Crazy Endings! - 31 DAYS OF CRAZY - 31 October 2012

This is my last post for the nesting place's

 31 days {of change} 

Today, as I write the last post in the 31 Days of {of change} I'm feeling that this was a good thing for me. And, I'm hoping it was a good experience for my readers - especially the few who subscribe & receive ALL my posts via email :) It was a good discipline to write daily. It was fun to read other posts too. It was a good way to fill in the blanks and bring posts to fruition from the long list of topics I had saved. And, as I've said before, there's more than 31 days of CRAZY topics in my life!

We've all heard variations of this: 

"All good things must come to an end." 

I researched the above quote & found in one place it was attributed to playwright & novelist Thornton Wilder... 

"All good things must come to an end, but all bad things can continue forever." 

In another search, it was reported to come from this quote, dating back to 1374, by Geoffrey Chaucer, referred to as the Father of English Literature... 

"... there is an end to everything, to good things as well...' 

I'd lean more towards the philosophy of the Chaucer quote -- definitely more upbeat! However, I'm of the belief that only the BAD things will come to an end for me and that all the GOOD things are eternal - lasting forever!  

I've longed for painful experiences & painful memories to end. But, I've grown to see that going through those experiences has helped create a NEW BEGINNING for me every time... a time to come... formed with those events but faced with more strength & knowledge from those experiences. I've seen the end of heartfelt dreams... but trust for a time of renewal, new beginnings & new dreams. I've lost out on something for which I desired... to have something ultimately better happen later. Good things are like the tide... they ebb & flow. They're never gone forever... they always come back! And, the bad things that smash into our lives knocking us over like a crashing wave also recede to allow us to stand up again, gather strength & gather perspective.

Endings bring beginnings... so, what has ended? If it's GOOD, it will live on. If it's bad, it will bring opportunities for GOOD in the future.

His Words: 

(got this idea from Chase Tibbs' blog; using it because i love the words of God)

 
• "And I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship me, and they will never leave me." Jeremiah 32:40
• "He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed." Daniel 7:14  
• "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
• "Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this... ?" John 11:26a
• "They will pass safely through the sea of distress, for the waves of the sea will be held back..." Zechariah 10:11
• "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." Jeremiah 29:11

Thanks for reading friends :)

OTHER CRAZY IDEAS NOT WRITTEN ABOUT... YET... 

Other CRAZY Ideas Not Written About --Yet

THANKS TO MY FOLLOWERS WHO SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL... TODAY (10/31/12) IS THE LAST OF MY DAILY POSTS :)  THANKS FOR NOT "UN-FOLLOWING" ME FOR FILLING YOUR EMAIL INBOX!!

Other CRAZY Ideas Not Written About --Yet...

• Crazy Light - sunrise, sunset, storm approaching, etc. In the darkest of times, the smallest point of light is brilliant!
• Crazy Peace - in the midst of the most exquisite pain you're drawn into a peace that you cannot explain... (words written by Christa Wells)
• Crazy Hair - could be me most days - have PLENTY of pics to back that up
• Crazy Clouds - how they create the prettiest sunrises & sunsets... shade us from heat... bring needed rain
• Crazy Music - eclectic collection of music on random on my iPod; music - the language of God; music connecting us with others
• Crazy City Girl - when I stalk the corn harvester :)  which DID NOT HAPPEN YET... 10/31/12 & corn still stands out back
• Crazy Busy - could be almost any day. But, lots of volunteering, reading, writing - not cleaning.
• Crazy Marriage - who knew?  me, Ms. Perfection at one time; him, Mr. Casual & Laid-Back
• Crazy Cat - could be any day. James Solomon (aka Solomon or Sollie)... always entertaining
• Crazy Relative - but, I still love him/her. Thankful that brokenness can be healed with time & with the Father's love!
• Crazy Me - too many ideas on that one - don't do this one!
• Crazy Obsessions - me & my decorating, Christmas music after my birthday 10/10, my photography obsession; the beauty of nature, etc.
• Crazy Faith - trusting that certain things will be resolved before... that thing I can't write about yet
• Crazy Procrastination - what I seem to do with regularity. Order my steps in your Word LORD - 'cause I am pathetic at doing it!
• Crazy Visions - my Dad's passing, Robyn being in labor, the Turkey Run Christmas, a loved one in the spring of 2011, etc.
• Crazy Dreams - circus dog directing the church choir, sleep walking dream - but actually outside walking! etc. etc. etc. etc.
• Kamikaze Caterpillars - 'tis the season of kamikaze caterpillars where I live... the season of harvest... when you can't drive a country road without squishing a caterpillar or two who are crossing the field from one road or another... why do they do that
• Living With One Foot in the Grave - negative connotations of that phrase; positive meaning when we are keeping one foot grounded in the Word which will lead us to eternal life

Crazy Reflections! - 31 DAYS OF CRAZY - 30 October 2012

Love this image from Snow White

Mirror Mirror... on the wall...

Has your mind ever spoken the words,  "Who IS that person?"  as you noticed the familiarity in the mirror -- yet the strangeness of a reflection... a reflection of yourself. The other day I caught an alarming glance at a person in the reflection of a window as I entered my home. Who was that person? She looks vaguely familiar but, not at all appealing to my eye.

I don't have a huge problem with the reflection of myself in a mirror when made-up & ready to go somewhere. But, who the heck is that unattractive lady in the reflection of my iPad early in the morning or the glass of the china cabinet in the late evening? I don't think I know her. Is that reflection what others see? It's said that "beauty is only skin deep" and also that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder".  But, how do we reconcile the toll that life takes upon what we actually look like?  I'm hoping most of my friends have kind eyes!

I have a close friend (my accountability partner of over 15 years) who lost 100 pounds over the course of 12-14 months. I never noticed it! Why? I saw her almost twice a week for those months. But, more than anything, I saw the person inside the shell of the body.  What we see on the outside is temporal. What we see on the inside is eternal.

I want to be a reflection of more than my face. I want to reflect joy, peace, patience, kindness, hope, and forgiveness. Those reflections do not age. They last forever.  

What are you reflecting? 

His Words: 

(got this idea from Chase Tibbs' blog; using it because i love the words of God)

• "So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27
• "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:12
• "So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into His glorious image." 2 Cor 3:18
• "But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him." Colossians 3:8-10

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Crazy Battles! 31 DAYS OF CRAZY - 29 October 2012

"Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." ~ Plato

A friend of mine uses the above quote at the conclusion of each her personal email notes.  If one were to look at this woman as she works & serves in our community, her life would almost look perfect. She's graceful, articulate, beautiful, smart, strong, influential, and much more!  And, while she totally has ALL of those qualities, she is fighting her own battle. She has a few friends who are supporting her through this time.  But, for the most part... she fights the battle in silence.

I'm on a journey now due to someone else's choices. It's a journey that I would never have guessed would happen and a journey that I would never have chosen. But, it is the road I must travel. My choices are to either face the battle & live it with grace & dignity OR to run & hide from the battle.   

Some battles are played out on the public arena.  Some battles are fought in quiet solitude. It's easy to look at what we are fighting and assume that almost everyone else is smoothly sailing along. In fact, most of those around us are fighting battles of one type or another.

Where ever we are in our journey, we have the opportunity to lighten the load of another with a simple kindness...

... a smile & kind word 

... a card or note to say thanks or "I'm thinking of you!" 

... a hug or hand shake 

... a flower pulled out of your garden

When we focus on others, even if only for a brief moment, we can't be focusing (and dwelling) on our problems.  They are blessed.  We are blessed in turn. 

And, don't forget to grab some strength for the battles from the simple joys that surround you each day...

The beginning of a new day.

The architecture of a tree.

Fond memories of favorite times & places.

The rustle of leaves or corn in a field.

The colors of a sunset

A picture of a little one.

A silly cartoon.

Simple joys & simple acts of kindness are anything but simple when fighting a battle. And, never forget the One who is waiting &willing to fight your battles.

His Words: 

(got this idea from Chase Tibbs' blog; using it because i love the words of God)

• "This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another." Zechariah 7:9
• "... the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles... " 2 Chronicles 32:8
• "Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart." Proverbs 3:3
• "You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you."  2 Chronicles 20:17
• "The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe." Proverbs 18:10

Linking with Ann Voskamp - A Holy Experience today... 

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Crazy Questions! - 31 DAYS OF CRAZY - 28 October 2012

Which way is best? I don't know!
It's all so confusing.

How do we get the answers to our crazy questions?

• What did I ever do to make my spouse seek out another? 
• Will I get a regular job or have to keep working 2-3 to make ends meet?
• Why didn't my dad's cancer go into remission? Why did he have to die so soon?
• When will I stop blaming my past for all the stupid choices I keep making?
• Will the offer on that house be accepted or will I keep having to throw away money on this rental property? 
• When will I become pregnant and be able to carry a baby full term?  Why did that person get pregnant when they don't even deserve a baby?
• What causes me to be so uptight when I'm in a group?  Why do I wake up & dread the day?

Life is full of questions.  And, it's not always full of answers!  But, there are many answers to be found when we look for them.  And, there is a peace that comes from believing that everything will work out for our good -- even when our questions aren't answered! 

The past 10 weekends the pastoral staff at our church has spoken to the top 10 questions asked in an open forum. The surrounding Indianapolis metro community (and the world via the internet) was asked to submit questions to be answered during a special teaching series. No subject or question was off limits; and anyone could ask a question. A community panel, comprised of people who do not attend our church, selected the Top Ten questions. The questions were answered – one by one – in a Biblical frame during weekend worship services. The full list of questions is located on our website under:  Go Ahead Ask Anything 2 

Today concluded the series with the number one question:

#1 – Homosexuality

• Is homosexuality a sin? Can a person be a Christian and a homosexual?
• What does the Bible say about how Christians should respond regarding the following issues related to homosexuality:  Today, it seems whenever you disagree with society, like you’re not in support of gay marriage; you are labeled a “hater.” How should Christians respond, in a Christ-honoring way, when you’re attacked for disagreeing with society’s new morality?
• It is impossible for me to wrap my mind around other Christians who see millions of people that are gay and denounce their sexuality as evil and perverse. 
• How do Christians justify telling the LGBT population that their sexual orientation is unnatural and not in God’s plan when this is psychologically damaging and can lead to depression, suicidal thoughts, etc.?
• How do people justify using religion as a “weapon” to deny equal marriage rights in this country even though homosexuality has been scientifically justified as naturally occurring?
• How do you think God feels about an avowed homosexual accepting a pastoral position and preaching His Word?

How do you find the answers to the questions in your life?  Do you wonder... what would God say about this?  Post a question here & get some answers & some scripture references to back those answers.  Take a look at some of the scriptures below.  

Life is full of questions... and there are answers to many of those questions!!  Seek wisdom... get answers.

His Words: 

(got this idea from Chase Tibbs' blog; using it because i love the words of God)

• "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking." James 1:5
• "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8 
• "And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers." Luke 2:47
• "Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!"  Romans 11:33 

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Crazy About Traditions! - 31 DAYS OF CRAZY - 27 October 2012

I love traditions...big ones, little ones, significant ones, silly ones. And, the tradition which I started 3 October's ago was that I jump in the pool when we close it.  But, this year... this year the LOML decided not to put a cover on our pool the entire summer and into the fall.  When I checked the thermometer this morning, the pool was 48 degrees.

That called for a big decision this morning...  Do I honor my fun, family tradition and possibly DIE or... Do I let the tradition go for this year.  Guess what I did?

Well, there were other things to be considered this year, as well.  There were no kids home today--just me, the LOML and the cat. I started the pool tradition to give the kids a legit reason to laugh at me. The LOML thought it was pretty ridiculous to begin with. And, with no cover on the pool for the summer & while the ancient shagbark hickory tree dropped almost all of its leaves, the pool had begun to look more like a pond. The bottom was covered with leaves - despite numerous attempts to scoop them out over the past few weeks! As for the creepy crawly things on the bottom on the pool, I'd rather not talk about them!

By the time the leaves had been cleaned off the bottom & the chemicals had been added, it was time for lunch. And, me being me, I insisted that it was on the deck. You know me... and my being crazy about my traditions. It wasn't a fancy lunch but, tasted wonderful in the warm fall sun with the reflections dancing on the trellis above us. There's nothing like an outside picnic when the air is cool & the sun is hot!  And, the LOML didn't even complain - although eating outside is never his first choice!  

If I could persuade the LOML to wait even longer to cover my pond, I would. I lived by the sea for 15 years of my life and, I need to see water :)  There's something about water & light bouncing off of it that just brings a calm to me. And, there's something calming to me about traditions - no matter how small or insignificant. Is it familiarity or is it another type of control for me?  I don't know if I have that answer yet. Am I the only one who is this old & still trying to figure things out - ha ha!

We bought this house in the spring of 2009.  The house we lived in before was our home from when our older child began grade school and until the younger child was a senior in high school. I didn't really want to move here. There were so many wonderful family traditions in that other house. Playing on my weaknesses, the LOML found a house that he liked which had a pool. I fell for it too.  But, I'm glad that I did. And, I'm glad that the previous owners chose a blue tarp to cover the pool.  At least I can pretend that it's water, right? 

Oh, and the tradition of me jumping in the pool on the day we close it is still in affect! It just didn't happen THIS year!  

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Crazy Control! - 31 DAYS OF CRAZY - 26 October 2012

My life's out of control lately. And, I don't like it. I have a theory about this topic of CONTROL. My thoughts... if & when a person experiences some sort of trauma from not having control over what happens to them in a certain situation, relationship or time in their life they can easily go forward in life trying to control WAY TOO MANY things! And, their ways to control things might not result in what's best for them in the long run.  

I experienced a time in my life when I was victimized by an authority figure.  Being a child at that time, I tried to understand WHY. And, the only thing that I could come up with at that time was that I had somehow allowed, and possibly encouraged, that situation to happen. I vowed to never let anything like that happen again. And, I vowed that I would always be IN CONTROL.

But, as the years passed & experiences shed a new light on life, I began to see that there are many things in life which are beyond control. This realization was quite troubling to me initially. In truth, it calls out to me still from the back of my mind. But, one statement that my mom always said to me & which always brought a cringe to my being was, "Life is not fair. God is fair."  

Put on salvation as your helmet,
and take the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God.

I'm probably weaker than most but, I seriously do not know how I would cope with this desire to CONTROL things if it were not for the constant reminders I intentionally place in front of my eyes daily.  The Serenity Prayer is often quoted & memorized to help us lessen our grip on the need to control. It's very helpful!

DO YOU BATTLE THIS NEED TO CONTROL THINGS?  

HOW DOES IT AFFECT YOUR LIFE?  

WHAT DO YOU DO TO SLAY THE BEAST?  

I rely on some pretty powerful promises in... 

His Word: 

(got this idea from Chase Tibbs' blog; using it because i love the words of God)

• I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33
• "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation." Romans 5:3-4 NLT
• "We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one." 1 John 5:19 NLT

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Crazy Auto-Correct! - 31 DAYS OF CRAZY - 25 October 2012

Who else remembers watching The Jetson's and Star Trek (with the dreamy Captain James T. Kirk)? And besides me, who remembers seeing those shows & dreaming of the perfect days in the future? My hot button back then was having to do chores inside the house before going out to run & play. My dream was for a day when a "Rosie-like" robot would take care of that mundane work for me as I enjoyed the outdoor air - hiking, riding my pet horse, playing with my pet spider monkey, etc.

Well, years have passed & many of those fantasies have become reality. But, as we've learned from our laptops & smart phone, those gadgets often seem to have their own mind on how things should be done. One constant point of contention for me is the "auto-correct" feature which is helpful 98% of the time & maddening the rest of the time! Perhaps I'm just an impatient or sloppy key entry person :) 

Earlier today my friend, Brooke, posted the following on Facebook:

Just sent my fiance' a text saying "Whatcha doping?". Either I have fat fingers or I've been reading too many articles about Lance Armstrong.

I "liked" her comment & then told her about what has happened repeatedly to me:

My auto-correct is always ending my texts to my husband with, "I love you homey" -- even when I enter the letters h-o-n-e-y, it usually defaults to homey!

It's really nice that my phone & laptop know to capitalize the second letter in the APPLE FAMILY MEMBERS... iPad, iTouch, iPhone, iTunes, etc. And, they've even figured out that I like to sign my notes & texts with my name beginning with a lowercase "c". But, why does it insist that the word satan begins with a capital "S" but that the word God begins with a lower-case "g"? That bugs me. And, what in the world have I typed to result in an auto-corrected word of sassafras in several texts?

"A penny for your thoughts, homey."

As things become easier & we allow the world to "finish our words," we increase the chance of our intent being miss-communicated. We need to continue to keep our eyes open in order make sure we'are sending the correct message. I don't want society to auto-correct what I say & do to fit their view. I must remain intentional in my speaking & in my actions in order to present a clear picture to those around me. 

Post a few of your auto-correct mishaps or perhaps your views on how our advance in technology has actually limited our clear communication. 

His Words: 

(got this idea from Chase Tibbs' blog; using it because i love the words of God)

• "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' be 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one."  Matthew 5:37
• "Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you. Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth and detest every kind of deception. My advice is wholesome. There is nothing devious or crooked in it. My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge."  Proverbs 8:6-9
• "Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people."  Romans 16:18

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Crazy Bad Attitude! - 31 DAYS OF CRAZY - 24 October 2012

I have a crazy bad attitude right now! The day was fantastic up until just a few minutes ago.  And, I only have one person to blame for it! I could feel the "ugly" taking over my disposition as I heard the all too familiar CHIPPER, upbeat, excited voice on the other end of the phone closing her conversation with:

"And, what are you making your man for his dinner tonight?"  

Oh, if you could ONLY hear the excitement in that voice.  Oh, if you could only see the darkness take over my countenance.  Yep, there's only ONE person responsible for this change in disposition... and, it's ME!

I sure hope the spaghetti sauce doesn't
splash up on my Grandmother's
pearl necklace!

You see, the two of us are from different generations -- and that actually feels like different worlds to me most of the time. 

When I got married, I was working 55-60 hours per week & ended up being the bread winner for the first 6-7 years of our marriage.  When she got married, she was the stay-at-home wife & homemaker.  

I continued to work full time until our older child entered 1st grade & part-time until our younger child entered grade school.  She stayed at home full-time... picking & canning vegetables, sewing clothes for the family, painting... you know, giving her ALL to make a house a home.  

And today, I have a husband (whom I call the Love of My LIfe - LOML) coming home to me each night from work.  She, on the other hand, welcomes no one home.  She's grieved the absence of her love for too many years now.  She depends on neighbors & church members to help with the things around the house & property which my husband does for me on the weekends.  

I close my eyes at night & listen to the breathing (and, perhaps snoring) of my beloved.  She checks all the door locks once again, turns the heat down to the lowest possible setting, and quietly climbs alone into her queen sized bed.  There's no snoring beside her... but, I know she longs for the day when there was & for the person for whom she found great joy in making a special meal each night for dinner.

For a moment, I forget her loss & I forget my many blessings... and I manage to justify my bad attitude.  I bristle up & bite my tongue.  For years, I tried to convince myself that she was giving me this negative attitude.  When, in fact, it was only caused by one person... by me.

Oh Lord, help me to look beyond myself to the heart of others.  If I error on the interpretation of another's intent of their words or actions, let me error on their behalf.  Daily remind me of the grace that you have extended to me and that I should extend to others.  Life is too short to waste time on bad attitudes!  The blessings come in the moments.  And, moments should not be wasted on bad attitudes!

His Words: 

(got this idea from Chase Tibbs' blog; using it because i love the words of God)

• "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." Psalm 139:23-24
• "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things... " Psalm 119:18
• "Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had." Philippians 2:4-5
• "You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate." Luke 6:36

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Crazy Undone Dreams!

Stained glass window
Basilica of the Annunciation
Nazareth, Israel

I've always been somewhat of a dreamer.  I remember dreams from when I was as young as 4.  One, in particular, stayed with me in life for close to 40 years until I understood the significance of it.  I dreamed of living at the Biltmore Estate - having visited there numerous times as a child.  I dreamed of having my OWN pony who would carry me to school & back each day.  I dreamed that I lived on the side of a beautiful mountain, facing the east & bordered by a cliff with a path leading down to the sea.

My self image as a child, adolescent & young adult was never that great.  And so... I often lost myself in dreams of a better day or a better me. I've conquered that demon at this point in my life, for the most part.  Yet, I still have a peaceful place which I think about if I'm having trouble falling asleep at night. 

But, as we all know, dreams are dreams... and not real life.  How do we cope with dreams that are undone... undone as in not happened yet or undone as in shattered?  Not only do we have dreams for ourselves.  But, we have them for those we love.  I don't know a parent who doesn't want their child to succeed & feel as though they have succeeded at what they pursue.  I dreamed that my father would be at the high school graduations of both our children.  My father went to be with the Lord when our children were ages 11 & 13.  And, there are currently dreams of which I am painfully aware will not happen.

Beauty
from
brokenness!

Even if the healing doesn't come and life falls apart and dreams are still undone... What do YOU do when your dreams are broken?  What do you do when the choices of another prevent them from attaining their dreams?  

The things I've been facing lately drew me to the song "Even If" by Kutless. The words are straight from my heart - but, written by another.  For me, even when dreams are still undone, I continue to believe in a good future! 

REMEMBER: The most beautiful stained glass windows are created from broken shards of glass.

When my dreams are undone, I find hope in the promises I claim from the Bible. Tell me about how YOU cope when dreams are undone!

Take a listen. The lyrics are at the bottom of the page*.

His Words: 

(got this idea from Chase Tibbs' blog; using it because i love the words of God)

• For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 
• "Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph's character."  Psalm 105:19 NLT
• "He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

Linking with Ann Voskamp - A Holy Experience today... 

Related Posts:

Dream On...

When Dreams Die 

When Your Story is Not Your Own

Hope, Mirror, Mirror On the Wall 

Do You Like Your Life Ruthann? 

*"Even If"
written by Scott Krippayne performed by Kutless on their Believer album

Sometimes all we have to hold on to
Is what we know is true of who You are
So when the heartache hits like a hurricane
That could never change who You are
And we trust in who You are

Even if the healing doesn't come
And life falls apart
And dreams are still undone
You are God You are good
Forever faithful One
Even if the healing
Even if the healing doesn't come

Lord we know Your ways are not our ways
So we set our faith in who You are
Even though You reign high above us
You tenderly love us
We know Your heart
And we rest in who You are

You're still the Great and Mighty One
We trust You always
You're working all things for our good
We'll sing your praise

You are God and we will bless You
As the Good and Faithful One
You are God and we will bless You
Even if the healing doesn't come
Even if the healing doesn't come