From life's first cry to final breath

The other day, one of my facebook friends shared a song that I hadn't heard in a few months. I heard & sang this song prior to having Noah but the words didn't impact me the way they did until after he died. I remember listening to this in the months after Noah died and hearing the lyrics gave me chills, in a good way, and still does. I was even brought to tears earlier when my kids played it again yesterday.

Losing someone close to you like a spouse or child completely changes your life forever. In the beginning, the change was suffocating, making it almost impossible to continue living. 2 years out now, which I can hardly believe it's been that long, I can view Noah's death as something more than just an awful thing that happened to us. There are many ways Noah's life changed me for the good. One of the ways is that his death has propelled me to want to live with more of a Heaven mindset. After all, I am only briefly passing through life here on earth on my way to my home in Heaven, so I desire to live more focused on what truly matters in the end. Colossians 3:2 "Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things."

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

These are some of the lyrics that stand out to me in this song (though honestly the entire song lyrics are amazing). It truly is only by the power of Christ that I am still standing today after Noah died. We witnessed Noah's first glorious cry as he was born and we watched him take his final breath in our arms 9 hours later. Even though Noah's life was way too brief in my finite, human mind, I am realizing that God accomplished His purpose with Noah and called him Home. What Noah's exact purpose was, I will finally fully know in Heaven. I have only been given a glimpse into the lives he continues to reach & touch. Which honestly blows me away some days by the messages & emails I continue to receive. It truly humbles me knowing how far reaching his story has gone.

I continue to be challenged by my son's life to make each day count. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow. Each day that I am given new mercies and breath for yet another day, I remember my precious son and strive to do my best to make an eternal difference in how I live. What are you doing today to count for eternity? Hug your loved ones extra tight, spend a few extra minutes with them & realize they are the only treasure you get to take with you to Heaven. Not sure where you may end up after you die, please feel free to email me and I'd be glad to chat with you or answer any questions. 

In Christ alone, my hope is found


He is my light, my strength, my song


This cornerstone, this solid ground


Firm through the fiercest drought and storm


What heights of love, what depths of peace


When fears are stilled, when strivings cease


My comforter, my all-in-all


Here in the love of Christ I stand

There in the ground His body lay


Light of the world by darkness slain


Then bursting forth in glorious day


Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory


Sin's curse has lost its grip on me


For I am His and He is mine


Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death


This is the power of Christ in me


From life's first cry to final breath


Jesus commands my destiny


No power of hell, no scheme of man


Can ever pluck me from His hand


Till He returns or calls me home


Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

Till He returns or calls me home


Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

Linking up with:
A Holy Experience
Still Standing
The Better Mom
Welcome Home