Tag Archives: loving God

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Connection Groups

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I have mentioned Connection Groups before, but it is time to talk about them again. Our church breaks the year up into “semesters” and has three separate semesters of Connection Groups each year. Our last semester led right up towards Christmas, with a break following that. I should add that I am a patient person, but not as fond of waiting in between semesters! I said all of that to say this – I’m very excited because our new semester starts this evening!

To better explain, Connection Groups are small groups that meet at someone’s home during the week. We get together for snacks, fellowship and to discuss the semester’s topic. Put simply, we get together and do life together outside the four walls of our church. We actively engage amongst each other, and within our community. It is our goal to love God, love others, and to make a difference.

I will have to write again as a follow up after our meeting this evening. I think it should suffice it to say – I’m excited!

*******Edited to Add a few thoughts about the group tonight*******

Wow. I am speechless. Well, okay, maybe not. But, I am blown away by God’s love, as displayed through His people. When I walked into our Connection Group, I was so very excited. I think the first thing I said was, “Wow! Look at all the new faces!” I saw several people that I did not know – or had only seen in passing. It wasn’t a long meeting, but enough time to briefly tell a few things about who we are, etc. We are going to be studying Romans – the Letter that changed the world. It caught my eye right away. We haven’t gotten very far into the lessons at all yet, but I’m excited to start. What we have started has stirred something in me, making me want to learn more. What I really love about our Connection Group is the ability we all seemed to have to share with transparency. I cannot wait to watch as the rest of this semester unfolds.

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The Arms that Hold the Universe

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There is a song that has become one of my favorite songs.  My friends from 33 Miles (33 Miles) sing a song entitled “Arms That Hold The Universe” that I find comforting and pertinent in so many situations.  

I just want to share this song with each of you, in hopes that it will touch you, or that God will meet you right where you are – in the midst of any storm you may be facing – now or in the future.

Our local radio station has a daily request hour. If I am feeling down, need encouragement, or want to show love and/or encouragement for a struggling friend, I routinely request this song.  For a community mourning the loss of a friend to suicide, I have asked for this song (sadly, more than once).  

SO many people can relate to and understand the pain behind thinking it seems like the darkest day they’ve ever known.   This song shares hope and brings life in the midst of so many storms.

This song (lyrics below) speaks so many volumes.  I mean, in some of the darkest hours you might ever know, the God of strength won’t let go of you.  He’ll hold you tight, and He’ll keep you safe.  The one who created the entire universe, those hands are holding you.  

It just really touches me during times that I need to just remember how much He loves me.  Truth be told, it has had such a big impact in my life.  I cannot tell you how many times I have listened to the words of this song.  There have been times, and situations I could  not see the end of.  I have had trouble realizing the hope is real, even for me.  He thinks both you and I are that special.  He loves us with an unrelenting, passionate love.  

Know that no matter what situation, no matter how much pain, and no matter how heartbreaking your situation may seem, He will NEVER let you (or me) go.  Just knowing that the arms that hold the entire universe are holding me today (and always) – priceless!

Take a moment to listen to the words of this song.  Let it sink in.  Whether you are happy, or whether you are in pain – take a moment to let God, through this song, meet you right where you are.  There is nothing you can do to make Him stop loving you.  You are His child, and He loves you.  No matter what you are going through today, remember – it is temporary, and you are in good hands!  Never forget how very much you are loved.

Here are the lyrics written below, as well as a YouTube video, found here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2D13kAxUEs

I know it seems like this could be
The darkest day you’ve known
But believe you me
The God of strength will never let you go
He will overcome I know

And the arms that hold the universe
Are holding you tonight
You can rest inside
It’s gonna be alright

And the voice that calmed the raging sea
Is calling you His child
So be still and know He’s in control
He will never let you go

Through many dangers toils and snares
You have already come
His grace has brought you safe this far
His grace will lead you home

And the arms that hold the universe
Are holding you tonight
You can rest inside
It’s gonna be alright

And the voice that calmed the raging sea
Is calling you His child
So be still and know He’s in control
He will never let you go

You can hope you can rise you can stand
He’s still got the whole world in His hands
You can hope you can rise you can stand
He’s still got the whole world
The whole world in His hands

And the arms that hold the universe
Are holding you tonight
You can rest inside
It’s gonna be alright

And the voice that calmed the raging sea
Is calling you His child
So be still and know He’s in control
He will never let you go
He will never let you go

He’s still got the whole world in His hands
Still got the whole world in His hands

I know it seems like this could be
The darkest day you’ve known
But believe you me
The God of strength will never let you go
He will overcome I know