Yeah...that.

I don't watch American Idol. I "gave it up" several seasons ago when I realized what a time stealer is was for me. Two shows a week, voting...it got to be too much. So I stopped.

My Sweet Hubby, however, would dvr it and then fast forward through the parts he didn't care about - usually the judges' comments! Occasionally, he would say, "Sweetheart, you've got to watch this!" So I would...

This season, once all the auditions and selections were over and it was down to the final contestants, I decided that I would watch. Kind of a connection with my Sweet Hubby...

Now, if you know me, you know that I almost NEVER watch 'live' TV. Everything gets dvr'd so I can watch it when I'm ready, sans commercials. And so it was last night when I finally got around to watching what had been recorded. I really enjoyed Motown week - I love Smoky Robinson, don't you?!

Anyway, one of the contestants, Adam Lambert, chose to sing "Tracks of My Tears" - one of Smoky's songs. He asked Smoky what had inspired him to write it...Smokey said he got to thinking what if a person had cried so much, that if you got close enough you could see that their tears had left tracks...

...sigh...

It's been a rough week. In many ways. I'm thankful for friends who look close enough to see, really see. And continue to love on me, hold me up...

A friend said to me last night, "How do people cope that don't have Jesus?"

All I know is that I'm thankful I don't have to find out...it's hard enough with Jesus.

**Remember to scroll down and pause my player before clicking the link**







Tracks of My Tears ~ performed by Adam Lambert

Oh...and his performance? He got a standing ovation from Smoky. I think my Sweet Hubby would have liked it too...

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
Revelation 21:4

Oh what a glorious day...

it will be when we hear that trumpet's call!

Today's Music Monday song celebrates that moment. I hope you enjoy it! I love thinking about our homecoming with Jesus!

**Remember to scroll down and pause my player before clicking the link**

Midnight Cry ~ performed by John Starnes

Lyrics:

I hear the sound
of a mighty rushing wind
and it's closer now
than it's ever been
I can almost hear the trumpet
as Gabriel sounds the chord
at the midnight cry
we'll be going home

When Jesus steps out
on a cloud to call His children

the dead in Christ shall rise
to meet Him in the air
and then those that remain
will be quickly changed
at the midnight cry (at the midnight cry)
when Jesus comes again

I look around me
I see prophecies fulfilling
and signs of the times
they're appearing everywhere
I can almost hear the Father
as He says
Son go get your children
at the midnight cry
the Bride of Christ will rise

When Jesus steps out
on a cloud to call His children
the dead in Christ shall rise
to meet Him in the air
and then those that remain
will be quickly changed
at the midnight cry (at the midnight cry)
when Jesus comes again

And then those that remain
will be quickly changed
at the midnight cry (at the midnight cry)
when Jesus comes again
at the midnight cry (at the midnight cry)
when Jesus comes again
when Jesus comes again

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

A little self-reflection

My prayer for today:

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." Psalm 139:23-24

A glimpse at our future

In my quiet time this morning, I read these words:

"Then the angel said, 'I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!'" Luke 1:19

I stopped cold; tears flooding my eyes...chills.

Can you imagine? Standing in the very presence of God. Oh, what that must be like...

As Christians, it is our future. To God be the glory!

Where do they go?

This post is totally random...but I'm serious about the question!

So this morning I'm sitting on the stairs with LuLu looking out the window. I love to watch the little finches flitting in the butterfly bushes. And 'it' strikes me. You know...one of those questions.

With all the (literally) hundreds of birds we see each and every day, why are we not stepping over dead birds everywhere? I mean, think about it for a minute. Aside from birds (like gulls) hit by cars (or trains...don't ask) or the occasional cat victim, I just don't come across dead birds. Where do they go to die?

I had lunch with my best friend, J, today and I posed this question to her. I asked if birds had a special "dying" place - like elephants. Neither one of us knew the answer. Do you? Not that this question is earth shattering...I just want to know, is all. And J - you do too, right?

"Two sparrows are sold for a penny, aren't they? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's permission." Matthew 10:29

A hard day

Today marks the 4 month anniversary of my Sweet Hubby's homegoing. Some days, I feel like I'm moving forward through the grief. Other days, like yesterday and today, I just want to fall to the ground and cry and cry and cry...

I'm sorry friends. I have no song for you this Music Monday. I miss my husband so very much. And right now, today, I can't think of anything else...

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

And a little child shall lead them...

"Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all." Mark 10:15

**Remember to scroll down and pause my player before clicking the link.**


The Lord's Prayer ~ by Zoei

The Gospel according to...you (?)

For my Old Testament study, I am currently in the Book of Leviticus. For me, it is a difficult book to read, understand and apply to my own life. That's when you need a good study guide! Thankfully, one was recommended to me last year by a friend (thanks V!) and it has been such a gift - allowing me to understand God's Word in a deeper, clearer way.

So Saturday, after reading in Leviticus, I turned to Dr. J. Vernon McGee's Thru the Bible to see what he had to say...and incorporated in his outline, I found this:

The Gospel is written a chapter a day

By the deeds that you do and the words that you say.

Men read what you say whether faithless or true.

Say, what is the Gospel according to you?

I backed up and read it again. And again. It struck me as quite a profound little poem.

If I am Christ's Ambassador here on earth, then everything I do and everything I say can impact a lost brother or sister. Am I the best representative of the Gospel that I can be? Those who do not know the Lord are more than likely NOT reading His Word. So it's up to me as a believer to live His Word so that it's evident in my words and deeds.

What a responsibility...and you know I was convicted. A million thoughts ran through my head. Oh so many ways I can do better! I prayed that the Holy Spirit guide me and make me more conscious of my behavior.

So tell me...what is the Gospel...according to YOU?

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Yesterday was "Friend's Day" at church. My girlfriend, Kimberly, attended church and Sunday School with me. Please keep her in your prayers. When I thanked her for going, she said, "I did it for you." It is my prayer that one day (soon, please Lord) she will realize it was the best thing she ever did...for herself.

Because if there's one thing I know for sure, it's that we ALL need a Savior.

Which leads me to my song choice for Music Monday. I hope you enjoy it! **Remember to scroll down and pause my player before clicking the link.**












Mighty To Save ~ Hillsong

"Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6