'this is home' 

- written nov.15/2011

this is a call, cry, voice, plea

my petition and my decree

this is the voice in my head 

and the heart on my sleeve

its the Love that i seek 

and the way that i’m weak

and the ways i don’t know 

and the tantrums i throw

this is a song, life, gift, dream

my path, my eyes, my fidelity 

where my cup overflows

where a heart’s beauty shows

where the lost find a home

and a truth clearly shown 

welcomed in, unprepared

you meet Love, aren’t scared

this is a fire, light, joy, fear

my hope, my heart, my darling, my dear. 

this is the way we cry 

this is to no goodbyes

this is for questioning why

this is the reasons we lie

this is a plan to be free

this is a joy, plain to see

this is home. 

'you hold me now.' 'no hiding'.

My favourite new thought is not really a new thought but one as old as I am. My name, Rachel, means innocent lamb. If you've met me, initially, a gentle lamb may not be the first thing that comes to mind. I've said before, and it's true, if I'm dishonest enough with myself, I consider myself a pretty strong person. Ha. The truest, most honest part of me is as gentle and innocent as a lamb. This "Rachel" doesn't plan ahead, won't run ahead - is eager to listen, learn and be loved. I've been encouraged recently (and throughout my life) to embrace the 'heart' I've been given and "let theory fall away". Don't get clouded, don't plan in expectation of having things in control... be led.

"He gathers the lambs in His arms, and carries them close to his heart" -- the closest I am to a lamb... the closer I am to His heart. The closer I am to His heart, the less I can hide of my own brokenness, the most honest I am.

'Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.' Let's think about this. How can what is happening on earth be "as it is" in heaven? Jesus made it possible. God's grace and surpassing goodness reached out. His nature is such that we are, in our brokenness, beautiful and able to be redeemed by Jesus' sacrifice.

Psalm 113:5-8

"Who is like the Lord our God, Who has His seat on high,
Who humbles Himself to regard the heavens and the earth!
[The Lord] raises the poor out of the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap and the dung hill,
That He may seat them with princes, even with the princes of His people."

It is the majesty and compassion combo of God that baffles me. To truly believe that He is King and Lord of all, and then to also believe that He touched the brokenness in those who he met on the streets of Jerusalem, the bleeding, the blind, the beggar, the forgotten. He touched them. He restored heaven to them.
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You Hold Me Now - hillsong

on the day when I see
all that You have for me
when I see you face to face
there surrounded by Your grace

all my fears swept away
in the light of your embrace
where your love is all i need
and forever i am free

where the streets are made of gold
in your presence ...
let this song of heaven rise
to You alone

no weeping, no hurt or pain,
no suffering, you hold me now
you hold me now
no darkness, no sin or pain
no hiding, you hold me now
you hold me now

in this life i will stand
through my joy and my pain
knowing there's a greater day
there's a hope that never fails

where your name is lifted high
and forever praises rise
for the glory of Your name

where the wars and violence cease
all creation lives in peace
let this song of heaven rise
to you alone

for eternity all my heart
will give all the glory
to Your Name

Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven