7/24/13

And, oh, I'm running to your arms.
I'm running to your arms.
The riches of your love will always be enough.
Nothing compares to your embrace.
Light of the world forever reign.

My heart will sing no other name, Jesus, Jesus.

~~~

"I will not cause pain
    without allowing something new to be born," says the Lord.
-Isaiah 66:9

~~~

This day is hard.

I won't pretend.

My heart is hurting.

Remembering the thoughts flying through my mind exactly one year ago.

"God don't take her. I can't do this without her."

~~~

Hebrews 11:32-35

"And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life."

~~~

I rest today on the same faith in Hebrews 11.

The one that makes my weaknesses STRONG.

I can do ANYTHING through this faith.

I can find HOPE and JOY on a day of an anniversary of death.

~~~

Today-

she wouldn't want me being sad.

She wouldn't want me to spend my day moping around.

She would want me to LIVE.

John 10:10

"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."- JESUS.

He wants me to have life. To live. And to live abundantly.

She would want me to celebrate my 16th birthday.

So.

Today I'm going to LIVE.

I'm going to LAUGH with my best friend this afternoon.

I'm going to do just as she would have done.

LIVE ABUNDANTLY.

So trust Him.

Well....

I guess I'm a junior now.

My sophomore year is coming to an end.

Since I'm homeschooled and we have to do math through the summer, we don't really have an official last day.

But that's okay!

I guess it's about time I start thinking about college. And the big, bad world beyond.

This year has been...a bit crazy...and college was the last thing I wanted to think about.

"Where are you going to college?" People asked.

"It's been a crazy year. That's not really on my mind." I would answer.

But eventually I have to move on...so it might as well be now.

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. Most of it has involved Paige...

She would have been at the wedding I went to Saturday. We would be going to lunch this week. She would have been at youth graduation at church, telling me to stop thinking that in two years that will be me. She would have been the one to stay with us while my grandma was in the hospital.

But then I was sitting with my grandma...and she said something that really had me thinking, "You can't focus on the 'what-ifs' or the 'should-haves,' you just have to do the best you can."

I shouldn't be focused on the things I would be doing IF she were here...or the things we SHOULD have been doing. It's hard not to, though. I want to keep thinking about her. I want her to be on the front of my mind. I don't want a day to go by without me thinking, "I miss you."

I sat with Mary Saturday at the wedding. And we both laughed. Really laughed about life, and I knew Paige would be happy. I went to lunch with Megan and Haley on Saturday. We talked about weddings and our future and how crazy it was that in 5 years she could be a mom...and I would be half way through college. I knew Paige would be glad I was having a good time. I stand in worship and proclaim to Jesus, "Be lifted higher than all you've overcome." I knew she would be proud of me for making an effort, with Him by my side, to overcome these challenges in life. We play the 'Great I Am' downstairs with the praise band...and I worship as hard as I can. Because I'm finally able to. I knew she would be proud of me for making steps towards healing.

It's in things like that I think about her.

And in two weeks, when I leave for Uganda with my best friend and my dad...I know, without a shadow of a doubt that she is proud of me. And I think about those things...

And I wish she were here.

But Lissa said, "God's timing is way more accurate. So trust him."

It can be as simple as that...trust him.

Two words that can make a world of difference.

So I trust Him.

In this life. In this grieving. In the joy. In the laughter. In each step I take.

Because I am His. More precious to Him than the span of the sparkling ocean or the vastness of the stars in the sky. He knows the plan He has for my life and it's perfect. One day I will see...not now, but one day...how beautiful the masterpiece He has created for me really is.

So I trust Him.

To my sweet Haley!

Tomorrow is a very special day.

For a very special little girl.

Who holds a very special place in my heart.

I love her just a little bit.

Miss Haley's birthday is tomorrow.

This little girl- she gives amazing hugs.

She loves God.

She loves other people. And she has a HUGE and LOVING heart.

When we were on TV for our trip to Uganda she went into school and said to her teacher, "My best friend was on TV today!!" 

How can you resist that?!

Miss Haley-

You need to stop growing up so fast! 

Sooner than you know it you'll be walking through the doors at highschool.

And you'll make me feel REALLY old. 

Sweet girl, you'll never know how much I love you. And how much you mean to me.

I know you miss Paige. I do too...a whole lot. But we're making through it together! 

I'll always be here for you. No matter what happens.

I love you! Keep Jesus first!

Love your 15 year old best friend- Bailey :)

Would you join me in wishing Haley a very happy 8th birthday?!

A peak into her heart...

Ever since children's choir last week, my heart has been so heavy.

Why? You ask.

We were singing that song I wrote the blog post about, "Bring My Praise."

And a little girl came up to me (she's in kindergarten, sweet as can be, super cute, and lives with a foster family) tears filling her eyes.

"This song makes me sad," she said as tears ran down her cheeks.

I scooped her up in my arms and we went to the back of the room. She buried her head in my shoulder and her tears left stains on my shirt.

"Did you know Jesus loves to hear you sing?" I asked. She nodded. I rocked her for a few minutes, hugging her tightly, trying not to cry myself.

"Why does it make you sad?" I asked. I wasn't expecting the answer she gave me.

"It makes me think of my mommy and daddy. And I don't have one." She began to bawl. And my eyes filled with tears. Her little heart was so broken.

I just held her tightly and she continued to cry.

"Do you know how much Jesus loves you, sweet girl?" I asked. She just cried. And my heart continued to break.

I thought about this all night and I told several friends.

This sweet girl, who feels alone in this world, needs love. I'm thankful that I know this sweet girl receives so much love from her foster family. I see them in church every Sunday and I'm confident that she has love...but don't you just wonder what goes through her little mind?

There are so many children in foster care or in orphanages all around the world that don't get love. Their hearts are broken and they need Jesus. They need people like us to step up to the plate and love them. People like us who can show them God's precious, gracious, merciful love.

And it breaks my heart to know that there are children out there, just like this sweet little girl, who don't have mommies and daddies. Who don't have people on a daily basis to love them. Friends, their hearts can be healed. And there is so much we can do. If only we would just do it.

So, as I love on children in children's choir, and love on this sweet little girl, I challenge you to think about what you can do. So many children need love and after this peek into this little girl's heart...I've been
continually challenged to love. God keeps telling me, "This is what I want you to do. To love children, no matter what their circumstances."

So that's what I'll do for this sweet girl. I'll show her God's love. And I'll continue to tell her that Jesus loves her more than she can imagine. Because really...that's all that matters.

~Bailey

My Paige Elizabeth-

Here I sit at the computer after working on my book for a while.

But I can't get this thought off of my mind.

You know that song? The one from the musical for Summer With the Arts...it was called, "I Believe." It went something like this...

I believe, oh I believe in Jesus. I believe He died and he rose again. 

Every time you listened to it- you cried, because all you could think of was sitting there watching all of the kids sing it on Sunday night after SWTA. Watching all those kids cry out how they believed in their Savior, and how much they loved Him. Well, I can tell you, it was great. I cried for you.

I've told you how I'm helping in children's choir this year, right? I'm doing it because of you.

The kids are learning this song. It's called "Bring My Praise." You would love it. I can't help but sit there and just listen to the sweet voices of the kids sing to the Lord in praise.

No one else can bring my praise but me. No one else can bring my offerring. You have put a love song deep inside of me...I love you, I need you....

I now know exactly how you feel about "I Believe." It amazes me to listen to the kids just sing, declaring their need for their Sweet Jesus. I love to watch their faces as they sing their hearts out. It makes me smile.

I think of you every. single. time I hear that song. And when they sing it in church- I'm probably gonna cry, and you know I don't typically cry. So that's a big deal.

I'll cry for you. I'll hug them for you. I'll tell them how proud of them you are. I'll tell them that because the Lord put you in my life and you loved me so much, I love them.

You're great.

I think of you often. I know you wouldn't trade time with Jesus for anything, but selfishly I really, really wish you were here with me.

And I miss you so desperately.

With love and a hug- your Bailey Elizabeth.

SWTA...Camp...and life!

CRAZINESS. INSANITY. EXHAUSTION.

That's my life right now.

I just got back from church camp Friday. It was an ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE week. I miss my small group and my kids at site sooooo much! But I am very glad to be back in my bed and eating non processed non cafeteria food. God moved in so many ways that week, he is such a great God. I learned and was reminded of so much and I'm so thankful for that week and everything he did for me and my youth group.

Summer With the Arts started today! Yippee! I  am the group leader for the 2nd and 3rd graders this week, (though tiring) they are so cute and I already love them so much! It was a really great day and I can't wait to see what the Lord does this week!

 
LUNCH TIME- SWTA 2012


Opening song time(I guess you could call it that haha)!


My brother and his biggest fan Allie :)

Anyway- just a glimpse of the day! Have a great week! But it probably won't be as great as mine :):)

~Bailey

What a legacy

Today I went to a funeral. (no, not for Little Women)

And it was beautiful. I've only been to a few funerals, but this one was beautiful.

The gentleman that passed away loved God with all of his heart. And his son was my dad's youth pastor. And one of his other sons goes to our church(as did he, and his wife still does) and he has led my dad in many of the decisions he has made in church. Without both of these men- my father would not be who he is today. I owe so much to these men.

My dad did the funeral, and was able to tell stories of this family. Stories of how he loved Christ, stories of how he led his family to love Christ. Stories of his perseverance, his passion for life- his love to watch things grow.

And his wife of 67 years cried, as did the five rows of family in our sanctuary where he once sat.

What this man did, he loved his family but more importantly loved Christ so much that it carried down through many generations- he left a legacy. A legacy of what a man and woman who love Christ can do, how they can raise a family, how they can change so many lives. Because in those five rows of people sat in our sanctuary, he gave them each a gift- he taught his children to love Christ and they taught their children to love Christ and they taught their children to love Christ.

What a legacy. What a beautiful legacy.

Don't you want to leave behind a legacy like that? Don't you want to leave behind a huge family who all love Christ with everything they have, because of YOU?

I know I sure do.

I want to work hard, with perseverance, to leave behind a legacy like that. To love Christ like that.

And I know that not only did Mr. Avis Tobin leave behind an incredible legacy, but today as you read this, he sits at the throne of God praising HIS father today- because he's home.

~Bailey

Dad

To my daddy on Father's Day 2012,

I love you more than you can imagine.
Thank you for the example of Christ you are to me and to so many others.

Thank you for everything you do for us. Thank you for loving Amanda like your daughter, because without that I wouldn't have my big sister.

Thank you for buying me special treats and taking me to get a milkshake after a horrible day of school.
Thank you for buying me and my best friend tickets to Taylor Swift.

You're the best, seriously.
And sadly you have raised my standards so high(which is a great thing) I don't think I'll ever find a husband- and then I can blame it on you!
Even though your little girl is growing up quite quickly right before your eyes, please know I will always love you with an unending love and will always, always be your little girl.

You will be the best "papa" to lil' Land- I'm sure of it.

I love you.

~Bailey Elizabeth

Happy Father's day everyone.

Summer thoughts...

I find it incredible that while we are struggling it brings us so much closer to God, and how much more aware we are of other people's difficulties. Don't you?

This past semester, there were tears so many days, all I could do was rely on God to bring me through each day. I had to remember daily this was the plan He had for my life, and everything had a purpose.

And when exams were over and I finished my bible study...I wasn't making time for God, wasn't giving it as much importance as before and most importantly wasn't continually thanking Him for bringing me through such a tough semester.

Yesterday, well actually this has been brewing in my little mind for quite some time, I realized, God brings us through such tough times so that we will grow stronger in Him and grow closer to Him- and after that struggle is over CONTINUE to grow closer to Him.

And so this summer...I'm going to do whatever it takes to grow closer to God. To make sure that when I start next semester I have the fruit of the spirit flowing out of my mouth. To make sure that I continually have the right attitude about school, knowing that God is and always will be by my side.

To make sure that I will always remember this summer, the summer of 2012, as one of spiritual growth and nearness to my Savior. To be able to look back and know that God changed my heart forever this summer, that I grew closer than ever to my Savior and will be ready next semester for whatever challenges he places in front of me.

Lord, 
Use me. Strengthen me. Help me grow in you. Shine your love through me in the words I speak. Help me love you more than I have ever loved you before. Show me your unfathomable love and help me grasp that in every area of my life. Lord, help me love you with an unconditional love, so that I will be prepared for wherever you are going to take me.


~Bailey

What are some of your summer thoughts?

I found it...

While we were at the beach, and since we have gotten home I have read my bible daily, but it has felt the same everyday- and nothing has really been different.

I didn't go to church last Wednesday or Sunday- and I missed it- terribly.

As I stood in youth last night, worshipping God with all that I had- it hit me.

I figured out what I was missing.

I was missing that fellowship with other believers, knowing that they were thinking the same things, they were going through the same struggles as I was. It was the best thing ever.

I have never loved my church, and those in it more than I did last night.

People always tell you how important it is to have those there who will strengthen you- but it won't hit you until God moves in your heart. Like He did in mine yesterday night.

I realized how important it is to have that group of believers around you strengthening you, encouraging you...and I felt the difference when I walked in the church doors. And even though I already knew it was important- it just hit last night, more than it ever had before.

Knowing people that love God the way I do, having them there for you, makes the difference in the world.

So thank you to all of those in my church, not only in my youth group, but in my whole church who are always there supporting me and encouraging me to do my best.

These people mean the world to me, and I couldn't be more grateful to have them beside me as we walk the journey Christ has laid before us together.

~Bailey

To my wonderful mother...

Just a week ago we celebrated Sonia Grace's birthday...and now we celebrate my mom's birthday. She is the big 40 today! ha...she's getting old.

Many of you know that the past year has not been easy for our family, especially for my mom, nothing life threatening, but life changing. The Lord has challenged us all, but yesterday marked a day that will turn everything around. We have a new beginning, a season of healing for my mom- for all of us. I know that God has placed this in our lives to challenge and strengthen us- not to tear us down.

James 1:17, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights." He is good and will hold us- no matter what.

From today on- things will be different, God is working in our family. We have a very exciting year ahead of us. Lots of things will be going on. School, camp, Summer With the Arts, and lots more...that I will share later :). God is doing something great AMAZING in our family- I know it. And through this past year of struggles, God has pulled us all through, loving and forgiving us daily.

I am thrilled to see what God has in store for our family in the rest of this year.

Mom- I hope, even though you don't feel too hot, that you have a fantastic birthday. You are such an amazing example of a Godly woman to me and so many others. You have loved people that are not your own, you love them like your children. There are so many people looking up to you, and so many that love you so very much. You are the best mom anyone could ever ask for to me, William, J-man, Sonia and even Amanda. I am amazed at your love for Christ and your trust in Him daily. Thank you for being who you are. I love you.

Your almost oldest daughter :) - Bailey Elizabeth

Alive!

I can't say it any better than that.

He.

Is.

ALIVE!

Have a wonderful Easter celebrating what our Savior has done for each and every one of us!

~Bailey

For You, For Me

Mark 14:35-36 "And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Matthew 27:28-31 "And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, ²⁹ and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail,King of the Jews!” ³⁰ And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. ³¹ And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him."

John 19: 16-19 "So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”

John 19:28-30 "After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said ( to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."

He died.

For you.

For me.

Our sins have been forgiven.

He came to die for us.

The pain. The anguish. For us.

It. Is. Finished.

He died. And was buried.

But don't worry. Sunday is coming.

~Bailey~

Thank you, James

For Christmas I got a seven week bible study on the book of James- by Beth Moore.

And yesterday I finished it.

I never, in my whole life, have been truly sad for this study to be over. It feels like I'm leaving a friend- a companion in life.

And to some of you that might sound ridiculous, and to some you know what I mean. But for those of you who don't- I'll share with you some of her writing, so you can get a taste of what I've been feeling for the last seven weeks.

"Let's receive the Word like medicine to souls sick with selfishness and begging to be put out of their misery."

"Christ has used His implanted word to rescue my life so many times. Yours, too? He is so faithful, Sister. Let's move our hand away from the rich soil of our heart and welcome seed that sows salvation 'to the uttermost.'"

"Harsh people are never wise people. They may be smart. They may even be right. But they are not what the Bible calls wise."

"Put your sweet self under God. Entirely. No arms and legs kicking out to the sides. Knees to the floor. Eyes to the skies. Hands open wide. Death to your pride. Here we run aground on the reason the Devil flees."

"God knows how everything will turn out. And, for every single person who belongs to Him, it turns out well. We are not the exceptions."

"If we're willing, God is our song when we are happy, our escape when we are tempted, our hope when we're despairing, our joy in tribulation, our strength in weakness, and our immortality in dying. Ultimately, He Himself is our health."

"The second person I wish to thank is you, Sister. My heart as been so moved it hurts. Bless you for the gift of companionship. Without you on the other side of it, I wonder if I'd ever had finished it. Stay in the Word, Sister. Knees to the floor, eyes to the skies."

And that's Beth Moore for you. She is so personal it feels like she's sitting next to you.

But this book of James- oh James- has tested me, shown me so many things and simply changed me forever. All of the quotes above we written about this five chapter book. This amazing book. Better than anything anyone could ever write.

So- thank you Beth Moore for writing this for me. For helping me understand so much.

But really- thank you James for giving me those words. For prying my heart open to hear God's voice in hard times.

I encourage you to read the book of James. To hear from God like you haven't before. It will be worth it. I promise.

Thank you, Beth Moore. Thank you, James. Thank you, God, for everything.

"If we're in Christ, the Devil cannot have our souls. Because for us, our eternity is settled."

~Bailey

Heart Changing, Awe Inspiring

I feel like I have gotten hit by an 18 wheeler. This first sentence does not go with the title.

Yet it fits. It's the after effect of being moved so powerfully by the Spirit.

Heart changing, Awe inspiring.

D*Weekend. Was. Absolutely. Amazing.

God used so many people to show me so many things- even a friend my age.

280 people- I guarantee- each and everyone of them were moved by the Lord in some way.

I can't describe it in words- and if you had the opportunity to go and chose not to, you missed out on the best weekend that will take place this year- but don't worry- there's always next year.

God moved in the Civic Center. With arms high and voices raised to our almighty Lord- His presence was there, among all 280 people.

He moved hearts in mighty ways. He moved hearts towards a direction of being a light for the world. For being Christ's reflection- how could you miss out on being Christ's reflection? He chose you and me to be his reflection to show the world how amazing and wonderful and graceful and merciful and faithful he is. Do it. I dare you too. So does my youth pastor. And so do the 280 people at D*Weekend.

Be a light. Shine brighter than you ever have before- for Him and only Him.

I get chills just thinking about Saturday night's worship session- everyone(almost everyone) had their arms raised (including me and all my friends beside me) because we were praising our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and in that moment we didn't care about anything else but shining for him.

"So I'll stand with arms high and heart abandoned, in awe of the one who gave it all!"

"Holy are you God, Holy is your name, with everything I've got, my heart will sing how love you!"

"Beautiful Lord, awesome and mighty, I'm captured by this love I see!"

These words echoed through the civic center this weekend and He moved in the building more powerfully than He ever has before.

I was texting a friend after church yesterday and we were just saying back and forth to each other the awe and the wonder and the amazing things that happened this weekend, how several of our friends were moved and we were there to see Christ break their hearts- we both learned so much through them. God used them to teach she and I so much- and we couldn't be more thankful for that opportunity.

Heart changing and awe inspiring.

And feeling like I got hit by an 18 wheeler- it's so totally worth it.

~Bailey~

For a small small glimpse at this weekend watch the video, by Iron Kite Films at the end of the post on the link. D*Weekend

Lessons Learned This Week

So- I'm going to attempt starting a series called "Lessons Learned This Week." Where I share what I've learned this week and...well, yeah! It should be fun. And so we begin.

___________

1. As Christ has treated me, so I will treat YOU.

Wednesday night my youth pastor taught about treating others as Christ has treated you. And wow. That was just yesterday, and I'm already struggling. It's hard- and it's not something that comes immediately but after we fully realize how much Christ loves us we can BEGIN to put this into practice. And so...I begin to put it into practice. I begin. And it's hard. And we have to work together. But we'll get there.

2. God ALWAYS provides and he never fails.

I am doing a Beth Moore Bible study on the book of James. It's exceptional, and tomorrow will be my last day in the scripture of James- I'm so so so very sad. I can't say I've ever said that before. But this bible study is so personal. Anyway- some days I want to read or make cards not do my bible study. BUT- God never fails to hear me on those rough days and He ALWAYS speaks to me through this study.

James is packed full of- well- everything you can imagine! But God made it so I would learn a certain thing at a certain time, just when I need it. He never fails. He always provides for me.

As some of you may know, we are struggling with some health issues(nothing life threatening, but life changing for sure), and today's was on prayer and how Christ is ALWAYS our health and our healer. It was perfect, I was almost in tears. Thank you Jesus Christ for creating Beth Moore and through speaking through her to me and so many others.

___________

Well- I'm sure I've learned more than that this week- but I can't remember the rest- so we will leave it at that for now! Come back next week for another "Lessons Learned This Week!" I'm excited you are joining me on this journey. Feel free to do a "Lessons Learned This Week" post on your blog! I would love if you would join me!

~Thanks for reading~Bailey~

But God

Wednesdays are typically not great days for me. School usually takes me forever. And I'm easily frustrated and overwhelmed.

But God. Oh but God.(If you haven't noticed I really love him.)

Have you ever heard Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”?

There is no joking around with this verse. It's the truth.

Because on Wednesday nights when I'm very, very tired, two or more(or 35) are gathered in a basement and while we are singing at church, God is moving. He is there. You can feel it. As the voices are lifted to Him- He's there. It's incredible.

Today, at 11 when I had done two subjects and was on the verge of getting frustrated, I figured- hey, why not try listening to Jesus music and see if God does something in my heart? So I did.

I trusted He would. And He did.

My heart was put at peace.

My day was going badly.

BUT GOD. He moved in my heart.

And if you haven't caught it yet? I love Him. A whole whole whole lot. And you should too.

Because loves you. And if you trust Him, He will put your heart at peace.

Just like He did mine. And that's why He's my love.

~Bailey

I think I can tell you now...

So...I really am going to tell you now.

But please don't scroll to the bottom, because I want to tell the whole story.

It all started when I was in 2nd grade...

I would write little stories...

And draw little pictures to go with them...

And who knew that one day I would be writing a book?

Certainly not me! And honestly most of the time, I don't know what I'm doing.

But I love it.

Some days the words just flow out of my brain, through my fingers onto the keyboard.

Others I struggle with the hated writer's block...

Which by the way, is a real sickness. I'm sure of it. I had it for THREE weeks- it's torture.

But the last couple of days...the words have been flowing, very smoothly. Romantic words, sad words, inspiring words. Words that help tell part of MY story. My book.

And after months and months of sitting and staring at the computer screen...

After months and months of writing...

My very first rough draft of my book...

Is now complete.

And I hope through my book- people will see my heart.

They will be able to see my character.

They will be able to see me, for who I am.

A writer who loves Jesus and orphans and wants to let the world know.

Thank you.

~Bailey

P.S. Oh- but I might be changing the title...I'm not sure.

Holding On...

James 1:2-4

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

James 1:16-18

"Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures."

1 Corinthians 2:9

"But, as it is written,

'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,

nor the heart of man imagined,

what God has prepared for those who love him'"

Psalm 119:73

"Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,

because I have hoped in your word."

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare[a] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

I hold fast to these truths...through the good days and the bad(or really really bad, like yesterday).

And on rough days, these truths are about all I have- they keep me going, they encourage me from day to day. And right now...about all I'm doing is holding on to God and His word.

~Bailey

P.S. Be extremely thankful I didn't unload my life on you...you would have been here for hours and left distressed.

Surrender...Passion 2012

"We raise our white flag...

We surrender all to you...

All for you...

We raise our white flag...

Love has won...

Your love has won...

We life the cross

Lift it high

Lift it high

We lift the cross

Lift it high

Lift it high

We raise our white flag

We surrender all you...

Your love has won!"

Passion 2012.

live.268generation.com.

~Bailey