God is Your Refuge

When I was a young child, I remember the playgrounds had those metal slides that stood singularly with a steel ladder leading up to a flat metal sled that swooped down a sheer 45 degree angle.

One afternoon at the park, I had wanted to climb the slide one more time before heading home. The structure might have been about ten feet tall, but as a small child it felt like a hundred. I had almost reached the top rung when my hands lost their sweaty grip. Suddenly I felt myself falling weightless, wind rushing past my ears as my body sped down landing hard on the sand. The air escaped my lungs and I gasped to take in panicked breaths.

Just Be Held

Just Be Held

Casting Crowns

Hold it all together
Everybody needs you strong
But life hits you out of nowhere
And barely leaves you holding on
And when you're tired of fighting
Chained by your control
There's freedom in surrender
Lay it down and let it go

Good Good Father

Lyrics to Good Good Father 

Chris Tomlin

I've heard a thousand stories of what they think you're like
But I've heard tender whispers of love in the dead of night
And you tell me that you're pleased

And that I'm never alone
You're a Good, Good Father
It's who you are, it's who you are, it's who you are
And I'm loved by you
It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am

Childlike Wonder

“Papa!” She calls across the slope of tall grasses. “Papa. I want my papa.”

Grandpa is one of her heroes. Lucky girl, at age 5, she's got several family figures who point her to Jesus with their lives. Blessed, to be sure. And being that she is an only child, she is surrounded by adults who love her. A house full of people who have come alongside my husband and I to raise her up.

Her favorite games to play with the grown ups are hide-and-seek and piggy-backs. She often demands that whoever is nearest give her a ride up on their shoulders to the destination of her choosing.

She is fond of her Papa, though, and so demanding of his attention.