Bible Study in the Season of Littles

One of the hardest things I have discovered in this season of raising littles is the difficulty in staying consistently in God's Word. And yet I have found myself needing to cling to scripture more than ever.  There have been a lot of ebbs and flows over the past few years, and Bible Study has seemed to look a little bit different in varying stages of motherhood so far. I certainly haven't figured it out, and have learned that it is just going to be a daily battle. But it's a battle worth fighting!

When the twins were born, we basically lived in survival mode for the whole first year. My normal routine of sitting down in the quiet, with a hot cup of coffee, and uninterrupted time reading my Bible was no longer possible. I tried. And failed miserably. Listening to the Audio Bible became my lifeline. Once babies were sleeping a little more, I found myself sitting in one place A LOT while feeding them. So we listened to the Word together during those 8-10 scheduled feeding times. I also listened to a lot of sermons, as well as several gospel-focused podcasts. And my sweet friend Laura also came to my rescue, asking me to do a Bible study with her. So then I could get into the Word with some accountability, without having to leave my house, which we were just not prepared to do yet haha.

After surviving that first crazy year, we were already preparing to add a third, and now Eli and Maddie were running around all over the place. They were sleeping more, yes; but my body was in recovery mode from all the lost sleep, and I found it really difficult to get up any earlier to have quiet time in the Word before the crazies were up. That's an excuse, I know. Full disclosure: I chose sleep during that time. So I continued listening to my Audio Bible. I also would read short devotionals before I went to bed at night. Definitely not the meat that I would normally recommend, but thankful for a small way to stay focused on God's Word. 

Before Aiden was born, I got the idea in my head that I could be part of a weekly Bible study that I could join via a video call. BSF offers satellite discussion groups, where you can talk about the weekly lesson with a small group via a Zoom call, and then you can get the lecture and notes online. I was super excited to join this study! I thought, surely I can make this work if I can do it from home, right? Well, enter newborn baby #3 who wasn't exactly on a schedule yet as a tiny 3-week old baby, the craziness of 3 under 3, and then my unexpected hospital visit that just threw all of life upside down. I felt so sad to have to leave that group, but the few times that I actually made the video call, I had to be on mute the whole time because Aiden was screaming in the background, as I was trying to feed him without flashing my poor Bible study group. So not exactly the organized/focused study I was hoping for...

During that time, I continued to listen to my Audio Bible, and I was meditating a lot on specific scripture verses. As I struggled with Postpartum Anxiety, one thing that really helped was to have Bible verses taped to my walls and written down within easy reach. So again, not the in-depth, pick-apart-the-passage study that I am used to, but still a way to stay connected to God's Word. 

And now? I felt like this summer I was finally emerging from the fog and chaos of new motherhood. And I was determined to get to a formalized Bible study. So I signed up for the Acts and Letters of the Apostles study with BSF, and I committed to get all 4 of us out of the house and to class. It has been HARD. Every Wednesday morning is nothing short of chaos. And I am completely exhausted by lunch time. But to be back in the study of God's Word, week after week, with other women who are earnestly seeking Jesus in this season of motherhood...it has been balm to my weary soul. I didn't realize just how much I had missed it. And I love that my kiddos are getting to study the same things that I am studying, just at their level {even Aiden!}. 

So what's the point in sharing all of this? Part of it is my own record; being able to look back over this season of motherhood and "remember when." But mostly, I want to encourage any other mamas who might be struggling. Mama to Littles, I want you to know that you need God's Word to make it through this hard season. Don't give up. It's going to be a daily battle, and it's not always going to look the way you thought it would {or should}. But keep fighting. It's 1000% worth the fight to stay in God's Word, whatever that looks like. Use this unique season to choose specific verses to spend days meditating on. Post it on your bathroom mirror, by your kitchen sink, somewhere you will see it all day long. 

This season is intense, and I know for me, it just seems like all you do is pour yourself out for other people. Which is why it's so important to be sure you are filling your soul so that you can sacrificially and daily serve your little people well. But Mama, give yourself some grace too! I had to let go a little of my "vision" of what Bible study should look like during this season. And I had to recognize that it is just that: a season. This grace isn't a free pass to drop God's Word or find some watered-down version of Bible study. But it is a recognition that God's Word is sufficient, and He is our strength and our shield. We can let go of the legalism of checking our Bible study box, and ask the Spirit to bring His scripture to mind throughout the day. We can find grace in digging back into God's Word, no matter how long it has been.

But whatever Bible study looks like in this crazy, unique season, I highly recommend having a Laura. Everyone needs a Laura in their lives {for multiple reasons!!} But what I mean by that is, make sure you have accountability. Have the friend who is going to constantly ask you what you have been studying in His Word. The friend who will walk through a book with you and have the craziness of all the babies in the background and love you when you didn't quite finish answering all of your questions again. The friend who will send you links to encouraging gospel-centered podcasts, or have an Amazon delivery sent to your house with a pretty devotional book. I am forever grateful for my dear friend, who is constantly pointing me to Jesus, and doing so in a way that lovingly keeps me focused :)  {Love you, friend!}

Hang in there, Mama to Littles! You can do this. Cling to God's Word however you can! I promise, it's worth it.

High Five for Friday!

{one} I am really excited to be a part of the launch team for Christine Hoover's new book Messy Beautiful Friendship! I have been a part of her launch teams in the past {here and here}, and so I was really happy when I got the email that I was chosen again for this one! She is full of so much wisdom, and I am looking forward to reading her thoughts on both the messiness and beauty of friendship.

{two} Finding ways to spend intentional time with the Lord has been a bit of a challenge. The first couple of months when the babies arrived, it was nearly impossible to find time for anything except for feeding babies and catching sleep when I could. I remember praying repeatedly, "Lord, you know I love you. Please forgive me, but I am going to sleep right now." {which, by the way, I do believe sleep can be the most honoring thing to the Lord at times}. Anyway, everything was such a blur as we learned to navigate life with 2 newborns, and I am just thankful for grace in those crazy seasons. But now that the babies are actually sleeping at night and seem to have a little bit more of a schedule, I am settling into a new routine in the mornings. I have been listening to the Bible {I am reading chronologically this year} while I feed babies breakfast, but now I spend a little more intentional time when they go down for their morning nap. And my soul is just soaking up every bit of the Word that I can. 

{three} I am absolutely LOVING my new RIVI vintage inspired felt letter board! I used some of the birthday money I was given to get it, and I am so glad I did. It's just a fun way to be creative, and it's also getting me to practice my photography skills {which still leave a lot to be desired ha!} I definitely look forward to using it to display some fun quotes :)

{four} Speaking of being creative...my creative juices have been flowing, and I have been looking for a fun new project {because I have SO much time on my hands these days. right.} Anyway, I have been doodling here and there and wanting to practice my hand lettering a bit more. So I decided to take some online classes, practice a little each day, and follow some monthly prompts. And I am enjoying it so much! Once I get in some more practice, I might post some of my work. But either way, I think I may have found my newest creative outlet...

{five} So I have really been enjoying listening to podcasts. The babies and I listen to episodes during feeding times, and it's a nice way to redeem some of that time, since I feel like that's ALL I do {feed babies}, all day long. There are 2 in particular that I have been working my way through:

• The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey: I am SUPER late to the party on this one, but I have been enjoying it so much! It's light and fun, and I have learned so much about varying ministries. I now also have an even longer list of books to read :)  I started at the beginning {from 2-3 years ago} and have been making my way through each of her guests.
• Undisclosed: I really enjoyed the Serial podcast, and season 1 of Undisclosed is a spin-off {of sorts} of that. This podcast is definitely more serious, but I am fascinated by the whole true crime, pick apart the case thing. It is definitely more biased than Serial {which they admit}, but it has been interesting to see their perspective on the case. 

Happy Friday! We're looking forward to Grandma coming in this weekend for her spring break!

A Year in the Psalms

I mentioned at the beginning of the year that I was going to be digging through the Psalms in my personal quiet time. I'm only a couple months in, and it has been such a huge blessing! It has been salve to my soul, and I am glad I chose this companion devotional by Tim Keller to go along with my studies:

Find it on Amazon

I have also been listening to the Psalms II album by Shane & Shane. I have always loved their music, and I really appreciate this particular album. They have written lyrics that coincide with each chosen Psalm, and each song is just rich with truth. I find myself singing these songs throughout the day. I want them to write a song for every single Psalm! :)

Find it on iTunes

And then my sweet husband surprised me with this fun gift: a Psalms coloring book! It's the perfect compliment to my time in the Psalms, and it fills my creative cup.

Find it on Amazon

It may seem like A LOT of the Psalms, but it really has been a fun way to dig deeper and really, truly meditate on the verses throughout the day. I think there should be a complimenting music album and coloring book for every book in the Bible! Maybe I'm on to something....   :)

Come to Me

Sometimes when I'm not feeling well in the middle of the night, I will spend time in prayer or reading Scripture. I am not always faithful to that, but I try to redeem the time as best I can. And other times the Lord will just allow me to rest in meditating on a verse or a song. This morning he brought the song "Come to Me" from the Village Church to mind. Health and family and life can just feel so heavy sometimes. I'm so thankful that I can take all of it to the feet of Jesus.

Weary, burdened wanderer, there is rest for thee

At the feet of Jesus in His love, so free

Listen to His message, words of life, forever blest

Oh, thou heavy-laden, "come to Me, come and rest"

There is freedom, taste and see

Hear the call, "come to Me"

Run into His arms of grace

Your burden carried, He will take

Bring Him all thy burdens, all thy guilt and sin

Mercy's door is open, rise up and enter in

There is freedom, taste and see

Hear the call, "come to Me"

Run into His arms of grace

Your burden carried He will take

Jesus, there is waiting patiently for thee

Hear Him gently calling, "come, oh, come to Me"

"Come oh, come to Me"

"Come oh, come to Me"

Beauty for Ashes

Completely random fact about me: I'm not a fan of Christian music. I love {newer} worship songs and hymns. But the actual Christian music genre? Not so much. I don't listen to Christian radio because I just can't handle the cheese factor. Be honest: Christian music can be just plain goofy. It always seems to be a decade {or two} behind the times, and it drives me crazy when artists pen Christian-sounding lyrics to secular songs.

 

But this decided distaste of goofy Christian songs didn't come around until I went off to college. Before then...loved it. I grew up in the height of Jaci Velasquez, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Michael W. Smith. I rocked out to my brand-new DC Talk CD on my boombox {because before that, it was cassette tapes, ladies and gentlemen}. I had a group of friends that sang Point of Grace songs at every opportunity {sometimes in public. on purpose}, and we often fought over who got which harmony parts. Oh, the 90s  :)

 

This morning I woke up with a song in my head, and it was instantly a flashback to my childhood. It made me smile because of how dated the song sounds {that last bridge is like a semi-rap...hilarious}, but the words are what have been on my heart this morning.

 

Beauty for Ashes, Crystal Lewis

Chorus:

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

(x2)

 

When sorrow seems to surround you
When suffering hangs heavy o'er your head
Know that tomorrow brings wholeness and healing
God knows your need, just believe what He said {chorus}

 

When what you've done keeps you from moving on
When fear wants to make itself at home in your heart
Know that forgiveness brings wholeness and healing
God knows your need just believe what He said {chorus}

 

I once was lost but God has found me
Though I was bound I've been set free
I've been made righteous in His sight
A display of His splendor all can see

(x2)

 

 

It's not a particularly deep song, and some of the lyrics are over-simplified {in my opinion}, but the Lord was reminding me this morning of Isaiah 61:

 

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor." {Isaiah 61:1-3}

My Redeemer binds up my broken heart and comforts me in times of sadness. By His grace, beauty will come from the ashes, His joy will replace my weary and battered soul, and I will praise Him despite the heartache. I have come to know that this is true of my Savior. I have also come to learn that it's not always going to look like the exact answer to my prayer or the desire of my heart. But it will be far better. Sometimes here and now, but assuredly in eternity. And in the end, it will be a beautiful display of His splendor and goodness.

I needed this reminder this morning. And I'm thankful He woke me up early to remind me of it...even if it means a goofy-sounding Christian song is running through my brain today :)

 

 

Draw Me Nearer

This is the prayer that has been on my heart the last few days. The lyrics run through my head all day, and wake me up in the morning. The words are harder to say sometimes than others, when my heart strays, and I lose sight of my Savior. I pray this is true of my heart always. That this is truly what I desire more than anything else.

 

 

 

For your nearness, Lord, I hunger

For your nearness, Lord, I wait

Hold me ever closer Father

Such a love I can't escape

For your nearness I am hoping
For your nearness, Lord, I long
Have no need of any other
I have found where I belong
Yes, I have found where I belong
 

So draw me nearer, Lord
Never let me go
Closer to your heart
Draw me nearer, Lord
Draw me nearer, Lord
 

In your nearness there is healing
What was broken now made whole
Restoration in its fullness
Lasting hope for all who come

In your nearness I take shelter
Where you are is where I'm home
I have need of only one thing
To be here before your throne
To be here before your throne
 

So draw me nearer, Lord
Never let me go
Closer to your heart
Draw me nearer, Lord
(x2)

Draw me nearer, Lord
 

And keep me here, keep me here
There's nowhere else I'd rather be
So keep me here, keep me here
There's nowhere else I'd rather be
There's nowhere else I'd rather be
 

So draw me nearer, Lord
Never let me go
Closer to your heart
Draw me nearer, Lord
Draw me nearer, Lord
Draw me nearer, my Lord

Amen.



Win My Soul

I have mentioned Ross King before; Mike has known him for a few years, often organizing concerts at our church. We really enjoy his music, particularly his poignant lyrics. He released a new worship album this year, and I LOVE it. We sing a few of the songs at Redeemer, and I am just so thankful for how the Lord has gifted him with words.

 

You should check out his music. He's even having a sale! :)

 

I have had this one song running through my brain for a few weeks now, and I woke up with it on my heart this morning. You know those times when you just feel broken and defeated, and when you come face to face with the cross, all you can do is sing with all your being to Jesus? I probably need a lot more moments like that, but I am so thankful for the Lord's grace. And this is a good song for those moments.

 

In evil, long I took delight, unawed by shame or guilt

My soul as cold as black as night, my heart so unfulfilled

Until I saw Him on the cross, in agony and blood

I knew His pain, His death, His loss, were evidence of love

 

His broken flesh, His lowly state, I never will forget

This humbling truth I can't escape, I sentenced Him to death

My sin, the crime, that led Him there, my punishment He bore

But by His wounds, my life was spared and freed forevermore

 

Praise the One who climbed the hill, and stormed the very gates of hell

Went to war with death itself to win my soul (x2)

 

And sin no longer rules my heart, it has no hold or sway

For Christ controls my every part, and guides me in His way

I'm free, I'm free, I will proclaim, awakened by His love

My life, my all, for Jesus' name, there is no name above

 

When finally I complete my task, I'll stand before my God

My clothes shall be as spotless as the Lamb who spilled His blood

And when I hear the voices raised of all the saints as one

I'll gladly join to should His praise...and this will be my song

 

Praise the One who climbed the hill, and stormed the very gates of hell

Went to war with death itself to win my soul (x2)

 

The One Who Saves

I know I have been posting a lot of song lyrics lately...but the Lord has really been speaking to my heart via music. I go through these phases where music seems like the best way for me to connect with the heart of my Savior. It's certainly not (nor should be) the only way, but it is a good way.

There is something sweet about waking up in the morning with a praise on your heart. It gives me comfort throughout my day, and in a lot of ways keeps me focused. Not on the tasks I have to complete, but on the One for whom I do the tasks. It helps keep my eyes fixed on Him, instead of my all-too-often tendency of fixing my eyes on myself.

And it's just good for me to affirm these truths and lift them up as praises.

Come join the song, lift your voice
As heaven and earth give praise
Fall to your knees at the feet
Of the Son of the One true God

Turn from old ways, lift your eyes
For the kingdom of God is here
Open your heart, offer all
For Jesus Christ is here

We have found our hope
We have found our peace
We have found our rest
In the One who loves

He will light the way
He will lead us home
As we offer all
To the One who saves us

Call on the name that is hope
Jesus, the Son of God
Lord over all, He is good
And His mercy endures always

His love endures
Forever His love endures
Forever His love endures
Forever and ever

Praise God for the One who saves...

Forever Reign

Mike is preparing to preach on Sunday, and in preparation has suggested that we listen to the song "Forever Reign" on repeat. So that's what I did this morning. And in the stillness of the morning, the Lord reminded me of His incredible grace. The riches of His love will always be enough. And He is more than I can every say...

I actually listened to this cover by Hannah Ramos. I went to high school with this beautiful girl, and she is using her gift of music to praise Jesus and bless others. She has a really cool story. I remember when she got sick and didn't think she would sing again. It is so encouraging and such a a blessing to see old friends love, pursue, and be used by Jesus. Thank you Hannah for leading me in worship to our Savior.

You are good You are good
When there's nothing good in me
You are love You are love
On display for all to see
You are light You are light
When the darkness closes in
You are hope You are hope
You have covered all my sin

You are peace You are peace
When my fear is crippling
You are true You are true
Even in my wandering
You are joy You are joy
You're the reason that I sing
You are life You are life
In You death has lost it's sting

Oh I'm running to Your arms
I'm running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign

You are more You are more
Than my words will ever say
You are Lord You are Lord
All creation will proclaim
You are here You are here
In Your presence I'm made whole
You are God You are God
Of all else I'm letting go

Oh I'm running to Your arms
I'm running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign

My heart will sing
No other Name
Jesus
Jesus

My Hope is Built

I really enjoy the quiet and stillness of the early morning hours. There's just something calming and fulfilling about being awake before the rest of the world around me. It's why I like to go for a run and have my quiet time in the mornings. I love waking up on my own before the alarm goes off. And I love sitting outside with a cup of coffee and the Word. Of course, I'm not always good about being super disciplined with these things, because I also really enjoy my sleep :) But when I get to bed on time, get a good night's rest, the weather cooperates, the sun is up at a decent time, and I have enough time to fit in a run and time with the Lord before work...it's perfect.

This morning the Lord woke me up before my alarm. I have blogged a few times about these early morning wake up calls, all from the Lord. I will be honest- sometimes they are unwelcome (did I mention that I like my sleep?) But I realized this morning what a blessing these wake up calls are. For me, they reassure me of His presence. Sometimes amidst the craziness of life, it's hard for to "feel" the Lord sometimes; meaning, at times it can feel like I am talking to the wind, just going through the motions, trying to feel close to Jesus. In the stillness of the morning, I can feel Him. I know that He is there, that He is near.

A lot of times, the Lord will wake me up early a) to convict my heart of sin (don't like those wake up calls as much haha), b) to have me pray for someone specific, or c) to place a song on my heart. This morning was a song :)

It's an oldie but a goodie:

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus' name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

Not gonna lie; slightly scared for what's ahead that the Lord would place this song on my heart now (knowing I will probably need it haha). But what an incredible and beautiful gift from Jesus.

His Great Name

The Lord has had this song on my mind and heart this week. It seems so fitting, considering the overabundance of blessings Mike and I have felt recently. 


But as the words have rolled around in and out of my brain throughout the week, I have been reminded of the truths expressed in the song. Right now, the words are easy to sing because I feel blessed and things are good. But my prayer this week has been that I can sing these words just as easily and with as much conviction when I feel tired, discouraged, alone.


Because the fact of the matter is that only one name- the name of Jesus- evokes such incredible peace, love, grace, healing, strength, POWER. And this fact is true regardless of where we are and what's going on. And it's an incredible thing that we can know the One with such power. And that the One with such power wants to know us.


I encourage you to read through the words and let them sink in. Let the Lord remind you of His goodness and His power. His name is GREAT.




Lost are saved find their way, at the sound of Your great name
All condemned feel no shame, at the sound of Your great name
Every fear has no place, at the sound of Your great name
The enemy he has to leave, at the sound of Your great name

Chorus:
Jesus, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us
Son of God and Man
You are high and lifted up
That all the world will praise Your great name

All the weak find their strength, at the sound of Your great name
Hungry souls receive grace, at the sound of Your great name
The fatherless they find their rest, at the sound of Your great name
Sick are healed and the dead are raised, at the sound of Your great name

Chorus:
Jesus, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us
Son of God and Man
You are high and lifted up
That all the world will praise Your great name

Redeemer, My Healer, Almighty
My Savior, Defender, You are My King

Chorus:
Jesus, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us 
Son of God and Man
You are high and lifted up
That all the world will praise Your great name

Bind My Wandering Heart, Lord

I think one of the things I love so much about music is how the Lord uses it to speak to my heart. I have blogged countless times of varying songs that the Lord will bring to mind, wake me up with, or use to get my attention on something. Sometimes it's a song in church; other times it's a song on the radio. When the Lord happens to use the words of a song to convict me of something in my life, I am always so thankful for this loving and gracious method He uses to remind me of my wandering heart and to gently draw me back to His. Sometimes He needs to enact more stern discipline- loving discipline, but discipline nonetheless- so I prefer the song method.

This is one of my favorite hymns, and it has been running through my head the last couple of days...

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,

Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;

Streams of mercy, never ceasing,

Call for songs of loudest praise.

Teach me some melodious sonnet, 

Sung by flaming tongues above.

Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it,

Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Here I raise mine Ebenezer;

Hither by Thy help I'm come;

And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,

Safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger,

Wandering from the fold of God;

He, to rescue me from danger,

Interposed His precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor

Daily I'm constrained to be!

Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,

Bind my wandering heart to Thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,

Prone to leave the God I love;

Here's my heart, O take and seal it,

Seal it for Thy courts above.

Life is busy right now, and I confess that I have allowed my heart to wander. Part of my journey back to His heart is confessing that I have not been faithful to the One I love. I have fallen out of my usual disciplines and have not been faithful in my time with the Lord. Work and wedding planning distract my thoughts throughout the day, and the snooze button has all too often taken precedence over my early morning time with the Lord. With my calendar rapidly filling, He seems to become just another line item on the long list of to do's. Ugh. Writing that on paper makes my heart hurt. My recent lack of discipline and focus have led me to slip into a "coasting" mode, which is a dangerous place to be. How quickly my sinful heart wanders and begins to make compromises and excuses. In His mercy, the Lord woke me up at 2am yesterday morning to speak to my heart about some of those compromises. It was a sobering time of confession before my Holy Father, and I praise Him for forgiveness and grace.

I have had my "wake up call" (haha- no pun intended) and would ask you to join me as I pray for the Lord to bind my wandering heart to His. We sometimes cringe at the notion of discipline, because we're just lazy or because we fear legalism. But my sinful heart needs discipline if I have any chance of remaining faithful. I have seen how quickly my sinful heart takes over when it is distracted and wandering from the Lord. I praise God for the conviction of the Spirit and for His constant work to sanctify my wandering heart...

Give Me Jesus

Woke up this morning singing this song...

In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise

Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus, 
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

When I am alone,
When I am alone, 
When I am alone,
Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus, 
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

When I come to die,
When I come to die,
When I come to die,
Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus, 
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus, 
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world, 
You can have all this world, 
Just give me Jesus. 

My Name is Written on His Heart

This morning I am blown away by the fact that the holy God of the universe loves me and wants to know me. Who am I that He is mindful of me, who am I that He cares for me? Tiny, insignificant, completely sinful me...and the Lord Almighty calls me His own and desires to be in relationship with me. My God loved me enough to die for me, and I am made holy because of His sacrifice. Before the foundations of the world, He wanted to call me His own and use me for His purposes. What an incredibly humbling reality to know that my name is written on God's heart...

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a 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 tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see him there
Who made an end of all my sin.

Because a sinless Savior 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 in himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by his blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God

If you have a relationship with Christ, I pray you live in the reality today that your name is written on His heart...

2 a.m. Wake Up Call

It's not an uncommon thing for the Lord to wake me up early to spend time with Him. It actually happens a lot, and I really look forward to those sweet times with the Lord. Just to spend time in prayer and/or reading His Word in the quiet stillness of the morning, before most of the world around me gets started...it's one of my favorite things.

Now typically, my alarm goes off at 5:30am. Yes- I realize that's early, but that allows me time in the Word, time to get ready, eat breakfast, make my lunch, take care of Sasha, etc. before heading out the door for work. So while some would refer to it as an "ungodly hour," I happen to disagree :) I wouldn't necessarily call myself a morning person- I'm not excited to be awake that early most days. But I don't mind getting up early. I think part of that comes from watching my parents start their days early to spend time in the Word. And really, it's my way of staying disciplined in my time with the Lord. I have to be, otherwise the day gets away from me.

So when I say that the Lord sometimes wakes me up early...that usually just means a little bit before my alarm goes off. Which every now and then is a blessing in disguise- not to be up earlier but simply to wake up without an alarm. It's so much more peaceful, because quite frankly, alarms irritate me lol. Anyway, the last few nights, I have gone to bed just fine, but I have woken up at exactly 2:03am and have not been able to fall back to sleep. This has happened 3 nights in a row, and frankly, I am just tired haha. While I am grateful for the time to spend in prayer, I would prefer for that not to become a regular occurrence at 2 in the morning. I realize this is a random post- perhaps it can be blamed on being delirious from lack of sleep :) So if you think about it, would you pray for rest and a full night's sleep?

*** Thank you for your prayers! I got a full night's sleep with no random 2 am wake up calls ;) ***

My Savior, My God

I woke up with this song on my heart...we sang it last night at singles night, and we had been challenged to really think about the words we were singing. When I really think about the words, I am overwhelmed by the God I serve, filled with gratitude and joy for my Savior and my God....

I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed, what God has planned
I only know at His right hand
Stands one who is my Savior

I take Him at His word and deed
Christ died to save me; this I read
And in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my savior

That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior

My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior's always there for me
My God He was, my God He is
My God He's always going to be

Yes, living, dying, let me bring
My strength, my solace from this spring;
That He who lives to be my King
Once died to be my Savior

That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior

Early Morning Wake Up Song

I woke up this morning with this song on my heart. Not a bad way to start a Friday :) We sang it in BSF last night, and the Lord was gracious to wake me up before my alarm. I have to confess that it's been increasingly difficult to wake up early to spend time with the Lord; not because I don't want to, but simply because I am exhausted. Some mornings I've had to adjust my time with Him to a more friendly hour than 5:30am, but I miss that sweet early morning time with my Savior. So I was really grateful when He woke me up this morning instead of my alarm. I am looking forward to my schedule slowing down so that I can be less tired to wake up/be motivated that early.

My Lord and my God is such a wonderful, merciful Savior who faithfully loves His own!

Wonderful, merciful Savior
Precious Redeemer and Friend
Who would have thought that a Lamb
Could rescue the souls of men
Oh you rescue the souls of men

Counselor, Comforter, Keeper
Spirit we long to embrace
You offer hope when our hearts have
Hopelessly lost the way
Oh, we've hopelessly lost the way

You are the One that we praise
You are the One we adore
You give the healing and grace
Our hearts always hunger for
Oh, our hearts always hunger for

Almighty, infinite Father
Faithfully loving Your own
Here in our weakness You find us
Falling before Your throne
Oh, we're falling before Your throne

GREAT is His Faithfulness!

God woke me up early this morning, and He placed this song on my heart...

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Waking Up to Whispers from God...

I love it when God wakes me up early. It's different from not being able to sleep or from being awakened by Sasha- haha. When God wakes you up, it is somehow so much more peaceful and refreshing. I love it when He wakes me up just to whisper to my heart. In the stillness around me, while the rest of the world slumbers, the God of the universe decides to wake me up...just to tell me that He loves me. And I love it when He wakes me up with a song in my heart. This morning He woke me up to whisper His love with this song: How Deep the Father's Love For Us. It's not a new one, but the words are so beautiful and humbling.

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
And make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

I hope God wakes you up early too...