Ian was in a car accident before they got married. He experienced severe brain damage and was almost left in a vegetative state. Larissa has been by his side every step of the way.
A great blog I read, Simply Chic Mom, shared this video earlier this week and it brought me to tears.
I know, the girl who laughs all the time crying. Shocker.
But yeah, it’s an AMAZING story, an amazing testimony of love, God’s love, and what faith can do.
A Citygate Films Production Directed, produced, and written by Carolyn McCulley Director of Photography: Michael Hartnett Additional cameras: Shepherd Ahlers, Andrew Laparra Location sound: Stefan Green Production consultant: David Altrogge Original Music by Roger Hooper Edited by Suzanne Taylor Additional editing: Stefan Green, Andrew Laparra Sound mix and design by Dallas Taylor, CAS
Copyright 2011 Desiring God
Happy Sunday, y’all.
and Happy Mother’s Day. missing the greatest mom I ever knew today.
I knew I had to share this today because as I’ve been reading the Word this week preparing for Easter, one of my favorite passages of scripture popped up. I sat back, read the passage, and listened to “Take Heart” by Hillsong. It’s one of my favorite Hillsong songs and it just felt right to share it with you on this Happy Easter!
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
I love this because whenever I feel down or disheartened or like I can’t do anything – I read this passage.
Lyrics for Take Heart by Hillsong
There is a light
It burns brighter than the sun
He steals the night
And casts no shadow
There is hope
Should oceans rise and mountains fall
He never fails
So take heart
Let His love lead us through the night
Hold on to hope
And take courage again
In death by love
The fallen world was overcome
He wears the scars of our freedom
In His Name
All our fears are swept away
He never fails
All our troubles
And all our tears
God our hope
He has overcome
All our failure
And all our fear
God our love
He has overcome
All our heartache
And all our pain
God our healer
He has overcome
All our burdens
And all our shame
God our freedom
He has overcome
All our troubles
And all our tears
God our hope
He has overcome
All our failures
And all our fear
God our love
He has overcome
God our justice
God our grace
God our freedom
He has overcome
God our refuge
God our strength
God is with us
He has overcome
What song do you love? What’s your favorite verse of scripture? What’s on your mind this week?
I know, I’m blogging twice in one day. WHAT? Crazy.
This song and this passage have been on my heart this week, and I felt called to share it with you. (You being whoever wants to read it / hear it / see it).
The following passage of scripture, along with the song “Thief” by Third Day (shared below), are two of the things that really convicted me when I first came into my faith.
The image of this criminal, this thief, right next to Jesus on the cross, is so powerful. This thief who doubted for so long, was a sinner, a criminal – yet at the end of his life, he looks over and sees the King facing the same fate as he. He asks for Jesus’ forgiveness. And what does Jesus do? He offers him salvation and paints a beautiful picture of Salvation. “You will be with Me in paradise.”
Sometimes I feel like the thief.
Amazing. Amazing Love. Amazing forgiveness. No matter what we’ve done in our lives, He loves us for who we are. Not for what we’ve done. That’s amazing. I can only hope / pray / and strive to give that kind of love to people in my life.
32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”[c] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”
36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”
38 There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[d]”
43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:32-43 (NIV)
Lyrics for “Thief” by Third Day
I am a thief, I am a murderer
Walking up this lonely hill
What have I done? I don’t remember
No one knows just how I feel
and I know that my time is coming soon.
It’s been so long. Oh, such a long time
Since I’ve lived with peace and rest
Now I am here, my destination
guess things work for the best
and I know that my time is coming soon
Who is this man? This man beside me
They call the King of the Jews
They don’t believe that He’s the Messiah
But, somehow I know it’s true.
And they laugh at Him in mockery,
and beat Him till he bleeds
They nail Him to the rugged cross,
and raise Him, they raise Him up next to me
My time has come, I’m slowly fading
I deserve what I receive
Jesus when You are in Your kingdom
Could You please remember me
and He looks at me still holding on
the tears fall from His eyes
He says I tell the truth
Today, you will live with Me in paradise
and I know that my time is coming soon
and I know paradise is coming soon.
This year, I’ve really been making an effort to start my day by reading a verse of scripture or a daily devotion. Thankfully my flippin’ sweet bible app has topic specific reading plans.
“A psalm of David.
7 Answer me quickly, Lord;
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
or I will be like those who go down
to the pit.
8 Let the morning bring me word of
Your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in You.
Show me the way I should go,
for to You I entrust my life.” - Psalm 143 7-8 (NIV)
This verse of scripture was one of the verses I read this week and has been on my heart ever since.
So often we need to be reminded about God’s unfailing love. It’s a simple concept so quickly forgotten. Sometimes I know I need a swift kick in the rear to start my day knowing I trust in the Lord’s plans for my life. You know, that old chestnut. Except it’s not. It never gets old and can’t be overstated.
