Are you hurting and broken within
Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin
Jesus is calling
Have you come to the end of yourself
Do you thirst for a drink from the well
Jesus is calling

[Chorus:]
O come to the altar
The Father's arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ

[Verse 2:]
Leave behind your regrets and mistakes
Come today there's no reason to wait
Jesus is calling
Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy
From the ashes a new life is born
Jesus is calling

[Chorus x2:]
O come to the altar
The Father's arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ

[Bridge x2:]
Oh what a Savior
Isn't he wonderful
Sing alleluia, Christ is risen
Bow down before him
For he is Lord of all
Sing alleluia, Christ is risen

[Chorus x2:]
O come to the altar
The Father's arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ

[Verse 3:]
Bear your cross as you wait for the crown
Tell the world of the treasure you've found

God, these lyrics are on replay today. I'm entering this season of just longing for heart change.  Lord, I become so overwhelmed by my sin-- my selfishness, my pride, my jealousy, my bitterness.  This is not all of me, but I've been seeing these things popping up in my heart.

Lord, I want nothing less than for my character to mirror who you are.  God, I rejoice in the fact that these inner beasts have already been conquered by you on the cross. But I refuse to become complacent and let them lead me where I'd rather not go. God, in the year ahead, please strengthen me with renewed perspective and refine me to have a heart more like yours. You and I both know that I can't do that on my own. It's just not possible.

The last few weeks have just been so all over the place.  Lord, so many people around me are just struggling with so many aspects of life.  Lord, I don't know what to say all the time. I don't always know the best time to be silent and the best time to speak. Give me wisdom this week God.

I got an e-mail about possible career opportunities in Houston, Texas.  God, when I think about leaving my friends and family again for a place far away, my inner core is petrified.  But when I think about how much faith it would take and how much I would need you every second, I get a bit of excitement at the idea.  It's probably a long shot. But God, before I went to Rochester, you made it very clear that is where I am supposed to be.  Lord, I will only go if you make it very clear that I am supposed to be there.  Lord, I don't want to run somewhere new just for the thrill of something different and to get away from the mundane. But I also don't want to let the comfort of the mundane keep me from your best.

Anywho...I'm just going to rest in you this week, Jesus. Thanks for carrying all the tough stuff and future uncertainties for me.

You da' bomb!

Audrey