Sweet, Calming Voice at a Distance

You lead me by the still waters

I've found I need those still waters

You walk me through the raging sea

But with You I'm not afraid of that raging sea

You tell me to look ahead, not to look back

Oh, how I wish I would have listened

Because now, I'm stuck. Wisdom; I lack

Fear filling my mind with endless possibilities of how this could terribly end

I'm standing in the middle of this wretched sea, on the only piece of dry land

Waves racing steadily toward me

Deathly splashes of blue is all my eyes can seem to see

Just as my heart feels as if it will burst through my chest

It stops.

I hear Your sweet, calming voice at a distance

Suddenly my fear stricken heart finds rest

The voice fades, the seas rage

Yet still my heart is at peace

Your still, small voice spoke one simple, yet moving phrase

And it was enough to put my mind at ease

You said,

"Follow me"

The path on this dry land, surrounded by masses of water, is narrow

But that voice, those two words, the way it hit my ears first, then pierced my heart second

That's what my body clings to

God, I only want You

Help me, lead me, guide me through

I just don't know what I'm supposed to do

But You remind me,

You said,

"Follow me"

Burden

Psalm 41:3- "The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness."



I have a heart for the sick; the sick in body, in mind, and in the heart. I have always felt this way, but over the past couple months my heart is so burdened.

When I was younger, my mom was asked to help a friend by taking care of their ill, elderly mother. I went with my mom to help take care of her. I grew so attached to her. Most kids would have run to the other room, afraid of a sick elderly person, but I cared so much about her the instant I saw her. One morning I was in the car, on my way to school, and my mom called me sounding upset. She told me that this elderly woman had passed. I remember that moment so clearly. I was so heartbroken. Later on, I was in 4th grade, and for one of the writing assignments, I wrote about her. The only thing I can remember from that paper was that I said something a long the lines of, when I look in my neighbors back yard and see their dog 'Angel,' I think of Norma (the elderly woman), because she was an angel.

I don't know why, but still to this day, I remember these things and think about her.
As I was thinking about all of this earlier, I felt God saying to me that, that moment in my life, taking care of an elderly woman, was a glimpse into my future.

This past summer, on my second mission trip to Jamaica, we did something different this year, and went to a hospital to minister. Once again, my heart was burdened. But this time for every single person in there, young and old alike. There was an old woman that we talked to and prayed for. I couldn't understand a thing she said. All I knew was that, that woman was lonely, and dying, and that my heart was broken for her.
Then we went into the children's section of the hospital. I didn't even walk all the way into the area and started bawling.
I remember at one point telling someone, these people have no idea (about Christ, and where they're spending eternity) and they're dying.

I believe God has placed this burden in my heart for a purpose. I'm excited and ready to see what he places before me, and what doors he opens in the future to act on this passion inside of me.
I know if I do nothing but what this verse says, it will be enough!
Psalm 15:30- "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."

Contrast

Contrast is, beauty;

I find peace in a storm

Happiness in the rain

Silence in chaos

Color in a gray sky

Humility in recognition

Glory in Your creation

Faithfulness to my inconsistency

Knowledge in my awestruck mind

Wisdom in my young heart

Unity in a divided generation

Selfrespect amongst disrespect

Devotion with a ticking clock

Soft spots on a heart like a rock

Compassion for the merciless

Grace for my ungraceful sin

Acceptance from You,

For the unworthy, usless human- me

And I find,

A cross, portraying eternal sacrifice

For a soul, desiring to be with Christ

Refuge

Lord, my refuge

Hold me dear to your heart

Restore my soul

Take me where I can disapear with you

Lord, my stronghold

Pour concrete foundation under my feet

Be my guidance, my shelter, my relief

Protect me from the schemes of the enemy

Erase the fear and doubt inside of me

I'm running to you, crying to you, hungry for you

Be my resource, my aid, my bandage to my open wound

Cover me in your arms

Fill my heart to overflowing, with your unfailing love

Enrich my brain with your unbreakable promises

Clothe me with the patterns of your grace

My desire is to know you

My heart is hungry for your bread

My soul is longing to draw nearer to you

My mind begs for more wisdom of who you are

My mouth thirsts to taste only your living water

I can't express with my shallow, human mind what you are to me

I love you more than I could ever say

You remind me, and I'm so thankful each new day

What you sacrificed for, me, at Calvary

Psalm 34

"I bless God every chance I get;
my lungs expand with his praise.

I live and breathe God;
if things aren't going well, hear this and be happy.

Join me in spreading the news;
together let's get the word out.

God met me more than halfway,
he freed me from my anxious fears.

Look at him, give him your warmest smile.
Never hide your feelings from him.

When I was desperate, I called out,
and God got me out of a tight spot.

God's angel sets up a circle
of protection arouond us while we pray.

Open your mouth and taste,
open your eyes and see-
how good God is.
Blessed are you who run to him.

Worship God if you want the best;
worship opens doors to all his goodness.

Young lions on the prowl get hungry,
but God-seekers are full of God.

Come, children, listen closely;
I'll give you a lesson in God worship.

Who out there has a lust for life?
Can't wait each day to come upon beauty?

Ground your tongue from profanity,
and no more lying through your teeth.

Turn your back on sin, do something good.
Embrace peace- don't let it get away!

God keeps an eye on his friends,
his ears pick up every moan and groan.

God won't put up with rebels;
he'll cull them from the pack.

Is anyone crying for help? God is listening.
ready to rescue you.

If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there;
if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath.

Disciples so often get into trouble;
still, God is there every time.

He's your bodyguard, shielding every bone;
not even a finger gets broken.

The wicked commit slow suicide;
they waste their lives hating the good.

God pays for each slave's freedom;
no one who runs to him loses out."

Psalm 34 (Message translation)