Broken and Beautiful, by Mark Schultz

I don't have much to say to this song. I'll let it speak for itself.

Broken and Beautiful: Mark Schultz (Album: Broken and Beautiful)

There's a businessman
There's a widowed wife
There's a smiling face with
A shattered life
There's a teenage girl with a choice to make
It's crowded here in church today

And the preacher says as the sermon ends
Please close your eyes and bow your heads
Is there anyone in need of prayer
Jesus wants to meet you here
'cause we all fall short
We all have sinned
But when you let
God's Grace break in...

[Chorus]
It's beautiful
Beautiful
Come as you are
Surrender your heart
Broken and beautiful

Well he'd never been to church before
But he came today as a last resort
His world was crashing in
And he was suffocating in his sin

But tears ran down
As hope rushed in
He closed his eyes
Raised his hands
Worshiping the God who can
Bring him back to life again

[Chorus]

Cause there's nothing more beautiful to God
Than when his sons and daughters come
Broken

Alleluia
Alleluia
Come as you are
Alleluia
Alleluia
Come as you are

[Chorus]

Alleluia
Alleluia
Come as you are
(Come as you are)
Surrender your heart
Broken and beautiful

Alleluia
Alleluia
Come as you are
(Come as you are)
Surrender your heart
Broken and beautiful

Blessings, by Laura Story

A lot has happened recently. Many tears have been shed over the past couple of weeks and questions as to why this all has to happen. It always seems so unfair and it hurts because of how hard it hear the news, the lies, and the truth of it all. It hurts even more because of the dreams we may have or the setbacks we face. It's hard to endure all of that when we don't why it has to happen now of all times. But I think we forget that the trials of this life are sometimes blessings in disguise.

Blessings: Laura Story (Album: Blessings)

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Courtesy of lyricshall.com
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

Rescue Me, by Krystal Meyers

Lately, I feel like I'm a dog chasing my own tail at work. It's frustrating and I don't see a way out of it. The burdens that I take home with me keep me up, make me sick, and just weigh on my mind. I forget that I am never alone in this fight.

Rescue Me: Krystal Meyers (Album: Krystal Meyers)

Swallowing this hurt
Making it lie down
I'm my strongest ally, living life as I know how
I'm carrying the weight of a world that sold me out
I'm running with my eyes closed
Hoping you don't see this doubt

I'm lost for words
I'm at a loss to tell you what I need
I know there's something more
God, help me to believe

(Chorus)
And all this time
I thought the fight
The fight was only mine
I need to let you rescue me
I'm taking fire
I'm feeling tired
I'm tired of this fight
I need to let you rescue me

I let it go to breathe
I can't take it anymore
I refuse to wake up one more time bleeding on the floor
I won't let myself hold back
I'll surrender what's inside
You become my healing tourniquet
So I can feel alive

I feel so exposed
I'm afraid to lose total control
With nothing left to hold
You reach for me and wouldn't let me go

(Chorus 2x)

Heart of Worship, Various Artists

I remember them talking about this song on the radio once. The story still lingers with me, even to this day. The song was born from a moment where a church had lost its focus in worship. They had the lights, the musical instruments, and all of the gadgets to put on a good show. That's exactly what they were doing though. They were merely putting on a show. Somehow, they had lost their original focus and made it about all of the extra things, but not about God or the connection we have with God through our worship. They took away the extra stuff and just started to sing a cappella. It was them and God. Just as it should be.

Life always gives us "extras." We always have something to do, something to look at, something to put our time and energy in to. Somehow, we train ourselves to think that we can't focus on God until ABC gets done. Or even during our worship time with Him, we think about all of the things that we still have to do. We lose the closeness to Him and have an empty session where we don't draw nearer to our Lord. We stay exactly where we are. We have to leave all of the "extras" at the door. It's hard to do, but it's what we need to do if we want to grow in Christ.

Heart of Worship: Various Artists


When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless Your heart

Bridge:
I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

Chorus:
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus

Verse 2:
King of endless worth
No one could express
How much You deserve
Though I'm weak and poor
All I have is Yours
Every single breath

Bridge:
I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

Chorus:
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
And it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus

Chorus:
I'm coming back to the heart of worship,
And it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus

Forever, by Fireflight

Forever doesn't always compute in my mind. It's scary and exciting to think that even after death on this earth, I'll be up in Heaven. We all have our visions of what Heaven will be like, and I'm sure it will exceed any physical expectations we have of it. But forever seems like a long time. We can't even put a number on it because forever is exactly that, infinite.

Christ died on the cross over two thousand years ago. He loved the people that lived then enough to die. However, this plan was made for everyone to come! Even as time has passed, His love has never failed us. He loved us over two thousand years ago enough to suffer that pain, and He loves us and our future generations forever.

Forever: Fireflight (Album: Unbreakable)

Sometimes I feel so cold
Like I'm waiting around all by myself
Loneliness gets so old
I'm in the lost and found sitting on the shelf
Been stuck for way too long
But I hear Your voice
You're who I'm counting on

[Chorus:]
Oh, tell me You're here
That You will watch over me forever
Oh, take hold of my heart
Show me You'll love me forever

I know that You can tell
When I start to let my hope fade away
I need to catch myself
Open my ears to hear You calling my name
Been fighting way too long
But I hear Your voice
You had me all along

[Chorus]

When I'm starting to drown
You jump in to save me
When my world's upside down
Your hands, they shake me and wake me

[Chorus x2]

Forever

Oh, My Dear, by Tenth Avenue North

I've listened to this song maybe thirty times in the past week. Every time I hear it, it stuns me. It's another reminder that nothing I've ever done comes in between me and Christ. He loves us the same yesterday, today, and forever. That will never change.

Oh, My Dear: Tenth Avenue North (Album: The Light Meets the Dark)

I called you up, you were in bed, could barely make out the words that you said
But you wanted to see me instead, so I got dressed
So I stepped out into the snow, and walked for a mile or so
Felt the rush of blood come from the cold, within my chest

Well, you finally came to the door, and we talked for an hour or more
Until I asked if you would stay up until four, and you said that's fine
But you said "theres something I have to say, and I can't because I am just so afraid"
And so I held you as you started to shake, that night.

Oh, my dear, I'll wait for you
Grace tonight will pull us through
Until the tears have left your eyes
Until the fear can sleep at night
Until the demons that you're scared of
Disappear inside
Until the guilt begins to crack
And this weight falls from your back
Oh, my dear, ill keep you in my arms tonight

You slowly lifted your head from your hands
You said "I just don't think you'll understand
You'll never look at me that way again
If you knew what I did"

And so your tears fell and melted the snow
You told me secrets nobody had known
But I never loved you more, even though
Now I know what you did

Oh, my dear, ill wait for you
Grace tonight will pull us through
Oh, my dear, ill wait for you
Grace tonight will pull us through
Until the tears have left your eyes
Until the fear can sleep at night
Until the demons that you're scared of
Disappear inside
Until the guilt begins to crack
And this weight falls from your back
Oh, my dear, ill keep you in my arms tonight

Until the tears have left your eyes
Until the fear can sleep at night
Until the demons that you're scared of
Disappear inside
Until the guilt begins to crack
And this weight falls from your back
Oh, my dear, ill keep you in my arms tonight
I'll keep you in my arms tonight

Fall to Pieces, by Krystal Meyers

When I fall to pieces, I know where to turn. Sometimes, it's irritating that it takes me completely breaking down before I turn to the One who can save me. It doesn't matter where I am though as long as I turn to Him.

Fall to Pieces: Krystal Meyers (Album: Krystal Meyers)

All the twisted lies and
All the empty promises that let me down
All this time I've compromised
And tried to find the easy way out

I'm letting go of all I've known
I never thought I'd say
"There's gotta be a better way"

[Chorus:]
When everything around me
Falls to pieces
I've got something more in my life
When I'm broken I see
Only You complete me
Yeah without You by my side
I fall to pieces every time

All my hopes and dreams and
All my selfish plans that crumbled in my hands
Made me realize I've gotta trust in something
Bigger than I am

I'm standing strong when all goes wrong
It's gonna be ok
I've finally found a better way

[Chorus:]
When everything around me
Falls to pieces
I've got something more in my life
When I'm broken I see
Only you complete me
Yeah without you by my side
I fall to pieces every time

A flower that's fading
Disintegrating
You're patiently waiting for me

[Chorus:]
When everything around me
Falls to pieces
I've got something more in my life
When I'm broken I see
Only you complete me
Yeah without you by my side
I fall to pieces every time

Esther, by Esterlyn

I first heard this song a few years ago. It was one of the most heart-felt songs I had heard in a while and quite different from the others performed that night. In the midst of all the hype for groups like Disciple, Kutless, and Stellar Kart, I still fondly remember this song. It came at a point where I was hurting because I didn't have a job or much money. It was a blessing that I even go to go to the concert.

But God is good. He provides messages for us when we need them most.

Esther: Esterlyn (Album: Lamps)

He heals the broken hearted
He binds their wounds
He is Love

He finds those forgotten
Those have been abused
He is Love

He knows your name

[Chorus]
A Father to the fatherless
A Healer of the brokeness you make
Beauty from the ashes

A Helper to the helpless
A Fighter for the hopeless you Love
Those who are alone
Those who are alone
[echoes Those who are alone]

[Second Verse]
He comforts the lonely
He hears their Cry
He is Love

He holds the children
Through out the night
He is Love

He knows your name

[Chorus]

A father to the fatherless
A healer of the brokeness you make
Beauty from the ashes

A helper to the helpless
A fighter for the hopeless you love
Those who are alone

[Bridge]
Gives us your Heart Lord help us Love the unseen
And give us your Eyes Lord help us Love those in need

[Chorus]
You're a father of the fatherless
A healer of the brokeness you make
Beauty from the ashes

You're a helper to the helpless
A fighter for the hopeless you love
Those who are alone
Those who are alone

He knows your name

On My Own, by Barlow Girl

Recently, I've been thinking about the phrase, "Let go and let God." It's always struck me as a silly phrase since God is always in control. However, He can't take control if we don't give Him that control in our personal lives. He controls everything around us, but we have free will. It's up to us to let Him into our lives. When we are baptized into the waters, we are washed away of the chains of sin.

We've let go and let Him in. Yes, there will be times when we mess up and we need His forgiveness, but we're never far away from Him. It's sometimes amazing how we look back and say to ourselves, "Why didn't I give up control earlier? I would've saved myself a lot of time." It's true, but without those struggles, we wouldn't come to the point where we need God. Coming to the point where we say, "I can't make it on my own" is tough.

It's something that I struggle with daily. I try to be all that I can be. I try to do what is right. However, there are a lot of times where I am not good enough to handle things on my own. Sin is more powerful than I. Free will is both "a gift and a curse." It causes us to choose God and causes us to stumble. But no matter at what point we decide we need God, He is there for us so we never have to handle anything on our own.

On My Own: Barlow Girl (Album: Barlow Girl)

I can't believe that I'm here in this place again
How did I manage to mess up one more time.
This pattern seems to be the story of my life
Should have learned this lesson by the thousandth time

'Cause I promised myself I wouldn't fall
But here I've fallen
I guess I'm not as strong as I thought
All I can do is cry to You

Chorus
Oh God You have to save me
You're my last and only hope
All my right answers fail me
I can't seem to make it on my own

Always thought that I would be strong enough
What made all of them fall couldn't take me down
Yeah, did I think that I was above it all
I have learned that pride comes before the fall


I can't promise myself that I won't fall
'Cause here I've fallen
I know I'm not as strong as I thought
All I can do is cry to You

Chorus

On my own....
Yeah, yeah

God you have to save me
Your my last and only hope
All my right answers fail me
I can't seem to make it on my own
on my own, on my own.
yeah, yeah, yeah.

Out of My Hands, by Matthew West

There have been many trials that I have had to overcome in my life. Many times, I couldn't think of a reason why they were happening. I cried myself to sleep on many nights, trying to figure out a reason why. I couldn't understand the pain I was going through or why I had to endure it. Very few things made sense to me during that time. I tried to make keep my life together, but it kept falling apart. I didn't know where to go or how to fix anything.

One day I was blasing my iPod, in hopes to find some comfort in music. This one song started playing. It talked about how some things were out of my control and that we should give them up to God. He is the only one who can make sense of all of our troubles and use it to do His will. He has a plan for our lives. We're not supposed to make sense of it all. If we do, we lose sight of what God's will for us. It's hard to surrender control, but when we're surrendering to God, we're not losing anything.

It's okay to say that it's out of hands.

Out of My Hands: Matthew West (Album: Happy)

There you go changing my plans again
There you go shifting my sands again
For reasons I don't understand again
Lately I don't have a clue

Just when I start liking what I see
There you go changing my scenery
I never know where you're taking me
But I'm trying just to follow you

It's out of my hands
It's out of my reach
It's over my head
And it's out of my league
There's too many things
That I don't understand
So it's into your will
And it's out of my hands

There you go healing these scars again
Showing me right where you are again
I'm helpless, and that's where I start again
I'm giving it all up to you

It's out of my hands
It's out of my reach
It's over my head
And it's out of my league
There's too many things
That I don't understand
So it's into your will
And it's out of my hands

Move me, make me
Choose me, change me
Send me, shake me
Find me, remind me
The past is behind me
Take it all away
Take it all from me, I pray

It's out of my hands
It's out of my reach
It's over my head
And it's out of my league
There's too many things
That I don't understand
So it's into your will
And it's out of my hands

Bring the Rain, by MercyMe

Life wears me down. I get so frustrated over things I cannot control and have to work twice as hard to make up the difference. It's stressful, but it's the story of my life it seems. I try to handle it, but it gets the best of me all too many times. There rarely seems to be peace on those nights. I can't even relax or listen to music. It's all too much for me to handle. But we need those tough experiences to help us grow and achieve the plan God has for us.

Even though we're beaten down and weary, sometimes we need to take a step back and breathe for a moment. God never gives us more than we can handle. Not only that, but if we have God on our side, we can handle anything that comes our way. He is our shelter and strength throughout it all. Even when we're in such a tired state, our attitude needs to change. We need to be able to say "God, I don't know what life is going to bring me today, but bring it my way because I know we'll handle this together".

Bring the Rain: MercyMe (Album: Coming Up to Breathe)

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray

Chorus

Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty

Place in this World, by Michael W. Smith

Lately, I've had to make a lot of tough decisions. Many things that have been happening in my life don't make sense to me. I think I have something figured out and then it gets turned upside down. I feel lost and confused, I don't know what to do. I try so hard to make the right choices, but I can't seem to find out where my place is in this world. I'm stuck between wanting to be an independent person and my own financial means.

Even though I know there's a purpose for everything, I still can't help but ask why I have to be in this situation once more. I keep looking and hope that something will eventually become clear. However, I can't find God's plan looking through my eyes. I need His help.

Place in this World: Michael W. Smith (Album: Go West Young Man)

The wind is moving
But I am standing still
A life of pages
Waiting to be filled
A heart that's hopeful
A head that's full of dreams
But this becoming
Is harder than it seems
Feels like I'm

Chorus:
Looking for a reason
Roaming through the night to find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Not a lot to lean on
I need Your light to help me find
My place in this world
My place in this world

If there are millions
Down on their knees
Among the many
Can you still hear me
Hear me asking
Where do I belong
Is there a vision
That I can call my own
Show me I'm

Chorus

You Know Where to Find Me, by Matthew West

As our Father, Friend, Counselor, Comforter, and Keeper, God holds many titles. Though we don't always feel Him by our side, He is there. He's comforted us through our darkest times, led us through times of turmoil, and listened to all of our problems without complaint. However, we seem to take Him for granted.

He is there no matter what and yet we blame Him when everything seems to go wrong in our lives, or when things we can't explain arise. No matter what we go through though, He promises that He is always by our side. We will always know where to find Him in our hour of need.

You Know Where to Find Me: Matthew West (Album: Happy)

I saw your sky fall down today
Suddenly turn from blue to gray
'Til one by one the raindrops
Turned to tears upon your face
Wish there was something I could do
Wish I could ease the pain from you
But I've never felt so helpless
It's like you're drowning right in front of me
And I'm reaching out but you can't see
There's something holding on to you so tight
So I guess this is all I'll say to you tonight

If you ever need me
You know where to find me
I will be waiting
Where I've always been
If you ever need me
You know where to find me
I have never left you
I'm where I've always been
Right by your side
Right by your side

If the whole wide world is on your back
If the strength you need is the strength you lack
If you're in a crowd but all alone
If you can't stay here but you can't go home
If you can't answer all the whys
'Cause you're too tired to reach that high
I want you to remember

If you ever need me
You know where to find me
I will be waiting
Where I've always been
If you ever need me
You know where to find me
I have never left you
I'm where I've always been
Right by your side
Right by your side

If the whole wide world is on your back
If the strength you need is the strength you lack
If you're in a crowd but all alone
If you can't stay here but you can't go home
If you can't answer all the why's
'Cause you're too tired to reach that high
I want you to
I need you to remember

If you ever need me
You know where to find me
I will be waiting
Where I've always been
If you ever need me
You know where to find me
I have never left you
I'm where I've always been
Right by your side
Right by your side

House of Mirrors, by Tenth Avenue North

Lately, I've been struggling a lot with my body image and a lot of other personal issues. While at work one day, this song started playing and I was amazed that God knew exactly what I needed. I define myself too often by what the mirror reflects and not enough by what God thinks of me. It's going to be a struggle, but I need to throw the mirrors down and just let the fact that God loves, believes, and has set me free be enough.

House of Mirrors: Tenth Avenue North (Album: Light Meets the Dark)
You can’t seem to see past your own reflection
Caught up in the halls of your introspection
And you’re staring at your mirror on the wall
Asking “who is the fairest of them all?”
‘Cause Lord I know, it’s not me
If only you could see
That you’ve already been set free

Well come on, come on
Let’s throw our mirrors down
Yeah come on, come on
Let’s shatter the glass on the ground

Well you say “hold on, if I could just try this one thing.
Well I know I can change and that would change everything”
But a house made of mirrors never helped you see any clearer
It’s yourself you can’t see past
And Lord, isn’t that just like me?
If only we could see, that He’s already set us free

Well come on, come on
Let’s throw our mirrors down
Yeah come on, come on
Let’s shatter the glass on the ground

Oh, oh
Freedom’s waiting for you now
So come on, come on
And throw your mirrors down

Come on, if you’re tired take a step outside
You might find that you can forget about yourself tonight
Oh, come on if you’re tired of failed attempts to try
Freedom’s waiting when you look outside
Come on, if you’re tired take a step outside
You might find you can forget about yourself tonight
Yeah, come if you’re tired of your failed attempts to try
Freedom is waiting when you look outside

Well come on, come on
Let’s throw our mirrors down
Yeah come on, come on
Let’s shatter the glass on the ground
Freedom’s waiting for you now
So come on, come on and throw your mirrors down

Bow the Knee, by Various Artists

I remember when I first joined choir. It was a homeschool choir for Christians. It was after I went through a difficult time with my best friend. We were no longer speaking and everything in my life was different. I was hurt, angry, and barely holding on. My anger rested mostly with myself. I couldn't get past the fact that I had lost the one person I thought I could count on through anything in my life. I tried to find the answers, but I couldn't see them. Every day was difficult to go through and I excluded God from a lot of my life.

Music was the one thing that I could rely on, but even then, it was not enough. I lost all passion and joy for something that I loved. I wanted to give up on everything. My mom tried to help me and put me in choir. I slowly started to get back the love that I had once felt for music. In the spring of that year, we sang this song. The lyrics were hard for me to swallow at first because I had done the opposite of this song. I fought so hard with what it was saying and what I should do. Eventually, I found comfort and peace in this song, something that had been rare for me to find.

I hope you find peace and comfort in this song too. No matter what you're going through, there is hope for tomorrow and a God who loves us.

Bow the Knee: Various Artists

There are moments on our journey following the Lord
Where God illumines ev’ry step we take.
There are times when circumstances make perfect sense to us,
As we try to understand each move He makes.
When the path grows dim and our questions have no answers, turn to Him.

Bow the knee;
Trust the heart of your Father when the answer goes beyond what you can see.
Bow the knee;
Lift your eyes toward heaven and believe the One who holds eternity.
And when you don’t understand the purpose of His plan,
In the presence of the King, bow the knee.

There are days when clouds surround us, and the rain begins to fall,
The cold and lonely winds won’t cease to blow.
And there seems to be no reason for the suffering we feel;
We are tempted to believe God does not know.
When the storms arise, don’t forget we live by faith and not by sight.

Bow the knee;
Trust the heart of your Father when the answer goes beyond what you can see.
Bow the knee;
Lift your eyes toward heaven and believe the One who holds eternity.
And when you don’t understand the purpose of His plan,
In the presence of the King, bow the knee.

Always, by Building 429

It's hard to see the good when everything around you is crumbling down. The blindness that our temporary problems cause cloud the glory of our Saviour and everything He's given to us. Our hurt and anger can cause us to lose sight of the future that we have ahead of us. Maybe it's that our lives haven't changed in years. We seem to be enduring the same pain as before. There seems to be no escape from the put that we're in. No matter how hard we try, we can't make it past a certain point. We're tired and weary and want to know why we're still here.

Our lives were meant to be different. We have goals for ourselves, plans for a better future than the current place we're in. Yet, no matter what, it's not enough. We have things taken away from us for reasons we can't see. And we're left missing those tings dn wondering why this is happening to us. We're Christians, we have God on our side, but yet He feels so far away. We've tried hard to get ourselves away from the influences that bring us down, but find ourselves deeper than when we started. Nothing we do helps. So where is God in all of this?

This song talks about how no matter the situation you're in, God is always there. It talks about how this person believes that our Saviour never fails. We often forget to believe that there is a better plan for us and that God is always there to help us. He's shaping our paths. We may miss the things we've lost. We may feel angry at a person, but He is still always there for us.

Always: Building 429 (Album: Building 429)

I was standing in the pouring rain one dark November night
Fighting off the bitter cold when she caught my eye
Her face was taut and her eyes were filled and to my surprise
She pulled out a photograph and my heart just stopped inside
She said, "He would have been three today. I miss his smile. I miss his face."
What was I supposed to say?

But I believe always, always
Our savior never fails
Even when all hope is gone
God knows our pain
And His promise remains.
He will be with you always

He was living in a broken world dreaming of a home
His heart was barely keeping pace when I found him all alone
Remembering the way he felt when his daddy said goodbye
Fighting just to keep the tears and the anger locked inside
He's barely holding on to faith
But deliverance is on its way

'Cause I believe always, always
Our savior never fails.
Even when all hope is gone
God knows our pain
And His promise remains
He will be with you always

Friend, I don't know where you are
And I don't know where you've been.
Maybe you're fighting for your life
Just about to throw the towel in,
But if you 're crying out for mercy
If there's no hope left at all
If you've given everything you've got
And you're still about to fall
Well hold on
Hold on
Hold on

'Cause I believe always, always
Our savior never fails
Even when all faith is gone
God knows our pain
And His promise remains
Always. always
He will be with you always
He will be with you always
He will be with you

What Life Would Be Like, by Big Daddy Weave

This song has recently become one of my favorites. I've heard on the radio several times before and never thought much of it before. Now that I've paid more attention to it, I've found a fondness for it and the words that it's saying. The chorus is a reminder to me of what our God has done for us and how much He actually knows and cares. He didn't just do these things to show that He was God. He also did them because He loved people and wanted them to get better from their afflictions. He has given us everything. He holds nothing back from us. We are the ones who have withheld ourselves from Him.

But in spite of everything, He still cares, knows, and wants us to be what we were meant to be.

What Life Would Be Like: Big Daddy Weave (Album:)

I wish I was more of a man
Have you ever felt that wa
And if I had to tell you the truth
I'm afraid I'd have to say
That after all I've done and failed to do
I feel like less than I was meant to be



What if I could fix myself
Maybe then I could get free
I could try to be somebody else
Who's much better off than me
But I need to remember this
That it's when I'm at my weakest
I can clearly see



He made the lame walk and the dumb talk
And He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits while His heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like
if we let Jesus live through you and me



What if you could see yourself thru another pair of eyes
What if you could hear the truth
Instead of old familiar lies
What if you could feel inside
The power of the hand that made the universe You'd realize


That He made the lame walk and the dumb talk
And He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits while His heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like
if we let Jesus live through you and me



Yeah, yeah



All our hearts they burn within us
All our lives we've longed for more
So let us lay our lives before the one who gave His life for us



He made the lame walk and the dumb talk
He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits while His heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like
if we let Jesus live through you and me



Yeah, yeah
Let Him live through you and me
Yeah, yeah

Mirror, by Barlow Girl

I have not felt good about myself this past week. I have felt far from beautiful, not just spiritually, but physically as well. The world defines us by how we look. We're all different in shapes and sizes. We're all different in shapes and how we look. However, we're all also beautiful. We may not feel it at that time, but we are beautiful. God made all things beautiful in His eyes and He finds no fault with us. He loves us no matter what we look like. He cares for us all the same.

He won't leave us not matter what our physical appearance is. we define ourselves by physical beauty and by what the world counts as "beautiful", but we don't have to. God has made each of us in His image. He formed us perfectly and does everything He can to let us know that. The mirror doesn't define us. God does.

Mirror: Barlow Girl (Album: Barlow Girl)

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, Have I got it?
'Cause Mirror you've always told me who I am
I'm finding it's not easy to be perfect
So sorry you won't define me
Sorry you don't own me

Who are you to tell me
That I'm less than what I should be?
Who are you? Who are you?
I don't need to listen
To the list of things I should do
I won't try, I won't try

Mirror I am seeing a new reflection
I'm looking into the eyes
of He who made me
And to Him I have beauty beyond compare
I know He defines me (Yeah)

Who are you tell me
that I'm less than what I should be
Who are you?
Who are you? (Yeah)
I don't need to listen
To the list of things I should do
I won't try, no, I won't try

You don't define me (You don't define me) [x4]

Who are you to tell me
That I'm less than what I should be
Who are you?
Who are you?
Yeah!
I don't need to listen
To the list of things I should do
I won't try, no, I won't try
Yeah

Who are you to tell me
That I'm less than what I should be
Who are you?
Who are you?
Yeah
I don't need to listen
To the list of things I should do
I won't try, no, I won't try

Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone, Chris Tomlin

Recently, I've felt as though I've had things that are holding me back. It seems like the more I try to put myself out there and try to be real with people, the more I am afraid to do so. I try my best at work, at being sister, at being a girlfriend, at being a friend, at being a daughter, but it's not enough. My own fears and insecurities are my chains. They're holding me back from trying. I never want to be afraid to be myself. I don't want to hide who I am because the chains shackle me.

The chains, however, don't define me or bind me. They are gone because Christ broke through them with His blood. I know all of this? So why is it that I still continue to let them hold me back? Why do I let them define me? Because I'm human. I can't do everything on my own. I need God's help through this. Chris Tomlin wrote about how our God and Saviour set us free in this song. It's a great reminded to me in my time of need.

Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone: Chris Tomlin

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

(Chorus)
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

(chorus)

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine

In Christ Alone, Various Artists

This song is one of my favorites. It has been a constant remind to me over the years that there is onky one place where hope and comfort comes from. There's only one God who can overcome death and keeps us from that very fate. No matter what you're going through, place your trust in Christ alone. He'll help you through each day. He'll give you the strength. He'll give you the hope. He keeps giving you a tomorrow.

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless Babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save

'Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live, I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From a life?'s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man
Could ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I stand

For the Beauty of the Earth, Various Artists

This year in community choir, we're singing a variation of this song. We sang it a couple of years ago when I was in the regular choir and I didn't like the song at first. However, the more time I've had to reflect on the words, the more I love this song. It's a simple reminder that we need to praise God for all the things that He's given us. It can be from just Him providing us with a blanket to Him giving us a second chance at life.

I hope you all remember this week the great things that God has given you. From your beauty, grace, and talents, I praise God that you are here and that He made you.

For the Beauty of the Earth: Various Artists

For the beauty of the earth,
For the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For the beauty of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower,
Sun and moon and stars of light,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth, and friends above,
Pleasures pure and undefiled,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For each perfect gift of thine,
To our race so freely given,
Graces human and divine,
Flowers of earth and buds of heaven,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For thy Church which evermore
Lifteth holy hands above,
Offering up on every shore
Her pure sacrifice of love,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

More, by Matthew West

This song is very precious to me. It is a great reminder about how God loves us more than anything else He created. I often forget that God loved me enough to send His son to die for me. I also forget that He continues to love me throughout everything I've ever done. He's already chosen us and paid the ultimate price for us. We could come from the worst of backgrounds, commit the vilest of sins and He would still love us.

More: Matthew West (Album: Happy)

Take a look at the mountain
Stretching a mile high
Take a look at the ocean
Far as your eye can see
And think of me

Take a look at the desert
Do you feel like a grain of sand?
I am with you wherever
Where you go is where I am
And I'm always thinking of you
Take a look around you
I'm spelling it out one by one

I love you more than the sun
And the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine and you shine for me too
I love you
Yesterday
And today
And tomorrow
I'll say it again and again
I love you more

Just a face in the city
Just a tear on a crowded street
But you are one in a million
And you belong to me
And I want you to know
I'm not letting go
Even when you come undone

I love you more than the sun
And the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine and you shine for me too
I love you
Yesterday
And today
And tomorrow
I'll say it again and again
I love you more
I love you more

Shine for me
Shine for me
Shine on, shine on
Shine for me

I love you more than the sun
And the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine and you shine for me too
I love you
Yesterday
And today
And tomorrow
I'll say it again and again
I love you more

I love you more than the sun
And the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine and you shine for me too
I love you
Yesterday
And today
Through the joy
And the pain
I say it again and again
I love you more
I love you more

And I see you
And I made you
And I love you more than you can imagine
More than you can fathom
I love you more than the sun
And you shine for me

Before the Morning, by Josh Wilson

This song has a lot of good memories attached to it. This past summer, I attended the CleanPlace Moot and we had a talent night. I selected this song to sing. I knew many people hadn't heard this song, but I knew it was one that people there needed to hear. I had one particular person that I wanted to hear this song.

On CleanPlace, there is this one amazing girl. She's a college student who works so hard and does so much for those around her. She has a wonderful heart and a real passion for music. I know that she gets tired and discouraged throughout the year.

There are many obstacles in our lives, but that doesn't mean we no longer have a reason to sing. We still have a reason to dream and hope. The pain that we expereince cannot compare to what god has in store for us. While it's hard to go through each day, we have to hold on to the light. 'Cause when we lose that light, we'll find it more difficult to find out way back toward it.

So Elraen, whenever I play this song, I always think of you. I'm always praying for you and hope that you remember you have a reason. Don't ever give up. :)

Before the Morning: Josh Wilson (Album: Life is Not a Snapshot)

Do you wonder why you have to,
feel the things that hurt you,
if there's a God who loves you,
where is He now?

Maybe, there are things you can't see
And all those things are happening
To bring a better ending
Some day, some how, you'll see, you'll see

Chorus:
Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,
That you still have a reason to sing,
'Cause the pain you've been feeling,
Can't compare to the joy that's coming
So hold on, you got to wait for the light
Press on, just fight the good fight
Because the pain you've been feeling,
It's just the dark before the morning

My friend, you know how this all ends
And you know where you're going,
You just don't know how you get there
So say a prayer.
And hold on, cause there's good who love God,
Life is not a snapshot, it might take a little time,
But you'll see the bigger picture

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,
That you still have a reason to sing,
'Cause the pain you've been feeling,
Can't compare to the joy that's coming
So hold on, you got to wait for the light
Press on, just fight the good fight
Because the pain you've been feeling,
It's just the dark before the morning
yeah, yeah,
before the morning,
yeah, yeah

Once you feel the way of glory,
All your pain will fade to memory
once you feel the way of glory,
All your pain will fade to memory
memory, memory, yeah

Would dare you, would you dare to believe,
that you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain you've been feeling,
can't compare to the joy that's coming

Would dare you, would you dare to believe,
That you still have a reason to sing,
'Cause the pain you've been feeling,
Can't compare to the joy that's coming
Come on, you got to wait for the light
Press on, just fight the good fight
Because the pain you've been feeling,
It's just the hurt before the healing

The pain you've been feeling,
Is just the dark before the morning
Before the morning, yeah, yeah
Before the morning

My Help Comes From the Lord, The Museum

I rarely hear this song on the radio, but when I do, I am always in awe of the lyrics, especially in the chorus. It always seems that I hear this song when I need the reminder the most. My help comes from the Lord. God is always there for me and He's always there to help me. He's the one who helps me and never wants to hinder me. He wants the best for me and wants me to succeed. I forget that all too often and I'm grateful for reminders like this to get me through each day.

My Help Comes From the Lord: The Museum (Album: My Help Comes From the Lord)
When sorrows come and hope seems gone
You’re the Rock I rest upon
When waters rise and I can’t breathe
You’re the love that rescues me

Out of the darkness
I lift up my eyes
Unto the hills
I feel my faith rise

Chorus

Maker of heaven, giver of life
You are my strength, my song in the night
My refuge, my shelter
Now and forevermore
My help comes from the Lord

When I’m broken, scarred by sin
Death gives way to life again
When I suffer, when I’m bound
In You I’m free, in You I’m found

Out of the darkness
I lift up my eyes
Unto the hills
I feel my faith rise

Chorus

Maker of heaven, giver of life
You are my strength
You’re my refuge
Now and forevermore

Chorus

My help comes from the Lord
My help comes from the Lord