Welcome to a new blog series I'm going to be doing randomly here, the title says it all... enjoy. :)

An oldie but goodie, this beautiful hymn revisited by Shane & Shane never fails to bring me to the throne of worship. The words, "Because a sinless Savior died, my sinful soul is counted free" sum up the gospel of Christ in a nutshell.

 ::Before the Throne - Shane & Shane::

Before the throne of God above I have a strong and perfect plea A great high Priest who’s name is Love Who ever lives and pleads for me

My name is graven on His hand My name is written on His heart I know that while in heaven He stands No tongue can bid me thence depart

When satan tempts me to despair and tells me of the guilt within upward I look and see Him there Who made an end of all my sin

Because a sinless Savior died my sinful soul is counted free For God the just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me

Hallelujah Praise the One Risen Son of God.

Behold Him there, the risen Lamb My perfect spotless righteousness The great unchangeable I AM The King of Glory and of grace

One in Himself, I cannot die My soul is purchased by His blood My life is hid with Christ on high With Christ my Savior and my God

Sat down and wrote my first song since the move. You know, I have a hard time writing peppy songs. Even though, I'm a pretty peppy person most of the time! It's just that I'm inspired to write when I need to cry out to God. So that explains why most of my songs are about finding joy in pain and trials. I need Him everyday of my life. I need reminders that He is there, even when everything seems hopeless. You may find this hard to believe about me... but I'm normal. :) I have struggles. I cry too much. Maybe I'm just more emotional because of the pregnancy, but I've definitely been feeling sensitive (to everything) lately. This song speaks about the one thing that keeps me going - Jesus, my love everlasting.

Love Everlasting

It's not easy being broken It's not easy feeling pain Time won't mend the words unspoken Time will let them slip away

chorus: You are hope when the world is dimming around me You are peace when the storms come crashing You are joy when my sorrow seems unending You are love everlasting everlasting

Open wounds are hard to heal Once a blister, now a scar Time won't take the pain away Time can only play a part

repeat chorus

bridge: You are my hope when all is lost You are my peace when all is chaos You are my joy, You are my love everlasting (2x)

repeat chorus

Today I found out a college friend and sister-in-Christ passed away in a car accident last night. My heart broke. I was driving home myself when I heard the news, and stopped at every yellow light. I didn't want to chance it. Also, I used the extra time to send up prayers on behalf of the husband and son she left behind. These are the times I just don't understand God's plan. Just a few days ago I received an email from a worship leader named Brian who came across my videos on youtube. He shared with me a little of his story and that he is a songwriter as well. He asked if I wouldn't mind covering one that he has written. Honestly, I get emails like this quite frequently and rarely respond. Usually I am too busy or the music/lyrics are not really something I connect with.

But this was different. These lyrics inspired me and on top of that, the music he attached to it only added to the power of the message. I was really impressed. I played around with it on the guitar a little, before getting caught up in something else. But I wrote and let him know that I would find time to record it as soon as I could.

Then today happened. And in the crazy way that God works, as I was trying to comprehend and grieve the loss of this precious sister in Christ, the words of Brian's song came to my mind.

I just had to share it with all of you.

Still My Soul Words/Music ©2012 Brian Rossi (Arranged by Cassidy Robinson)

Verse 1: Broken Hearted Life's frustrated Hopes and dreams, are gone

Tears have fallen Cries have echoed Fears and doubts consume

CHORUS: Still my soul will Boast in God who Fills my heart with joy (2x)

Verse 2: Sorrow spoken Songs to Heaven Lord You hear my cry

Loving Father Mercies promised Grace that satisfies

CHORUS

BRIDGE: Praise to God Exalt His Name Magnify the King Who hears my cry Who heals my soul My broken heart will sing

Here is a little bit of Brian's testimony in writing this song:

For me, one of the areas I struggle the most as a human is seeing my family members experience pain and health issues.  My wife has MS and my 8 year old son is a cancer survivor.  I am the worship leader at my church and most of the tunes I've written focus on God's grace and strength in my times of weakness.  I guess I've been allowed to experience all of those things with my family so I can have the real life experience that make writing songs like that mean something.

Amen, Brian.