This Time Last Year...

As I was getting ready for church this morning, my mind drifted to this same Sunday morning last year...it would be a day that would end up changing my life forever. A day that would begin happy and joyous would end in heartbreak and sorrow.

As we drove to church this morning, I thought about our drive to church last year. I had no idea that my sweet boy, who I had carried, prayed for, planned for, and loved...who I had felt kick and roll countless times, would not kick me again.

As I worshipped this morning, and sang "Blessed Be The Name of the Lord", I thought about that Sunday morning, wondering what my thoughts were as I sang. I remembered my nervousness had already begun, as I tried to sit still enough to feel Chase move. It's all so hazy now.

I try to remember the Chelsea that woke up last year on that Sunday morning. Nothing felt different, but everything was.

I thank the Lord for who this Chelsea is now. He has been so gracious and good to be so gentle with my heart, as He has molded me into a new person. A person who understands loss and pain like never before, but who also understands deep and resounding joy that comes from His hand, like never before.

A song that we sang this morning was the perfect beginning for this week. He truly does bring restoration. He takes our pain, and calls us by a new name. Thank you, Lord.

I've included a video--the only one I could find on You Tube--which is long...no need to watch it all, but the lyrics are even better with the music. (Don't forget to "pause" my playlist at the bottom of the blog first.)

You bring restoration,

You bring restoration,

You bring restoration

To my soul.

You've taken my pain, and called me by a new name.

You've taken my shame, and in its place,

You give me JOY.

You take my mourning, and turn it into dancing.

You take my weeping, turn it into laughing.

You take my mourning, and turn it into dancing.

You take my sadness, and turn it into joy.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, You make all things new...