GOOD TO ME

                                             GOOD TO ME, by Audrey Assad

                                                     I put all my hope in the truth of Your promise

And I steady my heart on the ground of Your goodness

When I'm bowed down with sorrow I will lift up Your name

And the foxes in the vineyard will not steal my joy

Because You are good to me, good to me 

I lift up my eyes to the hills where my help is found

Your voice fills the night - raise my head up to hear the sound

Though fires burn all around me I will praise You, my God

And the foxes in the vineyard will not steal my joy

Because You are good to me, good to me 

Your goodness and mercy shall follow me

All my life

I will trust in Your promise

This is my anthem during this pregnancy...this beautiful, melodious song by one of my favorites, Audrey Assad.  Every perfect word in this song is the prayer of my heart...DAILY...as I cling on to hope and joy and peace!  Song of Solomon 2:15 talks about little foxes that spoil the vineyards and I love what this picture portrays. There are many foxes that try to steal my joy: fear, physical discomfort, and past experiences are just a few.  No matter the circumstance, you can find joy right where you are.  God wants us to have joy to the fullest (John 15:11).  I love this quote by Ann Voskamp: "Joy is a function of gratitude and gratitude is a function of perspective.  If you can change the way you see, so you can choose thanks, you always choose joy." 

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you."  

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests ne made known to God." Phillippians 4:6

"Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms."

Psalms 95:2

So what foxes are in your vineyard trying to steal your joy?  Let these verses be an encouragement to you and this song your prayer to the Lord as you recount the many ways He has been good to you!  

10 Reasons to Count blessings and find JOY right where you are BOOKMARK

Praise You in This Storm

                                                        

As I watch the news these days and see the devastating photos of the destruction left by hurricane Sandy on the East coast, I can't help but remember this powerful song that has been an encouragement to me.  May God bless all who have lost their homes, belongings, and loved ones in this storm!  May He work His good will in every situation!  May many turn to God in their time of crisis!  God is with you, even when you don't feel it!  Choose to praise Him in whatever storm, friend, and He will be your help!  Our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth!

                          "Praise You In This Storm" by Casting Crowns

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

You Never Let Go

Music has such a powerful effect on our emotions!  I know for me, music plays a HUGE role in my life.  It is healing to my soul, it helps me express my emotions, it lifts my mood, and it is a prayer line between me and the Lord!  Here's is a beautiful song based on Psalm 23:4 by Matt Redman!  Let these words be an encouragement to you today that God is with you and He will never let go! Until that day comes, when troubles will end, still choose to praise Him!


Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back, I know you are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

I'll be posting songs that I love to my blog every week...hope they will encourage you as they do me!  

Blessings,

Anamaria