Song
Lyrics
| Lyrics |
I Can't Wait written by Colleen, summer of 2000 *song inspiration - Even after all I've done in my life - my Lord and Savior has continually forgiven and cleansed me. He could've held it against me - He could've let it destroy me - but instead He came and set me free. Now I can't wait to meet my King face to face - to praise Him forever in that holy place. *song lyrics - Lord, take these filthy rags and clothe me wholly in Your saving grace I wanna be ready, Lord, for the day when I will finally meet You face to face I wanna hear those trumpets resound at the sound of Your name heard all around the gates of heaven And I will stand up and proudly say "O, Lord, I'm ready for judgment day" I can't wait to meet my King and I can't wait to praise my Lord In that perfect heavenly place that money can't afford I can't wait to hear my name called on the list of those who gave Of this heart that they received back to Him for they believed The Father welcomes everybody through His Son, salvations been won . . .my eternity is free And I will never forget all the things you've done for me, I am eternally in debt to Thee . . .my King of Kings And I wanna hear those trumpets resound at the sound of Your name heard all around the gates of heaven And I will stand up and proudly say, "Lord, take me home, I'm ready for judgment day " I can't wait to meet my King and I can't wait to praise my Lord In that perfect heavenly place that money can't afford I can't wait to hear my name called on the list of those who gave Of this heart that they received back to Him for they believed You know all the places I've been, Lord You know all the things I've done You know my every sin, Lord And all the times I've been wrong Yet, You let me come back in, Lord As Your arms are open wide You forgive everything I've done, Lord And the way I've lived my life You could've held it against me You could've let it destroy me But what You did wasn't anything like that Instead You came and set me free <<CHORUS>> For they believed in Jesus, my Savior - all praise to Him forever Praise God, hallelujah, Amen! - Praise God, hallelujah, again - Praise God, hallelujah - I do believe I do believe - and I live for Thee - for eternity I will praise my King Amen! Palm of His Hand written by Colleen, March 2005 *song inspiration True to form - God works through His people - we belong to one body, one bride, and we have all been given a place and a purpose. I may write the music, but so often these words come from the people who have taught, encouraged, and raised me up. LaVila Fraley had come over to visit one afternoon. Our conversation quickly turned to our faith, and our need to surrender all of our trust to the Lord. We shared about old habits of thinking we need to have backup plans, or thinking we might know exactly what needs to happen to whom - and when. But more often than not our plans fail. God's thinking is infinitely beyond ours, and He promises to meet all of our needs through Christ Jesus. So even in the midst of all that can happen around me, I can rest assured knowing that I am in the palm of His hand. *song lyrics Jesus I was wrong, to think that I would be just fine on my own. Savior, You opened all the right doors and now I'm completely Yours Jesus You complete me, I know I'm worth more than I ever thought I could be You opened my eyes now I finally see all the time I wasted in misery 'Cause I have been bought with the blood of the Lamb Perfect redemption from God's own right hand Given a gift this world can't understand Even in the midst of all the suffering and pain I remain in the palm of His hand Even when the night comes, I just remember that this place is not my home I'm turning away from the world I once knew to a hope found only in You You are my salvation - I will not be shaken - O no, no I' built on the Rock that is stronger than I - and I - I am not movin' 'Cause I have been bought with the blood of the Lamb Perfect redemption from God's own right hand Given a gift this world can't understand Even when I feel like I'm losin' my way When the plans that I make all fail in the end I surrender my life to God's glorious plan and remain - in the palm of His hand Hidden Away written by Colleen, summer of 2005 *song inspiration I am not who I used to be - the old has died and I am a new creation. The world has a hard time accepting this truth, any truth for that matter. Any time the enemy sees someone set free He's going to use the fallen world to point fingers and try to shame that person right out of their new identity. Satan has a lot of weapons in this world, and he knows our weaknesses. We might consider our faults minor in light of the extremes we see and hear about around us. But any time we fall into sin we become a slave to it simply because we cannot stop by our own power. I have been a slave myself. Mastered by fears and disillusioned as to where to find happiness, I strove to please other people to achieve my own "worth". But we have an open offer through Jesus Christ to be set free from whatever has pushed God out of first place in our lives. And if the Son has set you free you will be free indeed. My biggest testimony is my life - the joy, the peace, the change! When people don't want to believe it's real I need to stand firm and be assured that no one can take my salvation away. My life is hidden with Christ in God! *song lyrics Can't you see what's inside me - I got a joy you can't take away His Spirit lives in me - and I've got it every day, yeah Even when the road ahead looks weary - the trappings of this life get in my face I keep my feet rooted firmly in the Word that lights up my way But the world's gonna' be like that and try to hold me back But I am stronger than the enemy at hand So when I get attacked - reminded of my past I'll be okay, my life is hidden away There's nothing you could offer - that would make me change my mind 'Cause nothing in this world could ever measure up to my eternal prize But the world's gonna' be like that and try to hold me back But I am stronger than the enemy at hand So when I get attacked - reminded of my past I'll be okay, my life is hidden away Even though you try to tell me - you remember how I used to be Well, that wasn't really me - I was blind and I could not see And now everything has changed - I surrendered my life in His name And nothing you could ever say will hold me back from what God has planned But the world's gonna' be like that and try to hold me back But I am stronger than the enemy at hand So when I get attacked - reminded of my past I will be okay - no matter what the people say "Cause they can't take my salvation away - no My life is hidden - hidden away Carry Me Home written by Colleen, August of 2005 *song inspiration As I walk the road less traveled - my entire life is a journey toward heaven. I have but one goal, to live for Jesus until I go home to meet Him. My daughter, Shadow, has taken up a new practice. Richard Lukenbill, a friend from church, advised walking barefoot outside - through our Minnesota winter - to avoid getting sick. Shadow faithfully stepped through the ice and snow every day (despite my painful reaction). I'm sure the only reason this bothered me was because I had absolutely no desire to do it myself. Being that I didn't hurt her, and she found it entertaining, I let her continue. This story comes to mind now because of Richard. He must enjoy being barefoot! Having the pleasure of spending time in bible studies and adult Sunday School with him, I have heard him express (multiple times) his longing to walk barefoot on the streets of gold - in a place with no more pain - no more aging bodies. Isn't that a place we all want to be?! I would love to be here when Jesus comes back - to be carried up to meet Him and taken home to live with Him! I didn't have to think too hard to know that even my tender feet could handle the golden streets of heaven! *song lyrics Someday I'm gonna' cross that river - meet my Jesus face to face Gonna' live with Him forever - O, what a glorious day I'm gonna' leave this world behind me - grab hold of the treasure that waits When I hear my Jesus calling - I will not hesitate - to meet Him at those pearly gates - I'm gonna' celebrate There was a time I was not ready - one step forward two steps back I was walking in a land of slavery - chained down by the judgments of mere men Then Jesus justified me - my debts are paid in full Gonna walk in the land of the living - 'cause He redeemed my soul Took my sins and made me whole - He's gonna' come and carry me home And when I cross the river Jordan I'll be on my way back home I'll be singing with the angels - I'll be dancing for Lord O I wish it were today 'cause I can't wait no more Won't You carry me home Can you imagine with me - what those mansions will be like Gonna' hold the keys to glory - gonna' wear a robe of white I'm gonna' walk with the saints before me - barefoot on the streets of gold In a place of no more sadness - no more night and no more cold No more bodies growing old - earthly trials will be no more And when I cross the river Jordan I'll be on my way back home I'll be singing with the angels - I'll be dancing for Lord O I wish it were today 'cause I can't wait no more Won't You carry me home When I see my Lord descending - clouds rolled back as a scroll I'm gonna see a big white stallion - swing low, sweet chariot take me home He's gonna' come in a blaze of glory - bring the whole world to its knees Everyone will declare He's holy - and one by one we'll meet the King In Him sow, from Him we'll reap - We'll rejoice with all who believe And when I cross the river Jordan I'll be on my way back home I'll be singing with the angels - I'll be dancing for Lord O I wish it were today 'cause I can't wait no more Won't You carry me home And then I'll cross the river Jordan and be on my way back home When I hear my Jesus calling - the wait will be no more When my work is done I'll meet the Son and sing forevermore When He carries me home Won't You carry me home Mysteries written by Colleen, May of 2004 *song inspiration I once read a book that said . . ."Fear the Lord, and you will fear nothing else. It is the fear that dispels all other fears." We can change the word fear (as referring to the fear of the Lord) to the word love. Love the Lord, and you will fear nothing else. It is the love that dispels all other fears. We also know that John tells us "This is love for God: to obey His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome." 1 John 5:3 So to bring this full circle - if I submit to the Lord and obey His commandments (which are not burdensome) I will have nothing to fear or worry about! Wow! There's nothing profound about that - unless it's profound in it's simplicity. I've come to realize that there are certain things that I will never understand this side of heaven - things my finite brain cannot begin to fathom. But God has made certain to keep the basics simple enough. He commends a childlike faith from a pure heart. So why do we hear all these arguments about biblical facts and impossibilities? Because the master of confusion (the devil) has "blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." 2 Cor. 4:4. He is also attempting to fog the Christians mind with enough confusion to cast doubt on what they cannot prove with scientific evidence. Herein lies that profound simplicity again. Faith! Faith is not a well-presented display of scientific evidence - rather . . . "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1. And we know that without faith we have nothing, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Eph. 2:8 God's thinking is infinitely beyond mine, and His perfect will has already provided for all my needs. So having put my faith in Him, I don't need all the answers, but simply to trust and obey as He takes away all my fears and prepares me for each new day! *song lyrics On a long a narrow road I found my way back home Though the journey was often hard But up ahead I see a glimpse of eternity And I know that it's not too far Along the way I've grown in ways I had never known Since I let You take my hand And now that I know You're near, I have nothing left to fear Because I'm headed to the promised land And life holds mysteries that I may never know But I'm a peace because my God is in control And fear knows to stay away from here As I start each brand new day my God will show the way I put my trust in You, that's all that I can do 'Cause You have a plan for me So open up my eyes and let me not be blind To the sacrifice that set me free 'Cause life holds mysteries that I may never know But I'm a peace because my God is in control And fear knows to stay away from here As I start each brand new day my God will show the way You are the King of Kings, Creator of everything The Lord of Lords, The Prince of Peace The Way, The Truth, The Life, The Door Great I Am, Son of Man, Light of the World In all Your Majesty You made a way for me And life holds mysteries that I may never know But I'm a peace because my God is in control And fear knows to stay away from here As I start each brand new day my God will show the waaaaay - Some things I don't need to know - and that's okay because You are in control And fear - fear no don't come 'round here As I start each brand new day, my God will show the way Run To You written by Colleen, February of 2005 *song inspiration This song really speaks for itself. There's only one place to go for rest from this turbulent world - run to Jesus! In our selfish society bent on satisfying lusts of the flesh and "keeping up with the Jones's" we will never be enough, have enough , or do enough. The world pushes and pulls us around by telling us what's cool, what's not, and that dreadful hidden slogan "if it costs more it must be better". With every form of portable entertainment available, we rarely find ourselves in stillness - but it's in that quietude that God is trying to speak. He wants us to calm our hearts and accept the peace that He has already given us - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 Candy Gates shared this same message at church one Sunday and inspired my oldest daughter to memorize the verse. What a comfort to be able to remember and call to mind God's free gift. Through Christ we are free from condemnation, competition, and constant chaos. "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 *song lyrics When the storm around me rages - and right before my eyes Mountains of frustration - are daring me to climb I once was lost in anguish - and smothered by foolish pride I looked for understanding - in my own mind And I know in my life I haven't always chosen right In my pain I ran away and hid my face But You still knew my every move - You lifted me out of my sorrow Wiped away the tears and stains - and reminded me there will always be a way for me to . . . Run to You - You throw Your arms around me I rest in You - with a gentle hand You calm me I breathe again anew - with a peace that only comes form You You always know just what to do when I run to You] When I run to You And as the noise around grows louder - and the world starts closing in Your gentle voice gets drowned out - by the deafening roar of sin We get distracted by the neon lights flashing "this is what you need" But I've learned that I can't stumble - If I'm already on my knees So I . . . Run to You - You throw Your arms around me I rest in You - with a gentle hand You calm me I breathe again anew - with a peace that only comes form You You always know just what to do when I run to You] When I run to You You Are Not Alone written by Colleen, November of 2003 *song inspiration This song was written for everyone I know and love who either hasn't accepted Christ's salvation, or is saved - yet living a defeated life. When Jesus came and suffered under our sins, His purpose was not to foot the bill and wish us well the next time around - He defeated the devil once and for all, so that sin no longer would have a hold over us. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Gal. 5:1. Yet how often have we found ourselves walking a gradual slope that leads to a pit - with our eyes wide open?! If we choose to live in slavery then we undermine the purpose of Christ's brutal suffering and death, and our authority over the enemy. For anyone who sees this freedom and says ' I wish I had that!" or "I wish it was that easy for me!" - I have great news - the blood that washed me clean was not only shed for me!!! The redeeming blood of Jesus can reach you even in the deepest, darkest pit of despair. There's no place you can hide from God. His hand is already extended your way - you just need to reach out and grab hold of it. For so long I let foolish pride hinder my walk with God. I tried to please man rather than God, and ended up in a state of perpetual fear, anxiety, and depression. When I let that pride be peeled away I started to experience all that God intended for me. None of us has earned this beautiful gift - it is only by God's mercy - His amazing grace - that we can have it. He came to seek and save every lost soul. And he thought of you as He hung on the cross! *song lyrics You are not alone - God is here with you To hold your hand down this road to heal your heart and free your soul To bring you home where you belong In your despair, He's waiting there You're not alone I have been there, too - I know what evil lies can do I have no words to satisfy But there is hope in Jesus Christ And faith in Him will bring new life In my despair, He meet me there I'm not alone The blood that washed me clean was not only shed for me He came to seek and save the lost - And He thought of you as He hung on the cross He thought of you as He hung on the cross With all that you have been through - Hear Him calling out to you To forgive, not just forget To repent - and not regret For He is not through with you yet You've been prepared that you may share You're not alone The blood that washed me clean was not only shed for me He came to seek and save the lost - And He thought of you as He hung on the cross There's no battle you can't win - when Jesus Christ is your Best-Friend So drop your pride and let Him in And the healing - healing will begin You can start over again Just believe and you will see You're not alone The blood that washed me clean was not only shed for me He came to seek and save the lost - And He thought of you as He hung on the cross He thought of you O the blood that set me free was not only shed for me He came to seek and save the lost And He thought of you as He hung on the cross With arms open wide He paid the cost And He thought of you as He hung on the cross Amazing grace - how sweet the sound - that saved a wretch like me Where I Belong written by Colleen, 2002 *song inspiration I enjoy siting down at the piano and worshipping God with music. sometimes I'll just start playing and end up writing and entire piano piece with no words, then sometimes I'll be writing and I'll end up with words, but no music. This song started as I was reflecting on God's patience and forgiveness and just started writing my thoughts down. It is an acknowledgment of the second chance God has given me, and His faithfulness to helping me stay where I belong. Thank God for forgiveness!!! *song lyrics Before there was life - He knew me by name He claimed me as one of His own And He gave to me freely - a spirit to love Him And the freedom to let that love go Now some days I spend struggling - fighting with the enemy But there will always be victory in Him who saved me I don't wanna go back to where I was before His love has shown me so much more That's why I'm trying to find my way to higher ground Sometimes I fall back down If I take one foot off the path - that's when I slide back But You're waiting there with open arms To bring me back to where I belong Oh how beautiful the circumstance - that He gives me a second chance To walk straight in His light I just humble myself - Lord, I was wrong - And He pulls me up all strong And holds me in away from all harm That's why I'm trying to find my way to higher ground Sometimes I fall back down If I take one foot off the path - that's when I slide back But You're waiting there with open arms To bring me back to where I belong Thank God for forgiveness - Thank God for forgiveness Thank God that every time I stray He's there to show the way Thank God for forgiveness - Thank God for forgiveness Thank God that every time I fall He pulls me back around Thank God that every time that I do wrong He brings me back to where I belong That's right - Before there was life He knew you by name He claimed you as one of His own He gave to you freely a spirit to love Him And the freedom to let that love go Yes He gave to you freely a spirit to love Him And now the choice is all yours I Come To You written by Colleen, summer of 2002 *song inspiration "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33b There is most definitely a battle raging all around us. Our salvation doesn't stop the attacks of the enemy - but it assures our victory! Anytime someone comes to the Lord, recommits themselves, or steps up their faith walk, the devil is watching for his chance to put a stop to it. He knows our weaknesses and has well-honed tactics. We have even been warned - "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8 Yet, we need not fear. Through Christ's death on the cross we have been given authority over Satan and all of his cohorts. "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7 Satan knows his future - he knows he only has so much time to scour the earth and find others to take down with him. Therefor we can count on this battle to continue 'til the day Jesus returns. Don't ever forget - the battle has been won, but the fighting still goes on until our days on earth are done. As I continue to trust in the Lord - and walk by faith - every battle gets easier. By committing myself to Jesus, and leaving no wiggle room, I can win each battle before it begins by taking every thought captive. In light of what my Lord endured for my sake, my sufferings are minimal - and frustrating at best. I agree with Paul - "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18 In this world we will have trouble - but we belong to the Creator of the universe Who holds the future in His hands. *song lyrics I come to You, Oh Lord - please make me Yours - I need You here with me I bring You all my pain - You take it all away - and leave with me Your peace And I'm unworthy of - Your amazing love - Displayed on Calvary I'm humbled as I pray - You see all my stains - You wash them all away The battle has been won - but the fighting still goes on Until our days on earth are done Lord, please grant me strength - to live and walk by faith I'm trusting in Your holy name I stumble and I fall - You're with me through it all - You're holding out Your hand In Your eyes I see no scorn - it's mercy that is shown - as You forgive again The last thing that I want - is to hurt the one Whose love - gave His life for me But no mater what I say - my efforts will be in vain - if I don't lay down my sins and turn my back away The battle has been won - but the fighting still goes on Until our days on earth are done Lord, please grant me strength - to live and walk by faith I'm trusting in Your holy - Your holy name The Lord will grant you strength - to live and walk your life by faith Just keep trusting in His holy name I come to You, Oh Lord - please make me Yours - I need You What Have I written by Colleen, Fall of 2004 *song inspiration This song was written out of humility before God - The omnipotent, omnipresent Creator - Who in His perfect Majesty considered me and called me into an intimate personal relationship with Him. Nothing I could ever offer Him would hold a candle to the height, depth, width, and breadth of His amazing love! Sometimes our prayers are reduced to groans because we don't know what to say - all our insides are crying out to God, yet no intelligible word passes through our lips. God hears those cries - He knows our deepest thoughts. It was at a time like this when God really got my attention! Without divulging details - I will try to explain the situation. . . Someone very close to me was in a tough place. She was engaged to one man, and falling in love with another. I was certainly shocked to hear that the wedding was off - and even more shocked to hear about this new guy! I immediately decided that she must not know what she's doing - she was obviously not thinking straight - and I was going to pray for God to fix this situation! Kneeling at my couch one night I began praying, pleading, and eventually groaning for her. I wanted God to put everything back the way it was - keep it all simple - and save the humiliation of calling off a wedding so late. I was sure I knew what was best for her and what needed to happen. That's when God stopped me!!! He calmed my heart - caught my tears - and set me straight! He reminded me of Job - chapters 38 - 41. If you ever think you know all life's answers - read these chapters and prepare to be humbled! In a nutshell - (my interpretation) - God says "Who are you to think you know and understand my plans? Who are you to tell me what my perfect will should consist of? Did you put each star in the sky, and lay the foundations of the world? I know what I'm doing - just watch and see!" At this point I was humbled and filled with peace and could only reply as Job did - "I know You can do all things; no plan of Yours can be thwarted. . . Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know." Job 42:2-3 In the end I could see that God had protected her by saving her from making that commitment to the wrong man, and by delivering to her the man that she was created for. How awesome is our God!!! How patient with our shortcomings, and how perfect in His ways!!! *song lyrics Before I took my first breath - You knew how many I would take Before I spoke my first word - You knew how many I would say When I wasn't quite sure - You already knew my way And with infinite wisdom - You led me each day What have I to bring before Your Majesty? I give my life, but it pales at what You've done for me Lord, You called me from darkness, and You made me Your own I gave You my heart, and You gave me Your throne With just one touch of Your hand - You put each star in its place All creation bows down - at the sound of Your name When I look all around me - Your power I see Who am I Lord - that You're mindful of me? What have I to bring before Your Majesty? I give my life, but it pales at what You've done for me Lord, You called me from darkness, and You made me Your own I gave You my heart, and You gave me Your throne You call me holy - a perfect dwelling place for Thee You call me righteous - blameless and redeemed Lord, You called me from darkness - and You made me Your own I gave You my heart, and now I'm seated on Your throne I gave You my heart, You gave me Your throne It Is You written by Colleen, 2002 *song inspiration Once again I sat down at my piano to praise and worship with my Savior. I was reminded of all that God has done for me - and all that He promises to do. When my mind is racing with all the worlds distractions, It is Jesus who calms me and fills me with His peace again. All I ever want or need is found in Christ alone! *song lyrics I love You, Lord - it is You that I adore It is You that gives me peace - when the road ahead looks too steep I lift my hands - and I give You all I have In return You give to me eternal life - up in heaven with my Savior Jesus Christ I love You, Lord - it is You that I adore It is You that gives me peace when I cannot sleep It is You that set me free In a world that cries for freedom - why can't the people see That You have broken all the chains that tied me down - You sent Your Son and we've already been set free And so I'll speak to You with words of love - I'll give You all the praise that is due As I stand in the face of Your amazing grace - my tongue gets tied, O Lord, and then my words are few I love You, Lord - it is You that I adore It is You that gives me peace when I cannot sleep It is You that set me free Tomorrow is out of my reach - yesterday is already gone O Lord, You have prepared me for today Then You promised You would not leave or forsake me - no What have I to fear when my precious Lord is always near - Lord I know You're right here I love You, Lord - it is You that I adore It is You that gives me hope in a world that's lost It is You that gives me strength when I'm tested in my faith It is You that gives me peace when I cannot sleep It is You that set me free I love You, I love You I'm Gonna Pray written by Colleen, December of 2003 *song inspiration At a tumultuous time in my life and marriage, my aunt Peggy shared a book with me about shattering strongholds. She encouraged me that she was praying, and shared this bit of wisdom - when I pray those demons far from me, I can pray them under God's feet. That's exactly where they are - defeated under God! I am born of God and the evil one - the devil - cannot touch me! 1 John 5:18 *song lyrics I'm gonna pray that the devil will stay away I'm gonna pray that the devil will stay away And when I cast those demons far from me I'm gonna pray them under my God's feet I'm gonna pray, I'm gonna pray, I'm gonna pray I'm gonna pray that the Lord will see me through I'm gonna pray that He'll show me what to do And when He tells me to get down on my knees I'm not gonna worry about who sees 'Cause I'm free, I'm free, praise God I'm free I'm gonna pray that the Lord will lift me up I'm gonna pray that God will fill my cup And 'cause I got His love inside of me I'm gonna tell everybody that I meet I'm saved, I'm saved, praise God I'm saved Now I'm gonna sing about what His love can do I'm gonna sing so You will know it too And when His words come flowing out of me I'm gonna stand for all the world to see I'm gonna sing, I'm gonna sing, I'm gonna sing Because I'm saved, I'm saved, praise God I'm saved And I am free, I'm free, praise God I'm free |