He Is Enough

He Is Enough

That moment when you realize
That all you have learned isn't enough.
All that you have walked through,
All you have felt,
All you are.

When the heart is trampled and torn,
weary and worn,
Raw;

When the tears are silently streaming,
or coming in torrents,
Falling;

Then, oh my soul, 
Look up! 
Behold Your God! 
Trust.
Rest.
Believe.

He is enough. 
He is enough. 
He is enough. 

No More Lies!

No more sorrow. No more tears. 

No more goodbyes. No more fears. 

Endless Joy, 

Boundless, free. 

This, with Christ, 

Is Eternity.

These are all beautiful thoughts we have about our eternal home, heaven. And they are all true! What an amazing reality we will have one day. But I would add some more things we don't usually think about, that are all similar: 

no more lies. 

no more deception. 

no more falsehood. 

I was reading Psalm 63 last month and this verse practically jumped off the page at me: 

But the king will rejoice in God;

Everyone who swears by Him will glory,

For the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped.

Psalm 63:11

I read it over and over. Could it really be? One day the mouths of all liars will be stopped? I became downright giddy over this thought and almost broke out in the doxology! For some reason, whenever i thought of heaven, i had not thought about this truth.  I mean, i knew it, but how often do you hear this specifically?  This one verse filled me with so much hope and joy that morning!

This truth hit me so hard because i have been surrounded by lies and deception throughout my life. I have heard more lies than the average person, and that is not an exaggeration. I will not go into detail here, but i can tell you that it is exhausting.  

And it happens among professing Christians.

Just today i stumbled across something that someone had written that was full of lies, falsehood, slander, and full of malice...and it hurt. It hurt that people i love dearly were accused wrongly. It hurt that this person lashed out at the very people who had loved them, including me. 

But then i remembered God.

I remembered that He is the righteous Judge. 

HE IS TRUTH. 

And one day, the truth will be known. That situation where you have been falsely accused, lied about, slandered, deceived? He knows! He is your Shield and Defender! Even if it is never sorted out while you trod this earth, the truth will be made known that final day. Entrust yourself to Christ Jesus!

For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;   1 Peter 2:21-23

This verse (Psalm 63:11) is also very sobering, because if there will be no lies, falsehood, or deception in heaven, that means that those who lie and slander and do not repent are going to be separated from Jesus Christ forever. It motivates me to pray for them, to pray for their eyes to be opened and for them to repent and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I pray that they will turn from their sin and turn to the Saviour. 

For those of us who are in Christ, we can rejoice that there is no falsehood in Him. We can trust Him completely. All His words are life and truth. We can turn to the living Word of God (Hebrews 4:12) and find rest, encouragement, exhortation, love, and TRUTH. And one day, we will be in the very presence of PERFECT TRUTH forever. 

No more sorrow. No more tears. 

No more goodbyes. No more fears. 

No more lies. No more falsehood.

No more deception. All is TRUTH.

Endless Joy, 

Boundless, free. 

This, with Christ, 

Is Eternity.

Make it Right

There are some days that I lose sight.
okay,
There are more days than not that i forget
That God's timing and plan
is very different than mine.

I forget that
here
in this fallen, broken world
things will not make sense.
things will hurt.
a lot.
and sometimes the pain
doesn't stop.
maybe,
just maybe,
it gets worse.

And so i cling to Christ
and He holds me fast.
He keeps me.
even when my grip
slips.


This song reminded me, once again, that in God's time, He will "take all that is wrong and make it right." It may not be until i reach heaven, but He WILL make all that is wrong right.
ALL of it.

quiet

it has been quiet here.
for sure.

but, it has NOT been quiet in life.
for sure.

so often i long for space.
time.
quiet.

to sit.
think.
write.
process.

but i have to do those things
surrounded by noise.

it is mostly a good noise.
the noise of a busy home.
children learning.
growing.
changing.

and so,
it may be quiet here.
at least for longer periods of time
than i may desire.

but know that
i, too, am thinking.
learning.
growing.
processing.

and some day
it may spill over
here.
some day.

Be Not Weary

Be Not Weary.

Yes! He knows the way is dreary,

Knows the weakness of our frame. 

Knows that hand and heart are weary

He, 'in all points,' felt the same.

He is near to help and bless;

Be not weary, onward press.

Look to Him who once was willing

All His glory to resign,

That, for thee the law fulfilling,

All His merit might be thine.

Strive to follow day by day

Where His footsteps mark the way.

Look to Him, the Lord of Glory,

Tasting death to win thy life;

Gazing on 'that wondrous story,'

Canst thou falter in the strife?

Is it not new life to know

That the Lord hath loved thee so!

Look to Him who ever liveth, 

Interceding for His own:

Seek, yea, claim the grace He giveth

Freely from His priestly throne.

Will He not thy strength renew

With His Spirit's quickening dew?

Look to Him, and faith shall brighten,

Hope shall soar, and love shall burn;

Peace once more thy heart shall lighten;

Rise ! He calleth thee, return !

Be not weary on they way, 

Jesus is thy strength and stay. 

~Frances Ridley Havergal

What Comes After....

Light after Darkness

By Frances Ridley Havergal

Light after darkness, gain after loss,
Strength after weakness, crown after cross;
Sweet after bitter, hope after fears,
Home after wandering, praise after tears.

Sheaves after sowing, sun after rain,
Sight after mystery, peace after pain;
Joy after sorrow, calm after blast,
Rest after weariness, sweet rest at last.

Near after distant, gleam after gloom,
Love after loneliness, life after tomb;
After long agony, rapture of bliss,
Right was the pathway, leading to this.

The Depth of Letters

 A friend sent me a letter John Newton had written to a woman who was struggling. It was amazing. It caused me to want to read other letters he had written. Here is a great website with some of his letters for you to read. They are worth the time, even if you just read a few here and there. I read a letter he wrote to a fellow minister about godly church members. It was an excellent reminder to keep pressing on in Christ as a member of a local church, and that a member living a life committed to Jesus Christ is an encouragement to the pastor.

HERE is a link to 151 of his poems/hymns, which are also worth the time to read, bit by bit.

As I read through a few of his letters yesterday, it stood out to me how every line, every word that he wrote was purposeful. His letters do not begin "Hi! How are you?" No. They start off deep, intense, and personal. He is intentional to take every bit of space on the paper he is writing on to turn the reader to Christ. To the reality of life in this world. To the blessedness of perseverance, or to the desperate need of repentance. He seems to fear no one in his writing. Newton was bold for Christ.

As I read through some of his letters, a deep desire came over me to make my own words count. To be intentional in my letters. To be bold for Christ. To be intentional with my spoken words. Recently we heard a sermon at our church that reminded us of the need to live godly lives. I listened to two other messages by different preachers on the same passage to fill it out a little for myself, and the main point i heard? EVERYTHING we do while we traverse this planet matters. Everything. Every word spoken. Every act of love. Every sacrifice made for Christ. Every time we say NO to sin. Every time we choose self-control (by the power of His Spirit) over blowing our top. Every time we make a conscious choice not to gossip. Every time we fold another.load.of.laundry.  Every time we get up early to have those precious moment with our Saviour. Everything matters. Everything.


John Newton seemed to understand this. His letters reflect it. His poetry and his hymns proclaim it. In the midst of his own pain and difficulties, the Gospel shines forth as the most beautiful Light, calling us all to fix our gaze on Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfector of our faith.

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians 3:23-24

I Am Like A Puddle

puddle on Lake Superior rock

I am like a puddle. 

Here for a short time.

Slowly fading. 

Hopefully, reflecting the Son

as His light shines on me.

On my own i am nothing. 

Christ must be everything.

The One who fills me,

Who sustains me,

Who loves me.

I am like a puddle. 

Like a flower, 

Here for a short time.

This vapor of a life.

For His glory alone. 

Be Not Weary, Beloved

Be Not Weary.

Yes! He knows the way is dreary,

Knows the weakness of our frame. 

Knows that hand and heart are weary

He, 'in all points,' felt the same.

He is near to help and bless;

Be not weary, onward press.

Look to Him who once was willing

All His glory to resign,

That, for thee the law fulfilling,

All His merit might be thine.

Strive to follow day by day

Where His footsteps mark the way.

Look to Him, the Lord of Glory,

Tasting death to win thy life;

Gazing on 'that wondrous story,'

Canst thou falter in the strife?

Is it not new life to know

That the Lord hath loved thee so!

Look to Him who ever liveth, 

Interceding for His own:

Seek, yea, claim the grace He giveth

Freely from His priestly throne.

Will He not thy strength renew

With His Spirit's quickening dew?

Look to Him, and faith shall brighten,

Hope shall soar, and love shall burn;

Peace once more thy heart shall lighten;

Rise ! He calleth thee, return !

Be not weary on they way, 

Jesus is thy strength and stay. 

~Frances Ridley Havergal

Perfect Peace

Perfect Peace

Like a river glorious

Is God's perfect peace, 

Over all victorious

In its bright increase. 

Perfect--yet it groweth

Deeper all the way.

chorus: Stayed upon Jehovah, 

Hearts are fully blest,

Finding, as He promised,

Perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow

Of His blessed hand, 

Never foe can follow,

Never traitor stand. 

Not a surge of worry,

Not a shade of care,

Not a  blast of hurry

Touch the spirit there.

chorus: Stayed upon Jehovah,

Hearts are fully blest,

Finding, as He promised,

Perfect peace and rest.

Every joy or trial

Falleth from above,

Traced upon our dial

By the Sun of Love.

We may trust Him solely

All for us to do;

They who trust Him wholly,

Find Him wholly true.

chorus: Stayed upon Jehovah,

Hearts are fully blest,

Finding, as He promised,

Perfect peace and rest.

Stablish Thy Kingdom in my Heart

Thy Reign.

"Righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." Romans 14:17

Thy reign is righteousness,

Not mine, but Thine !

A covering no less

Than the broad, bright waves of Thy great sea,

That roll triumphantly

From line to pole, and pole to line;

A reign where every rebel thought

In sweet captivity

To Thine obedience is brought.

Thy reign is perfect peace; 

Not Mine, but Thine !

A stream that cannot cease,

For its fountain is Thy heart.  O depth unknown ! 

Thou givest of Thine own,

Pouring from Thine and filling mine.

The 'noise of war' hath passed away;

God's peace is on the throne,

Ruling with undisputed sway. 

Thy reign is joy divine;

Not mine, but Thine;

Or else not any joy to me !

For a joy that flowed not from Thine own,

Since Thou hast reigned alone, 

Were vacancy or misery. 

O sunshine of Thy realm, how bright

This radiance from Thy throne,

Unspeakable in calmest light ! 

Thy reign shall still increase !

I claim Thy word,

Let righteousness and peace 

And joy in the Holy Ghost be found,

And more and more abound

In me, through Thee, O Christ my Lord;

Take unto Thee Thy power, who art

My Sovereign, many-crowned ! 

Stablish Thy kingdom in my heart.

~by Frances Ridley Havergal in Evening Thoughts

Be Not Weary

Be Not Weary.

Yes! He knows the way is dreary,

Knows the weakness of our frame. 

Knows that hand and heart are weary

He, 'in all points,' felt the same.

He is near to help and bless;

Be not weary, onward press.

Look to Him who once was willing

All His glory to resign,

That, for thee the law fulfilling,

All His merit might be thine.

Strive to follow day by day

Where His footsteps mark the way.

Look to Him, the Lord of Glory,

Tasting death to win thy life;

Gazing on 'that wondrous story,'

Canst thou falter in the strife?

Is it not new life to know

That the Lord hath loved thee so!

Look to Him who ever liveth, 

Interceding for His own:

Seek, yea, claim the grace He giveth

Freely from His priestly throne.

Will He not thy strength renew

With His Spirit's quickening dew?

Look to Him, and faith shall brighten,

Hope shall soar, and love shall burn;

Peace once more thy heart shall lighten;

Rise ! He calleth thee, return !

Be not weary on they way, 

Jesus is thy strength and stay. 

~Frances Ridley Havergal

Fridays with Frances

Be Not Weary.

Yes! He knows the way is dreary,

Knows the weakness of our frame. 

Knows that hand and heart are weary

He, 'in all points,' felt the same.

He is near to help and bless;

Be not weary, onward press.

Look to Him who once was willing

All His glory to resign,

That, for thee the law fulfilling,

All His merit might be thine.

Strive to follow day by day

Where His footsteps mark the way.

Look to Him, the Lord of Glory,

Tasting death to win thy life;

Gazing on 'that wondrous story,'

Canst thou falter in the strife?

Is it not new life to know

That the Lord hath loved thee so!

Look to Him who ever liveth, 

Interceding for His own:

Seek, yea, claim the grace He giveth

Freely from His priestly throne.

Will He not thy strength renew

With His Spirit's quickening dew?

Look to Him, and faith shall brighten,

Hope shall soar, and love shall burn;

Peace once more thy heart shall lighten;

Rise ! He calleth thee, return !

Be not weary on they way, 

Jesus is thy strength and stay. 

~Frances Ridley Havergal

Fridays with Frances: Poetry

Thy Reign.

"Righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." Romans 14:17

Thy reign is righteousness,

Not mine, but Thine !

A covering no less

Than the broad, bright waves of Thy great sea,

That roll triumphantly

From line to pole, and pole to line;

A reign where every rebel thought

In sweet captivity

To Thine obedience is brought.

Thy reign is perfect peace; 

Not Mine, but Thine !

A stream that cannot cease,

For its fountain is Thy heart.  O depth unknown ! 

Thou givest of Thine own,

Pouring from Thine and filling mine.

The 'noise of war' hath passed away;

God's peace is on the throne,

Ruling with undisputed sway. 

Thy reign is joy divine;

Not mine, but Thine;

Or else not any joy to me !

For a joy that flowed not from Thine own,

Since Thou hast reigned alone, 

Were vacancy or misery. 

O sunshine of Thy realm, how bright

This radiance from Thy throne,

Unspeakable in calmest light ! 

Thy reign shall still increase !

I claim Thy word,

Let righteousness and peace 

And joy in the Holy Ghost be found,

And more and more abound

In me, through Thee, O Christ my Lord;

Take unto Thee Thy power, who art

My Sovereign, many-crowned ! 

Stablish Thy kingdom in my heart.

~by Frances Ridley Havergal in Evening Thoughts

Fridays with Frances

Your weekly dose of Frances R. Havergal :-)

Perfect Peace

Like a river glorious

Is God's perfect peace, 

Over all victorious

In its bright increase. 

Perfect--yet it groweth

Deeper all the way.

chorus: Stayed upon Jehovah, 

Hearts are fully blest,

Finding, as He promised,

Perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow

Of His blessed hand, 

Never foe can follow,

Never traitor stand. 

Not a surge of worry,

Not a shade of care,

Not a  blast of hurry

Touch the spirit there.

chorus: Stayed upon Jehovah,

Hearts are fully blest,

Finding, as He promised,

Perfect peace and rest.

Every joy or trial

Falleth from above,

Traced upon our dial

By the Sun of Love.

We may trust Him solely

All for us to do;

They who trust Him wholly,

Find Him wholly true.

chorus: Stayed upon Jehovah,

Hearts are fully blest,

Finding, as He promised,

Perfect peace and rest.

Fridays with Frances: Poetry

Today, a stanza of a poem written by F.R.H.

Oh, let me give

Out of the gifts Thou freely givest;

Oh, let me live

With life abundantly because Thou livest;

Oh, make me shine

In darkest places, for Thy light is mine;

Oh, let me be 

A faithful witness for Thy truth and Thee.

~Frances Ridley Havergal