For Freedom

I'm one of those girls who talks a lot about perspective.

I haven't had much lately. Nope, none actually.


But that has changed.
It changed because of freedom. Yes, freedom.
One of my new favorite verses says this "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

How amazing is that? Jesus wants us free just because He wants us free. The experience of freedom was enough to set us free. 


My story in freedom is a long one. It's one that I'm not sure I can share completely yet. But what I can share is this: I'm not so much a new person now as I am who I should have been all along. I don't really have different qualities, it's more like I have started being who I started as. In the midst of it all, Father has started showing me what part of Himself He has placed inside of me, and the truth of how from the part of Him in me will the wellspring of life flow.


It's huge. 


And I can't really explain it all. But I'll try to post my thoughts as they come. 


It's a little hard for me to talk about this at all. I'm a REALLY privet person. But Holy Spirit is reminding me of Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him [the enemy] by of the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony."


For freedom Father wants you free also. 


So I'm here to declare my testimony. It is after all how I will overcome the enemy.


I'm free! I'm continuing to fight for freedom everyday. I will not stop fighting for freedom. For when I'm free, I am who Father created me to be. I am who I am because He is I AM. 


Alana


Ps-The picture is just something that reminds me of freedom--just because it means travel :-) 

Hey World Changer...

I once thought I knew what it meant to be a world changer.

Maybe I did.

I thought it was living a life that was different than normal...overseas, making a name for myself among the churches I grew up in, being one of the best photographers in the world, telling stories of lives so far away from anywhere I grew up.

But then all of my world changing tools left me. I was Stateside. I became a new girl in town. I put my camera down. My writing was put on the back burner.

And when all that left, I realized what it truly meant for me to be a world changer.

It was love.

Every day I get to pour into peoples lives. I get to encourage, I get to uplift. My passion was never traveling, photography or stories, it was loving people. This is what makes me happy, this is what makes me enjoy all of my world changing tools. The people, and how much I just want to love them.

So now, I'm not overseas. I'm not taking pictures. I'm just starting to write again. I serve coffee, I manage, I train. I listen and hear. I give directions. I move boxes. But I'm loving, and ever learning how to give more.

When I really think about it, I'm grateful for the life change. Because I am changing my world. The Creator of the universe started with love. It was the only reason He sent His Son to change the course of history. It was the first motivation that ever compelled the Son to die. "Because God so loved the world..." (John 3:16)

Love is really that powerful.

So why is it sometimes the last resort? Why isn't it my main motivation and investment? Why is most of life spent trying to get to a place where one can start loving instead of loving and then getting to that place? Why are so many waiting until they get their lives together to start loving? I'm here to say that I had it together, I had a name. I was considered by many to be a world changer. But until I had to stop and start only moving forward with love, I never found the blessing I was looking for.

Thank about it friends? Are you a world changer? Are you following God's example and loving first? Because you ARE a world changer...active or not?

Hey World Changer....

Where have you been?

Then There Came Life...

I'll admit, I'm even wondering where I've been.

Here I am a lover of life and writing and I'm no where near this blog.

But as one of my friends said last night, "Sometimes life is just, you know, life."

Let's see...last July...oh garsh that was a long time ago. A LOT of life has happened. I've come up with several of my "theories" I've taken a few pictures (yes, only a few, it is a bummer.) I've written a story. Yes, a story. I've worked a ton, yes a ton. I've read about 4 books. Sigh, only 4. I've fallen in love. I had a birthday. I got a raise. I drank several gallons of coffee. I missed my family. I've exited Texas TWICE. Not yet the USA. Worked. Worked. Worked. Learned how to run a business, learned how to lead. Laughed, hurt, overcome, waited.

Since last July I've been grown. I've been through pain and experienced healing, I've done more living than I thought possible. This has grown me. It's changed me. I'm not sure why I haven't written about it. Maybe because I didn't think anyone would want to read it. Maybe because it was too crazy. Maybe because I didn't know what to think of life half of the time. I'm not quite sure what it was, but I'm hoping I'm back.

Mainly because when I write, my heart comes out. My passion is ignited. My dreams are bigger, my heart for my work is truly alive within me.

Writing is one of the ways I get to love people. Loving people is my favorite thing to do.

So this isn't much. But it's a post. I've enjoyed writing it. I hope you've enjoyed reading it :)

Alana

photo by Michaella Elliott 

We're doing life. Having fun. (Well he's overseas right now... more like we're having fun and missing each other.) 

Sometimes the things deepest in your heart are the hardest to find words for. It’s as if they are so close and so treasured that words just aren’t good enough.

So today I’m digging.

Because I’ve realized that I’ve fallen off the face of the earth. Because not only have I changed, but e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. about my life adventure has changed.

And I don’t just mean my new haircut.

I’m pretty sure if you would have asked me this time last year where I would be in a year I would have told you something like:

“Oh I’ll probably be back overseas somewhere, still taking pictures, still loving being this single girl making a difference for God. Yeah, I love life like it is right now, no need to change it!”

Um… in case you couldn’t guess—that is not what life is like right now.

Go back friends, go back and see what I wrote this time last year. Then come back and pick up where I am now… it’s different.

But I’m happy.

I’m in love. With this guy named Daniel. I didn’t want him to come into my life (didn’t even like him at first) and I wasn’t ready for a relationship in my mind. I guess God had other ideas.

My summer means staying in the States—oh wait I mean State, as in Texas. Other than my family vacation I wont be leaving Texas. I’m not used to this.

I actually have to follow a budget. Because I’m kinda grown up now, have my own cell phone.

Priorities don’t come easily anymore. I have to think about them, plan time with all the people in my life and make sure that it’s balanced. I’m used to flying by the seat of my pants. No more, I have a job.

All of these bullet points need words and pictures. So I’m digging through my heart and looking for the words I need, and through my files for the pictures.

Some things about me haven’t changed—I still believe stories are meant to be told. I still love to look at life different than others. It’s still easier for me to communicate with written words than spoken. And Jesus is still teaching me how to be free.

Be looking for these new life stories in the coming weeks.

[Here is a portrait of my man. So handsome right??]

Alana

Blessings

I am having a rough day. [This is where you all roll your eyes and say "Lans, it happens."]

But have you ever had one of those days where you wake up and just don't want to get out of bed? When you're so overwhelmed at what the weekend (yes, not even the week) holds that you don't know how to proceed? Have you ever made yourself get ready for a meeting then, get lost driving there, and then once you're there realize you missed a memo and it wasn't happening? What about when you walk all over a shopping center to find the cell phone store--because you need (yes, Daddy I did say 'need.' We've talked on this.) a smart phone. Once you're there, you realize that you couldn't afford it even if you lived off of the dollar menue once a day for the next month. By then you're ready to cry.

People it's not even noon yet and this is the pace of my life e.v.e.r.y day. So I did cry.

But you see, there is this thing about a loving God: He doesn't let you stay where you are.

Thirty minutes ago, I wanted to run away. I wanted to go home, sit on my daddy's lap, and watch my momma cook. I wanted to stop everything and play with my siblings for hours and jump on the trampoline, and watch the wind whip across the plains.

Now, I still want that, but I have been overwhelmed in a different way. By the blessings my Father has given me.

I was just standing there, tears coming, wind blowing my hair and Him whispering in my ear.

I love you Alana. I see where you are and what you need. I have given you so so much. People who love you, who cherish you. People who will listen to you, people you can rely on. I've given you a job you love, I've opened the door for you do what you're good at. I'm letting you write and take pictures AND serve coffee. I've given you favor just because you a.r.e. Mine. Your car is running, you'll have work hanging in a gallery next week and you have a good bed.

And above all, you have a Savior, who saved you from your sins and has given you the gift of the right to be my child. You are loved.

Friends, it doesn't always take a sermon to grow. Mostly it only takes the everyday ordinary challenges seen from His perspective.

This weekend remember that. He died for you AND He overcame death for you. Jesus gave the Just Father the sacrifice that was needed so we could have the right to become sons of God (John 1:12-13) Don't forget how much He loves you and wants to show you His perfect love.

Happy Resurrection Day!

-lans

change

Making art from art. I'm not sure if it's legit, but it helps my point for the post :)

There are times when songs get stuck in my head. "Change in the Making" by Addison Road has been floating around today.

Theres a better version of me
That I cant quite see
But things are gonna change
Right now Im a total mess and
Right now I'm completely incomplete
But things are gonna change
Cause youre not through with me yet

This is redemptions story
With every step that I'm taking
Every day, you're chipping away
What I dont need
This is me under construction
This is my pride being broken
And every day I'm closer to who Im meant to be
I'm a change in the making

I can't even begin to say how much there is to write about. I pretty much dropped off the face of the earth right before I few back to the States, so here I am to resurface and let you all know I've not decided to run away and never come back.

The last three weeks of my life have been indescribably hard, great, fantastic, wonderful, ugly and beautiful. Yes, all those things. I don't even think I could give the bullet points before blogger would tell me it was too long to post ;)

But really, life has been overwhelming.

And thank God, He's not finished with me. He's not finished with my destiny, my heart, my life.

He has me under construction. He is digging deep in my heart and pulling out things that have needed to be gone for a long time.

God has also been giving me great gifts. Like celebrating my best friend's marriage to the man of her dreams, my family coming in this weekend, dropping my little sister off at the airport for her incredible adventure to Alaska. Crying over pictures and seeing God give me the vision I need.

I'm convenced, at times it's the gifts that really push life over the edge to being overwhelming.

And so, there is much to write about. Like adjusting to the States again and the lessons I've been learning on that front, or what it means to endure, or about the wedding (*happiness*) or my next move, or what I've been learning about letting go, or Japan and how it has effected my outlook on life.

So. Much.

I'm a change in the making. And I take great comfort in creativity of my Abba. At times, life just seems like a bunch of useless colors, running around in zig zag lines, never seeming to be creating anything. Little do I know just how wonderful of an artist God is. He can take what seems worthless and make it beautiful.

That, is what it is to create change.

Hualien

I'm home.

It's the most wonderful feeling.... And one of the saddest.

It's painful to have so much joy at seeing the people you love, then turning right around and having the sadness of saying goodbye. It's not that I don't love being back, it's that it's so hard to say goodbye again so soon.

I really have much to write. But right now, all I have to say is that I've missed this. I've missed my Taiwan life. Especially the people. (Especially these two little boys.) And I can't wait for the time that I will get to come back again.

But right now, in this moment I'm more happy than I've been in a long time. For sure.

Life in Pictures

I'm loving the Taiwan life. AND missing my other life.

But this is proof of me loving my life :) More coming soon!

Jesus, Help Me Pray

I miss Hualien.

So. So. Much.

Today the burden I have for my Asia home is great. My heart is breaking for the children, for the families, for their souls. We have begun planning for the CI camp we will be holding in Gongfu, a village an hour south of Hualien City.

I know when I lived in Taiwan I had students from that area, and it's very possible that we will be teaching some of my students. It's hard, thinking about my students. What are they like now? Have they grown any? Do they remember what we taught them? Do they remember me?

All I want is my home to know God. I want Jesus to be the center of all they think and do. I want my students to be passionate about following Christ and passionate about character. I want to see healing come to the place in the world I love the most.

I'm learning how to pray for Hualien again. I thought I knew how, but this upcoming trip has made me realize how helpless I am. I want to see Jesus bring my home to Himself. It hurts to know we can't reach everyone.

So friends, I'm asking--because I'm selfish, I can't imagine heaven without these people--please help me pray. Help me pray for my home. Pray that we will be effective. Pray that we won't just plant seeds, but that we will see a harvest. Pray that Jesus will come down and touch the lives of each of the children we will be reaching out to.

I can't tell you how grateful I am for people who pray with me.

Thank You,

Alana

Living the CI Life

Have you ever, I mean ever--bit off more than you could chew??

Well, as I sit on this freezing cold floor, since it is the only place anywhere close to an outlet... I'm thinking I have.

I'm loving the next part of my time in Taiwan, CI's.

But I'm still trying to process the whirlwind of a trip I had before this part. I've now been in 5 cities all over Taiwan. Every day has been packed with life. I'm now sitting here wondering, when will I even post here??

This part of my trip is adding jobs to my list, I'm staff, a accountability group leader, the photographer, the writer, the blogger, the picture poster, the assistant food girl. There might be more, but no one has told me yet. So I'm saying all this to simply ask: Please forgive me for not posting sooner/not posting as much as I would like to here. (Oh and if you would like you can always see what I'm posting, that others write, on thecijournal.com)

Life is good. Full, but good. God is working and I'm so excited to be part.

Thank you all for your prayers. I need them. As always ;)

Alana

Nantou

There is so much running through my mind right now. God is so good and I stand amazed at what He is doing in Taiwan.

I'll be writing more as far as stories go soon. But before I fall asleep, here are a few pictures from today. It was one fantastic day. I love seeing into the heart God has given others. Just saying :)

Hands down my favorite pic of the day. This kid was so cute. I so wish I could have had more time to actually get to know him. 40 minutes just was not enough.

Can anyone say eyes??

READY?

I'm in Taiwan.

Yes.

Here.

It's amazing.

I'm more than a little happy to be 'home.'

The next 6 weeks of my life are going to be insane. (which if you're interested, means: "(of an action or policy) extremely foolish; irrational or illogical." What I'm doing is both irrational and illogical. Really.) This adventure is for the books.

The question that keeps going through my mind is: Am I ready?

Am I ready to be moving around every three days for the next 6 weeks? Am I ready to be a small group leader? Am I ready to write these stories? Am I ready to take these pictures?

I don't know.

But as I was getting my Taiwan cell number and fighting jet lag, I realized that that is okay.

Me not being ready is inviting God to come and do the great work. So as I go, I will share the stories of God working. As many as I possibly can. It's gonna be great ;)

-lana

"And there were many other things Jesus did. Where every one of them to be written I suppose the world itself could not contain the books that would be written." John 21:25

Emma

"Sometimes, the whole picture is never meant to be seen."

That is a piece of wisdom that most times I don't want to hear. Especially when it comes to my little cousin Emma. I just don't understand.

Emma is one of the most precious baby girls I've ever met. Full of smiles, life and joy.

I think that's why it's so hard to understand.

Emma isn't like normal baby girls. All her life she's been in and out of hospitals, poked and prodded, in and out of surgeries. It hurts knowing all she has had to go through, a story that would make anyone cry.

But really, the hurt is only half of Emma's story. The other half is harder to see. It's the half that if you didn't know it was there would be completely looked over. This half of Emma's story comes from others. From family, uncles, aunts, grandparents and Jesus.

It took me a long time to learn of the love Jesus has for Emma. And even still I know I can't understand. But somehow, someway, I hope to. In the midst of this fallen world, Jesus loves deep enough to allow Emma to go through this pain.

It feels wrong to say.

But it's true.

On December 31, 2010, I spent the afternoon with Emma and my dear Aunt, her Nana. I couldn't think of a better way to spend the last day of 2010. For the first time, I got to hold and meet this little one. For the first time I saw the sparkle in her eye, heard her talk, saw the wheels constantly turning in her smart little head. In those moments I remembered: My Uncle Rick praying, every day at every meal, lifting her up before the throne of God. I remembered the other countless people who have spend days praying for her healing. I thought of the Savior who came just for her.

I realized Jesus isn't finished with her yet.

My baby cousin Emma understands a part of Jesus at two that I will probably never understand in a lifetime. She understands suffering and the joy that can come from it.

In many ways, I believe Emma wouldn't be as happy as she is if she weren't in pain. I don't think she would bring sunshine to the world if people weren't praying for her. I believe that this precious little one wouldn't know joy without her suffering.

And yet, all I want is for her to heal. It broke my heart to know she's back in the hospital.

So I still don't understand. I never will. How love can be so deep, so flawless, that beauty can come from pain? I believe it will come in Emma's life. I believe it already is. It just hurts to see.

If the day ever comes when I understand, I'll try to put it in words. And when Emma makes it to the other side--the side of living a healthy life, I'll write all of her story. But right now all I can do is pray. And trust.

Jesus loves Emma. So much more than any of my family could. So much more than we could ever imagine. Which is why I can't see the whole picture. Why none of us can.

"Sometimes, the whole picture is never meant to be seen."

Merry Christmas

It dawned on me this morning that it was last Christmas when I started this blog. It’s hard to believe what I’ve been through over this last year. And sometimes, it’s even harder to believe what is coming for this next year.

I can’t lie and say that life is all hunky dory. It’s not. I’m tired really. Worn out and overwhelm by what has come my way. But it is Christmas, and no matter how tired I am, excitement is bubbling inside of me and spilling out all the time.

I’m just so blessed. There are more presents than I could ever have imagined at my second family’s house. People have been more than generous. I got to spend a weekend with my family. I wish it was more, WAY more, but at least I got that much. I have friends who care, really care for me. I have the best roommate ever. Like I said: so blessed.

And to give more news—I’m headed back to Asia. In three weeks. Once again it’s like time is repeating it’s self, this time last year I was preparing for Nepal. Today I prepare for Taiwan. Three weeks! I’m more than excited, (and overwhelmed) and I’m more than sure that God’s blessing is upon this!

But right now, in the midst of my overwhelm, I’m quietly celebrating my Jesus choosing to come to earth and become a man, so I (Me!) could be saved. I’m my normal quirky self when I do this: I read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, then the Christmas story, then sing a little, then drink chai. Because He loves me.

"For unto you is born this day, in the City of David, a Savior, Who is Christ the LORD."

Merry Christmas Friends

I Will Never Be the Same.

I’ve always liked to think of myself as an adventure seeker. In some ways what I think of myself is true. I love to travel; I love running into the unknown facing each day, especially if I’m overseas, with a zest for life.

But there is another side of me.

It’s the side of me that needs a home, a place I’ll always know I’m loved and accepted. By having a home, a haven, I’m given the freedom to find the adventure I long for.

I’ve always had that refuge. Until November 29, 2010.

My home was taken away. Not by a person, not by a mistake, not even by failure. It was taken away by life. Life refined me, a girl who was getting settled after my last move, finally seeing the new place as her refuge and home, with fire. The house of wonderful family who took me in burned down.

And e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. the family owned was lost. Suddenly, I didn’t have a home anymore. Yes, I lived in the guesthouse, and only lost a few things—But my home was gone.

And this is where the story really begins.

It’s a story that I hope to write in entirety someday, but right now all I can seem to say is: My God is so good. His love is deeper than the depths of the sea; He has given back ten-fold more than was taken away. His heart is so for me and my second family that He has brought together His Kingdom just to overwhelm us.

I know it’s only been three weeks, but it feels like three years.

I'm sorry to leave you, my blog friends, hanging. By not posting and by not being able to finish this story. I long to, really I do. But for now, thank you for your prayers. We still need them. [and for me I'll never stop needing them :)]

Jesus is holding us close to His heart. And we are healing from life's circumstances. We will never be the same again.

Much Love,

Alana

twenty-five

This is probably not my parent's favorite picture of themselves... but I love it. Because it shows how fun and cool they are. I'm just saying... my parents are the coolest parents in the world. Hands down folks.

There are two people in this world who love me more than anyone else.

My parents.

Today, is their twenty-fifth anniversary. That is a beautiful thing. Just the thought of two people loving each other for that long.. is far past amazing.

I couldn't be more grateful for the parents God has given me. Sometimes I'm amazed at how many places I've seen differences in other parents, and been grateful for the way my parents raised me.

I've learned more from them than anyone in the world. I learned how to ride a bike, how to shoot a gun, how to show a sheep, how to drive a tractor...just how to drive. They spent weeks (literally) driving me to music lessons, and even more time reminding me to practice.

My parents showed me how to love Jesus, they taught me what it means to be open, they showed me the path of righteousness. My parents made me into an opportunity taker, they led me to be a woman of faith.

I am who I am because of my parents. And I know they are proud of me.

Daddy, Momma, I love you. And I want the whole world to know it. God in His grace gave me to you, and you to me, I could never repay you for the love you have poured over me all my life. Thank you. For loving God, for loving each other. Thank you for showing me what kind of a parent I wish to be, and for letting God take care of me and lead me where He wants me to go.

You are indeed the best.

All my love,

Alana

Today I'm Feeling...

Unable to Focus.

"Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving in to something heavenly"

I don't know where I'm going right now. I can't see what lies ahead. But I'm giving in. I'm letting go, trusting in the One who sees all things to take care of me.

When I think of Heaven

I'm coming off of one of those days, the kind that you just wonder why you're depressed. Because life is good. Because life is beautiful. Because your God is good, He's with you and His love is always pouring over you. But still, Satan attacks and you're depressed.

I don't know why today was like that. So tonight I think of Heaven.

I long for the day that life will always be good, beautiful, God will be before my eyes and Satan will be defeated.

When I think of heaven I think of my Granddad, how he is rejoicing before the throne of God. I think of how much he taught me about Jesus, and his love. I think of how bold he was, and how much I wish to smile as much as he did.

I think of Veria, and her zest for life. I think of how she is probably sitting on Jesus knee telling Him to make sure her little sister has a best friend and her brothers are safe. I think of how she is bowing before the King of kings telling Him how grateful she is that He gave her eternal life.

Heaven makes me think of my cousin Emma. I think of how much I want her to be healed, and how unfair it is that she can't be perfect until heaven. I think of the prayers that still go up for her before the throne. I think of holding her hand and telling her I love her. I think of how precious she is to my Father and how His love is so deep for her He allowed her to go through this pain.

I think of my friend Jeff. I think of how when I get to heaven all of my friendships will be like the one I have with him. Cultural difference will vanish and the Kingdom will be all that is before our eyes. I think of how great it is talking to him, how amazing it is to be equal. I think of running around in the rain and trying on hats as brother and sister not worrying because all that offends has really and truly disappeared. That will make heaven really great.

I think of worshiping with Steven, and talking with Nick. I think of dancing with my family and my Grandpa being able to run. I think of Priscilla's back not hurting and being able to eat dairy again. I think of my grandparent's prayers coming true and Ryan being better. I think of my desire to see all 1800 of my students again, even Gary. I think of my siblings and I being every bit of the rascals n such we are and making people laugh. I think of seeing all my friends from around the world I probably will never see again on this earth. I think of how much I want them in heaven with me.

But mostly I think of seeing clearly, of being hugged by my Jesus and never tiring of sitting at His feet. I think of not crying, even as I cry right now. I think of what Kennan said: How heaven will be better than I could ever think.

"For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

1 Corinthians 13:12

Photo Credit: Nepal Mission Team 2010 and Austin Hanes

The Reality of My World

It's true, when we are young, the world can't hurt us. Because the world consists of red wagons, slides, kittens, toy trucks and our parents loving arms. But then we grow up. I hate it really. I hate the fact that growing up had to happen. The sad part isn't that the world can now hurt us, but that often our world doesn't grow.

Instead of red wagons there are fast cars, instead of slides there is fast paced job. Instead of loving and protecting arms, there is a void to be filled by whatever satisfies the moment. Each world usually doesn't grow up with the body, it just becomes square instead of rectangle.

The saddest thing I've heard all week is this: Nothing happens, life just goes on. I cried when I heard it. How could someone I love actually have this perspective their story, their life? How could life be reduced to "just going on?" I simply couldn't understand a world so small.

But it made me stop; it made me think about my world. To me, my world is bigger than most. It is very safe to say that is pride talking. I love everything about cross culture, I love defying differences, I love tearing down walls with the Kingdom of Heaven as my alliance. Yet, compared to my God's world, I know nothing, my world is tiny.

Sometimes it requires me crying for someone else to see how much I need to cry for myself. Sometimes it takes a close friend choosing to let their story lose wonder for me to see my story is also fading. Sometimes it takes a jolt of reality to know remember I was not called to judge, but to love.

Tonight, as I write this, I realize my story isn't going to be worth reading if I don't let my world grow. More importantly, my story isn't worth anything unless Jesus Christ is the author. So I cheer on those who are letting Jesus author their stories, and I send out a plea to the rest of us: Wouldn't it be amazing if life couldn't be reduced to "just going on" simply by us letting go and trusting the Creator of the Universe to "grow up" our worlds?

Living He Loved Me

One day when Heaven was filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin
Dwelt among men, my example is He
Word became flesh and the light shined among us
His glory revealed

Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day

One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He
Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree
And took the nails for me

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered
Now He’s ascended, my Lord evermore
Death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him
From rising again

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming
One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day, my Beloved One, bringing
My Savior, Jesus, is mine

I've been thinking about two things today: Newness and Mud. And this is what came to my heart. So when my over thinking self comes to a conclusion, maybe I'll know how those two things connect and how this beautiful song fits with it all.