Bring the Rain!

Two things I've noticed recently...

1. Today is my 1-year blogging anniversary! It's a little bewildering to me that I have actually kept up with it for an entire year. As I mentioned in my very first post, I was hoping to last two weeks--tops. I've started approx. 37 journals in my lifetime and all lasted about a month before they collected dust next to my bed. It's been a really great year, filled with wedding showers, weekends with friends, poor Thumbs getting terribly sick, our wedding and new home, friends weddings and babies, and the recent discovery that we're going to be an aunt and an uncle in a few short months. Unbelievable. I'm so, so excited that I have an account for the greatest year of my life (thus far). In short, thank you so much for reading and I truly love the comments, but I can honestly say I'm doing this for us so we can look back at this "journal" one day and smile at the amazing times we've had together.

2. I heard a fantastic song the other day, "Bring the Rain" by MercyMe. I've listened to it several times now and have yet to make it through without tearing up. It's one of those songs that lets you know He has a purpose and a plan for everything that happens to you, be it good or bad. As I mentioned previously, it's been a great year, but I have had several moments of pain in the past (just as you have also had) and I wish I'd had this song to listen to in those times. I even remember feeling so sorry for myself once that I bought the book, "Why Bad Things Happen to Good People." Probably should have turned to my Bible and read the book of Job. Anywho, it also hits home in the literal sense with all of the storms and rain we've been having. Anyone that knows me knows I HATE the rain and I will complain about it to a stranger if I think he'll listen to me. But just the other day Michael and I noticed that we're getting new growth in our front yard (praise the LORD!) and I'm not sure we can take credit for such a feat. So... bring the rain. Read the lyrics and then go download the song. You tell me if you can make it through without tearing up and I will classify your heart as 95% stone. :)

Bring the Rain--MercyMe

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty