How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

While I was in Michigan, I picked up Selah’s CD “You Deliver Me.” If you haven’t heard them, check them out! I’ve been a fan of their music for years now and have never been disappointed by an album. They sing a lot of hymns and such. One song on this particular album that has been sticking out to me (I’ve listened to to it over and over and over), is “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us.” I think Selah’s version is the most beautiful I've heard of this hymn. And the lyrics…oh my. I’ve sung this song growing up in church, but haven’t really ever soaked in the lyrics. I cannot even accurately describe how this song makes me feel. I thought I would share the lyrics here. I tried to include the video in the blog, but I’m not tech savvy enough to figure out how to do it. Instead, here’s the link to the youtube video! Please listen to the song…you won’t regret it!

Lyrics:

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my barking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(repeat)

I’m thankful for…

…sunny days

…friends

…playing at the park

…my girls

…visiting a new baby

…music in the park

…God’s incredible, indescribable love

…my house

…how random liberty is when she talks…keeps things interesting!

…leila’s love of all things domestic

…nadia’s big, bright smile

…hugs from my husband

…a good visit to michigan

…being home again

…mountains all around us

…a deck in my back yard

…yarn, knitting needles, knitting

…God’s timing

…good memories of my daddio

…water

…family

…girls who played hard today

…love

…laughter

…a quiet night

…sleeping in my own bed

…God’s Word

…and so much more…what about you?

Is it weird…

…that I took a few pictures of my dad’s grave? It’s been over a year since I’ve been able to go there and when I was last there his stone wasn’t there yet. I really like the cemetery where he was buried…it’s really beautiful (is that weird, too?) and peaceful. I think he would like it. It’s called Great Lakes National Cemetery. I miss my dad…it’s still really hard for me to believe he’s gone. I miss seeing him with my girls…especially right now since we are in Michigan.

On Tuesday my sister and I and all our kiddos went to see our grandma (my dad’s mom). It was a nice visit.

my “grandma-grandma” (as my sister and I called her growing up) with the 5 kiddos.

Yesterday my mom, sister and all the kiddos went to see my gram & gramps…my mom’s mom & stepdad. It was a nice visit as well. The girls and I are planning to spend a night with them in about a week.

Great Gram Leila, and little Leila

The kiddos would not cooperate!

My girls on a big rock that my sister and I used to have our pic taken on (in Gram & Gramps’ front yard).

My sister’s boys Sidney & Daniel

Today is a day with no real big plans…which is nice. It’s been pretty busy. The girls are enjoying their time here as well. Only real problem with them is they are not going to bed well at night. I think it’s the time change…they fall asleep finally after 10 (which is 8 our time). Also, Nadia has become really contrary and obstinate. She voices that she doesn’t want to do whatever it is anyone says (no, I don’t want to go to bed. no, I don’t want candy. no, I don’t want to take a picture. etc.).

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”  Psalm 73:26

Michigan

the girls and I are in michigan for a couple weeks. my mom flew out last week and got to see our house and the town we live in. it was so so nice. we had a nice time. then she drove back to michigan with the girls and i. it was a long drive, but we made it safely. we got in saturday afternoon. got to see my sister and nephews that evening. we were so tired! sunday morning the girls and I went to the church I grew up going to. it was really nice to see everyone. it was really hard not seeing my dad there, sitting in his regular spot.

after church I left my girls with memaw (my mom), and headed out to the other side of the state for a dear college friend’s wedding. I’m so thankful I was able to go. it was so so great to see her (& meet her husband), and see some other dear friends from college. what a blessing! the wedding was beautiful and so sarah & joey. I never cry at weddings, but I did at this one.

a few pics…

joey & sarah’s first dance as mr. & mrs. frey

father/daughter dance. I have to say I have a special place in my heart for mr. & mrs. mcnew. they have such a special love for each other that clearly shows…through good and bad times. they have a beautiful family that is so close. I love them!

love these gals so much. and the others that weren’t able to make it. it still astounds me how close you become to strangers when you are in college…everlasting friendships formed there!

lots more planned for our time here, too. today we spent the day at my sister’s house having a cookout and swimming. it was a good time. the kids were so worn out!

we’re enjoying our time so far and look forward to seeing more family and friends.