=)

It would have been Markus' 25th birthday today. Sure, it still feels weird. Still, there's so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to. Perhaps this is what Steven Curtis Chapman meant when he talked of carrying on with broken hearts, yet filled with hope =)

There is a hope that burns within my heart,
That gives me strength for ev'ry passing day;
A glimpse of glory now revealed in meager part,
Yet drives all doubt away;
I stand in Christ with sins forgiv'n;
And Christ in me, the hope of heav'n!
My highest calling and my deepest joy,
To make His will my own.

There is a hope that lifts my weary head,
A consolation strong against despair,
That when the world has plunged me in its deepest pit,
I find the Saviour there!
Through present sufferings, future's fear,
He whispers, "Courage!" in my ear,
For I am safe in everlasting arms,
And they will lead me home.

There is a hope that stands the test of time,
That lifts my eyes beyond the beckoning grave,
To see the matchless beauty of a day divine,
When I behold His face!
When sufferings cease and sorrows die,
And every longing satisfied,
Then joy unspeakable will flood my soul,
For I am truly home.