there is a Hope and He has a Name

There is a HOPE


Live Worship from Ireland

Stuart Townend

(lyrics are located below the photos - scroll down to read as you listen)

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

~1 Peter 1: 3-9

I began this week really immersing myself in the lyrics of this modern hymn... and I was sure (or at least hopeful) we would sing it at church this Easter morning... We did!- with full choir and orchestra. This was greatly encouraging to me and I was caught up barely able to "sing" (which is not a sad thing at all as I use the term "sing" lightly when applied to myself... I more or less croak and squeak and always feel the need to apologize to whomever sits in front of me). HOPE for the believer is not something that might happen or might come or might materialize ... HOPE for the believer is a promise... a guarantee and THAT is the Hope we sing about... the HOPE we celebrate! ~Katey

(you can watch/listen to that Easter service HERE)

THERE IS A HOPE
by Stuart Townend and Mark Edwards
Copyright (c) 2007 Thankyou Music.

There is a hope that burns within my heart,
That gives me strength for ev'ry passing day;
a glimpse of glory now revealed in meager part,
Yet drives all doubt away:
I stand in Christ, with sins forgiv'n;
and Christ in me, the hope of heav'n!
My highest calling and my deepest joy,
to make His will my home.

There is a hope that lifts my weary head,
A consolation strong against despair,
That when the world has plunged me in its deepest pit,
I find the Savior there!
Through present sufferings, future's fear,
He whispers, "Courage!" in my ear.
For I am safe in everlasting arms,
And they will lead me home.

There is a hope that stands the test of time,
That lifts my eyes beyond the beckoning grave,
To see the matchless beauty of a day divine
When I behold His face!
When sufferings cease and sorrows die,
and every longing satisfied,
then joy unspeakable will flood my soul,
For I am truly home.

Blessings ~ Katey

~(my ART)~

wintersong

for any one and every one who knows loss

peace to you this holiday season and always

xo

~katey

UnHappy Anniversary

Memorials & Memories…

I would be remiss to not quietly acknowledge that each of us has been touched in some way during this week of deep sorrow and unspeakable pain. We collectively add Virginia Tech to other such grief-laden words like Oklahoma City and Columbine.

Evil is NOT the opposite of God.

Evil is the ABSENCE of God.

When you find yourself saying Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas, remember that removing God and closing the doors to His presence invites evil.

Still - He seeks us and waits for us, and loves us…

FORGIVES US...

As small children, He is our superhero … as troubled teens He is a secret friend… As new parents He holds us when we struggle. And when we are ready to leave this life He is there to comfort & keep us…

~joy still,

katey

I Am

(by Nichole Nordeman 2002 Ariose Music)

Pencil marks on a wall, I wasn't always this tall

You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed.

You watched my team win, and watched my team lose

Watched when my bicycle went down again

When I was weak, unable to speak, still I could call You by name

And I said Elbow Healer, Superhero, come if you can

You said, I Am

Only sixteen, life is so mean

What kind of curfew is at 10 pm?

You saw my mistakes and watched my heart break

Heard when I swore I'd never love again

When I was weak, unable to speak, still I could call You by name

And I said Heartache Healer, Secret Keeper, be my best friend

You said, I Am

You saw me wear white by pale candlelight

I said 'forever' to what lies ahead

Two kids and a dream, with kids that can scream

Too much it might seem when it is 2 am.

When I was weak, unable to speak, still I could call You by name

Oh, Shepherd Savior, Pasture Maker, hold on to my hand

You said, I Am

The winds of change and circumstance

Blow in and all around us

So we find a foothold that's familiar

And bless the moments that we feel you nearer

When life had begun I was woven and spun

You let the angels dance around the throne

Who can say when, but they'll dance again

When I am free and finally headed home

I will be weak, unable to speak, still I will call You by name

Creator, Maker, Life SustainerComforter, Healer, My Redeemer

Lord and King, Beginning and the End

I Am, I Am

Featured Art: original Domino Pendants by Katey-D