Beautiful Handiwork by a Loving God - by Susan Barclay

I'm currently in the throes of eldercare and unfortunately my writing time is pretty limited. Ergo, I'm going to take a little different spin on this month's theme of beauty and share some song lyrics (written by others) that have impacted and encouraged me and which continue to do so. Take a minute to watch the videos. I hope they bless you.

1. Beautiful by Amanda Lindsey (Falk) Cook 

The enemy tries to deceive people into thinking they're less than they are, unworthy, hardly made in God's image. This song speaks the truth of who we are in God's sight. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Never forget that.

Your real beauty starts inside of you
You're beautiful the way you are
You don't have to look too far
To find your worth, Believe it's true
Your real beauty starts inside of you

 2. You're Beautiful by Annika Barclay with Lindsey Minaker 

This one reminds me not to trust what I see in the mirror or what others say about me. What God says is far more true and meaningful than what self-doubt whispers or what people may sneer. God is trustworthy and cannot lie; He knows me and loves me. He has good plans and a purpose for me.  And that goes for you as well.

God sees you, God knows you
Trust Him when He says, "You're beautiful"

3. Something Beautiful by Steven Curtis Chapman

No one on the planet gets through life unscathed, without suffering a little damage. We all go through trials and experience hardship. Even that person whose life looks so golden has known hurt or secret shame or pain. This song encourages believers to give our brokenness and trouble to God. He's the One who works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28).

God says
I'm gonna turn it into something different
I'm gonna turn it into something good
I'm gonna take all the broken pieces
And make something beautiful like only I could
So put it all in the hands of the Father
Give it up, give it all over to
The only one who can turn it into
Something beautiful

And now a couple of numbers for those who enjoy the oldies.

4. Something Beautiful by Bill Gaither

This one stands the test of time because its message is true. It's a very similar message to the Steven Curtis Chapman piece above. Even though we don't understand why things happen the way they do at times, God is omniscient; He's never surprised. He sees the big picture. He knows what He's doing and how it's all going to play out and come together. Struggles refine us, they draw us closer to the Lord and mold our character. We may only be able to offer Him our brokenness and strife, but if we're willing to give it over to Him and obediently follow Him, He can do amazing things in us and through us. 

Something beautiful, something good
All my confusion He understood
All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife
But he made something beautiful of my life

 5.  He's Still Working on Me by the Hemphills

Often thought of as a child's ditty, this chorus gives me hope and makes me smile. Good news, everyone: God's not finished with us yet. He's making diamonds out of dust (but that's a whole other song)!

He's still working on me
To make me what I need to be. . .
How loving and patient He must be
'Cause He's still workin' on me

 

Aren't you glad it's not over yet?

What songs have impacted and encouraged you, reminding you of who are you are and who God is? 

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 You can find out more about Susan Barclay's writing at www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com 

Dreaming of Things to Come by Susan Barclay

Getting on the fast-track

As I faced this month's writing challenge, initiated by me, I wondered what I had in mind at the time of suggesting it. Anything? Anything at all? Has God spoken to me about my writing or used it to speak to others about Him in a meaningful way? Is He speaking to me now?

If you count my contributions on Inscribe Writers Online, I have received positive feedback fairly often. Thank you for letting me know when a piece I've written speaks to your heart; it's greatly encouraging!

For this post, though, it's the present I latch onto: "...perhaps He is speaking to you now."

He is speaking to me now indeed. Whether it's about the writing or something else, I'm not 100% sure. What I am certain of is that it pertains to my work and that He is calling me to a new thing. This doesn't mean that I'm to stop what I'm currently doing, that I'm to resign my position at the library or step away from my writing commitments or forget about submitting manuscripts, poems, etc. It does mean that I need to pay attention, to look for doors that might be opening, to listen to the comments of others who may be dropping heavenly hints, to hear what God is saying to me through His Word, and to be in prayer, seeking His direction.

One way He has spoken to me recently is through a dream. While I won't go into its details, and I know that it may sound weird to some, a friend who is gifted in interpretation shared that God is entrusting me with something of great value and is putting me on the fast-track somewhere. Through the dream He says that He hears my heart and it matches His for this particular thing. He is present with me, even if I can't see Him. The dream is about something to come but also has a warning: this is the time to get ready, to prepare. A life-changing moment is coming. He will advise me what to do, and it will be done through Him, supernaturally.

If life has been "interesting" this past year (to say the least), it seems that the wow factor may just be ramping up. My desire is to be in the centre of God's will and to say yes to whatever He has for me. I trust that is the desire of your heart for your life as well. May God bless each of us as we respond in obedience and follow where He leads.

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Susan Barclay maintains a website at www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com and has practically given up on blogging there.