Radio Time

We got to do something a little different today. A local Christian radio station had us in to give our testimonies and talk a little bit about the differences between living in Cork, America and Lithuania. It was fun, but a little nervous. I was focusing on trying not to say "um" and "like" a million times, so I think I babbled a bit (okay, more than a bit!)

Me in the studio, I got a picture of Keith, but only on Instagram.

One of the interesting things that they asked us to do was to bring in a couple of songs that meant something to us. At first I thought that would be difficult to narrow it down. I've been a Christian now for more than 27 years and I've had a lot of favorite songs over the years, but 2 really stuck out for me - and fortunately we still had both of them on CD's

The first song that I chose was "When God Ran" by Benny Hester. I originally had this song on a cassette tape and I wore that thing out because I played it so many times. I remember crying the first time I heard the lyrics because it put into words exactly how I felt when I came back to Jesus.

Here's the words -

Almighty God
The Great I Am
Immovable Rock,
Omnipotent powerful

Awesome Lord
Victorious Warrior
Commanding King of Kings
Mighty Conquerer

And the only time
The only time I ever saw Him run

Was when He ran to me
Took me in His arms, held my head to His chest
Said "My son's come home again"
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice
He said "Son, do you know I still love you?"

It caught me by surprise when God ran

The day I left home
I knew I'd broken His heart
I wondered then
If things could ever be the same

Then one night
I remembered His love for me
And down that dusty road
Ahead I could see

It's the only time
The only time I ever saw Him run

When He ran to me
Took me in His arms, held my head to His chest
Said "My son's come home again"
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice
He said "Son, do you know I still love you?"

It caught me by surprise
It brought me to my knees
When God ran

I saw Him run to me
And then I ran to Him

(Instrumental)

Holy One, Righteous Judge
He turned my way
Now I know He's been waiting
For this day

And then He ran to me
Took me in His arms, held my head to His chest
Said "My son's come home again"
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice
I felt His love for me and then He

Ran to me
Took me in His arms, held my head to His chest
Said "My son's come home again"
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice
He said Son, He said Son, My Son
Do you know I still love you
Oh He ran to me
When God ran

The music is very '80's, but the lyrics are great!

The other song I picked was from the band DownHere, it's called "Little Is Much" and it has encouraged me so many times, I've lost count. Here's the words -

What is the measure of a life well lived
If all I can offer seems too small to give
This is a song for the weaker, the poorer
And so-called failures

Little is much when God's in it
And no one can fathom the plans He holds
Little is much when God's in it
He changes the world with the seeds we sow
Little is much, little is much

Who feels tired and under-qualified
Who feels deserted, and hung out to dry
This is a song for the broken, the beat-up
And so-called losers

Consider a Kingdom in the smallest seed
Consider that giants fall to stones and slings
Consider a child in a manger
Consider the story isn't over
What can be done with what you still have

So, how about you? Do you know these songs? and what songs would you pick if you had to?

Resolutions

Can I tell you a secret? Well, I guess if I tell you it won't be a secret anymore, but here it is; I really like New Year's resolutions. So many people mock them or complain about them, but I love the idea of making a fresh start and commitment. I know it sounds kind of dorky, but that's me.


I have a few resolutions for 2013 (beyond my usual ones of eating healthier and exercising more!)

1> Memorize the book of Philippians

A few years ago I began to be bothered by how few scriptures I could recite from memory. I had read a book about Christians in China and their passion for the Word of God so inspired me. So I began to memorize verses. I can't even begin to explain how much it has helped me. Philippians consists of 104 verses so if you memorize 2 verses each week you can learn the entire book in one year.

2> Learn to play the mandolin

Last year for Christmas my husband bought me a mandolin. I love country music and thought this would be fun. Well, one year later all I have to show for it is a very short left hand manicure, semi-callused fingertips and the ability to play a few chords and a couple of tunes. I want to commit to practicing and really learning to play this year.

3> Learn to speak Dutch

We are expecting our first grandchild in the spring! Our daughter Carly and her husband Desmond live in the Netherlands so this baby will obviously grow up speaking Dutch. Carly has promised that she will teach her children English, but I'd like to be able to understand what the little ones are saying! We have a computer program that we've started with, and so far I've learned to say such useful phrases as "the clown has blue hair." Hopefully it will get better as it goes along, but if my grandkids say that about me, I'll be onto them ;)

How about you, any resolutions for the new year?