MERCY IN THE FATHER'S EYES

Ever since I was a little girl I've loved the Parable of The Prodigal Son.  It of course is a wonderful story of love and redemption and can be found in the third book of the New Testament (Luke 15:11-32).

Several years ago when my family and I were going through an extremely emotional and challenging time I found myself leaning heavily upon the teachings of my early childhood. I can't begin to tell you the renewed hope I carried within my heart as I remembered the message behind the words Jesus first shared with his Disciples over two thousand year ago.  There is such mercy in the Father's eyes!

Through twenty-one verses of a fairly short Bible story I learned to hold fast to my faith in God and to never give up on those I love...no matter how despairing things may seem.

I was certain I had once shared with you the words to the following song, but try as I might I can't find the Post with the lyrics.  Maybe I'm mistaken...or...maybe I just need to share them again.  Just maybe...JUST MAYBE one of you is standing today in the very place where I once stood...

Blessings to you today as you worship and trust completely in The Most High!

COME HOME

(Author Unknown)

"Have you hungered in the wilderness for a peace that your heart knew before? Have you wandered finding something less when inside you've been longing for more. If you remember how it used to be when you lived your life more abundantly...

Come home...come home.
If you're tired, and weary, come home. The Father is waiting to welcome his own, and you've been gone, so long. Come home.

You've been searching since you said good-bye, like a child with a lesson to learn. But there's mercy in your Father's eyes as He waits for the day you return. And it won't matter where your heart has been when He holds you close in His arms again...

Come home...come home.
If you're tired and weary, come home. The Father is waiting to welcome His own, and you've been gone so long.. come home... come home...

Oh why do you keep running from the one who loves you most, so far from where you know you want to be? Patiently He's waiting and He longs to hold you close...even now He's calling softly and tenderly;

Come home...Come home.
If you're tired and weary come home... the Father is waiting to welcome His own... and you've been gone so long... you've been gone so long... Come home."

Love to you...

~I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR~

The lyrics to the beloved hymn, I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR were written by Annie S. Hawks.  She wrote this about penning the words to this deeply meaningful song:

Annie S. Hawks

1872

"One day as a young wife and mo­ther of 37 years of age, I was bu­sy with my reg­u­lar house­hold tasks. Sud­den­ly, I be­came so filled with the sense of near­ness to the Mast­er that, won­der­ing how one could live with­out Him, ei­ther in joy or pain, these words, “I Need Thee Ev­e­ry Hour,” were ush­ered in­to my mind, the thought at once tak­ing full pos­sess­ion of me."

It is said that after writ­ing the lyr­ics, Hawks gave them to her pas­tor, Ro­bert Low­ry, who add­ed the tune and re­frain. The hymn was first pub­lished at the Na­tion­al Bap­tist Sun­day School Con­ven­tion in Cin­cin­na­ti, Ohio, in No­vem­ber 1872. Some years lat­er, af­ter the death of her hus­band, Hawks wrote:

"I did not un­der­stand at first why this hymn had touched the great throb­bing heart of hu­man­i­ty. It was not un­til long af­ter, when the sha­dow fell over my way, the sha­dow of a great loss, that I un­der­stood some­thing of the com­fort­ing pow­er in the words which I had been per­mit­ted to give out to others in my hour of sweet se­ren­i­ty and peace."

~Randy Owen (Alabama) with The Isaccs~

I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;

No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

I need Thee, O I need Thee;

Every hour I need Thee;

O bless me now, my Savior,

I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;

Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.

I need Thee, O I need Thee;

Every hour I need Thee;

O bless me now, my Savior,

I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;

Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.

I need Thee, O I need Thee;

Every hour I need Thee;

O bless me now, my Savior,

I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;

And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

I need Thee, O I need Thee;

Every hour I need Thee;

O bless me now, my Savior,

I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;

O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

I need Thee, O I need Thee;

Every hour I need Thee;

O bless me now, my Savior,

I come to Thee.

 ~*~

I need thee, blessed, Lord!
Love to you~

~THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE - Thoughts on a Sunday Morning~

Ever think that today you very well may be the only real LIGHT someone sees?

CARRY YOUR CANDLE

Kathy Troccoli

(On My Playlist)

There is a candle in every soul
Some brightly burning, some dark and cold
There is a Spirit who brings fire
Ignites a candle and makes His home

Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world

Frustrated brother, see how he's tried to
Light his own candle some other way
See now your sister, she's been robbed and lied to
Still holds a candle without a flame

Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world

We are a family whose hearts are blazing
So let's raise our candles and light up the sky
Praying to our Father, in the name of Jesus
Make us a beacon in darkest times

Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, deceived and poor
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world

Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world

May God bless and direct you as you share the Light in your life with the world...

~SUNDAY BLESSINGS and a Heart Filled With Praise~

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
Thomas O. Chisholm

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

May your day be blessed from beginning to end. Never forget for a second that you are deeply loved by the Most High...

~CAN YOU REACH MY FRIEND - His Grace Is Enough~

~PEACE FOR LIFE'S JOURNEY~

Of all the things in my life I am most grateful for I will forever remain thankful that when I was just a very young child my parents taught me how to pray. I learned early that no matter how I behaved, no matter if my choices were good or not so good, I could never fall farther than the love of God could reach.

And...I could never do anything that would cause Him not to love me.

A few days ago I got an unexpected email from one of my dearest longtime girlfriends. Our friendship began back in 2nd grade and I recall how we spent many summers together laughing and acting up before a high school move separated us for over 30 years.

A couple of days later when I picked up my ringing telephone I knew immediately it was voice of the very girl who'd frozen my training bra and laughed out loud the night I received my first kiss. She was still witty and sarcastic and try as I might I couldn't get a word in edgewise. To this day she remains the only person I've ever known who can talk longer than I can without taking in fresh air.

We laughed and talked about everything that night. Our grown children, her loving parents who have both passed on, my father's devastating illness. We hadn't lost the ability to get in touch with each others feelings and it felt good to remember many of the things that helped mold us into the women we had become.

We giggled just like we did when we were school girls...two 12 year old adult-wannabees who mistakenly believed the world revolved around them. We chatted about old boyfriends, making F's in Home Ec (tis true!) and how we believed Old Mrs. Wylie had failed us solely on the grounds that we couldn't sew a straight stitch.

We talked about our passions and our loves and how my marriage had been 'successful' while hers in fact, had failed. All of them.

As our conversation turned more serious she began to share with me how her bank job had ended unexpectedly, how she and her oldest child were estranged and how her health was beginning to fail. Even before I heard the crack in her voice I had sensed her heart was hurting. I knew she was terribly lonely and very afraid. I also knew, for whatever the reason, I had been spared the suffering that she so obviously had received a double portion of.

As her tears began to flow her steely guard came down.

"I have nothing left" she whispered.

"I've lost everything".

~Can You Reach My Friend~
(Unknown Author)

I got a call from an old friend
We laughed about how things had changed
But I could tell things weren't going as well
As she claimed

She tried to hide her feelings
But they only gave her away
The longer I listened,
The more I kept wishing that
I knew the right words to say

Can You reach my friend ?
You're the only one who can.
Lord, I know you love her
Help her understand
Can You reach my friend?
Bring her searching to an end
Help her give her heart to You

We talked for more than an hour
I smiled when she mentioned Your name
I said that I knew You
I told her the difference You made
But she never thought she would need You
But maybe she's changing her mind
As we said goodbye Lord
She told me that I had found
Something that she'd like to find

Can You reach my friend?
You're the only One who can
Lord, I know You love her
Help her understand
Can you reach my friend?
Bring his searching to an end
Help her give her heart to You

Maybe she's ready tonight
Lord, she said that she might
Need to call You

Help her give her heart to You

Blessings to you as you remember His Grace is Enough...Rebecca

~OH, I WANT TO KNOW YOU MORE...Spending Time In His Presence~

~DID YOU KNOW...?~

Of all the things I hunger for most for in my life my greatest passion is simply to know the Lord more. My thirst for Him is greater than all my earthly loves combined and there isn't a day that goes by when I don't long to spend time alone in His presence.

And so...I do.

Whether I'm sharing with Him one of my best days or seeking comfort in His grace, nothing satisfies my spirit more or brings a deeper peace to my troubled heart than Jesus.

Below are the words to one of my favorite Christian-Inspirational songs. It is the first song on my PLAYLIST below if you'd like to hear it for yourself~ Just turn up your sound...

~OH, I WANT TO KNOW YOU MORE~
Steve Green-Steve Fry

Just the time I feel
That I've been caught
In the mire of self.
Just the time I feel
My mind's been bought
By worldly wealth.
That's when the breeze begins
To blow I know,
The Spirit's Call.
And all my worldly wanderings
Just melt into His Love.

Oh, I want to know You more!
Deep within my soul I want to know You,
Oh, I want to know You.
To feel Your Heart and know Your Mind,
Looking in Your eyes stirs up within me,
Cries that says I want to know You
Oh, I want to know You more.
Oh, I want to know You more.

When my daily deeds
Ordinarily lose life and song,
My heart begins to bleed,
Sensitivity to Him is gone.
I've run the race
But set my own pace
And face a shattered soul
But the Gentle Arms of Jesus
Warm my hunger to be whole.

Oh, I want to know You more!
Deep within my soul I want to know You,
Oh, I want to know You.
To feel your heart and know your mind
Looking in your eyes stirs up within me,
Cries that say I want to know You
Oh I want to know You...

And I would give my final breathe
To know You in Your Death and Resurrection,
Oh, I want to know You more.
Oh, I want to know You more.
Oh, I want to know You more...

Blessings to you and peace...Rebecca

~HE'S STILL HER LITTLE CHILD...Thinking of Mary, too!~

Still Her Little Child

When she laid him in a manger
He was still her little child
In a city filled with strangers
He was still her little child
Though the inn was full
And the night was cold
She held Him close and smiled
When she laid Him in a manger
He was still her little child

~*~

When the angels called Him Savior
He was still her little child
When the wise men gave Him treasures
He was still her little child
When the shepherds bowed before Him
A star shone all the while
When the angels called Him Savior
He was still her little child

~*~

When He grew in strength and wisdom
He was still her little child
When He spoke the people listened
He was still her little child
When He healed the lame and dying
They would follow Him for miles
And when he grew
In strength and wisdom
He was still her little child

~*~

When the people turned against Him
He was still her little child
When they shouted crucify Him
He was still her little child
And when they nailed Him
To a wooden cross
Then we were reconciled
When she held His broken body
He was still her little child

~*~

He was still her little child…

~ Ray Boltz and Steve Millikan~

Can you even imagine being the MOTHER of the King of Kings?

Blessings to you as you seek Him...

Rebecca

~ALL THE WAY MY SAVIOR LEADS ME~

I'm quite sure that most of you don't know that up until August of this year my Mr. AGPMan was Worship Leader at our local Church here in Oklahoma. My guy has an amazing baritone voice and one of my greatest earthly loves has been to sing along side of him as he's ministered to different congregations. He knows music inside and out and I've been blessed over and over by his God-given talent.

For more years than I can say I've heard my hubby share many of the amazing stories that are often hidden behind some of the most beloved hymns written for the church. Not long before he resigned his position he shared with our local church the story behind the song "All The Way My Savior Leads Me".

Given the struggles and conflicts this week in my own personal life I decided to focus again on my faith. For when the road gets too rough (and it oftentimes does) and the path before me narrows, it is my faith in Jesus Christ that always leads me out of the darkness...

The beautiful Hymn“All The Way My Savior Leads Me” was written by one of the most pro­lif­ic songwriters in history. Miss Fanny Crosby was born in 1820 and went on to write literally thousands of Christian hymns even though she was blinded shortly after she was born. She once said,

“ If per­fect earth­ly sight were of­fered me to­mor­row I would not ac­­cept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been dis­tract­ed by the beau­ti­ful and in­ter­est­ing things about me.”

This beloved hymn came to Miss Fanny as a result of a prayer. She was struggling financially (haven't we all?) and she desperately needed some money. And so, as was her usual custom, she began to pray. A few minutes later, a gentleman offered her five dollars, the exact amount she needed. Later recalling the incident, she said,

“I have no way of accounting for this except to believe that God put it into the heart of this good man to bring the money.”

The poem she wrote afterward became “All The Way My Savior Leads Me.” As both a songwriter and a woman of incredible faith, Fanny Crosby serves as an example to all.

Here are the words below for you to read for yourself this lovely Sunday morning...

"All The Way My Savior Leads Me"

All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread;
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me
O the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages—
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages—
Jesus led me all the way.

Blessings as you rest and abide in Him...Rebecca

~THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING~

~THOUGHTS ON A SUNDAY MORNING~

Today I only want to share with you the lyrics of a song that ushered into my life much needed peace when I was a child.

Written in the early 1970's by Flo Price, the meaning of the words are as timely today as they were when they were first penned almost 40 years ago. Thank God that in the midst of angry, fighting men and hatred worldwide, we have something wonderful to look forward to when our time on earth is done.

May God continue to send His peace to the families of those who were injured and slain this week in Texas.

BRIGHT NEW WORLD

Someday a bright new wave
Will Break upon the shore
And there will be no sickness
No More dying, no more war.
And little children never will
Go Hungry anymore~

And there will be a bright
New Morning over there
There will be a bright
New world for us to share

Someday there will be an end
To unkind words and cruel
The man who said there is no God
Will know he is a fool
And peace will be a way of life
With love the only rule~

And there will be a bright
New Morning over there
There will be a bright
New World for us to share

Someday we know not when
When time on earth is done
But those redeemed from every land
Will all become as one
And peace will be a way of life
With God, the Three-In-One

And there will be a bright
New Morning over there
There will be a bright
New World for us to share

Blessings to you this beautiful Sunday...Rebecca

HE CARES ABOUT YOU ~ Just LEAVE IT THERE

Ever have one of those days when the time you have at your fingertips spins awkwardly out of control leaving you with a day half wasted? You know the kind of day, don't you? A day where nothing you planned to accomplish gets done and you find yourself left with a pile of empty minutes and chores that still need tending...

Yesterday was like that for me.

One project after another was climbing onto my already crowded back. I began to feel overwhelmed with the fact that my 'Monday' was turning out crummy and I felt powerless to change it. I whined. I lamented. I complained.

And...

I was miserable.

And so...late in the evening I decided to do what I SHOULD have done during my early morning hours~

I sat down.

Got quiet.

And took my stresses and disappointments to God.

I suppose there are times when I don't want to trouble the Most High with my hurts. I mean...He's got BIG things to deal with like waring countries and the terribly afflicted...the poor, the neglected, the broken. After all, He needs to make time to listen to the prayers of important people...

How could my God, who is big and awesome (and sooo demanded upon), ever care about my little struggles? My disappointments? My fears? My failures?

And yet, He does~

And so...

I did exactly the thing I once heard my beautiful mother sing so often about...

I left the load of my daily grind, my usually simple, but sometimes out of control life, and laid it at the feet of my Savior...

And...

I rested.

Leave It There
Charles Albert Tindley

If the world from you withhold of its silver and its gold,
And you have to get along with meager fare,
Just remember, in His Word, how He feeds the little bird;
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

Chorus:

Leave it there, leave it there,
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

If your body suffers pain and your health you can't regain,
And your soul is almost sinking in despair,
He knows the pain you feel, He can save and He can heal;
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

When your enemies assail and your heart begins to fail,
Don't forget that God in Heaven answers prayer;
He will make a way for you and will lead you safely through.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

When your youthful days are gone and old age is stealing on,
And your body bends beneath the weight of care;
He will never leave you then, He'll go with you to the end.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

Blessings to you as you remember that "HE CARES ABOUT YOU!" (1 Peter 5:7)...Rebecca

"IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL"

Have you ever heard the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul”? Being a “Preacher’s Kid” I was in church every Sunday as a child and I heard this song a lot! I easily memorized the words and melody to this deeply loved hymn and to this day it is one of my favorite congregational songs to sing…

Several years ago our pastor gave my hubbs a book called “Hymn Stories” hoping it might give him some insight as he selected the music for our Sunday’s church services. Inside the book’s pages one can read the inspiring, factual backgrounds and experiences that prompted the writing of so many beloved inspirational songs. The song begins:

“It Is Well With My Soul”

“When peace like a river attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll-

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Tho Satan should buffet, tho trails should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed his own blood for my soul.

.

My sin- O the bliss of this glorious tho’t-

My sin not in part, but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;

Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, O my soul!

And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll-

The trump shall re-sound and the Lord shall descend,

‘Even-so”- It is well with my soul.

It is well….With my soul…It is well, it is well with my soul.”

Although I’ve read the story behind this hymn many times before, something today prompted me to read it again. I want to share just a bit of it with you. After you read this condensed version I hope you will then go back and re-read the words above (you can also listen to the melody on my playlist below or hear it sung by following the link)...

“It Is Well With My Soul” was written by a Church Layman, named Horatio G. Spafford in 1828. As a young man he established a very successful legal practice in Chicago. Even thou he enjoyed great financial success, he held fast to his Christian Faith as well as the close relationship he had with D.L. Moody and other evangelical leaders of that time.

A few months before the Chicago Fire of 1871, Spafford had invested heavily in real estate on the shore of Lake Michigan. All of his holdings were wiped out by the disaster which came on the heels of him losing his only son to Scarlet Fever. Desiring rest for his grieving wife and four daughters, Spafford planned a European trip for his family in 1873. However, due to some last minute business developments, he was unable to travel. Instead he sent his wife and children ahead, promising to follow in a few days.

In early November the ship his family was traveling on was struck by the Lochearn, an English vessel, and sank in twelve minutes. Several days later the survivors landed in Wales. Mrs. Spafford cabled her husband, “Saved Alone.”

Shortly afterward Spafford left by ship to join his devastated wife. It is speculated that on the sea near the area where it was thought his four daughters had drowned, Spafford penned this text with words so significantly describing his own personal grief- “When sorrows like sea billows roll…”

Can you even imagine losing your entire family...all five of your children?

It is amazing to me that Mr. Spafford could experience such personal loss and immeasurable tragedy and still be able to pen the words: “It Is Well With My Soul”

It is my prayer for each of you that you will always remember there is nothing too big for our God! I've had many trials in my own life and have numerous concerns that I constantly place at the feet of Jesus. As you face the days ahead, I pray that you, too, will be able to say with such convincing clarity, “It is well with my soul!”

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYFjikyp7mQ&feature=related

Blessings to you this beautiful Sunday...Rebecca

~GOD WILL MAKE A WAY~

Early, early this morning I took my disappointments and fears to God. I have them. A lot of them. I felt weighted down by yesterday's failures and overcome by a heart that is too often full of clutter. Sometimes it gets so jam packed with junk that I'm certain there isn't room for anything good...

Corrie ten Boom (Author of "The Hiding Place" and Ravensbrück Concentration Camp Holocaust Survivor) used to say, "When the train goes through a tunnel and the world gets dark, do you jump out? Of course not. You sit still and trust the engineer to get your thorough."...

Boy am I glad I'm not the one behind the wheel as I face tough days and difficult times. I'm incredibly thankful I don't have to steer my way through the peeks and valleys and meet head-on the uncertainties lurking around every corner alone! I'm certain a real train wreck would be on the horizon if I was making the decisions for the fast-moving locomotive I've come to know as my life...

Tucked inside my favorite devotional book I found the words to a simple song I'd like to share with you. It was written by a very talented Christian writer by the name of Don Moen. In these days of financial devastation and tangible loss, I pray they will be encouraging to you. Remember, the one who created you, fashioned you within your mother's womb, knows all of what is ahead. Trust Him to get you back up the mountain and through the ravine. He promises to make a way...

Blessings for a fabulous day... Rebecca

God Will Make A Way

God will make a way,
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way.

He's Ever Interceding

My Sister Linda & I (with the guitar)

1975 - Colorado Springs
(Thanks Cat for the photo)

I believe I must have been about four years old when first paired with my sister Linda to sing duets. She was two years older than I and I distinctly remember the two of us standing side by side, just to the right of our mother as she sat and played our Gulbransen piano. Two peas in a pod we were. We’d learn the songs set before us and often be expected to sing one the following Sunday. Such was the life of two PK’s (Preacher’s Kids) and trust me when I tell you this was the norm. I even recall on a few occasions singing with our mother. But that was back when we were very, very young and long before her ears were silenced.

And so began my passion for singing. A desire birthed within me when just a little girl and one that has grown during many days of living life on this planet. Uncovering the “sound of song” is in me…it just is! And, not unlike my love for both painting and sewing, it has successfully knitted itself into the very fabric of my heart.

One of my greatest joys comes from singing with my hubbs. But, knowing I’d be going it alone on this one given Sunday prompted me to look particularly hard for something fresh and moving. I attend a loving church filled with precious people. But, we live in a hurting world and if you take the time to look you will see much suffering. I asked God to lead me to the right song…the song He wanted me to sing.

Sunday arrived right on schedule and I felt fairly confident I’d chosen wisely a song designed to minister and encourage. It wasn’t a new song, but one I deeply connected with and loved. I easily skipped through a quick run-through before morning worship service began and thirty minutes later, with microphone in hand, I heard the familiar melody of taped music start, and I began to sing...

*“Someone to go the extra mile
Just like a mother caring for her child…
A Friend who’ll stick through thick and thin
No matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been
Just like a great big family
A stronger older brother he will be
So quick and ready to defend
The younger, weaker to the end

And He’s ever interceding
To the Father for His children
And He’s ever interceding
To the Father for His own
Through Him you can reach the Father
So bring Him all your heavy burdens
He’s ever interceding
So come boldly though the throne”

As the music continued to play I was thankful for the extra long pause between the chorus and the beginning of the second verse. I was losing my composure, being moved myself by the melody and the message behind the words I was singing. What I had prayed would minister to others, instead began to minister back to me…

“Just like sheep we’ve gone astray
Struggling ‘neath a debt we could not pay
Not ever hoping to renew
The love and fellowship that we once knew
But He began to intercede
Crying ‘Father-please forgive” I plead
And as the nails pierced in His hands
God once again reached down to man

And He’s ever interceding…….”

I want you to all know that my life is not perfect. Even though it may appear like it is sometimes, it certainly isn’t! It’s so easy to post pictures of my smiling self and write about everything being pink and rosy! It’s soothing for me to write about exciting decorative finds rescued from flea market bins and attic clutter, lasting friendships, business success, a happy marriage and loving children…

But there’s another side. A side that knows deep heartache and real failure! A side that’s endured financial ruin and devastating illness…a side that longs for the restoration of broken, shattered relationships…a side that lives with the separation of family and the death of close friends…a side that is far too lonely and too often afraid...

It’s been a comfort to me this very day to know that I cannot fall so far from God that His loving arms can’t reach me. It is reassuring to know there isn't a hurt I can’t trust Him to heal or a brokeness I can't trust Him to mend. I’m blessed in the knowledge that I’m incapable of earning His devotion and whether in the height of success or the pit of failure, He loves me just the same. I pray you will always know this kind of peace…

“He’s ever interceding to the Father for His children…”

Blessings…Rebecca

*”He’s Ever Interceding” by Carolyn Gilman