Keep the scars?

(Boy, it feels good to be writing again....)

Recently, I heard a song that states: "heal the wounds, but keep the scars."

Call me crazy, but the first thought I had was "I'd rather not have the scars either!"

I saw Jesus smile.

But I mean seriously; live long enough, and between the self-inflicted wounds and those inflicted by others -- if Jesus didn't heal the scars, too, we'd all be one huge walking scar.  Am I right?!

(I see Him smiling again!)

Years ago I posted Sara Groves' song, "Less Like Scars."   Personally, I find it to be in line more with my realness in life. When I listened to the other song --asking God to leave the scars just didn't sit right with me, but asking Him to transform scars into character.... now THAT is something I can get behind!

(Yep, He's definitely smiling!)

Perhaps you find yourself at a place where life does feel more like a casket - where you can't  feel the power or the hope, can't cope, can't feel a thing.  The GOOD news is it doesn't matter what YOU FEEL -- *HE* is ever present, ever able, and ever faithful..... regardless of our glaring inabilities!

So, as we close out this year, if today you feel downtrodden and scar-riddled  -- take a listen to the song posted below, and then dare to ask Him to transform your scars into stars of character.

Blessings!
Deborah


(For your convenience, the lyrics are posted below the song.)



It's been a hard year
But I'm climbing out of the rubble
These lessons are hard
Healing changes are subtle
But every day it's....
Less like tearing, more like building
Less like captive, more like willing
Less like breakdown, more like surrender
Less like haunting, more like remember

And I feel you here
And you're picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad situation
But you are able
And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars and more like
Character

Less like a prison, more like my room
It's less like a casket, more like a womb
Less like dying, more like transcending
Less like fear, less like an ending

And I feel you here
And you're picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad situation
But you are able
And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars

Just a little while ago
I couldn't feel the power or the hope
I couldn't cope, I couldn't feel a thing
Just a little while back
I was desperate, broken, laid out, hoping
You would come

And I need you
And I want you here
And I feel you

And I know you're here
And you're picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad, bad situation
But you are able

And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars (x3)

And more like
Character

NYC Christmas Trip

I so enjoy visiting New York City.  We have, in the past, taken our children there during the warmer months of the year.  They, too, have an affinity towards to the city. However, one of my bucket-list items was to take them there during the Christmas season. This year we joyfully made that happen!

God's pleasure was felt and acknowledged in the smallest of details to the largest!  I cannot think of a single thing that could have improved our trip.  It was a wonderful Christmas present to us all!

As but one example amongst many, I had been covering the weather in prayer for the month leading up to our trip. God heard and answered my prayers. Between 24-48 hours prior to our arrival, it snowed!  BUT the days of our trip were surrounded with unseasonably cool to warm temperatures, beginning with 45 degrees Fahrenheit and warming to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.  Any one who knows NY, knows that is a heatwave in December, but for us, it was as if we brought our NC temperatures along with us. The day we arrived back home a cold front hit NYC, returning the temperatures back to their normal 20-30 degrees!  I smiled as I acknowledged and expressed my gratitude towards my Father for attending to every detail with His care and precision!

So having said that, as this entry comes to a close, permit me to share a few pictures out of the over two hundred pictures we took! Enjoy!

Christmas Thoughts

Good morning, dear souls!

First off, let me say that I hope EACH of you had a meaningful Christmas this year. I am certain laughter and joy filled a number of homes yesterday from coast to coast and beyond! But, I cannot acknowledge the laughter and the joy without acknowledging the pain and sorrow of so many. 

For those precious souls, yesterday was passed minute by minute as they sought to hang on with whatever strength they could muster. To those souls, especially as we head into the new year just days away, I want to share this song in the hopes of encouraging you that nothing is wasted.....nothing. 

Take heart, dear ones; take up courage and trust that your seeds of sorrow will yield tomorrow's joys in the hands of our Savior. 



Much love to each of you as we all look ahead to what God will do in 2014. 

Blessings! 
Deborah