One of the very first songs I ever sang with our church praise band was Breathe. I heard it at a Wedding and couldn't get it out of my head. I loved it. Things have been moving so fast lately that I decided this morning I needed to Breathe.
My prayer to Him today is that during this time of Holy Week, he gives me the strength to continue to follow him. There are so many moments of worry and doubt in our day to day lives. It is so easy to forget that ultimately, He is guiding us. We tend to want to control every little detail of our days...even down to the way others feel about the decisions we make. And the truth is, we have to let Him handle all of that. This week has so many important moments in the lives of believers. If we are too busy with the chaos...we'll miss the significance and His touch through the story that He Himself wrote so long ago.
I am setting the chaos aside for a few days to Breathe. To Breathe in the shadow of the Cross. Have a blessed day all!
Amy
Referee of 3
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Whatever You're Doing
Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos, but somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
But I'm giving in to something Heavenly
Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos, but I believe
You're up to something bigger than me
Larger than life...something Heavenly
As I got out of bed today, I started thinking about the chaos in my mind. When we accept Christ into our heart, we have the most amazing feeling. And it is so sweet...until life starts happening again. Being a Christian is not easy. Especially being a new Christian. We have to retrain our minds to follow our hearts. The heart that is like His. We have to re think our immediate responses to things...people...situations. We have to retrain our mouths to say things that reflect His love and His intentions. Yes...of course God is there helping us every step of the way. But guess who else is sitting there stirring the pot...Satan. He is the voice that encourages the anger and the hate. He encourages the "just One More Time" moments. He is the greed, the jealousy, the ugliness that can surface all too easily when given just an ounce of opportunity.
I have been talking a lot about Trusting Him. And I do. I really, really do. But as I am Full Out Trusting God, I can see Satan working in and among us. And I would like to squash his every attempt. But it takes determination...and of course Courage.
I wonder when God was revealing his "plan" to Jesus in the garden that night...how Satan was working at the very same time. We know he got ahold of Judas and Peter...but how hard was he working on the other disciples...and Jesus' followers? Did they doubt? Did they start to think differently of the very man they worshiped just days before riding in on the Donkey? Satan...you pot stirrer. You bring doubt to the very hearts that God brought life and hope.
Think about that though...why when we are so new to Christ's love...would Satan try so hard to win us over with doubt? Well maybe he thinks we are not strong enough in the word to truly believe the promise. Maybe he sees the questions...that appear as doubt...and slips in the tiniest cracks to create problems.
In my personal life, Christ is working very hard. Which makes me think that Satan is working just as hard to create a road block in my life. But I know in my heart that if I truly believe like I know that I do, God will wrap his hand around my heart and it will be protected.
Big things are happening in my mind right now, and I am starting to understand why He is so involved...so interested...so in charge. I love it. But, my thoughts right now are chaos. My daily life is always chaos. And I feel like I am in a constant tail spin. I heard this song yesterday on the radio and am pretty sure God put it on there just for me to hear.
My prayer is that this week, I will set aside all confusion and focus on the shadow of the Cross. Without the Cross...and without His sacrifice, there would be no confusion and chaos and wonder for me to be lost in. Whatever your doing inside of me...it feels like chaos, but somehow there is peace. Help me find the peace, Lord.
Have a Blessed Day!
Amy
It feels like chaos, but somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
But I'm giving in to something Heavenly
Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos, but I believe
You're up to something bigger than me
Larger than life...something Heavenly
As I got out of bed today, I started thinking about the chaos in my mind. When we accept Christ into our heart, we have the most amazing feeling. And it is so sweet...until life starts happening again. Being a Christian is not easy. Especially being a new Christian. We have to retrain our minds to follow our hearts. The heart that is like His. We have to re think our immediate responses to things...people...situations. We have to retrain our mouths to say things that reflect His love and His intentions. Yes...of course God is there helping us every step of the way. But guess who else is sitting there stirring the pot...Satan. He is the voice that encourages the anger and the hate. He encourages the "just One More Time" moments. He is the greed, the jealousy, the ugliness that can surface all too easily when given just an ounce of opportunity.
I have been talking a lot about Trusting Him. And I do. I really, really do. But as I am Full Out Trusting God, I can see Satan working in and among us. And I would like to squash his every attempt. But it takes determination...and of course Courage.
I wonder when God was revealing his "plan" to Jesus in the garden that night...how Satan was working at the very same time. We know he got ahold of Judas and Peter...but how hard was he working on the other disciples...and Jesus' followers? Did they doubt? Did they start to think differently of the very man they worshiped just days before riding in on the Donkey? Satan...you pot stirrer. You bring doubt to the very hearts that God brought life and hope.
Think about that though...why when we are so new to Christ's love...would Satan try so hard to win us over with doubt? Well maybe he thinks we are not strong enough in the word to truly believe the promise. Maybe he sees the questions...that appear as doubt...and slips in the tiniest cracks to create problems.
In my personal life, Christ is working very hard. Which makes me think that Satan is working just as hard to create a road block in my life. But I know in my heart that if I truly believe like I know that I do, God will wrap his hand around my heart and it will be protected.
Big things are happening in my mind right now, and I am starting to understand why He is so involved...so interested...so in charge. I love it. But, my thoughts right now are chaos. My daily life is always chaos. And I feel like I am in a constant tail spin. I heard this song yesterday on the radio and am pretty sure God put it on there just for me to hear.
My prayer is that this week, I will set aside all confusion and focus on the shadow of the Cross. Without the Cross...and without His sacrifice, there would be no confusion and chaos and wonder for me to be lost in. Whatever your doing inside of me...it feels like chaos, but somehow there is peace. Help me find the peace, Lord.
Have a Blessed Day!
Amy
Monday, March 29, 2010
Hosanna
Matthew 21:1-11
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you , and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away." This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
Say to the Daughter of Zion, See your king comes to you gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and followed shouted.
"Hosanna to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Hosanna in the Highest!"
Risk taking...something I have become all too familiar with here lately. My friend Bonnie was just telling me this weekend of a speaker that she remembers from her college days that talked about taking risks for the Lord. Bonnie, I know this won't be exact, but what an awesome message! Here is what I remember...
God wants us to be risk takers. Why? Because He was. What do you have to lose? Lookin' foolish? He did.
How do you think those disciples felt when Jesus said (paraphrase)...Hey...run ahead to the next town and untie a colt and donkey and bring them to me. I am pretty sure they had to have some uneasiness about stealing someone else's colt. Maybe not, but the important thing is that they did it anyway. Jesus said..."go and do" and they did. They took a risk in walking into that city and following Jesus' requests.
Are you a risk taker for God? Do you hear his requests and seek out what he is asking you? Sometimes God asks me things and I just want to say..."God, not now." Or, "God...this is not a good time for me and I really don't think that is a good idea." But He is persistent. He knows and He keeps on keepin' on until we are obedient. Sometimes I carry out his wishes with such anguish. Sometimes I am fearful the entire time. And then here lately, I have been following his orders with a peace in my heart that could only be Him. So strange.
PR said yesterday in JAM that Hosanna means Save Us. The people of Jerusalem were shouting Save Us! We need a Savior! And they were so excited at the thought of him coming to save. Little did they know he'd do it in such a powerful way. At those moments as they were laying the palm branches down and praising Him...they had no idea the pain they'd suffer in the next week as He would be sacrificed for our sins. They were blind to the REAL reason the King was coming. And he followed through...Oh did he ever. He saved us all...not just the people who where praising him that day. He saved us all...but not without pain and suffering.
PR also talked to us about preparing for Him. The King is coming...to our town...to our church...to our neighborhood...to our homes...to our hearts. How will we prepare for him?
This is Holy Week. So much to be thankful for. So much to wrap our minds around. From his coming to His death and then Resurrection. As PR says...we are in the shadow of the cross. Be aware this week as you go about your day to day of the events that took place that have given us this joy in our hearts. And don't be afraid to share it with others...be risk takers and do as He tells you. Have a blessed Monday.
I already had today's song on my playlist, but I thought it was appropriate. I'd need a Savior by Among the Thirsty.
Amy
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you , and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away." This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
Say to the Daughter of Zion, See your king comes to you gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and followed shouted.
"Hosanna to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Hosanna in the Highest!"
Risk taking...something I have become all too familiar with here lately. My friend Bonnie was just telling me this weekend of a speaker that she remembers from her college days that talked about taking risks for the Lord. Bonnie, I know this won't be exact, but what an awesome message! Here is what I remember...
God wants us to be risk takers. Why? Because He was. What do you have to lose? Lookin' foolish? He did.
How do you think those disciples felt when Jesus said (paraphrase)...Hey...run ahead to the next town and untie a colt and donkey and bring them to me. I am pretty sure they had to have some uneasiness about stealing someone else's colt. Maybe not, but the important thing is that they did it anyway. Jesus said..."go and do" and they did. They took a risk in walking into that city and following Jesus' requests.
Are you a risk taker for God? Do you hear his requests and seek out what he is asking you? Sometimes God asks me things and I just want to say..."God, not now." Or, "God...this is not a good time for me and I really don't think that is a good idea." But He is persistent. He knows and He keeps on keepin' on until we are obedient. Sometimes I carry out his wishes with such anguish. Sometimes I am fearful the entire time. And then here lately, I have been following his orders with a peace in my heart that could only be Him. So strange.
PR said yesterday in JAM that Hosanna means Save Us. The people of Jerusalem were shouting Save Us! We need a Savior! And they were so excited at the thought of him coming to save. Little did they know he'd do it in such a powerful way. At those moments as they were laying the palm branches down and praising Him...they had no idea the pain they'd suffer in the next week as He would be sacrificed for our sins. They were blind to the REAL reason the King was coming. And he followed through...Oh did he ever. He saved us all...not just the people who where praising him that day. He saved us all...but not without pain and suffering.
PR also talked to us about preparing for Him. The King is coming...to our town...to our church...to our neighborhood...to our homes...to our hearts. How will we prepare for him?
This is Holy Week. So much to be thankful for. So much to wrap our minds around. From his coming to His death and then Resurrection. As PR says...we are in the shadow of the cross. Be aware this week as you go about your day to day of the events that took place that have given us this joy in our hearts. And don't be afraid to share it with others...be risk takers and do as He tells you. Have a blessed Monday.
I already had today's song on my playlist, but I thought it was appropriate. I'd need a Savior by Among the Thirsty.
Amy
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Courage
Living in Kansas, I am all too familiar with the movie, Wizard of Oz. I am pretty sure I have seen it once a year since I was born and maybe a couple of times in between.
Welcome to my short and sweet rundown of the events that took place in this fabulous classic.
Dorothy hits her head during a tornado...and wakes up in the land of Oz. Her house lands on a wicked witch. Dorothy wants to go home so the Good Witch gives her instructions on how to go about doing that. But the witch that she lands on has a sister who is none too happy about Dorothy's arrival. Along the way, Dorothy meets three friends.
1. The Scarecrow...who has no brain. (Oh how I can relate to that one somedays)
2. The Tin Man...who has no heart. (I would assume in my road blocking days, I would appear to look a little tin man~ish myself)
3. The Cowardly Lion...who has no nerve. (This one is all too familiar to me)
As she meets these friends, she tells them that she has been promised to meet the Wizard of Oz. She is asking him to help her get home...and she'll ask him...THE GREAT WIZARD OF OZ...to grant her friends their requests as well.
For anyone who hasn't seen the movie...first of all, I am sorry. It is a classic. Please go find it On Demand or rent it from your local Blockbuster or RedBox. I will not be spoiling the ending for you...but I did want to talk to you about the wants of Dorothy's friends. Mainly the Lion.
We must have all of these things to have a relationship with God. We must have a brain to know enough to come to him. We must have a heart to love him fully. We must have the courage to stand up for our faith and to share Him with others. And we must have the desire to go Home.
Courage is something that I struggle with sometimes. My lack thereof turns into doubt and then worry. I know enough through this walk with Christ to know that He is with me always. But there is always that little ache in my stomach that says...what will they think of you? What if they think you are crazy? What if they come at you with anger and distrust?
As you all know so well at this point, I've been following the life story of Sicily Zeka. Her services in Oklahoma were yesterday and they are having her burial today in Wellington, KS. Wellington is about 20 miles south of our hometown. After the burial, the Zeka family is having a celebration of Sicily's life. I am going with my friend Bonnie to show my respects and to take some flowers to Sicily's Momma...and I am scared. I am nervous that I'll be out of place. I am nervous that I won't have the words if given the opportunity to visit with Sicily's family. But I am taking that risk. Why? Well, because I feel God pushing me to do so. He wants us to share our love with others. This kind of love that says...I am here for you because I have God in my heart. The kind of love that says...You don't know me...but I know God and I trust Him. The kind of love that says...I am here to let you know I am and will be lifting you up in the following days...and that your daughter's story impacted my life in a way I cannot explain. This conversation is all too familiar. I had it just two years ago when I met Kyrie's Mom and Dad. And as God would have it...they are now my friends.
Courage. Please pray for courage. And you know what? Don't pray for mine, but pray for Kerry Zeka's. Her battle is WAY bigger than mine right now and I believe that God put me right here, right now, to ask for your prayers in helping this family.
As I said yesterday, this week has been simply overwhelming. I am looking forward to tomorrow when I can go to church and hear God's word through Pastor Rick. Bring it PR! I am looking forward to putting what I have learned through Him to the test. Tomorrow I will be posting after church so that I can share a bit of what Pastor Rick is bringing into our lives on this Palm Sunday. Have a blessed day today and be Courageous in Him.
Love you all!
Amy
Welcome to my short and sweet rundown of the events that took place in this fabulous classic.
Dorothy hits her head during a tornado...and wakes up in the land of Oz. Her house lands on a wicked witch. Dorothy wants to go home so the Good Witch gives her instructions on how to go about doing that. But the witch that she lands on has a sister who is none too happy about Dorothy's arrival. Along the way, Dorothy meets three friends.
1. The Scarecrow...who has no brain. (Oh how I can relate to that one somedays)
2. The Tin Man...who has no heart. (I would assume in my road blocking days, I would appear to look a little tin man~ish myself)
3. The Cowardly Lion...who has no nerve. (This one is all too familiar to me)
As she meets these friends, she tells them that she has been promised to meet the Wizard of Oz. She is asking him to help her get home...and she'll ask him...THE GREAT WIZARD OF OZ...to grant her friends their requests as well.
For anyone who hasn't seen the movie...first of all, I am sorry. It is a classic. Please go find it On Demand or rent it from your local Blockbuster or RedBox. I will not be spoiling the ending for you...but I did want to talk to you about the wants of Dorothy's friends. Mainly the Lion.
We must have all of these things to have a relationship with God. We must have a brain to know enough to come to him. We must have a heart to love him fully. We must have the courage to stand up for our faith and to share Him with others. And we must have the desire to go Home.
Courage is something that I struggle with sometimes. My lack thereof turns into doubt and then worry. I know enough through this walk with Christ to know that He is with me always. But there is always that little ache in my stomach that says...what will they think of you? What if they think you are crazy? What if they come at you with anger and distrust?
As you all know so well at this point, I've been following the life story of Sicily Zeka. Her services in Oklahoma were yesterday and they are having her burial today in Wellington, KS. Wellington is about 20 miles south of our hometown. After the burial, the Zeka family is having a celebration of Sicily's life. I am going with my friend Bonnie to show my respects and to take some flowers to Sicily's Momma...and I am scared. I am nervous that I'll be out of place. I am nervous that I won't have the words if given the opportunity to visit with Sicily's family. But I am taking that risk. Why? Well, because I feel God pushing me to do so. He wants us to share our love with others. This kind of love that says...I am here for you because I have God in my heart. The kind of love that says...You don't know me...but I know God and I trust Him. The kind of love that says...I am here to let you know I am and will be lifting you up in the following days...and that your daughter's story impacted my life in a way I cannot explain. This conversation is all too familiar. I had it just two years ago when I met Kyrie's Mom and Dad. And as God would have it...they are now my friends.
Courage. Please pray for courage. And you know what? Don't pray for mine, but pray for Kerry Zeka's. Her battle is WAY bigger than mine right now and I believe that God put me right here, right now, to ask for your prayers in helping this family.
As I said yesterday, this week has been simply overwhelming. I am looking forward to tomorrow when I can go to church and hear God's word through Pastor Rick. Bring it PR! I am looking forward to putting what I have learned through Him to the test. Tomorrow I will be posting after church so that I can share a bit of what Pastor Rick is bringing into our lives on this Palm Sunday. Have a blessed day today and be Courageous in Him.
Love you all!
Amy
Thursday, March 25, 2010
No Sweeter Name
There has been a lot of talk lately about Worship...and what it means. I have said in a previous post that I worship best through music. Lately I have been lacking in that All out for God Worship department. I have spoken of Surrendering All. I have written about getting on our knees and letting him take all of...but I think it might be time that I truly did that.
No Sweeter Name than the Name of Jesus
No Sweeter Name have I ever known
No Sweeter Name than the Name of Jesus
You are the life to my heart and my soul
You are the light to the darkness around me
You are the the Hope to the Hopeless and Broken
You are the Only Truth and the Way
After the events of this week, I am overwhelmed by His presence and I want Him to know that these words have more meaning today then they have ever had. I have added the song...No Sweeter Name by...you guessed it...Kari Jobe, to my playlist. If you have a few minutes of quiet time today, turn on this song and Worship. Tell Him you love Him. And allow yourself to have your very own All Out For God, Surrendering All Moment. 'Be Still' and know that He is so much bigger than anything in our lives and bigger than we can fully understand. He is the Life, the Light, The Hope, the Truth and the Way.
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Lord, I am Humbled.
Have a Happy Friday Friends!
Amy
No Sweeter Name than the Name of Jesus
No Sweeter Name have I ever known
No Sweeter Name than the Name of Jesus
You are the life to my heart and my soul
You are the light to the darkness around me
You are the the Hope to the Hopeless and Broken
You are the Only Truth and the Way
After the events of this week, I am overwhelmed by His presence and I want Him to know that these words have more meaning today then they have ever had. I have added the song...No Sweeter Name by...you guessed it...Kari Jobe, to my playlist. If you have a few minutes of quiet time today, turn on this song and Worship. Tell Him you love Him. And allow yourself to have your very own All Out For God, Surrendering All Moment. 'Be Still' and know that He is so much bigger than anything in our lives and bigger than we can fully understand. He is the Life, the Light, The Hope, the Truth and the Way.
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Lord, I am Humbled.
Have a Happy Friday Friends!
Amy
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
I Adore You Lord
Filled with wonder,
Awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name
Jesus, Your Name is Power
Breath, and Living Water
Such a marvelous mystery
Wow. That is all I can say today is Wow. I am full of wonder. I am full of hope. I am full...and I know why.
Let me just start off by saying I have been following Sicily Zeka's caring bridge site for months. I've mentioned her and her family in the last couple of days because Sicily was called home to Heaven on Sunday, March 21st. My heart aches for this family. Sicily was four years old...and she was diagnosed in the Summer of 2008. I am sure when they were faced with the news that Sicily had this cancer, they had no idea what they were up against. I don't think that anyone ever knows...
Anyway, I wanted to share a series of events that happened to me yesterday that have opened my eyes to His involvement...yet again. Lord...you need to know...I hear you.
Sicily's Mom Kerry has been posting in the journal since the beginning of their journey with this illness. I signed up to receive emails from the CaringBridge site to get updates on her condition. Some were so uplifting. Some were painful to read. But the sadness in my heart from reading Kerry's words is just a fraction of the pain that was in her heart as she was writing. Lord...give me just a fraction of her pain.
Anyway, on Sunday, Kerry posted about a CD that had been given to them by a neighbor. The CD was by an artist named Kari Jobe. Kerry went on and on about how they had been playing the CD throughout their home and how soothing it had been to them these past few days. Sunday, as they realized it was "time"...I can hardly type that...they rushed Kerry and Sicily to a very special rocking chair in their room and she turned on the CD that had been given to them. They turned it to the song Beautiful...and they loved her to Heaven. My heart just aches as the tears fall down my cheeks. Lord...be with them and help them to feel you there.
So yesterday, my wonderful friend Bonnie came over to visit and spend time with me. As we were talking casually, she said she wanted to share a song with me that she had found on youtube. The song was No Sweeter Name...by Kari Jobe. When she said the name...I stood still. Then I sat down on the arm of the couch and just looked at her. Prior to hearing about Kari on Sicily's website...I had never heard of this artist before in my life. Now...most people would be like...Oh! I have heard of her before! Not me. I was brought to tears because I KNEW he was behind this. So we (Bonnie and I) go to my computer and pull up Kari's name and the group of her worship team. It just so happens that she is on a worship team with several people that taught my friend Bonnie when she went to Bible College. She was pointing and naming people that were on stage with Kari Jobe! And...I told her the story about Sicily. Bonnie jumped on her phone and called an old friend that was in contact with the Worship Team that Kari Jobe belongs to. She left this friend a voicemail that she had something she wanted to share with him...and that was it.
HE CALLED HER BACK.
Not only does he know Kari Jobe, but they are friends. After Bonnie told this friend Sicily's story, he said he'd contact Kari and let her know of the events that had taken place.
AND THEN...Bonnie went and read the journal entry for Sicily's CaringBridge site yesterday and the entry was all about this CD...and how healing it had been...and how Kerry felt like the song Beautiful had been written just for them...AND that Kari Jobe had personally signed this CD that had been given to them. It was as if God was saying...I'm way ahead of you Amy. I am so glad that he is in charge.
Lord...you are so good. You are so involved. You are so present. And I AM BLESSED TO BE A PART OF YOUR LOVE. Thank you Lord for giving me these dots to connect. Thank you for blessing me with Sicily's story...and Kerry's strength...and Kari's music...and Kyrie's family...and my friends and my family that love you so much. You are simply Amazing. And I ADORE YOU.
Amy
Another piece to the puzzle of yesterday's events...My Mom lost one of her closest friends to Cancer just almost a year ago. Yesterday she was hurting and missing her friend Sherry. As I read through Sicily's information I realized that Sicily and my Mom's friend Sherry share a very important date...they have the same Birthday. Mom went to my blog and found such comfort in the song Revelation by...Kari Jobe...and then she emailed to let me know that she had a God Moment. She also received an email with pictures of a paver memorial that had been established in Sherry's name on the WSU campus. I am sure this email is what sparked her to miss Sherry in the first place...and as God would have it, Mom found comfort in the very same music that Kerry Zeka has been finding comfort. I think God was definetly up to something here. Thank you Lord.
Awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name
Jesus, Your Name is Power
Breath, and Living Water
Such a marvelous mystery
Wow. That is all I can say today is Wow. I am full of wonder. I am full of hope. I am full...and I know why.
Let me just start off by saying I have been following Sicily Zeka's caring bridge site for months. I've mentioned her and her family in the last couple of days because Sicily was called home to Heaven on Sunday, March 21st. My heart aches for this family. Sicily was four years old...and she was diagnosed in the Summer of 2008. I am sure when they were faced with the news that Sicily had this cancer, they had no idea what they were up against. I don't think that anyone ever knows...
Anyway, I wanted to share a series of events that happened to me yesterday that have opened my eyes to His involvement...yet again. Lord...you need to know...I hear you.
Sicily's Mom Kerry has been posting in the journal since the beginning of their journey with this illness. I signed up to receive emails from the CaringBridge site to get updates on her condition. Some were so uplifting. Some were painful to read. But the sadness in my heart from reading Kerry's words is just a fraction of the pain that was in her heart as she was writing. Lord...give me just a fraction of her pain.
Anyway, on Sunday, Kerry posted about a CD that had been given to them by a neighbor. The CD was by an artist named Kari Jobe. Kerry went on and on about how they had been playing the CD throughout their home and how soothing it had been to them these past few days. Sunday, as they realized it was "time"...I can hardly type that...they rushed Kerry and Sicily to a very special rocking chair in their room and she turned on the CD that had been given to them. They turned it to the song Beautiful...and they loved her to Heaven. My heart just aches as the tears fall down my cheeks. Lord...be with them and help them to feel you there.
So yesterday, my wonderful friend Bonnie came over to visit and spend time with me. As we were talking casually, she said she wanted to share a song with me that she had found on youtube. The song was No Sweeter Name...by Kari Jobe. When she said the name...I stood still. Then I sat down on the arm of the couch and just looked at her. Prior to hearing about Kari on Sicily's website...I had never heard of this artist before in my life. Now...most people would be like...Oh! I have heard of her before! Not me. I was brought to tears because I KNEW he was behind this. So we (Bonnie and I) go to my computer and pull up Kari's name and the group of her worship team. It just so happens that she is on a worship team with several people that taught my friend Bonnie when she went to Bible College. She was pointing and naming people that were on stage with Kari Jobe! And...I told her the story about Sicily. Bonnie jumped on her phone and called an old friend that was in contact with the Worship Team that Kari Jobe belongs to. She left this friend a voicemail that she had something she wanted to share with him...and that was it.
HE CALLED HER BACK.
Not only does he know Kari Jobe, but they are friends. After Bonnie told this friend Sicily's story, he said he'd contact Kari and let her know of the events that had taken place.
AND THEN...Bonnie went and read the journal entry for Sicily's CaringBridge site yesterday and the entry was all about this CD...and how healing it had been...and how Kerry felt like the song Beautiful had been written just for them...AND that Kari Jobe had personally signed this CD that had been given to them. It was as if God was saying...I'm way ahead of you Amy. I am so glad that he is in charge.
Lord...you are so good. You are so involved. You are so present. And I AM BLESSED TO BE A PART OF YOUR LOVE. Thank you Lord for giving me these dots to connect. Thank you for blessing me with Sicily's story...and Kerry's strength...and Kari's music...and Kyrie's family...and my friends and my family that love you so much. You are simply Amazing. And I ADORE YOU.
Amy
Another piece to the puzzle of yesterday's events...My Mom lost one of her closest friends to Cancer just almost a year ago. Yesterday she was hurting and missing her friend Sherry. As I read through Sicily's information I realized that Sicily and my Mom's friend Sherry share a very important date...they have the same Birthday. Mom went to my blog and found such comfort in the song Revelation by...Kari Jobe...and then she emailed to let me know that she had a God Moment. She also received an email with pictures of a paver memorial that had been established in Sherry's name on the WSU campus. I am sure this email is what sparked her to miss Sherry in the first place...and as God would have it, Mom found comfort in the very same music that Kerry Zeka has been finding comfort. I think God was definetly up to something here. Thank you Lord.
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