Rebekah's Insights

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Closer to me
I'm tired and I'm weak
And every breath within me is longing just to be
Closer to You
So I face the road ahead
Cause I know there's no comparing
To what's waiting at the end

So let the rain start falling where it will
And I will run through this valley
Just to climb to that hill
And if they ask why I'm smiling
After all I've been through
It's cause I'm just a day closer to You

Closer to me
I hear You whisper on the wind
You say although my life is fading
A new one will begin
Closer to You
And I know I'm not alone
Cause I can hear You in the distance
Saying, you are nearly home

So let the rain start falling where it will
And I will run through this valley
Just to climb to that hill
And if they ask why I'm dancing
Though my days may be few
It's cause I'm just a day closer to You

Closer to me
You're in the laughter and the tears
Of the ones I leave behind me
Who have prayed me through the years
Closer to You
When they know it won't be long
Till You're running down the pathway
Just to take me in Your arms

So let the rain start falling where it will
And I will run through this valley
Just to climb to that hill
And if they ask why I'm singing
Though my life's almost through
It's cause I'm just a day closer
I'm just a day closer
I'm just a day closer to You

Closer to You by Mark Schultz

And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced,
Teaching us to breathe.

What was frozen through is newly purposed,
Turning all things green.

So it is with You
And how You make me new
With every season’s change.

And so it will be
As You are re-creating me
Summer, autumn, winter, spring.

Lyrics by Nicole Nordeman

"Yet even now," says the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the LORD, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and repents of evil.

Joel 2:12 & 13

Those who...

* are poor in spirit...theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
* mourn...they shall be comforted.
* are meek...they shall inherit the earth.
* hunger and thirst for righteousness...they shall be filled.
* are merciful...they shall obtain mercy.
* are pure in heart...they shall see God.
* are peacemakers...they shall be called the Children of God.
* are persecuted for righteousness' sake...theirs is the Kingdom of God.

Reflecting and meditating on this passage from the fifth chapter of the book of Matthew, wherein Jesus teaches His disciples.

He taught them then--He teaches now

...if we have ears to hear.

Yes, even before we checked to see whether or not Phil saw his shadow, we knew Winter was here to visit for a while longer. We awakened to yet another snowfall this morning! The snowy sight was met with cheers of jubilation from the Little Loves and we prepared to go make all manner of snow "crafts" outside--despite my sleep-deprived condition due to the Super Bowl not ending until 3:30 AM our time. ;) As we readied ourselves, Liam looked out the front door and remarked, "Mommy, the snow looks like a white blanket covering everything!" Astute observation, my young friend!

The fun continued as we made a snow family, I wrote the children's names in the undisturbed snow, then Aine headed over to the swing, while Liam roved around in the field of snow. It was at this point that Liam called from behind me, crouched in the snow where he'd been digging. "What's this?" And it was...

a dead animal whose snowy grave had been uncovered by my young explorer! Ugh! This was a first for both of us--and hopefully the last! I asked him to please (no, PLEASE) stay away from it. Of course, we then discussed what kind of animal it was (I couldn't tell), why it died, and why it died there. You see, I AM a teacher at heart and I relish any teachable moments which come along. It's great to talk about the wildlife surrounding our home, but I was satisfied with the foray into the topic we had already had when we watched a pheasant scoot along the field and then were able to examine the interesting footprints accompanied by the trail of it's extensive tail feathers. THAT was the teachable animal moment I preferred, NOT a carcass! Oh well! I guarantee we'll never forget it. :) Nor will I!

I just hope that as we talk about groundhogs today, Liam doesn't associate the furry little creature with the furry little creature that found its demise out near our playground! Happy Groundhog Day!