The Next Chapter
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ~ Lamentations 3:23
New every morning. No matter what the day was like, no matter how crazy, no matter what you did or did not accomplish.... Give thanks. Find 5 things before sleeping to give thanks to God for. Today I am grateful for being able to start my day with Jamie, breakfast was yummy. I am grateful I finished my finals and I have a day off tomorrow.I am grateful for a smooth transistion from cable to Fios. And it am impressed with how mcuh quicker it is. I am grateful for a beautiful day and enjoy time after my exam to enjoy it. I am grateful for my friend Jane, and enjoyed a great dinner and conversation. Sometimes my thankfulness is for a green light or a cool breeze.
Today I am very aware of the date, and I am thankful for the peace and understanding of where I am and why I am here. Knowing God has a plan, and I don't need to get ahead of his plan.....all in good time.... all in God's time. Tommorow is another day, new from dawn to dusk.
"What Love Really Means" ~ JJ Heller
He cries in the corner where nobody sees
He's the kid with the story
No one would believe
He prays every night
"Dear God won't you please
Could you send someone here
Who will love me?"
Who will love me for me
Not for what I have done
Or what I will become
Who will love me for me
'Cause nobody has shown me what love
What love really means
Her office is shrinking a little each day
She's the woman whose husband has run away
She'll go to the gym after working today
Maybe if she was thinner
Then he would've stayed
And she says...
Who will love me for me
Not for what I have done
Or what I will become
Who will love me for me
'Cause nobody has shown me what love
What love really means
What love really means
He's waiting to die as he sits all alone
He's a man in a cell who regrets what he's done
He utters a cry from the depths of his soul
"Oh Lord, forgive me, I want to go home"
Then he heard a voice somewhere deep inside
And it said,
"I know you've murdered and I know you've lied
And I have watched you suffer all of your life
And now that you'll listen I'll, I'll tell you that I..."
I will love you for you
Not for what you have done
Or what you will become
I will love you for you
I will give you the love
The love that you never knew
Love you for you
Not for what you have done
Or what you will become
I will love you for you
I will give you the love
The love that you never knew
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
The Next Chapter ~ June 29, 2012
The Next Chapter
Am I now trying to win the approval of man, or God? Or am I still trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10
Seeking approval, I do this as a mother, I do this as friend, I do this as partner, I do this as a daughter, I do this as a sister, I do this a member of my church. Doing my part, trying to make everyone happy. Saying these words out loud is admitting my co-dependency, my need to win approval, to make everyone happy. One problem......while I am trying to please everyone, I forget about God and myself. Returning to my mantra of Fatih, Family, & Friends, I remember to put God first, myself second, followed by everything else. Today I am torn between looking back, and moving forward. I will not be the poster girl for the definition of insanity....."doing the same things, and expecting different results." God is the master, he meets me where I am, he remembers I will fail, I will sin, and I will forget to put him first. He will forgive, and remind me to forgive others. I'm alive.............Breathe in Breathe out....Move on
Mercy Me - The Hurt and The Healer
Why?
The question that is never far away
The healing doesn’t come from the explained
Jesus please don’t let this go in vain
You’re all I have
All that remains
So here I am
What’s left of me
Where glory meets my suffering
I’m alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I’ve fallen into Your arms open wide
When the hurt and the healer collide
Breathe
Sometimes I feel it’s all that I can do
Pain so deep that I can hardly move
Just keep my eyes completely fixed on You
Lord take hold and pull me through
So here I am
What’s left of me
Where glory meets my suffering
I’m alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I’ve fallen into your arms open wide
When the hurt and the healer collide
It’s the moment when humanity
Is overcome by majesty
When grace is ushered in for good
And all our scars are understood
When mercy takes its rightful place
And all these questions fade away
When out of the weakness we must bow
And hear You say “It’s over now”
I’m alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I’ve fallen into your arms open wide
When The hurt and the healer collide
Jesus come and break my fear
Awake my heart and take my tears
Find Your glory even here
When the hurt and the healer collide [x2]
Jesus come and break my fear
Awake my heart and take my tears
Find Your glory even here
Am I now trying to win the approval of man, or God? Or am I still trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10
Seeking approval, I do this as a mother, I do this as friend, I do this as partner, I do this as a daughter, I do this as a sister, I do this a member of my church. Doing my part, trying to make everyone happy. Saying these words out loud is admitting my co-dependency, my need to win approval, to make everyone happy. One problem......while I am trying to please everyone, I forget about God and myself. Returning to my mantra of Fatih, Family, & Friends, I remember to put God first, myself second, followed by everything else. Today I am torn between looking back, and moving forward. I will not be the poster girl for the definition of insanity....."doing the same things, and expecting different results." God is the master, he meets me where I am, he remembers I will fail, I will sin, and I will forget to put him first. He will forgive, and remind me to forgive others. I'm alive.............Breathe in Breathe out....Move on
Mercy Me - The Hurt and The Healer
Why?
The question that is never far away
The healing doesn’t come from the explained
Jesus please don’t let this go in vain
You’re all I have
All that remains
So here I am
What’s left of me
Where glory meets my suffering
I’m alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I’ve fallen into Your arms open wide
When the hurt and the healer collide
Breathe
Sometimes I feel it’s all that I can do
Pain so deep that I can hardly move
Just keep my eyes completely fixed on You
Lord take hold and pull me through
So here I am
What’s left of me
Where glory meets my suffering
I’m alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I’ve fallen into your arms open wide
When the hurt and the healer collide
It’s the moment when humanity
Is overcome by majesty
When grace is ushered in for good
And all our scars are understood
When mercy takes its rightful place
And all these questions fade away
When out of the weakness we must bow
And hear You say “It’s over now”
I’m alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I’ve fallen into your arms open wide
When The hurt and the healer collide
Jesus come and break my fear
Awake my heart and take my tears
Find Your glory even here
When the hurt and the healer collide [x2]
Jesus come and break my fear
Awake my heart and take my tears
Find Your glory even here
Thursday, June 28, 2012
The Next Chapter ~ June 28, 2012
The Next Chapter
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13
Tempted to step off the path.... Tempted to allow discouragement creep into my mind.. Tempted to let sin take over. Yes, yes, and yes. Who isn't? It takes temptation and a conscious effort to stay on his path to allow you to see that you are stronger than you think you are. He always shows me the way and allows me to take the wrong way, so when I return to the path I am stronger for the lessons learned.
Gravity - Sara Bareilles
Something always brings me back to you.
It never takes too long.
No matter what I say or do I'll still feel you here 'til the moment I'm gone.
You hold me without touch.
You keep me without chains.
I never wanted anything so much than to drown in your love and not feel your rain.
Set me free, leave me be. I don't want to fall another moment into your gravity.
Here I am and I stand so tall, just the way I'm supposed to be.
But you're on to me and all over me.
You loved me 'cause I'm fragile.
When I thought that I was strong.
But you touch me for a little while and all my fragile strength is gone.
I live here on my knees as I try to make you see that you're everything I think I need here on the ground.
But you're neither friend nor foe though I can't seem to let you go.
The one thing that I still know is that you're keeping me down
You're on to me, on to me, and all over...
Something always brings me back to you.
It never takes too long.
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13
Tempted to step off the path.... Tempted to allow discouragement creep into my mind.. Tempted to let sin take over. Yes, yes, and yes. Who isn't? It takes temptation and a conscious effort to stay on his path to allow you to see that you are stronger than you think you are. He always shows me the way and allows me to take the wrong way, so when I return to the path I am stronger for the lessons learned.
Gravity - Sara Bareilles
Something always brings me back to you.
It never takes too long.
No matter what I say or do I'll still feel you here 'til the moment I'm gone.
You hold me without touch.
You keep me without chains.
I never wanted anything so much than to drown in your love and not feel your rain.
Set me free, leave me be. I don't want to fall another moment into your gravity.
Here I am and I stand so tall, just the way I'm supposed to be.
But you're on to me and all over me.
You loved me 'cause I'm fragile.
When I thought that I was strong.
But you touch me for a little while and all my fragile strength is gone.
I live here on my knees as I try to make you see that you're everything I think I need here on the ground.
But you're neither friend nor foe though I can't seem to let you go.
The one thing that I still know is that you're keeping me down
You're on to me, on to me, and all over...
Something always brings me back to you.
It never takes too long.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
The Next Chapter - June 27, 2012
The Next Chapter
Jesus said, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind~ Matthew 22:37
Love with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind...... Jesus also said Let the children come.... They have so much to teach us. I love the beginning of "It's A Wonderful Life" when everyone is praying for George, and they call for Clarence... "We passed him up right along. Because, you know sir, he's got the IQ of a rabbit. Yes, but he's got the faith of a child. Simple. Joseph, send for Clarence." I think we all need to have the faith of a child. They trust without seeing, they know we will be ok. We continue to work on a peaceful house, and we are getting there. Peace starts with me.
Love The Lord - Lincoln Brewster
Love the Lord Your God with all your heart
With all your soul
With all your mind and with all your strength
Love the Lord Your God with all your heart
With all your soul
With all your mind and with all your strength
With all your heart with all your soul
With all your mind with all your strength
Love the Lord Your God with all your heart
With all your soul
With all your mind and with all your strength
I will serve You Lord with all my heart with all my soul
With all my mind and with all my strength
I will serve You Lord with all my heart with all my soul
With all my mind and with all my strength
With all my heart with all my soul
With all my mind with all my strength
I will serve You Lord with all my heart with all my soul
With all my mind and with all my strength
I will love You
I will praise You
I will serve You
I will trust You
With all my heart with all my soul
With all my mind with all my strength
With all my heart with all my soul
With all my mind with all my strength
I will love You Lord with all my heart with all my soul
With all my mind and with all my strength
Jesus said, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind~ Matthew 22:37
Love with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind...... Jesus also said Let the children come.... They have so much to teach us. I love the beginning of "It's A Wonderful Life" when everyone is praying for George, and they call for Clarence... "We passed him up right along. Because, you know sir, he's got the IQ of a rabbit. Yes, but he's got the faith of a child. Simple. Joseph, send for Clarence." I think we all need to have the faith of a child. They trust without seeing, they know we will be ok. We continue to work on a peaceful house, and we are getting there. Peace starts with me.
Love The Lord - Lincoln Brewster
Love the Lord Your God with all your heart
With all your soul
With all your mind and with all your strength
Love the Lord Your God with all your heart
With all your soul
With all your mind and with all your strength
With all your heart with all your soul
With all your mind with all your strength
Love the Lord Your God with all your heart
With all your soul
With all your mind and with all your strength
I will serve You Lord with all my heart with all my soul
With all my mind and with all my strength
I will serve You Lord with all my heart with all my soul
With all my mind and with all my strength
With all my heart with all my soul
With all my mind with all my strength
I will serve You Lord with all my heart with all my soul
With all my mind and with all my strength
I will love You
I will praise You
I will serve You
I will trust You
With all my heart with all my soul
With all my mind with all my strength
With all my heart with all my soul
With all my mind with all my strength
I will love You Lord with all my heart with all my soul
With all my mind and with all my strength
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
The Next Chapter - June 26, 2012
The Next Chapter
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.~ John 13:35, NLT
Loving each other is a unique concept... Tolerating is more like it. I looked around today and realized I sometimes talk the talk, but I need to walk the walk more..... After a difficult yesterday I set my sights on a peaceful house, and not just merely tolerating the kids and their kid stuff but stop and take the few minutes required to make them feel heard.... Someone once told me Jesus WAS who he was, and I think he had it wrong..... Jesus was, is, and always will be.... Living more like him and loving completely will bring a peace like I have never known.
He Is lyrics- Mark Shultz
Father, let the world just fade away.
Let me feel your presence in this place.
Lord, I’ve never been so weary,
How I need to know you’re near me.
Father, let the world just fade away.
Till I’m on my knees,
Till my heart can sing,
He is
He was
He always will be
Even when it feels like there
is no one holding me
Be still, my soul
He is
Father, let your Holy Spirit sing.
Let it calm the storm inside of me.
As I stand amazed,
lift my hands and say,
He is
He was
He always will be
He lives
He loves
He’s always with me
Even when it feels like there
is no one holding me
Be still, my soul
Through every fear,
and every doubt,
and every tear I shed
Down every road,
I’m not alone
No matter where I am
He is
He was
And He always will be
He lives
He loves
He’s always with me
Even when it feels like there
is no one holding me
Be still, my soul
Be still, and know,
Be still, my soul
He is
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.~ John 13:35, NLT
Loving each other is a unique concept... Tolerating is more like it. I looked around today and realized I sometimes talk the talk, but I need to walk the walk more..... After a difficult yesterday I set my sights on a peaceful house, and not just merely tolerating the kids and their kid stuff but stop and take the few minutes required to make them feel heard.... Someone once told me Jesus WAS who he was, and I think he had it wrong..... Jesus was, is, and always will be.... Living more like him and loving completely will bring a peace like I have never known.
He Is lyrics- Mark Shultz
Father, let the world just fade away.
Let me feel your presence in this place.
Lord, I’ve never been so weary,
How I need to know you’re near me.
Father, let the world just fade away.
Till I’m on my knees,
Till my heart can sing,
He is
He was
He always will be
Even when it feels like there
is no one holding me
Be still, my soul
He is
Father, let your Holy Spirit sing.
Let it calm the storm inside of me.
As I stand amazed,
lift my hands and say,
He is
He was
He always will be
He lives
He loves
He’s always with me
Even when it feels like there
is no one holding me
Be still, my soul
Through every fear,
and every doubt,
and every tear I shed
Down every road,
I’m not alone
No matter where I am
He is
He was
And He always will be
He lives
He loves
He’s always with me
Even when it feels like there
is no one holding me
Be still, my soul
Be still, and know,
Be still, my soul
He is
Monday, June 25, 2012
The Next Chapter - June 25, 2012
The Next Chapter
Colossians 4:6, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Is thank you on your lips today? Any day? I forget to show gratitude. I feel it I live it but I forget to show it.... Especially to those closest. Today I will give thanks to God and anyone that touches my heart. Even when your 10 year old pushes every button you have....patience love and understanding. Forgiveness. Above all praise to God for helping me keep it together!
"Losing" - Tenth Avenue North
I can't believe what she said
I can't believe what he did
Oh, don't they know it's wrong, yeah?
Don't they know it's wrong?
Maybe there's something I missed
But how could they treat me like this?
It's wearing out my heart
The way they disregard
This is love, this is hate...
We all have a choice to make
Oh, Father won't You forgive them?
They don't know what they've been doin' (oh no)
Oh, Father, give me grace to forgive them
'Cause I feel like the one losin'
Well it's only the dead that can live
But still I wrestle with this
To lose the pain that's mine
Seventy times seven times
'Cause Lord it doesn't feel right
For me to turn a blind eye
Though I guess it's not that much
When I think of what You've done.
This is love, this is hate...
We've got a choice to make
Oh, Father won't You forgive them?
They don't know what they've been doin' (oh no)
Oh, Father, give me grace to forgive them
'Cause I feel like the one losin'
Oh, no!
Why do we think that hate's gonna change their heart?
We're up in arms over wars that don't need to be fought
But pride won't let us lay our weapons on the ground
We build our bridges up but just to burn them down
We think pain is owed apologies and then it'll stop
But truth be told it doesn't matter if they're sorry or not
Freedom comes when we surrender to the sound
Of mercy and Your grace, Father, send Your angels down
Oh, Father won't you forgive them?
They don't know what they've been doin'
Oh, Father, give me grace to forgive them
'Cause I feel like the one losin'
Yeah, I feel like I've been losing
Oh, Father, give me grace to forgive them
'Cause I feel like the one losin'
I feel like I've been losin'
Oh, Father, give me grace to forgive them
'Cause I feel like the one losin'
Colossians 4:6, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Is thank you on your lips today? Any day? I forget to show gratitude. I feel it I live it but I forget to show it.... Especially to those closest. Today I will give thanks to God and anyone that touches my heart. Even when your 10 year old pushes every button you have....patience love and understanding. Forgiveness. Above all praise to God for helping me keep it together!
"Losing" - Tenth Avenue North
I can't believe what she said
I can't believe what he did
Oh, don't they know it's wrong, yeah?
Don't they know it's wrong?
Maybe there's something I missed
But how could they treat me like this?
It's wearing out my heart
The way they disregard
This is love, this is hate...
We all have a choice to make
Oh, Father won't You forgive them?
They don't know what they've been doin' (oh no)
Oh, Father, give me grace to forgive them
'Cause I feel like the one losin'
Well it's only the dead that can live
But still I wrestle with this
To lose the pain that's mine
Seventy times seven times
'Cause Lord it doesn't feel right
For me to turn a blind eye
Though I guess it's not that much
When I think of what You've done.
This is love, this is hate...
We've got a choice to make
Oh, Father won't You forgive them?
They don't know what they've been doin' (oh no)
Oh, Father, give me grace to forgive them
'Cause I feel like the one losin'
Oh, no!
Why do we think that hate's gonna change their heart?
We're up in arms over wars that don't need to be fought
But pride won't let us lay our weapons on the ground
We build our bridges up but just to burn them down
We think pain is owed apologies and then it'll stop
But truth be told it doesn't matter if they're sorry or not
Freedom comes when we surrender to the sound
Of mercy and Your grace, Father, send Your angels down
Oh, Father won't you forgive them?
They don't know what they've been doin'
Oh, Father, give me grace to forgive them
'Cause I feel like the one losin'
Yeah, I feel like I've been losing
Oh, Father, give me grace to forgive them
'Cause I feel like the one losin'
I feel like I've been losin'
Oh, Father, give me grace to forgive them
'Cause I feel like the one losin'
Sunday, June 24, 2012
The Next Chapter - June 24, 2012
The Next Chapter
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. ~ Ephesians 2:10, NLT
"Unfailing Love" - Chris Tomlin
You have my heart
And I am Yours forever
You are my strength
God of grace and power
And everything You hold in Your hand
Still You make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love
And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My unfailing love
Unfailing love
You are my rock
The one I hold on to
You are my song
And I sing for You
And everything You hold in Your hand
Still You make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love
And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My Unfailing love
Unfailing love
And everything You hold in Your hand
Still you make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love
And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My Unfailing love
Unfailing love
I will praise You
Praise you God of earth and sky
How beautiful is your unfailing love
Unfailing love
And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My Unfailing love
Unfailing love
Unfailing love
Unfailing love
Unfailing love
Unfailing love
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. ~ Ephesians 2:10, NLT
It feels so long ago that I felt "new", but each day as disappointment arises and we are face with challenges we did not think we can handle, I am seeing I am new, I am here for a purpose, for someone, for the glory of God. And even when I walk alone, I am not alone. I recall walking into the courtroom to finalize my divorce and I did not feel alone. I even remember talking to my mother on the phone, and she was wishing she could be with me at this time in my life..... I remember saying "Mom, I am not alone." I am someone, I am here for his glory, and even when I am exhausted and overwhelmed with kids and school, he shows me his mighty power in my life, by not allowing me to add one more thing to my plate. Even when I try to go down that road, he reminds me, it is not my time. He has more in store for me. I am a masterpiece. So today, I will finish my homework, I will make some homemade ice cream and I will sit and cuddle my kids with a movie......Do this and everything with he who strengthens me.......
"Unfailing Love" - Chris Tomlin
You have my heart
And I am Yours forever
You are my strength
God of grace and power
And everything You hold in Your hand
Still You make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love
And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My unfailing love
Unfailing love
You are my rock
The one I hold on to
You are my song
And I sing for You
And everything You hold in Your hand
Still You make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love
And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My Unfailing love
Unfailing love
And everything You hold in Your hand
Still you make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love
And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My Unfailing love
Unfailing love
I will praise You
Praise you God of earth and sky
How beautiful is your unfailing love
Unfailing love
And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My Unfailing love
Unfailing love
Unfailing love
Unfailing love
Unfailing love
Unfailing love
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