Beautiful Lord

As I sit here writing this, I have just clicked the repeat button on my iTunes for at least the 5th time to the song "Beautiful Lord" by Leeland. The lyrics are just, well, beautiful.

"When the storm is raging all around me. You are the peace that calms my troubled sea. And the cares of this world darken my day. You are the light that shines and shows me the way. Oh, the beauty of Your majesty. On the cross You showed Your love for me! Beautiful Lord, Awesome and Mighty, I’m captured by this love I see. Beautiful Lord, Tender and Holy,Your mercy brings me to my knees. It's Your mercy that has made me free, Beautiful Lord"

As of the late,especially these past few weeks, it has felt like "a storm raging around me". To wrap it up in a nutshell, these are some of things that went down:

1.Daniel went on the DL for 2 weeks due to a strained hamstring.
2.May 9th marked the one year anniversary of my cousin's death, which was tough.
3.Having to deal and adjust to being in a long distance relationship with my husband right now.
4.I had to go to the ER because my face started to swell, itch, and I broke out in this crazy rash. Turns out I got this pretty bad skin infection. It was scary to say the least, and not fun at all.

That's just some of it...And to be honest, just being loaded down with thoughts had alot to do with the 'storm' I felt I was experiencing. [Thoughts of doubt, insecurities, uncertainties]. It becomes way too easy to get caught up in 'circumstances'. You know, when you just have one of those days when you just want to dwell on the negative thoughts just to try to find some sort of satisfaction in throwing a pity party for yourself? Don't deny it, we've all had them. I've been catching myself do that too often lately. But the Lord has been reminding through Philippians 4:8 to turn those negative thoughts into thoughts that are 'admirable' and 'praiseworthy'! How much more do those thoughts please the Lord? I mean, yes, He knows my heart even better then I do, He knows the things I feel, He understands that things aren't always going to be easy, but He truly is the "peace that calms my troubles storm"... He has never failed me yet!
I share that just to give an understanding of what's been going on in my life and in my heart. I know life is a constant battle and I know things aren't going to be perfect. But I am writing with a refreshed heart today that has regained it's joy and has seen my beautiful Lord come through for me once again!

Praise Reports:
1.Daniel is now off the DL feeling healthy and strong.
2.I booked a flight to see Daniel in 3 weeks, which we're both very excited about! Also, Daniel sent me the sweetest care package in the mail today! I love him!
3.My skin infection is 95% cleared and healed!!!

I know our life is always going to be full of ups and downs. Just like in baseball, you can go 4 for 4 one day and be on a high, then go 0-4 the next day with 4 strikeouts! You never know what "pitches" you're going to face or what's going to come your way in life. It's great and beyond comforting to know I can find consistency in an unchanging God even with my ever changing heart... Thank you beautiful Lord!