In The Valley

 

In The Valley

When You lead me to the valley of vision
I can see You in the heights
And though my humbling wouldn’t be my decision
It’s here Your glory shines so bright
So let me learn that the cross precedes the crown
To be low is to be high
That the valley’s where You make me more like Christ

[CHORUS]
Let me find Your grace in the valley
Let me find Your life in my death
Let me find Your joy in my sorrow
Your wealth in my need
That You’re near with every breath
In the valley

In the daytime there are stars in the heavens
But they only shine at night
And the deeper that I go into darkness
The more I see their radiant light
So let me learn that my losses are my gain
To be broken is to heal
That the valley’s where Your power is revealed

[chorus]

                                                                         -Bob Kauflin  [Sovereign Grace Ministries]

This eloquent song is based off of the book of puritan prayers, called, The Valley of Vision. Listening to this song and reading this prayer (though not at the same time), I always want to say, "yes, Lord, what he said, that's what I meant."

"Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly, Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights;

 hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory.

 Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, 

that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart,

that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, 

that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, 

that to have nothing is to possess all,

 that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,

 that to give is to receive, 

 that the valley is the place of vision. 

Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine; 

let me find Thy light in my darkness, Thy life in my death, Thy joy in my sorrow, Thy grace in my sin, Thy riches in my poverty, Thy glory in my valley."

                                                                                 -The Valley of Vision (edited by Arthur Bennett)

P.S Check out this new album that's coming 

out this week!

Hoodies, Nealy's and Us

I don't mean to sound boastful, but I have a beautiful family.

This blog post title is the skinny of these past few weeks. Extra skinny, actually. There were thousand of extra details and curves to these past few weeks. To show you a crack of our week, I had the brilliant idea of trying out Elena's PicMonkey. 

 I think I just got addicted.   :)

One raining Wednesday in July, we left in the morning and spent a few days at my Grandma's, in Burnet. As a special treat, we  forced invited Ryle to come along. We had a great, but humid, time going for walks, watching old movies, and going to the Domain (like Houston's City Center) with the rest of the familia.

The girls insisted we peek in the creepy house for sale

As you can see, Abby and Nate thoroughly enjoyed Ryle

Grilled Pizza (grilled by Luke)

Thai eggplant from one of Dad's co-workers.

On Saturday we worked outside. We washed all four of the cars (Luke, Grace, and I had the privilege to be the first to wash Elena's new car), transplanted plants (one of which was the Thai eggplant), and did other odd jobs around the house. As a sort of reward, we went to the pool in the afternoon with some of the older Neal's.

Matthew McMuggins -simply yummy

The ultimate game of ultimate Frisbee out on the Parker's land

 

At our friend's the Parker's land for GfBC Conroe's baptism (we were invited by the Hood's for Mia's baptism). It was hot, but we had such a great time hanging with all the Conroe folks!

Mr. Wes, Mia, and Pastor David Shiflet

When I looking through these baptism pics I got a huge lump in my throat; they captured the moment beautifully!

Chicken sandwiches and and RJ Goodies cake in honor of Grace's birthday

Grace's birthday snuck up on us, so we simply had a special tea party.

But first there was Eva's birthday.

Nicole surprised mom with a spontaneous visit during which we celebrated dear Eva's berry first birthday! We didn't do anything too special, but it was just special to have her with us.

A few weeks ago, Dad went on a trip to Wales....(sigh)

The dear ducks have returned!

I believe it was two weeks ago that we spotted some ducks in our tree just outside the dining room. Since then we have been seeing them more and more frequently.

Hopey-dopey-doo and Joy

As I was sorting through the gazillion pictures, I found that I had to post these

eternal perspective

Death has interesting way of lifting one's thoughts from the hustle and bustle of life.
Recently the grandmother of a dear friend of ours quietly passed away and one of the things it brought to mind was the sweet and amazing comfort our Great God brings during affliction and trials. In my readings and studying of these difficult times in a Believer's life, this is one of the greatest things that I have learned.

    Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
   
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 ESV

Praise God, we serve a Faithful Father, who not only causes us to share in Christ''s sufferings but also supplies us with the sweet comfort, just as abundantly. How merciful a Savior!

    So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
   
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV

O, Church Arise

Well, this is has become quite an inconsistent blog series. But I still have songs to share and a few more words to say.
This is a beautiful song that we sung one time last year at church and have heard numerous times since then. I have found this song to be very encouraging and uplifting. Take this part for instance:

Our call to war, to love the captive soul,

But to rage against the captor;
And with the sword that makes the wounded whole

 A few Sunday's ago, our church was going through Revelation 2: 8-11 and in verse 10, there is a transition from "jew" to "the devil" in the context of how the christians at the church in Smyrna will continue to suffer. That transition really put things in there proper light --our battle really lies with satan, he is our enemy. We do not, "wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places"{Ephesians 6:12}.
All reason for self-anger, vanishes.  Mankind is at enmity with God, storing up wrath for themselves, they need the gospel! That is "Our call to war".
Lastly, this song always reminds me of this passage in Hebrews 12:1-2,

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."  

O, Church Arise

O church, arise and put your armor on;

 Hear the call of Christ our captain;

For now the weak can say that they are strong

In the strength that God has given.

With shield of faith and belt of truth

We'll stand against the devil's lies;

An army bold whose battle cry is "Love!"

Reaching out to those in darkness.

Our call to war, to love the captive soul,

But to rage against the captor;
And with the sword that makes the wounded whole

We will fight with faith and valor.

When faced with trials on ev'ry side,

We know the outcome is secure,

And Christ will have the prize for which He died—

An inheritance of nations.

Come, see the cross where love and mercy meet,

As the Son of God is stricken;

Then see His foes lie crushed beneath His feet,

For the Conqueror has risen!

And as the stone is rolled away,

And Christ emerges from the grave,

This vict'ry march continues till the day

Ev'ry eye and heart shall see Him. 

So Spirit, come, put strength in ev'ry stride,

Give grace for ev'ry hurdle,

That we may run with faith to win the prize

Of a servant good and faithful.

As saints of old still line the way,

Retelling triumphs of His grace,

We hear their calls and hunger for the day

When, with Christ, we stand in glory.

- Keith Getty & Stuart Townend (2005)

From what I've heard from these songwriters, they are pretty solid in there lyrics. Check out their site, with all the resources you could want.

memorize

Lately I've been sweetly reminded of the beauty and importance of committing scripture to memory. Have you seen a set of delightful children (ranging between two and eleven years old) recite the entire chapter of Proverbs one, most of chapter two, and Ephesians four? Yes, the sight would sweetly remind you too.
Most mornings (after an Insane workout), I spend time in God's Word, reading, studying, and writing; I also take that time to read this encouraging and thought-provoking book (excellent read!). While these are great habits, I've neglected to include the memorization of the very Words that bring me through the storms of life.
Praise God for beautiful reminders. :)

So, yesterday I thought about what passage of scripture I would start with, and it seemed that memorizing the book I most frequently reference would be fitting. :)

Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
(2 Corinthians 4:1-6 )

How do you memorize scripture? What passages are important to you?

Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder

This hymn was our church's hymn of the month for April. It was funny, just a month before, Elena had started listening to this song "Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder", from Jars of Clay's Redemption album. Now the tunes are very different -it took a little bit to adjust- but the words are still good!

Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder

Let us love and sing and wonder,
Let us praise the Savior’s name!
He has hushed the Law’s loud thunder,
He has quenched mount Sinai’s flame:
He has washed us with His blood,
He has brought us nigh to God.

Let us love the Lord Who bought us,
Pitied us when enemies,
Called us by His grace, and taught us,
Gave us ears, and gave us eyes:
He has washed us with His blood,
He presents our souls to God.

Let us sing, though fierce temptation
Threatens hard to bear us down!
For the Lord, our strong salvation,
Holds in view the conqu’ror’s crown:
He Who washed us with His blood,
Soon will bring us home to God.

Let us wonder, grace and justice
Join, and point to mercy’s store;
When through grace in Christ our trust is,
Justice smiles, and asks no more:
He Who washed us with His blood,
Has secured our way to God.

Let us praise, and join the chorus
Of the saints enthroned on high;
Here they trusted Him before us,
Now their praises fill the sky:
“Thou have washed us with Your blood,
  Thou art worthy, Lamb of God!”

                             -John Newton

While I was lyric searching, I stumbled across another long but insightful looking article on this song. I find it hard for me to sit in front of the computer and just read, for a long period of time (office life is not the life for me), but what I read -in particular, the "Let Us Worship" section- was good. Tell me what you think, if you read any of it.
:)

Mountains, Painting walls, and Counting Stars

                    If that didn't sound random, I don't what does.

Amusingly enough, they're all part of a chain of events that happened within a week.

 A couple Friday's ago in May, we drove to Katy to go see -you guessed it- Andrew Peterson's concert " Counting Stars", and yes, it was excellent! The concert was filled with a host of stories and songs! After the concert, and a tornado watch, we drove to my Grandma's house in Burnet, and got there at 2:30a! I was so sleepy, I don't think I was in full control of my brain. In the morning we drove the last leg of the journey, making it to El Paso by 4:00p (El Paso time).  As we drove in, memories of past trips started coming back. Sadly, I had this streak of getting sick with fevers as a kid, so most of my memories were not too happy, just memorable.

He didn't sing the whole album, instead he sang a few here, and there, and some he sang from his new album that's coming out.

A tornado had touched down in the area, so you could hear the thunder and see the lightning out of the windows. It was a great touch to the concert!

After settling in to our quarter's at a friend's house, we went for a quick, cool, walk around the block. Despite the heat during the day, it is nice a chilly in the evening.

The Anaya Family. Mom and Dad first knew the Anaya's when they had three kids under five -my does time fly!

Back when I was a twinkle in my mother's eye, before we moved to Austin, my family had become good friends with the Anaya's, when both couples had three kids. On Sunday we had the great pleasure to go to church with them and eat lunch at their house. When we told them that we planned to stay in a hotel the rest of the week, they insisted that we stay with them. We spent a much, much more enjoyable week staying up till midnight, talking on the porch, and eating good food with friends. Even though we hadn't seen them in many years, we still talked like there was no tomorrow.

The clear skies, dry but pretty mountains, and the electric line, basically sums up El Paso. :)

After working hard on my Grandpa's house, we took a scenic drive thru the mountains and had to stop at Trans Mountain for a quick photo shoot.

So the youngest person who is afraid of heights and shaky ladders got the job to paint the top of the wall on a shaky ladder. Maybe it's just my lot in life.

Carrying out a bed frame for some willing Mexicans

We cleaned out a lot of my Grandpa's stuff in his shed and dragged it to the curb. within the hour, several (not just one or two people) stopped and picked some things up. We have this joke/saying, "Only Mexicans would do [fill in the blank]". I think this saying applies, cause only Mexicans would stop by the curb to pick something up.

Mica and I planted some flowers. We were very proud gardeners!

On our last day in El Paso we filled up on some fine Mexican food with Grandpa before kicking out of town we made a lunch-stop at "Delicious".

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you real fruit drinks.

We got a wee taste of Mexican market at this fiesta-like grocery with loud music, lots of people, and lots of food.

Mr and Mrs Anaya and, of course, Mom and Dad.

The school that my Grandma and Grandpa went to!

Right behind the tall buildings, where the majority of lights are, is Juarez

Going to Juarez as a kid, I don't remember it being so close, I was shocked at realizing how close it is!

New and sweet friend Chrissy!

The wife of a friend, of a family that we grew up with in Austin. A rather distant connection, but it didn't matter, we chatted away. 

I'm not at all partial to where I see a sunrise or sunset -off the beach, in a plane, on the mountains- I can always count on it being beautiful!

Love,

              Caro :)

Perfect Peace

Perfect Peace

Thou will keep me

In perfect peace when

my mind is stayed on you

Peace flowing like a river

Peace never to be stolen

Peace that you give

is not of this world

my mind is stayed on you 

                     -John Waller

"You keep him in perfect peace

    whose mind is stayed on you,

    because he trusts in you. 

 Trust in the Lord forever,

    for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

Isaiah 26:3-4

 

"Empty me of the selfishness inside.

 Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride.

 And any foolish thing my heart holds to.

Lord, empty me of me so I can be filled with You

'Cause everything is a lesser thing

 compared to You..."

                                                                                                   -From "Empty Me" Chris Sligh