No Longer Slaves

What's up, buttercups? I wanted to bring to light a wonderful song that has been on my heart lately as I get ready to make some big changes and head to GCU in Arizona in about 19 days! Now, I think we can all agree that change can be a scary thing, so that's where this song comes into play. See, God didn't give us a spirit of timidity and fear, we are to do His will and walk free from sin and shame and death and fear as we follow in the footsteps of His love. So here is a song called "No Longer Slaves". I hope ya like it :)

No Longer Slaves by: Bethel Music

V1: You unravel me with a melody
You surround me with a song
Of deliverance from my enemies
'Til all my fears are gone

[Chorus x2]
I'm no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God

V2: From my mother's womb
You have chosen me
Love has called my name
I've been born again
Into your family
Your blood flows through my veins

[Chorus x4]
I'm no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God

~Bridge: You split the sea
So I could walk right through it
My fears were drowned in perfect love
You rescued me
And I could stand and sing
I am a child of God...

You split the sea
So I could walk right through it
You drowned my fears in perfect love
You rescued me
And I will stand and sing
I am a child of God~

[Ending]
Yes, I am
I am a child of God
I am a child of God
Yes, I am
I am a child of God
Full of faith
Yes, I am a child of God
I am a child of God

Okay, so you know that drill, and if ya don't, here's the drill: Let's analyze this song overall at first, and then break it down by verse. So for starters, my overall message that I'm hearing repeated over and over again is how we are CHILDREN OF GOD. Like, we are children of the creator of thbe universe, breather of stars, Lord of Lords-- He is our Heavenly Father and because of this, there is no reason why we should be held captive to fear and sin any longer. He breaks our chains and sets us free from fear. What. A. God. Am I right?

So now that we have an overall summary, let's check out the verses...

V1: You unravel me with a melody
You surround me with a song
Of deliverance from my enemies
'Til all my fears are gone

V2: From my mother's womb
You have chosen me
Love has called my name
I've been born again
Into your family
Your blood flows through my veins

First thing to note here is God's faithfulness to deliver us from our enemies. He is a faithful God who promises to love and protect us and here we see that we have a "song of deliverance" from our enemies that sets us free from our fears. Our God is so good and s faithful to deliver us safely. The second thing to note in the verses is how God calls us as His children. He doesn't just look at us as a number, but He calls us individually, BY NAME, as His chosen children. We are His and His alone. Death has no sting, sin has no power, and fear no longer rules us because we are chosen by Him. The final thing I noted is that we are not only delivered and chosen by God, but we are also new creations because of Him. He loves us so much, that He takes are old sinful selves and cleanses us and frees us from sin. "So there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus."-Romans 8:1(NLT) Boom. There it is. We are free from our sins and free from death and free from ALL condemnation because we belong to Him now. How AMAZING is that? No past, present, or future sin can seperate you from the God who called you because you have been delivered and made new.

Now we're gonna clump the chorus and ending together...

[Chorus]

I'm no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God

[Ending]
Yes, I am
I am a child of God
I am a child of God
Yes, I am
I am a child of God
Full of faith
Yes, I am a child of God
I am a child of God

In case you weren't reassured yet or didn't know it yet, you're a child of God. You are loved and chosen by Him to be a part of His family. And because of this, you are free from your past slavery to fear. You have been set free.

And finally let's look at the bridge (AKA: My favorite part)...

~Bridge: You split the sea
So I could walk right through it
My fears were drowned in perfect love
You rescued me
And I could stand and sing
I am a child of God...

You split the sea
So I could walk right through it
You drowned my fears in perfect love
You rescued me
And I will stand and sing
I am a child of God~

How crazy awesome is our God? That He splits the sea for us, and covers our fears in His perfect love, and rescues us and makes us Hid very own children!! Our God is a loving God and a personal God, He is not distant and far away, but He is right here for us whenever we need us. He's only a prayer away, and friends, please remember how loved you are by Him. Calling you by name, choosing you for His family, saving you by sacrificing His only begotten son-- These are not the actions of a distant and hateful God, but by THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE. King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Maker of Heaven and Earth, the one who loves like no other and you know what? HE LOVES YOU. He loves you so much, He just wants you to be a part of His family, my dear friends. Please remember that.

Well there you have it. I pray you all have a wonderful night and I'll hopefully post again soon :) 

Love always, Abby Lynn

Come Home

Hello there lovelies. It's me again. It's been quite some time since I last wrote, but I thought I would give a quick update on life and I rediscovered a wonderful song I thought I'd share with you all. SO basically, I'm just getting ready to go to school in Arizona in the fall at Grand Canyon University and I'm super excited about it. But Ya see, I've been feeling kinda distant from God lately. I haven't been getting out of bed very well, I haven't been praying and spending as much one on one time with Him, and I just haven't had my heart in my days anymore. Though I am aware that I can't spend my whole life living ina spiritual high, as nice as it would be to always be that happy and joyful, I still have been getting pretty beat up by my depression and the rest of what's been going on in my life. So I found this song today on one of my playlists and I haven't heard it in a while, but it's a very relevant song and a great reminder of who God is and how He loves me. This song is Called "Come Home" by a band named Luminate. I hope you like it.

Come Home by: Luminate

V1: You're best friends with the word regret
You're afraid that your life's been wasted
So why hope if it's only gonna let you down?

You don't think people really change
You're a mess and you'll always be the same
And you doubt if you'll ever get it turned around

Chorus: So you've been running, searching for something
But you're looking in a place you don't belong
But it's never too late, you can't outrun grace
No, mercy doesn't care what you've done

So come home
So come home

V2: You can try to fix your broken empire
Put bricks on a cracked foundation
But you'll be building castles on the sand

There's power in the blood of Jesus
Your father's screaming just come home
And he's reaching out His hands

Chorus: I know you been running, searching for something
But you're looking in a place you don't belong
Well, it's never too late, you can't outrun grace
No, mercy doesn't care what you've done

So come home
So come home

Bridge: From the shadows, from the wrong roads
From the darkness, from the unknown
To redemption, something beautiful
To a new love, to a new home

Chorus: I know you been running, searching for something
But you're looking in a place you don't belong
And it's never too late, you can't outrun grace
No, mercy doesn't care what you've done

So come home
So come home

So first, overall summary of the song. It's pretty much about how we've wandered astray and have become distant from God and how, no matter what we've done, God still wants to take us back and have us return home to Him.
And here's the break down and we're gonna start with the verses...

V1: You're best friends with the word regret
You're afraid that your life's been wasted
So why hope if it's only gonna let you down?

You don't think people really change
You're a mess and you'll always be the same
And you doubt if you'll ever get it turned around

V2: You can try to fix your broken empire
Put bricks on a cracked foundation
But you'll be building castles on the sand

There's power in the blood of Jesus
Your father's screaming just come home
And he's reaching out His hands

Verse 1 is what I'm calling "The relateable intoduction" because I feel like many of us can relate to this first verse. It's so easy to get caught up in life and the mistakes we make just trying to figure out what we're doing and ya know, that's how we lose track of God in our instablity. But here's something good: Even though we lose track and can give up on God, He doesn't do that to us and He NEVER will. And that's what we see in Verse 2. My very favorite part of the whole song is the second part of Verse 2 where it says "There's power in the blood of Jesus,  and your Father's screaming 'Just come home!' He's reaching out His hands." I think that's a perfect picture of what God does for us. We have been made new because we belong to Him and He calls out to us. Not even that, he SCREAMS out to us to just...come home to Him. I think that paints a beautiful scene in my head of the story of the prodigal son, but in my head it's me. I'm the one who ran away, and then there's God running out to me and reaching out His hands to welcome me back home again.
Now for the bridge and Chorus...

Come home...

Bridge: From the shadows, from the wrong roads
From the darkness, from the unknown
To redemption, something beautiful
To a new love, to a new home

Chorus: I know you been running, searching for something
But you're looking in a place you don't belong
And it's never too late, you can't outrun grace
No, mercy doesn't care what you've done

So come home
So come home

How great is it to know how much love our Father up in Heaven has for us, that though we've strayed and wandered from Him, we can NEVER outrun His grace and mercy and love that never ends. From our darkness and and our mistakes, we can still go home to the redemption and love of our God. When we've realized we've gone astray and have done wrong, the best possible thing we can to is go back to God and confess to Him how we have strayed and He welcomes us back with open arms. Don't stay in your darkness anymore, my friends! It's not always the easiest thing to do, but going back to God is the best thing you could ever do. The smartest choice I have ever made, by far, was choosing to chase after God and run home to Him. His love is the only thing that can fully statisfy out hearts, and this is a lesson that I may have to keep learning over and over again throughout my life, but it's one of the most important lessons I've learned for sure. Make God your number one. And when you've fallen away from Him, please don't forget that He always calls you back home. You just need to listen to Him.

Well there ya have it, folks. That's my insight on how I've been feeling and what I feel this song tells me. I hope you all have a wonderful day and rememeber, Jesus loves you :)

~Abby Lynn

Just Be Held

Hey sweetie pies,

In light of situations taking place in my life right now, I've felt led to share this song with you. This is a song by Casting Crowns titled "Just Be Held" and I think it's a song we could all stand to take a word of advice from. So here's another song analysis! I hope you enjoy it...

Just Be Held by: Casting Crowns
Hold it all together
Everybody needs you strong
But life hits you out of nowhere
And barely leaves you holding on

And when you're tired of fighting
Chained by your control
There's freedom in surrender
Lay it down and let it go

So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held

If your eyes are on the storm
You'll wonder if I love you still
But if your eyes are on the cross
You'll know I always have and I always will

And not a tear is wasted
In time, you'll understand
I'm painting beauty with the ashes
Your life is in My hands

So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your worlds not falling apart, its falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held

Lift your hands, lift your eyes
In the storm is where you'll find Me
And where you are, I'll hold your heart
I'll hold your heart
Come to Me, find your rest
In the arms of the God who won't let go

So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your worlds not falling apart, its falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held, just be held, just be held

The overall theme for the song is about just sitting in your situation and praying and knowing that God has got full control. There's no need to worry about everything so much, just let it go and just be held by God and sit in His presence. He's got this. 
Now a breakdown starting with the verses...

V1: Hold it all together
Everybody needs you strong
But life hits you out of nowhere
And barely leaves you holding on

And when you're tired of fighting
Chained by your control
There's freedom in surrender
Lay it down and let it go

V2: If your eyes are on the storm
You'll wonder if I love you still
But if your eyes are on the cross
You'll know I always have and I always will

And not a tear is wasted
In time, you'll understand
I'm painting beauty with the ashes
Your life is in My hands

Here we see the struggle of life meeting God's promises and God's love. We always seem to think that we need to keep everything held inside and held together because the world and those in it need us to be strong, but it's okay to break down and fall into the arms of Jesus. Let him love you and hold you and just be with you through it all. And through the trials we face in life, just knowing that He has a beautiful plan for you, and that he's making something wonderful out of your disaster, that is so special to have that. There is power in your weakness and freedom in your surrender so just give it all to God.

Next, there's the bridge we'll look at...

Lift your hands, lift your eyes
In the storm is where you'll find Me
And where you are, I'll hold your heart
I'll hold your heart
Come to Me, find your rest
In the arms of the God who won't let go

This section just shares how God can be found in the middle of our struggles and pain and how he will hold us close and protect our hearts so we can rest in His strong arms and be comforted by His unfailing love.

And finally my favorite part of this song is the chorus...

So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your worlds not falling apart, its falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held

As I've been saying the whole time, just being still and being held by God can make all the difference in a situation. He is a healer and a lover and a picker-upper and he will put you back together, I know it. My favorite part is "Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place" and that has been so relevant in my life. Being completely honest, I had an emotional breakdown yesterday and I honestly just needed to let God hold me for a while. I just threw myself down onto my knees and lifted my arms and cried out to God to hold me and He so did. He does a pretty good job of being there when I need Him ;) 

So this is what has been going on in my life since my last post, though it was only two days ago, it's amazing what can happen that gives you moments of realization of what's important. And what's important that I am telling you all, don't be ashamed to call on God when you need Him. He loves us so so SO incredibly much that He WANTS us to come to Him when we are broken. He WANTS us to run back to Him when we fall apart. We need Him and we should never be afraid to need Jesus. You, my friend, whatever you are going through right now, are so incredibly loved by the maker of the universe that He just would absolutely love it if you would just sit and spend some time with Him. That's all He really wants from us, is well...Us. He want's our hearts. He wants to spend time with us. So just be still, listen, know to whose you are, friends. Jesus loves you. He just wants to hold you and love you and be with you. As a matter of fact, He thinks you're to die for. And now THAT, is some amazing love.

Thank you for reading, sweetie pies! Let me know whatcha think! 

~Abby Lynn

First

Hey darlings, so it's once again been a minute since I've posted last, but I'd like to share this post with a song analysis to share how God has been working in my life. I also think this will greatly explain a lot of the choices I'll be having to make in the upcoming month. So this is a loveley song called First.  


First by: Lauren Daigle
Before I bring my need
I will bring my heart
Before I lift my cares
I will lift my arms
I wanna know You
I wanna find You
In every season
In every moment
Before I bring my need
I will bring my heart
And seek You

First
I wanna seek You
I wanna seek You
First
I wanna keep You
I wanna keep You
First
More than anything I want, I want You
First

Before I speak a word
Let me hear Your voice
And in the midst of pain
Let me feel Your joy
Ooh, I wanna know You
I wanna find You
In every season
In every moment
Before I speak a word
I will bring my heart
And seek You
First
I wanna seek You
I wanna seek You
First
I wanna keep You
I wanna keep You
First
More than anything I want, I want You
First

You are my treasure and my reward
Let nothing ever come before
You are my treasure and my reward
Let nothing ever come before
I seek You

First

First
I wanna seek You
I wanna seek You
First
I wanna keep You
I wanna keep You
First
More than anything I want, I want You
First

So the overall theme, I feel, is quite obvious. It's about putting God first. And not just asking Him for things, but praising Him and thanking Him before you speak your requests. This has been so important for me to realize this past month how much I need God to be first. Above materials, boys, above freinds, school, work, and other things I call priorities. God needs to be first.

So let's take a look at the chorus first. (You see what I did there? Eh?? Ehhhh???? yeah okay.) 

First
I wanna seek You
I wanna seek You
First
I wanna keep You
I wanna keep You
First
More than anything I want, I want You
First

It's very plain and simply put that God should come first. Above this world and its possesions. Above our wants and so called "needs" we strive towards. But not only that, but before our requests, we must praise him. It is so important to never forget to praise and thank God for all He has done, even in the midst of struggling. 

Next we'll look at the two verses...

V1: Before I bring my need
I will bring my heart
Before I lift my cares
I will lift my arms
I wanna know You
I wanna find You
In every season
In every moment
Before I bring my need
I will bring my heart
And seek You...
 V2:Before I speak a word
Let me hear Your voice
And in the midst of pain
Let me feel Your joy
Ooh, I wanna know You
I wanna find You
In every season
In every moment
Before I speak a word
I will bring my heart
And seek You...

In every season and in every moment, let us seek God above all else. In the midst of pain and suffering as well as joy and gladness, let us praise Him. God should always be number one. So before we speak a word, set your heart of praise to the Lord and thank Him for putting breaths in your lungs and beats in your heart. He has you here for something special, and as it's been said, God's got a plan and these are good plans that seek to prosper us and God promises that in His plan He will be there every step of the way no matter the situation.

And finally the bridge...

You are my treasure and my reward
Let nothing ever come before
You are my treasure and my reward
Let nothing ever come before
I seek You...

How many times can I say this is one post, it's pretty clear that God comes first. He always should. He is the best thing we could ever ask for and we must let nothing come before Him in this life. These worldly things will pass, but God? He's forever and true and faithful to the promises He makes to His children. Always.

So that's what's been on my heart and mind lately. I've just been trying to find more ways that I can seek to put God first and praise Him first before I reach out to something else. One of my favorite ways to put God first that I have recently started doing, is by giving Him my first moments of the day, whether it be singing to Him or reading His word or just a thank you and good morning prayer, I strive to keep God at the first and last moments of my day.

So moral of the story? I think you should know as well as I. God first. It's not the easiest thing in the world to do when there's so many distractions in life, but sit a minute, pray, listen and let God speak to you. And then give him your requests, for He is good and faithful and will reach out to those who reach out to Him. Putting Him first is the least we can do. After all, Jesus didn't die on the cross for money and cars and nice clothes, He died for you and for me. He chose us first.

Thanks for reading darlings. I'll try to update more :) But then again, I write as it comes to me to write. I hope you enjoyed this! Please write your comments and let me know whatcha think! I love feedback. 

~Abby Lynn

If Ever-- AbbyLynn Writes

Hey there angels. I'm gonna be sharing a poem with you that I wrote, or at least started writing a good while back and I decided to finally finish it. It's all about how no matter what life throws at you, you can always turn to Jesus to be there for you. His love is so much bigger than us, and it'll cover even our darkest moments. You're never too far gone for Him to take you back.

If Ever by: Abby Haske

If ever you're sick of those breaking your heart, 
Just turn to the One who paired the sky with the stars.

If you're ever unraveled or your life is unwound,
He'll be the one to lift you up off the ground.

If you ever feel lonely with no one to run to,
Run straight to Him and He'll tell you He loves you.

If ever the world weighs too much on your shoulders, 
Remember He Lives, and He moved the caves boulder.

If you ever feel broken beyond repair,
Remember that Jesus will always be there.

When you've wandered too far, too far to go home,
Know that you'll never be truly alone.

He hears you, He sees you, gave Heaven to have you,
And know when you need Him, He always will come through.

He loves you so much, He died in your place,
Now He's up in Heaven and He's saved you a space.

Whenever you're beat up, worn out, uninspired,
He'll be the rest for you whenever you're tired.

So child be still now and fall at His feet,
And know He's the only One you need to meet.

He held you first and He'll hold you whenever,
So go on, take His hand, because He loves you forever.

I hope you enjoyed my poem! And check out my other posts too! Have a nice day :)
~AbbyLynn

What I Know

Hey dewdrops, if I may call you that. I think it's cute. :) Any who, I just wanted to bring to light a very special song today, well...all the songs I talk about are special to me, but this song is a beautiful song that I love called "What I Know" by Tricia Brock. It was in the movie "God's Not Dead" and if you haven't seen that movie yet, I recommend it. So why this song? Why now? Well today, I was put on new medication for my anxiety and depression and I'm hoping that this transition goes smoother than previous transitions. I've been through several medications over the past 2 years and it's been a horrible ride to just try to find the right medication to help me function like abnormal human being, so here's hoping this next medication is the right one for me!

What I Know by: Tricia Brock

It’s been another day when it seems like faith eludes me
Everything’s been so confusing
Fear got the best of me
Now I’m lying here worried about tomorrow
‘cause the weight of everything I don’t know
Is so heavy I can’t sleep

But the truth remains the same
Even when I don’t know what to pray

But what I know
Is You, my God are real
No matter how I feel
You’ve never let me go
And what I know
Is there will never be a day
You aren’t just a breath away
And through it all I’ve gotta hold
To what I know

I could throw my fist in the air demanding answers
But in spite of all the questions
I’m still giving You my life
And if it doesn’t turn out like I think it should
It doesn’t change the fact You’re always good
Your ways are higher than mine

And the truth remains the same
Even when I don’t know what to pray

But what I know
Is You, my God are real
No matter how I feel
You’ve never let me go
And what I know
Is there will never be a day
You aren’t just a breath away
And through it all I’ve gotta hold

To love that’s never failing
To hope that keeps on saying
“carry on”, “carry on”

What I know
Is You, my God are real
No matter how I feel
You’ve never let me go
And what I know
Is there will never be a day
You aren’t just a breath away
And through it all I’ve gotta hold
To what I know

To me, the whole song has a very simple message. Our God is real NO MATTER WHAT. No matter our trials, no matter our pain, no matter our scars, or tears, or fears. God. Is. Real. Through everything.
Now let's look at both of the verses together.

V1: It’s been another day when it seems like faith eludes me
Everything’s been so confusing
Fear got the best of me
Now I’m lying here worried about tomorrow
‘cause the weight of everything I don’t know
Is so heavy I can’t sleep

But the truth remains the same
Even when I don’t know what to pray

V2: I could throw my fist in the air demanding answers
But in spite of all the questions
I’m still giving You my life
And if it doesn’t turn out like I think it should
It doesn’t change the fact You’re always good
Your ways are higher than mine

And the truth remains the same
Even when I don’t know what to pray

I've been feeling these verses a lot lately. Just being caught in a time of low and failing faith, so worried about tomorrow and what's in store that you can't even get sleep at night. But something I've learned and continue to learn--and this is coming from someone with anxiety-- worry gets you no where. After all, Philippians 4:6-7 says "Do not worry about anything, instead pray about everything, tell God what you need and thank Him for all that He has given you. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guards your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Isn't that something? Do not worry about ANYTHING, instead pray about EVERYTHING. You understand that? I know I struggle with it. Go to God before you even think about worrying and he will give you peace in your heart. A lot easier said than done, I know, but do the best you can. My sister Lexi once told me that the best way you can show God love is through your obedience to Him, and so read His word and live in His ways to the best of your abilities. He already knows you're not perfect, and remember that when you make mistakes, He'll still love you either way.

Another thing that gets me most about these two verses is verse two about demanding answers, and saying how even in the questions, she's still giving God her life and trusting Him with that. That's me right now. I could throw my fist in the air demanding answers from God about my depression and anxiety and yet, I'd like to live in the way of turning to God and giving him my life. However, once again that is easier said than done. I get so frustrated with what's wrong with me sometimes, all I do is get mad and ask God "why?" So the best thing I can do is, in the midst of my frustration, ask God for peace. Rather than demanding answers for everything, ask God for peace, and trust that He will take care of you through it all.

Now the chorus and bridge... 

But what I know
Is You, my God are real
No matter how I feel
You’ve never let me go
And what I know
Is there will never be a day
You aren’t just a breath away
And through it all I’ve gotta hold

To love that’s never failing
To hope that keeps on saying
“carry on”, “carry on”

This chorus is not only beautiful in sound, but beautiful in it's words. It's beautiful in its truth that it displays. No matter how we feel or what we are dealing with, that doesn't change the fact that OUR GOD IS REAL. He will never let go of us and there will never be a time where he isn't more than just a prayer away from us to help us when we need him. No matter what we've got to hold to this love and this hope that tells us to keep going and tells us to carry on. We need to hold to what we know to be true. and in the midst of lies that we deal with all around us, we need to know that our God is real. Our God is here. Our God is love. And He will NEVER leave us. This is the God we believe in.

Remember, God is good all the time...and all the time, God is good.

I hope you enjoyed this post! Have a nice night, lovelies.
~AbbyLynn