my world in song

this world is fractured and i, a broken person, so pain and hurt are an ever-present reality in my story. i don't understand it, i can't explain why, but what i do know is that the cross is the only thing i should anchor myself to when these storms hit. it is a beacon of hope, peace, comfort, love...and so much more, and because of what was accomplished at the cross, i know with complete assuredness, that what i endure of hardship is only a season. so in response, i continue to lift my hands a BELIEVE.

today's song is "i'll lift my hands", by a regular favourite of mine, chris tomlin. the chorus alone declares my heart cry:

i'll lift my hands to believe again

YOU are my REFUGE, YOU are my STRENGTH

as i pour out my heart these things i remember

YOU are faithful GOD...forever! - amen

below is a youtube link for the song. my prayer is that the truth in its words reaches you wherever you currently find yourself and that you know that God is right there with you, and that being still in His presence, He will give you what you need to go on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of4fvzKnId0

until next time...

signed...

- a life delighter

my world in song

a love story...my days ahead await you. one of my favourite stories is jane austen's pride and prejudice and to quote the story's heroine, elizabeth bennet "i am determined that nothing but the very deepest love will induce me into matrimony". i look forward to my breath being taken away by him who's life i am to share, and he mine.

today's song is one by the talented singer josh groban. this youtube clip pulls footage from the pride and prejudice movie (2005) to accompany the truthful lyrics and beautiful melodies.

my confession - josh groban

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1stm4D3C_8

enjoy the delighting...

signed -

the life delighter

my world in song

new york calls me...one day i hope to answer. it's a place where my heart is drawn to. i look forward to getting acquainted with the statue, in all her liberty, walking down broadway and seeing a show. climb the empire state building on valentines day and see if a "tom hanks" is there waiting for me, stroll across the brooklyn bridge at sunset and gaze across the city's sky line, take in the lights of time square, row a boat in central park, have a coffee at "central perk", stand on the stage of radio city hall and hear the echos of the entertainers from years gone by (frank sinatra, ella fitzgerald, ray charles), whirl around rockefeller centre in a pair of ice skates and hail a real yellow cab with a whistle.

its a dream today but i pray it will be a reality someday. until then, i live vicariously through the experiences others have had of new york. today's song is "empire state of mind" by alicia keys.

click on link below to enjoy the song of choice for today...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4IiccUjGps

stay tuned...much more to come.

signed -

the life delighter

my world in song

she inspired, she loved, she encouraged, she prayed...and so much more. i once asked her "what do you do when you are staring tragedy head on?", her reply will be one that remains with me forever. she turned to me and with complete conviction, said "you look to the cross...it is the only thing that makes sense, when the world doesn't."

as the sun rose in its beauty and glory today, this beautiful lady stood before her Heavenly Father, the Creator, the Sustainer and Giver of life, and gazed on something never to be equalled by any glorious sunrise. she has seen and experienced the fullness of what Christ did for her at the cross...she went Home. the words "well done! my good and faithful servant" were spoken about her as she entered Heaven. where pain was, freedom is. where disease was felt, complete peace and true rest now is. her faith is sight and she worships in the presence of her Lord.

today's song, a beautiful song that anchors the ache of grief in the reality of hope...and turns our heads to look to the cross.

link below...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmyUgsmCzB4

thank you deb...your life is a testament to God's steadfast faithfulness and a legacy of His wonderful truth.

blessed be the name of the LORD, now and always

signed...
the life delighter

my world in song

a few weeks back, i was asked to present the spiritual input content at a camp that i'm involved with in the upcoming school holidays. initially, i wasn't too fussed with the idea, as the task is slightly daunting due to the responsibility attached to it. but, after much discussion, prayer and leaning into God, i'm becoming quite excited about the opportunity He has granted me to communicate His heart to those coming on the camp, and instead of feeling daunted, i'm honoured that He chose me.

never doing anything like this before, i sought the advice and counsel of some of the key leaders involved in the camp, and God has led us to a pretty exciting concept.

as part of the prep, i was directed to andrew petersen's song "holy is the lord", and was moved to tears. here it is for you to watch, and i pray that God uses it to cement the reality of His faithfulness, eventhough we don't understand the why.

click on link...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJKeQyEz7Hk

stay tuned, more to come...
signed...

the life delighter

my world in song

today's song of choice is "your faithfulness" by brian doerksen. a song dripping of the wonderful rest, comfort, peace and assurance that is offered to us when we turned COMPLETELY to the cross in those storms of life.

recently i heard two separate messages and in both, the idea of suffering and painful moments were addressed. the difference between how the two speakers addressed it was that one, as he shared his story, the utter reliance that he and his family had on God in their raging storm was clearly evident. when his world exploded from underneath him, and nothing made sense, he and his family turned to the ONLY thing that does, the cross and trusted. the other speaker however, i sensed missed this beautiful truth, as when he shared his experiences, and despite throwing out those usual christian cliches, he spoke of a very "me-focused" trust.

enjoy the song and knowing the truth that we can rest fully in HIS faithfulness, for it is truely great!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP562si-d1Q

til next time...

delight much

- the life delighter

my world in song

music has, is and i believe, always will be such a dynamic part of my life. an enchanting melody, a truth-packed chorus, a bridge of inspiration...they all resonate deep within my spirit. so i embark on bringing to light the beauty and wonder of the music and songs that accompany my life...

this is the soundtrack of a life delighter.

today's song is "when i'm alone" by brandon heath:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt_d7DiJZm0

the part in this song that particularly hit a note with me were these lyrics:

"this is my dream and my gift, but sometimes I get scared. that somehow i'll cease to belong anywhere"

in the last day or two i've been contemplating many aspects of my story...my dreams, passion, call, purpose and heart desires and during this time, this song has fallen on my radar and i'm finding myself pressing the pause button on life so i can marinate in its words for a bit.

this chapter of my life is indeed "my dream and my gift". to be called into a job like mine and stand with young people in the pits of life and have the opportunity to speak hope, truth and love into their walks, is a very cherished part of my life, and it is an honour to answer this call, but like in the song "sometimes i get scared", and its on this notion that i currently find myself seeking through - seeking wisdom, understanding, clarity and truth.

i know that with my faith and complete reliance of Christ for my salvation, allows me to belong in the kingdom of the Greatest, but its the smaller pieces of my life that i seek this insight, crave to know. that is why this song has captured my current place and has articulated its position perfectly, so for today, this is my soundtrack.

stay tuned, more to come...
signed...

the life delighter