None But Christ

We sang this song at church on Sunday, and I am reminded of my sinful tendencies to run after so many things that ultimately do not satisfy. What empty pursuits I so earnestly seek! This is one of my favorite songs and unfortunately it is not available anywhere online to which I can link. That is because it is an old poem, whose author is unknown, or at least debated, and my friend wrote the music to go with it. I wish you could hear the tune, as it makes the words that much more meaningful, but you'll have to be content with the lyrics, unless you ask me to sing it for you . . .

O Christ, in Thee my soul hath found,
And found in Thee alone,
The peace, the joy I sought so long,
The bliss till now unknown.

Refrain:
Now none but Christ can satisfy,
No other name for me;
There's love, and life, and lasting joy,
Lord Jesus, found in Thee.

I sighed for rest and happiness,
I yearned for them, not Thee;
But while I passed my Saviour by,
His love laid hold on me.

I tried the broken cisterns, Lord,
But ah! the waters failed!
E'en as I stooped to drink they'd fled,
And mocked me as I wailed.

The pleasures lost I sadly mourned,
But never wept for Thee,
Till grace the sightless eyes received,
Thy loveliness to see.

That last verse always gets to me. Praise God that he opened my eyes to His loveliness and keeps pursuing me even when I try to replace Him.

Favorite Music

I have a vivid recollection of my mom repeatedly asking me to turn off the music in our house growing up. She cherished peace and quiet and I thought I couldn't live without background music. Maybe I imagined it as the soundtrack of my life, but I can still hear a song that I listened to as a teenager and instantly remember the people and places and situations that were were occurring at that time. I don't think I'm alone in this phenomenon.

However, I have found since having children that I too enjoy the peace and quiet that occurs for only 2 hours (or less) each afternoon when the kids are in their rooms. But I've also found that my mind wanders and it is better to listen to music to keep my thoughts focused on Christ. So here is my list of favorite Cd's to listen to when it doesn't threaten my mental well-being:

(in no particular order)
1. Redemption Songs by Jars of Clay
2. Grace like Rain by Todd Agnew
3. Songs for the Cross-Centered Life by Sovereign Grace Ministries
4. Remedy by David Crowder Band
5. Good Monsters by Jars of Clay
6. And ANYTHING by the Newsboys!

These are what I've been listening to lately, how about you?

Love Song for a Savior by Jars of Clay

It's been fun, as my walk with Christ deepens and matures, to listen to music that I've loved for a long time. I have abandoned some old favorites because I don't believe the theology they teach, while others have become more meaningful and sweet to me. One such song is "Love Song for a Savior" by Jars of Clay. I'm sure I've owned this CD for at least 12 years, since high school, and even got demerits at Maranatha for listening to it there! It is still one of my favorite Cd's and I've enjoyed the group's changing sound over the years.

So the other day, when I chose Jars of Clay to listen to on my iPod, I easily slipped into just enjoying the music and lyrics without really thinking about what they were saying. And when Love Song came on, I was caught off guard at what a beautiful picture of a childhood conversion might look like. I listened intently and thought about my own conversion, and hoped for a similar experience for my kids. I want them to grow up knowing about God, wanting to love Him until the moment He divinely opens their eyes to His worth.

So enjoy the lyrics, watch the youtube video, and buy the song on iTunes for $.99 if you think you'll like it.

In open fields of wild flowers
She breathes the air flies away
She thanks her Jesus for the daisies and the roses
In no simple language
Someday she'll understand the meaning of it all

He's more than the laughter
Or the stars in the heavens
As close as a heartbeat
Or a song on her lips
Someday she'll trust him
And learn how to see him
Someday he'll call her
And she will come running
Fall in his arms, the tears will fall down
And she'll pray

I want to fall in love with you

Sitting silent wearing Sunday best
The sermon echoes through the walls
A great salvation through it
Goes to the people who stare into nowhere
Can't feel the chains on their souls

He's more than the laughter
Or the stars in the heavens
As close as a heartbeat
Or a song on her lips
Someday we'll trust him
And learn how to see him
Someday he'll call us
And we will come running
Fall in his arms
The tears will fall down and we'll pray

I want to fall in love with you

Waiting . . .

While I am still waiting for a chance to download the pictures from Dan's party, I decided to give you a fun link I found. Apparently YouTube gave out it's first awards and this video won for "Most Original." Take a minute to watch and you will see why!

***Disclaimer*** I do not know what the song they are singing is about. I was not listening because I unashamedly got caught up in the spectacle of the video. My guess is that you will too. So if the song is inappropriate in any way, you have my apologies.

Now for a more dignified recommendation, check out this video by my favorite group, The Newsboys. This song ranks as one of the best of all time!

Enjoy the links. I love YouTube!!!

Another favorite song . . .

About a week ago I posted the lyrics of a Casting Crowns song and a link to the video on Youtube. I hope you all enjoyed it. I also mentioned that there is another CC song that I really enjoy and I thought I would take the time to share it with you today.

Let me give some background: A year ago in July we lost a baby girl, whom we named Donette, while I was about 6 months pregnant. As you can imagine, that trial hit us pretty hard. God was good to us throughout it all, and we have grown because of it, but there are still moments that I mourn the loss. In fact, last week was my birthday and I was running a thousand errands for a shower I was hosting, and one of them took me to the area where she was laid to rest. I stopped for a moment at her grave, thought about her and how I wish I could hold her again, and then thanked God for her short life and went on my way. It was no coincidence that this song played on the radio shortly thereafter. I share the lyrics here and the video here:
(the video isn't made by the band, it is just pictures to the song)
Praise you in the Storm
I was sure by now/that 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 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

chorus I'll praise you in this storm/and I will lift my hands/for you are who you are/no matter where I am/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/you raised me up again/my strength is almost gone/how can I carry on/if I can't find you?

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.

This song was quoted on my friend's blog, Ed, when he was battling cancer. He went home to Heaven this summer, and this song brought me some comfort again as I mourned his passing.

I am fully aware that songs are not Scripture. We can't look to them for all of our comfort when we need to look to Christ. However, God made us with a heart that responds to music (which is why is can be such a powerful tool for good or evil) and when the lyrics point out attributes of God that we need to be reminded of, it can serve as a tool to keep us Cross-centered. I appreciate this song for that.

Correction

I was informed that the link to the Casting Crowns song didn't work. I think I have it fixed, so take the time to watch it!

Does Anybody Hear Her?

Does Anybody Hear Her?

I got a link to this great Casting Crowns video on youtube and wanted to share it with all of you (HT: JR). Casting Crowns is one of my favorite groups (Newsboys still hold the #1 spot) because their songs have such great messages about how we "do" church. How it is so often a once-a-week meeting and we have our church friends and church activities and we never once come in contact with the world around us.

So here are the lyrics for those of you who have trouble hearing them (i.e. mom). If you get the chance to watch the video, please do. It will be worth your 3 minutes as it has a great message.

She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
She is trying
But the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart.
So she sets out on another misadventure just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind.

Chorus
Does anybody hear her?
Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even know she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me.
Does anybody hear her?
Can anybody see?

She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away

Chorus

If judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her.

God, forgive us for making it all about "me". There are so many hurting people out there who need your love and forgivenenss and it is so easy to get wrapped up in my desires. Take my eyes off of myself and put them on You, and help me see those whom you have put in my path that I can minister to.

There is another Casting Crowns song that I love and will share with you in a few days. Hope this one touches your heart.