Comforting

Comfort, it is a concept that can be interpreted in many different ways. It can be achieved by the simplest of actions, or smallest words. Comfort is acquired in various ways and endures for an unknown amount of time. However this word is perceived it is most definitely a positive aspect.

Just think about how someone has comforted you or you felt at peace and had great satisfaction and knew that everything would be ok.

A time that comes to my mind is when I was lying on the operating table, anxious and nervous, and I was quickly put at ease when the nurse gently stroked my hair until I fell asleep.

Although there is not always a person there to hold you and stroke your hair, or physically help you in someway, there is One who can provide an even greater comfort. He provides your heart with a great peace and a calmness that can only be explained as something from God. He comforts you in your time of need and fills your soul with great joy. How awesome is it that we can call His name and He always hears? How wonderful is it that He is always by our side and never leaves? How amazing is it to have someone know your innermost thoughts and still love you just the same? What a faithful friend who provides such comfort and love!

Here is a beautiful song that my friend recommended and she said to picture God singing this to us.

My Beloved

Kari Jobe

You're My Beloved
You're My Bride
To sing over you is My delight
Come away with Me My love

You're Beautiful to Me
So beautiful to Me

Under My mercy
Come and wait
Till we are standing face to face
I see no stain on you
My child

You're Beautiful to Me
So Beautiful to Me

I sing over you My song of peace
Cast all your care down at My feet
Come and find your rest in Me

I'll breathe My life inside of you
I'll bear you up on eagle's wings
And hide you in the shadow of My strength
I'll take you to My quiet waters
I'll restore your soul
Come rest in Me and be made whole

You're My beloved
You're My Bride
To sing over you is my delight
Come away with me my love

Strong Hands

There are days when life seems dull and dark even though the sun is brightly shinning. There is an underlying sadness that does not disappear. Happiness is almost in grasp but then quickly slips away. The motivation to be the best and accomplish things vanishes. This is what depression feels like.

But there is hope. There is One who has strong hands who gently lifts us up out of the dark pit of despair and shines so bright that hearts are warmed and spirits are raised. Sadness and suffering fall away as joy and peace rise up to take their place. The top of the mountain is in sight and confidence grows as each new step is taken. There is a feeling that all is right in the world and that nothing can ever go wrong again. Then a step is missed and pain returns like a familiar friend. Do not be distressed for the One who placed you gently on your feet before will place you on the solid ground again. He is faithful and never leaves. His loving arms are strong enough to hold you up and help you begin your journey once more. When the world feels like it is crumbling and is lonely and hopeless, take heart and trust in the One who gave you life and places your feet on the solid rock with His strong hands. He is a God of second chances and will lift you up each and every time you fall.

You Deliver Me

Selah

Deep as the ocean.

And right as rain.

This powerful emotion

Lifts me above the plain

Taking me places I thought I'd never go

Showing me grace I never thought I'd know

When I feel like I can't go on

You deliver me.

And when the road is winding

And way too long

You deliver me.

I feel like a sinner whose sins have been washed clean

An absolute beginner

Whose heart has never seen.

I must be forgiven for sometimes asking why

I was chosen to be given

You in this life.

When I feel like I can't go on.

You deliver me.

When the road is winding and way too long.

You deliver me.

When there's a distance between what I am and who I want to be.

You deliver me.

When I feel like I can't go on.

You deliver me.

When the road is winding and way too long.

You deliver me.

Hiding Place

Hiding Place

Selah

"You are my hiding place.

You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance.

Whenever I am afraid I will trust in You.

I will trust in You.

Let the weak say I am strong in the strength of the Lord..."

How wonderful is it to know that there is One who can settle our fears and who is strong enough to conquer the world? One who does not slumber or sleep and continuously watches over His beloved people. One who knows the innermost thoughts of His people and loves them just the same. This world is full of uncertainties and each day is a mystery. But fear and anxieties do not need to be present. There is hope because the great Creator has a plan for each and everyone of His people and His presence and love is never ending.

John 14:1-3, 27

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Live life without fear and go in peace. Shine for all to see and glorify the One who loves all and never leaves.

Hosanna

Hillsong

"I see the king of glory coming down the clouds with fire.

The whole earth shakes.

The whole earth shakes.

I see His love and mercy washing over all of our sin.

The people sing.

The people sing.

Hosanna, hosanna. Hosanna in the highest.

Hosanna, hosanna. Hosanna in the highest.

I see a generation rising up to take their place.

With selfless faith, with selfless faith.

I see a near revival stirring as we pray and seek.

We're on our knees.

We're on our knees.

Hosanna, hosanna. Hosanna in the highest.

Hosanna, hosanna. Hosanna in the highest.

Heal my heart and make it clean.

Open up my eyes to the things unseen.

Show me how to love like You have loved me.

Break my heart for what breaks yours.

Everything I have for Your kingdom's cause.

As I go from nothing into eternity.

Hosanna, hosanna. Hosanna in the highest.

Hosanna, hosanna. Hosanna in the highest."

Brighter Days

Free, the feeling of your heart soaring above the clouds while your feet are on the ground. You stand a little taller, you feel a little stronger. You have a big grin on your face that will not fade away. A gigantic weight has been lifted and in it's place is a love so strong that makes you feel like you can do anything. Nothing seems impossible because nothing is. Hope is flowing through your veins with each beat of your heart because you know that you are not in control. Thankfully someone far greater than you is in control. This someone holds the world in His mighty arms and soften and molds your heart with the palms of His loving gentle hands.

This someone is not a being. He is God who created the universe and everything inside of it. How awesome is it to know that we do not have to worry about the future or what is to come because our loving Father knows all that is and is to come. When you decide to give your life fully to God magnificent things begin to happen and a veil is lifted. You can finally see all the beautiful and intricate things of life things that could only have been created by a powerful God. Look around and bask in the wonders of your creator.

Although there are many beauties in this world we are not made for this place. This is not our home so if you find yourself dissatisfied with this life that is completely natural. You should be longing for a place that is so great that it is unimaginable. A place where all suffering and sadness ceases, a place where your heart may always be filled with overwhelming joy, a place where you can fully worship your Lord and Savior for all of eternity. What comfort and hope this brings that someday we will be in a better place.

While you wait for eternity live life to the fullest by first loving your magnificent creator and second by pouring out this unconditional love that is poured into you out on others. So in times of trouble remember what Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."~ John 16:33. Brighter days are coming, so hold your chin up and walk boldly with your Savior who gives you the strength to carry on and shine for Him.

While I'm Waiting

John Waller

"I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Takeing every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord"

Walk Down this Mountain

Darkness settles in and hovers over like a cloud. It is suffocating and there seems as if there is no relief. Suffering and sadness is all around. Everything appears to be hopeless and bleak.

But this is just an illusion. Through the darkest moments in life something wonderful and exciting is taking place. Amidst the struggle and suffering a seed is being planted, one that will help fuel growth and strength. So as you struggle with each step remember the One who created you is right next to you, picking you up when you fall and holding you as you cry because this pain will not always be with you, He will be. Someway, somehow you will be a better person for going through this rocky terrane. Do not lose hope because without hope the world crumbles. Have faith in your Lord and Savior because He will save you and make the sun shine upon you once again.

James 1:2-4

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

John 14:1-3, 27

"Don not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Walk Down This Mountain

~Bebo Norman

It's a better place

Standing high upon this mountain

I've seen your face

Full of the light that only this height can show

blistered hand is what you you've given

But you've been given all you'll ever need

To know

Chorus:

So walk down this mountain

With your heart held high

Follow in the footsteps of your maker

With this love that's gone before you

And these people at your side

If you offer up your broken cup

You will taste the meaning of this life

Hey hey

Well it's a common ground

And I see you're all still standing

But just look around and you'll find

The very face of God

He's walking down into the distance

He's walking down to where the masses are

Chorus

This life

We're standing in a place of peace

And this is how the world should be

How the world should be

(Walk down this mountain with your heart held high)

How the world should be

(Walk down this mountain with you heart held high)

How the world should be

(Walk down this mountain with your heart held high)

How the world should be

Every Moment

The shortness of life is a earth-shattering reminder. Tragedy strikes and the normality of life changes in an instant. You may wonder why these things are happening and why bad things happen to good people. Why must people suffer so and why must the world be filled with so much pain?

Things do not happen according to our plan and we may not understand everything that is going on. An important reminder during these difficult times is that God is in control and that He is alway right there by our sides. He will not leave you during stormy weather. He will use different situations in life to teach us things that are so unfathomable that we cannot wrap our minds around it.

Since life is so short do not hold onto grudges and misunderstandings. Make sure the ones who matter most in your life know how you feel about them and tell them that you love them. Live life to the fullest and be grateful for each day that God has provided you with because you never know how many days you will have left. Remember the moments that matter most.

Every Moment

Joy Williams

"We laughed out loud til we cried

And the tears were sweet
Midnight melted to morning
A moment faded to memory
All these days just slip away through our fingers

Chorus:
So don't let go
Hold onto every moment
Always know
Hold onto every moment that You can

We move on with no regrets to our destiny
Held by the hands of the Father
We share His love and He leads us through
All these days
Cause they slip away through our fingers

So don't let go hold onto every moment.

Always know

Hold on to every moment that you can.

Running through yesterday into tomorrow
Don't let it just drift away
Forget about tying the hands of time
Give every minute to the One who's given today."

Time

Life is but a fleeting moment. At times it may seem like a day lasts for an eternity and will never end but in fact it is less than a second in the entirety of life. This earthly life will be over in a blink of an eye and all of the things of this world will fade away. Objects and self-fulfilling goals do not matter. We do not take these things with us in the end. What matters most is the way that we live and the relationships that we build.

I had lost sight of what is really important. I filled my time with work and school and did not leave anytime for the one who created me and gave me all of the wonderful opportunities that I partake in. I had forgotten to take time to smell the roses and bask in the beauty of God's creation.

I have become drained and my body is left tattered and exhausted. I have become consumed with my struggles when I should have been focusing on God. What was I thinking? There is only so much time on this earth to shine for Him. One should not be consumed with selfish ambitions and thoughts.

When I am down and long to be normal I must remember that God's ways are not my own and I will never completely understand His ways. He did not guarantee that things would be easy and that everything would always go well but He did promise that He will never leave me.

As time speeds by like a shooting star, enjoy the moments life that make you smile, be grateful for all that you have, and never forget to love and care for others. When you feel broken and down remember that there is One who will give you strength and hold you up. Live life for the One who created all things and holds all time in the palm of His loving hands.

Psalm 46:10

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Desert Song

Hill Song

"This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger in me
My God is a God who provides

And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain

I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

And this is my prayer in the battle
And triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow"

My Story

Life has given me many obstacles and bumps along the way. Things never seem to come easily for me and I am never a normal case. But through all of these trials and tribulations I have learned how God's strength can hold me up and help me persevere through the difficult times. God has also given me His great love, joy, and hope. This is my story of how God found me at one of my lowest points of my life and lifted my face up to see His wonderful light and love.

In high school I believed that God had created me to run. I thought He had blessed me with the gift of running and that I was supposed to shine for Him through my success in running. God had different plans. I made it to sectionals as a freshman and had a good chance of making it to state but at the sectionals meet my legs began to ache and this time during my race the pain did not numb. I later found out that I had a bad case of shin splints and a tibial stress fracture. Even with this obstacle I was still convinced that this was what I was meant to do. My sophomore year of high school I went out for track again only to learn three weeks later that I had a tibial stress fracture in my other leg in the exact same spot. I was crushed and was lost. Running was my identity and I could not figure out why God would take this away from me.

I believe that God was preparing me for other losses and opportunities that I would need to miss out on in the very near future.

My junior year of high school I started experiencing rectal bleeding. The doctors could not figure out what was wrong so they told me that I was fine. So I went on living my life until I had a second occurrence. My doctor then later ran a blood test and found that my sed-rate was slightly elevated indicating that there was inflammation some where in my body. I was then sent to my wonderful GI specialist Abigail, who did a colonoscopy and found that I have Crohn's disease in my intestine but that it didn't look too bad. Everyone told me that Crohn's disease was such a horrible disease but I couldn't figure out why. All I thought I would have to do was take a few pills every day and everything would be fine. So I thought...

I had my first major flare up the fall of my senior year of high school. I began throwing up every night and I lost ten pounds in two weeks. I was so weak and frail. I thought I was dying and in a way I was. I was not receiving any nutrients and I was so pail. My family and I did not know what was going on. Crohn's disease was not supposed to do this. We soon discovered that my duodenum was swollen shut and nothing was able to pass through my stomach. The road to remission was very long and very frustrating. I made it through this season only by the help of God. Looking back I do not know how I continued to go to work, school and swim practice. It is miraculous to me that I even survived. God gave me the strength to get up each morning and do what I needed to do. For this I am forever grateful.

As time went on though I tested all of the different medications for Crohn's disease except for one. I became very discouraged and lost all hope because nothing was working. Why would God let me get this awful disease and why would He let me suffer so? Why wasn't He letting any of the medicine work? Why had He forsaken me? I had lost all trust in God and did not believe that prayer worked for my health problems. I became so angry and doubtful. I had thought that God had left me but one day I heard a message that turned everything around.

God had not left me, I had left Him. He was always there for me waiting for me to turn around and look into His magnificent face. He was there by my side, every step of the way. He was always giving me strength and blessing me in ways that I had not been able to see.

So with this first flare up I learned how great God's strength is and that He never leaves us. I also met my wonderful doctor Abigail and met a wonderful friend and mentor. My disease also caused me to stay close to home and go to Edgewood College. By staying in the Madison area I was also able to become involved with CAM.

As I continued to travel along the road of life I hit another bump. I began having constant pain in my stomach throughout my freshman and sophomore year of college, this led me to experience many CT scans, endoscopys, and a laparoscopy. No one could figure out what was wrong and my doctor told me that maybe this would be as good as it gets. This was a pivotal moment for me because I decided to ignore all that was going on and to live my life. But in the back of my mind I knew that something had to be wrong. This pain continued to grow more intense and made me feel nauseous and almost all food made me sick. My second major flare up had begun. The pain was so intense and constant that I believed that I was dying. I began losing two pounds a week and it got to the point where I was only ninety four pounds. I wanted to die and prayed that God would just take me home to be with Him. I couldn't handle the pain any longer and was ready to be done with life.

My doctor decided to change my medication to a weekly shot of Humira. My symptoms slowly decreased until they disappeared completely. The medicine led me into a long awaited remission. Unfortunately this last flare up that ended in January of this year left me with rheumatoid arthritis. This causes constant pain in my joints.

Through my second flare up I learned that God is my refuge and my strength. He also provided me with a community of friends that encourage and support me through my times of weakness. I had never had such a wonderful, supportive community. I was able to lean on God and I held on tight to him. Although I still struggle with the question of why me and why can't I be normal, He taught me that He will always hold me and keep me safe in His arms. He is my comforter and healer.

As I travel along this journey of life I will experience more difficulties but I do not have to walk this bumpy road alone. I know that God will be right there beside me and that He is in control. He has great plans for me and He will always provide. His ways are not my own and sometimes I may not understand why things are happening. But these struggles are used to teach me something and help me grow stronger in my faith. God is my rock and my strength. He is my foundation and I cannot be shake. He has blessed me in so many ways and I am eternally grateful. How awesome and powerful is He. Praise be to a wonderful God who loves His people. So as I take my next step in this journey of life I will remember and be thankful that He is right there beside me.

James 1:2-4
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Indescribable

I am in awe and amazed by the magnificent and unimaginable ways that God works.
He created this beautiful world and every aspect of it. Just think how amazing it is that He created every person on this earth and each person is created so intricately and uniquely. How could someone so great care about such an insignificant creature as myself? How could someone so powerful and all knowing care and love for a soul that can be filled with evil and darkness?

How great is our God that He is able to transform our hearts and fill them with His awesome strength, love, hope, and joy. I am so grateful that our God is one who cares about the insignificant and the forgotten, who cares about the broken and the hurting, who knows the depths of every heart and still loves us.

God uses so many moments and aspects in life to show His unchanging and never ending love. Maybe He has revealed His love through a song or passage in the Bible. Maybe He has touched your heart through prayer or interaction with another person. Maybe He has exhibited His miraculous self by being present in nature or maybe through a action as simple as a smile.

Look for the small moments in life where God may be trying to portray His unconditional love. Listen for Him whispering in the wind. Feel how the Holy Spirit fills and warms the soul with joy and love like the sun warms the earth. Wait for His direction and lean fully on Him.

He created the universe and everything in it and yet He cares most about His people. Words cannot express the great joy that this brings me. If I am able to experience and know the One who provides me with such things, others must know this wonderful God too.

He is one that must be shared to all people. Everyone deserves to know such an awesome and loving God who will never forsake nor leave you. One who provides every single need for your life and fills you with such love and joy. God is the light in the darkness and we must shine for Him so others may be able to experience and become aware of His greatness. God does not need us at all, but He can use us and do miraculous things in our lives. God is amazing.

Indescribable

Chris Tomlin

"From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea

creation's revealing Your majesty.

From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring.

Every creature unique in the song that it sings.

All exclaiming.

Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.

You are amazing God.

All powerful, untameable,

awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim

You are amazing God.

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go

or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow.

Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light.

Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night .

None can fathom.

Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.

You are amazing God.

All powerful, untameable,

awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim

You are amazing God.

Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.

You are amazing God.

All powerful, untameable,

awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim

You are amazing God.

Indescribable, uncontainable,

you placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.

You are amazing God.

Incomparable, unchangeable

You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same.

You are amazing God.

You are amazing God."

Tired

This semester has been filled with trials and tribulations. My time has been filled, filled with homework and work. Filled with appointments and meetings. Filled with pain and confusion. I have been tested in so many different ways this semester. I have been working on trusting God with my whole heart and many obstacles have come across my path. I need a break. A break to rest and have restoration. A break to heal and have peace.

I must decide on one of two options, become overwhelmed with life or trust God and move forward. He will always be here, even when the road becomes bumpy He is here. He will make my paths straight. He makes this life bearable and encourages me to get up each morning and make the most of each day. He is a faithful and loving God who cares for His people.

Habakkuk 3:17-19

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of deer, he enables me to go on the heights."

So with God's awesome power and strength I am filled with such joy and encouragement through my sufferings. He fills me so that I may go out into the world and reach out to the hurting and the broken. He has blessed me and I yearn to help and put others first. He is my rock and my strength and I want to live for Him.

Live for Today

Natalie Grant

"Sittin' in my room staring at the wall

Wonderin' about the meaning of it all

Why is it this thing called life

Has got me goin' crazy

So I open up your word and let it speak to me

The purpose and the plan that you've designed

Is clear to see, and I believe.

I'm gonna live for today

I'm gonna follow in your way

I'm gonna let my little light shine

Like there's no tomorrow.

I won't worry about the past .

I know my future is intact.

So I'll choose to live my life one way

I'm gonna live it for today.

You told me not to worry

About what lies ahead

So I am gonna focus on today instead

Making every moment count and counting

Every single blessing

I'm gonna set my mind on the

Here and the Now

This is what I want my life to be about

And this is How..."

God of Justice

Tim Hughes

"...Jesus, You have called us

Freely we've received

Now freely we will give.

We must go live to feed the hungry

Stand beside the broken

We must go

Stepping forward keep us from just singing

Move us into action

We must go...

Fill us up and send us out

Fill us up and send us out

Fill us up and send us out Lord..."

Joy that's Coming

I have been pulled out of my darkness and sorrow and have been filled with love, hope, and joy for tomorrow from the One who has created me and who has given me life. Even though life can be difficult and contain many struggles God has great plans for His people and He will never leave them.

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

When we are in times of turmoil and struggle the Lord will lift us up and give us the strength to carry on.

James 1:2-4

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

An amazing song that totally describes the place that I am in my life right now and has given me hope and fills me with joy is:

Before the Morning

Josh Wilson

"Do you wonder why you have to

feel the things that hurt you

if there's a God who loves you where is He now?

Maybe there are things you can't see

and all those things are happening

to bring a better ending.

Someday some how you'll see you'll see.

Would you dare would you dare to believe

that you still have a reason to sing

cause the pain that you've been feeling

it can't compare to the joy that's coming.

So hold on you gotta wait for the light.

Press on and just fight the good fight.

Cause the pain that you've been feeling

it's just the dark before the morning.

My friend you know how this all ends.

You know where you're going.

You just don't know how you'll get there.

So say a prayer.

And hold on cause there's good for those who love God.

But life is not a snapshot.

It might take a little time but you'll see the bigger picture.

Would you dare would you dare to believe

that you still have a reason to sing

cause the pain that you've been feeling

it can't compare to the joy that's coming.

So hold on you gotta wait for the light.

Press on and just fight the good fight.

Cause the pain that you've been feeling.

It's just the dark before the morning.

Once you feel the weight of glory.

All your pain will fade to memory.

Would you dare would you dare to believe

that you still have a reason to sing

cause the pain that you've been feeling

it can't compare to the joy that's coming.

So hold on you gotta wait for the light.

Press on and just fight the good fight.

Cause the pain that you've been feeling

it's just the hurt before the healing.

Oh the pain that you've been feeling

it's just the dark before the morning."

Hope Endures

This week has been a difficult one, embedded with twists and turns, confusion and pain, stress and weariness...Reality has hit and awakened me from my fantasies and has shown me what is real and true. Although this is a magnificent aspect and allows me to move forward with my life, heartache and sorrow must first be overcome.

When my heart feels as if it open and exposed, lying on the ground, waiting for the next person to come over and stomp on it, God sends encouragement and hope to lift my broken heart up and make it whole once again. I am amazed by His awesome power and by the way in which He works through others. When I feel great despair and contain hopeless feelings God uses someone to encourage me and show me that I am loved. The timing of God is amazing and I am so very grateful for the people that He has placed in my life. He fills me up when I feel empty. He uses

His people to reach out to the hurting and helps them realize that there is hope.

He has greatly blessed His people and loves every single one of them. It is important to live in a way that demonstrates His wonderful love, mercy, and grace and pour all of these aspects out to all people.

He gives us strength in our weakness and provides us with hope to carry on. He loves His people unconditionally and it would be a beautiful thing to see everyone connected and pouring out this miraculous love to each other. God is so good and He is always here. He provides us with everything that we need and will be with us every single step of the way. So with this great love and joy that comes from Him alone, we must go and love others as He loves us.

Lamentations 3:17-24

"I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, 'My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord.' I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.'"

Our Hope Endures

Natalie Grant

"You would think only so much can go wrong

Calamity only strikes once

And you assume that this one has suffered her share

Life will be kinder from here

Sometimes the sun stays hidden for years

Sometimes the sky rains night after night

When will it clear

But our hope endures the worst of conditions

It's more than our optimism

Let earth quake

Our hope is unchanged

How do we comprehend peace within pain

Our joy at a good man's wake

Walk a mile with a woman whose body is torn

With illness but she marches on

Sometimes the sun stays hidden for years

Sometimes the sky rains night after night

When will it clear

But our hope endures the worst of conditions

It's more than our optimism

Let earth quake

Our hope is unchanged

Emanuel God is with us

El Shaddai, all sufficient

Emanuel God is with us

El Shaddai, all sufficient...

We never walk alone

This is our hope..."

Bearable Pain

Today the pain is too much for me to handle. My joints are screaming out for a relief that cannot be found. I'm sick of doctor appointments and medical tests that always leave me feeling disappointed and discouraged. Why did God give me this pain? Why couldn't He have made me "normal"? Why must I struggle so...

At this moment the one thing that I would love to do is go outside and run as far and as fast as I can. I want to feel the world speeding past me and hear my heart pounding. When I am finished my knees will not ache and I will feel energized and refreshed.

Although I cannot experience my dream of running, I can experience the feeling of being refreshed, energized, and renewed. God fills me with these wonderful feelings and even though I struggle He is right there beside me. He understands the pain that I am going through and He will use this pain to teach me something and possibly use my experiences with pain to reach out to others. Even though I am in so much pain the amazing aspect is that I still feel completely filled with the loving spirit of Jesus Christ. He fills my heart with hope and strength to carry on each day. He fills my soul with a joy that only can come from Him. He knows my deepest innermost feelings and is always comforting me. He loves me and makes me strong. I can live each day because He is in my life. I am so thankful for each day that He has allowed me to live and for all of the many wonderful blessings that He has given me. He is an amazing God.

Back at My Heart

Natalie Grant

"Strong on the outside

But coming apart at the seams

That's me.

Tragically always together

But bruised underneath

Well, that's me.

I stand just to stumble

Tripping on my pride

Why do I always try to hide?

Chorus:

Meanwhile, back at my heart

I'm desperate for all that you are

Undo me, take me apart.

Meanwhile, back at my soul

Oh mend me Lord

Please make me whole

You know just where to start

Back at my heart

Back at my heart

Patiently waiting

To pick up the pieces of me

That's You

Healer of hearts

When the world leaves it broken in two

That's You

Maker of heaven, sky and the sea

When You stretched Your arms

You reached for me, You reached for me

Chorus

You know just where to start

Back at my heart, back at my fear

Back at my brokenness Lord meet me here

Though I'm exposed , I'm not afraid anymore.

I'm desperate for all that You are

Undo me and take me apart

And meanwhile back at my soul

Mend me Lord please make me whole

You know just where to start

Back at my heart, back at my heart

Back at my heart, back at my heart

Healer of hearts

When the world leaves it broken in two

Well, that's You"

Empty Me

The end of the semester is drawing near and the craziness of life and stress begins to overwhelm me. As I feel myself becoming consumed of these things to the point of breaking, I remember the One who is in control. The things of this world are only temporary and in the whole scheme of things grades, other fears and anxieties that I hold onto do not matter. Instead of focusing on the "what ifs" in life I should be listening. I should be listening for the One who leads me and carries me through these difficult times and listen to the One who fills my soul with a calming peace and an inexplicable joy. I desire to be led by the spirit and to trust in the everlasting One who gives me strength and courage.

A passage that jumped out at me the other night was Galatians 5:16-26 and 6:1-10

Life by the Spirit

"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit., and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

The acts of sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."

Doing Good to All

"Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.

Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

Reach out to the hurting and the broken. Support them and let God shine through you. Empty yourselves of the emptiness inside your hearts and fill it with the love and joy of the Spirit.

Empty Me

Chris Sligh

"...Empty me of the selfishness inside.

Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride.

And any foolish thing my heart holds to.

Empty me of me so I can be filled with you..."

All of Me

All of Me

Selah

"Holy Father.

Love me still

I have fallen from Your will.

I am broken.

Hear my humble cry, my cry.

Take my life and make it Yours oh,

fill me with your love.

You are all I need.

I surrender all of me.

I have wandered for so long.

Tired and weary on my own.

In Your arms I know I'm home.

Oh, God my God.

Take my life and make it Yours oh,

fill me with your love.

You are all I need.

I surrender all of me.

Take my life and make it yours oh,

fill me with your love.

You are all I need.

I surrender,

I surrender,

I surrender,

all of me."

This song just fills up my spirit because I know that once I surrender my whole self to God He will use me and through Him I am able to do great things.

Out of Darkness

Have you ever experienced an indescribable low in your life, where the darkness and numbness overwhelm you?

Have you ever felt so insecure and insignificant that you wondered if it would matter if you existed in this world anymore?

I recently felt this deep darkness that I could not describe and did not know why it was happening. I was suffering from depression and this was a side effect of one of my medications that I was not aware of. I have never felt that low in my entire life. It literally feels as if you are living underneath a constant rain cloud and you can see the sun but you can not feel the warmth of its rays.

My heart was awakened and a great weight was lifted off of my soul. My uncontrollable emotions and insecure heart were filled with the grace and love of God. He knows my innermost feelings and is always, always standing right there beside me. He understands why I am going through the things that I am, even when I do not. He is my strength and hope. He helps me carry on.

I am thoroughly blessed by Him. Looking back over this past year I am able to see how God has directed and guided my life. He has provided me with a wonderful community of people who never cease to amaze me with their love, encouragement, and hearts for God. If I had followed my plan, I never would have found this. He has filled me with His never-ending love and continues to encourage me and help me grow in my faith. He is my strength in my weakness and the comforter in the storm. He is my rock and will keep me from crumbling. He fills me with unexplainable joy and peace and makes me alive again. I am forever grateful for the many wonderful relationships, opportunities, and love that He has provided for me. God is love.

James 1:2-4

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Philippians 4:4-9

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."