Worthy Of Affection

It's been a difficult week. My school load has been especially heavy, I'm going to/playing for a womens' conference this weekend, and I'm performing at school Sunday morning. All of that seemed suddenly so much less important when I was hit with the news that a woman from my church had passed away.

Her funeral is this morning. She was about my mom's age and is survived by a husband and eight children. She was healthy. No one would have guessed the extent that a viral flu would have upon her body.

I know that no ones like the subject of death, especially when it hits close to home like this. Personally, I'd rather not face my own fragility. But when tragedy strikes, we must know how to respond. Sunday, when I received the news that this dear woman was sick, I prayed. My whole church prayed. I begged God to have mercy. I know in some way - in His good plan - He has done that, but it sure doesn't feel as such. All we can do in dark times is cling to the promises that God has made to us - His children - knowing that one day we will see in full.

I came upon this post yesterday and was brought to tears by words that stirred somewhere deep within, words that rang true with my fears and hopes. They communicate more poignantly than I ever could. May they comfort you through joy and sorrow.

I'll leave you with words from artists Shane and Shane that gave me hope last night as I drove home from school.

Deliverer you brought us out of the miry clay
You set our feet upon a rock and You made us say
Holy is the Lord

We would declare your thoughts about us one by one
It’d be too many to count so we’d simply come
And sing of Your great love
So we sing, we lift our hands and sing

You are worthy of affection
You’re the radiance of all of His Glory
Let adoration fill this place
You hold everything together
By the word of your immovable power
We sing a song of praise

We are the broken down and we are the beaten up
But what can stop us from a song of unending love
Holy is the Lord

You are the treasure, the hope, the bright and morning star
You are the lover of our soul and you want our hearts
And sing of Your great love
So we sing, we lift our hands and sing

You are worthy of affection
You’re the radiance of all of His Glory
Let adoration fill this place
You hold everything together
By the word of your immovable power
We sing a song of praise
A song of praise

Worthy are You Lord

-Worthy Of Affection

Status

This is one of those rare moments that I wish I had a Facebook so I could post a short status update about a not-so-rare event.
(I guess we can just call it a short blog.)

How many times will I have to keep learning the same lessons?!
1. Chocolate still gives me a headache.
2. Performance-based living is enslaving.

I need Grace. For my headache and to breathe.

Captivated

Today I sat on the couch doing homework. The only time you'll catch me with the TV on is when I'm listening to the Classical Masterpieces channel. Such was the case today. I was listening to the 3rd Rachmaninov Concerto - the third movement at this point - when there was a power surge! The TV didn't reset fast enough, and I missed the end of the piece! Ugh! I was so mad!

All that to say, I've been listening to Rachmaninov today. His music is so wonderful and enchanting. This etude is incredible (and incredibly difficult - beyond my ability - but a girl can dream, right?), and it's the sort of thing I cannot keep to myself. I was compelled to share.

Enjoy! It's a true work of art.
(Yes, you may count it as your culture lesson for the day.)