Inviting someone to share your spirit can be intimidating. There is this fear, or rather - multiple fears. Will I be accepted? Judged? Ridiculed? Am I too sensitive, too critical, too needy? Am I more than expected? Less than the standard? Will I be enough?
It's the last question that probably haunts the most. Enough. When fully carrying the burden of that measure, a soul can crumble beneath the weight.
This post is a little bit of an invitation, but it is also a declaration. As a mortal, chained and bound by the limitations I accept as the norm, I admit that the proposition is a timid request. But as "His Favorite", I can declare that I'm free from meeting any superfluous stations, and just simply be.
A friend once told me "Jesus love you, but I'm His Favorite." I scoffed, laughed, and argued. He argued back. After years of near-misses, reversals of "bad fortune", and otherwise leading a blessed existence in spite of suffering - the title has been granted to me by many, unchallenged. I win.😏 Don't worry. I have learned to share.
Not only am I willing to share that title, I'm overjoyed to share my Sanctuary with you. Each song today is by one of my favorite worship singers, Phil Wickham. He writes lyrics and music from the overflow of his heart but the central message is the heartsong anthem of every believer.
Secret Place
Ever notice that Christian songs tend to be able to interchange the lyrics penned for divine relationship with Christ with the same sentiments for a mortal loving relationship? Of course, there is a very obvious reason for this for believers, though the connection might be lost on others. In this song, the singers express their need to run to the "secret place where You are". Not an obvious place- like a church or a public place of worship where you might be on display, but a secret place where they can "sing of all the ways You stole my heart."
One of the words that acts as a constant "cheer" for a heart that tends to run AWAY from God when I need Him most - is "I'm RUNNING to the secret place." It's a harsh contradiction, isn't it? Sadly, most of the believer's life is exactly that. If there is a secret place where your foundation, your safety, your rescue, your hope reside - why would you ever run away? Hm. yes. why. The battle between the old and the new, the changed and the fixed, the hopeful and the helpless, the doubter and the believing. All wrapped up in the same person, it can tear you limb from limb. Thank God there is a secret place that is never off-limits, no matter what.
It's always been You
From start to end, this song speaks my story, in some of the most intimate ways. Have you ever had someone say things that no one could know? And yet, there they are ripping the words from your soul as if they had gone through your diary with a highlighter, dog-earing the most important pages. Pretty sure Phil was digging through my trash for his lyrics. 😁
I won't go into detail about how this song narrates how God has rescued me time and time again - it's bad enough that Phil knows where all the bodies are buried. hehe But for you, maybe you feel that way too after hearing this. Know that you're not alone in that! ❤️
When I look back over all the times where I thought I was making the first move to correct something, or pull myself up my own bootstraps - now I can see the overwhelming evidence of His footprints being there first. Even when I thought it was me, or someone else - "It's always been You", Lord.
You're Beautiful
This song comes with a trigger warning. We lost a dear friend in a terrible tragedy. If this will hurt your heart, please just listen to the song and let it speak instead.
This song narrates the whole story, from creation, to crucifixion, to resurrection to eternity. I absolutely love this song - it's a musical masterpiece, but more than that, it's my reason for being.
A few years ago, this beautiful human being made us all proud by giving his life to be a pilot, bringing necessary items to native tribes. When I say beautiful, I mean in every way - heart and soul, language and manner- just an absolutely gorgeous young man. Tall, striking, kind eyes, stunning smile - simply BEAUTIFUL to look at, interact with, and know!
He knew that the plane that he was flying wasn't the best, but it was all they had - and he continued to fly it until the day it crashed violently. The last thing he was able to do before the flames engulfed him was get his co-pilot out to safety. They were able to drag him out shortly after, but he was burned over 80% of his body. The very next day, he passed, leaving behind a young (just as beautiful) wife, 3 daughters and a baby they had just learned was on the way.
I bawled. My heart wanted to know why. But my soul didn't truly need an answer. This side of heaven will have tragedy because this world isn't perfect.
Just two days later, we sang this song at church. The last verse details "arriving at eternity's shore, where death is just a memory and tears are no more." All I could think about is how he was there. His race was finished and he was beyond this illusion - this shadow of reality. Heaven isn't just a hope for the believer. It is EVERYTHING. I just recently spoke to someone in DM, how people think we are joking when we say we're ready! lol We laugh too - but the laugh is out of exasperation for this version of life that has been overshadowed by pain, corruption, greed, selfishness, pride, superiority, and more. But, as she and I jokingly comiserated, we also knew that the time here is short, and eternity is approaching. Then we will approach that shore... RUNNING, and forever be in awe of the beauty of God, and find our forever Sanctuary.
Long post again, but I still enjoyed writing every word! I wanted to join in #threetunetuesday again for @ablaze's challenge! I love it!!! Thank you for doing this!!! But it went SO nicely for @samsmith1971 and the #dreem-wotw challenge too - which is SANCTUARY! so - two for the price of one! hahahaha
If you want to join in either - please just ask me in the comment section - or tag @ablaze or @samsmith1971 for the details! And then write your hearts out! ❤️
banner created with Canva Pro image
Eternity's shore from Canva Pro - Gatsi/Getty Images
Thank you for inviting me to share your spirit in this post and in all you do. It's an honour and privilege to call you friend. I learn more each time we interact, and this post has been no different. 💛
thank you my Jules ❤️ This was a joy to write and more - to live! thank YOU for embracing my spirit! i felt it (like that hug! hehehe)
This was beautiful. Laced with emotion. Genuine. Heartfelt. Perfectly balanced. You got me again. I might have shed more than a single tear.
When I read things like this it literally feels like my heart skips a beat and my breath takes a break from the present. And then I exist in this space and time somewhere between where I am processing... but still experiencing... and the thoughts and emotions flow... and it is difficult to describe the surreal experience of both being an observer of myself in the moment whilst still being in the moment and experiencing everything... and then I realise suddenly that I'm holding my breath... in awe... in wonder, of that which I am being reminded of and I feel so blessed... and I exhale... sigh...
And just like that, you let us into your experience of sanctuary for a brief moment in time💗
Perfect choice of songs to carry the essence of sanctuary. Phil Wickham is a wonderful artist.
And we are so blessed to have this reality, Leah. This forever home that we can all run to... every day and one day. A sanctuary for our minds, our hearts, and our souls. A space where He is, Always. Amen 🙏💗
Love you!
!LUV !ALIVE !LADY
love you so much - and yes... that sanctuary is offered for all, isn't it? deep cleansing sigh. what a gift!
and i know exactly what you're describing... hehee kinda like we are floating above - but also living in! i TOTALLY know what you mean LOL it really is just this special kind of transcendent experience to enjoy and bask in!!!
I'm so happy to share those songs - and all three are on our playlist! hehehe so feel free to enjoy as often as possible. oh by the way - nope they are not ad free - but pen says if we play it on brave, it will be hehehehe
so .... good to know! he's a real one! LOLOL always with the tips for us!
love you!!!
Yes, I recognised the first one straight away ❣️ But they were all beautiful... gosh his voice is wonderful and his lyrics perfectly chosen. Thank you for blessing us all with this gorgeous post xx
i went to a concert for him once... this was when he wasn't like HUGE huge yet. and he did a concert at a big church... we got there early - and just walked in and sat down.
lolol
then he literally comes out for his sound check...
and we are sitting there
the only ones there
having a private concert.
i didn't like - say hi - or anything.. hahahaha but we totally could have.
crazy LOL
hehe so special... isn't it awesome when people are still just people... accessible, easy, selfless... it's sad that some change so much when fortune or fame strike. The ones that don't... they are the true gems of humanity💗
i know!! it makes you wonder what exactly DOES change them?
that's an interesting thought actually hehehe
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That first song hit me differently 🥺 God is always there, we are just the ones who let sin take us far from Him but running back to him, He is always ready to draw us closer 😩 what a love with Him!
The duet made the song even more spiritual, thanks for sharing them with us Birthday girl ❤️
I'm adding these to my song list, they deserve more listening.
Happy birthday to you Dreemie, my fellow Leo 😍😊
hehehehehe thank you fellow LEO!!! hahahaha this is a great month!!! LOL
I'm glad that you enjoyed it - you were one of the ones I thought of.. hehe you and your sis :)
Such touching powerful and emotional songs made even more so when reading your thoughts on each one
Reading this in the early morning and I am certain the thoughts generated in my mind reading this post will inspire me today
good morning my weretwin. You have no idea how much I love when we meet in the comment section. Doesn't matter if its my post or your post... hehehe i just love it.
and i'm so glad that the thoughts will kinda wind their way around your day!!! early morning musings will do that hehehehe sending hugs and love to you!!!!
i have completely fallen off the wagon with my Supernatural. it got so hot here - i couldn't even think of working out hahahaa but... today is the start of a new year for me (literally hehehe) so maybe as a present to myself I will WORK OUT!!!!!!!
A new year for you
I take that to mean Happy Birthday 🎂
I am trying to be a bit more active with commenting this week to break my 5 week streak in spot ten in the engagement league lol
But that’s good I have been slack in commenting for a long while now so it’s good to be a bit more active
As for supernatural I have been struggling I workout in the sunroom as it has the best space for it but with the heat the coolest it has been in the mornings when I work out is 80 degrees so hot but I have been doing a few days a week it’s good for building up a good sweat lol
hahahahaha you're making me want to jump back in with you!
i truly miss it!!! it was seriously the most fun workout ever! hehehehe but you know when you lose pace with it - it's so hard to get over that mental block!
but if i do it today.... then now is a great day to like... SET a new goal.. and then maybe i wont want to stop , cuz i dont' want to break my record???? LOL
hnmmmm i think i'm convincing myself hahahahaha
and you are in spot 10??? hehehee you better go get that crown back! LOLOL cheering for you! hehehe
I took a break on supernatural for about three weeks and it’s a struggle to get back into it but trying to do it a few days a week now
As for the league I don’t want the top spot back the top three are doing amazing numbers I would have been happy to skip out if the top ten but I just can’t do it mind you got close last week lol
I will be happy if I can move up one or two spots and have a break from tenth 👍😎
Ohhhh... I see it's not a coincidence that the first song is a 444 😂. That's a very nice song. Started calmly until both of them lost it and went all-in. Haha.
Phil Wickham has a very devoted fan in you. He sure deserves the fandom because these songs are worth it.
I enjoy all of them. Thanks so much for sharing these with us.
Have a delightful birthday celebration.
hehehehe my birthday will be nice and calm and relaxed. no celebration here... (we will celebrate in August maybe hahaha)
and yes - that first song - i love when it picks up! hahahaha i think Mikey and I will record this soon too - we love this song!!! hehehehe
i mentioned above to sam - that i saw Phil Wickham in concert once. we got there really early and were the first to arrive LOL and we saw him do the sound check and everything - like a private concert hahahahaha so awesome!
Hahah... No celebration? Don't worry, we in the Dreem world are already celebrating on your behalf. Haha. Just send our share of those fine fishes when you catch them 😂.
I'm trying to paint a picture of how it feels to have that encounter. Haha. The man is doing good with his voice. Those songs are amazing.
It surely touched something in my soul..and I couldn't quite choose which of the songs I could relate with more...they're all beautiful and I could feel the love, your love for leading me to that place..your sanctuary..to share with you...it's beautiful..it's amazing..it's ...thank you...❤️❤️
hi Chinco!!!!!!! its been a while, Sir! hehehehe
I'm so glad that you enjoyed this post!!! and glad that the love came across so well because i certainly feel it and want to share it!!
Wow, powerful stuff @dreemsteem, I hadn't heard of Phil Wickham before but he is a real talent and each song packs a serious punch. Thanks so much for sharing them with us on Three Tune Tuesday, but thanks even more for your honest explanation of what the songs mean to you personally, this is what brings a post to life for me.
You're very welcome! hehehe I'm glad that I exposed you to a new artist again! hehehe
the post I wrote yesterday for ttt might be even more different for you! LOLOL
but you'll have to wait for it hahaha
Ha ha, I look forward to it, I'll see it next Wednesday, as I am all Three Tune Tuesdayed out now after 3 or 4 hours of listening and commenting! :)
hahahaha I commend you on your dedication!!!
next week will be EXACTLY when you should listen to it... just wait and see! :)
This is so overwhelming to me Dreemie, I love how the story filled each song, it was incredibly inspiring. God is the safest place we can ever be.
Death is inevitable and we can't question God if we loss anyone because he already told us these things are going to happen.
Thank you for sharing these beautiful songs with us, I love all of them 🥺🥺.
and i love all of you! hahahaha every part of you. You're so special to me Hope! hehehe
I'm glad that it hugged your soul! i love you :)
You are more special to me Dreemie, I love you more 💙♥️💙💙♥️💙💙💙♥️❤️❤️💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕❤️❤️.
Those words were really inspiring and the songs just drove the message home.
It's not a coincidence the first has a duration time of 4:44☺️. I see you hahaha.. I love this post so much. I archived it. Listening to the songs made understand a few things about my belief. Thank you for sharing such lovely post. I enjoyed reading it. It spoke to me.. Thank you. I love you
hehehe so glad you did !!! and yes 4:44 LOLOLOL you will always see me. even from finland hahahahaha
i would love to hear your insight about the songs and what they revealed to you sometime hehehe maybe this week
i love you!
Wow! This is beautiful. I like how you merged it with TTT. I never even thought of that. Eternity and the acceptance of who we are in Christ is absolute. Redeemed and made whole in Christ! That's all that matters.
hehehe yes - i wanted to join in both - and thought they would match up nicely! and they did :) yes - for the believer - Christ is all and all! i can't imagine life without the certainty of Him!!!
Our heart is indeed the place of worship and many of us misunderstand this, that's why people treat the church as a holy place and make their bodies/hearts involved in the filthy things of the world.
I just can help but remember a lot of things tonight, countless times God has stood up for me, and yet, he is sometimes the last person I run to for help.
I went to check Phil's songs and "Hymes of Heaven got my attention first" and I think I just found a new musician to go through his songs. The messages are strong and we mustn't be wearied or carried away by the things here because no matter how long we are here, we will return someday.
The songs speak hope, faith, and heaven to me. At the end of my race, I want to reside in his Sanctuary as well. Thanks for sharing this with us
You get it.... all believers have felt it. That confusion in our souls about - WHY - He is the last one we run to???
I want it to be the FIRST!!
AHHHH YES - Hymns of Heaven. Guess what - when I went to be with my mother for her major surgery.... when they came in and told us that she was cleared and ready to begin healing - THAT song debuted on my phone!!! i listened to it and felt so happy to hear the words and celebrate!!!
at the end of your race... you WILL reside forever in His Sanctuary! :)
and I'll be there with you too heheheheh love you!
I loved the idea @samsmith1971 and you had by joining your description of sanctuary with #ttt! Just amazing 🙌 Even though I don't share the same beliefs as you, I can see the emotion behind your place of peace and I'm very happy to see you can rely on your faith to find strength!
thank you my sweet friend!!! when I knew I was going to write about sanctuary...this had to be it for me! heheheh
I appreciate your love 😘💕 and love your appreciation! hehehhehe
and thank you for the tip!!! my fellow LOVELUTIONARY!!!! HEHEHEH
interesting. tonight, I am rereading the last part of John. Started w/ his last night. His last words, his commandments, and then, leaving his friends, with the one true note:
Love one another, as I have loved you.
would that we all could do that.
John is so good.... really love it - and that chapter ...15? talking about how we are all branches extending off the Vine... which is PERFECT LOVE. hehehe yes... if we could all be examples of that perfectly
someday we will be - and then for all eternity :)
John really is the much if his history of Him on earth as mere man. And certainly is his later in life, and then, resurrection.
All I can say is I'm too hip, & you are ride on.
lol i'm not too hip, just hip enough ;)
Haven't listened to the music yet (need a quiet place) but I've read and felt every word, and so identify with you... And ah, the hope we have! Thanks for testifying!
If you haven't already read it (if not, shame on you! ;) ) it's way past time for you to read my stories about the New Heavens and New Earth... What joy and fun we have ahead of us, all courtesy of our Fearless Leader Jesus... :D
Thanks for the music recommendations; I'm sure after I've listened to them, I'll have a new artist and new songs to add to my playlist.
Here's a couple of "recent discoveries" that have simply blown me away:
(lyrics)
(lyrics)
Love,
-me
hehehehe will listen now
and YES lolol i did read some (if not all??) of your stories about heaven. and i told you my thoughts on SOME of the parts. LOLOLOL
glorified imagination! hehehehe so very fun to imagine how it will be - but I do think the Bible says we haven't even imagined it - so that means its even beyond what we can comprehend. and that makes me so blown away and excited! hehehehehe
gonna play these songs right now
and yes - you are gonna LOVE Phil Wickham!!
listened to them - the first one reminded me of Bob Dylan a bit hehehe
and the second one - nice harmonies in the end!
I like a bit more contemporary... but it was still nice hehehehe
thank yo ufor sharing
the lyrics from that first one was pure poetry!!
OK, I've finally found the quiet time and space and have listened to all three...
Yeah, I'm hooked. Thank you for sharing Phil. I've found him now on Pandora and will be listening more...
I just listened to "If I Stand" again, and I'm without a doubt a man who weeps "as a man who is longing for his home..."
Thanks again for Phil... <3
hehehe you're so welcome! he is a pretty special guy!!!!
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