I'm Back! - A Video Update

Hi, Friends,

I am back! After an "unplanned" sabbatical from blogging, I hope to get back into posting here. To kick off the new year, here is a video update about what's been happening in my life and in the ministry on the islands.

Blessings,
Ruthie

A Vlog!

I haven't posted anything for more than a month, so I thought I would do something different - post a video blog! :)

Have a blessed weekend!

"God of My Everything"

Hi y'all. I'm sorry I have been silent on here for awhile. It seems I have been crazy busy lately with the school and visitors here on the island. I also feel even a lack inspiration of what to write.

However, as I was doing computer work this evening, and listening to one of my "newest" albums, I heard this song, "God of My Everything." It seems to capture what I am feeling at this time.

I pray this song blesses your heart as it has mine. God, our God, our Creator, our Heavenly Father, is and always will be our Everything.

Oh God of Heaven come and hem me in

Gather the pieces that are broken

Show me the wonder of You again

Oh God of Heaven

God of my heart

God of my need

God of my pain that no one else will ever see

God of my healing

God of my strength

God who is always and will forever reign

God of my everything

In all creation You call my name

In all the beauty that this world displays

Still I’m the one for whom Your heart aches

In all creation

God of my heart

God of my need

God of my pain that no one else will ever see

God of my healing

God of my strength

God who is always and will forever reign

God of my everything

God of my everything

And when the mountains shake

You are my God

You never change

And when the earth gives way

You are still God

You never change

God of my heart

God of my need

God of my pain that no one else will ever see

God of my healing

God of my strength

God who is always and will forever reign

God of my everything

God of my everything

God of my everything

God of my everything

"It is Finished"

I am sorry, friends, but I am going to share another song from Jimmy Needham's newest album. (See my last post here for one of my other favorites on the album.) As I traveled across the lake this afternoon, I was again listening to these songs and this one stood out to me.

Because Jesus finished and completed EVERYTHING on the cross we can truly live a life of freedom, forgiveness, celebration and gratitude. If He had not, we wouldn't have much to celebrate now would we?

It is finished, It is finished

Tetelesti

The beauty of the double meaning phrase

He ceased from His labor and so have I

Now resting only in His grace

It is finished, It is finished

Tetelesti

The Son of Man succeeding where I failed

The wrath of God now satisfied

In Jesus, my Emmanuel

Note: "Tetelesti" is Greek for "It is finished."

"Rock of Ages"

This upbeat version of this timeless hymn has had me smiling and moving to the beat. Jimmy Needham is one of my favorite artists as I love his unique style and thoughtful and thought-provoking lyrics. In September he released a new album of hymns (check it out here).

As I point my heart and thoughts toward Thanksgiving this week, I am indeed incredibly thankful to my "Rock of Ages" - my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Because of Him I can dance with my heart full and overflowing with joy and thanksgiving! I hope you can, too!