As the Deer

As the deer panteth for the water

So my soul longeth after Thee,

You alone are my heart's desire

And I long to worship Thee.

Chorus:

You alone are my strength and shield,

To You alone may my spirit yield,

You alone are my heart's desire

And I long to worship Thee.

You're my friend and You are my brother,

Even though You are the King,

I love You more than any other

So much more than anything.

I want You more than gold or silver,

Only You can satisfy,

You alone are the real joy giver

And the apple of my eye.

Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns

Oh,what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,

you'll never win

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
you'll never win."

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

But the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
The Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the Voice of truth
I will listen and believe
'Cause Jesus you are the Voice of truth
And I will listen to you.. oh you are the Voice of truth

I'm Crying for Me

This year seems to be a "year of death." So many loved friends and family have passed on to eternity. Some were "expected" others were quite sudden and tragic. Often when I cry at a funeral I can't really explain the feeling I have inside of me. It's a feeling of awful heartache and utter sadness, but not for them, it is for me. Each time that I lose a friend I'm losing a part of me. There is a new hole ripped into my heart, over time it will become a scar but will always be there. Last night I was talking to a friend about all of this and I said, "I'm hurting for me." To which she responded with the line of this song, "I'm not crying cause I feel sorry for you, I'm crying for me."

I Will Trust You

I don't even wanna breathe right now
All I wanna do is close my eyes
But I don't wanna open them again
Until I'm standing on the other side

I don't even wanna be right now
I don't wanna think another thought
And I don't wanna feel this pain I feel
And right now, pain is all I've got

It feels like it's all I've got, but I know it's not
No, I know You're all I've got
And I will trust You, I'll trust You
Trust You, God, I will
Even when I don't understand, even then I will say again
You are my God, and I will trust You

God, I'm longing for the day to come
When this cloudy glass I'm looking through
Is shattered in a million pieces
And finally I can just see You

God, You know I believe it's true
I know I will see You
But until the day I do

I will trust You, trust You
Trust You, God, I will
Even when I don't understand
Even then I will say again

You are my God, and I'll trust You
And with every breath I take
And for every day that breaks

I will trust You
I will trust You
And when nothing is making sense
Even then I will say again

God, I trust You
I will trust You
I know Your heart is good
I know Your love is strong
And I know Your plans for me
Are much better than my own

So I will trust You, trust You
I trust You, God, I do
Even when I can't see the end
And I will trust You
I will trust You, I will
Even when I don't understand
Even then I will say again

I will trust You, I will trust You, I will
I know Your heart is good,
Your love is strong,
Your plans for me are better than my own
Yeah, Your heart is good
Your love is strong
Your plans for me are better than my own
And I trust You
You are my God
And I will trust You

Someone is Waiting

Someone is waiting

Someone who understands exactly how you feel,

Exactly how you feel...

Someone is dreaming

Someone is hoping just this will be the day

This will be the day...

That you take your eyes off the ground

Out of the blue

And see that someone is looking right

Back at you...

~Jason Reeves~

Whispers in the Night

In the midst of tribulation, seems the darkness has no end
When my light of faith is fragile like a candle in the wind
All alone 'tho I'm surrounded by my friends and family dear
It's Your strong voice that comforts me
Your voice that says "I'm near"

I am waiting for His whisper in the night
I'm depending on His word to

give me light
I'm expecting a victory in this fight
I am listening for what God whispers in the night.

In your word I've found my hope
rest from my affliction
evidence of faithfulness, abiding love and grace
It is in this lonely midnight that I've found my greatest treasure
the assurance that You hear me and that you see me in this place.

I am waiting for His whisper in the night
I'm depending on His word to give

me light
I'm expecting a victory in this fight
I am listening for what God whispers in the night.

~Roger Bennett~

(1959-2007)

Former Legacy Five Pianist

Happiness Is:

The other day I was listening to the radio while driving home from work. They played "Happiness is the Lord" which I have not sung or heard since I was growing up.

Happiness is to know the Savior,

Living a life within His favor,

Having a change in my behavior,

Happiness is the Lord.

Happiness is a new creation,

Jesus and me in close relation,

Having a part in His Salvation,

Happiness is the Lord.

Real joy is mine,

No matter if the teardrops start,

I've found a secret,

It's Jesus in my heart.

Happiness is to be forgiven,

Living a life that's worth the livin'

Taking the road that leads to Heaven,

Happiness is the Lord.

Real joy is mine,

No matter if the teardrops start,

I've found the secret,

It's Jesus in my heart.

I love being a Christian. I love knowing where I'm going when I die. I love having a life that I know is worth living. I love having a close relationship with Christ. I love having that joy, even when life is not hard, and I cry, there is still a joy deep down that brings me hope. Some may find their happiness in their job, or in their friends and family, or in the stuff that they have. Those things are all well and good, but true joy and lasting happiness come from God Above, who blesses His children with the promise of life everlasting. Like Mary the mother of Jesus said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord; and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior..." (Luke 1:46)

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

Yesterday I went to a concert at a church here in town. There were many pieces played and sung by artists that go to that church, but one song that was sung had a special meaning to me:

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

I don't know about tomorrow,

I just live from day to day,

And I don't borrow from its sunshine

'Cause the skies might turn to grey.

And I don't worry about the future,

'Cause I know what Jesus said,

And today I'm gonna walk right beside Him

'Cause He's the one Who knows what is ahead.

There are things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand,

But I know Who holds tomorrow

And I know Who holds my hand.

And each step is getting brighter

As the golden stairs I climb,

And every burden is getting lighter,

And all the clouds are silver lined.

And over there the sun is always shining

And no tears will dim the eye

At the ending of the rainbow

Where the mountains, they touch the sky.

There are many things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand,

But I know Who holds tomorrow

And I know Who holds my hand.

~LeAnn Rimes

I used to have to have my life planned out exactly how it was going to be. I could not stand the thought of not know what tomorrow and the day after, and the month after and my entire life held. Several times I have had those perfectly laid plans completely demolished by God. Lately, I have simply left it up to Him. Yes, I have a general idea of some things in life, but many I don't have a clue about, and that is perfectly fine with me. I'm tired of trying to plan things on my own instead of just letting go and allowing God to take control and do as He pleases. May the Lord be glorified in my life both now and forevermore.

Thirty Day Challenge: Day 16: A Song that Makes Me Cry

Oh boy...being a lover of music and an emotional person, many songs move me to tears. Often this emotional outburst is because of the lyrics and the passion of the vocalist combined with the sensitivity of the accompanist. There is one song that means so much to me to and every time I tear up.

Day 12: A Song I Want at My Wedding

This post is much easier than many of the others in this challenge. One song that I have wanted to be played as the processional at my wedding is "Let Me Call You Sweetheart." It's a very old song, but the lyrics are amazing.

I must admit, the first time I heard it was while watching "Anne of Green Gables" and being the helpless romantic that I am, I could not resist loving the song. (Now I want to watch all of the movies again!)

Word of God Speak

I'm finding myself at a loss for words

And the funny thing is it's OK

The last thing I need is to be heard

But to hear what you would say

Word of God Speak

Would You pour down like rain

Washing my eyes to see

Your Majesty

To be still and know

That You're in this place

Please let me stay and rest

In Your Holiness

Word of God Speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You

Beyond the music, beyond the noise

All that I need is to be with You

And in the quiet, hear Your voice

Word of God Speak

Would You pour down like rain

Washing my eyes to see

Your Majesty

To be still and know

That You're in this place

Please let me stay and rest

In Your Holiness

Word of God Speak

I'm finding myself, at a loss for words

And the funny thing is it's OK

~MercyMe

She was Watching

I recently came across this song and I immediately thought of my parents, and Daddy in particular. I had thoughts of waiting to post this until Father's Day, but I couldn't wait THAT long!!

I love you Daddy!

She was Watching

He always called her daddy's little girl

She was four years old

Waiting by the door to run into his arms

Each time that he came home

And every night he tucked her in and read to her in bed

When she'd fall asleep he'd close his eyes and gently bow his head

But she was watching

Her daddy praying

And thought someday I wanna be like that

She was watching what he was saying

And the way he bowed his head

And though she can't recall the prayer

She was watching

Late one evening he was coming home from work

He called to say he'd lost his job

And after dinner they excused their baby girl

She knew they had to talk

But from inside her bedroom

She could hear them down the hall

They were dancing in the kitchen as momma

sang his favorite song.

She was watching

As they were dancing

And thought someday I wanna be like that

She was watching

Her momma singing

As they were dancing hand in hand

And though she can't recall the song

She was watching.

Faith can't be taught

It's just something that is caught along the way

No faith is never taught

It's just something that they catch from

watching you along the way.

He always called her daddy's little girl

But now she's twenty-three

He walks her down the aisle to give away his world

Oh but he can hardly speak

And when he kisses her goodbye he tries to hold it in

But as he turns away she pulls him close and whispers in his ear

I was watching

And I've been waiting

And finally found someone just like you

I was watching

My whole life praying

For God to see it through

And as he kissed her one last time

He said a prayer and closed his eyes

And she was watching.

~Mark Schultz~

Heaven was Needing a Hero

This is one of my favorite music videos on YouTube. It always makes me think of my hero, Aaron (click on his name and you can read my blog post about him)

Does Anybody Hear Her?

She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
She is trying
But the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadventure just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind

Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even knows she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?

She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away

If judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her

He is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction

~Casting Crowns

The Warrior is a Child

Lately I've been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight
People say that I'm amazing
Strong beyond my years
But they don't see inside of me
I'm hiding all the tears

They don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
'Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child

Unafraid because His armor is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I'm amazing
Never face retreat
But they don't see the enemies
That lay me at His feet

They don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
'Cause deep inside this armor
the warrior is a child

They don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and look up for a smile
'Cause deep inside this armor
Deep inside this armor
Deep inside this armor
The Warrior is a Child

~Twila Paris

To Give Hope

"For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, 'Plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." ~Jeremiah 29:11(NLT)
In the past I've loved this verse, but up until today I never fully believed it. I always thought, "Oh that's cool! God knows what He's doing!" However, today I realized that not only do I need to think that, I need to believe it.
I can come up with all the plans, and dreams, and goals, and desires, that I want but unless they are what God wants for me, and in the proper time frame then all those things won't come to pass. I'm not saying that it's wrong to plan, and dream, and set goals for ourselves - that's actually a very good thing to do, that way we stay active and have a desire to do something. What I think this verse is actually saying is that God has something for each of us that goes beyond our wildest dream, and our farthest goal. Just because something doesn't go EXACTLY like we had wanted doesn't mean that everything in life is wrong, it just means that God is doing some readjusting, and refining and when He is done we will look back and say, "WOW!"
That's the amazing thing about the hope that we have in Christ, He is in control, and He has a plan for each one of us.

Molding a Masterpiece

Master Potter, why do You labor all day,
Giving such effort to rough, worthless pieces of clay?
Why such feeling in Your hands?
Why such care in every touch?
Why all the struggle?
Your creation is nothing but dust.

I'm molding a masterpiece,
A work of great beauty.
I'm molding a masterpiece;
My labor's not done.
A trophy, a treasure
Of worth beyond measure
I'm molding a masterpiece,
A masterpiece of love.

~Ron Hamilton

The Words I Would Say

Three in the morning,
And I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day.

~Sidewalk Prophets

That's What Faith Can Do

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

~Kutlass