I have a story to tell... the intent of it will be known by the end of this post.I was looking over my journal just yesterday (or the day before) and discovered that it was January a year ago that dad (Pastor Tim Atchley) began to preach the Gospel of Grace in all of it's purity. Seriously.... my first entree was January 2009... the specific date I don't have on hand at the moment, nor do I remember it.
... Anyway, yesterday Justin was going to take me to a movie out in Turkey Creek since my lovely sister gave us a free movie ticket to see Blindside... Well, we got to Parkside Drive and found bumper to bumper traffic and soon discovered most all of this traffic was heading to the same place we were. We both decided that we could go any other night but didn't want to fight the people that night so we turned around to head back home.
On the way back home I turned to Justin and said... "Would you want to stop by Cedar Springs (Christian Bookstore) for a bit?" Anyone who knows me, know that is VERY IRREGULAR of me. I do not like to go into that place... but we went. I found... on the very first shelf, a cd... the title was "The Year of Grace" and it was by Robin Mark... long story short, I bought the cd because every song is straight up scripture that celebrates Grace!
I understand that dad has done nothing in his own strength but by the Grace of God.. However, please allow me to honor my Spiritual Leader who has been willing to stick to it through thick and thin! This year has not been an easy one for him, it's come with it's fair share of blows... but, through it all he has remained faithful.
Dad, I believe this song is for you... here are the lyrics:
Just as I am one only plea
In that the blood once shed was shed for me
And drew me to a covenant place
Where I found mercy in the year of grace
No condemnation now for me
Your Word has touched my heart and now I see
In Heaven stands to plead my case
The One who found me in the year of grace
O Son of God sweet Son of Man
The Author of redemption's plan
Eternal God in time and space
O keep me ever in the year of grace
I hear Your voice my soul awakes
Your whispered words have stirred my heart to praise
On love unbound I fix my gaze
Where I first saw You in the year of grace
In life in death whom shall I fear
Closer than breath I feel You near
Oh hold me in Your strong embrace
Where I fend rest within the year of grace
Dad, thank you for being faithful to the call!
... Anyway, yesterday Justin was going to take me to a movie out in Turkey Creek since my lovely sister gave us a free movie ticket to see Blindside... Well, we got to Parkside Drive and found bumper to bumper traffic and soon discovered most all of this traffic was heading to the same place we were. We both decided that we could go any other night but didn't want to fight the people that night so we turned around to head back home.
On the way back home I turned to Justin and said... "Would you want to stop by Cedar Springs (Christian Bookstore) for a bit?" Anyone who knows me, know that is VERY IRREGULAR of me. I do not like to go into that place... but we went. I found... on the very first shelf, a cd... the title was "The Year of Grace" and it was by Robin Mark... long story short, I bought the cd because every song is straight up scripture that celebrates Grace!
I understand that dad has done nothing in his own strength but by the Grace of God.. However, please allow me to honor my Spiritual Leader who has been willing to stick to it through thick and thin! This year has not been an easy one for him, it's come with it's fair share of blows... but, through it all he has remained faithful.
Dad, I believe this song is for you... here are the lyrics:
Just as I am one only plea
In that the blood once shed was shed for me
And drew me to a covenant place
Where I found mercy in the year of grace
No condemnation now for me
Your Word has touched my heart and now I see
In Heaven stands to plead my case
The One who found me in the year of grace
O Son of God sweet Son of Man
The Author of redemption's plan
Eternal God in time and space
O keep me ever in the year of grace
I hear Your voice my soul awakes
Your whispered words have stirred my heart to praise
On love unbound I fix my gaze
Where I first saw You in the year of grace
In life in death whom shall I fear
Closer than breath I feel You near
Oh hold me in Your strong embrace
Where I fend rest within the year of grace
Dad, thank you for being faithful to the call!
