A life lived....

Many years ago, a man named David Gates wrote and performed a wonderful song entitled "Everything I Own". Thought to be another addition to a long list of love songs, it was written by David in honour of his father, who had passed away.

On November 27th, 1992, My father, John Gerk, went to be with Jesus. I've often told people that while there are so many sad stories of bad fathers, my story is a happy one. I had a good Dad. While certainly not without faults, his life was a testimony of his commitment to his faith, and to his family. What more is there? When I grow up, I want to be just like him! I love you Dad and I miss you. And I look forward to that day when we'll all stand together and see Jesus!!

Here's that song...in a little different context...

Everything I Own - David Gates and Bread

You sheltered me from harm
Kept me warm, kept me warm
You gave my life to me
Set me free, set me free
The finest years I ever knew
Were all the years I had with you
And...

I would give anything I own
Give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give ev'rything I own
Just to have you back again
You taught me how to love
What it's of, what it's of
You never said too much
But still you showed the way
And I knew from watching you
Nobody else could ever know
The part of me that can't let go
And...

Is there someone you know
You're loving them so
But taking them all for granted?
You may lose them one day
Someone takes them away
And they don't hear
The words you long to say

Just to touch you once again

Praise You In This Storm

Life quite never goes the way you want it. I've learned over the years that even in the midst of much pain, that God is there with us. Not a "pat" answer, but a reality. This song speaks to me very loudly because it is so like our Father. He whispers when I want Him to shout. He gives and He takes away. Lessons that are learned when you are weeping at a hospital bed, not knowing if one of your children will live or die, or watching a parent courageously battle and then succumb to cancer.

At any rate, each of us can go on, even if we don't understand. Because He is there with us.

Be Blessed with these following words...

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
And stepped in and saved the day
Once again, I say Amen, and it is still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear you whisper through the rain
I’m with you
As your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I’ll Praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
You are who you are
No matter where I am
And every tear I’ve cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will Praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can’t find you

I lift my eyes into the hills
Where does my help come from
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of heaven and earth

+Casting Crowns

Remember....