The Stand and a Hiney.

We went home this weekend and had a good long visit with our parents and friends. Is any visit ever long enough? I got there Tuesday, and I still missed out on seeing many important people. There never seem to be enough days where everyone can get together anymore. I completely understand why, but I think it just means I need to pack up and move back so I can see these people all the time!!

Here's a cute hiney to look at while I ramble. Well, two cute hineys in my opinion.

We also got to attend our "old" church. I terribly terribly miss this church, the people there, the children's programs, the worship, the sermons, and well, everything. Our family is there and there is just something to be said about you and your babies seeing your family every Sunday and Wednesday, meeting together to praise the Lord. The music is always wonderful, although I am a bit biased. My sister-in-law, who is married to Matthew's brother (got that?) has a father (shocking, I know). Her father is the worship minister at our church there. As in, he has the title of minister over worship not only because he is talented at what he does, but b/c it's his ministry. He works hard to plan songs that will encourage, inspire, and convict. He shows videos that touch your heart and allow you to see Jesus. He loves his job, and you can easily see that. He smiles when he sings, and raises hands in praise. Anyhow, he does a great job of re-arranging songs to fit the acapella church worship style. This past Sunday, we sang this song at the close of our service, and I've had it in my head ever since. Go check out some videos of it on youtube. I wish I could find you his arrangement to listen to. I think it's even better than the Hillsong version! Here our the lyrics to The Stand:

You stood before creation 
Eternity in your hand 
You spoke the earth into motion 
My soul now to stand 
You stood before my failure 
And carried the cross for my shame 
My sin weighed upon your shoulders 
My soul, now to stand 

So what could I say? 
And what could I do? 
But offer this heart oh God 
Completely to you 

So I’ll walk upon salvation 
Your spirit alive in me 
This life to declare your promise 
My soul now to stand 

So what could I say? 
And what could I do? 
But offer this heart oh God 
Completely to you 

I’ll stand 
With arms high and heart abandoned 
In awe of the one who gave it all 
I’ll stand 
My soul longs to you surrender it all 
I am is yours