anthem

an·them

Noun A rousing or uplifting song identified with a particular group, body, or cause. A song officially adopted by a country as an expression of national identity.

Lately, I have been listening to a song alot.  A song that years ago, I mentioned to my daughter Ashley, that when the time comes for my funeral service - I would love this song to be played.  Here are the lyrics:

IN CHRIST ALONE 
by Michael English

In Christ alone will I glory
Though I could pride myself
In battles won
For I've been blessed beyond measure
And by His strength alone, I overcome
Oh, I could stop and count successes
Like diamonds in my hands
But these trophies could not equal
To the grace, by which I stand

In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory 
In the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone

In Christ alone will I glory
For only by His grace
I am redeemed
And only His tender mercy
Could reach beyond my weakness
To my need
Now I seek no greater honor
Than just to know Him more
And to count my gains but losses
And to the glory of my Lord

In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory 
In the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone 


As I walked today - (with my new ski pants!! :) I had my earphones in my ears.  And I walked and truly listened to the words.  Somehow, they hit me with a new meaning today.  One day, I would love to talk with Michael English (hmmm maybe I should do a Gaither cruise with Alvin!!) I have read Michael English's book - which is a story that spoke so much to me - as he is open and honest about his fall to the depths of despair.  But more than that - to the grace that Jesus lifted him up with!  
Today as I walked the lines that spoke to me where "Now I seek no greater honor than just to know Him more!" and it was all I could do not to weep as I walked.  Oh that the greatest honor I have would be getting to know my Jesus MORE.  Falling in love with him MORE.  O Lord, that is my prayer.  

Each year I choose a verse for the year.  I am still choosing that verse.  But I am also choosing my anthem.  An anthem is a song that is identified with something, or someone, and well, I have decided that this is it.  

My anthem is In Christ Alone!!

For this year.  
For the years ahead.  
For the hard days, the good days, the full days, the crazy days.
For me - may this be MY song too.  my ANTHEM.

"In every victory, let it be said of me - my source of strength, my source of hope - is Christ Alone!"