Why I Blog...again.

(If you're new to Whatever My Lot, please read My Story Here and Part 2 here.)

Just a reminder. For myself and my readers. This picture shows the blankets, teddy bears, and memory boxes that we brought home from the hospital two years ago. I opened them tonight to remember.

This is why I blog. And, two years later, this is why I blog again. Because...

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

~Casting Crowns


I blog because it still hurts. And because there are so many others hurting out there. Sometimes writing is a way to remind myself and others that God offers hope. And peace. Especially peace.

I don't intend to simply relive the past again and again. I want to always remember. But we are looking forward. I'm so thankful for the short time I had with my girls. I blog for them. For Joanna. For Rita. And I blog for so many many many others.

The following was written today, for a dear friend. Thinking of you today.

Blessings…

I heard a great song today on the radio and I just had to share it! It’s called “Blessings” by Laura Story

Here's a YouTube video (user-made).

Here’s my favorite part of the song - the chorus plus the end of the song:


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




Get this album from Amazon here!

Rejoice Always...

Wondering what God's will for your life is?

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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"Quarterly Website Maintenance" = An excuse to NOT work on coursework and catch up on blogging instead! :)

I know it's been awhile since I've posted anything, so this post MAY be a little longer! Please read through! :)

The last 2 weeks have been FULL...and unfortunately, not full of "good" things. I won't elaborate here, but suffice it to say that God is working in some lives in painful ways, and I have been witness. As hard as it is, it will be that much more GLORIOUS when God brings these situations to completion! I will rejoice with those who are rejoicing!!!

This reminds me of a hymn that has come up twice in the past week: The Servant Song. We sang it in church last week and then a friend brought it up at a meeting, too. I'm so excited about this song because it represents the attitude that we should come with in regards to each other. It's kind of an extension of the command to "Love your neighbor."

To see the lyrics and hear a version, click here.

 

Onward...

Also this week, my coursework through Liberty Seminary online has been GREAT! But also really busy! The reading we have to do is immense...but I'm learning SO much. I'm doing my research paper on Biblical Inerrancy, which is just a fancy way of saying the Bible is TRUE! (Well, of course it's more complicated than that, which is why I'm doing a research paper on it.) Maybe I'll post some excerpts as I work through the research - for all of you fellow theologians! HAHA.

Also...

My heart broke Friday morning upon learning of the disaster in Japan. As I watched the footage on the news and online, I was simply broken for those people. The devastation was horrendous and now, the loss of life is immense. Who can comfort those people, except the One True God?

On that note...

I just want to have a little soapbox moment. If you do not KNOW (know that you know, etc.) what lies beyond this life for you, PLEASE talk to me - or someone closer to you. God's grace is available right now and it is necessary for eternal life. Best part...wait for it...it's FREE!

This soapbox moment is brought to you by the reminder this week that we are not guaranteed tomorrow. (see Proverbs 27:1 and James 4:14)

 

Thanks for letting me go there. In other news...

Here's my Siesta Scripture Memory Verse for March 15

(OOH, SO GOOD!):

"I love you, my Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

~Psalm 18:1-2

 

And just to catch up all the way...

Wednesday Wonder (yes, I know it's Friday!):

I wonder...How did you celebrate St. Patrick's Day? (Or did you?)

Song Bonus!

I know I just posted a song yesterday, but something came to mind last night (or early this morning?) and I just had to share it with the blog world.

Never ever doubt the power of an encouraging word! The following song excerpt is a shout-out to a friend who just happened to give encouragement exactly when encouragement was needed.

Isn't God awesome? YES!

This is an oldie, but goodie!

Dare I go where I can't see
And if I do will You go with me
Maybe it's time that I just learn to believe

That I may never be a millionaire
Funny I don't think I care
May never see the mountain view
I guess I don't need to
I may never drive a fancy car
Or be a movie star
But I'll be, I'll be, the light of the world

This song is not only really meaningful, but it has a great beat!

Thanks again, friend, for your encouraging words (and for singing this song in your great, upbeat voice!). : )

Songs of My Life

Recently, I've been thinking about how much certain songs really speak to me and my circumstances in life. Of course, "It is Well" has become a grounding reminder of God's grace in the midst of any situation in my life.

This past weekend, I attended WinterJam (AMAZING show!) and afterwards, I bought Kutless' CD, "It is Well." I bought it because I loved their rendition of my favorite hymn, and because it was only $5! Score!