A Place of Once and For All

Once and for all

The Father’s love 

He is the light in the darkness  Who took on flesh     

And took our place   

The weight of the world on his shoulder  

The weight of the world on his shoulder

I am overcome by these words tonight. Once and For ALL. On this day 2000 years ago, my Lord rose from the dead and conquered the grave. Death tried its hardest to hold HIM in the grave but it could not.

We believe our God is

We believe that He is Lord

We believe that He has saved us

From sin and death once and for all

Once my Jesus was brutally beaten and crucified on a cross. Once my Jesus breathed His last breath on earth. Once my Jesus was finished.

Once and for all Our debt is paid

There on the cross it is finished

The lamb of God

For us was slain

Up from the grave He is risen

Up from the grave He is risen

That one act, our Jesus slain on the cross, finished us. We are offered everlasting life because of his act of “Once and for All.” There is NOTHING you or I can do to deserve salvation. There is no good act we can do to break even to get to Heaven. That act on the cross solidified it ALL.

ONCE AND FOR ALL.

Jesus, Jesus
God from God
Light from Light
You are our salvation
Jesus, Jesus
God from God
Light from Light
Your Kingdom is forever

A Place of Single in the City

So I am going to assume that we are all somewhat familiar with the ever so popular HBO series that chronicled the lives of 4 single, fabulous women in the energetic New York City. As women we were all fueled by their power, dating advice, and fashion sense. I have to say I never really was into it, but to still say that it never had or still has any affect on my single life would be a lie. I mean who doesn't think on or often reference Carrie's famous articles on love?!

The thing that is missing though is the reality of being single in the city! Especially a booming metropolis such as Amarillo, Texas. Most of the time you forget we live in such a small town, we have great things going for us. Until it comes to our dating! It's like being stuck in fish bowl! Everyone knows everyone, and if you don't know them, your friend will and she will have something to say about them!

Sometimes I wish it were as easy as it seems on TV. Boy meets girl, girl likes boy, they date. Nothing complicated or over calculated. Maybe it is just me, but I feel like dating is the most stressful part of being a single adult. Talk about the added pressure from inquiring friends and family who mean well. Maybe I see it all as too simple. I see dating and finding a good one as something that should just happen. Something natural and organic. Possibly I am naive, and completely shut off to the REAL world of dating, but something inside me says there just has to be more. I have to hope as well that there has to be some guy out there who believes this too.

A Place of Blessing

I looked up recently and all I saw around me was blessing. 

Let me explain. 

This past year has been one of abundance. Abundance of answered prayers, abundance of dreams realized, and an abundance of the Lords tangible presence in all that I did. 

Thats not to say years past haven't been great, or this new one won't hold just as much abundance, if not more. All I am saying is that, when I stopped and really thought on it, I am doused in blessings.

It really all came together for me the night of Valentines day. I spent what is meant to be a romantic holiday making cupcakes, coffee filter hearts, and cuddling little ones as they drifted off to sleep. As I lay in bed that night discussing life, love, and relationships with a dear friend who came to babysit with me, my mind drifted not to what I don't currently have, but all that I have had even just in this last year. I am so quick to dwell on the negative, the never ending wondering of why my life doesn't look like I pictured it as little girl. Sure the desires of my heart fuel my thoughts, but what about what the Lord has already done in my life. 

Blessing after blessing. 

I know that the Lord holds me in the palm of His hands. So in that comfort I rest. He knows the desires of my heart, and hears them as I repeatedly give them over to Him. My Father blesses me and I know He has good for me!

For those people in my life who have played a major role in these blessings, I say thank you. Thank you for being the good light in my life!