Homesick, by MercyMe

On December 28th, 2010, my uncle passed away. He struggled with cancer for ten years and went in his sleep. The song that immediately came to mind was "Homesick". The band had lost eight people close to them in six weeks. This song is more a reminder to us to bring us comfort. I remember crying the first time I heard this song because I knew that people needed to hear the song. I share this with you now as a reminder to myself that there's always hope.

Homesick: MercyMe (Album: Various Albums)

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now

Sanctified, by MercyMe

No matter where we are in our lives, we always have to remember that we always have Christ. He has made us free through His sacrifice. His love for us is more than anyone else's. He has set us free.

Sanctified: MercyMe (Album: All That Is Within Me)

Let there be no condemnation
For all who're fully known in Christ
Unspeakable grace for all the nations
By way of holy sacrifice

We worship with the sound of broken shackles falling to the ground

Sanctified I have been set free
Grace divine has swept me off my feet

No greater love has ever been known
Than He who came to find the lost
No greater sacrifice has been shown
Than He who laid upon the cross

Let all creation sing for He has come and He's changed everything

Sanctified I have been set free
Grace divine has swept me off my feet
Grace divine has swept me off my feet

And I know that I will never be the same
And I know that I will never be the same
And I know that I'll never be the same
And I know that I'll never be the same

Sanctified I have been set free
Grace divine has swept me off my feet

And I know that I will never be the same
And I know that I'll never be the same
And I know, yes I know, I will never same
Hallelujah

Strong Enough to Save, by Tenth Avenue North

Many times in our chaotic lives, we are beaten and broken. We don't know who to trust in this world. Even our closest friends have betrayed us and have abandoned us. They don't care about our pain and troubles. We've laid awake many nights, praying and crying out to God that they would make it through to see the beautiful life that He had in store for them. With all the burdens we have, we want someone to listen to us, someone to care about us.

We think that there's no one out there who is strong enough to save us from the darkest corners of our hearts and minds. Or that there is anyone who is patient with us to listen to our every fear and doubt. It's hard to grasp that there's anyone out there who can. However, there is someone out there. God is able to save us. God is willing to listen to our every fear and doubt. He is patient with us, loves us, and wants the best for us. We're His children and He wants us with Him one day. He'll catch us as many times as we fall. He'll heal our hearts as many times as they're broken. He'll fix our lives as many times as we mess them up.

He's the only one out there who can accomplish that. He's the only one who is truly strong enough to save us. God may put people as tools to help get us to that point, but He is the one who is behind it all. To know that He is always there and that He always has a plan brings me great comfort. It doesn't matter what I've done. I'm never out of His reach. No matter how far away I am, He's always by my side. There's no length that He would not go to in order to save you. That's how much He loves and cares for you.

Strong Enough to Save: Tenth Avenue North (Album: The Light Meets the Dark)

You fought
but you were just too weak
so you lost
all the things you try to keep
now you're on your knees, you're on your knees

But wait,
everything can change,
in a moments time you don't have to be afraid,
cause fear is just a lie
open up your eyes

[Chorus:]
And He'll break
open the skies to save
those who cry out His name
the one the wind and waves obey
is strong enough to save you

Look now is not too late
lift up your head
let the rain fall on your face
you're not far from grace, you're not too far from grace

[Chorus:]
And He'll break
open the skies to save
those who cry out His name
the one the wind and waves obey
is strong enough to save you

[Bridge:]
I know the weight of this world can take you down like gravity
I know the current of yourself can take you out, out to sea
but hold on, hold on

[Chorus:]
And He'll break
open the skies to save
those who cry out His name
the one the wind and waves obey
is strong enough to save you

What Faith Can Do, by Kutless

Have you ever had a moment in your life where you thought, "Wow, I never knew I could do that?". I know that I have experienced several of those. My first moment was when I first started playing my clarinet. I was eleven years old and really had no idea what I was in for. I was always interested in music, but thought that I wouldn't be good at it. I trusted myself for once though and went for that instrument. I took a chance and have been playing instruments for almost ten years now. It's been a long journey. I've struggled a lot over the years and determining whether or not I would be any good at it.

My first challege was in 2005. Most of the long-term clarinet players had dropped out of band and I was suddenly getting first parts. I had been comfortable with the second and third parts. I could play them well and was fine with not being in the spotlight. When this happened, I crumbled a little bit. I couldn't handle the pressure at first. I kept telling myself that I couldn't do it, that I wasn't good enough. It didn't matter if I had been playing for four years, almost five. I just couldn't believe in myself enough to produce the notes.

Then one day, I heard a little voice while practicing. I heard someone whisper, "It's okay, play out and you can do it. I have faith in you."

Just that one voice was enough to give me confidence for the rest of the quarter. I didn't know that I could play so well or even accomplish what I had. I had been too afraid to at first and it turned out to be a turning point for me and my music. Of course, there were plenty of times where I slipped back into the mindset that I wasn't good enough. But there was always faith that I would get out of it. The faith that was put into me in the first place was always incredible.

My second experience was when I wanted to do choir and didn't think I had a good voice or was good enough for choir. My instructor told me to just come and sing anyway. It didn't matter whether or not I hit all the right notes, I was praising God. Her faith in me and encouragement meant the world to me.

The little bit of faith you put in someone and others put in you makes everything easier. But when you put your faith in God, anything is possible. He's the enabler and provider of all things. Faith is the most important foundation of which our relationship in God is built off of. Because of that faith, everything is possible through Christ. I think we all need a reminder that faith is important to us. It's especially when we're hurting that we need to have faith in Christ. He will help us through.

What Faith Can Do: Kutless (Album: It Is Well)

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you're stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

I Will Lift My Eyes, by Bebo Norman

Night befell the busy city and one person still laid awake, afraid to go to sleep. Her body craved the rest, but the heart and mind knew what would plague her dreams were she to sleep. Horrific nightmares would come and go, waking her and leaving her breath heavy. So she prolonged each night, praying that the dreams would stop. She wanted the dreams to go away so she would not have to deal with the haunting thoughts they left behind. She already had enough to worry about during the day, so why did she have to suffer in her sleep as well?

That girl was me. I had been so consumed in the darkness, I couldn't see an end. Even my dreams haunted me with the thoughts had lingered throughout most of the day. There wasn't much else I thought about and I hated it. I couldn't get past it either. I remember one night, this song played. I was trying to keep myself awake and I needed the comfort of music. I put my selection on and cried when this song started to play.

I was alone and scared. I needed someone and I had forgotten that God was the one I needed. He was there for me. This song reminds me so many times to look toward Him. I lose sight of that far too often. However, there's always a reminder that God cares. It may be in the form of song, friends, family, or even the rising sun. But there's always another day. And every day that we have is proof that God still cares, that He is still there, and that we can always lift our eyes to Him when we're struggling.

So please don't be afraid to lift your eyes to Him and ask for His help.

I Will Lift My Eyes: Bebo Norman (Album: Between the Dreaming and the Coming True)

God My God, I cry out
your beloved needs you now
God be near, calm my fear
and take my doubt
your kindness is what pulls me up,
your love is all that draws me in


I will lift my eyes
to the maker, of the mountains
I can't climb
I will lift my eyes
to calmer, of the oceans
raging wild
I will lift my eyes
to the healer, of the hurt
I hold inside

I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to you

God my God let mercy sing
her melody over me

God right here all I bring is all of me

Your kindness is what pulls me up,
your love is all that draws me in

I will lift my eyes
to the maker, of the mountains
I can't climb
I will lift my eyes
to calmer, of the oceans
raging wild
I will lift my eyes
to the healer, of the hurt
I hold inside

cause you are
and you were
and you will be forever
The lover I need to save me
Cause you fashioned the earth
and Hold it together
God so hold me now

I will lift my eyes
to the maker, of the mountains
I can't climb
I will lift my eyes
to calmer, of the oceans
raging wild
I will lift my eyes
to the healer, of the hurt
I hold inside

God My God, I cry out
your beloved needs you now

The Words I Would Say, by Sidewalk Prophets

The first time I heard this song, I broke down crying. I felt as though this song was written to all my friends who were suffering at that time. I knew that this was a song that had to be shared. As I started singing and telling people about it, I realized that this song was also written for me. I needed these words of encouragement just as much as the next person.

To know that there's someone who cares enough for you, that they could even feel your pain in their heart is mind-blowing to begin with. However, as I started to think about it, we as the church, should be feeling those same emotions. We should have a deep connection with one another and should share in each other's joys and sorrows. No matter what may happen though, we always need to remember that God is in control and will help us through these times.

However, I still leave you with this reminder. This is what I would say if we were face to face.

The Words I Would Say: Sidewalk Prophets (Album: These Simple Truths)
Three in the morning,
And I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say

Stand In the Rain, by Superchic[k]

I remember my listening this song on my iPod. I had never heard of the song before and didn't even know whom it was by. I remember that it was on the way to church and the clouds gladly poured upon the surrounding area. Everything around me held little color, it was all starting to fade into one color: black. It had been frustrating because my job search had turned up nothing and I couldn't even go to the movies with my little sister because I had no money.

Everything about my life made no sense. My plans for my future had long since faded. I didn't even know if there was much of a future left for me. I couldn't see myself getting past that day. This song started to play and it reminded of how easy it could be to give up. I was never one to give up. I am a stubbron person, but for some reason, my dreams and hopes for the future were easily forfeited. It's easy to fall into the belief that there's nothing ahead of you.

However, it's when we believe that there isn't anything for us, that we need to remain strong and keep standing. It's not easy. It's never going to be. It hurts. It is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. But in the end, it was worth it. I made it through. I fell about a million times, but God was always there to help me stand and give me more strength. He kept giving me a reason to fight, even if it was just a simple thing such as being able to have a Jamba Juice with my mom. They were the things that kept me going.

They're still the things that keep me going. So please, I know it's hard, but please keep standing when it's all crashing down.

Stand in the Rain: Superchic[k] (Album: Beauty From Pain)

She never slows down.
She doesn't know why but she knows that when she's all alone, feels like its all coming down
She won't turn around
The shadows are long and she fears if she cries that first tear, the tears will not stop raining down

[CHORUS]
So stand in the rain
Stand your ground
Stand up when it's all crashing down
You stand through the pain
You won't drown
And one day, whats lost can be found
You stand in the rain

She won't make a sound
Alone in this fight with herself and the fears whispering if she stands she'll fall down
She wants to be found
The only way out is through everything she's running from wants to give up and lie down.

[CHORUS]
So stand in the rain
Stand your ground
Stand up when it's all crashing down

[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/stand-in-the-rain-lyrics-superchick.html ]

You stand through the pain
You won't drown
And one day, whats lost can be found
You stand in the rain

So stand in the rain
Stand your ground
Stand up when it's all crashing down
Stand through the pain
You won't drown
And one day, whats lost can be found

[CHORUS]
So stand in the rain
Stand your ground
Stand up when it's all crashing down
You stand through the pain
You won't drown
And one day, whats lost can be found
You stand in the rain

Hold On, by Stellar Kart

When I went to first hear Stallar Kar live, I had no idea what to expect. I had gone to the concert because Kutless was playing and I really wanted to hear them live. So I ended up going with no idea as to what they even sounded like. They blew me away with their music. Even though I couldn't hear all the lyrics very well, a few of their lyrics stuck out to me. When we got home, my little sister and I looked up more of their songs and I found this one to be the message that sticks through my mind almost daily. I stuggled so much with various issues and often forgot that I was loved.

I never thought I could be loved. Even though I had grown up in the church and had learnt all about God's love for me, I couldn't even grasp it. I couldn't see how a God of His magnitude could even begin to love a wretched creature like me. I was no one and had nothing. I was weak and pathetic. Yet, in spite of those things, I am loved completely.

I may not fully understand the concept of being loved, even with all my flaws, but it's still a great comfort to know that He loves me anyway. There's someone who actually cares about me, even when I can't stand up on my own. Or when I can't see the light through the darkness. There's always a hand to guide me, arms to hold me, and a voice gently calling my name. This song reminds me of all those things so much. I hope you hear it too.

Hold On: Stellar Kart (Album: We Can't Stand Sitting Down)
I am all around you;
And I see,
Everywhere you see.
I am everything,
You believe

[chorus]
If the stars don't shine tonight,
And tomorrow forgets the light
Hold on,
Hold on to Me.

You are,
Loved completely
You mean,
Everything to Me
You will,
Always be here with Me

With everything you have
Hold on to Me.
Don't be afraid, I'm here to stay.
If your hope is running dry,
And your dreams have waved goodbye.
Hold on. Hold on to Me.

Wonderful, Merciful Saviour, Various Artists

I find this song comforting no matter the circumstances. It reminds me just how amazing our Saviour really is. I really don't have much to add to this song 'cause I think it speaks for itself. Just listen and read the lyrics.


Wonderful, Merciful Saviour: Various Artists
Wonderful, Merciful Savior
Precious Redeemer and Friend
Who would have thought that a Lamb could rescue the souls of men
ooh, you rescue the souls of men.

Counselor, Comforter, Keeper
Spirit we long to embrace
You offer hope when our hearts have hopelessly lost our way
ooh, we've hopelessly lost the way


Chorus:
You are the One that we praise......
You are the One we adore.....
You give the healing embrace.....
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
Our hearts always hunger for
ooh, Our hearts always hunger for....


Almighty, Infinite Father,
Faithfully loving your own
Here in our weakness you find us
Falling before your Throne
ooh, we're falling before your Throne

Chorus:
You are the One that we praise
You are the One We adore
You give the healing embrace
Our hearts always hunger for
ooh our hearts always hunger for

You Can Have Me, by Sidewalk Prophets

As Christians, we're supposed to give up everything for the sake of Christ. It sounds like a really awesome idea and we get excited to do it. However, when it boils down to it, would you? Would you give up your brand new guitar, your horse, your computer, your money, or even yourself just for God? He created us, saved us, and extends His grace to us every day.

So when we think about, we should be willing to. However, there's always something that holds us back. There's always a portion of us that doesn't want to give up our comfortable lives. We have a roof over our heads, we're not in trouble with the law, we're not a well-known person who has something profound to say and causes controversy. We often want to fade into the background and not be noticed because we're afraid of what others may say or do.

In Matthew, Jesus called fishermen to be His followers. They immediately gave up everything that they had in order to follow Him. They didn't know that it would cause them pain or that they wouldn't understand everything that God was telling them. Even still, when they were in pain, they continued to spread God's word. They weren't silent. They had a voice and were heard all over the nations.

But look at us today. We don't have as loud of a voice. We're tucked away and not causing the stir that the prophets or discples ever did. We're comfortable. However, we're also constantly going through the motions. Our love for Christ is almost unmoving. The power of it doesn't engulf us like it should. We sort of put a lid on it and let the flames die so we don't have to deal with it all.

But we're children of God. We have everything. We have gained everything through Him. We're not on the losing end of this war, we're on the winning side. Our goal is to try and get as many people on the winning side as we can so they too can be in the winner's circle. We want everyone there. We want to see them all rejoicing with us in Heaven.

So if that's what we're supposed to be, then why don't we let God have all of us?

You Can Have Me: Sidewalk Prophets (Album: These Simple Truths)

If I saw You on the street
And You said come and follow me
But I had to give up everything
All I once held dear and all of my dreams

Would I love You enough to let go
Or would my love run dry
When You asked for my life

When did love become unmoving?
When did love become unconsuming?
Forgetting what the world has told me
Father of love, You can have me
You can have me

If You’re all You claim to be
Then I’m not losing anything
So I will crawl upon my knees
Just to know the joy of suffering

I will love You enough to let go
Lord, I give you my life
I give you my life

When did love become unmoving?
When did love become unconsuming?
Forgetting what the world has told me
Father of love, You can have me
You can have me

I want to be where You are
I’m running into Your arms
And I will never look back
So Jesus, here is my heart

When did love become unmoving?
When did love become unconsuming?
Forgetting what the world has told me
Father of love, You can have me
You can have me

When did love become unmoving?
When did love become unconsuming?
Forgetting what the world has told me
Father of love, You can have me
My Father, my love
You can have me

For Those Who Wait, by Fireflight

It's hard to wait patiently for God to come and help you when you seem to be sinking further every day. It's hard to sit back and not do anything except for praying to God that He will rescue you. It's easy to doubt that it will even happen or that you will ever get the peace, answer, or rest that you are looking for. It's easy to question, but do we ever stop questioning? When the answer is clear, do we ever stop asking ourselves if this is what we're meant to do?

I know that things have gone well for me in the past and I've sat there and thought "This has got to be a joke. God's going to take this all away from me and I'll be left with nothing again." It sounds awful of me, but it's something that I've built into myself after years of pursuing destructive habits. I struggle with that a little bit now. My life has finally put itself into place and now I'm afraid that God's going to take it away from me.

I haven't learnt to let go of my fears and doubts. I still hold on to them like they're my best friend. They aren't. They are the things that keep holding me back. I suppose that it's a hard lesson to learn and that without the struggle of it, that I wouldn't need God to rely on through all of it. But there will come a point where I won't struggle with it as much as I do now.

I don't know how long it will take me until I can completely let it all go, but I know that I've got God to lean on. This song reminds me that there is hope in all the times. It doesn't matter how good or poor our lives seem. If we just wait, we'll find out purpose. We'll find the reason why we suffer, we'll find the reson why we're tempted, we'll find out all the answers to our questions. And they'll all come from God as He intended. Until we find that, we're not alone. You're not the only one. Don't be afraid to talk about it with someone else.

For Those Who Wait: Fireflight (Album: For Those Who Wait)
This is for those who wait

Another day, another waiting game
A little different but it's still the same
I am here, but where's the one I'm longing for?
I'm having trouble feeling all alone
Will my heart ever find a home?
I want to hope but sometimes I just don't know
I know I'm not the only one

So we sing a lullaby to the lonely hearts tonight
Let it set your heart on fire, let it set you free
When you're fighting to believe
In a love that you can't see
Just know there is a purpose
For those who wait

I want to open up my eyes
I know that all I need is time
I'm growing stronger every single day
God, I'm going to lean into You now
Letting go of all my fear and doubt
I can't do this on my own so I'll give You control
I know I'm not the only one

The pressure makes us stronger
The struggle makes us hunger
The hard lessons make the difference
The pressure makes us stronger
The struggle makes us hunger
The hard lessons make the difference
And the difference makes it worth it

He Will Carry Me, by Mark Schultz

I've had some rough days at work these past couple of weeks. There ahve been nights where I have gone home and cried about how bad it's gone. I feel like I've just survived the worst fight of my life.

I thought that having a job would bring me more happiness and joy. I was right, to a certain extent. However, I forgot that now I have to fight a different type of battle. It may be different, but there's still conflict that I deal with almost every day. I feel like most of the time I'm carrying certain people through the shifts and I dislike it when things go wrong and end up in a train wreck. It's hard to deal with.

However, it doesn't matter how tough it may get physically, emotionally, or spiritually. I have someone who will carry me no matter what comes my way. He will ensure my safe passage through the toils of life. We may be hurt along the way, but He is always there to heal the wounds, heal our hearts, and ease the pain we're going through.

He Will Carry Me: Mark Schultz (Album: Stories and Songs)
I call, You hear me
I’ve lost it all
And it’s more than I can bear
I feel so empty

You’re strong
I’m weary
I’m holdin’ on
But I feel like givin’ in
But still You’re with me

chorus:
And even though I’m walkin’ through
The valley of the shadow
I will hold tight to the hand of Him
Whose love will comfort me
And when all hope is gone
And I’ve been wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will
Ever need
And He will carry me

I know I’m broken
But You alone
Can mend this heart of mine
You’re always with me

chorus

And even though I feel so lonely
Like I’ve never been before
You never said it would be easy
But You said you’d see me through
The storm

chorus

Savior Please, by Josh Wilson

I took the couple of days off, as you may have noticed. I've been thinking a lot about how busy and crazy my life has become. There are so many pressures, so many disappointments, and fears that I'm never going to be good enough. More so that I am currently not good enough. I started thinking about how just a couple months ago, I didn't have a job, I wasn't in school, and I was severely depressed over everything that my life wasn't.

I was focused on everything in a negative way. I was not good enough, I wasn't strong enough to beat my depression, how I was trying to do this alone and it wasn't working. I could not reach out and accept the help that God wanted to give me. I know that it was painful for Him to watch me cry almost every night and asking Him why I had nothing and was nothing in the eyes of the world.

I was trying my best, I was giving everything to them and I was still turning up empty-handed every time. There were few joys in my life. Even if I got to spend more time talking to friends and family, I still felt worthless and unimportant. Why did I have to suffer so much and have nothing? I'm a young adult, I'm supposed to be filled with ambition, goals, dreams, and happiness. I had nothing. I was filled with misery, agony, pain, and every other thought that I never thought should be attached to being a Christian.

However, in one week, everything changed. Less than that, it was more like three days. One night, when I was feeling especially down about everyhing, I just talked with God and told Him that I was giving Him all of my burdens and that I am not strong enough to handle this on my own, I needed Him. Three days was all He needed to put the money for school and a job in my life. My job and school may seem overwhelming at times, but I know that I have a Savior on my side and that He's strong enough to carry me through every battle.

The first time I really paid attention to this song was not too long after I had received everything from Him. I couldn't get the chorus out of my head. I finally looked it up and knew that I had to share it with others. I shared it with some of my CP friends and now I'm sharing this with you. You may not be strong enough or good enough on your own. However, God is there and He is strong enough and good enough no matter what the situation is. He will give you a home and a place of rest. Just please don't keep trying to do this on your own.

Savior Please: Josh Wilson (Album: Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup)
Savior, please take my hand
I work so hard, I live so fast
This life begins, and then it ends
And I do the best that I can, but I don't know how long I'll last


I try to be so tough
But I'm just not strong enough
I can't do this alone, God I need You to hold on to me
I try to be good enough
But I'm nothing without Your love
Savior, please keep saving me

Savior, please help me stand
I fall so hard, I fade so fast
Will You begin right where I end
And be the God of all I am because You're all I have

Hallelujah
Everything You are to me
Is everything I'll ever need
And I am learning to believe
That I don't have to prove a thing
'Cause You're the one who's saving me

Our God, by Chris Tomlin

Sometimes in the craziness of life, I know we forget certain details. I know that I'm one of those people who tends forget even the smallest details. However, more often than not, I forget the most important of all. No matter what we may go through, it doesn't matter. The trials we face in this life may seem daunting, but they are nothing when we give them to God.

We often forget that God can take care of anything and that He will take our burdens. Like the song says, there is no one like Him. He is able to do things that we cannot, but that's what makes Him God and our father. No matter what burdens you carry, no matter what trials are before you, our God is greater.

I encourage you all to lift your burdens to Him and think of this song as you go through this next week. The load will be lighter and He will give you rest.

Our God: Chris Tomlin (Album: And If Our God is for Us...)

Water You turned into wine
Open the eyes of the blind
There’s no one like You
None like You
Into the darkness You shine
Out of the ashes we rise
There’s no one like You
None like You

CHORUS
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

Into the darkness you shining
Out of the ashes we Rise
There’s no One like You
None like You.

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who can ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
Then what can stand against?
Then what can stand against?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God

Lead Me by Sanctus Real

The first time I heard the chorus for this song was when the preacher for our church used it was a part of his lesson. I had not heard about the song until then. It took me another month to finally break down and listen to the song. The words had echoed in my head throughout that time and I wanted to know what the rest of the song said. When I heard it, I was in tears. It was one of the most beautiful and heartfelt songs that I had heard in a long time.

It was like a personal prayer that was being made public and that others could pray too. The song was written by the lead singer of Sanctus Real because they had been touring a lot and busy. He realized that he was gone and that he wasn't fulfilling the roles of a father or husband. He also realized that he couldn't do it alone, he needed God. This song is amazing in that it perfectly captures all the struggles we, especially husbands, face.

Husbands are typically working hard, they can hear the silent cries, but they have a hard time knowing what to do about it. They often forget to turn to God. This song just doesn't apply to husbands. It can also apply to anyone. The bridge for this song is especially hard to sing. It's surrendering to God the problems that we may have. However, it's something we need to do. I often pray the bridge through the day and at night before I go to sleep. Because I know that I'm not strong enought o do it without His help. Are you?

Lead Me: Sanctus Real (Album: Pieces of a Real Heart)
I look around and see my wonderful life
Almost perfect from the outside
In picture frames I see my beautiful wife
Always smiling
But on the inside, I can hear her saying...

“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes
They're just children from the outside
I'm working hard, I tell myself they'll be fine
They're independent
But on the inside, I can hear them saying...

“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, but what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I'm called to be
Oh, Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won't You lead me?

To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can't
Don't want to leave them hungry for love,
Chasing things that I could give up

I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

Father, lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

You Are More by Tenth Avenue North

As I thought about what song to write about today, I tried to think of he different songs that had touched me recently. My little sister and I frequently use one iPod for the car ride to church on Sunday mornings. So we are always skipping around and looking for our favorite songs. Recenly she wanted to listen to "You Are More", I confess that I hadn't listened to much of Tenth Avenue North's latest CD. However, she played it. As I listened to the lyrics, I thought of all the mistakes I have made.

They don't define who I am. They may be a part of me, but they don't define me. When you look past the mistakes someone makes and love them for who they are, flaws and all, then you're telling them in your own way that they are more than what they think. They don't have to be defined by their mistakes, they don't have to keep making the same choices either. More importantly, you're telling them that no matter what they've done, whatever they're doing currently, you're going to be there for them.

It's another way of demonstrating the love the God has for all of us. He loves us no matter our flaws, no matter what we go through, and throughout all our doubts and insecurities. He will be there for us because He knows that we are more than anything else in the world. What we do doesn't have to define us. We let it define us because that's all we can see. But it's not who we are. We are more. Don't let Satan keep on telling you that you are worthless, that you can never be anything else. You already have a better future. You already have a better place. It's in Christ.

You Are More: Tenth Avenue North (Album: The Light Meets the Dark)
There's a girl in the corner
With tear stains on her eyes
From the places she's wandered
And the shame she can't hide

She says, "How did I get here?
I'm not who I once was.
And I'm crippled by the fear
That I've fallen too far to love"

But don't you know who you are,
What's been done for you?
Yeah don't you know who you are?

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

Well she tries to believe it
That she's been given new life
But she can't shake the feeling
That it's not true tonight

She knows all the answers
And she's rehearsed all the lines
And so she'll try to do better
But then she's too weak to try

But don't you know who you are?
You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

'Cause this is not about what you've done,
But what's been done for you.
This is not about where you've been,
But where your brokenness brings you to

This is not about what you feel,
But what He felt to forgive you,
And what He felt to make you loved.

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

You've been remade
You've been remade.
You've been remade.
You've been remade

Beautiful by MercyMe

Today I went to a concert as a part of Seattle Harvest. Jars of Clay, The Katinas, and MercyMe played this evening. It was a wonderful experience. There was one song that has stuck with me though. I have heard this song on the radio several times at all the times I've heard it, I didn't really care. When Bart (the lead singer for MercyMe) started talking about this song, he mentioned how he had wrote it with his two daughters in mind.

He wanted them to have a reminder that they were beautiful, no matter what else the rest of the world said. As he was telling the story, I thought about my own life and how I don't always see myself as beautiful. The first verse especially struck me because I realize that I tell myself that. I let Satan fill my head with those lies and the more I say it to myself, the more I believe it.

I know I have to change the way I think about myself. Having this song remind me that I am so much more because I'm God's is what I need to help me start. I hope this brings you just as much encouragement as it does me.

Beautiful: MercyMe (Album: The Generous Mr. Lovegood)
The days will come when you don't have the strength
When all you hear is you're not worth anything
Wondering if you ever could be loved
And if they truly saw your heart they'd see too much

You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are made so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His
You're beautiful

And praying that you have the heart to find
Cause you are more than what is hurting you tonight
For all the lies you've held inside so long
And they are nothing in the shadow of the cross

You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are made so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His
You're beautiful

Before you ever took a breath
Long before the world began
Of all the wonders He possessed
There was one more precious
Of all the earth and skys above
You're the one He madly loves
Enough to death

You're beautiful
You're beautiful
In His eyes

You're beautiful
You were meant for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You're meant for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His

Songs of Encouragement Launch!

Greetings everyone!

This is my latest blogs entitled "Songs of Encouragement". I have decided to base this blog off something that I did on CP once upon a time ago. I used to PM members with songs and a little snippet about what the song meant to me that day. I decided that I would do that again here. That way I don't exclude anyone. This is going to try and be an every day update, meaning I will try and update every day.

I'm excited to share with you all the encouraging songs that have entered my life and what they mean to me. I hope that you too will find encouragement through these songs.

With love,
Yuki