An Epiphany

e·piph·a·ny - a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.

This evening I was out with Stitch for our walk/hike. This usually occurs on the nights that I don't have another activity after work. Since it's usually late in the evening when we leave the house, I try to keep a quick enough pace to get us back home before dark, dinner, a favorite TV show, bedtime, etc. Tonight we were going across one of the grassy fields near the driving range, which is about a mile from my house. Stitch was running along chasing butterflies and panting (aka puppy smiling) as she always does, just thrilled to be on a walk with me. I was, as I always do, charging along watching the ground for...well...crap. (It happens.) I also have to make sure that we stay on the path, don't get lost, watch for other people (Stranger Danger, right kids?!), loose dogs that could attack Stitch, rocks, holes in the ground, or anything else that might trip me up. Let's just say I get preoccupied.

I suddenly I realized that I hadn't looked up in a long time. Of course I look up enough to make sure Stitch is safe and not getting too tired, but I hadn't looked up - way up. I stopped walking and looked up to see the most beautiful sunset in a sky full of white fluffy clouds. (I love sunsets. Always have.) The weather was perfect as I stood in awe of God's magnificent creation. Just like that - epiphany! I laughed to myself realizing how like life. I'm always so busy...physically and mentally! I'm hurrying through life trying to dodge all the crap and stumbling blocks in my path without getting lost. It is so easy to forget to stop and look up!

The sky was such a beautiful reminder that He is always with me...guiding me home. It reminded me of one of my favorite running songs - "Light Up the Sky" by The Afters.

When I'm feeling all alone
With so far to go
The signs are no where on this road
Guiding me home
When the night is closing in
Is falling on my skin
Oh God will You come close?

Light light light up the sky
You light up the sky to show me You are with me
I can't deny
No I can't deny that You are right here with me
You've opened my eyes
So I can see You all around me
Light light light up the sky
You light up the sky to show me
That You are with me

 When stars are hiding in the clouds
I don't feel them shining
When I can't see You beyond my doubt
The silver lining
When I've almost reached the end
Like a flood You're rushing in
Your love is rushing in

Once Stitch and I got back into our neighborhood, I could see a silver lining shining just over the hill as the sun finally set. Amazing. Yeah, you still have to watch where you are going, but don't forget to take the time to look up. You won't regret it.

 "...The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."   - Psalm 19:1

You Gotta Have Faith

I'm still a dreamer and a believer

The Redeemer
Sanctus Real

Sometimes I just want to start over, 'cause everything looks like a wreck
And I need the courage to carry on, 'cause I can't see what's ahead
And there are places I've wished I could be, battles I've wanted to win
Dreams that have slipped through my hands
I may never get back again

But I'm still a dreamer, a believer
Oh, I've lost my faith in so many things, but I still believe in You
'Cause You can make anything new

Sometimes I just wish we could say all the things that are easy to hear
Ignore the injustice we see and explain every unanswered prayer
But I'd rather speak honestly and wear a tattered heart on my sleeve
'Cause in the middle of my broken dreams, redemption is here

And I'm still a dreamer, a believer
Oh, I've lost my faith in so many things, but I still believe in You
'Cause You are the answer, the redeemer
Oh, I've given up on too many things, but I'm not giving up on You
'Cause You can make anything new

I don't have every answer in life
But I'm trusting You one day at a time
'Cause You can make a weak heart stay alive forever
this is where Heaven and Earth collide
I lift my hands and give my life
This is how my weary heart stays alive

Oh, I'm still a dreamer
Still a believer
Oh, You are the answer
The redeemer

Where's the Line to See Jesus?

Tenth Avenue North

So, Tenth Avenue North is one of my very favorite Christian bands. (Watch the video for my favorite song from a previous blog.) I had an amazing opportunity last night to see Mike Donehey, the lead singer, perform an acoustic set. On top of that, I got the chance to meet him! (Nice, talented guy...funny too!) If you haven't already listened to some of their music, you should. I find it to be an encouragement, and I hope that you might too!

Anyway

I love music. I love how it can make me feel happy, encouraged, sometimes sad, and even understood. It lets me know that I'm not the only one to ever feel this way because someone sat down and wrote a song about it once upon a time. They went through the same struggles, and they lived to sing about it. A lot of times in life I'm left wondering why everything happens the way it does. I feel helpless, hurt, and alone. I feel like I shouldn't have believed that things could change, loved so much, or even dreamed that something was possible. Things don't always turn out how I hope they will, but I will keep singing, dreaming, and loving anyway because...

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
- Philippians 4:13

Anyway
Sung by Martina McBride
You can spend your whole life building
Something from nothing
One storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway

You can chase a dream
That seems so out of reach
And you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway

God is great
But sometimes life ain't good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway

This world's gone crazy
It's hard to believe
That tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway

You can love someone with all your heart
For all the right reasons
In a moment they can choose to walk away
Love 'em anyway

God is great
But sometimes life ain't good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway

You can pour your soul out singing
A song you believe in
That tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway

I sing...I dream...I love...anyway

Faith

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
- Hebrews 11:1

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds to find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water it’ll be alright
Life is so much more than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way if you keep believing

Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

- "That's What Faith Can Do" (Kutless)