I Lift My Eyes Unto the Hills

I made it back to Istanbul in one piece...it was much less painful than I was expecting and I'm actually really glad to be back. The letters and packages awaiting me certainly helped :) I am so blessed, I can't even tell you.

Anyway, it's about 2 am here and the kids are skipping school tomorrow so I should really get some sleep. I just wanted to share this because the lyrics really struck a chord with me this past week. I'm not usually a huge Pop-Christian music fan just because it sounds too cheesy to me but I had to listen to my iPod everynight all night in order to try and block out E's constant SCREAMING and I wanted to hear something positive so I happened upon Casting Crown's Lifesong album....it was such a comfort and I would recommend it.

The part that says, "You are who you are, no matter where I am" was big for me...it's something I'm still struggling with. But it was so clear God used this trip as a way to shower me with hope...not just love, not just comfort, which was all there, but he made it abundantly clear that he wanted me to recognize it as HOPE. I am very thankful.

Much love.

"I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen",
and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember whenI stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You?

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth..."

"Praise You in the Storm"- Casting Crowns