Watch “Lauren Daigle: Trusting God in the Midst of Grief” on YouTube

“Lauren Daigle – You Say (Official Music Video)” on YouTube

You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
You say I am held when I am falling short
When I don’t belong, oh You say that I am Yours
And I believe (I), oh I believe (I)
What You say of me (I)
I believe

Oh I believe (I), yes I believe (I)
What You say of me (I)
Oh I believe (oh)

“Baptism Sunday [August 2015] – Harvest Church” on YouTube

Such a beautiful experience. I was baptized in 1992, in Hawaii.

Forgiveness, Grief, Shame and Addiction

Before my sister died, there was a lot of conflict between us because of her addiction. She would mass text and email me and lock up the crappy little phone I had way back then. Most of her rants made little sense, and there were things said between us that were very angry and hurtful.
Then she died, and all that just washed away in grief and guilt. I forgot about those texts and emails for 6 years, until the other day when I was exploring my old Yahoo account and found them.
I was three years sober at the time of her death. But two years sober when the emails were sent. I was very intolerant, unforgiving, ready to attack, swear, shame…
I had a responsibility, as a sober Christian person, to be more loving, not to swear, to pray through my anger. To use a calmer head.
I am not saying that I am perfect now, for I am far from it. But grief and loss have taught me to take a more subtle approach when possible. Yes, absolutely tell an addict that they will die if they go on. But love them. Make sure that they know that there is always HOPE.
Why did I drink? Mostly because of guilt and shame. If we seek to show how forgiving we can be, while also not tolerating the act of addiction, how much easier it would be for an addict to seek treatment. And the phrase “You can’t do it on your own,” is a very true statement. None of us can do this life alone.
I have found my peace with Jesus Christ, He stands firmly behind me in my walk with sobriety. He forgives my past slips and relapses, with His abounding grace. Knowing that He does so makes me desire alcohol less. I would not be here today but for Him. That is agape love.

“Middle East Current Events Update, Sept. 19, 2018.” on YouTube Crucial to Watch

Crucial to watch. Ezekiel’s war is coming upon us. Pay close attention to what is going on with Russia, Turkey, Iran and Israel (Ezekiel 38-39), where Gog, the leader of Magog, comes from the north of Israel along with others in its alliance to attack, but God defeats them supernaturally. There will be great confusion and ‘brother against brother.’ There will be a great earthquake felt the world over and mountains will fall, the Lord making everyone on earth know that He is God.

Also, watch what happens with Damascus, as Isaiah 17:1 prophesied that it will be destroyed, and Russia just closed the airspace adjacent to Syria this morning, meaning if Israel wants to strike, they must act quickly and decisively.

Gettin’ Saved

When words form a lyric creates a chord inside my Heart

I become emotional whenever I am reminded that we’re apart

Why must you be so cold?

I am getting, I am getting too old.

The burning inside of me has already slowed to embers,

Can you really think of anyone who truly remembers?

I know you, I know you well,

I can tell, you’re going through hell,

Can we at least talk, talk it over?

When I call, when I call, am I just a bother?

It’s been so darned long,

Outside, I am not too strong.

But inside of me is a person standing tall

I will, I will not fail, I will not fall.

My body, my body may be weak,

But my soul, my soul is full of what you seek.