me to start this blog.
4. I help my husband teach high school Sunday School, and we are currently studying the 10 Commandments so my first post was a bit of a reflection after studying the 1st commandment. Expect more reflection after this week's lesson on the 2nd.
5. I have recently discovered the wonderful world of chiropractics and believe if you have a good chiropractor, you can avoid a great deal of pain and illness as well as a general feeling of "just being out of whack." (Pun sorta intended.)
6. I, like Melissa, have also recently lost my mind. I truly believe that pregnancy does that to a person. One might think that after the birth of the child, one's mind might return, but I am pretty sure that some brain cells never return after the pregancy, especially those lost trying to push out a baby so I guess I will just have to do without those lost after 4 pregnancies (one resulting in my son, one lost to miscarriage between 9 and 10 weeks, one resulting in my daughter, and one resulting in we'll find out in December).

So I completed the first task of being tagged. Now I am supposed to tag my six people who must link to the person who tagged them, must then list six random things about themselves, and tag six other people, and tell those people they have been tagged.

So I tag Amy, Courtney, Sarah because the others I follow: MollyBeth, Shara, and Melissa have already been tagged.

Hurt Heart

2008-10-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

My heart is heavy .
It hurts, my Lord.
The sin of a small child, my flesh and blood
To hurt another, my flesh and blood.
Why must we sin and hurt each other?
It starts so young.
I know we’re fallen.
Oh, but it hurts; it hurts my heart.
To see the hurt and be concerned for the wellbeing of my child, it scared me,
But to know my own inflicted the pain, it hurt my heart; it hurt my heart.

So can I presume:

When I sin and hurt another,
It hurts Your heart.
When I sin and hurt another,
It broke You.
When I sin and hurt another,
You had to die,
When I sin and hurt another,
I hurt You.
Forgive me Lord for Your death I caused.
Thank You for Your redemption.
Thank You for conquering death that I might live.
Let me ever be mindful of my depravity and Your sacrifice.
May I be holy as You are holy.

Thank you for the small lives You have entrusted with me here on earth.
May I be ever mindful of the lessons You teach me through them.
May I love them as You love me.

Psalm 42:11

2008-10-09T12:29:00.001-07:00

Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

Lament Over Complacency

2008-10-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

Cry to the Lord, O His people.
Grant us repentance that we might serve You.
We have not hated evil and loved your righteousness.
We have traded holiness for normality, fervor for apathy.
We know not Your might, Your power.
We turn one eye from evil, pretending it is not there.
With the other we laugh and join in the merriment.
There is no difference seen in us by the world.
Are we even Yours, O Lord? Who would know?
Turn our hearts to You, O Lord.
Take our hardness and make us care.
Let us love, truly love, like You taught us long ago.
May the world see us holy as You are holy.
Give us vision to serve you more.
Break down our idols and give us You.
Set fire within our bones that cannot be kept inside.
Let us ignite those around us, that we might serve together.
Give us hunger for Your Word, and thirst for Your righteousness.
Let us see the lost all around us, the dead walking beside us.
May we pour out Your Word from our lips that they might hear.
O Lord, may we love You.
If only we loved You… If only we cared…
If only we knew what You had to do that we might live…
If only we grasped Your love, mercy, and grace…
If only we’d love you, we might truly live.
Praise be to God, for You care
and You will bring Your people back to You.