Blank Slate

I should be writing my entrance paper for grad school but I am not. Instead, I sit here with my thoughts running in a thousand different directions. It reminds me of the meme that you see on Facebook every once in a while that shows how a woman's mind is like a browser with hundreds of windows open or, for a more current illustration, a cell phone with multiple apps running all at once. I can't seem to get the focus that I need to write my professional statement. My mind is a blank slate on what to write which causes me to wonder if I am meant to do this? Am I running ahead of God? Is grad school the next step for me? Am I meant to be a counselor? So much to pray about. 

It has been a truly crazy start to the summer. A roller coaster of emotions and several prominent spiritual attacks. But this past weekend, I was honored and humbled to witness an answer to a three year prayer of mine and the prayer of many more years of a mom on behalf of a dear friend. The Lord heard the prayers of so many to draw my friend back to Him; to bring him back to the light from the dark abyss he was living in. All of this happened sitting across from the very same pastor whom God used to confront me when I was 17 years old about truly living for Him not just in name but with my life. Yes, I had been saved at 9 but where was the evidence, the fruit, to show that I was child of the King? I was bearing the title of the redeemed but still wallowing in the same filthy rags that I came to Him in at the age of 9 ... just a little more tattered and stained. Yet that all changed on a beach in Gulf Shores, AL, the Summer of 2001, when I asked the Lord to either confirm to me that I had been truly saved at the age of 9 or that I needed to get it settled right then. I was tired of doubting. The Lord spoke to my heart and said, "Yes, you were saved at 9 but you haven't been living for me. It's time to start." I came back from that trip wearing the robe of the redeemed and I haven't looked back since. I have now been privileged to introduce these two friends to each other and see God use my pastor friend, a spiritual big brother, in this dear friend's life. Iron sharpening iron. It's a beautiful thing. How I will forever cherish my friendship with these two men and the time we had together on Saturday. 

I was blessed to spend some quality time with the most handsome 4 year old nephew in the world. His imagination amazes me and it's so much fun to "pretend" with him. He is such a joy to be around. My brother and sister-in-law are doing a wonderful job in raising him. The Lord has great things in store for that boy. I am so honored to be his "DeeDee". 

I also got to share two songs with my parents' church while I was visiting with them. One of the songs is one that my mom and I have only done together. I found the octavo a few years ago at a local Christian bookstore and fell in love with the lyrics (and the low notes). It has become my lifesong. It was such a joy to share it with their church and, after what I had witnessed the day before with my friend, it was the perfect song of praise. Here are the lyrics ... 

"Jesus, What a Savior"

You are my strength

When all my strength has ended

You are my hope

When all my hope is gone

You are my joy

When my world is full of sorrow

You're the peace in my tomorrow

For I know that You'll be there

You are my song

When my melody has ended

A light in the storm when

I can't find my way

You are the One who gives

My life a reason

Someone to believe in

You help me carry on

Jesus, what a Savior You are

Savior you are

Jesus, what a Savior You are

You are my rock

When I need a place of refuge

A hand reaching out when

I stumble and I fall

You are my all in every time

And season

You are all I've ever needed

Every time I call

Jesus, what a Savior You are

Savior you are

Jesus, what a Savior You are

You heard my cry

You answered my plea

You gave up Your life,

Gave me everything

Now forevermore I'm devoted to You

And that's why I sing my praise to You.

Jesus, what a Savior You are

Savior You are

Jesus, what a Savior You are

by Shannon Wexelberg

After a few weeks of true joy and deep testing, this is what I need to remember. ... this is what my heart is crying out today ... He is my song when my melody has ended. He is my strength when all my strength is gone. He is all I've ever needed ... every time ... in every season. Jesus, what a Savior You are.

I love you all!

Blessings ...

- Melody Faith