And then I'll sing them again

It's always the most fun Sunday of my month when I get to play on the worship team. Currently we have three services, so basically I get to do my favourite thing (worship Jesus) ALL morning. I love it. It's such a joy.

This song, one we happened to sing on Sunday, is one I've heard before many times, and one that I've always thought is beautiful. Yet after hearing the sermon, my heart was in such a place of seeking Jesus. I needed Him to provide the comfort I haven't been finding in my endeavours.

And of course, He did.



So tonight, Sunday night as I write these words, I sing these words:

Your statutes are my heritage forever
My heart is set on keeping Your decrees
Please still my anxious urge toward rebellion
Let Love keep my will upon its knees


And I'll sing these words, words that almost always bring me to tears when I consider them:


I will seek You in the morning
I will learn to walk in Your ways
And step by step You'll lead me
And I will follow You all of my days


I'll keep singing them until I mean them with all my heart.
And then I'll sing them again. 

merry christmas (He has come for us)

Merry Christmas!

This song, HE HAS COME sung by Meredith Andrews is all about Jesus.
And since Christmas is ALL ABOUT JESUS, I figured it made sense to share it today.

Merry Merry Merry Christmas!




He has come for us
This Jesus
He's the hope for all
Mankind
He has come for us
The Messiah
Born to give us life


P.S. This is the last Tune-y Tuesday for a while. I've got a fun new series starting next week! I can't wait to share it with you.  
hint: nah, just wait!

Tune-y Tuesday (hope came down)

I know there are quite a few blogs taking today to be silent. 

I've hesitated writing about the horrors that have happened because they're horrible. And I would never want to give some sort of pat statement. So I just want to say that my heart is sad, my tears are plenty, and Jesus will one day make things right. As to why that day was not prior to Friday, I can't say why.

Today I want to point to the hope that I have only in Jesus.




So this is how it was 
A silent night like any other,
When Heaven sent the One,
The One we will call our Saviour, 
and redemption began,
In a stable in Bethlehem,

All of the angels lifted up their voices,
and filled the night with Hallelujah's!
God is with us now!
Everyone come and join the Heavenly chorus, 
Our Savior King is here before us!
All to hear the sound
The song creation sang,
When Hope came down

So this was truly God,
Wrapped in a tattered blanket,
Love was finally here,
Sleeping while the world awakened,
and redemption begins,
With a baby in Bethlehem,

All of the angels lifted up their voices,
and filled the night with Hallelujah's!
God is with us now!
Everyone come and join the Heavenly chorus, 
Our Savior King is here before us!
All to hear the sound
The song creation sang,
When Hope came down
So let us sing Redemption Song,
Let us worship Christ the Holy One,
We were lost, but we were found,
When Hope came down,
When Hope came down.

All of the angels lifted up their voices,
and filled the night with Hallelujah's!
God is with us now!
Everyone come and join the Heavenly chorus, 
Our Savior King is here before us!
All to hear the sound
The song creation sang,
When Hope came down

Tune-y Tuesday (you're here)

Christmas Tune-y Tuesday season is upon us folks! Woot Woot!

I love this song by Francesca Battistelli. This season, as I've held my newest niece, I've been struck numerous times at how she is powerless. And how Jesus chose to come down to earth. Fully God, fully man, a baby. A baby who cried, who pooped, who didn't sleep through the night. A baby who would one day provide the remedy to all the problems. 

Noel.
Jesus our Emmanuel.

 



Hold on now, I gotta take a deep breath
I don’t know what to say when I look in Your eyes
You made the world before I was born
Yet here I am holding You in my arms tonight

Noel, Noel
Jesus our Emmanuel

You’re here
I’m holding You so near
I’m staring into the face of my Savior
King and Creator
You could’ve left us on our own
But You’re here

Don’t know how long I’m gonna have You for
But I’ll be watching when You change the world
Look at Your hands, they’re still so small
Someday You’re gonna stretch them out and save us all

Noel, Noel, 
God with us, Emmanuel

You’re here, I’m holding You so near
I’m staring into the face of my Savior
King and Creator
You could’ve left us on our own
But You’re here, 
You’re here

Someday I’m gonna look back on this
The night that God became a baby boy
Someday You’re gonna go home again,
But You'll leave your spirit and flood the world with joy

You’ll be here, I’m holding You so near
I’m staring into the face of my Savior, 
King and Creator
You could’ve left me on my own, 
But You’re here
You’re here
 
Hallelujah, You’re here
Hallelujah, You’re here

Jesus provides the refuge.

Jesus provides the refuge.


Yesterday in church we sang In Christ Alone which is an incredible song. It was absolutely incredible to feel freedom on Sunday as I was singing the words, and was truly an even more incredible feeling as I looked around the building and saw more arms up than I had ever seen before. Now that is freedom in Christ.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again

it was in this moment that it was as if our entire church took a deep breath of the ONE who made our breath

And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

. . .

Tune-y Tuesday (wating here for You)

I love a singer who sings with passion and conviction. Christy Nockels has such a powerful voice. I love it. This song is beautiful. I hope you enjoy it this Tune-y Tuesday.

There's this line in it, and it's You we adore, which just makes my heart get excited because Jesus is the ONE I adore. I love Him so much.





If faith can move the mountains
Let the mountains move
We come with expectation
Waiting here for You,
I’m waiting here for You

You’re the Lord of all creation
And still you know my heart
The Author of Salvation
You’ve loved us from the start

Waiting here for You
With our hands lifted high in praise
And it's You we adore
Singing Alleluia

Alleluia

You are everything You’ve promised
Your faithfulness is true
And we're desperate for Your presence
All we need is You

Waiting here for You
With our hands lifted high in praise
And it's You, Lord, we adore
Singing Alleluia

We will sing Alleluia

Singing Alleluia
Alleluia,
We're singing singing Alleluia,
Alleluia
Alleluia

Waiting here for You
With our hands lifted high in praise
And it's You we adore (we adore)
We're singing Alleluia

Waiting here for You
With our hands lifted high in praise
And it's You we adore
We're singing Alleluia

We're singing Alleluia

Waiting here for You
With our hands lifted high in praise
And it's You we adore
(with our lives) We're singing Alleluia

Singing Alleluia

Tune-y Tuesday (for the honour)

I've kept up with Tune-y Tuesday for several reasons.

One: because I think the name is dumb. Knowing that I have the worst name for a blog post somehow brings me back to humility and forces me to keep going. Odd? I know.

Two: because it forces me to seek out music that encourages, challenges, inspires, and points me to Jesus.

Three: because simply I love music. 

Four: because music monday was already taken (by a trillion and a half other bloggers) and somehow it seemed original (read: fake hipster) if it was on another day.

I've been doing this post for a few months now. I really like it. It's fun for me. I hope it encourages you as well.

I LOVE this song.

It's For the Honor (or as the Canadian in me knows, HONOUR) by Elevation Worship.

For the honour of the Father
Who reaches out to us
That we might live inside His love
He gave His only Son

For the honour of the Savior
Let the cross be lifted high
The great exchange of love and grace
Came down to give us life

For the honour of the Spirit
Whose power lives in us
That we might see much greater things
As we embrace Your love

For the honour of Your kingdom
Whose reign will never end
We'll give our lives in sacrifice
Until You come again

Forever, forever
We'll honour You forever

Tune-y Tuesday (what do I know of holy)

A number of years ago a friend sent me this song. She said that if she didn't know that I hadn't written it, she would have thought that I had.

I led it in worship that next weekend at the youth service and I've loved it ever since. I don't listen to it as often now but I always find it sweetly convicting because it causes me to authenticate my faith again.

It brings me back to Jesus, back to who He is, and causes me to refocus on Him.

I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?


What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire?

Are You fury?
Are You sacred?

Are You beautiful?
What do I know?

What do I know of Holy?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories* and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire?
Are You fury?
Are You sacred?
Are You beautiful?
What do I know?
What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life "its" name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?

What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire?
Are You fury?
Are You sacred?
Are You beautiful?
What do I know?
What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?

*I had a friend over recently and I was asking for prayer for being more diligent for reading my Bible more. I've been getting better over the past few months as I've made it a discipline, but I want my actual studying to get better.

Sometimes it's easy for Christians who grew up in church to know all the stories and know all the verses and even be able to reference appropriate verses at the right time and still not know Christ. I don't want that to be my story. I want to reread all the stories and relearn all the truth, this time with a heart that knows Christ and desires Him more.

Tune-y Tuesday (come clean)

I really like this song. I also say that every week about the songs I post here on the blog.

However, this one just sounds like a lot of my prayers.

So often, my prayers sound like:

I don't understand

what ARE YOU DOING?

how does this give You glory? I'm trusting and NOT understanding. (did you read what I wrote yesterday? That's my big struggle these days - I don't understand God - but I don't think I ever will - I just have to come to terms with that)

why why why why why?

now what do you want me to do?

Whenever I heard the chorus of this song which sings, "where do they go", I feel peace in knowing that I'm not the only one who doesn't understand the things of God.



I also know that He is still good.

A couple of weeks ago I was babysitting for two of my favourite kids. They were in bed and I was working through my devotional at the time.

Well, I hadn't actually opened my Bible yet.

I was praying, and crying, because that's apparently how I pray these days and was petitioning God about something and wrestling over something and I just said something like:

God. I do not understand Your ways. I don't get it. I don't understand what You are doing. I don't think it's fair and I don't really trust You and I don't see it. I don't see what the end goal is. Because this hurts and it's hard. I don't understand.

As I wiped away the tears, I reached for my Bible to where I was reading that day and found deep encouragement:

A man's steps are from the LORD;
        how then can man understand his way?
(Proverbs 20:24 ESV)

I stopped. In amazement.

I turned towards Jesus (there was an open window that I'd been praying towards because it kind of felt like Jesus wasn't very close to me at the time, but I also knew He could hear me) and laughed.

Oh. Okay.

I don't know if this will translate well without me explaining it in verbal words but honestly, I felt so much peace.

I was filled with joy and my trust in Him, for at least a moment, came back.

God is God. I'm not.

(which I also touched on yesterday - man, God keeps repeating things to my soul)

He is working out these steps of mine. Not me.

He is not understandable. I need to stop trying to figure Him out.

Wow.

Okay, this song is Come Clean by Audrey Assad and I like it.

How did I get here standing in a mess that I have made?
Little by little adding to the chaos everyday
I know it's time, it's time to come clean
I know it's time, it's time to come clean

Boxes full of things I've shuffled and shifted place to place
All the years of me, everything I want to keep and throw away
I know it's time, it's time to come clean
I know it's time, it's time to come clean

I empty out the pieces
And I put them where they go

But where do they go?
Where do they go?
Does anything in me know?
Where do they go?

I'm finding what I've covered and holding it up to the morning light
I'm opening my life a little at a time and it's all right
'Cause it takes time, it takes time to come clean
Yeah, and I know it's time, it's time to come clean

I'm picking up the pieces
And I put them where they go

But where do they go?
Where do they go?
Does anything in me know?
Where do they go?
Where do they go?

I'm picking up the pieces

So where do they go?
Where do they go?
I wanna know just where do they go?
Where do they go

Because I need to know
Just where do they go? Where do they go?
I've got to know just where do they go?
Where do they go? Will I ever know?

I'm giving the pieces back to Jesus.

'Cause I'd really like Jesus to put them where they go, because He knows.

Tune-y Tuesday (if You want me to)

I love this song by Ginny Owens.

If you're hurting, if you're going through a tough season, if you're asking God for clarity - this is a beautiful song to sing to Him.

I hope it encourages you as much as it does for me whenever I hear it.

It's if You want me to by Ginny Owens.

The pathway is broken
And the signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to

'Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise

You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
Then I will walk through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When You lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone

So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will walk through the valley
If You want me to

Tune-y Tuesday (by your side)

I didn't have a song ready this week. Normally I write this post a few days early, or stockpile Tuesday songs and schedule them. I don't have that this week.

I'm back in school today and feel both excited and terrified. It's daunting to be going to school pursuing something that I don't have a name for yet.

I'm not career driven. I'm not chasing the dream, or even a dream. I'm just attempting to walk in faithfulness.

As I got ready this morning I turned my phone on to listen to music and this song came on. There is something incredible to me about songs that speak from God's perspective. I need them to remind me who He is and who I am. 

This song brought comfort, pushed me to pray to Him and come back to a place of trust, and was a great start to my day. I hope it encourages you.

Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run

Cause I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life
And I'll be by your sideWherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you
Cause I,I love you
I want you to know
That I,I love you
I'll never let you go  And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Tune-y Tuesday (Your Hands)

This song has always fell under a category of lovely for my heart. I can't quite decide if it's a lament or just praise - I almost feel as though it falls under the category of both.

Last week on Thursday, my sweet friend Rena and her boyfriend Lucas (he's the louder voice and she's the lovely face) played this song at an open mic. It was such a beautiful rendition and it was perfect in that moment to hear it.

I wish I had their version but I don't so I'll do the original by JJ Heller - Your Hands.

I have unanswered prayers
I have trouble I wish wasn't there
And I have asked a thousand ways
That You would take my pain away
That You would take my pain away

I am trying to understand
How to walk this weary land
Make straight the paths that crookedly lie
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands

When You walked upon the Earth
You healed the broken, lost, and hurt
I know You hate to see me cry
One day You will set all things right
Yea, one day You will set all things right

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands

Your hands
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still
When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your . . .

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave...
I never leave Your hands

Tune-y Tuesday (The Same Love)

I remember a moment, years ago as a teenager when I first heard a song that changed worship for me. It was entitled Hosanna. I remember reading up on what Hosanna meant and starting to understand what the word meant in my heart and (it's hard to explain this so many years past and with memories blurred a bit) I remember worship coming alive.

Paul Baloche wrote that song and has written many more. I recently bought his latest album and have slowly been listening to it. My computer is acting funny so it'll only play his songs half way through for some reason so I'm getting to know the beginnings of the songs. so odd

Anyways, this song is called The Same Love and I love the simplicity of it and the beautiful declaration is makes of Christ loving and pursuing His people.

I also really really really like the voice of the girl singing harmony. It's stunning to me. I could listen to her harmonize for a long time. This song off the album probably highlights her less than most but in the song King of Heaven - oh wow - she has talent.

You choose the humble and raise them high
You choose the weak and make them strong
You heal our brokenness inside
And give us life

The same love that set the captives free
The same love that opened eyes to see
Is calling us all by name
You are calling us all by name
The same God that spread the heavens wide
The same God that was crucified
Is calling us all by name
You are calling us all by name

You take the faithless one aside
And speak the words "You are mine"
You call the cynic and the proud
Come to me now

The same love that set the captives free
The same love that opened eyes to see
Is calling us all by name
You are calling us all by name
The same God that spread the heavens wide
The same God that was crucified
Is calling us all by name
You are calling us all by name

Oh...oh

Oh...oh

Oh...oh

Oh...oh

You're calling 

You're calling
You are calling us to the cross 

You're calling 

You're calling
You are calling us to the cross 

You're calling 

You're calling
You are calling us to the cross 

You're calling 

You're calling
You are calling us to the cross


The same love that set the captives free
The same love that opened eyes to see
Is calling us all by name
You are calling us all by name

oh
The same God that spread the heavens wide
The same God that was crucified
Is calling us all by name
You are calling us all by name
Oh...oh

Oh...oh

Oh...oh

Oh...oh

You're calling 

You're calling
You are calling us to the cross

You're calling 

You're calling
You are calling us to the cross

Tune-y Tuesday (Steady My Heart)

Kari Jobe is one of my favourite artists. I love her voice and I enjoy that her music seems to truly come from her heart. Her lyrics consistently lead me to a place of worship. I find the words she sings typically are words that my heart was already singing.

Since downloading the cd back when it was released, I've listened to this song 61 times (and counting).

The song is Steady my Heart.

I love these words.

Wish it could be easy
Why is life so messy
Why is pain a part of us
There are days I feel like
Nothing ever goes right
Sometimes it just hurts so much

But You're here
You're real
I know I can trust You

Even when it hurts
Even when it's hard
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to You
Cause I know that You are
Lover of my soul
Healer of my scars
You steady my heart

You steady my heart

I'm not gonna worry
I know that You've got me
Right inside the palm of your hand
Each and every moment
What's good and what gets broken
Happens just the way that You plan
(those three lines are my favourite. I trust in His plan, regardless of whether it is easy or painful. I trust in His Sovereign plan)

You are here

You're real
I know I can trust You

Even when it hurts
Even when it's hard
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to You
Cause I know that You are
Lover of my soul
Healer of my scars
You steady my heart

You steady my heart
 

And I will run to You
  And find refuge in Your arms
And I will sing to You
Cause of everything You are
You steady my heart

You steady my heart

Even when it hurts
Even when it's hard
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to You
Cause I know that You are
Lover of my soul
Healer of my scars
You steady my heart

You steady my heart

I'm not gonna worry
I know that You've got me
Right inside the palm of your hand

 The God I serve is good and just, regardless of my situation. I don't always understand that - and sometimes it is the hardest thing to accept amidst tragedy - but I know who He is and therefore I can trust in Him.

Tune-y Tuesday (before the throne)

Worship leading was beautiful on Sunday. I've said it before I'll surely say it again, it's an honour. I'm still not quite sure why God uses me but I am grateful for any opportunity He gives.

But . . . let me tell you about Sunday.

• I had a great sleep (which was a miracle. I can not remember a Sunday where I've led worship and had a good sleep. I think it's because I prayed about it all week and God decided to grant that miracle. Wow)
• I had too much coffee on an empty stomach (why oh why did I think that 3 cups between 6-9 am was a good idea?) which led to a stomach ache the length of from 9 am until about ten pm, gross
• I got overwhelmed by Jesus due to a well-timed sermon
• I had to vocally lead the first song in the response time
• Cue girl trying not to cry while singing the song below
• Cue Jesus providing soooooo much comfort
• Cue joy

"Before the Throne"

I love the song. I have some of the lyrics on my white board. I think it's stunning and true.

On Sunday as I led it, I think I got so lost in it (in a good lost way). So blown away and brought back to grace amidst the verses.

Today for this Tune-y Tuesday, just listen and let this truth bring you His peace.

This version is by Shane and Shane. Two dudes who love Jesus and happen to play guitar most excellently.

before the throne of God above

I have a strong and perfect plea

a great High Priest whose name is Love

who ever lives and pleads for me

my name is graven on His hands

my name is written on His heart

I know that while in heaven He stands

no tongue can bid me thence depart

no tongue can bid me thence depart

when Satan temps me to despair

and tells me of the guilt within

upwards I look and see Him [Jesus] there

who made an end of all my sin

because a sinless Saviour died

my sinful soul is counted free

for God the Just is satisfied

to look on Him and pardon me

to look on Him and pardon me

Hallelujah.

Hallelujah.

Praise the One.

Risen Son of God.

behold Him there the Risen Lamb

my perfect spotless righteousness

the great unchangeable I Am

the King of Glory and of grace

one with Himself I cannot die

my soul is purchased by His blood

my life is hid with Christ on high

with Christ my Saviour as my God

with Christ my Saviour as my God

Wow.

Mind blown.

When I am weak then He is strong - and then He gets all glory because I'm not caught up in my good works. He's served best when I'm serving Him.

Tune-y Tuesday (this is what You do)

Welcome back to Tune-y Tuesday. How's your music been since last week? If you're loving any good worship music, be sure to comment so I can check 'em out! Yay.

This week is the song "This is what You do" by Bethel Music. 

I always love the music that Bethel puts out because it just draws my soul into a place of worship, excites me to want to dance, and just frees me before my Saviour. I think their stuff is great.

It's always like spring time with You
Making all things new
Your light is breaking through the dark
This love is sweeter is than wine
Bringing joy bringing life
Your hope is rising like the dawn

This is what You do
This is what You do
You make me come alive

It's like I'm living for the first time
Finally living for the first time

Tune-y Tuesday (I wonder)

This past Friday, I drove with some of my girls from work out to Cultus Lake Waterpark. It was much fun, and the day housed much laughter and splashes! 

As I drove, I had my iPod mix on shuffle. It was mostly pop music with a few random Christian songs mixed in.

*Side note. I was thanking God on Friday for creating me in such a way that I LOVE pop music. I don't know how I would handle a lot of the car rides with these girls if I didn't find pop music so fun. I know all the words, dance along, and am a goof - I get to be authentically silly with them. As I prayed and thanked Him for the gift of finding fun in the songs these girls love, I noted how He didn't have to make me that way. He could have created me to really dislike top 40 sounds, but for some reason, this is how I am. I'm thankful. I think most of the time I wish I didn't have such a heart for pop, but for the first time in my life, it's almost a cool ministry tool for connecting.*

At one point along the drive, a song by Leeland came on called "I Wonder".

In typical Tune-y Tuesday fashion, I've attached the video below with the lyrics highlighted in the way they spoke to me. I started Tune-y Tuesday because scripture consistently calls us to sing "a new song" and to "praise God" always. This is just an easy way for me to keep listening to music that points me to Him and causes me to have to search out good music on a consistent basis.

On the way to church I drove a close friend and this song came on. I mentioned that I love it, and so we silently listened until I couldn't help but sing along. My sweet friend had tears rolling down her cheeks, and my heart was so affectionate towards my Saviour in that moment. It made for a perfect drive to church.

As we walked from the car into church, she commented something like "this is the type of song we're supposed to sing to Jesus. It's a simple love song. Words can't describe how we feel".

I hope you find much comfort as you listen, and that you are blessed by it. I find it completely incredible. It points my heart towards loving Jesus more.

At the stars in the night, I wonder
At Your lightning in the sky, I shudder
Your glory is a blanket that covers
Every living thing
I’m in awe at the majesty of who You are
Your love is a seal burnt inside my heart
All of the day I want to be where You are
Holy Father

And it feels like there’s not enough praise inside of me
With all these words, all my heart can sing is holy
You are holy

Jesus Christ
You bled Your love, laid down Yourself
And gave me life
In naked shame You hung and You were lifted high
Here I lay in awe and wonder
I am afraid
For no one’s ever sacrificed and loved me this way
So on my face I fall under Your heavy grace
Here I lay in awe and wonder
And I wonder

I’m in awe at the majesty of who You are
Your love is a seal burnt inside my heart
All of the day I want to be where You are
Holy Father

And it feels like there’s not enough praise inside of me
With all these words*, all my heart can sing is holy
You are holy 

Jesus Christ
You bled Your love, laid down Yourself
And gave me life
In naked shame You hung and You were lifted high
Here I lay in awe and wonder
I am afraid
For no one’s ever sacrificed and loved me this way So on my face I fall under Your heavy grace
Here I lay in awe and wonder
And I wonder

Oh.

Oh.

And I wonder.

Jesus Christ
You bled Your love, laid down Yourself
And gave me life
In naked shame You hung and You were lifted high
Here I lay in awe and wonder
I am afraid
For no one’s ever sacrificed and loved me this way
So on my face I fall under Your heavy grace
Here I lay in awe and wonder
And I wonder

*Too often, my words have too much value to me. Yet I know so well that my words can never ever give God enough glory, praise, worth, value, ANYTHING enough. Wow*

For a long time, I listened to this song and always wondered what the writer was wondering about. It was this past week when my brain clued in that this far more magical, more mysterious. It's a wonder that desires to know Christ more.

Tune-y Tuesday (Give me Faith)

Similar to thankfulness, scriptures speak often about singing to God. We're called to worship all times.

Today I want to share a song that my heart is LOVING.

This song is by Elevation Worship and is called "Give Me Faith". 

I love it because as much as this video shows flashy backgrounds, the words (and the hearts of the leaders who are singing this - I think) share such a passion for Jesus and a desire to just live for Him.

My favourite line is "give me faith to trust what You say, that You're good and Your love is great". I need that line in so many moments of my day when all of a sudden my sinful heart gets loud and wonders if God is real or good or caring. I need it in the moments when my forgiven heart forgets and desires condemnation and shame. I need faith in each moment. Because God is good, His love is great, and His sayings are trustworthy.

I need You to soften my heart,

To break me apart.

I need You to open my eyes,

To see that You're shaping my life.

 

All I am, 

I surrender.
 

Give me faith to trust what You say,

That You're good and Your love is great.

I'm broken inside,

I give You my life.

I need You to soften my heart,

To break me apart. 

I need You pierce through the dark,

And cleanse every part of me.

All I am, 

I surrender.

 

Give me faith to trust what You say,

That You're good and Your love is great.

I'm broken inside, 

I give You my life.

 
I may be weak.

Your Spirit strong in me.

My flesh may fail.

My God you never will.

 

Give me faith to trust what You say,

That You're good and Your love is great.

I'm broken inside,

I give You my life.

. . .

Let me finish this post by bringing you back to the God we serve (just in case the song above didn't quite bring your heart to a point of worship).

    My heart is steadfast, O God,
        my heart is steadfast!
    I will sing and make melody!
        Awake, my glory!
    Awake, O harp and lyre!
        I will awake the dawn!
    I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
        I will sing praises to you among the nations.
    For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,
        your faithfulness to the clouds.
    Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
        Let your glory be over all the earth!
(Psalm 57:7-11 ESV)

Wow.

Tune-y Tuesday (Come to Me)

This song below is played so often in my apartment that my roommate has commented about its (overly) constant sound.

Whoops. Meh.

But I don't really feel bad. I'm just learning to turn down the volume :)

I've needed to listen to it and be reminded of who God is.

In scripture it says to "Be still and know that I AM God". Listening to this song is one way for me to know that He is God.

The loudest thing God has been telling me for ages is to quiet myself before Him.

This song is so very incredible and filled with much mch truth.

Truth changes hearts. Jesus is truth. God loves you. Listen to this.

Be encouraged today friend.

This song is so intimate. It will show you God.

I am the Lord your God,
I go before you now.
I stand beside you
I’m all around you And though you feel I’m far away
I’m closer than your breath
I am with you
More than you know

I am the Lord your peace
No evil will conquer you Steady now your heart and mind
Come into my rest
And oh, let your faith arise
And lift up your weary head
I am with you
Wherever you go Come to me, I’m all you need
Come to me, I’m everything
Come to me, I’m all you need
Come to me, I’m your everything

I am your anchor, in the wind and the waves
And I am your steadfast, so don’t be afraid
Though your heart and flesh may fail you
I’m your faithful strength
And I am with you
Wherever you go

Come to me, I’m all you need
Come to me, I’m your everything
Come to me, I’m all you need
Come to me, I’m your everything

Don’t look to the right or to the left, keep your eyes on me
You will not be shaken, you will not be moved

I am the hand to hold, 

I am the truth, 

I am the way

Just come to me,

come to me
Cause I’m all that you need