[Verse 1]
It’s been a long, long year, we carry the weight,
Lost loved ones, gone too soon, through heaven’s gate.
Empty chairs at the table, echoes remain,
Holding on to the memories through all of the pain.

[Verse 2]
Homes washed away by storms in the night,
Dreams like dust, disappearing from sight.
Hands once working now still and laid bare,
We’re searching for something, an answered prayer.

[Chorus]
Oh, what we lost, but what do we hold?
In the darkest winter, there’s light in the cold.
Every broken piece tells a story so true,
Of hearts still beating, we’ll make it through.

[Verse 3]
Empty classrooms, missed moments to shine,
Traditions forgotten, erased by time.
Friendships fading in silence and space,
But I swear I still see you, I can still feel your face.

[Bridge]
And though we’ve lost our way,
We’ll find it again someday.
Through the tears and the fight,
We will rise, we will write…

[Christmas Hope]
But Christmas Day is near, and we light the flame,
A star in the darkness, a whispering name.
We put our hopes and dreams in the one who stands,
Holding our future in His holy hands.

[New Year Promise]
And a new year dawns, the sky turns to gold,
We gather as one, though the year’s been so cold.
We lift up our voices, our hearts raised above,
To the One we serve, the One we love.

[Chorus]
Oh, what we lost, but what do we hold?
In the darkest winter, there’s light in the cold.
Every broken piece tells a story so true,
Of hearts still beating, we’ll make it through.

[Outro]
And though the storm may take it all,
We’ll plant seeds where the leaves may fall.
Through loss and the aching, love still remains,
We’ll gather the pieces and start once again.
For Christmas brings hope, and a new year will shine,
With the One who redeems every moment in time.

Copyright © 2024 by Skyler Thomas

1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV)

“But, as it is written, What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Devotional: The Great Divide – A Promise of Eternity

In our quest for understanding, we often find ourselves contemplating what lies beyond the veil of this life.

“What’s it like, this great divide,
That sweeps us from this life away,”

We often refer to crossing “a great divide” when we speak of passing from this life to the next. This “great divide” symbolizes the transition from our earthly existence to the eternal presence of God, a passage that is filled with anticipation and hope. As believers, we are assured that what awaits us is something so magnificent that it surpasses any earthly experience. This transition is not just a final goodbye; it is a threshold of grace where our souls will truly abide, free from the burdens and woes that weigh us down in this life.

“Is it akin to passing through a veil,
Where whispers float on gentle air,”

The imagery of passing through a veil captures the idea of entering into God’s presence. Here, we are invited to imagine ourselves enveloped in a gentle embrace of whispers wafting through the air, where the symphonies of heaven reveal a world far beyond our current understanding. The question arises—what shall we first behold?

“Will we behold those pearly gates,
That glimmer soft with stories told?”

Perhaps it will be these gates that usher us into the presence of God, or maybe it will be vast fields filled with color, a radiant tapestry displaying the beauty of creation in all its forms, much richer than the mere streets of gold often described.

As we envision our heavenly home, we picture ourselves greeted by a chorus of souls—a heavenly choir filled with joy and love. Each welcoming heart helps us comprehend that this is a place of eternal communion, where laughter and warmth lift us higher, showcasing the depth of God’s grace and love.

In contemplating what heaven may be like, we consider the vibrant colors and profound sounds that await us. Each note, each sound, a remarkable testament to the joy of salvation; a chorus that makes us whole and fills our spirits with elation.

Indeed, Heaven is a fitting symbol of life in its most beautiful form.

“Imagine gardens where flowers bloom,
With fragrances that wrap around,”

These visual and sensory experiences invite us to wonder about the depths of God’s creation, a constant reminder of hope in our current journey.

As we move through life, we often yearn for peace and comfort. We are to be reminded of the intimacy of love found even in the smallest moments—a reflection of God’s love, which invites us to embrace vulnerability and connection.

Ultimately, our hearts are drawn to the promise of an eternal life filled with grace. We look forward to the day when shadows will dissolve and fears will be no more.

“Gone are the shadows, fears dissolved,
Where pain and want are fully healed.”

What lies ahead is incomprehensible by human understanding, yet it is filled with promise, embraced in divine love.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the hope of eternity. Help us to keep our hearts focused on the promise of what lies ahead. As we journey through life, may we find comfort in the imagery of Your love and grace, eagerly anticipating the day when we step into Your glorious presence. Teach us to live in the light of that promise, trusting in Your plan for our lives. Amen.

Closing Thought

As we reflect on the beauty of heaven and the great divide that leads us there, let us walk through each day with anticipation, filled with hope and love. Heaven awaits us—a vibrant tapestry of colors, sounds, and embrace, reminding us to cherish each moment as a reflection of the eternal joy that is to come. Hold tight to the promise that one day we’ll find our place in the glorious embrace of our Creator.

A Writing

What’s it like, this great divide,
That sweeps us from this life away,
A threshold graced where souls abide,
Where earthly woes no longer weigh?

Is it akin to passing through a veil,
Where whispers float on gentle air,
And symphonies of grand detail,
Reveal a world beyond compare?

Will we behold those pearly gates,
That glimmer soft with stories told,
Or shall we glimpse vast, open estates,
A tapestry of colors bold?

Will a chorus of souls greet me there,
Thronging to welcome, a heavenly choir,
With open arms and joy to share,
Their laughter and love lifting me higher.

We’ve heard of streets where gold is laid,
Yet gold seems narrow, a single hue,
Could heaven be a vibrant cascade,
A master’s palette where visions are new?

Imagine reds like canyon floors,
Where sunlight spills, embracing earth,
Each hue’s a song that gently soars,
A celebration of life and birth.

What sounds shall greet us, sweet and clear,
With symphonies that touch the soul?
A chorus of joy, so pure, sincere,
Each note a story, making us whole.

Will greens emerge like forests deep,
With creatures dancing, wild and free,
And floral scents that softly creep,
Each blossom unveiling the mystery?

Imagine gardens where flowers bloom,
With fragrances that wrap around,
In every petal, our hearts consume,
As nature whispers, hope profound.

Surely there’ll be oceans, blue and deep,
That invite our hearts to sail free,
With gentle waves that stir and sweep,
A celebration of love’s decree.

Rather than mansions dimly lit,
With countless rooms and silent halls,
I long to soar where spirits flit,
Beyond the bounds where starlight calls.

Oh, the softness of a baby’s skin,
A tender touch that warms the heart,
In every hug, a world begins,
A simple love that plays its part.

A symphony of colors blend,
Like Kodachrome, each moment sing,
Forever praising without end,
In joyful reverence to our King.

An eternity to spread His grace,
To honor Him, the guiding light,
For in His arms, we find our place,
No longer lost, but pure delight.

Gone are the shadows, fears dissolved,
Where pain and want are fully healed,
Tears wiped away, love’s truth resolved,
As life forever is finally sealed.

Yet still I ponder what awaits,
In realms unseen, where dreams ignite,
A dimension where the heart elates,
My spirit dances in endless light.

More than my mind can grasp or know,
Beyond the visions I can weave,
Heaven’s embrace will freely flow,
In perfect love, we shall believe.

So I await, with hope in sway,
The moment when I shall step through,
To find the colors, bright as day,
A life renewed, forever true.

Copyright © 2024 by SkylerThomas

Jonah 2:2-9
“In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.
From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.
You hurled me into the depths,
into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
swept over me.
I said, ‘I have been banished
from your sight;
yet I will look again
toward your holy temple.’
The engulfing waters threatened me, a
the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head.
To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you, Lord my God,
brought my life up from the pit.
“When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, Lord,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple.
“Those who cling to worthless idols
turn away from God’s love for them.
But I, with shouts of grateful praise,
will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’ ”

Today’s Interpretation:

In my distress, Lord, I text you my plea,
Caught up in endless emails, it’s hard to be free.
From the chaos of meetings, I seek a quiet space,
Amid deadlines approaching, I find Your true grace.

You tossed me in the job pool, in the workday grind,
Water cooler gossip, drowning my mind.
On lunch break I glance at Your word, where Your blessings abound,
Trusting in Your wisdom, relief I have found.

Drowning in tasks, like a conference call loop,
Surrounded by deadlines, I feel lost in the meeting group.
Punching the clock, where my thoughts feel trapped,
But in You, Lord my God, is the peace I’ve unwrapped.

As the day drags on, and my focus grows thin,
I say a quick prayer, seeking strength from within.
Clocking out for the night, I find sweet release,
Grounded in Your presence, I discover my peace.

Those chasing promotions at the cost of their soul,
Lose sight of true meaning, forgetting Your goal.
But I lift my voice softly, through the elevator noise,
Honoring Your blessings, as I embrace my joys.

Salvation, dear Lord, is the path to my peace,
In Your mercy and kindness, my worries release.
With grateful praises, I step into the light,
Thankful and revived, my spirit takes flight.

Copyright © 2024 by Skyler Thomas

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Devotional: Pray Without Ceasing

What is prayer? This question has lingered in the hearts and minds of believers for centuries. In our pursuit of God and understanding His ways, we often find ourselves at the intersection of formality and authenticity. True prayer, the kind God desires—is not a performance cloaked in polished phrases, but is an open, vulnerable dialog with our Creator.

Prayer is an invitation to bring our true selves to God. It is where we can lay aside the polished veneer we often present to the world and come forth with all our burdens and fears. The idea of showcasing our “best foot forward” loses significance when we recognize that God desires our honesty more than our facade. We do not come to Him as employees seeking approval for a job well done; we come as beloved children, yearning for connection.

In prayer, we shed all pretense, allowing ourselves to be truly seen. We do not need to hide our thoughts or mask our emotions, for God is not looking for flawless interactions. Instead, He welcomes our authentic, unrefined selves. In our moments of despair, frustration, and uncertainty, prayer becomes a refuge, allowing us to seek not only answers but also peace that surpasses our own understanding.

Coming before God with no mask, where we can be ultra-vulnerable—encapsulates the essence of what it means to communicate with God. It’s not merely a transaction; it’s a transformative experience. We lay our burdens down, inviting His grace to permeate our lives, bringing healing and restoration.

Philippians reminds us of the dual nature of prayer: we bring forth our requests, but we also weave in thanksgiving. This act of gratitude becomes our acknowledgment of God’s past faithfulness, providing a foundation of trust as we navigate our current uncertainties. This is a powerful reminder that prayer is both a dialogue and a comforting embrace, where we can express our concerns while resting in His peace.

In this sacred exchange, we discover this paradox: our limitations allow for God’s boundless grace to be poured into our lives. As we approach God’s throne, stripped of our façade, we find freedom in our vulnerabilities. This invitation to be real with God is refreshing; it transforms our prayer life into a space of authenticity, where we can experience His love and power in profound ways.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of prayer. Help us to leave behind our pretenses and come to You just as we are—vulnerable, open, and seeking. May we bring our true selves into Your presence, and may our communion with You bring peace to our hearts. Teach us to embrace vulnerability in prayer and deepen our relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Thought

As we go forth today, let us redefine our understanding of prayer. It is not a display of perfection, but a heartfelt dialogue with God. Let us confidently approach Him in our weaknesses and uncertainties, embracing the grace that fills our voids. In every moment of honesty, we find a deeper connection with our Creator, who longs for us to simply be ourselves in His presence.

A Writing

Is my prayer, a time for display,
Where I put my best foot forward each day?
To impress you with phrases, all polished and neat,
A perfect impression crafted, no hint of defeat?
Cleaned and formal, like a suit for a test,
Am I here for a job? Do I wear my best?
Telling of virtues, or weaving a tale,
Hiding the shadows, that truths would unveil?
Pleading for freedom, to bend the curve,
Wanting my terms; do I truly deserve
Or begging a rich uncle, a loan to procure,
Presenting my dreams that I know are unsure.
Oh, what is this “deal” that I seek to propose?
But no… prayer’s a gift, a way to expose.
I come without answers, empty and torn,
With burdens I carry, in silence I mourn.
Not playing the victim, nor wrapped in my shame,
I shed all pretense, I drop all the game.
Here I can offer the truth of my state,
No mask, no façade; just my heart liberate.
In this place that I hold, I can simply be,
Ultra-vulnerable, real, and set free.
While my ways may lead me to chaos and strife,
I yearn to lay down the failures of my life.
Help me to bow, on my knees humbly come,
With naught but my burdens, stripped down, feeling numb.
A child of the heavens, with a heart that’s elated
In every kind gesture, your warmth demonstrated.
So today, gracious Lord, in this moment I stand,
I’ll offer my heart, just as you had planned.
Without being fake, without the pretense,
In prayer, I find solace, a truth so immense.

Copyright © 2019 by Skyler Thomas

Ebb and flow of the waves running over my toes
As I stroll down the shoreline
Sun setting slowly over the horizon
Red flashes of the sky signaling the end of another day
Mind unwinding as I let the stress of the day flee
Into mindful bliss

Your morning breath flows over my face
As I stroll into the pathway through the trees
The morning dew accumulates on the ground
Streaks of light breaking through the clouds of the sunrise
Your words remind me of your ever presence
Into mindful bliss

Starry starry night, full moon shining bright
As I release the burdens of the day
I lift my prayers of praise in your name
Tears dropping down my cheek
Thanking you again for your presence
Into mindful bliss

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Wrapped by rhythms of your grace where I belong
Into mindful bliss

Copyright © 2024 by Skyler Thomas