"...as the spring rains that water the earth."

"Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth."  Hosea 6:3

I was listening to a sermon tonight, and the speaker had mentioned a passage in Hosea. As I was looking through the book, I stumbled across that verse and it really hit home. The sermon I was listening to was about God's faithfulness and as I read that verse, I was just overwhelmed with a feeling of peace. I was so blown away as I recalled the truth of God's steadfastness in my life. As I remember these things, I long to serve and follow Him. This verse reminded me: He's worth it! He will never let me down. He will never leave my side. He will always provide. He will refresh and replenish, just as the spring rains water the earth. What an awesome picture. It was just raining today! It's like God knew that I would read this verse later...hmmm... ;) Man, let us press on to know this awesome God!

As a side-note, I noticed that I didn't post ANY music in my last blog post. Which was like a millennium ago. I apologize for that. So, to make it up to you, I will share not one, but TWO musically awesome things for you to enjoy. Yeah. You're welcome.

First off, I will tell you about my main man, Chris Rice. The guy is a musical genius! Seriously, his instrumentation and composition skills are off the charts. I don't know where he comes up with it. You've probably all heard of him. He's pretty well-known for his song "Come to Jesus," which used to play on K-LOVE allllll the time. I grew up listening to him and I sort of rediscovered him last summer while organizing a bunch of old CD's. I found his album Smell The Color 9 and I was hooked. His lyrics are pretty unique. And man, whoever plays bass for him...well...that person knows how to play the bass. In any and all of his songs, just listen to the bass. It's ridiculous. Here's one of his songs: "Love Is Gonna Break Through"  I encourage you to go and listen to more of his stuff as well!

Round 2. This one will be quick. I've already told you about The Brilliance, but their new album came out fairly recently. I bought it and I love it. Go check it out right now: Brother, by The Brilliance

Have a wonderful rest of your week!

--Rye Bread

Thoughts on the New Year

     The end of a year. The beginning of a new one. This time around, the shift from one year to the next feels more significant than before. For me, this transition marks a lot of change that has happened and will continue to happen. In 2014, I turned 18, a weird milestone since I never thought that I would reach it. I began taking college classes. A whole lot of other things have happened that have made me feel so darn old! As 2015 arrives, I know it will bring with it more changes and unexpected twists and turns. In the spring, my brother and I will graduate high school, Lord-willing. This also means that my brother and I will be "graduating" from our church youth group as well. Which is sort of sad to think about. I've been in the youth group for five years and boy is it going to be sad to leave!
     But, of course, the biggest change looming ahead is college. Ah, the dreaded word. It seems that with this one step into that next chapter that all that is familiar and special to me is left behind. It's a scary and sad thought to think that I will leave all of my family and friends and everything that I've known for my whole life!
     So, the shift from 2014 to 2015 is significant. A lot of change is heading my way. Thinking back on all the indescribable memories that I've made with my family and friends in 2014 and beyond makes me wish so badly that I could go back! If only for a moment. I have these thoughts sometimes.
     But then the good Lord comes in and reminds me of His faithfulness. And His love. And His goodness. And His sovereignty. And I am reminded that my job is not to dwell on the past or worry about the future. My job is to be still. To look ahead with hope, knowing that my Father has a perfect plan for my life, hardships and all. He did not spare His own Son. He will provide. He will bring me through.
     So let the change come. Because no matter what familiar things I leave behind, my God and my Rock will always be at my side.


Here's some lyrics to a song I wrote while considering some of these things:

Sometimes I wish that I could start over

Looking back to the past is almost too much to bear

All the memories that have been created

Now they're just memories and nothing more

Every good thing must come to an end

And though it might be over, I'll never forget

I will open my eyes and look ahead

I will remember Your faithfulness

It's not over yet

It's not over yet

Brother, sister: God is not done sanctifying you. And He will be glorified as you draw closer to Christ. Happy New Year.

--Rye Bread