When Death Was Arrested
“…You are never beyond God’s love, and you are never alone. God is present even in the midst of your greatest need, your greatest weakness, and your greatest failures. Grace would have it no other way.” (Written in a https://thorncrown.com/ brochure)
I read an interesting article yesterday that I appreciated about true comfort that does not white-wash pain:
Beth, I so appreciate the great stuff you share. Thanks!
Death Was Arrested
“Alone in my sorrow and dead in my sin
Lost without hope with no place to begin
Your love Made a way to let mercy come in
When death was arrested and my life began
Lost without hope with no place to begin
Your love Made a way to let mercy come in
When death was arrested and my life began
Ash was redeemed only beauty remains
My orphan heart was given a name
My mourning grew quiet my feet rose to dance
When death was arrested and my life began
My orphan heart was given a name
My mourning grew quiet my feet rose to dance
When death was arrested and my life began
Oh, Your grace so free
Washes over me
You have made me new
Now life begins with You
It’s your endless love
Pouring down on us
You have made us new
Now life begins with You
Washes over me
You have made me new
Now life begins with You
It’s your endless love
Pouring down on us
You have made us new
Now life begins with You
Released from my chains I’m a prisoner no more
My shame was a ransom He faithfully bore
He cancelled my debt and He called me His friend
When death was arrested and my life began
My shame was a ransom He faithfully bore
He cancelled my debt and He called me His friend
When death was arrested and my life began
Oh, Your grace so free
Washes over me
You have made me new
Now life begins with You
It’s your endless love
Pouring down on us
You have made us new
Now life begins with You
Washes over me
You have made me new
Now life begins with You
It’s your endless love
Pouring down on us
You have made us new
Now life begins with You
Our savior displayed on a criminal’s cross
Darkness rejoiced as though heaven had lost
But then Jesus arose with our freedom in hand
That’s when death was arrested and my life began
Darkness rejoiced as though heaven had lost
But then Jesus arose with our freedom in hand
That’s when death was arrested and my life began
Oh, Your grace so free
Washes over me
You have made me new
Now life begins with You
It’s your endless love
Pouring down on us
You have made us new
Now life begins with You
Washes over me
You have made me new
Now life begins with You
It’s your endless love
Pouring down on us
You have made us new
Now life begins with You
Oh, we’re free, free
Forever we’re free
Come join the song
Of all the redeemed
Yes, we’re free free
Forever amen
When death was arrested and my life began
Forever we’re free
Come join the song
Of all the redeemed
Yes, we’re free free
Forever amen
When death was arrested and my life began
Oh, we’re free, free
Forever we’re free
Come join the song
Of all the redeemed
Yes, we’re free free
Forever amen
When death was arrested and my life began
Forever we’re free
Come join the song
Of all the redeemed
Yes, we’re free free
Forever amen
When death was arrested and my life began
When death was arrested and my life began
When death was arrested and my life began”
When death was arrested and my life began”
Songwriters: Ryan Heath Balltzglier / Adam Kersh / Paul Taylor Smith / Brandon Coker
“Father Sing Over Me”
Within the past week or so, four people that I know died: two from cancer, one from another illness, and the son of a couple we know committed suicide. Somebody taking their own life is a senseless tragedy. A little two year boy wondering where his Mommy is after her battle with breast cancer ended is heartbreaking. I’ve been feeling back to back sadness and grief for each of these folks…yet thankfully in all four cases all of them had placed their faith in Christ dying on the cross to pay for their sins and God raising Him from the dead, so there is an element of joy too, knowing that these four precious people are now in Heaven and free, perfectly whole in mind, body, and spirit again, dancin’ on Streets of Gold, and with the Lord for all of Eternity. I’ve been thinking about how the Real Deal kind of hope and peace through life and death is all wrapped up in Jesus.
I also find the fact that God sings over us a lovely thing. Thanks for sharing the song in the above link, Beth!
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Matthew 5:4 NASB
You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.
Psalm 32:7 NASB
Zephaniah 3:17 (KJV)
17 The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 (MSG)
Your God is present among you,
a strong Warrior there to save you.
Happy to have you back, he’ll calm you with his love
and delight you with his songs.
Father Sing Over Me
Verse
;You are Living Water in a dry and weary land
In the shaking times You’re Solid Rock where I can stand
When the storms of life come You’re a Shelter over me
You are Light in darkness Watching over me
In the times of wounding You come healing me
When fear would come surrounding
You come singing over me
Chorus
Father, sing over me when I’m losing it!
Father, sing over me when I’m wounded!
Father, sing over me with Your presence!
Father, sing over me with Your love!
Father, sing over me love unending!
Father, sing over me! I’m surrendering!
Father, sing over me with Your presence!
Father, sing over me!
Father, sing over me!
Father, sing over me!
Verse
You are Living Water in a dry and weary land
In the shaking times You’re Solid Rock where I can stand
When the storms of life come You’re a Shelter over me
You are Light in darkness Watching over me
In the times of wounding You come healing me
When fear would come surrounding
You come singing over me
Chorus
Father, sing over me when I’m losing it!
Father, sing over me when I’m wounded!
Father, sing over me with Your presence!
Father, sing over me with Your love!
Father, sing over me love unending!
Father, sing over me! I’m surrendering!
Father, sing over me with Your presence!
Father, sing over me!
Father, sing over me!
Father, sing over me!
Bridge
I will be your Righteousness and you be My redeemed!
I will be your Holiness and I have washed you clean!
Child, hear Me singing!
This is what I’m singing over you!
I will be your Hiding Place! My love concealing you!
I will be your comfort! Let My love come healing through!
Child, hear Me singing! This is what I’m singing over you!
I will be Provider! I will meet your every need!
I will be your Champion! Find in Me your victory!
Child, hear Me singing! This is what I’m singing over you!
I will be right with you! I will never, ever leave!
I will be your Shepherd! If you let Me, I will lead!
Child, hear Me singing! This is what I’m singing over
Chorus
Father, sing over me when I’m losing it!
Father, sing over me when I’m wounded!
Father, sing over me with Your presence!
Father, sing over me with Your love!
Father, sing over me love unending!
Father, sing over me! I’m surrendering!
Father, sing over me with Your presence!
Father, sing over me!
Father, sing over me!
Father, sing over me!
é2018 Shepherd’s Heart Music, Inc./Dennis Jernigan
7804 W. Fern Mountain Rd. Muskogee, OK 74401
1-800-877-0406www.dennisjernigan.com
Administered by http://www.PraiseCharts.com
Tyranny of the Urgent
Two very active seniors (Jacob, age 95, and Mary, age 92), living in The Villages, were all excited about their decision to get married.
They went for a stroll to discuss the wedding, and on the way they passed a drugstore. Jacob suggested they go in.
Jacob addressed the man behind the counter:”Are you the owner?”
The pharmacist answered, “Yes.”
Jacob: “We’re about to get married. Do you sell heart medication?”
Pharmacist: “Of course we do.
Jacob: “How about medicine for circulation?”
Pharmacist: “All kinds.”
Jacob: “Medicine for rheumatism?”
Pharmacist: “Definitely.”
Jacob: “How about suppositories and medicine for impotence?”
Pharmacist: “You bet!
Jacob: “Medicine for memory problems, arthritis and Alzheimer’s?”
Pharmacist: “Yes, a large variety. The works.”
Jacob: “What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antidotes for Parkinson’s disease?”
Pharmacist: “Absolutely.”
Jacob: “Everything for heartburn and indigestion?”
Pharmacist: “We sure do.
Jacob: “You sell wheelchairs and walkers and canes?”
Pharmacist: “All speeds and sizes.”
Jacob: “Adult diapers?”
Pharmacist: “Sure, how can I help you?
Jacob: “We’d like to use this store as our Bridal Registry.”
😉
“The Tyranny of the Urgent” is a great reminder as we figure out priorities in our lives and ordering our time well. It’s worth reading:
“Do it Again” (Love This Song)
Do It Again
Walking around these walls
I thought by now they’d fall
But You have never failed me yet
Waiting for change to come
Knowing the battle’s won
For You have never failed me yet
I thought by now they’d fall
But You have never failed me yet
Waiting for change to come
Knowing the battle’s won
For You have never failed me yet
Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You’ve never failed me yet
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You’ve never failed me yet
I know the night won’t last
Your Word will come to pass
My heart will sing Your praise again
Jesus, You’re still enough
Keep me within Your love
My heart will sing Your praise again
Your Word will come to pass
My heart will sing Your praise again
Jesus, You’re still enough
Keep me within Your love
My heart will sing Your praise again
Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You never failed
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You never failed
Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You never failed me yet
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You never failed me yet
I’ve seen You move, come move the mountains
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
I’ve seen You move, come move the mountains
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
I’ve seen You move, come move the mountains
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
I’ll see You do it again
Oh-oh
Oh-oh
Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You never failed
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You never failed
Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You never failed me yet
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You never failed me yet
And You never failed me yet
I never will forget
You never failed me yet
And I never will forget
I never will forget
You never failed me yet
And I never will forget
Songwriters: George Veikoso / Michael Stevenson / Nicholas Matthew Balding / Christopher Maurice Brown / Mark Kragen / Marc Randolph Griffin / Pia Mia Perez / Jerry Afemata
I am a Cancer Patient
by Amy Breitman
I am a cancer patient.
I am also a mother, a wife, a daughter, a friend.
I have fears and uncertainty,
and days of boundless joy and deep emotion.
I am a cancer patient.
I have a career and goals and a past filled with memories.
I have days I wonder who will care for my children if I am gone-
And days I am certain I will live forever.
I am a cancer patient.
I am also a survivor, an inspiration, an advocate.
I have hope and courage
As well as nights of restless sleep
and days of fierce doubt and deep rage.
I am a cancer patient.
I am experienced in enduring medical procedures and treatments
and feeling exposed to total strangers in whose hands I lay my future.
I have moments of complete confusion and some of total understanding.
I am a cancer patient.
I am skilled at disguising my physical signs of illness
With wigs and hats and makeup and smiles-
But do not be fooled. . . I am afraid.
I am a cancer patient.
I enjoy peaceful moments amidst the uncertainty that is my life.
I am viewed with pity, with awe, and a certain misunderstanding
By those who have not shared my journey.
I am a cancer patient.
And I am blessed because I live life larger than most
because I am acutely aware of life’s preciousness.
I am a product of a tenuous and difficult challenge.
And I am most thankful for the side effects that have helped me become
A better mother, a wife, a daughter, and a friend.
Bio:
“Amy Breitmann is trained as a counselor and teacher, and is a 9-year survivor of ovarian cancer. She is one of the founders of The Lydia Project, Inc. based in Augusta, Georgia. Amy received her B.S. in English Education and M.S. in Community Agency Counseling from Bowling Green State University in northern Ohio. While facing her own diagnosis of cancer at the age of 29, she began to feel a calling to support other women facing this devastating illness. She founded The Lydia Project, Inc. with her business partners in 2003.
Amy now serves as the Development Director for The Lydia Project, Inc., an agency that provides tote bags to women facing cancer. Each tote is monogrammed with “faith,” “hope,” or “love” and is made by the loving hands of volunteers as a sign of spiritual support. She is passionate about reaching out to women in the midst of a diagnosis and connecting them with the needed resources during this challenging time.”
Amy is married to Troy and has two children, Shelby (8) and Mitchell (5.)
Visit the Lydia Project at www.thelydiaproject.org.
Contact Amy: development@thelydiaproject.org
Declaration of Hope
Declaration of Hope —By Keffer
“I declare God’s faithful love over you and bless you with His love that never ends!
I declare over you God’s mercies never cease and bless you with His mercies raining down upon you in this time!
I declare over you, “How great is the Lord’s faithfulness!” and bless you with the greatness of His faithfulness towards you in the midst of all that surrounds you!
I declare over you that the Lord’s mercies begin afresh each morning and bless you with His new mercies for today!
I declare over you that the Lord is your inheritance and bless you with all He has to give and provide you in this very moment!
I declare over you that your hope is in the Lord!
Yes!! I bless you that your hope is in the Lord!
I declare over you that the Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him.
And so I bless you with the goodness that comes from waiting quietly for His grace, His daily saving grace, His deliverance!
Yes! I bless you with the Lord’s daily mercies raining down!
I bless you to stand with ever-renewed hope in Him!
I bless you with the goodness that comes from quietly waiting upon His grace, His daily saving grace, His mighty deliverance!
Because your hope is in Him!
I bless you that He and He alone is Jesus!
Lord of Lords! King of Kings!
Your Champion in the seen and unseen realm!
Yes! I bless you that He is your Faithful and True One who rides the white horse!
I bless you with daily hope arising! Hope, hope, and more hope.”
Trusting God to do His Job Well
“We fear because ultimately we wonder if we can trust God to do His job well.
Would you be willing, with me, to give God His job back?
Would you be willing to try, to take one brave and faithful step toward fearless living, by taking captive any and all thoughts that fabricate a future we do not yet know will come true?
—– by Maria Furlough http://annvoskamp.com/2018/03/a-4-step-battle-plan-to-destroy-fear/
Have no fear for what tomorrow may bring. The same loving God who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. He will either shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.
FRANCIS DE SALES
(Thanks, Deb for passing this quote along to me)
This song, based on 1 Peter 5:7, is one I taught my kiddos long ago and am posting it in honor of my dear Gerson Gal Buddy from the past Esther (only we sang “STUFF Satan lower instead of stop):
On a Scale of One to God Reminder
Oceans
“Speak”
Lord, “I wanna hear You, louder than the noise. I wanna feel You, closer than the air….”
I love the words to this worship song.
Some hospital gown humor:
“I was sitting here minding my business,
Kind of letting my mind go slack,
When in comes a nurse with a bright sunny smile
And a gown with a split down the back.
“Take a shower,” she said,
“And get ready. And then jump into this sack.”
What she’s really talking about
Was the gown with the split down the back.
“They’re coming to do some tests,” she said.
They’re going to stretch me out on a rack
With nothing twixt me and the cold, cruel world
But a gown that’s split down the back!
It comes only to the knees in front.
In the sides there is no lack.
But by far the greatest shortcoming
Is that blooming split down the back.
Whoever designed this garment
For humor had a great knack,
But I fail to see anything funny
About a gown that is split down the back.
I hear them coming to get me,
The wheels going clickety clack.
I’ll ride through the halls on a table
In a gown with a split down the back.
When I get to heaven, I’ll make me no odds
If my robe is white, red, or black,
The only thing I ask is please!
Give me one with no split down the back.”
Source: Jeremiah, David (2013-10-01). What Are You Afraid Of?: Facing Down Your Fears with Faith (pp. 35-36). Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Pilgrim's Pathway 