music monday// make something beautiful

This song is such comfort to me when I feel like I’m slipping into the depths of despair. I have a story to share someday. My story. A story which might be hard for you to believe. a story which leaves me sometimes wishing badly to be adopted by a fairly functional family filled with the genuine love of Jesus. The dysfunction is like acid with the tendency to eat at my veins, but I’m thankful for Jesus. Without Him, it would be extra hard! I’m in the throes of it but I know the Lord is the One who is lifting up my head and gathering me from the ash heap.

via

make something beautiful~ laura story

When I’m at the point of breaking at the place where I resign,

When I’m at the stage of shaking my head as I look back on my life,

When I’m halfway through the grieving, but not quite through the ache,

When I cannot see the ending, or which road I’m supposed to take,

All I know to do is lift my hands to You.

Take all of my life, all of my life,

And make something beautiful.

I open my hand, trusting Your plan.

Make something beautiful so all will see

Your work in me, as You make something beautiful

When I’m tired of pretending, and I can’t recall my lines

Do I say, I’m barely breathing, or just say, I’m doing fine.

I admit there is a yearning, for the hurting to subside,

But not at the risk of missing what You’re doing with my life

All I know to do is lift my hands to You.

Cause all I know to do is lift my hands to You,

all I know to do is lift my hands to You

“and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

“may my prayer be set before You like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” Psalm 141:2

“I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands.” Psalm 63:4

“many are saying of me, ‘God will not deliver him.’ but You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” Psalm 3:2-3

“heal me, Lord, and I shall be healed; save me and I shall be saved, for You are the One I praise.” Jeremiah 17:14

“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them with princes and makes them inherit a throne of honor…” 1 samuel 2:8

When I don’t understand why God is allowing me to face terrible, hard things, I remember Hannah in the Bible. 1 samuel 1:10 says: “in her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, ‘Lord Almighty, if You will only look on Your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life…”

I love how she was not ashamed to admit to Eli, the priest that she was hurting and troubled. 1 samuel 1:15 says:” …I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.’ “

Even In the pain, I’ve resolved to trust with my hands held high in faith and praise. This is not the time for me to wallow in the hurt and resign myself to it. I choose to lift my head and look up to my Helper and take Him at His Word when He says:” for I know the plans I have for you, ‘declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

What do you do when you’re facing a horrendous mountain? Well, I sure hope you look to Jesus., pouring out your heart to Him, lifting up your hands to praise Him for the breakthrough coming your way. In the course of time, you’ll see the beauty He’s been weaving out of your pain and anguish.

xoxo, gen delali.

music monday// say amen

This song. I can have it on unending repeat! I discovered it about a couple of months ago in the music section of one of leslie ludy set-apart girl magazine. (you should totally check this mag out! great content!)

via

I’ve realized how easy it is for me to forget what the Lord has done for me years and months past. But it’s in the difficult times that I need to rouse myself, and walk down my memory lane of my walk with God and how He showed up in certain circumstances. Remembering His faithfulness keeps me going and points me to the truth that He will continue to show up in my life, in His own time and in His own way. His ‘delay’ is not denial.

Perhaps you’re going through the fire of a tough family life…I’ve been there [still there to be honest…but not for long.] Or maybe you’re going through a terrible, debilitating emotional wound…financial hardship…depression…whatever it may be that you are going through right now, I would want to encourage you to focus on the times God came through for you in the past-distant or immediate past. Count your blessings in the present. Keep your eyes above the waves of the affliction tormenting you. Look up to God for daily supply of fresh grace to take each day at a time. Do not be overwhelmed, let’s take it a day at a time.

 say amen~finding favour

This life is a journey we walk by faith

There will always be the mountains in our way

But right here in this moment may our strength be renewed

As we recall what God has done and how we’ve seen Him move

If there’s anybody here who’s found Him faithful

Anybody here who knows He’s able, say amen

And if there’s anybody here who’s seen His power

Anybody here brought through the fire, say amen.

Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow, just say amen.

Sometimes through the darkness, it’s hard to see

So just be brave and follow where He leads

Cause greater is the One who’s in us, than he who is in the world

So child of God remember, the battle is the Lord’s.

If there’s anybody here who’s found Him faithful

Anybody here who knows He’s able, say amen

And if there’s anybody here who’s seen His power

Anybody here brought through the fire, say amen.

Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow,

Peace in the storm, hope for tomorrow

And seen it time and time again, just say amen.

Even in the valley of the shadow

when you feel alone in the unknown, just say amen, just say amen

even when the storms are raging, stand and know you’re not forsaken

just say amen, just say amen

is there anybody here? Tell me is there anybody here?

Come on and say amen

And if there’s anybody here who’s seen His power

Anybody here brought through the fire, come on and say amen.

Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow,

Peace in the storm, hope for tomorrow

And seen it time and time again, just say amen.

Just say amen.

“the Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

“all those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s…” 1 samuel 17:47

“you, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 john 4:4

“now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

“He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10

“even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and staff, they comfort me.” psalm 23:4

“do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“for we live by faith, not by sight.” 2 corinthians 5:7

“rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 thessalonians 5:16-18

“be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

'Amen' simply means so be it/let it be done. Whatever your current struggles or circumstances, there is hope. Dig into the Word and find hope. God knows, He sees what you’re facing and feeling and He’s working it all for your good. So go on ahead and say amen, knowing that even this will be made beautiful. I’m willing to be your personal cheerleader, cheering you and myself on. :)

xoxo, gen delali.

take the mask off!

I read a book last month- devotions for dating couples by ben young and dr. samuel adams. It’s directed at serious courting couples than casual dating. And lemme chip in that casual dating by the way is a total colossal waste of time. And nope, I’m not courting…yet. ;) found the book on a thrifting expedition and decided to give it a read and prepare myself for what’s going to be gradually imminent. Doesn’t hurt, right?! ;)

via

Ok, lemme stop blabbing already. So, there’s this part of the book which struck a chord with me. it talks about something I’ve long observed. Here goes…

“we live in an “I’m okay, you’re okay” world. When we ask people how they are doing, we don’t necessarily expect an honest answer. A simple “I’m fine” will suffice. Most of us fear letting others know what is rumbling deep inside our souls. We suspect that if people really knew what was going on with us on the inside, they might reject us. Too many of us walk around wearing masks, smiling on the outside but hurting on the inside…acting as if everything is fine.

The truth is, many times I’m not okay, you’re not okay, but that’s okay. Jesus died on the cross for folks like you and me, sinners who have broken God’s laws time and time again. Remember what saint Augustine said, “the church is a hospital, where everyone is trying to get well.” However, you cannot get well unless you are willing to admit you are sick.

Some of the greatest spiritual breakthroughs in my life have occurred when I took off my mask in the presence of a trusted friend and said, “hey, I’m tired of hiding. I’m tired of living a double life. Here is what I am dealing with.” And to have that friend listen to me and affirm that I am forgiven because of what Christ did for me on the cross is an extremely cathartic experience. As a pastor, I have had the incredible opportunity to see many people experience the freedom from guilt, shame, fear, and addiction because they had the courage to confess their sin.

If you are living in fear that someone is going to find out about the real you, do not hesitate to get help. Call a fellow [trusted] member of your church, a pastor, or a counselor, and deal with that issue today. Ask God for the courage to take that first step.”

And as you may have observed, I almost always have a song to go with my content. This song by tenth avenue north encourages me to always open up to God and get real with Him. it especially spoke to me when I was in the tender stages of becoming serious with my walk with Him a couple of years ago. I was a wrecking ball headed for disaster. But I’m so, so glad I opened up to Jesus and laid all my cards down and He saved me from me. I look back sometimes and wonder how I could have been so foolish in my ways in the past. I thank God for redemption! You might be battling to give control of your life over to the Author and Redeemer. you may be fighting to truly surrender every bit and piece of your life to Jesus…imagine Jesus singing this song to you…

Any other way~ tenth avenue north

 Don’t say goodbye, don’t say hello

We’re just standing on the surface.

Don’t say alright, don’t say I know

I promise it’s not worth it.

I want to know who you are

Even if you’re falling apart.

Reach in and touch your scars

And all the shame you’ve kept in your heart

Cause it’s not enough, it’s not enough

Just to say that you’re okay.

I need your hurt, I need your pain

It’s not love any other way.

Let’s not pretend, stop your parade

Trying to convince Me that you’re alright and everything’s ok

Yet, do you even know Me?

Cause I already know who you are

and all the things that kept us apart.

So reach in and touch My scars

And know the price I paid for your heart.

A broken and contrite heart, I will not despise

Come as you are and I won’t close My eyes

I won’t close My eyes

I won’t close My eyes

I won’t close My eyes

Cause it’s not enough, it’s not enough

Just to say that you’re okay.

I need your hurt, I need your pain

It’s not love any other way.

Cause it’s not enough, it’s not enough

Just to say that you’re okay

You needed My hurt, you needed My pain

It’s not love any other way, it’s not love any other way

Yeah, it’s not love any other way.

 a lil background to the message of the song

“brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” Galatians 6:1-2

“but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 john 1:9

“therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed…” james 5:16

“my sacrifice, o God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart You, God, will not despise.” Psalm 51:17

If you’re hiding the real you underneath a façade of phony smiles, be brave and open up to Jesus in prayer. Admit your struggles to Him, let Him into your heart. Let His warm and gentle ocean of grace thaw away the glacial lake frosted around your heart. Talk your struggles over with a true, trusted Godly friend and your hurting heart will begin to find healing. You may be dealing with drugs, alcohol, fornication, lust, stealing, lying, adultery, gossip, emotional trauma, suicidal thoughts…whatever it may be, find healing in Jesus. His Word in revelations 3:20 says to you: here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Are you going to let Him in or what? Cmon, and let Him in. :)

xoxo, gen delali.

music monday// symphony

i’m sharing a lovely video from the anima series and a song today!

seven days- a creation story

can’t get enough of josh wilson’s songs! this is upbeat and happy! like last weeks'! i am not letting anything stop me from singing to God!

via

 symphony~ josh wilson

It started out in eden when He breathed in to the dust of the ground,

Creating the sound of a heartbeat like the drumbeat to a song.

It started out as a solo, a crescendo to the ends of the earth

Till everyone heard the music God is making in us all.

And now every breath we breathe is a melody

In the love song to the God who made every soul to sing,

Every life to bring out the beauty in this world.

So come on with all your heart,

lift your voice and play your part in this symphony

hear it in the laughing of an orphan, the very first time

he looks in the eyes of the family who’s here to bring him home.

Feel it in the silence, in the worship of the church underground

They’re singing without a sound, somehow.

So sing with me of His majesty, come on, just sing with me in this symphony.

“then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7

“then the Lord God made a woman from the rib He had taken out of the man, and He brought her to the man.” Genesis 2:22

“I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted…” exodus 15:1

“come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.” Psalm 95:1

“sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise His name; proclaim His salvation day after day.” Psalm 96:1-2

“I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” Psalm 104:33

“do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery [promiscuity/indulgence in sensual pleasures.] Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:18-20

“religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27

mountain high or valley low, let’s sing to God! don’t wait till the breakthrough comes into your life before you sing. praise your way into the breakthrough! :)

xoxo, gen delali.

music monday// beautiful day

hi, guys!!! happy new year! i hope the new year found you rejoicing in the presence of God! :)

via

so, let’s start the first monday in 2015 with an upbeat song, shall we?! i love, love this song. it reminds me that i don’t have to have all things going perfect before i know life is beautiful. the fact that i’m breathing is enough reason to praise God. and i know sometimes that seems to be not enough reason, like i must have all the things i ask God before i’m joyful. nope. i’m alive, and that means God has a purpose for me. i don’t want to take His breath in me for granted. psalm 51:1 says restore to me the joy of Your salvation.. if nothing at all, heaven waits for me, and that sure is enough reason for me to be joyful and revel in each day that God wakes me up to. 

beautiful day ~ jamie grace

Oh oh oh wake up and smile cause it’s been a while

It’s been like a whole day since I stopped so You could hold me

This child awakes strong in the faith,

Lord, You are the refuge that I can’t wait to get to

Cause I can’t let a day go, can’t let a day go by

without thanking You for the joy that You bring to my life

and oh, there’s something ‘bout the way Your sun shines on my face

it’s a love so true I can never get enough of You

this feeling can’t be wrong

I’m about to get my worship on

Take me away, it’s a beautiful day, yeah, yeah, yeah it’s a beautiful day

When trouble seems to rain on my dreams,

It’s not a big, not a big deal

Let it wash all the bugs off my windshield

Cause You’re showing me in You I’m free

And You’re still the refuge that I’ve just got to get to

So I won’t let a day go, won’t let a day go by

So put the drop-top down, turn it up, I’m ready to fly

I’ve got no need to worry, I’ve got no room for doubt

No matter what’s coming at me, You’ll always be the beautiful I sing about

There aint no limitations to Your amazing grace, Your amazing grace

And there’s something ‘bout the way Your love shine on my face

Oh no, I just could never get enough of You

This feeling can’t be wrong

I’m about to get my worship on

I’m gonna sing a brand new song

Yeah, I’m about to get my worship on

Take me away on this beautiful day.

Beautiful day, it’s a beautiful day

Such a beautiful day.

“You make known to me the path of life;  You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” Psalm 16:11

“the Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2

“come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.” Psalm 95:1

“sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise His name; proclaim His salvation day after day.” Psalm 96:1-2

“I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” Psalm 104:33

“the name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10

“therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1

“it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand form, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

“do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

God sends down the snow for a change of season, making us to be even more thankful for spring showers and new beginnings. He shines the brilliance of the sun on us to warm our bodies and displays His creative spark all around us…lovely sunrises and sunsets leaving the skies with mesmerizing streaks of pink, purple, orange and golden hues. no matter the brand of crazy you may be facing, it’s still a beautiful day. focus on God, and you’ll see!

have a purposeful and blessed new year! :)

xoxo, gen delali.