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 have faith to believe
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 achings 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
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 have faith to believe
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 achings 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 disguisePsalm 16 A dawn came over me as that Scripture sank in. Instead of trusting the Lord, I had been listening to my own selfish heart and desires. And the sad part was I didn’t even recognize it until I was staring at the bottom of a pit of self-created isolation masked as independence.A life of purpose in the name of the Lord doesn’t just happen. It takes careful nurturing, cultivation, and trust. If I am running and reaching as hard as I can for Jesus, no matter where I live, what job I have, what church I attend, I am firmly rooted in Him.
Tenth Avenue North - Feels Like I've Been Losin
I can't believe what she said
I can't believe what he did
Oh, don't they know it's wrong
Don't they know it's wrong
Well maybe there's something I missed
But how could they treat me like this
It's wearing out my heart
The way they disregard
This is love or this is hate...
We all have a choice to make
Oh, Father wont You forgive them
They don't know what they've been doin' (oh no)
Oh Father, give me grace to forgive them
Cause I feel like the one losin'
Well it's only the dead that can live
But still I wrestle with this
To lose the pain that's mine
Seventy times seven times
Cause Lord it doesn't feel right
For me to turn a blind eye
Though I guess it's not that much
When I think of what You've done.
MERCY CAME RUNNING, Phillips, Craig & Dean
Once there was a holy placeI can't believe what she said
I can't believe what he did
Oh, don't they know it's wrong
Don't they know it's wrong
Well maybe there's something I missed
But how could they treat me like this
It's wearing out my heart
The way they disregard
This is love or this is hate...
We all have a choice to make
Oh, Father wont You forgive them
They don't know what they've been doin' (oh no)
Oh Father, give me grace to forgive them
Cause I feel like the one losin'
Well it's only the dead that can live
But still I wrestle with this
To lose the pain that's mine
Seventy times seven times
Cause Lord it doesn't feel right
For me to turn a blind eye
Though I guess it's not that much
When I think of what You've done.
This is love or this is hate...
We gotta a choice to make
Why do we think that our hate's gonna break a hard heart
We're rippin arms over wars that don't need to be fought
Cause pride wont let us lay our weapons on the ground
We build our bridges up but it's just to burn them down
We think our pain is own apologies and get them to stop
Well truth be told it doesn't matter if their sorry or not
Cause freedom comes when we surrender to the sound
Of Your mercy and Your grace, Father, send Your angels down
Wed. May 16, Bob Alzugarat KANN; after my night battling evil.
We gotta a choice to make
Why do we think that our hate's gonna break a hard heart
We're rippin arms over wars that don't need to be fought
Cause pride wont let us lay our weapons on the ground
We build our bridges up but it's just to burn them down
We think our pain is own apologies and get them to stop
Well truth be told it doesn't matter if their sorry or not
Cause freedom comes when we surrender to the sound
Of Your mercy and Your grace, Father, send Your angels down
Wed. May 16, Bob Alzugarat KANN; after my night battling evil.
Isaiah 57 (NLT)
Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time.
But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come.
2 For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die.
Psalm 143
A psalm of David.
1 Hear my prayer, O Lord;
listen to my plea!
Answer me because you are faithful and righteous.
2 Don’t put your servant on trial,
for no one is innocent before you.
3 My enemy has chased me.
He has knocked me to the ground
and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave.
4 I am losing all hope;
I am paralyzed with fear.
5 I remember the days of old.
I ponder all your great works
and think about what you have done.
6 I lift my hands to you in prayer.
I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. Interlude
listen to my plea!
Answer me because you are faithful and righteous.
2 Don’t put your servant on trial,
for no one is innocent before you.
3 My enemy has chased me.
He has knocked me to the ground
and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave.
4 I am losing all hope;
I am paralyzed with fear.
5 I remember the days of old.
I ponder all your great works
and think about what you have done.
6 I lift my hands to you in prayer.
I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. Interlude
7 Come quickly, Lord, and answer me,
for my depression deepens.
Don’t turn away from me,
or I will die.
8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I give myself to you.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord;
I run to you to hide me.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward
on a firm footing.
11 For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life.
Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.
12 In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies
and destroy all my foes,
for I am your servant.
for my depression deepens.
Don’t turn away from me,
or I will die.
8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I give myself to you.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord;
I run to you to hide me.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward
on a firm footing.
11 For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life.
Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.
12 In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies
and destroy all my foes,
for I am your servant.
MERCY CAME RUNNING, Phillips, Craig & Dean
Evidence of God's embrace
And I can almost see mercy's face
Pressed against the veil
Looking down with longing eyes
Mercy must have realized
That once His blood was sacrificed
Freedom would prevail
And as the sky grew dark
And the earth began to shake
With justice no longer in the way
Mercy came running
Like a prisoner set free
Past all my failures to the point of my need
When the sin that I carried
Was all I could see
And when I could not reach mercy
Mercy came running to me
Once there was a broken heart
Way too human from the start
And all the years left it torn apart
Hopeless and afraid
Walls I never meant to build
Left this prisoner unfulfilled
Freedom called but even still
It seemed so far away
I was bound by the chains
From the wages of my sin
Just when I felt like giving in
Sometimes I still feel so far
So far from where I really should be
He gently calls to my heart
Just to remind me
- Donald Miller: 3/30/12-6. Self promotion is not unholy. Occasionally I’ll encounter some well-meaning religious person who thinks self promotion works against the fame of God. I whole-heartedly disagree. In his day, Billy Graham spent millions promoting himself and his crusades, all so people could come HEAR HIM TALK ABOUT GOD. Those who know Mr. Graham would never see him as arrogant. He was over himself. But that didn’t mean God didn’t give him a personality and a mouth and later a microphone. Flowers bloom and mountains tower not to take attention from God, but to display His glory. So if you’re a dancer, dance, a singer, sing and if you write books, write them well. Lose yourself in the work and play with God in the creative process. And please, cut the false humility and religious crap about how you only promote Jesus. It’s annoying. Get in touch with your own depravity and realize you’re a scumbag like the rest of us and stop talking about how humble you are all the time. Learn to dance or something.
- Songwriters: Jason David Ingram, Matt Maher
I woke up in darkness surrounded by silence
Oh where, where have I gone?
I woke to reality losing its grip on me
Oh where, where have I gone?
'Cause I can see the light before I see the sunrise
You called and You shouted
Broke through my deafness
Now I'm breathing in and breathing out
I'm alive again
You shattered my darkness
Washed away my blindness
Now I'm breathing in and breathing out
I'm alive again
Late have I loved You
You waited for me
I searched for You
What took me so long?
I was looking outside
As if love would ever want to hide
I'm finding I was wrong
'Cause I could feel the wind before it hits my skin
You called and You shouted
Broke through my deafness
Now I'm breathing in and breathing out
I'm alive again
You shattered my darkness
Washed away my blindness
Now I'm breathing in and breathing out
I'm alive again, I'm alive again
'Cause I want You, yes, I want You, I need You
And I'll do whatever I have to just to get through
'Cause I love You, yeah, I love You
You called and You shouted
Broke through my deafness
Now I'm breathing in and breathing out
I'm alive again
You shattered my darkness
Washed away my blindness
Now I'm breathing in and breathing out
Oh where, where have I gone?
I woke to reality losing its grip on me
Oh where, where have I gone?
'Cause I can see the light before I see the sunrise
You called and You shouted
Broke through my deafness
Now I'm breathing in and breathing out
I'm alive again
You shattered my darkness
Washed away my blindness
Now I'm breathing in and breathing out
I'm alive again
Late have I loved You
You waited for me
I searched for You
What took me so long?
I was looking outside
As if love would ever want to hide
I'm finding I was wrong
'Cause I could feel the wind before it hits my skin
You called and You shouted
Broke through my deafness
Now I'm breathing in and breathing out
I'm alive again
You shattered my darkness
Washed away my blindness
Now I'm breathing in and breathing out
I'm alive again, I'm alive again
'Cause I want You, yes, I want You, I need You
And I'll do whatever I have to just to get through
'Cause I love You, yeah, I love You
You called and You shouted
Broke through my deafness
Now I'm breathing in and breathing out
I'm alive again
You shattered my darkness
Washed away my blindness
Now I'm breathing in and breathing out
I'm alive again
Good morning, as you know our US economy is in a double dip recession and that fact has affected our home. The Muzak company laid Rod off from work yesterday (and 49 others nationwide) due to their declining revenues :( . We absolutely know that God has something in store for Rod and that might be 'disability insurance' or we might move in with you haha, jk. We have complete peace during this season of our life and are grateful for the friendships God has given us, which include you.
Below are just a few of the encouraging words we've received during this time...
Inspite of the worry, fear and lack of funds, I know it brings me closer to God with complete submission and I am thankful for that! I am more aware of ALL my blessings and continued provisions than I have ever been. Sit back, enjoy and watch how God works His miracles in your lives, you will be more amazed then ever, I'm sure of it! Annette P
We can second/third/fourth that God is good. Josh getting laid off has brought very many blessings and surprised that I may not have happened had God not provided for that. With God on our side, who can be against us! Praise God for your family, and we are praying! Josh & Lanie
I pray that God will open doors, and I know that he will provide for you. I'm just around the corner...Alyson
Thank you for opening your home to me. It means so much to have a safe, christian home to live in. I'm so blessed to have you guys in my life...Hilary
Thank you so much for opening your home to me so that I could make it my home. I am so thankful for you and your hospitality. I understand that times are rough, but through the rough times we see God...Aleesha
I've got your back in prayer. Even though you don't know the next step, God does. So hang on for the adventure!...Connie G
I know things are tough right now, but just remember...(imagine a picture of a small plant in a clay pot)...Every plant that ever grew had to go through a whole lot of dirt to get there. We are praying for you both during this time of transition. I am so glad God sees the big picture even when we can't! Terry & Dianne
Praying for you, and thanking God that He is with you in everything you face. OVCC Family
Take my heart, I Lay it down at the feet of you whose crowned
Take my life, I’m letting go I lift it up to You who’s throned
And I will worship You, Lord Only You, Lord
And I will bow down before You Only You Lord
Take my fret, take my fear All I have, I’m leaving here
Be all my hopes, be all my dreams you're my delights, be my everything
And It’s just you and me here now; only you and me here now
You should see the view when it’s only You...David Crowder Band
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble...
...he raises up the needy out of affliction and makes their families like flocks.
The upright see it and are glad, and all wickedness shuts its mouth.
Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD.
Psalm 107:1-2; 41-43 ESV
Jane is pictured with our 1920 Lloyd Loom Chair
A Brief History of Lloyd Loom
Lloyd Loom was invented by an American called Marshall Burns Lloyd in 1907, with the invention of a special loom to weave twisted kraft paper into a woven fabric, which was partly reinforced with steel wire. This production method revolutionised this sector of the furniture industry, as Lloyd Loom chairs could now be produced in a quarter of the time it took to make the more expensive and less durable rattan or wicker version.
Both the machine-made Lloyd Loom wicker and the hand woven paper wicker were painted and during the 1920s often featured diamond patterns in the backs and sides called the "Art Deco" style. Set-in upholstered cushions were the rage in couches, rockers and chairs.
Please take care of your antique and collectible wicker furniture and never leave it outdoors unprotected, because once those fine old wicker pieces are gone they are gone forever. You can't "make" new antique wicker.
Contributions from 'Weavin Wicker Woman'
I have a Keep Box, it has mementoes in it from vacations, parties, special occasions, etc. I retrieved it last night and found a poem my friend Kathy had written to express her feelings about the separation from her husband that she was going through. My husband and I cried while reading about her feelings of being bruised, cut and open. She stated that her assurance in God's design for her life had became a stagnant pool and she never moved out of that pool even with loving friends and family that lifted her situation daily to God.
Recently her sister Patty posted this message on facebook,
"God is perfecting His design for you even when your life's course, once a swift-flowing current, seems like a stagnant pool." Pamela Reeve
...and so I Remember
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...Hebrews 12:2.
