After the Storm

And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.

this is an excerpt from a song that has become very near and dear to my heart. It's called "After the Storm" by Mumford and Sons. And it's delightful. To me, this speaks hope. It speaks life. I think of that moment after a long hike, when you reach the crest of the hill and you see an incredible view. Yes, I believe that for this season of my life. I must be near the top of this hill. I've caught a glimpse of the view, and it takes my breath away. I am headed to a good land with my Love. It does not mean that nothing bad will ever happen again. On the contrary, I know that there are storms and battles, probably ones greater than I can imagine, that await me. But, I will walk on, walk on, walk on, for He is with me. He is faithful. And because of Him, I can live my life with "grace in my heart and flowers in my hair". Yum.

listen to this piece of beauty right here:

Your Love Is Strong

This song has been on repeat in my head and through my speakers for the last couple days.

It's fantastic.

and it speaks so much to my heart right now.

So I'm sharing it with you.

Lyrics Here

Enjoy.

Thief

I am a thief.

I am a murderer,

walking up this lonely hill.

What have I done?

I don't remember.

no one knows just how I feel.

And I know that my time is coming soon...

it's been so long, oh such a long time

since I've lived with peace and rest.

Now I am here, my destination.

I guess things work for the best.

And I know that my time is coming soon...

Who is this man?

This man beside me.

They call the King of the Jews.

They don't believe that He's the Messiah.

But somehow I know that it's true.

The laugh at Him in mockery

and they beat Him till He bleeds.

They nail Him to the rugged cross

and they raise Him

yeah, they raise Him up next to me.

My time has come.

I am slowly fading

I deserve what I receive

Jesus, when you are are in your kingdom,

could you please, please remember me?

And he looks at me, still holding on

the tears fall from His eyes

and He says, "I tell the truth,

today you will be with me in paradise."

and I know that my time is coming soon.

And I know that my time is coming soon.

And I know paradise is coming soon.

----- "Thief" by Third Day from Offerings: A Worship Album-----

This song has captivated me since the very first time I've heard it. It is a beautiful retelling of the story of the criminals who hung beside Jesus that is found in Luke 23. How amazing is the grace of Jesus, that even as criminals, we can see the assurance that when we ask, paradise is ours today. Incredible. Oh, Jesus, thank you for making this a truly Good Friday!

You love a people undeserving...

the Eagle inside belongs to us....

Happy July 4th!

I don't have anything particularly eloquent to say.

But I thought I'd give a little love to the land where I was born and raised.

So USA, this is what I love so much about your founding fathers:

Watch as TJ, Ben Franklin, and John Adams decide what our national bird will be.

And yes, for the boy meets world fans out there, John Adams is in fact played by Mr. Feeney.

She likes purple..

Ok. but not really. The title of this blog comes from this song which really isn't about me. It's really about Cassie. But, it's been stuck in my head all week. Because part of it is true for me.

I've got a secret.

But I'm not telling.

yet...

just know it's a good one. a happy one. finally!

so keep watch.

cause I can't keep it in much longer ;)

Beloved

"Love of my life

Look deep in my eyes

There you will find what you need

Give me your life

The lust and the lies

The past you're afraid I might see

You've been running away from me

You're my beloved

Lover, I'm yours

Death shall not part us

It's you I died for

For better or worse

Forever we'll be

Our love it unites us

It binds you to me

it's a mystery

Love of my life

Look deep in my eyes

There you will find what you need

I'm the giver of life

I'll clothe you in white

My immaculate bride you will be

Oh come running home to me

You've been a mistress, my wife

Chasing lovers - it won't satisfy

Won't you let me make you my bride

You will drink of my lips

And you'll taste new life"

-Beloved by Tenth Avenue North

You'll Come...

"Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge Him. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth." - Hosea 6:3

Chains be broken
Lives be healed
Eyes be opened
Christ is revealed

I have decided I have resolved
To wait upon you Lord
My rock and redeemer
Shield and reward
I'll wait upon You Lord

As surely as the sun will rise
You'll come to us
As certain as the dawn appears

You'll come let your glory fall
As you respond to us
Spirit rain
flood into our thirsty hearts again
You'll come, You'll come.

We are not shaken, we are not moved
We wait upon You Lord
Our Mighty deliverer
Our triumph and truth
We wait upon You Lord

surely as the sun will rise
You'll come to us
As certain as Your word endures

You'll come let your glory fall
As you respond to us
Spirit rain
flood into our thirsty hearts again
You'll come, You'll come.

Chains be broken
Lives be healed
Eyes be opened
Christ is revealed

- Hillsong United (Brooke Fraser) "You'll Come"

God of this city

You're the God of this city
You're the King of these people
You're Lord Of this nation
You are

You're the light in this darkness
You're the hope to the hopeless
You're the peace to the restless
You are

For there is no one like our God

There is no one like our God

Greater things have yet to come

Great things are still to be done
In this city

Greater things are still to come

And greater things are still to be done here

You're the Lord of Creation

The Creator of all things

You're the King above all Kings

You Are


You're the strength in our weakness

You're the love to the broken

You're the joy in the sadness

You Are

Greater things have yet to come

Great things are still to be done 
In this city

Where glory shines from hearts alive

With praise for you and love for you

In this city



Greater things have yet to come

Great things are still to be done

In this city

Greater things are still to come

And greater things are still to be done here

still my hope is found in You

"My soul is weak

My heart is numb

I cannot see

But still my hope is found in You

I’ll hold on tightly

You will never let me go


For Jesus, You will never fail

Jesus, You will never fail



Simply to the cross i cling

Letting go of all earthly things

I'm clinging to the cross

Mercy’s found a way for me

Hope is here as i am free

Jesus, You are all i need

I'm clinging to the cross



Even darkness is as light to You, my Lord

So light the way and lead me home

To that place where every tear is wiped away


For Jesus, You will never fail

Jesus, You will never fail


Simply to the cross i cling

Letting go of all earthly things

I'm clinging to the cross

Mercy’s found a way for me

Hope is here as i am free

Jesus, You are all i need

I'm clinging to the cross



What a Saviour, what a story

You were crucified but now You are alive

So amazing, such a mystery

You were crucified but now You are alive" - Clinging to the Cross - Tim Hughes

tides of goodness

"think i'll wait for the tide
seems it's all i can do right now
there must be a reason
i've run aground

and i know the waves
will come
by the moon and the tide
like a man and his bride
i will wait
on You, Lord
and we will run so far from here
to Your...

safety in the storm
there is courage for the simple man
to the holders of secrets and scars
learning to stand with reaching arms
we'll wait till the very last
no matter what will be
you're always good
always good
to me" - Newsboys "The Tide"