As I reflect upon the past year, I cannot help but have mixed emotions.
The year started with our hearts being full of concern for our oldest son, whose arm had been numb for several months without a clear explanation as to why. We were certain it had to do with football, an injury or accident during practice, perhaps. We only knew that after many doctors and tests and a trip to Mayo Clinic, he still didn't have feeling below the elbow and no one could tell him (or us), when or if it would return. Praise God that just as physical therapy was ending, the feeling slowly began to return and within a few weeks, he had full feeling once again. When it was time for Spring practices, he was ready to return to the field.
We should have know then that God was going to be doing BIG things in our lives.
The year quickly unfolded into the most overwhelming, uncertain and rewarding year we have seen.
It's been difficult.
It's been exhausting.
It's been draining.
It's been full of worry and doubt.
It's been heart wrenching.
It's been trying.
It's been HARD.
And it's been worth it all. Not because we are super heroes or saints, but because God has done amazing things in our hearts, our home, our family.
As we head into a new year, we know with certainty that those difficult, exhausting, draining, heart wrenching, trying and really hard times are not over. Our desire is not to see them vanish, but to see God in them, to reflect Him and allow His light to shine through us.
So, here it is, our song for 2015. The lyrics have been playing over in my mind for several weeks now and I believe that God is trying to sow a fresh perspective in how I look at the challenges that lie ahead.
Here in this worn and weary land
Where many a dream has died
Like a tree planted by the water
We never will run dry
So living water flowing through
God we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls
With one desire
Just to know You and
To make You known
We lift Your name on High
Shine like the sun make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It's time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
Into Your word we're digging deep
To know our Father's heart
Into the world we're reaching out
To show them who You are
So living water flowing through
God we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls
With one desire
Just to know You and
To make You known
We lift Your name on High
Shine like the sun make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It's time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Just to know You and
To make You known
We lift Your name on High
Shine like the sun make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It's time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
We were made to Thrive
Where many a dream has died
Like a tree planted by the water
We never will run dry
So living water flowing through
God we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls
With one desire
Just to know You and
To make You known
We lift Your name on High
Shine like the sun make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It's time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
Into Your word we're digging deep
To know our Father's heart
Into the world we're reaching out
To show them who You are
So living water flowing through
God we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls
With one desire
Just to know You and
To make You known
We lift Your name on High
Shine like the sun make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It's time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Just to know You and
To make You known
We lift Your name on High
Shine like the sun make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It's time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
We were made to Thrive
--Casting Crowns "Thrive"
