It's All About Perspective

Turmoil Turned Thankful

Some days I just need to type… and type… and type.

And not while I'm at work.

But when I'm at home, with music blaring in my eardrums.  With my thoughts flying out across the page.  With that awesome key, "Backspace," readily available to erase any evidence that may be a little too incriminating since thoughts literally are flying onto the screen as I think them.

Today is one of those days. 

But as those thoughts start making my fingers move faster perhaps than even while I was at work today... the lyrics to the music I am listening to remind me of what I should be thinking on, but not until I pray that simple prayer.

"Lord, I need you to come reach out to me."

The music plays.

I find myself half way into “Psalm 18”  It reminds me of just who my God is.  He is mighty.  My heart overflows in worship.  He is that Mighty, and He is mine!!!! 

Next up, "Your Great Name" and the lyrics speak to me just as the first did.  “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 – Jesus.  Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us, Son of God & man, and You are high and lifted up, and all the world will praise Your great name!!!  Redeemer, my Healer, Lord Almighty, my Savior, Defender, You are my King.”

For many tonight has been that "Trick or Treat" night, but for me it's turned into Thanksgiving month eve... today I am thankful for worship music that draws my heart to God because He is being lifted up for all that He is.

I started this typing craze in lots of turmoil because there's a lot that is up in the air right now for us.  Times are tough.  We're seeking direction for true fellowship, worship, and service.  Money is tighter than it's ever been.  Stress has mounted faster than the countless leaves across my lawn.  

But that last song plays, "In Tenderness"... "In tenderness he sought me, weary and sick with sin and on his shoulders brought me back to his fold again.  While angels in his presence sang until the chords of heaven rang.  Oh, the love that sought me!  Oh, the blood that bought me!  Oh, the grace that brought me to the fold of God!  He died for me while I was sinning, needy and poor and blind.  He whispered to assure me, 'I found thee, thou art mine.'  I never heard a sweeter voice.  It made my aching heart rejoice. Oh, the love that sought me!  Oh, the blood that bought me.  Oh, the grace that brought me to the fold of God!  Upon His grace I'll daily ponder and sing anew his praise.  With all adoring wonder, his blessings I'll retrace.  It seems as if eternal days are far too short to sing His praise. Oh, the love that sought me!  Oh, the blood that bought me!  Oh, the grace that brought me to the fold of God!"

I'll close with this - my favorite song of all time because it just came on - "Ten Thousand Reasons."

Bless the Lord, oh my soul!  Worship His holy name.

Sing like never before, oh my soul.  I worship Your holy name.

The sun comes up; it's a new day dawning.

It's time to sing your song again. 

Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me, let me be singing when the evening comes.

Bless the Lord, oh my soul! Worship His holy name.

Sing like never before, oh my soul. I worship Your holy name.

You're rich in love, and you're slow to anger.  Your name is great, and your heart is kind.

For all your goodness I will keep on singing.  Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find.

Bless the Lord, oh my soul!  Worship His holy name.

Sing like never before, oh my soul.  I worship Your holy name.

And on that day when my strength is failing, the end draws nigh and my time has come,

Still my soul will sing your praise unending ten thousand years and then forevermore!

mr. right & me

A few years ago, while bemoaning the fact that Mr. Right hadn't come along and also scheming up my imaginary wedding complete with myself looking gorgeous with beautifully, long hair... a dear friend of mine told me that sometimes God works faster than your hair can grow.  She reminded me to wait and trust in God... that He would bring that guy along one day, and it may be sooner than I imagined.

We laughed as at the time, there was no guy "on the horizon." But much to my surprise, a short year later, I met this guy that everyone called... Mikey.  We hung out a couple times with our group at church, and I knew fairly quickly that this was going to go somewhere.  Honestly, I was scared - I didn't want to get involved in a relationship and just be hurt again.  Yet, God just impressed on my heart to trust Him - that this was something He was doing.  And so I did.

Within a few weeks we went on our first date, and after that we pretty much spent most of our time together whether it was at church, Bible study group, softball games, or just at the house.  Within a matter of months, there was no doubt that God had brought us together, and we were meant to be.

Seven short months after meeting each other for the first time, we were engaged, and January 19, 2013 we said our "I do's".

We have our share of struggles just like anyone in life, but seriously, I could not be happier.  God has given me just who I need to bring balance and security to my life, and I love him more than I could ever imagine.

To me, my favorite part of being married is having someone to share life with -- someone to come home to, someone to work alongside of, someone to grow with...

So all those times I thought it never would happen, well it finally did, and it was totally worth the wait.  And you know what, that dreamy wedding and gorgeous hair mattered much less to me than knowing I was marrying the man God planned perfectly for me.