Monday Musings: Trusting God!!

I suppose it is a good thing when a key verse in the sermon directly applies to your heart...even when the Pastor doesn't go that way with his exposition of it.  Although he spent a lot of time connected this to verse 11...and speaking of justice and how christians cannot beg ignorance as an excuse to not do right....this  one key verse stuck with me and I found myself pondering it hours later.

Proverbs 24:10

If you fail under pressure,  your strength is too small.

I was convicted that I wasn't trusting God.  So I decided to do a word study on trust, trusting and trustworthy.  Generally, this means I go to biblos.com and copy and paste a bunch of verses.  Then I look them up (what comes before and after being of utmost importantce)...and I try to be quiet (er) and let God work.  And He is always faithful to do so.  Beware...this is often painful.  If you ask to see your yuck...He is very very faithful.

Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be you dismayed: for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
I am commanded, not merely comforted or coddled, to be strong and courageous.  If I know The Lord my God is with me I have no cause for distress or fear...in present or future.

2 Samuel 7:28 And now, O Lord GOD, you are that God, and your words be true, and you have promised this goodness to your servant:
David had great plans for God...but it wasn't God's will or purpose for him.  Rather than pout, David acknowledges that The Lord is God (and not man)...He reminds himself that God's Word is true (and will come to be, is perfect, etc), and that although different from his own plans, God's plans are full of promises and goodness...to His servant; a devoted and faithful follower.

Psalms 9:10 And they that know your name will put their trust in you: for you, LORD, have not forsaken them that seek you.
This is how God deals with His dependent disciples.  "I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus name."  God doesn't forsake me when I seek Him.  I'd better make sure I'm constantly seeking Him and not just doing what I think is best.

Psalms 13:5 But I have trusted in your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I have trusted in His compassion and forgiveness where punishment is deserved.  That is His salvation...and my heart should rejoice.  Talk about a change of focus, eh?

Psalms 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
This is good for me in light of military/political issues especially.  Aside from every invasion...strength of any army (for or against)...The LORD, my God...He is to be remembered as Sovereign and in control.  Watching the news and getting all uptight is wrong...Remembering His name is right.

Psalms 31:14 But I trusted in you, O LORD: I said, You are my God.
Even after overhearing the enemies plans (vs 13)...I will trust in the LORD...and trust Him with my future (vs 15)

Psalms 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in you.
What time?  WHEN...it's gonna happen.  What will I do?  Trust in you.  I will praise Him for His promises and remember that mere mortals can not harm me.  (vs 4)

Psalms 84:12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusts in you.
Lord of hosts (of angel armies)...He is our sun and shield, giving us grace and glory and withholding no good thing from us (vs 11)...we have blessings and joy when we trust Him.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he'll lead you in the right way to go.  (vs 6)...My understanding of things is not full or perfect...not by a long shot.

Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer reveals secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.
Trustworthy=faithful spirit...the wise keep quiet.  No gossip.  Have you prayed about it as much as you've talked about?

Proverbs 11:28 He that trusts in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
But God provides far more security than any earthly investment can ever give.  When I learn this I will be fruitful.

Proverbs 28:26 He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whoever walks wisely, he shall be delivered.
My insights are shortsighted, at best...and foolish.  Walking in God's plans for me will keep me safe.

Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
Jehovah---God of holiness and eternal self existence.  Again, no reason for fear...Know God, Know peace.  I will have strength and I will sing His praises.

Isaiah 43:1 But now thus said the LORD that created you, O Jacob, and he that formed you, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name; you are mine.
The only reason I'm still gadding about is God's sovereign grace over my life.  That's both humbling and comforting.  I've been ransomed.  "Jesus paid it all...all to Him I owe...sin had left a crimson stain...He washed it white as snow."

Jeremiah 7:8 Behold, you trust in lying words, that cannot profit.
I shouldn't be thinking that I'm not going to suffer for my disobedience.  Listening to such lies is going to be a rough road.  Repent often and listen only to Him.

Daniel 6:23 Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found on him, because he believed in his God.
Not a scratch.  I'm gonna guess that if the his friends didn't smell like fire after walking about in a furnace, that he didn't even smell like big kitties either.  Why such miraculous salvation (no more miraculous than mine?)  Belief in God.  Fully, completely...regardless of earthly outcome.  Not wavering.

John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.
Faith (complete trust and confidence) in him can stop the heart from being agitated.

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
God is the source of hope, He will fill me completely with joy and peace because I trust in him. Then I will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Revelation 21:5 And he that sat on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said to me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
God always speaks truth.  He is trustworthy and true.  He makes all things new.  Eternity with Him.

Note:  I'm attempting to blog via my ipad...I'm still new at this...and formatting is giving me fits.  Please be patient.  Sorry if things aren't as put together as normal.  There is only so much time I'm willing to give to blogging.  Formatting anymore wasn't in today's schedule.

Foto Friday: Clouds

Thoughtful Thursday: No worries...

Have you ever had one of those moments where your worries fall upon you... leaving you almost literally gulping for air? I happened to be flipping through Pinterest when I noticed my tight neck and shoulders and tense breathing...and as I gulped, I prayed...and pinned some things worth sharing.

There is nothing better to hold onto than Scripture...and sometimes in my flustered flutter I can't think of where to go...this is useful...

How often I've thought what a great pray-er I'd be if I did pray in place of worrying.  Seems like such an obvious point when I know the one accomplishing nothing and the other is the answer to everything.

So often my worries are centered around my being a control freak and wanting information about the future that I don't have...might never have.  Waiting on the Lord is hard...but I love this poster.  I want to use times of waiting to consider his glory and grow stronger and courageous.

I love this doodle...cuz I tend to do this with verses I'm trying to memorize.  It's a visual learner thang.  Oh, how I desire to be confident...strong, full of heart...as I wait on the Lord.

Praise the Lord that He uses His Word...even through the Pinterest channel...to calm my worries and encourage my heart.  So often, we hear about media as a source of evil...but today, I have proven this false.  It was merciful sweet dreams for me.  God is good.

Hodgepodge Memories

1. What summer activity most takes you back to your own childhood?

Reading.  I spent countless hours of my childhood reading...especially in the summertime.  Now that my two Sweet Boobahs are readers I'm enjoying all of us reading together.  So sweet!

2. What's your favorite summer smell?
It's between the smell of grilling out or campfire roasting marshmallows.

3. It's beach season in the US of A...so how do you feel about sand?
I wish I'd found out years ago that baby powder takes sand off.  My van would have appreciated it.  I enjoy sand while I'm on the beach...but not where and how it lingers later.

4. Sun tea, SunChips, sunflower seeds, Capri Sun, Sunny Delight, Sun-Maid raisins, sun-dried tomatoes...your favorite food or beverage with sun in its name?
Sun-dried tomatoes

5. What's your favorite way to cool off on a hot summer day?
I like running through the sprinkler with the kids...and I like sticking my feet in a bucket of cold water...and I like using ice cubes wedged in specific spots inside my shirt...*ahem.  Bwahhaha...built in air conditioning.  Okay...and I really like REAL air conditioning.  I don't think I could deal with Indiana summers otherwise.

6. Share a favorite song with the word sun or sunshine in it's title.
Walking on Sunshine...

7. Tell us about a time you had an exceedingly good or truly awful customer service experience. If it was awful, did you report it? Ever go back there again?
When the kids were little I had the greatest garbage man EVER...he'd wave and dump the bucket...every.single.time.  We knew his name...gave him presents...So, one day I called and "reported" his good behavior.  It was actually kind of funny...I don't think they'd ever gotten a call like that.  When they lost their bid for our neighborhood John actually came and said goodbye.  *sniff sniff*

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Swimming lessons started this week.  Guess I might actually get a tan ...that is if I manage not to burn.  They cut down the tree that used to hang over the pool.  I understand this from a practical standpoint but I'm bummed just the same.  

Tune Tuesday: Paving Over Paradise...

Last week, Mom and I drove past a large and very new parking lot next to a Walgreens.  My Mom said they knocked out a bunch of beautiful statues to make space for it.  She mentioned a song with the lyrics, "paving over paradise to build a parking lot."  I thought I'd heard it somewhere...and today on my new Amazon Music Player it came on.  I was very surprised...and excited.

So, here it is Mom!  Strangely enough, it's called Big Yellow Taxi and Joni Mitchell made it famous.

They paved paradise

And put up a parking lot

With a pink hotel, a boutique

And a swinging hot SPOT

Don't it always seem to go

That you don't know what you've got

‘Til it's gone

They paved paradise

And put up a parking lot

They took all the trees

And put them in a tree museum

Then they charged the people

A dollar and a half just to see 'em

Don't it always seem to go,

That you don't know what you've got

‘Til it's gone

They paved paradise

And put up a parking lot

Hey farmer, farmer

Put away that DDT now

Give me spots on my apples

But LEAVE me the birds and the bees

Please!

Don't it always seem to go

That you don't know what you've got

‘Til its gone

They paved paradise

And put up a parking lot

Late last night

I heard the screen door slam

And a big yellow taxi

Come and took away my old man

Don't it always seem to go

That you don't know what you've got

‘Til it's gone

They paved paradise

And put up a parking lot

I said

Don't it always seem to go

That you don't know what you've got

‘Til it's gone

They paved paradise

And put up a parking lot

They paved paradise

And put up a parking lot

They paved paradise

And put up a parking lot

Monday Musings...Reading...

I enjoyed this post of reading pictures and quotes about reading...HERE!

A great article, "You are what--and how--you read"...Here's my favorite paragraph..."In short, we honor God with our reading diligence. We honor God with our reading sacrifice. If you watch two hours of TV and surf the internet for three, what would happen if you abandoned these habits for reading the Bible and the Puritans? For real. Could the best solution to the sin that enslaves us be just that simple and difficult all at the same time? We create Christian communities that are safe places to struggle because we know sin is also "lurking at [our] door." God tells us that sin's "desire is for you, but you shall have mastery over it" (Gen. 4:7). Sin isn't a matter of knowing better, it isn't (only) a series of bad choices—and if it were, we wouldn't need a Savior, just need a new app on our iPhone."

Another great article, "Three Reasons To Diversify Your Reading"...my favorite point, "Reading more broadly allows you to have another connection point with non-Christians that helps you to have meaningful discussions (whether at work, the gym, traditional or online book clubs or Starbucks) that can also lead to opportunities to share the gospel."  Amen!!  Enough with hiding in the Christian bubble...POP!

This is interesting...about how much time people of various ages spend reading.  I admit I was surprised by this data.  But, I also have a question...Is any of the "screen time" data actually screen reading time?  I read ALOT on my ipad...which is technically a screen.  Just sayin'...

Sew Saturday: New Ruffle Skirt

I adore my patriotic ruffle skirt.  I made it many moons ago when I was making matching outfits for Emma and me.  She has long since outgrown hers.  If I was a really good blogger I'd hunt through the archives and find the adorable picture of the two of us...but I'm not feeling it today.  I felt bad...so I searched...and I matched us HERE, and HERE and HERE....but if you think I can find these patriotic skirts you are wrong.  See!?  This is why I don't search the archives. 

I got this fun fabric remnant from my friend Tammy.  She said she thought she'd backed a quilt with it...I loved it...and in her normally generous manner she handed it to me.

Hilairously, it has purple in it.  Which she and everyone else knows I don't like.  With orange it's totally rad.  It does remind me of an old 70s print...a sofa maybe.  In the greatest, most amazing sense of that thought, of course.

I found some tiny polka dotted orange while visiting my mother.  This is basically a pillowcase skirt...with an added ruffle.

I just use a fat quarter cut into four strips for the ruffle.  About 4".  You really can't see the seams once it's all ruffled up.

My plan is to wear it on Sunday...maybe I'll even remember to take a picture for ya'll.  I have the perfect lavendar scarf to wear in my hair (thanks Mom!) and I'm not sure if my top will be white or black...Gotta try stuff on...ya know.  Anyhewdall...Happy Sew Saturday Dear Void.

Foto Friday: Self Portrait

I found a cute list of photo challenges on pinterest. They are meant to be done every day...and to that I will not hold myself. BUT, I do enjoy taking pictures...and my ancient digital doesn't faze me in the least...

...especially since I have a MAC and can play with my pictures to my little heart's content. It certainly makes up for being a mediocre photographer. So, which one do ya'll like best. FYI...this was a lot harder than I thought it'd be...I had to think about background, lighting, etc. AND...my arm isn't very long, just sayin.' If you reach out with an arm like that... your neck bunches all up giving you funky neck wrinkles...it was tricky!

We'll call the first one The Smirk...and the second one The Dreamer. 

Thursday Thoughts: Fiction?

Reading.  I usually read a lot of fiction in the summertime.  But lately, I've found myself feeling guilty about this use of time.  Over the years I've tried to be sure not to read junk...smut, horror, etc.  But, I love a good Agatha Christie or Louis L'amour.  I love bookstores and libraries....and recently realized I have a bookmark collection to die for.  (I feel sorry for my unused bookmarks...do they feel lonely?  Should I circulate them more carefully?) 

*Ahem...I digress...

This last year I really examined the use of my time...wanting none of it to be wasted.  I want to walk worthy, be ready, and found pleasing when I meet Christ...be it in the clouds or in glory.  I've been reading some great books...classics and just a whole lot of HIS WORD.  I have been reading super helpful books that teach me loads about God's character and attributes.  I am reading books on counseling, parenting, marriage...and sometimes it seems all so very heavy. 

For the most point I enjoy it and see it as worthy of my time...of God's time.  But, is fiction then just frivolous drivel?  Is it worthy? 

I count the other books worthy because I feel they make me more useful to Christ...and in some cases they help me understand Him better and thus, serve Him better.  So, does fiction make me useful to Christ?  Certainly neither fiction or non fiction is useful if it becomes an idol...and sits in the place that God should have...first place, that is.  But, it does help me relax and refocus.  I tease Loverbrains that reading fiction lets your brain work on those other things...those worries, stresses, and seriousnesses.  I have no idea if that's true or not.  But in a way, for me, it works as a vacation for the brain.  After reading a fictitious account...I am returning from a world very different from my own...I am able to again focus my thoughts on the seriousness and learning again.  Nothing should become an excess, of course...but just because it doesn't add to a bank of knowledge it does add to me by helping me step away and then step back into life again...and be more usable to my Master.

Please excuse me...I have date with a book, iced coffee and a comfy chair.

Summertime Hodgepodge!

1. Since you weren't Hodgepodging last Wednesday, how did you pass the time?
I went to visit my parents...with the kiddos and dog...sans the China gallivanting Loverbrains.  I believe, on Wednesday, when I would normally be hodgepodging, I was sipping iced coffee and learning to knit washclothes with my Mom!

2. What's the first word that comes to mind when I say marriage? Yes, one word.
Committment

3. Summer officially arrives in the Northern hemisphere later this week. Does it feel like summer where you live? Describe your idea of the perfect summer day.
It feels like summertime here in Indiana.  I was welcomed home from Ohio by thick, muggy humidity that I've come to associate with Indiana summers.  It's not exactly loverly walking in soup.  It makes me think of that movie "Throw Mama From The Train"...where he keeps trying to write his book and can't get past the first sentence...The night was muggy...The night was sultry...The night was...
Please NOTE:  After this awful winter I am not complaining...just stating the facts.  In additional fact, I'm blissfully happy about having a lovely air conditioned home and vehicle...and gallons of iced coffee!!  Life is good here.

4. "Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability."(Sam Keen) Is laziness ever respectable? Do you have a lazy summer planned, or something semi-ambitious?
I suppose it depends on the definition of laziness.  True laziness is not ever respectable...and goodness knows just look around America and you'll see a plenty.  But, relaxed time for rest and renewal...now that's respectable and remarkably sane.  Our summer here is short...and although punctuated by my Loverbrains travels it will be pretty deliberately relaxed and fun.

5. Past or present, who's your favorite television dad? Why is he a favorite? Is he anything like your own dad?
Bill Cosby as Cliff Huckstable.  There are definite hilarious similarities between him and my Dad come to think of it.  Although there are rather striking differences too!  HA!

6. June 18th is International Picnic Day...share a favorite picnic memory.
When Loverbrains and I were still young and full of funtimes...hahaha...we liked to picnic with our tiny baby all over Cinci, where we lived at the time.  I packed my Longaberger picnic basket (wedding gift) full of homemade awesomeness and we headed to all the parks in the city.  What I learned about picnicing was...being organized counts and it was a lot harder than initially realized. 

7. The travel site Trip Advisor lists the top five islands in the world for 2014 as- Ambergris Caye in Belize Cayes, Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, Bora Bora in French Polynesia, Marco Island Florida, and Lewis and Harris in The Outer Hebrides (Scotland). Have you been to any of these? Of those listed (and if price were not a factor) which would you most like to book for a holiday?
Never been to any of them...but I'll pick Bora Bora...just cuz it'd be so fun to say you'd been there!
 
8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I should be cleaning...something...but I'm not.  I did do the one thing I know to be a catalyst to engage my inner housecleaner...I scheduled house guests for a dinner date on Saturday.  But, for right now, I want to read my book...and sit in my comfy chair.

Sew Saturday: Starter Ender...bits and pieces.

This is what I've started doing at the end of each project...big or small.  I hunt out a bit of scraps...and cut two 2" squares from four fabrics.

I chain piece them together...

Press them open...

And arrange them thusly...

I have three done...and someday they'll make a cute bits and pieces project!

Now my Mom tells me that to be a true Starter Ender quilt you are supposed to do a bit each time you start sewing and end sewing.  The real idea is to put a gazillion 2" squares in a basket...sew two together...and leave it set...then four...etc.  As usual I'm making this harder than it's supposed to be.  I think I'm going to change tactics... : )

Cake Makers!!! Cake walk?

Fun with Cousins...

Day two of our visit we met at a park to visit with my Aunt Carol and her grand kids.  

See the sisters! ?

The kids played together really well...even though they'd only just met today!

They had a fun time!

Sharpie Tye Dye!

Today's activity at Grandma's is Sharpie Tye Dye...

Take a Solo cup and rubber band shirt over it.  Then, simply take Sharpie markers and mark away.

Then use a dropper to drip rubbing alcohol in the center of the circle.  Wait patiently and the liquid will spread through the fibers to blend colors.  Beautiful.

Sew Saturday: God's Promise Stars...

When I saw Amanda Jean's oh my stars quilt I began to drool. She is the voice of Crazy Mom Quilts.  I wanted something new to do for handwork...so, I used the vintage repro fabrics from a recent baby quilt...

I decided to set them in rainbow order...and within varying shades of gray solids.  I'm going to call it God's Promise Stars...because on my darkest gray days He keeps His promises and is Sovereign over all. 

The stars make me think of God's faithfulness and promises to Abraham...and me.  Hebrews 11:12 says, "And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore."  

Stars always make me think of Psalm 19:1, "The heavens declare the glory of God;  the skies proclaim the work of his hands."  

And the rainbow makes me think of yet more of God's faithfulness and promises to Noah...and me.  Genesis 9:13, "I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth."

And...one of my favorites...Philippians 2:14-16, "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life."  Such encouragement to shine for Jesus on those gray days!

Foodie Friday: Rhubarb Crunch

Contrary to most people in my generation...I LOVE RHUBARB! Frankly, when made into rhubarb crunch I've even known a few haters to become at least likers...if not lovers.

Rhubarb Crunch

Mix the following until crumbly...

1 c. flour

3/4 c. uncooked oats

1 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. melted butter

1 tsp. cinnamon

Place half in 9X9 baking dish.

Place 4 c. diced rhubarb on crumbs.

Combine and cook until thick and bubbly...

1 c. sugar

2 T. cornstarch

1 c. water

1 tsp. vanilla

Pour over rhubarb and top with other half of crumbs.

Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes

To double:  Use 6 c. rhubarb and a 9X13 baking dish.

Enjoy!

Thoughtful Thursday: Learning Steadfast...

Psalm 13:5-6, "I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me."

I am not who I was...that's something to rejoice about.  God has not left me the same.  

I am finding that my extroverted hide has toughened...and even among those I trust the most, I am subdued and changed.  I'm no longer as energized by the crowd as I once was...perhaps finally acknowledging my need for time alone, time with God.  Realizing that my tank is so quickly emptied and must be filled...where before I'd run on fumes and have regrets, now I sense the guage is near the red and back off and quiet my tongue.

I am finding out how precious is time...and doing only those things prepared in advance for me.  How rewarding and clear God makes it when I pray first and yes next.  Now let me be clear...there's no "praying about" things that are clearly to be obeyed in God's Word...but there is praying about His will before saying I will...Avoiding at all costs duty bound ministry...which is not glorifying to God.

I am finding new delight in His Word.  Reading...really reading...and memorizing...Eating and finding it sweet.  Praying His Word back to Him.  It's almost like falling in love...again.  It's finding out I was being loved....by the Lover of my Soul...all along.

Oh Love that wilt not let me go,

I rest my weary soul in thee.

I give thee back the life I owe,

That in thine ocean depths its flow,

May richer, fuller be.

O light that foll'west all my way,

I yield my flick'ring torch to thee;

My heart restores its borrowed ray,

That in thy sunshine's blaze its day

May brighter, fairer be.

O Joy that seekest me through pain,

I cannot close my heart to thee;

I trace the rainbow through the rain,

And feel the promise is not vain,

That morn shall tearless be.

O Cross that liftest up my head,

I dare not ask to fly from thee;

I lay in dust life's glory dead,

And from the ground there blossoms red

Life that shall endless be.

George Mattheson 1882

Scripture Psalm 13:5

Rosie Hodgepodge

1. I've read several posts and status updates recently describing end of year school field trips. Do you remember taking school field trips as a kid? Where did you go and do you recall a favorite? For any parents responding today, have you ever chaperoned a school field trip, and if so where?

I did two to the zoo this year.  Ugh...I keep telling myself to be happy I get to go...but whoa.  ExHausTing!  I wouldn't go except I seriously worry they'd lose my kid.  I am amazed they don't lose more kids.  I Yi Yi!

2. What's something you're tired of seeing online?

Miley Cyrus scantily clad.  Invites to play idiotic games on Facebook from people I barely know.

 3. June is the month for roses. Which of the following expressions would you say has most recently applied to your life-'everything's coming up roses', 'there's no rose without a thorn', 'came out smelling like a rose', or 'wearing rose-colored glasses'? 
There's no rose without a thorn...

4. When grilling outdoors do you prefer gas or charcoal? Who does the grilling at your house? What's the last thing you ate that was cooked on a grill?
Gas, Loverbrains and Tilapia with Zucchini.

5. Are you afraid of the dark?
Nope.

6. Share a favorite song with a number in it's title.

7. "Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves."(C.G. Jung). Do you agree? Why or why not?
Totally.  When I pray for someone who's irritating me...generally, I find, it's me who changes.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Crazy storms here today.  Lots of rain.  Praying for no more hail.  Pizza tonight...woot woot. How's that for random??

Tune Tuesday: Just Be Held

Hold it all together
Everybody needs you strong

But life hits you out of nowhere

And barely leaves you holding on

And when you're tired of fighting

Chained by your control

There's freedom in surrender

Lay it down and let it go

So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away

You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held

Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place

I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held

Just be held, just be held

If your eyes are on the storm

You'll wonder if I love you still

But if your eyes are on the cross

You'll know I always have and I always will

And not a tear is wasted

In time, you'll understand

I'm painting beauty with the ashes

Your life is in My hands

Lift your hands, lift your eyes

In the storm is where you'll find Me

And where you are, I'll hold your heart

I'll hold your heart

Come to Me, find your rest

In the arms of the God who won't let go

Monday Musage

Monday Musage:  Stuff I read that I thought I'd share with ya'll!

Faking Cultural Literacy---It’s never been so easy to pretend to know so much without actually knowing anything. 

Could Quitting Facebook Be A Mistake?-- The problem isn’t Facebook. The problem is us.

Another hurrah for social media--An Amber Alert was issued for a newborn baby was snatched from a maternity ward in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec. But thanks to the quick thinking and the power of social media, the baby was found safe within hours.

7 Christian Candle Scents-- Hil Ar I OUS!