Worship Wednesdays Are Coming

Has it really been almost two years since I posted? So much has happened, and I think blogging again is long overdue. Two years ago I was happily married, serving in full-time ministry, and looking ahead to many years doing what I loved. That was my plan, but God had other ideas. His desire is for me to be like Jesus, and He had a better path to accomplish this. Granted, I wouldn't have chosen this way, but that's why I'm not the One in charge.

So, here are the highlights  (lowlights?) of His plan for me: My marriage will be over soon after the new year, I'm no longer serving in ministry, I'm at a new church, following a new career path, and my life is headed in a new direction. There is much that can be said about all of that, and I will take the time to explain over the months ahead.

It has been a long, hard road since October of 2017. But in the midst of all the change, God has remained constant, good, and an anchor for my soul. While many friends have fallen away, many new ones have come alongside. My new church has been amazing and I'm so thankful for the many many answers to prayer that remind me of God's goodness and care. There are two ways God has especially ministered to me: through His Word and through music. Since music was one of the original purposes of this site, I want to share some of the songs that have ministered to me over the past year. So, I'll be starting a regular post called "Worship Wednesday."

"Worship Wednesday" is a chance for me to share with whoever may be reading, but especially for me, different songs that have impacted me lately as well as a bit of the story of what God has been doing in my life. There's something very cathartic about writing, whether it's a new song or a blog post. It's good to get thoughts down. It helps clarify, separate fact from fiction, imaginary woes from real opportunities. As I share these songs I'll give a little bit of the history of its impact in my life, how God used that particular song, and some resources related to it.

My plan is to post each week, but I've had plans before. We'll see what God's plans are as He reveals them. One thing I know for sure. Whatever ends up happening is the best that could happen. For God is on His throne. He is working. He loves His children. He loves me.

I'll leave you with a few verses from one of my favorite Psalms. Have a Happy New Year!

From Psalm 34

"I will bless the Lord at all times;

    his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul makes its boast in the Lord;

    let the humble hear and be glad.

Oh, magnify the Lord with me,

    and let us exalt his name together!

I sought the Lord, and he answered me

    and delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to him are radiant,

    and their faces shall never be ashamed.

This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him

    and saved him out of all his troubles.

The angel of the Lord encamps

    around those who fear him, and delivers them.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!

    Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,

    for those who fear him have no lack!

The young lions suffer want and hunger;

    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous

    and his ears toward their cry.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears

    and delivers them out of all their troubles.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted

    and saves the crushed in spirit."