because God is control

You know that moment when you find out about something, and everybody looks at you like you're crazy for not knowing? That's the way I'm picturing you looking me right about . . . now.

Because I just listened to OCEANS by Hillsong for the first time on Tuesday, and man oh man, I was so blown away. Not at the beginning, not at the middle, but at the bridge. Upon a second and third listen, I now love every part of the song.

So if you like me, have been living under a rock, welcome to the new world where this song exists. And if you've heard it a thousand times, well than, here's another listen for you.

 

As I've listened to this song, over and over and over and over, this week, different waves have come over me.

Waves of peace that God is in control, and that I can confidently walk forward in whatever He calls me to because He is with me.

Waves of fear because God is in control, which means that I get to follow. I like leading. I like taking control. Following is harder for me. Quieting my heart to listen to His will is harder for me.

Waves of joy because God is in control. He is good. He is worthy of all of me. So I can joyously follow.

Waves of much more, all focusing on God being in control. He is good. I do love Him. And He does love me.

So I will sing these words over and over and over and over.

image from the lovely Jessi Connolly

only good

As a songwriter, as a blog writer, as a worship leader, as a girl who loves to sing, as a all the things I am, I love music. I love a good sound. I'm drawn in by good music and kept in by beautiful lyrics. When I hear a song that pulls my heart in and points me to Jesus, I can't quite help but share it. Last year I had a series called Tune-y Tuesday and each week I shared thoughts on a song. It was a good challenge, one that proved to me that I could handle the walk through series that I've got going on now.

While I don't miss having to find music each week, one in a while I come across a song that just moves me. A song that causes my heart to stop striving and find the peace I already knew in Jesus.

This song is one of them. I'm not quite sure if Meredith Andrews writes her songs, but she certainly sings them very well.

Enjoy it okay. Take a minute (or 5) out of your day and just listen.

Tune-y Tuesday (why)

Certain songs take me back. I remember when Bethany Dillon released her first album. I was in high school, trying to sort out life, and desperately in love with Jesus. He was the only thing I knew to be constant and true. When Bethany released her album, every word resonated with my little heart.

Whenever this song comes on these days, I remember sitting at my piano plunking this song out.

It is amazing to me that she was able to write such powerful and incredible lyrics as a teenager. There words still impact me now so I wanted to share them this Tune-y Tuesday.

It's easy for me to forget about God. It's easy for me to live a lot of days in a row without going to Him. It's super easy for me to sin.

Yet the grace and mercy of Jesus cover me each day. WOW! Talk about unmerited and undeserved.




This house is echoing
With the sound of You knocking at the door
But with three locks
And the shades down
You are easy to ignore
I've put You on like an old pair of shoes
I've put You off, but now I need You

Why, this love that never leaves me
Why are You holding me tonight
Can't deny this love that is given me
Why, this love never leaves

You're a good strategy when I need one
An angle when there is none
Like a doormat
That always says welcome
No matter how much dirt I rub on
But when I am tired and run through
Look over this hill, I'm running to You

Why, this love that never leaves me
Why are You holding me tonight
Can't deny this love that is given me
Why, this love never



Why, this love that never leaves me
Why are You holding me tonight
Can't deny this love that is given me
Why,

Oh why?

Why are You holding me, You're holding me tonight

Can't deny this love that is given me

Why, this love never leaves

Tune-y Tuesday (Jesus in disguise)

This is the series that won't end!
 
When I ended in a while back, I had no intention of bringing it back.
 But I've got to share these words.
Cause this song CHALLENGES me.
Man.

Mostly because if I'm honest, I know I probably would have a hard time recognizing Jesus if He showed up today.

And I would have had an even harder time with Him in the days when He roamed the earth.
'Cause He blew apart the rules.
and I love the rules.
a lot.

And yet I also see Jesus in so many ways and places and spaces.
So much!

Also, I LOVE Brandon Heath's voice. I've been a fan of his voice and how he just calls me out and points me to Jesus through his songs.




So . . . take a listen.





Ever get something in your head
It’s nothing you heard, or something you read

Ever had a cut but you never saw a blade
Brought to your knees but you never prayed

Jesus in disguise
Jehovah passing by
The burden of a tear
Hanging in your eye

Jesus in disguise
A scar across the sky

You were looking for a king
You would never recognize
Jesus in disguise

Ever feel like you’ve been somewhere before
You hold the key, you know which door

Speak the word your lips have never known
Because your heart told you so

Jesus in disguise
Jehovah passing by
The burden of a tear
Hanging in your eye

Jesus in disguise
A scar across the sky
 
You were looking for a king
You would never recognize
Jesus in disguise

So open my eyes wide as I can
Blind as I am, blind as I am
Open my eyes wide as I can
Blind as I am, blind as I am

Jesus in disguise

Jesus in disguise

Jesus in disguise

Jesus in disguise 




I love love love the line about speaking words on lips that you never knew.
Cause when Jesus gives me words I never knew I get so overwhelmed.

I rely on this verse in moments when I'm so unsure of the right words to share.

    When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.
(Matthew 10:19 ESV)