No More Pain...

Physical pain has been apart of me. As a child, teenager, and through young adulthood, I have experienced many medical conditions and complications.

I'm so thankful that in heaven there will be no more pain. I will have a perfect, glorified body. One of the most comforting things for me to sing is...

I WILL RISE by Chris Tomlin

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

To be honest and vulnerable, there are those times when the pain is overwhelming and I "feel" alone. I know in my heart and head that I am NEVER alone, but my human, sinful nature doubts these truths. It is so encouraging to remember that He tells us in His Word in Hebrews 13:5, "...I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU..." (NASB).

Another song that has truly encouraged me during these times is...

YOU WERE ON THE CROSS by Matt Maher

Lost, everything is lost
Everything I've loved before is gone
Alone, like the coming of the frost
And a cold winter's chill in my stony heart

Where were you when all that I've hoped for?
Where you when all that I've dreamed?
Came crashing down in shambles around me?
You were on the cross.

Pain, could you take away the pain,
If I find someone to blame, would it make my life seem easier?
Alone, all my friends are asleep,
And I can't find anyone to stay awake with me

Where were you when sin stole my innocence?
Where were you when I was ashamed?
Hiding in a life I wish I never made

You were on the cross,
My God, my God,
Alone,
Alone,
You were on the cross,
You died for us,
Alone,
Alone,
You were on the cross,
Victorious.
Alone.

You were there in all of my suffering
You were there in doubt and in fear
I'm waiting on the dawn to reappear

To receive comfort from the Healer, One who experienced pain and anguish himself is unfathomable.

II Corinthians 12:7-10 "Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord (D)three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness " Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong" (NASB).

Bittersweet...

Today is a very bittersweet day. My baby is three years old at 8:29pm. I love that she's growing and maturing, but at the same time I miss the 100% dependence on mommy and daddy. It does help that she still wants to be our baby and to even be called "baby".

Birthdays in our family are a BIG deal. We try to do anything and everything possible to make birthdays so special. We have a very fun day planned. First lunch, a place of her choosing. Then to the mall to pick out an outfit from Baby GAP and spent about $20 in Claire's. After shopping, we're going to see How To Train A Dragon. Hopefully she'll be super tired by this point and ready to take a quick nap before her birthday party. After her party, she'll want to watch Snow White, The Little Mermaid, Cars, and Bolt...her favorites right now.

Ryleigh is such a blessing to Jared and me. She's funny, intelligent, analytical, sweet, etc...HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Ryleigh Jo. I love you so much!!!

A Not So Gentle Reminder...

When Christ returns, the trumpet sounds, and the dead in Christ arise...we, as believers will see Jesus Christ face to face...WOO-HOO!!! If that doesn't spark excitement, not sure anything will.

Why do I constantly compare my heart, actions, motives, and life to other believers??? The only comparison should be to Jesus Christ. Who came to earth, 100% man, 100% God and lived a sinless, perfect life. That's the comparison. Period.

"...in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this (mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, 'DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." I Corinthians 15:52-58 (NASB)

My heart aches for those who seek worldly gain over spiritual gain. We come in the world with nothing and leave with nothing.

Reminder to self: Be CHRIST-like. Pray for the lost.

Easter

This Easter was unlike any other Easter for me. It was the first Easter of my entire life that I did not attend the same church on Easter morning as my parents. To some, this may not seem like a big deal, but for me, it was. To be able to scan the auditorium and quickly go sit with my mom and dad, ahh...

So getting ready I was a little nervous and anxious...

In choir, we sang a special, "I Will Rise". It was SO powerful. There is one particular part in the song that actually gave me goosebumps while singing.

Worthy, worthy, worthy is the lamb.
Worthy, worthy, worthy is the lamb.
RISE. I WILL RISE. I WILL RISE...

To be able to worship God knowing that is truly is RISEN, there was nothing like it. God comforted me through singing and allowed me to have no distractions and truly just worship Him.

After church, we spent nearly four hours with my family, which was amazing. We were able to enjoy one another, which is what I thought I'd miss this year, but didn't.

Easter was different this year, but not a bad different, a good different, a new different. I do miss seeing my parents at church, but sometimes things happen in our lives that we may not understand, but God has a purpose...I realized a tiny part of His purpose of a tragic event in our lives through this Easter.

Matthew 27:50-53 (NASB)
And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many.