Sunday, May 4, 2008

Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul....

This past week has been one of those in which we have experienced a roller coaster of emotions ranging from elation to fear. It is during the times of fear that my heart begins the process of disengagement from the One who loves me more than I can comprehend. I hear of yet another consequence of the Fall, and I once again allow my circumstances to define God. Though I despise it, I allow my heart to become detached from Him and feelings of abandonment take over. I have wrestled with this for quite sometime now, and it is to me, the worst thing on this side of Eternity. I am so thankful for His amazing grace to love and pursue me in the midst of my fear and doubt. He is faithful to minister to my brokenness as only He can. In Worship today we sang a song written by Anne Steele and composed by Kevin Twitt titled, Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul. It practically brought me to tears as I feel like it so beautifully expresses the longing and struggle of my heart to cling to Jesus in the midst of trial. If you are struggling to cling to Him, our only Hope, I pray He may encourage your heart through these words today.


Dear refuge of my weary soul on Thee when sorrows rise.
On Thee when waves of trouble toll, My fainting hope relies.
To Thee I tell each rising grief, For Thou alone canst heal
Thy word can bring a sweet relief For every pain I feel.

But oh! when gloomy doubts prevail, I fear to call Thee mine
The springs of comfort seem to fail, and all my hopes decline.
Yet gracious God where shall I flee? Thou art my only trust
And still my soul would cleave to Thee Thou prostrate in the dust.

Hast Thou not bid me seek thy face, And shall I seek in vain?
And can the ear of Sovereign grace Be deaf when I complain?
No still the ear of Sovereign grace, Attends the mourner's prayer
Oh may I ever find access, To breath my sorrows there.

Thy mercy seat is open still, Here let my soul retreat
With humble hope, attend thy will, and wait beneath Thy feet
Thy mercy seat is open still, Here let my soul retreat
With humble hope attend Thy will,
And wait beneath Thy feet.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Looking back....

Well, it has been one year since the beginnings of our hospital visits. This blog is at least one year old and has been a great reminder of God's work in our lives. God has been helping us to continue to live by faith as we live each day for him. Some days are harder than others, due to anxiety, stress, and temptation. Other days, we clearly see the Lord's hand and blessings in our life. I know for myself (Dale), this past year brought times of questioning God, His purposes and plan for our lives. It has been a year of tumultuous change for us. Through it all, God is bringing both Beth and I to grow in relying only upon Him and to know His redeeming, unchanging, compassionate steadfast love for us. There have been moments where this has been overwhelming to the point of tears, but one person put it, it seems to be God short circuiting the ways that have been turned against Him for so long.

Beth and I do thank you all so much for your prayers this past year. We do covet your prayers as we continue down this journey. This upcoming year will be filled with much more adventure I do not doubt. Lord willing, we will be able to update this a little bit more often to allow you to walk with us. Take care and talk with you real soon!

Dale