I Surrender.

There is generally always some type of music wafting through the speakers in the car. Sometimes it's VeggieTales, sometimes it's Toy Story, and sometimes it's Jesus Culture. More often than not, I find myself singing along with Chris Quilala or Kim Walker. And the general refrain from the boys is, "LYSSA!! STOP!!" or "WHY do we listen to the SAME song over and over again?!" And my answer is generally something like "Because I love praising Jesus."

SO. Today. Today was a really, really beautiful day. I sat in the car with the three handsome red heads and found myself singing along once again to some of my favorite lyrics. "All to You, I surrender. I yield my heart, my whole life. To You and You alone. All I am. All my love. Only You have all I need. Only You can satisfy." And as I sang along, my ears began to hear the most beautiful, precious sound. The boys. Singing.

Softly and sweetly, the four year old hummed through his closed lips, while the older two lifted up words of truth.

"There is no love sweeter than the love Your pour on me.
There is no song sweeter than the song You sing to me.
There is no place that I would rather be.
Than here at Your feet, laying down everything.
All to You, I surrender. Everything, every part of me.
All to you, I surrender. All of my dreams, all of me."

I have no idea if they even realized they were singing. But, I can tell you one thing for sure. It was one of the sweetest sounds in all the earth. Needless to say, my eyes welled up with tears and I found myself driving around in circles for fifteen minutes or so just so it didn't have to end. My voice melted with theirs, and it created a melody of praise and a chorus of hope. I finally realized it was time to go home, and we pulled in the driveway. Doors were unlocked, boys piled out, ready to tackle homework. I helped them in a kind of daze, just thankful. Oh so thankful. I found myself just wanting to just be before the Lord. I just wanted to soak in His presence, without hindrance or distraction.

So I did.

... and I sure do love how Jesus speaks in the quiet. He speaks in the crazy chaotic, too. But it's such a sweet, gentle sound in the stillness. and I love it.

The waves will come crashing in. The wind will howl and blow. The thunder will roll and the lightening will fill the sky. The fog will cover the land. The brisk air will usher in this new season, ready or not. Trees will become bare. Golden light will fill the morning, and dark skies will fill the night.

I watched and listened today, stopping to think upon His goodness and grace.

I was still. So very still.

... and Jesus was right there with me. What a HUGE comfort that is to my soul.

He cares for my every need. He sees me. He hears me. He knows me. He loves me.

I am grateful beyond words for who He is, and how much He desires to draw me closer to Himself. I am thankful that the storms come and go, but He never leaves my side. He carries me and lifts me up out of the storms- always in His right time, and in the perfect way.

Me heart cries out, and He answers. My mind races trying to make sense of it all, but He quiets my thoughts and brings them back to Him.

My body aches, and sleep escapes me, but He strengthens me by His grace and sustains me the next day.

I am holding tight to the promises of God, as He is always faithful to fulfill them. I wait on Him, knowing that when His plan is revealed it will be the most perfect timing. I seek Him, and He always shows me where to find Him. In places and ways I never thought to look. I seek His face, and He shows me His heart.

Stillness. Songs of praise are filling my mind, my soul, my heart.

No matter how big the trial, how hard this life may seem, I will praise Him. He is worthy of ALL praise and glory.

His peace overwhelms me, and joy overflows in me, and love overcomes me.

Stillness. Sitting in His presence. Peace is restored. Joy is restored.

I love having my soul washed and my mind renewed by the power of the God's Words of truth. All because He humbly took the nails in His hands and feet for me. A sinner, who fought against Him, walked my own way, looked for help in the wrong places, disobeyed Him, exhibited ugly pride... and the list goes on.

Yet, He chose to pour His grace out on my life. He granted mercy. Such a gift. Offered without any payment due. Hope restored.

He is my portion. All I need.

Father, I am listening, speak to me and show me all that You have for me to do and learn from this season ahead of me. Grant me wisdom to ensure You receive all the glory and honor and the grace to walk each step You set before me. Help me to speak words of life. Help me to shower those around me with Your mercy, grace, peace, joy, hope and love. Father, I trust in You alone. I believe in You alone. I humble myself before You knowing how desperately I need You. Be my all in all in every way and situation. Thank You Jesus. Thank You. Thank You for helping me to desire Your ways more and more each day. Thank You for helping me to seek things of eternal value. Thank You for keeping me on the path of righteousness. Thank You for choosing to restore my life and not allowing me to have what I wanted, my way. Thank You. Jesus, thank You! It is in Your most holy name I pray. I love you.


"Be still and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10.

Hushed and humbled to be walking by faith in His amazing Grace.

You are loved,
Lyss