"Holding the Key" by Jason Gray

*Warning* Disclaimer applied!

I have recently been obsessed with this song. The verses, specifically, seem to speak to me. I haven't completely captured what I think the song means, but I like it, a lot!

"Holding The Key" by Jason Gray

I came here tonight with a mission

To confess what I'm trying to hide

But here in the hour of decision

I'd rather give you the company line

There are secrets I don't want to tell you

And wounds you might not want to see

But they keep me bound to my sorrow

And I really want to be free

And you're the one holding the key

You don't have to give me an answer

An answer is the last thing I need

There's no magical cure for this cancer

I just need you to listen me

'Cause you're the one holding the key

We were made with these hearts

Meant to be open

Then we locked them away

Afraid of being broken

But we're given each other to set it free

And you're the one holding the key

This dark room is perfect for hiding

But I don't want to hide anymore

You can't force the light here inside it

But you can help me open the door

You're the one holding the key

We were made with these hearts

Meant to be open

Then we locked them away

Afraid of being broken

But we're given each other to set it free

And you're the one holding

The key to the truth

Of what's really going on

Your listening ear

Is the grace of God

Love will take the shackles off

But you're the one holding the key

We all need it sooner or later

A safe place for telling the truth

I'm happy returning the favor

'Cause I'm holding the key for you

The newest addition: Cora Mabry

Here are a few pictures of my new niece, Cora! She is absolutely amazing. I was able to come to Kentucky this weekend to see Ryan, Gloria, Elayna, and Cora before they head down to Georgia. Enjoy!

Only awake for a short time!

Cora with her Eeooch

Very sweet!

Special time with Eeooch

Learning the hard way....

Something that has been constant in my life is the ridiculous habit of having to learn lessons the hard way. This wonderful blog is just a reminder that no matter how old I get, I still haven't changed. For the record, I do KNOW that I should wear my ankle brace every time I play basketball; however, who actually does what they know they SHOULD do, right? Anyway, so I decided to play a wonderful game of 4-on-4 with some of my students after school on Thursday. Enter my lesson learned the hard way. I had a wonderful wide open lane to the basket and did a textbook lay-up. It was beautiful. What was NOT beautiful was the landing. Apparently, when I came back down, I landed only on my right foot and decided that it would be best to put all my weight on the side of my foot - with a snap. Now normally, searing pain in your ankle would tell you to stop playing. Somehow, I am the exception to that instinct. I decided the best thing for my ankle would be to "suck it up and walk it off". Again, somehow, I am the exception to the rule. Anyway, after an awful night Thursday night I decided to try and "walk it off" at school on Friday. Apparently, still haven't learned the lesson. After a 7th grade carnival, dodging water balloons, spraying colored hairspray on about 30 students' heads, and chaperoning a dance, Natalie talked me into going to the emergency room after seeing my extremely swollen and black and blue ankle. Good news: after x-rays were taken we discovered my ankle is not broken, just a REALLY bad sprain. So, here I am, sitting on my couch with a temporary cast on my ankle. The nurse said I just have to RICE - rest, ice, compression and elevate. My wonderful sister came last night to take care of me until tonight and then my mom is taking over until Monday. Sadly, Aaron stayed with his daddy which was probably better because I can't play with him anyway. :( Abby is being very supportive! Here are pictures for you enjoyment.

Circles and Friends

Tonight, to celebrate my birthday, Natalie, Stephanie, and I went to Cheddars to eat and then to a two hour painting class. They actually walk you through, step-by-step, painting your own work of art! IT WAS AWESOME! I have never done anything like this before. We had a blast (although we really missed the fourth person in our group, Teri Parks)! While I am not the most artistic person in the world, I can't remember when I have had so much fun with such wonderful people! :) Here is a shout out to Natalie and Stephanie! Thanks for making my birthday amazing!

I have included a picture of my final product for your enjoyment. We took a picture with all three of us and our paintings, but it's on my phone.

Stephanie, Natalie and I with our "Circles"

Up close of mine! :)

Happy Birthday, Elijah!

Happy Birthday Eli!

Here are a few pictures of the wonderful celebration!

Fun Weekend

Here are some pictures from my weekend with Diane, Mark, and Aaron!

"All done, Aunt Rachel!"

Covered in Mac n' Cheese

Painted bathroom!

A boy riding his horse!

Petting the goats at the petting zoo

Pointing out the cow

So happy when he gets to ride! :)

The book of James

Disclaimer applied!

I love the book of James! As I sit here and reflect on my day, the words of James are on my heart. This book has always caught my attention. I even took a class at Harding about the book of James; Sadly, I wish I could remember all that information. The book is an oxymoron for me. Sometimes he challenges my maturity and actions by making it so simple. Other times, I have no clue what it really means.

Practical:"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Then he throws in the phrase somewhere else, "he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him".

Practical: "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless."

And another confusion:Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

While these statements are not in order and don't go with each other, they are a great example of my confusion. (and this is just chapter. 1)

I wish that I could say statements as bold as James, with the confidence that he proclaims each thought. I wish I could understand phrases that he uses. They seem to be common phrases that I have heard and said all my life but never truly understood in a deep way. How do you keep trying to be something that you don't really understand?

Here's what I know. I know my heart listens, responds, and is reminded of his thoughts even though I don't know what most of it means (which I know is weird). I know my heart desires to be what he describes as "religious".

More thoughts later...