For the purpose of this post, secular will be used to any music that is not sacred. It is not meant to be an offensive term, or derogatory, or used in a way that insinuates that secular (mainstream) music is bad. This post is entirely about my choice and it is not meant in any way to demean the choices you have made.
Music runs in my blood. My grandfather sang in the internationally acclaimed Ambassadors of Harmony for many years of my childhood, my mother plays the piano, and I did choir in grade school and band (clarinet) throughout junior and senior high. My brother plays the trombone and trumpet fluently (if you can apply that word to instruments) as well as a little of every other instrument since he studied music education for a while.
All this is to say that music has always been special in my life. In my faith, it's probably the biggest way I communicate with God. Some people are awesome pray-ers. (Seriously, how can people pray for hours on end???) Some people are great speakers. Music is my prayer. Music is my sermon. Music is my worship.
I didn't grow up going to church. I mean, I went to Sunday School with friends, I did AWANA, and I was baptized when I was about 12 -- because my friends did the same thing. Not because it was where my heart was. It wasn't until I was in high school that I started getting serious about my faith. And when I was invited to start singing on the worship team... I can't really explain what happened, but that was probably like my "great awakening" or something. I was baptized (for real this time -- my heart was in it) when I was a senior in high school and I've never looked back.
As I began singing on the praise team I began learning a lot of new songs. These were songs that I had never hear before or been exposed to. And in the days of Napster and Limewire, I was able to find just about any song I was looking for. I discovered artists like Nicole C. Mullen, Third Day, and Switchfoot. As time went on, I fell in love with the easy worship melodies of Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman. And I realized how one simple chorus can be full of God's presence.
When J and I started dating, I was introduced to a lot more artists and together, we just kind of slipped into the decision that Christian music was the only music we wanted to listen to. Honestly, there wasn't a cognizant moment where we decided not to listen to the mainstream secular stations anymore. I just know that shortly after we started dating, I stopped listening to and even enjoying most secular artists.
Why? Mostly because of content, I guess. There is a lot of lyrics that focus on sex. Or materialism. Or just... things that I don't want to focus on. Paul says to focus on that which is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable (Phil 4:8). We're also told to make a joyful noise unto the Lord (Ps 100:1, and many other places). Because music is how I communicate with God, I want to stick to the guideline set forth in Eph 4:29 (Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful... NLT) and listen only to positive, music. A lot of times my quiet time with the Lord comes when I'm listening to Spotify in the shower or JoyFM in the car. The moments when I feel His presence the most and feel most in tune with him.
Now, this is my decision. I know a lot of people who enjoy Christian music and secular music. I also know a lot of Christians who don't like Christian music because a lot of the lyrics seem shallow. And the idea of a Christian music industry turns them off. Trust me -- in my time working at Family Christian I discovered a fair share of artists and bands whose music did nothing for me. Just because you sing of His name does not make you a good artist, after all.
But more often than not I find songs I love, songs that move me, songs that get stuck in my head for. days. because God is speaking to me through them. Those are the songs I LOVE. I also love that I'll have a song mean something to me one get-stuck-in-my-head cycle and something completely different the next.
And so I wrap up this longer than I planned post explaining myself with some of the songs that have been speaking to me recently. I hope that they will speak to you as well.
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Apr 6, 2012
Nov 8, 2011
"Unashamed"
This past week, during Communion, we played this song.
It's been stuck in my head all week. J and I had an interesting conversation tonight about the meaning of the line "I know I'm weak/I know I'm unworthy/To call upon Your name." A friend of mine at church mentioned that she didn't like the song because of the idea that we're unworthy to come to God. She believes that she is worthy to be in his presence. This raises some interesting points, about faith and about culture.
First of all, culture. We live in a world where it's acceptable to demand, demand, demand. not only that, but to EXPECT that the things we demand will be given to us. I'm just as guilty as the next guy for falling into this trap. We feel we "deserve" a better car, a bigger house, a larger TV, and Platinum credit cards. We deserve to be treated with respect even though most of us live in our own little worlds, not paying attention to even our own spouses or children. I guess it comes as no surprise that we feel we deserve God's love and grace in our lives. (Here is where we could totally get into an "original sin" debate, but I'm not going there.)
Which brings us to the caveat of our faith. Our worldview often spills over into our approach to God. We want Him now, in the way we feel He should be here, and in the time we specify. We don't find a job in the time frame we want, we question His faithfulness (hello, totally guilty of that...). Our friend dies too young and we wonder why He took him/her so soon, forgetting that He has a plan. We don't always like His plan because it doesn't fit into our pretty little box of how we think our life should be. We deserve God's attention RIGHT NOW whether that's His plan or not. "I'm in pain right now, God, and I deserve Your hand in this mess I amtotally to blame for in." "God, I gave you my life 17 years ago, and now it's time for You to do what I expect You to do -- be there and fix my mess."
But that's not how it works. Not in the slightest. We don't deserve Him. We don't deserve His love. Paul writes in Romans that we are all sinners, that we all fall short of the glory of God (3:23). Every. Single. One of us. Fact of the matter is, we're all screwed. We're all destined for an eternity apart from God because we don't deserve to stand in His presence. Except.
Jesus.
One man. One cross. Taking away all of our sins. Glorious salvation. That is what makes us worthy. It's not because of who we are. It's because of who HE is, and what HE did for us. Even though we totally don't deserve any of His love, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, grace, mercy, etc, He made us worthy. It is through his sacrifice that we are able to come to God and worship, honor, and adore Him. It is because of Jesus that we are able to live with Him for all eternity.
Even though we don't deserve it.
Even though we're totally unworthy.
God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8, NIV)
I have not much
To offer You
Not near what You deserve
But still I come
Because Your cross
Has placed in me my worth
Oh, Christ my King
Of sympathy
Whose wounds secure my peace
Your grace extends
To call me friend
Your mercy sets me free
And I know I'm weak
I know I'm unworthy
To call upon Your name
But because of grace
Because of Your mercy
I stand here unashamed
I can't explain
This kind of love
I'm humbled and amazed
That You'd come down
From heavens heights
And greet me face to face
Here I am at Your feet
In my brokeness complete
It's been stuck in my head all week. J and I had an interesting conversation tonight about the meaning of the line "I know I'm weak/I know I'm unworthy/To call upon Your name." A friend of mine at church mentioned that she didn't like the song because of the idea that we're unworthy to come to God. She believes that she is worthy to be in his presence. This raises some interesting points, about faith and about culture.
First of all, culture. We live in a world where it's acceptable to demand, demand, demand. not only that, but to EXPECT that the things we demand will be given to us. I'm just as guilty as the next guy for falling into this trap. We feel we "deserve" a better car, a bigger house, a larger TV, and Platinum credit cards. We deserve to be treated with respect even though most of us live in our own little worlds, not paying attention to even our own spouses or children. I guess it comes as no surprise that we feel we deserve God's love and grace in our lives. (Here is where we could totally get into an "original sin" debate, but I'm not going there.)
Which brings us to the caveat of our faith. Our worldview often spills over into our approach to God. We want Him now, in the way we feel He should be here, and in the time we specify. We don't find a job in the time frame we want, we question His faithfulness (hello, totally guilty of that...). Our friend dies too young and we wonder why He took him/her so soon, forgetting that He has a plan. We don't always like His plan because it doesn't fit into our pretty little box of how we think our life should be. We deserve God's attention RIGHT NOW whether that's His plan or not. "I'm in pain right now, God, and I deserve Your hand in this mess I am
But that's not how it works. Not in the slightest. We don't deserve Him. We don't deserve His love. Paul writes in Romans that we are all sinners, that we all fall short of the glory of God (3:23). Every. Single. One of us. Fact of the matter is, we're all screwed. We're all destined for an eternity apart from God because we don't deserve to stand in His presence. Except.
Jesus.
One man. One cross. Taking away all of our sins. Glorious salvation. That is what makes us worthy. It's not because of who we are. It's because of who HE is, and what HE did for us. Even though we totally don't deserve any of His love, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, grace, mercy, etc, He made us worthy. It is through his sacrifice that we are able to come to God and worship, honor, and adore Him. It is because of Jesus that we are able to live with Him for all eternity.
Even though we don't deserve it.
Even though we're totally unworthy.
God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8, NIV)
Apr 25, 2011
I love this
Found this online at Michael Bleecker's blog
RELIGION: I obey-therefore I’m accepted.
THE GOSPEL: I’m accepted-therefore I obey.
RELIGION: Motivation is based on fear and insecurity.
THE GOSPEL: Motivation is based on grateful joy.
RELIGION: I obey God in order to get things from God.
THE GOSPEL: I obey God to get to God-to delight and resemble Him.
RELIGION: When circumstances in my life go wrong, I am angry at God or my self, since I believe, like Job’s friends that anyone who is good deserves a comfortable life.
THE GOSPEL: When circumstances in my life go wrong, I struggle but I know all my punishment fell on Jesus and that while he may allow this for my training, he will exercise his Fatherly love within my trial.
RELIGION: When I am criticized I am furious or devastated because it is critical that I think of myself as a ‘good person’. Threats to that self-image must be destroyed at all costs.
THE GOSPEL: When I am criticized I struggle, but it is not critical for me to think of myself as a ‘good person.’ My identity is not built on my record or my performance but on God’s love for me in Christ. I can take criticism.
RELIGION: My prayer life consists largely of petition and it only heats up when I am in a time of need. My main purpose in prayer is control of the environment.
THE GOSPEL: My prayer life consists of generous stretches of praise and adoration. My main purpose is fellowship with Him.
RELIGION: My self-view swings between two poles. If and when I am living up to my standards, I feel confident, but then I am prone to be proud and unsympathetic to failing people. If and when I am not living up to standards, I feel insecure and inadequate. I’m not confident. I feel like a failure.
THE GOSPEL: My self-view is not based on a view of my self as a moral achiever. In Christ I am “simul iustus et peccator”—simultaneously sinful and yet accepted in Christ. I am so bad he had to die for me and I am so loved he was glad to die for me. This leads me to deeper and deeper humility and confidence at the same time. Neither swaggering nor sniveling.
RELIGION: My identity and self-worth are based mainly on how hard I work. Or how moral I am, and so I must look down on those I perceive as lazy or immoral. I disdain and feel superior to ‘the other.’
THE GOSPEL: My identity and self-worth are centered on the one who died for His enemies, who was excluded from the city for me. I am saved by sheer grace. So I can’t look down on those who believe or practice something different from me. Only by grace I am what I am. I’ve no inner need to win arguments.
RELIGION: Since I look to my own pedigree or performance for my spiritual acceptability, my heart manufactures idols. It may be my talents, my moral record, my personal discipline, my social status, etc. I absolutely have to have them so they serve as my main hope, meaning, happiness, security, and significance, whatever I may say I believe about God.
THE GOSPEL: I have many good things in my life—family, work, spiritual disciplines, etc. But none of these good things are ultimate things to me. None of them are things I absolutely have to have, so there is a limit to how much anxiety, bitterness, and despondency they can inflict on me when they are threatened and lost.
THE GOSPEL: I’m accepted-therefore I obey.
RELIGION: Motivation is based on fear and insecurity.
THE GOSPEL: Motivation is based on grateful joy.
RELIGION: I obey God in order to get things from God.
THE GOSPEL: I obey God to get to God-to delight and resemble Him.
RELIGION: When circumstances in my life go wrong, I am angry at God or my self, since I believe, like Job’s friends that anyone who is good deserves a comfortable life.
THE GOSPEL: When circumstances in my life go wrong, I struggle but I know all my punishment fell on Jesus and that while he may allow this for my training, he will exercise his Fatherly love within my trial.
RELIGION: When I am criticized I am furious or devastated because it is critical that I think of myself as a ‘good person’. Threats to that self-image must be destroyed at all costs.
THE GOSPEL: When I am criticized I struggle, but it is not critical for me to think of myself as a ‘good person.’ My identity is not built on my record or my performance but on God’s love for me in Christ. I can take criticism.
RELIGION: My prayer life consists largely of petition and it only heats up when I am in a time of need. My main purpose in prayer is control of the environment.
THE GOSPEL: My prayer life consists of generous stretches of praise and adoration. My main purpose is fellowship with Him.
RELIGION: My self-view swings between two poles. If and when I am living up to my standards, I feel confident, but then I am prone to be proud and unsympathetic to failing people. If and when I am not living up to standards, I feel insecure and inadequate. I’m not confident. I feel like a failure.
THE GOSPEL: My self-view is not based on a view of my self as a moral achiever. In Christ I am “simul iustus et peccator”—simultaneously sinful and yet accepted in Christ. I am so bad he had to die for me and I am so loved he was glad to die for me. This leads me to deeper and deeper humility and confidence at the same time. Neither swaggering nor sniveling.
RELIGION: My identity and self-worth are based mainly on how hard I work. Or how moral I am, and so I must look down on those I perceive as lazy or immoral. I disdain and feel superior to ‘the other.’
THE GOSPEL: My identity and self-worth are centered on the one who died for His enemies, who was excluded from the city for me. I am saved by sheer grace. So I can’t look down on those who believe or practice something different from me. Only by grace I am what I am. I’ve no inner need to win arguments.
RELIGION: Since I look to my own pedigree or performance for my spiritual acceptability, my heart manufactures idols. It may be my talents, my moral record, my personal discipline, my social status, etc. I absolutely have to have them so they serve as my main hope, meaning, happiness, security, and significance, whatever I may say I believe about God.
THE GOSPEL: I have many good things in my life—family, work, spiritual disciplines, etc. But none of these good things are ultimate things to me. None of them are things I absolutely have to have, so there is a limit to how much anxiety, bitterness, and despondency they can inflict on me when they are threatened and lost.
Feb 23, 2011
Godly Marriage
**I want to warn the casual reader that I'm about to get real deep in something God has put on my heart recently. If you're not in a spot in your life where you're comfortable discussing God, you may want to skip this post 'casue it's full of Him.**
Recently, it's like God has been making me think about marriage -- mine in particular. no, there's not "trouble in paradise" but there are things that J and I agreed to when we got married that we've kind of fallen through on. The idea that he should be the head of me, to lead us in prayer/devotions/what have you is something that we took seriously two years ago as we said our vows, but we haven't particularly delivered on that promise.
There are verses all over the Bible, particularly the new testament that discuss the role of the husband and the wife. Husbands are to be the head of the family, and the wife is to submit to her husband. This makes people incredible on edge: "My husband will not control me." "That's right woman, I'm in charge."
Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church did two sermons about two years ago about the role of the man and the woman in marriage. I haven't listened to all of the one about women, but J and I listened to the message about men. Warning: He is BLUNT. I mean, he doesn't skirt around the issue. Towards the end, he even YELLS at his congregation (and those of us listening), telling men "shame on you" for not respecting women in a way that God calls them to do.
I also listened to this teaching from Marcus Mecum of Seven Hills Church (we went there one Sunday last summer as we passed through Cincinnati on our mission trip and were incredibly impressed). This one is about men's role in the church. It's not as blunt as Driscoll's teaching, but it is still very straightforward -- men have to counsel younger men in being leaders in the church. Women outnumber men in the church, partly because so much of the "church experience" relates to aspects that women identify with -- feelings and "talking" and whatnot. Young men are getting lost in the shuffle because older men aren't taking the time to mentor them, and older men aren't taking the time to align themselves with God's image anyway.
I'm trying not to be too preachy, because my husband and I have dropped the ball as well, but God intended marriage to be this way for a reason. "As goes the father, so goes the family, so goes the community, so goes the world." That was something a professor of mine said in one of my ministry classes in school, and I think it's incredibly true, especially now. If men would step up and take care of their families, we would start seeing a difference in the world.
Recently, it's like God has been making me think about marriage -- mine in particular. no, there's not "trouble in paradise" but there are things that J and I agreed to when we got married that we've kind of fallen through on. The idea that he should be the head of me, to lead us in prayer/devotions/what have you is something that we took seriously two years ago as we said our vows, but we haven't particularly delivered on that promise.
There are verses all over the Bible, particularly the new testament that discuss the role of the husband and the wife. Husbands are to be the head of the family, and the wife is to submit to her husband. This makes people incredible on edge: "My husband will not control me." "That's right woman, I'm in charge."
Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church did two sermons about two years ago about the role of the man and the woman in marriage. I haven't listened to all of the one about women, but J and I listened to the message about men. Warning: He is BLUNT. I mean, he doesn't skirt around the issue. Towards the end, he even YELLS at his congregation (and those of us listening), telling men "shame on you" for not respecting women in a way that God calls them to do.
I also listened to this teaching from Marcus Mecum of Seven Hills Church (we went there one Sunday last summer as we passed through Cincinnati on our mission trip and were incredibly impressed). This one is about men's role in the church. It's not as blunt as Driscoll's teaching, but it is still very straightforward -- men have to counsel younger men in being leaders in the church. Women outnumber men in the church, partly because so much of the "church experience" relates to aspects that women identify with -- feelings and "talking" and whatnot. Young men are getting lost in the shuffle because older men aren't taking the time to mentor them, and older men aren't taking the time to align themselves with God's image anyway.
I'm trying not to be too preachy, because my husband and I have dropped the ball as well, but God intended marriage to be this way for a reason. "As goes the father, so goes the family, so goes the community, so goes the world." That was something a professor of mine said in one of my ministry classes in school, and I think it's incredibly true, especially now. If men would step up and take care of their families, we would start seeing a difference in the world.
Jan 17, 2011
Faith Filled vs. Insane
This morning my friend called and asked if I thought she and her husband were insane or faith filled. I don't want to get into too many details about their situation, but suffice it to say that they have been jumping feet first into God's calling for them. Two years ago they took in two little girls who legally and officially became theirs a year ago, but who felt like theirs long before that. Now they're pursuing international adoption, and K is considering a HUGE leap of faith that would involve taking their children and leaving D behind for about 6 months and going halfway around the world. She wants to know if she's nuts.
Totally.
But not in the I-need-to-be-locked-up-in-a-padded-room-because-I'm-a-danger-to-myself-and-others kind of nuts. It's the kind of nuts that God wants us to be -- nuts about him. Nuts about His plans for us. Nuts about people less fortunate. Nuts about everything He calls us to do.
THAT'S the kind of nuts we need to be.
I'm currently working on a series with our high schoolers about what it means to truly be a follower of Christ. It's not just about the name, about calling yourself a Christian. It's about the relationship you have with Him. It's about realizing His call and answering it. I have no idea what K & D's home faith life is, whether they pray or read the Word or have devotions, but I do know this -- they are followers of Christ.
We had a sermon last year in which our pastor mentions a passage in the Bible where Jesus says, basically, if you have two coats and your neighbor has none, you stole one. My friend C went up to our pastor after the service and said, "When are you going to have a coat drive, then?" And my pastor responded, "whenever you coordinate it." So he did. And we're having another one this year. C is a follower of Christ.
I've had moments when I've felt like a follower of Christ, but do I live as a follower all of the time? It's not my place to determine that. It's about how others -- and, ultimately God -- view me. Am I the living presence of Christ all the time or just on mission trips? Am I showing God's love to the least of these? Am I living my life in a way that serves widows, orphans, oppressed, homeless, hungry, cheated... The list goes on. There are lots of Scripture calling us to do that (James 1:27, Malachi 3:5, and Micah 6:8 are just some).
I don't know. Maybe this post is just a lot of me rambling, trying to get feelings down on paper, so to speak. But I admire my friend. I admire C. I admire the houseparents at Goshen. I admire the Chapman family who adopted three little girls from China, and have used the tragedy of losing one of them to preach the hope of God even in crisis to them. I admire my former coworker C who is going to propose to his girlfriend soon; they'll get married in September because he doesn't want her 16 month old to remember a time when he wasn't her daddy. I admire the D family who I babysit for; both of the parents are first responders and they only see each other 10 days out of the month.
I leave you with a song by Josh Wilson. I love the words of this song, but now that I have some examples to apply it to, I love it even more.
Totally.
But not in the I-need-to-be-locked-up-in-a-padded-room-because-I'm-a-danger-to-myself-and-others kind of nuts. It's the kind of nuts that God wants us to be -- nuts about him. Nuts about His plans for us. Nuts about people less fortunate. Nuts about everything He calls us to do.
THAT'S the kind of nuts we need to be.
I'm currently working on a series with our high schoolers about what it means to truly be a follower of Christ. It's not just about the name, about calling yourself a Christian. It's about the relationship you have with Him. It's about realizing His call and answering it. I have no idea what K & D's home faith life is, whether they pray or read the Word or have devotions, but I do know this -- they are followers of Christ.
We had a sermon last year in which our pastor mentions a passage in the Bible where Jesus says, basically, if you have two coats and your neighbor has none, you stole one. My friend C went up to our pastor after the service and said, "When are you going to have a coat drive, then?" And my pastor responded, "whenever you coordinate it." So he did. And we're having another one this year. C is a follower of Christ.
I've had moments when I've felt like a follower of Christ, but do I live as a follower all of the time? It's not my place to determine that. It's about how others -- and, ultimately God -- view me. Am I the living presence of Christ all the time or just on mission trips? Am I showing God's love to the least of these? Am I living my life in a way that serves widows, orphans, oppressed, homeless, hungry, cheated... The list goes on. There are lots of Scripture calling us to do that (James 1:27, Malachi 3:5, and Micah 6:8 are just some).
I don't know. Maybe this post is just a lot of me rambling, trying to get feelings down on paper, so to speak. But I admire my friend. I admire C. I admire the houseparents at Goshen. I admire the Chapman family who adopted three little girls from China, and have used the tragedy of losing one of them to preach the hope of God even in crisis to them. I admire my former coworker C who is going to propose to his girlfriend soon; they'll get married in September because he doesn't want her 16 month old to remember a time when he wasn't her daddy. I admire the D family who I babysit for; both of the parents are first responders and they only see each other 10 days out of the month.
I leave you with a song by Josh Wilson. I love the words of this song, but now that I have some examples to apply it to, I love it even more.
Sometimes I,
I just want to close my eyes
And act like everyone’s alright
When I know they’re not.
This world needs God
But it’s easier to stand and watch.
I could pray a prayer and just move on
Like nothing’s wrong.
But I refuse.
‘Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care.
I don’t want to say another empty prayer.
Oh, I refuse to
Sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself.
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse.
I can hear the least of these
Crying out so desperately,
And I know we are the hands and feet
Of you, oh God.
So, if you say move,
Then it’s time for me to follow through,
And do what I was made to do.
Show them who you are.
To stand and watch
The weary and lost
Cry out for help.
I refuse
To turn my back
And try and act like all is well.
I refuse
To stay unchanged,
To wait another day,
To die to myself.
I refuse
To make one more excuse.
‘Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care.
I don’t want to say another empty prayer.
Oh, I refuse to
Sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself.
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse.
Mar 23, 2010
Cars and Toenails
Thursday Jerome and I bought a car. it's a 2005 Nissan Sentra (oh, how I miss MY old Sentra... sniff...) with 76,000 miles on it. And, Jerome is always quick to point out, a stick. We got a great deal on it and it was a pretty quick and painless procedure. We test drove, we said we like it but we're only willing to pay $x amount per month, any higher and we walk. So they gave us the price we wanted (which was actually about $20/mo less than we could actually afford!) and we (well, J) got a brand new car. It was so nice being a two-car family.
Yes, I did say was.
Remember the fiascos I was having back in June with my car? how I had, like, 3 starters put in within a week?? Well, my car decided last night that it didn't want to start. Again. And it's 6,000 out of the 12,000 mile warranty on the part. Well FML.
Well, it started this morning so we drove it the 1 mile to the South branch of the shop we always take it to and dropped it off, then J drove me to work. My grandma was supposed to come pick me up at 3 for a doctor's appointment to remove and ingrown toenail, but they sent my home at 10:30, so J has to drive and pick me up, then take me home, then go to work ('cause I can't drive a stick yet!).
After I get my nastiness removed off of my foot, I called the garage for an update.
Diagnosis: Lagging Starter
BUT
He said he didn't care that we were 6,000 miles outside of warranty, he knows how much trouble we've had with this starter before, so he's replacing it. FOR FREE. And the diagnostics test he had to run? On the house.
MLIA
Yes, I did say was.
Remember the fiascos I was having back in June with my car? how I had, like, 3 starters put in within a week?? Well, my car decided last night that it didn't want to start. Again. And it's 6,000 out of the 12,000 mile warranty on the part. Well FML.
Well, it started this morning so we drove it the 1 mile to the South branch of the shop we always take it to and dropped it off, then J drove me to work. My grandma was supposed to come pick me up at 3 for a doctor's appointment to remove and ingrown toenail, but they sent my home at 10:30, so J has to drive and pick me up, then take me home, then go to work ('cause I can't drive a stick yet!).
After I get my nastiness removed off of my foot, I called the garage for an update.
Diagnosis: Lagging Starter
BUT
He said he didn't care that we were 6,000 miles outside of warranty, he knows how much trouble we've had with this starter before, so he's replacing it. FOR FREE. And the diagnostics test he had to run? On the house.
MLIA
Aug 11, 2009
Sidewalk Prophets
OK, I know that my last post was about a song, but I have to post about this one, too. I promise I'll put in a real post tomorrow or Thursday.
This song is by the Sidewalk Prophets and it's called "The Words I Would Say." I can't currently find a video or MP3 to embed here, so you'll have to listen to it on their website.
The lyrics of the chorus have been resonating in my mind for the last few days:
"Be strong in the Lord and never give up hope
You're gonna do great things, I already know
God's got His hand on you, so don't live life in fear
Forgive and forget, but don't forget why you're here..."
The first two lines in particular have been my mantra, especially since I found out that the Pattonville job is on hold (they aren't hiring anybody for it). I know that God has big things planned for me. I just need to trust in Him and know that He'll lead me to the right job. Until then, I'll be subbing any day that I'm not working at the bookstore which is pretty good money, as well as babysitting.
Enjoy the song!
This song is by the Sidewalk Prophets and it's called "The Words I Would Say." I can't currently find a video or MP3 to embed here, so you'll have to listen to it on their website.
The lyrics of the chorus have been resonating in my mind for the last few days:
"Be strong in the Lord and never give up hope
You're gonna do great things, I already know
God's got His hand on you, so don't live life in fear
Forgive and forget, but don't forget why you're here..."
The first two lines in particular have been my mantra, especially since I found out that the Pattonville job is on hold (they aren't hiring anybody for it). I know that God has big things planned for me. I just need to trust in Him and know that He'll lead me to the right job. Until then, I'll be subbing any day that I'm not working at the bookstore which is pretty good money, as well as babysitting.
Enjoy the song!
Nov 8, 2008
What do I Know of Holy?
I know that those of you who read my blog read it for a variety of reasons. Maybe you're my friends/family who like to keep up w/ what's going in my life (and in my head, LOL). Maybe you're an STLWed friend who likes to read just 'cause you have nothing to do. Maybe you like my reflections on my faith, maybe not. If you're in the latter, you might want to just browse away from this post.
Still with me? Great.
A few months ago, my friend Lauren sang a song as our prayer of confession. We rarely do this. I think in the 6 years I've been involved in this church we've had a song as our prayer of confession. but sometimes it works and it's exactly the right avenue to speak with God.
Addison Road wrote this song and included it on their self-titled CD. "What do I Know of Holy?" is a song about how we try to make God fit into our image of what He should be, how we pray and pray but never take the time to listen. It's a song wondering if we'll know Him if He touches our face or looks right at us, would we know Him?
The second verse is poignant to myself, about how so many people learn to talk about His mercy and grace, but do we really believe it, or are they just words ona page? SOmetimes I have to take a step back and ask why I sing int he church band. Sometimes I take a week off simply because often my focus changes from Him to me. He isn't the reason I'm up there some Sunday mornings, sometimes it's me and wanting people to see my talents.
And I often think that that makes me a bad person, like I"m less than a Christian for allowing that to get in the way. but it just makes me human. I desperately want HIM to be my focus. In everything I do and say and think. There is a lot I need to work on, because I'm not perfect.
Here are the lyrics to the song that prompted this post:
I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?
(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees
(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
(CHORUS 2)
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life it's name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?
(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
Still with me? Great.
A few months ago, my friend Lauren sang a song as our prayer of confession. We rarely do this. I think in the 6 years I've been involved in this church we've had a song as our prayer of confession. but sometimes it works and it's exactly the right avenue to speak with God.
Addison Road wrote this song and included it on their self-titled CD. "What do I Know of Holy?" is a song about how we try to make God fit into our image of what He should be, how we pray and pray but never take the time to listen. It's a song wondering if we'll know Him if He touches our face or looks right at us, would we know Him?
The second verse is poignant to myself, about how so many people learn to talk about His mercy and grace, but do we really believe it, or are they just words ona page? SOmetimes I have to take a step back and ask why I sing int he church band. Sometimes I take a week off simply because often my focus changes from Him to me. He isn't the reason I'm up there some Sunday mornings, sometimes it's me and wanting people to see my talents.
And I often think that that makes me a bad person, like I"m less than a Christian for allowing that to get in the way. but it just makes me human. I desperately want HIM to be my focus. In everything I do and say and think. There is a lot I need to work on, because I'm not perfect.
Here are the lyrics to the song that prompted this post:
I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?
(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees
(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
(CHORUS 2)
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life it's name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?
(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?
Sep 4, 2008
What is Your Cardboard Testimony?
Was shown this video by my fellow high school youth leaders and I felt the urge to share it with you (whomever "you" are). It is a video from a sermon from Hillside Church. I don't know here Hillside is, or what the sermon was about, but it's emotional.
Remember that whoever you are now, wherever you've been, whatever you've done, God never fails to forgive. He can turn your life around.
My card would read "In abusive relationship for three years." "With God's help, I'm working through those issues and getting married to an amazing guy."
What would yours read? I'd love to know... leave a comment.
Remember that whoever you are now, wherever you've been, whatever you've done, God never fails to forgive. He can turn your life around.
My card would read "In abusive relationship for three years." "With God's help, I'm working through those issues and getting married to an amazing guy."
What would yours read? I'd love to know... leave a comment.
May 4, 2008
My Wedding Dress and Agape
I found my dress on Friday. I'm not going to post pictures, though (sorry... wanna maintain that awe factor... trust me, it's killing me not to, too). I can tell you that it is a halter top, ivory, and simple in an elegant sort of way. Which, if you know me at all is TOTALLY my style. There's no beading or rhinestones or anything on it, though I'm looking for a brooch to use instead of this stupid flower that's on there. But it will be fun getting my accessories; looking for things which will accent my dress and can be a little more blingy, so to speak, than I would get if my dress had beading and stuff on it.
The best part? I'm spending less than $400. Is that tacky to tell you? Well, I don't care. I love finding a bargain. Ha ha.
Yesterday, J and I went to Agape Fest in Greenville, IL. It was a lot of fun but sooooo windy. I kept a blanket wrapped around me most of the day. I loved hearing Storyside:B for the first time live, and the Afters. But my favorite, of course, was BarlowGirl. Here's what I love about them: They are so honest on stage. I really feel like what I'm seeing is not an act. When they talk about God they are serious about it. They aren't just challenging us to be a voice without doing it themselves, or without having Scriptural back up (in this case, it was 1 Peter 2:9). And while they played the same set that they did 3 months ago at winter jam, it was still amazing. They do this medley (the "Love Medley" as I like to call it) where they sing "I Believe in Love," "I Need You to Love Me," and "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever." It's always an amazing worship set and I gotta be honest... it moved me to tears last night. A-mazing.
I will post pictures later. Now, I gotta get ready for church.
The best part? I'm spending less than $400. Is that tacky to tell you? Well, I don't care. I love finding a bargain. Ha ha.
Yesterday, J and I went to Agape Fest in Greenville, IL. It was a lot of fun but sooooo windy. I kept a blanket wrapped around me most of the day. I loved hearing Storyside:B for the first time live, and the Afters. But my favorite, of course, was BarlowGirl. Here's what I love about them: They are so honest on stage. I really feel like what I'm seeing is not an act. When they talk about God they are serious about it. They aren't just challenging us to be a voice without doing it themselves, or without having Scriptural back up (in this case, it was 1 Peter 2:9). And while they played the same set that they did 3 months ago at winter jam, it was still amazing. They do this medley (the "Love Medley" as I like to call it) where they sing "I Believe in Love," "I Need You to Love Me," and "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever." It's always an amazing worship set and I gotta be honest... it moved me to tears last night. A-mazing.
I will post pictures later. Now, I gotta get ready for church.
Apr 26, 2008
God is So Good! (And a PSA...)
A friend of mine, Whitney, on the STLWed boards went through a hard time this week. Her best friend has been suffering from cystic fibrosis all of her life. She was admitted to Barnes this weekend and told that she wouldn't be leaving without a new set of lungs. You can read the whole story on Whitney's blog.
Anyway, Wednesday afternoon, her mother signed papers to get her officially put ont he donor list. She must have been a high priority on the list, and God must have really been listening to all the prayers going up to Him, because at 12:30 AM, the doctor came and told Jessie's friends and family that a set of lungs was on its way. EIGHT HOURS LATER!!! What an amazing God we have. The surgery went well; they'll wean herr off the ventilator today.
Her journey isn't over, of course... she still has the risk of rejection in addition to a lot of rehab. So please pray for Jessie, Whitney, and everyone involved in this praise-worthy occassion.
Also, remember the family of the donor in your prayers, too. After all, these lungs belonged to someone and while I know Jessie and her family are grateful, there is a family out there mourning. But they did something courageous after discovering that their loved one was gone: they donated. Are you a donor?
If not, you can be. In Missouri, you need to register to become a donor. You can that by goiong to the online registration site. In Illinois, there is also a donor registration site (according to new IL law, registering on this site is legally binding; they do not need youor spouse/parent/child's permission). For all other states, please Google "become an organ donor in..." and find out how you can become a hero, even after you're gone. And please, don't foroget to tell your family members. It is essential that they know your wishes so that they can be carried out.
Organ donation is one of those causes that I have always cared a lot about. You can save so many lives. Think about it: you're got 2 lungs, 2 kidneys, 1 heart, 1 liver, 1 small intestine, 1 large intestine, 1 pancreas, 2 eyes, and your skin. You don't need that when you're lying in a box in the ground, why not give it all to someone who vitally needs it?
Someone like Jessie...
Anyway, Wednesday afternoon, her mother signed papers to get her officially put ont he donor list. She must have been a high priority on the list, and God must have really been listening to all the prayers going up to Him, because at 12:30 AM, the doctor came and told Jessie's friends and family that a set of lungs was on its way. EIGHT HOURS LATER!!! What an amazing God we have. The surgery went well; they'll wean herr off the ventilator today.
Her journey isn't over, of course... she still has the risk of rejection in addition to a lot of rehab. So please pray for Jessie, Whitney, and everyone involved in this praise-worthy occassion.
Also, remember the family of the donor in your prayers, too. After all, these lungs belonged to someone and while I know Jessie and her family are grateful, there is a family out there mourning. But they did something courageous after discovering that their loved one was gone: they donated. Are you a donor?
If not, you can be. In Missouri, you need to register to become a donor. You can that by goiong to the online registration site. In Illinois, there is also a donor registration site (according to new IL law, registering on this site is legally binding; they do not need youor spouse/parent/child's permission). For all other states, please Google "become an organ donor in..." and find out how you can become a hero, even after you're gone. And please, don't foroget to tell your family members. It is essential that they know your wishes so that they can be carried out.
Organ donation is one of those causes that I have always cared a lot about. You can save so many lives. Think about it: you're got 2 lungs, 2 kidneys, 1 heart, 1 liver, 1 small intestine, 1 large intestine, 1 pancreas, 2 eyes, and your skin. You don't need that when you're lying in a box in the ground, why not give it all to someone who vitally needs it?
Someone like Jessie...
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