how far the east is from the west

I've been listening to our contemporary christian station A LOT since we moved. below are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs. songs like this are my number one on my thankful list this week. they are a daily reminder that I'm never too far from my Father and His love.



CASTING CROWNS LYRICS - East To West: "Here I am, Lord, and I'm drowning in your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me
I yearn for peace and rest
I don't want to end up where You found me
And it echoes in my mind, keeps me awake tonight
I know You've cast my sin as far as the east is from the west
And I stand before You now as though I've never sinned
But today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way

Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west
'cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other

I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin
Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in
Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way

I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light
I need Your peace to get me through, to get me through this night
I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals
I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding on to me
You're holding on to me

Jesus, You know just how far the east is from the west
I don't have to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
One scarred hand to the other
From one scarred hand to the other"


2. friends- I'm so thankful for my friends who offer me encouragement and guidance when i feel lost and confused

3. my hubby- he has been so understanding and caring. he knows me and still loves me, may not sound like much, but he has seen the demons that haunt me and he holds me and loves me anyway.

4. my past-yep it made me who i am, like me or not. I'm happy with who i have become and each test has brought me to where God has put me. for the first time in a long time i don't feel crazy and that is a good thing.

5. my present- i am happy with my life and who i am. it has taken me most of my life to reach this point, and here i am content with who i am

6. my future- sometimes it scares the heebus jeebus out of me. then i take a deep breath and say a long prayer and i discover that I'm not afraid at all

7. my faith- it has cost me friends and family, but i wasn't promised an easy walk. i was promised joy, peace, and salvation.

8. dates- i had a date with my hubby and a date with some friends this past weekend. both were very needed in there own ways.

9. cleaning house- both the literal cleaning of the home and the kind where people who are toxic are removed. both are needed sometimes more often than we like.

10. crafting- I've been working hard on several projects lately, and it feels good to be busy.

i hope this memorial weekend is wonderful for you. take a moment to say thanks to those who are away from home fighting for us, and for those they left at home.

the honest cries of breaking hearts are better than a halleluia

things are very busy here in the kingdom. we have been busy clearning brush, so that we can get electric out to the property. after that we can get the house. it's getting very hot here, we've already had a few near 100 days. it's been forever since i've done a thankful list, but lately i have been so thankful for all i do have.
I AM THANKFUL FOR:

1. hard work- it feels good to be able to use my hands to get things done.

2. the results of the hard work- above is the property where the house will sit. it has taken a lot of work on our parts. we've been using a lawnmower, chain saw, machete, and tree loppers.

3. family time- we've been clinging together as a tight group lately to get the work done, and when we get to let off some steam and play it really helps.

4. long walks on the beach- above is a picture of us walking on the pier at port lavaca

5. flowers- we planted some pots of flowers this year because we weren't sure where we ulitmately would be.

6. friends- it is so amazing how we draw together when one of us has a problem. my friends are amazing

7. crafting- i have been crazy busy working on projects for friends, family, and swaps.

8. new experiences- above is the kids in corpus. q was a bit confused by the waves at first.

9. being loved- there is no better feeling that to love a be loved in return. there is a lot of love in my life.

10. family- i have a great family. just look at that smile, that makes all better.

i hope that things are going great for everyone who reads this. we have big plans this weekend. the princess has a skate birthday party to attend and i'm meeting friends at knitting nest for a book signing. things are looking up and looking great.