syndicational:

“My Grandpa always promised me he would stay alive until my wedding (I was the youngest grandchild). During the weeks leading up to my wedding this year, he became extremely sick and we knew the end was near. He even kept a countdown of days until my wedding near his bed, hoping he could make it. On the day of my wedding, he could not make it - but we stopped over to see him after the wedding. He opened his eyes, smiled, and said ‘I love you.’ This is the picture that was taken at that moment. That was the last time he opened his eyes or spoke. He died a few days later. He kept his promise, though, bless his heart. He made it until my wedding! So amazing.”

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7

“…my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’ The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” 

Lamentations 3: 20-26 

2012. Wow, what a year… More changes have taken place in my life, then I could have imagined back when January 1 rolled around. From having to painfully let go to many things I held close, to the tears I shed alone in my car or bedroom, this year has covered it all; it all much more than I ever could have expected when I placed my ambitious New Years Resolutions December 31 2011 - but I wouldn’t change a second of it.  

The Lord has slowly been chipping away at my ice sculpture frame, reforming me into the woman He has longed for me to become; He is no near finished. Time and time again, He has broken me down, shattering this hardened heart of mine, reshaping me, remoulding me, softening me, to be as He is. I don’t necessarily know how to put into words the work that has been done in me - in my heart - because I myself, cannot completely fathom all the recreation that has taken place. It has not been an easy journey - painful in the least, with many tears shed - but our mighty Lord is faithful. His provision never ceases - His wisdom, love, and adoration for His children, incredibly unfathomable. 

I have learned that in the midst of chaos, when the walls appear to be crumbling down around me, in reality it is the Lord rebuilding what surrounds, adjusting the pieces, to form a better tomorrow. I have learned that when I have no words to pray, the Lord is still present and hears the cry of my heart - feels the brokenness of my heart. I have learned to simply rest in God, because He is God. I have began to see how the reverence of God is beyond powerful, and there have been many times where I have knelt in awe of our mighty Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 

The one song that has continously rang true this entire year is You Know Me - Bethel. If anyone crosses by this reflection one day, please listen to it. Music is a profound part of my life, and this song has, in the midst of disaster, reminded me to rest in God; He knows all. 

May 2013, be a year of new beginnings, new ambitions and new dreams. May we all find rest in Jesus Christ our Redeemer, for He carries us through this life with fullness, grace, gentleness, mercy and love. He knows the end and He knows to perfection, the depth of our souls. May we relentlessly pursue the dreams and desires Christ has placed in our hearts. May we surrender our fear at the foot of the cross, allowing God to be our strength and vision. 

Jesus take control of our lives, of my life. I surrender, again, to you all I am. Lead me on this journey, for I am willing to follow.  

I love you Christ.  

God’s grace, love and compassion is revealed every time you take a breath.