Our God Saves - Part Two

On Tuesday morning this week God protected countless people. People driving, people walking, children playing and my mom. What could have been an unimaginable tragedy ended up with only minor property damage and not a single scratch to my mom who was able to walk away.

In what appears so far to be a now minor event, perhaps what could be described as a "black out" but not a stroke or seizure or anything of that nature, my mom "took out" as my daugter says in her three year old wisdom, two stop signs before knocking over a fire valve and power box. In doing so turned the car over onto the driver's side. Therefore single handedly wiping out the power and cable to three blocks for a few hours and most likely totaling "the good car" as they put it.

The pictures below show how the car ended up as well as the "live" wires from the power company's box and broken fire valve. Thank God there wasn't a fire or that no one touched them before the police arrived!

The bottom two pictures are from two days later after the power box had been fixed but you can see the basic idea of what it looked like before my mom tried to "redecorate" the town home complex where I live.

Click to enlarge:
You never know what life brings with a phone call or a knock on the door (which is what I got on Tuesday from my boss while waiting for my mom to arrive). In a single moment everything can change. But in a single moment you can remember just how unbelievably blessed you are. I have to wonder how many times this happens and we don't realize it. Something to think about if you ask me.

Our God Saves.

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Our God Saves - Part One

Wow. The more I hear this song the more I love it. The more I sing it, the more it gets into my heart and I feel stronger and more able to take on anything that might come my way.

We sang this on Sunday at church. Today, I am sharing this with you because I will soon be telling why this Sunday (including this song) helped prepare me for what happened to me this week, specifically yesterday.

People might sometimes diminish regularly going to church and worshiping in person. This is a perfect example of why God teaches us and wants us to do just that.

I'll explain a little more about this week's events soon (with pictures even).

For now just take a moment and listen to this song and its powerful lyrics. They might just seem like just normal "christian music" words but let them really sink in. Even sing them - shout it out!! They are wonderfully powerful words. Words that can free you and help you with anything.

Want to know how I feel today as I spend some time reflecting on the past, future and present? Well this just says it all.

Click Here if you would rather "hear" these wonderful lyrics. It is a beautiful song.

Be Lifted High

Sin and its ways grow old
All of my heart turns to stone
And I'm left with no strength to arise
How You need to be lifted high

Sin and its ways lead to pain
Left here with hurt and with shame
So no longer will I leave your side
Jesus, you be lifted high

You be lifted high
You be lifted high
You be lifted high in my life
Oh God
And I fall to my knees
So it's you that they see
Not I
Jesus, you be lifted high

And even now that I'm inside your hands
Help me not to grow prideful again
Don't let me forsake sacrifice
Jesus you be lifted high

And if I'm blessed with the riches of kings
How could I ever think that it was me
For you brought me from darkness to light
Jesus, you be lifted high

You be lifted high
You be lifted high
You be lifted high in my life
Oh God
And I fall to my knees
So it's you that they see
Not I
Jesus, you be lifted high

This Atheist has it right!

I know not everyone who reads my blog is a believer. Therefore, I ask that all of you take a moment to watch this short video. I love his perspective and he is right. As a born-again Christian (who adamantly disdains "religion") if I truly believe what I say I do, I can't just sit by silently. Frankly, I need to work more on this. Now there is a line where you become that person that people cross the street in order to avoid...and I admit I cross the street too. But I digress.

No matter what perspective you have this is worth watching. Anyway, this self proclaimed atheist has it absolutely right and it is something all self proclaimed "Christians" should pay attention to!





So now, in honor of Easter, I know it is a while yet but I love Easter. Unlike Christmas it is filled with such a deep sadness at first and then such joy. That powerful few days always moves me.

Please take a moment to set aside any disbelief and simply focus on the words and images. I hope it blesses you but if not then you haven't really lost anything.

Michael W. Smith and Crew (including Michael Olson)

Marty and I have attended his Christmas concerts for several years and even though we can't make it this year we recommend anyone who can should not miss it! Michael W. Smith's music is so moving (especially his orchestral and Christmas styles) and with my old college classmate touring with him currently as his drummer, Michael Olson - who is also an excellent musician, it is sure to surpass expectations again this year. I receive MWS's e-mail newsletters and after a few clicks on this website I happened to run across this! I love behind the scenes stuff...kind of makes me miss my time performing in HS and college. Hope you enjoy!

I apologize up front.

But I simply cannot help myself. Actually you can blame this on my friend Emily (she can be reached by way of her blog located on the right hand column under "Blogs to Visit" and look for "Emily's Life").

Sorry guys but it must be done. I am compelled to share with you, what was shared with me.