Always New

One of my favorite songs is by Vicki Beeching, called "The Wonder of the Cross." It's message speaks to me so clearly, especially since I am one of those people who tends to forget what Jesus did for me or take it for granted.

May I never lose the wonder, the wonder of the cross
May I see it as the first time, standing as a sinner lost

Isn't that beautiful? In this distracting world, I want to sit every once in a while -- more than that, actually -- and just marvel at what Jesus did for me. Because it is amazing. I don't know how I could be so inclined to take His sacrifice for granted. He gave up so much -- and asked nothing in return. Nothing!! And still I sit here, having not picked up my Bible in days, not having thought about Him deeper than an, "Oh, I should pray" sort of thought, wondering why I'm so spiritually dry. He didn't ask for anything but our lives so that He could make them whole and beautiful, and I can't even give Him that! He can make me unafraid, but I won't give Him my fears. He can make me new, but I won't give Him my imperfections.

Why?

For me, it all comes down to losing the wonder of the Cross. When I no longer stand in wide-eyed amazement, I no longer possess the power that was given me there. When I've lost sight of the strength of His sacrifice, I lose my own strength.

So, I come back to the Cross. I give everything back. It was never mine to begin with. I messed it up -- God, I give it to You to put back together.

Everything

You may have seen that video before. Even so, I'd ask you to watch it again. It's one of the most powerful things I've seen in such a long time. It struck me so hard that once we start to fight for God, He will step in -- and fight for us. I was flat on my face because of that video. I think I've seen it seven times now, and I still get chills every time! Even my dad, who hates interpretive dance, got choked up by that.

So watch it again. Cry a little. Bask in the knowledge that when everything holds you back, He is everything. And He will fight for you.

Sing You There

Happy New Year, my fellow bloggers! 2009 holds a promise I've never felt with any other year: I rededicated myself to Jesus last night and cannot wait to see what He has in store for me this year!

On a more serious (or uplifting) note. Last year, I remember exactly where I was right after I got up. I was in my old room, and I was walking down the hall on my way to the bathroom. My dad stopped me with a hug, pushed me back, and said, "Aunt Annette died last night."

That's one of those moments you never, ever forget. After you've battled with somebody for so long, to hear that while the rest of the world rejoiced in the new year, she was rejoicing in her new heavenly home -- I can still remember that even though it looks cheesy on TV, my hands flew up to my mouth to cover a little gasp.

The next few days were hard as Katie and Faith (Aunt Nettie's daughters) moved in with us and adjusted to a completely new home.

My mom recently shared with me what happened at 4:00 on January 1st, 2008. She said that the only thing which made Aunt Annette more comfortable was to be sung to. So, she sang. She sang until all hours. She said she knew she wasn't a very good singer, but from the way Aunt Annette smiled, she believed the angels were singing along with her.

You need to give Him praise
Now, more than ever
'Cause soon you'll be
Singing His praise forever
I don't know
How long you'll be here
But while you are
My voice will be near
I'll sing you there
I'll sing you to His throne
I'll sing you there
I'll sing until you're home
I'll sing you there
I'm sorry my
Voice isn't filled with beauty
But I trust
The angels are singing with me
They'll sing you there
They'll sing you to His throne
They'll sing you there
They'll sing until you're home
They'll sing you there
The journey's through
The race has been run
He looks at you
And smiles, and says "Well done"
He sang you there
He sang you to His throne
He sang you there
He sang, and now you're home
He sang you there

Happy first birthday in Heaven, Aunt Annette. We love you and miss you so much. One day we'll all sing together!