The Power of God's Word

I am just absolutely amazed at the power of the Word of God in comforting, encouraging, and correcting those who love Him. I admit that I often struggle with remaining consistent in reading His Word, which doesn't really make sense considering every time I do read His Word, I am encouraged and empowered to continue following God all the days of my life. The Word has been there when I needed it every time. When I am dealing with loss, needing encouragement, or slowly drifting away from God, his Word is there to get me back on track and to remind me just how much God does love and care for me. It often amazes me how passages of scripture remind me of other passages of scripture - allowing me to put together pieces of the whole picture and strengthening my walk with my Amazing God. If you haven't picked up the Bible in a while, I recommend you start with the book of Psalms. Read one chapter a day and reflect on what God wants you to take away from that passage of scripture. There's always something to encourage, strengthen, and remind you just how much God really does love you.

"Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by Your truth and teach me, for You are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in You" Psalm 25:4-5 (NLT)

"The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the BEST pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you'... For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does... the Lord's plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken" (Psalm 32:8; 33:4, 11 NLT)

Your Tattered Pieces = God's Masterpieces.

One of my favorite things to do is drive around and take photos. Every time I am driving a keep my eyes open for things that I want to photograph and then I take some time later on to drive and do so.

I just love this barn. Yeah, it looks rusty, but I think it is beautiful... It reminds me alot of how God takes every little part of your life, even the rusty, worn out, tattered, unattractive parts and creates something beautiful. He takes your past, your weaknesses, your strentghts, your lessons learned, your journey and forms a beautiful masterpiece - designed for His Glory. Romans 8:28 says: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." No matter what happens in your life, God's plan and purpose for you will prevail. His Word says so. Proverbs 19:21 says: "You can make many plans,but the Lord’s purpose will prevail." Consider also Psalms 33:11, which says: "But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever;his intentions can never be shaken." Still not convinced that God is in control? Check these verses out. Jeremiah 29:11-13 says; "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord." Psalm 138:8 happens to be a favorite verse of mine. It says: "The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever."

It's so awesome to see that nothing and no one can mess up the plans that God has for us - not even us! His plan and purpose will prevail. If we seek Him wholeheartedly we will find Him. I am so thankful that God can take all the "mess" and create something beautiful out of it. How about you?

Well Said, Sanctus Real, Well Said.

Those of you who know me, know how important music is to me. If you have read through this blog you should also be able to see just how important music is to me. If you know me, or have been an avid reader of my often times lengthy blog, you also know that the past two and a half years have been very difficult for me. I always love that moment when listening to music and paying close attention to the lyrics when I realize what the musician singing is saying EXACTLY how I feel, or EXACTLY what I've been trying to say. Well, Sanctus Real, in their new album, "Pieces of A Real Heart", has done just that. I recently went to a Sanctus Real concert and I had the opportunity to chat a little bit with Matt Hammitt, the lead singer from Sanctus Real. After, getting a picture taken with him, I thanked him for his willingness to share his God-given talents and for being real in his lyrics. I told him that it was uncanny the number of times, in all their albums, that I have that the very same moment of realizing that their songs have taken the words right out of my heart added music and created a song. I know that God has definitely used music as a way to get my attention, to convict me of sin, and to get me back on my feet again. So what follows, while not my words, is exactly how I feel. It has been arranged as a prayer to God for surrender, and renewal. While they are not my words, it is EXACTLY how I feel... right at this very moment.





"Sometimes I just want to start over, ‘cause everything looks like a wreck. I need the courage to carry on, ‘cause I can’t see what’s ahead. There are places I’ve wished I could be, battles I’ve wanted to win, dreams that have slipped through my hands that I may never get back again. The past is playing with my head and failure knocks me down again. I’m reminded of the wrongs that I have said and done and that devil just won’t let me forget. My mistakes are running through my mind and I relive my days in the middle of the night and I struggle with my pain, wrestle with my pride and sometimes I feel alone, and I cry. I never imagined at the start the thousand ways I could find my heart caught in a web of compromise and stuck in the prison of my own lies. It was easy to find my way in, not as easy to get out. Oh, the roads to my own ruin are too easily found and I’m tired of trying to find my own way And I’m tired of playing the mouse in the maze. It’s like I’m memorizing the same old phrase and just repeating my steps to the same old place. Well, I found my way to trouble, I found my way to pain, but I’m so tired of trying to find my own way. I’m so tired of chasing the moment instead of chasing You. It must be tiring to meet my resistance. My stubborn will can be so twisted. Pride can steal the best from me. It’s not what I want, but You’re what I need. Take these empty “hallelujahs,” and fill my lungs again. ‘Cause I want to sing, and I want to mean it. I want to feel again. Jesus, keep my heart alive. Only you can save me when my world is breaking right before my eyes. You’re my only hope when my world is fading before my eyes. Jesus, keep my heart alive. I want to get lost, I want to get lost in Your arms. I want to get lost and lose my way into Your heart. ‘Cause there’s so many voices telling me how to get lost in this life. So right now, I want to get lost in You before I lose myself. So I surrender. I want You to take over me. Oh, I want You to take over me. I don’t want to be part of the resistance I want to be part of the release, so I want You to take over me. Oh, I’ve lost my faith in so many things, but I still believe in You. ‘Cause You are the answer, the redeemer. Oh, I’ve given up on too many things, but I’m not giving up on You cause You can make anything new. I don’t have every answer in life, but I’m trusting You one day at a time ‘Cause You can make a weak heart stay alive forever. This is where Heaven and Earth collide. I lift my hands and give my life. This is how my weary heart stays alive. In this life, I know what I’ve been, but here in Your arms, I know what I am. I’m forgiven I don’t have to carry the weight of who I’ve been ‘Cause I’m forgiven. When I don’t fit in and I don’t feel like I belong anywhere. When I don’t measure up to much in this life, I’m a treasure in the arms of Christ."


If you dont know who Sanctus Real is... Look them up. It will be well worth the effort. If you dont own "Pieces of a Real Heart", I highly recommend it.