This afternoon I was watching a music video put out by one of my favorite bands. The words of the song are so beautiful and it definatly stirrs up emotions like all songs. As I sat there and watched the peaceful and hopeful video I noticed a cross on Johns neck. Most likely it means nothing but I wish I had an opportunity to ask him why he wears it. The cross is not just a decoration. Would I walk around wearing a coffin around my neck, or a pitch fork, or a disected frog? I know those are strange examles but there is a representation behind the symbol some wear so filipantly.
Then, I watched more of the video and I just listened to the lyrics. I don't know where John's stand is on God, or if he even has one. The words in the song talk about a hope and finding better days. There are a couple of lines that struck me the most while listening. "And the one poor child who saved this world.
There's 10 million more who probably could. If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them." What does prayer mean to unbelievers? If they are praying to a God they don't believe in, one they don't trust or have a relationship with then there is no hope in empty words. However, if there is a God and most people believe this as a truth then how do they think they are going to heaven? If there is a God and the Bible is where His word is, then He has layed out how we should live within the pages. People don't want the pages, they want a God they make up. One who they call on in times of trouble though refuse to obey. They want one who say do what you want, live how you want, roll around in your messes and then call on me when one night you don't know what to do. And yes, God does say call on Me, but when you do I will change you and you will want to live for me and more and more like me.
The other line in this song brings about the idea of forgiveness. "So take these words, And sing out loud. Cuz everyones' forgiven now.'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again." Yes, and that would be true for anyone who would call and believe in God and accept the sacrifice of His Son Jesus on the cross for our sins. How beautiful is that joy and truth and yet few will ever know this is a fact and not just some empty words that a longing heart will sing. When people feel guilty or think they should have lived better they try to fix their life and make themselves worthy of heaven because they have decided this is an effort worth making. What they fail to realize is they cannot perfect themselves for even our best deeds are like filthy rags to a holy and perfect God. They don't understand that forgiveness is possible. Then later in the video or toward the end you see carved on a tree trunk, one word per trunk, the words; truth, faith, hope, and love. They are seeking these things but where in the world can they find them? They would find the true definition if they only looked to the creator and stopped looking to the created.
I love this song and this video as it holds much more meaning to me. It is funny how even unbelievers can preach elements of the gospel without even knowing it. It does however break my heart for those who will always be searching for those things. They may find the ideas of them temperarily which can distract them long enough to keep them ocupied. But, there will be only one thing that last and that is worth finding. Now, my heart just breaks for them but I am thankful of the reminder of the beautiful message I can see in their song. Here are the full lyrics.
The song is by the Goo Goo Dolls
Better Days
(John Rzeznik)
And you asked me what I want this year
And I'll try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe
We'll find better days
'Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
Designer love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe
We'll find better days
So take these words
And sing out loud
Cuz everyone's forgiven now
'Cause tonight's the night
The world begins again
I need someplace simple where we could live
And something only you could give
And that's faith and trust and peace while we're
Alive
And the one poor child who saved this world
There's 10 million more who probably could
If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them
I wish everyone was loved tonight
And somehow stop this endless fight
Just a chance that maybe we'll
Find better days
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Wanting someone to love....
Yes, I know...something new and different for me to talk about. I was thinking about the longing people have and desire for love and romance. I remeber when I first became a believer. It all began with a friend bringing me to a high school group. Then, I lingered. I had unanswered questions. I began to read the word but not without doubt and years of growing up in religion. My friend who brought me was not a believer and so the alternate motives were there. Guys....The pastor that night taught an extremely convicting message of heaven and hell. I did not give my life to Christ that night.
I hung around after that though my friend departed. I ran into a guy, his name was Nick. Black hair, blue eyes and he played guitar. I began to hang around trying to get to know Nick better. Then, one night I heard him play the song "In the Secret." That song is amazing and took words and feelings I had stored up for some "prince charming" who would one day come into my life. What I did not understand or believe at that moments was how true that statement was. It was about my prince charming. In fact I could not understand how he could sing such passionate and romantic words to a god. I was going to hang arround and find out more.
Now, about 9 years later I still remember that night. Even more now then before do I understand the meaning of those words and how we often over romantacise earthly love. It is something people need and long for. I get that and that God made marriage as a beautiful connection and representation of His love for us. It is a companionship made to more fully understand God and to glorify Him most.
I can so often get caught up in emotion or romantic ideas and that has it's place. Only though as long as I always remember my first love. Songs often bring out emotion from me most. Songs and words really. So, I have to share another beautiful song that reminds me of the love God has for each of us. The love and relationship He wants us to put on Him. We can put demands on Him that no person will ever fullfill and only He will fill the holes we try and put others into. I know if we all just figured that out soonere there would be better relationships out there. And, singleness is all the more the most appropriate time to learn to put all the weights and pressures on His shoulders so that the perfect God and Savior can carry us through.
This song...yet another great reminder...if you read words best do that...if not I am going to provide you with a link to listen....thanks...Ok so I can't find one but you really should. (Much to sleepy)
After The World
Jeremiah 1:5 / Jeremiah 31:3 / Hebrews 13:5
Barrett / Fife / Noah / Young / Wyrick
You break the glass
Try to hide your face
Recorded lines that just will not erase
And buried in your loss of innocence
You wonder if you'll find it again
Was I there for the worst of all your pain?
And was I there when your blue skies ran away?
Was I there when the rains were flooding you off of your feet?
Those were my tears falling down for you, falling down for you
I'm the one that you've been looking for
I'm the one that you've been waiting for
I've had my eyes on you ever since you were born
I will love you after the rain falls down
I will love you after the sun goes out
I'll have my eyes on you after the world is no more
Did I arrange the light of your first day?
Did I create the rhythm your heart makes?
Could you believe when your candle starts to fade
I want to be the one that you believe
Could take it all away, take your heart away
Bridge
Isn't my life a clear sign
Since I have crossed over this chasm
To fill the space between me and you
And I will do it all over again
Just look for me, just wait for me
The one you've been looking for
The one you've been waiting for
You won't have to look anymore
I hung around after that though my friend departed. I ran into a guy, his name was Nick. Black hair, blue eyes and he played guitar. I began to hang around trying to get to know Nick better. Then, one night I heard him play the song "In the Secret." That song is amazing and took words and feelings I had stored up for some "prince charming" who would one day come into my life. What I did not understand or believe at that moments was how true that statement was. It was about my prince charming. In fact I could not understand how he could sing such passionate and romantic words to a god. I was going to hang arround and find out more.
Now, about 9 years later I still remember that night. Even more now then before do I understand the meaning of those words and how we often over romantacise earthly love. It is something people need and long for. I get that and that God made marriage as a beautiful connection and representation of His love for us. It is a companionship made to more fully understand God and to glorify Him most.
I can so often get caught up in emotion or romantic ideas and that has it's place. Only though as long as I always remember my first love. Songs often bring out emotion from me most. Songs and words really. So, I have to share another beautiful song that reminds me of the love God has for each of us. The love and relationship He wants us to put on Him. We can put demands on Him that no person will ever fullfill and only He will fill the holes we try and put others into. I know if we all just figured that out soonere there would be better relationships out there. And, singleness is all the more the most appropriate time to learn to put all the weights and pressures on His shoulders so that the perfect God and Savior can carry us through.
This song...yet another great reminder...if you read words best do that...if not I am going to provide you with a link to listen....thanks...Ok so I can't find one but you really should. (Much to sleepy)
After The World
Jeremiah 1:5 / Jeremiah 31:3 / Hebrews 13:5
Barrett / Fife / Noah / Young / Wyrick
You break the glass
Try to hide your face
Recorded lines that just will not erase
And buried in your loss of innocence
You wonder if you'll find it again
Was I there for the worst of all your pain?
And was I there when your blue skies ran away?
Was I there when the rains were flooding you off of your feet?
Those were my tears falling down for you, falling down for you
I'm the one that you've been looking for
I'm the one that you've been waiting for
I've had my eyes on you ever since you were born
I will love you after the rain falls down
I will love you after the sun goes out
I'll have my eyes on you after the world is no more
Did I arrange the light of your first day?
Did I create the rhythm your heart makes?
Could you believe when your candle starts to fade
I want to be the one that you believe
Could take it all away, take your heart away
Bridge
Isn't my life a clear sign
Since I have crossed over this chasm
To fill the space between me and you
And I will do it all over again
Just look for me, just wait for me
The one you've been looking for
The one you've been waiting for
You won't have to look anymore
Monday, April 09, 2007
Bruchko
Ok, so this is strange but I am simultaneosly posting the sames blogs from here now on my myspace...Basically it is good for me to look backward at later on in time and so this is a great way to keep track of things. Don't bother reading both but if you have not yet read any then great!
Missions is something I love and it stirs up a heartbeat inside me. Tonight…. today really I read a book called Bruchko. It had been sitting on my shelf for about 8 months and every time I had meant to pick it up I simply found something else that needed my attention at the time. I have been over the last year reading through certain missions books as my interest continues in that direction. On my cruise a few weeks ago I had read through the book "Shadow of the Almighty" by Elizabeth Elliot (technically by her husband Jim). That book was so awesome and falls hand in hand with the movie that came out last year called the Edge of the Spear (A good movie that was a better book called "Through the Gates of Splendor"). So, last night when I picked up the book I was not exactly sure what was to follow by I had been encouraged by a mission's friend who now is back serving the Lord in Uganda, that I should read it (and move to Africa with her).
The book was so amazing and the story was fascinating. It was absolutely a page turner for me and so I lost track of time and was unwilling to put it down until it's completion. Therefore, my homework is still unfinished…. I wanted the freshness of the book to resound on this page so that at a later date I would remember the encouragement and excitement the story stirred up within me. It was a story of a man named Bruce Olson (Bruchko, as he was named by the "hostile" Motilone Indians) who became a long-term missionary shortly after his conversion. The greatest part about it was the encouragement and the way he learned to trust in the Lord. I guess I was extremely encouraged by the things he battled through and the way he was able to respond. I loved reading about his adventures in the jungle though I think even more now it would be extremely difficult and God has some serious preparation involved in calling people to serve there. (I felt a bit nauseated thinking about eating bugs and monkeys, picturing the spears being pulled from your own flesh, the constant diseases and infections and blinding pain, and the stomach worm actually being so hungry for lack of food that he crawled out of Bruce's stomach via his mouth)
The things that struck me the most were great lessons God taught him and also the way that he approached witnessing. He grew up in a family that were church goers but it was not a believing family. He became a believer at 14 years old and Christ changed his life. By 19 he felt his calling…the deep aching to go and he sought to pursue this passion. It was against the wishes of his family and with many obstacles that he pursued the uncharted territory of the jungle. It's an incredible story of God teaching Bruce who he had to lean on to get him through it all.
When Bruce was able to live in the jungle and had began to see the fruit of his labor we get to see the heart of the Indians. It was beautiful to see the way that he was able to live out the gospel and continue his work with out even having an opportunity to communicate the gospel to the unreached people he lived among. I was so excited to hear how he was going to reach them. He decided that he would not "civilize" them and make him conform to what Americans would like to see, but like Paul he was going to meet them where they were! He found ways to share and used what ways of life he had learned. Through this he became more accepted by this 'unruly' people then he had in his own country. Oh I love that! That is one lesson I want engrained deep inside me. I want to passionately pursue God and opportunities not trying to change people to fit a standard but allow God to be in their culture and part of their lives. How cool is that?
The other thing that completely wretched my heart was the amazing faith of these people. When they accepted Christ it was more then the drugstore Jesus we often call upon but it was a great faith like that of Abraham. When the people were in need they cried out to God with belief and an innocent faith like a child. How beautiful the faces of those who know Jesus and walk with him that closely. He answers prayers and he was able to display himself in a new way to these people that even Bruce saw. He, the man who God had brought through so much had moments of lacking faith where the Motilone Indians were able to step up and believe. That is so great and I want to trust and believe like that. If we had the faith of a mustard seed we could move mountains! I want to live and pray with a faith that great and in that close of a communion with God. This is the reason I wanted to share. Not of course for a book report though I have to recommend this book as a friend did to me. All I know is that it stirred me up and I love that. Now, I have thought a little more closely about missions as I am still not certain of my role. But, whether I stay or I go I want to live a missional life. God may not give me the strength and courage to step into the unknown and dangerous jungles, (though at times I think that's what I want) but he will continue to teach me how desperately the world needs the truth.
Missions is something I love and it stirs up a heartbeat inside me. Tonight…. today really I read a book called Bruchko. It had been sitting on my shelf for about 8 months and every time I had meant to pick it up I simply found something else that needed my attention at the time. I have been over the last year reading through certain missions books as my interest continues in that direction. On my cruise a few weeks ago I had read through the book "Shadow of the Almighty" by Elizabeth Elliot (technically by her husband Jim). That book was so awesome and falls hand in hand with the movie that came out last year called the Edge of the Spear (A good movie that was a better book called "Through the Gates of Splendor"). So, last night when I picked up the book I was not exactly sure what was to follow by I had been encouraged by a mission's friend who now is back serving the Lord in Uganda, that I should read it (and move to Africa with her).
The book was so amazing and the story was fascinating. It was absolutely a page turner for me and so I lost track of time and was unwilling to put it down until it's completion. Therefore, my homework is still unfinished…. I wanted the freshness of the book to resound on this page so that at a later date I would remember the encouragement and excitement the story stirred up within me. It was a story of a man named Bruce Olson (Bruchko, as he was named by the "hostile" Motilone Indians) who became a long-term missionary shortly after his conversion. The greatest part about it was the encouragement and the way he learned to trust in the Lord. I guess I was extremely encouraged by the things he battled through and the way he was able to respond. I loved reading about his adventures in the jungle though I think even more now it would be extremely difficult and God has some serious preparation involved in calling people to serve there. (I felt a bit nauseated thinking about eating bugs and monkeys, picturing the spears being pulled from your own flesh, the constant diseases and infections and blinding pain, and the stomach worm actually being so hungry for lack of food that he crawled out of Bruce's stomach via his mouth)
The things that struck me the most were great lessons God taught him and also the way that he approached witnessing. He grew up in a family that were church goers but it was not a believing family. He became a believer at 14 years old and Christ changed his life. By 19 he felt his calling…the deep aching to go and he sought to pursue this passion. It was against the wishes of his family and with many obstacles that he pursued the uncharted territory of the jungle. It's an incredible story of God teaching Bruce who he had to lean on to get him through it all.
When Bruce was able to live in the jungle and had began to see the fruit of his labor we get to see the heart of the Indians. It was beautiful to see the way that he was able to live out the gospel and continue his work with out even having an opportunity to communicate the gospel to the unreached people he lived among. I was so excited to hear how he was going to reach them. He decided that he would not "civilize" them and make him conform to what Americans would like to see, but like Paul he was going to meet them where they were! He found ways to share and used what ways of life he had learned. Through this he became more accepted by this 'unruly' people then he had in his own country. Oh I love that! That is one lesson I want engrained deep inside me. I want to passionately pursue God and opportunities not trying to change people to fit a standard but allow God to be in their culture and part of their lives. How cool is that?
The other thing that completely wretched my heart was the amazing faith of these people. When they accepted Christ it was more then the drugstore Jesus we often call upon but it was a great faith like that of Abraham. When the people were in need they cried out to God with belief and an innocent faith like a child. How beautiful the faces of those who know Jesus and walk with him that closely. He answers prayers and he was able to display himself in a new way to these people that even Bruce saw. He, the man who God had brought through so much had moments of lacking faith where the Motilone Indians were able to step up and believe. That is so great and I want to trust and believe like that. If we had the faith of a mustard seed we could move mountains! I want to live and pray with a faith that great and in that close of a communion with God. This is the reason I wanted to share. Not of course for a book report though I have to recommend this book as a friend did to me. All I know is that it stirred me up and I love that. Now, I have thought a little more closely about missions as I am still not certain of my role. But, whether I stay or I go I want to live a missional life. God may not give me the strength and courage to step into the unknown and dangerous jungles, (though at times I think that's what I want) but he will continue to teach me how desperately the world needs the truth.
Friday, April 06, 2007
When guys are hot!
Cute, hot, extremely attractive. Few words to describe the things we are drawn to. Interestingly enough the older you get the more you learn about these words and what they mean. It seems funny how each one of us is uniquely wired to enjoy different things and to be such interesting characters. Lately, more then ever I have seen more of what these words mean to me not just in the world.
It's funny because I actually woke up a little irritated about something this morning involving this issue. Irritated because even the church I attend I often feel as though it can be a fashion show where I must dress to impress….but wait, who am I trying to impress? I have heard news of some guys interested in certain girls I know well. This irritated me as well as they do not know one thing about these girls except what they can see with their eyes. Even the guys who may choose to pursue me are not the guys I really consider my friends and so I look away uninterested. What is church becoming? Who wants a place where to be chosen by someone of the opposite sex you must first learn to be adored on a worldly level. The whole idea of attraction has become about the level of adoration and attention you draw by how you dress, your many talents, how you wear your hair, your make-up, and even who your parents or friends are. I am simply uninterested.
What do I think makes someone hot? It seriously is beyond this. When I say someone is hot it goes beyond the fact they may be attractive. There are many of my guy friends who are very attractive but that does not merit my attention by any means. The things that completely draw me in are the guys with godly qualities and hearts that run my direction. Now, I am not saying at anytime that anyone should date someone who is not attractive to them but is very godly. I feel we should totally be attracted to someone otherwise it could lead for a very boring relationship. However, I feel sometimes the standards we hold are crazy and I am unwilling to play the game. I do want to spend that extra effort pursuing my true love, my God and Savior Jesus Christ.
I think hotness is totally a measure of some chemistry brought on by a serious love and passion for God. Some of the things that are the most attractive are guys who I can see their heart for the Lord and I get it. I love seeing guys passionate for the gospel, broken over their sin, guys who are learning to lead while letting God be their lead. Those are totally beautiful. It is so hot when guys are genuine and they communicate with you in a manner that matches you. When you see someone who loves sharing God's word in missions or just because he is so passionate about it…totally attractive. When they can be humble and gentle with you. All of these of course are a process in everyone's life and we as women go through the refining process as well. No one by any means should feel they have to be perfect because only God fits that standard!
Then of course we all have the characteristics we love and people we just have amazing chemistry with. These are also going to be unique for all of us as well. I am a sucker for dark hair, light eyes, guitar players, guys who are passionate, guys who make me laugh and are fun to be with, guys who are more laid back then me, guys who are not great dancers but are fun to dance with, guys who love the Lord and those who are going the same way as me. Guys who love me for my unique qualities and guys who love them and don't expect me to be someone else. I love guys I just match well. There are many guys in this world who will look as though they are going that way but I am going to wait for the one that God has for me. And, I absolutely am willing to wait weather God is just working on me or if it is him that he is preparing. God is here now and for always but a hot guy….totally worth the wait!
It's funny because I actually woke up a little irritated about something this morning involving this issue. Irritated because even the church I attend I often feel as though it can be a fashion show where I must dress to impress….but wait, who am I trying to impress? I have heard news of some guys interested in certain girls I know well. This irritated me as well as they do not know one thing about these girls except what they can see with their eyes. Even the guys who may choose to pursue me are not the guys I really consider my friends and so I look away uninterested. What is church becoming? Who wants a place where to be chosen by someone of the opposite sex you must first learn to be adored on a worldly level. The whole idea of attraction has become about the level of adoration and attention you draw by how you dress, your many talents, how you wear your hair, your make-up, and even who your parents or friends are. I am simply uninterested.
What do I think makes someone hot? It seriously is beyond this. When I say someone is hot it goes beyond the fact they may be attractive. There are many of my guy friends who are very attractive but that does not merit my attention by any means. The things that completely draw me in are the guys with godly qualities and hearts that run my direction. Now, I am not saying at anytime that anyone should date someone who is not attractive to them but is very godly. I feel we should totally be attracted to someone otherwise it could lead for a very boring relationship. However, I feel sometimes the standards we hold are crazy and I am unwilling to play the game. I do want to spend that extra effort pursuing my true love, my God and Savior Jesus Christ.
I think hotness is totally a measure of some chemistry brought on by a serious love and passion for God. Some of the things that are the most attractive are guys who I can see their heart for the Lord and I get it. I love seeing guys passionate for the gospel, broken over their sin, guys who are learning to lead while letting God be their lead. Those are totally beautiful. It is so hot when guys are genuine and they communicate with you in a manner that matches you. When you see someone who loves sharing God's word in missions or just because he is so passionate about it…totally attractive. When they can be humble and gentle with you. All of these of course are a process in everyone's life and we as women go through the refining process as well. No one by any means should feel they have to be perfect because only God fits that standard!
Then of course we all have the characteristics we love and people we just have amazing chemistry with. These are also going to be unique for all of us as well. I am a sucker for dark hair, light eyes, guitar players, guys who are passionate, guys who make me laugh and are fun to be with, guys who are more laid back then me, guys who are not great dancers but are fun to dance with, guys who love the Lord and those who are going the same way as me. Guys who love me for my unique qualities and guys who love them and don't expect me to be someone else. I love guys I just match well. There are many guys in this world who will look as though they are going that way but I am going to wait for the one that God has for me. And, I absolutely am willing to wait weather God is just working on me or if it is him that he is preparing. God is here now and for always but a hot guy….totally worth the wait!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Our Song List
This is actual more of a thank you but also a reminder to Ms. Hannah and Amy. The girls made me the sweetest "Soundtrack" of all the songs in the last year and a half or two that we were "in love with." This is a thank you to them as well as a list by decending order so in another two years we can still remember our previous lists. We each had our favorite songs and artist outside of this list but it seems these are the ones we all got into and so listened to together all the time. Besides, music finds a way into all our hearts it seems.
1. Standing in Your Silence by Bebo Norman (this should have been number one but they forgot to add it.
2. You and Me by Lifehouse (MY SONG....)
3. Take My Hand by Shawn McDonald (they forgot this one too)
4. Blush (Only You) by Plumb
5. Real Life Fairytale by Plum
6. Real by Plumb
7. Motion by Plumb
8. Come Around by Paul Wright
9. Stars Would Fall ( I'm Crazy) by Monk and Neagle
10. Cable Car by the Fray (which they finally got into about six months after I had listened to it too much) (Still a great song though)
11. Bad Day by Daniel Powder (Amy's song mostly....I liked it until she overplayed it : ?
12. Come by Me by Harry Conick Jr. (MY ALLTIME FAVORITE SWING SONG)
13. Listen to Your Heart by D.H.T. (we still play this song too much)
14. Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield
15. Where You Are by Rascal Flatts
16. Divine Romance by Phil Wickham
17. Out There by Sister Hazel
18. Those Night by Skillet
19. Stay by the Goo Goo Dolls
1. Standing in Your Silence by Bebo Norman (this should have been number one but they forgot to add it.
2. You and Me by Lifehouse (MY SONG....)
3. Take My Hand by Shawn McDonald (they forgot this one too)
4. Blush (Only You) by Plumb
5. Real Life Fairytale by Plum
6. Real by Plumb
7. Motion by Plumb
8. Come Around by Paul Wright
9. Stars Would Fall ( I'm Crazy) by Monk and Neagle
10. Cable Car by the Fray (which they finally got into about six months after I had listened to it too much) (Still a great song though)
11. Bad Day by Daniel Powder (Amy's song mostly....I liked it until she overplayed it : ?
12. Come by Me by Harry Conick Jr. (MY ALLTIME FAVORITE SWING SONG)
13. Listen to Your Heart by D.H.T. (we still play this song too much)
14. Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield
15. Where You Are by Rascal Flatts
16. Divine Romance by Phil Wickham
17. Out There by Sister Hazel
18. Those Night by Skillet
19. Stay by the Goo Goo Dolls
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