After six months of sickness and lifting restrictions, my incision has finally healed!!! Now while I would have never chosen this journey for myself, in the process I did learn a lot. These lessons aren't new by any means, but they have been engraved on my heart and I don't think I'll forget them too quickly.
I'm learning..
-That making a puzzle is not a bad way to spend an afternoon.
-That there is a lot of value that can be found in the ordinary.
-That it's okay to say that things aren't okay, to admit that I have a need or to rely on someone else.
-That a healed soul is more important than a healed body.
-That there's something holy about silence.
-That sometimes the simplest things are the hardest things to do.
-That pride can kill: literally.
-That a meal tastes much better when shared with the company of friends and family.
-That there is joy to be found in both noise and silence.
-That evangelism is a conversation, not a speech.
-That sometimes it takes a scare to make you realize what is sacred.
-That God's strength can bridge any gap that our weakness may have made.
-That little surprises make up for big disappointments.
-That being a person of integrity is one of the greatest gifts that I could give those around me.
-That no matter how bad things look, they could always look worse.
-That a smile goes a long way in changing someone's day.
-That God's light shines even brighter in times of darkness.
-That miracles do happen everyday, I just miss out on them way too often.
-That cards are far more valuable than gifts.
-That music stirs the soul and sparks hope.
-That with God there are no coincidences, only organizing of circumstances that lead us down a road that has twists, turns, and bumps, but leads us straight to His Holy Throne.
-That I'm lucky to be alive.
Kristen
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Resurrection Life
In that one moment everything changed. Darkness became Light. Sorrow became Joy. Despair became Hope. Death became Life.
That moment happened over two thousand years ago when Christ Jesus was raised from the dead after experiencing the most brutal type of death known to man. And that moment's ripples are still being felt today.
When the ripple from the resurrection touches our own lives, everything changes. A bitter heart becomes tender. The most darkest circumstance radiates light. The person breathing their last breath truly discovers life.
And yet all too often we don't see it. We walk through the trenches of life blind to everything else but the muck right in front of us. That's not what Jesus came to give us. He may not stop the rain from falling, but at the same time, He stands in the rain with us and points to the sun that's still shining above those rain clouds. He takes our hand and leads us through the puddles, reminding us to stop to watch the children playing in the rain and then invites us to join them. And in those moments He opens our eyes to the life-giving power that exists even in those drops of rain.
That is the story of Easter and that is the life that exists when we invite Jesus to walk with us. No, it's not perfect. But yes, it is good.
Resurrection = Life. Both here and in the world to come.
That moment happened over two thousand years ago when Christ Jesus was raised from the dead after experiencing the most brutal type of death known to man. And that moment's ripples are still being felt today.
When the ripple from the resurrection touches our own lives, everything changes. A bitter heart becomes tender. The most darkest circumstance radiates light. The person breathing their last breath truly discovers life.
And yet all too often we don't see it. We walk through the trenches of life blind to everything else but the muck right in front of us. That's not what Jesus came to give us. He may not stop the rain from falling, but at the same time, He stands in the rain with us and points to the sun that's still shining above those rain clouds. He takes our hand and leads us through the puddles, reminding us to stop to watch the children playing in the rain and then invites us to join them. And in those moments He opens our eyes to the life-giving power that exists even in those drops of rain.
That is the story of Easter and that is the life that exists when we invite Jesus to walk with us. No, it's not perfect. But yes, it is good.
Resurrection = Life. Both here and in the world to come.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
GMA Week!
So after an incredible week I'm back home in Timmins. For those of you who didn't know, I had the amazing privilege of attending GMA Week in Nashville, TN. The week was amazing and truly one of the best in my life! If you're interested in hearing more details, keep reading...
Friday
Friday evening after flying a whole lot of miles, I arrived in Nashville. We checked into the beautiful Renaissance hotel and had a great view from the 14th floor!
Saturday
While many of the artists were still making their way to Nashville, GMA was in full-swing for those in radio. All day Saturday was spent in seminars, training us to be better at what we do and reminding us all why we do what we do. It was amazing to meet many legends in Christian radio and to be taught by some of the most respected people in the industry.
After my final class on Saturday I wandered around downtown and took in the sights of Nashville. It seemed like no matter what store or restaurant I went into had live music, which was different, but really good. I even took in a country set at an ice cream parlour that I stopped in. It made the wait for the ice cream go by much faster! After I went back the hotel my roommate and I went to the Nashville Predators game with some fellow Canadians. I had never been to an NHL game before, so it was a lot of fun! Nashville even won the game against St. Louis which added to the experience.
Sunday
Sunday morning I climbed out of bed nice and early for the chapel service. Lincoln Brewster led us in amazing time of worship (Southern-style of course) and he was followed by Joe Meyer who delivered an anointed message for the church.
Every day at GMA different organizations and record labels sponsored industry lunches (translation free food, great concerts, and lots of schmoozing). I skipped the lunch on Sunday to attend an artist Meet & Greet and had the chance to meet Krystal Meyers, Matthew West, Bethany Dillon, Brian Litteral (yes, the backstreet boy), Third Day, Rebecca St. James, Audio Adrenaline, Warren Barfield, and Building 429. At more than one point during the meet and greet I couldn't help but be amazed that I was standing in such company- it was a weird but amazing experience!
The afternoon was spent doing more Meet and Greets and a liner session. It was refreshing to see the hearts behind a lot of the artists and to hear in their own words the stories behind the songs that have impacted so many people. Sunday afternoon I also had my first interview of the week with Eowyn, who's new album will be releasing this month and let me tell you, it's a good one!
On Sunday evening we headed over to the historic Ryman for Sunday Evening Worship put on by the Passion artists. The evening started with worship lead by Chris Tomlin and was followed by Charlie Hall and one of my favourites: the David Crowder Band. Louie Giglio spoke on the different flavours of worship and how we shouldn't get so caught up when someone else's flavour is different than our own.
After the worship experience I went back to the Renaissance hotel for the Songwriters Showcase, which was hosted by Matthew West. This was the time for the writers of some of the top songs of the year to have the opportunity to perform their hits and explain the inspiration behind the music. Performers included Joy Williams, Matthew West, Mac Powell of Third Day, Bebo Norma, Christa Wells, Jadon Lavik, and Barlowgirl.
Monday
Monday morning I met up with Jason and Aaron of Hawk Nelson for an interview. We had a chance to talk about their new album Smile, It's The End of The World and what it was like to appear in the movie Yours, Mine, and Ours. Following the interview I went to hear Donald Miller, the author of Blue Like Jazz, speak. I'd have to say I enjoyed his speaking even moreso than his writing. Much like his books, his message was both humorous and timely.
The rest of the day Monday was filled with interviews (The Violet Burning, Kids in the Way, DJ Maj, Paul Wright, and Superchick) and as many classes as I could fit in between. Monday evening I went to the World Vision Showcase where I say performances by The Longing, Anthony Evans, Third Day, Big Daddy Weave, Building 429, Joy Williams, Natalie Grant, Todd Agnew, Russ Lee, Avalon and Casting Crowns. It was an unbelievable experience to be hit with one stellar performance after another!
Tuesday
Tuesday morning I got up bright and early to attend a worship breakfast. It was great to start the day with a time of spiritual renewal and refreshing. At 9:30 I headed upstairs for my first interview with KJ-52, which was followed by an interview with Sanctus Real and Falling Up, then before lunch I got in on a class. After lunch I interviewed Starfiled, Skillet, Jonah33, Flyleaf, and then headed to my last interview with T-bone.
Tuesday night I went to a showcase hosted by BEC Recordings and Tooth and Nail. We saw performances by Run Kid Run, Mainstay, Seventh Day Slumber, Falling Up, and Hawk Nelson. After a quick break the Rock U night got underway with performances by CircleSide, Decyfer Down, Downhere, The Afters, Flyleaf, Disciple, and Skillet. It was a very loud, yet very amazing night!
Wednesday
Wednesday morning I was supposed to attend another worship session, but was so tired that I decided to get in another few hours of sleep instead (I know, I'm horrible!). After getting up I went to my final class of the week and then wandered around downtown for a while before lunch. Lunch was put on by EMI and included performances from Hawk Nelson, Sanctus Real, Kutless, and other great artists. Tobymac made a special appearance to introduce a Gotee artist and even sat down at the piano with her for one song!
Wednesday afternoon I had an interview set up, but it was cancelled because the artist was having vocal trouble so I headed back to spend some much needed resting time in my room (as you can probably imagine, there wasn't much free time this week). And pretty soon it was time to get ready for the Dove Awards.
The Dove Awards was another world all together. It was my first time attending an awards show, so I didn't know exactly what to expect and was quite surprised with the professionalism of the whole event- it was just like what you see on TV with the Grammy's and such! But the one big difference being that most of the glory at the Dove's was being given to God. I'd almost say that it was more a time of worship than it was a time of awards.
As far as who won awards, there were a few surprises. I was very happy to see that Christa Wells walked away with songwriter of the year for the song "Held" (performed by Natalie Grant). Chris Tomlin took home five Doves including: Song of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Artist of the Year, Worship Song of the Year, and one other that I can't remember at the moment. Mat Kearney won a Dove for his song Trainwreck. Tobymac and T-bone took home an award for The Slam. Switchfoot walked away with the honors in the Short Form Music Video of the Year. And KJ-52 took a Dove home with him for Rap/Hip-hop Album of the Year.
During the awards ceremony, Mac Powell, David Crowder, Jeremy Camp, and Mark Hall came on stage to perform a tribute to Steven Curtis Chapman. Steven won his 50th Dove Award that night and they honoured him, first with a video and then by playing a few of his songs. The tribute ended with them leading the crowd in "Dive" and Steven was visibly surprised by the tribute. The audience gave him the longest standing ovation that I've ever heard...
Conclusion
On Thursday we packed up and headed back to Canada. By the time we got to Toronto it was too late for me to catch the last flight out to Timmins for the night, so I stayed overnight as planned and returned home Friday afternoon.
To try and sum it up, GMA Week was an amazing experience for me, both professionally and personally. During my long bout with illness, Christian music was such an encouragement to me. It seemed like no matter how sick I felt or how bad the pain was, there was always the right song playing at the right time. So you can imagine how amazing it was for me to meet the people behind the music and to connect with many of them.
Professionally, I learned so much it's hard to believe! The instructors were incredible and it wasn't hard to see that their one desire to be teach people how to make great radio. Hopefully I'll be able to take what I learned and do their teachings justice!
I am very humbled by the investment that was made in me and the MAD ministry by sending me to this great week!
To see some of my photos from GMA Week, click here.
Friday
Friday evening after flying a whole lot of miles, I arrived in Nashville. We checked into the beautiful Renaissance hotel and had a great view from the 14th floor!
Saturday
While many of the artists were still making their way to Nashville, GMA was in full-swing for those in radio. All day Saturday was spent in seminars, training us to be better at what we do and reminding us all why we do what we do. It was amazing to meet many legends in Christian radio and to be taught by some of the most respected people in the industry.
After my final class on Saturday I wandered around downtown and took in the sights of Nashville. It seemed like no matter what store or restaurant I went into had live music, which was different, but really good. I even took in a country set at an ice cream parlour that I stopped in. It made the wait for the ice cream go by much faster! After I went back the hotel my roommate and I went to the Nashville Predators game with some fellow Canadians. I had never been to an NHL game before, so it was a lot of fun! Nashville even won the game against St. Louis which added to the experience.
Sunday
Sunday morning I climbed out of bed nice and early for the chapel service. Lincoln Brewster led us in amazing time of worship (Southern-style of course) and he was followed by Joe Meyer who delivered an anointed message for the church.
Every day at GMA different organizations and record labels sponsored industry lunches (translation free food, great concerts, and lots of schmoozing). I skipped the lunch on Sunday to attend an artist Meet & Greet and had the chance to meet Krystal Meyers, Matthew West, Bethany Dillon, Brian Litteral (yes, the backstreet boy), Third Day, Rebecca St. James, Audio Adrenaline, Warren Barfield, and Building 429. At more than one point during the meet and greet I couldn't help but be amazed that I was standing in such company- it was a weird but amazing experience!
The afternoon was spent doing more Meet and Greets and a liner session. It was refreshing to see the hearts behind a lot of the artists and to hear in their own words the stories behind the songs that have impacted so many people. Sunday afternoon I also had my first interview of the week with Eowyn, who's new album will be releasing this month and let me tell you, it's a good one!
On Sunday evening we headed over to the historic Ryman for Sunday Evening Worship put on by the Passion artists. The evening started with worship lead by Chris Tomlin and was followed by Charlie Hall and one of my favourites: the David Crowder Band. Louie Giglio spoke on the different flavours of worship and how we shouldn't get so caught up when someone else's flavour is different than our own.
After the worship experience I went back to the Renaissance hotel for the Songwriters Showcase, which was hosted by Matthew West. This was the time for the writers of some of the top songs of the year to have the opportunity to perform their hits and explain the inspiration behind the music. Performers included Joy Williams, Matthew West, Mac Powell of Third Day, Bebo Norma, Christa Wells, Jadon Lavik, and Barlowgirl.
Monday
Monday morning I met up with Jason and Aaron of Hawk Nelson for an interview. We had a chance to talk about their new album Smile, It's The End of The World and what it was like to appear in the movie Yours, Mine, and Ours. Following the interview I went to hear Donald Miller, the author of Blue Like Jazz, speak. I'd have to say I enjoyed his speaking even moreso than his writing. Much like his books, his message was both humorous and timely.
The rest of the day Monday was filled with interviews (The Violet Burning, Kids in the Way, DJ Maj, Paul Wright, and Superchick) and as many classes as I could fit in between. Monday evening I went to the World Vision Showcase where I say performances by The Longing, Anthony Evans, Third Day, Big Daddy Weave, Building 429, Joy Williams, Natalie Grant, Todd Agnew, Russ Lee, Avalon and Casting Crowns. It was an unbelievable experience to be hit with one stellar performance after another!
Tuesday
Tuesday morning I got up bright and early to attend a worship breakfast. It was great to start the day with a time of spiritual renewal and refreshing. At 9:30 I headed upstairs for my first interview with KJ-52, which was followed by an interview with Sanctus Real and Falling Up, then before lunch I got in on a class. After lunch I interviewed Starfiled, Skillet, Jonah33, Flyleaf, and then headed to my last interview with T-bone.
Tuesday night I went to a showcase hosted by BEC Recordings and Tooth and Nail. We saw performances by Run Kid Run, Mainstay, Seventh Day Slumber, Falling Up, and Hawk Nelson. After a quick break the Rock U night got underway with performances by CircleSide, Decyfer Down, Downhere, The Afters, Flyleaf, Disciple, and Skillet. It was a very loud, yet very amazing night!
Wednesday
Wednesday morning I was supposed to attend another worship session, but was so tired that I decided to get in another few hours of sleep instead (I know, I'm horrible!). After getting up I went to my final class of the week and then wandered around downtown for a while before lunch. Lunch was put on by EMI and included performances from Hawk Nelson, Sanctus Real, Kutless, and other great artists. Tobymac made a special appearance to introduce a Gotee artist and even sat down at the piano with her for one song!
Wednesday afternoon I had an interview set up, but it was cancelled because the artist was having vocal trouble so I headed back to spend some much needed resting time in my room (as you can probably imagine, there wasn't much free time this week). And pretty soon it was time to get ready for the Dove Awards.
The Dove Awards was another world all together. It was my first time attending an awards show, so I didn't know exactly what to expect and was quite surprised with the professionalism of the whole event- it was just like what you see on TV with the Grammy's and such! But the one big difference being that most of the glory at the Dove's was being given to God. I'd almost say that it was more a time of worship than it was a time of awards.
As far as who won awards, there were a few surprises. I was very happy to see that Christa Wells walked away with songwriter of the year for the song "Held" (performed by Natalie Grant). Chris Tomlin took home five Doves including: Song of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Artist of the Year, Worship Song of the Year, and one other that I can't remember at the moment. Mat Kearney won a Dove for his song Trainwreck. Tobymac and T-bone took home an award for The Slam. Switchfoot walked away with the honors in the Short Form Music Video of the Year. And KJ-52 took a Dove home with him for Rap/Hip-hop Album of the Year.
During the awards ceremony, Mac Powell, David Crowder, Jeremy Camp, and Mark Hall came on stage to perform a tribute to Steven Curtis Chapman. Steven won his 50th Dove Award that night and they honoured him, first with a video and then by playing a few of his songs. The tribute ended with them leading the crowd in "Dive" and Steven was visibly surprised by the tribute. The audience gave him the longest standing ovation that I've ever heard...
Conclusion
On Thursday we packed up and headed back to Canada. By the time we got to Toronto it was too late for me to catch the last flight out to Timmins for the night, so I stayed overnight as planned and returned home Friday afternoon.
To try and sum it up, GMA Week was an amazing experience for me, both professionally and personally. During my long bout with illness, Christian music was such an encouragement to me. It seemed like no matter how sick I felt or how bad the pain was, there was always the right song playing at the right time. So you can imagine how amazing it was for me to meet the people behind the music and to connect with many of them.
Professionally, I learned so much it's hard to believe! The instructors were incredible and it wasn't hard to see that their one desire to be teach people how to make great radio. Hopefully I'll be able to take what I learned and do their teachings justice!
I am very humbled by the investment that was made in me and the MAD ministry by sending me to this great week!
To see some of my photos from GMA Week, click here.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
The Start of a Journey
After three months of looking forward to it, tomorrow I'm off for GMA Week in Nashville! I fly out of Timmins Friday morning and will return the following Friday (April 7th). Following the most direct route Nashville is 1827 km away from home (that's 1135 miles)- praise God for the inventions of airplanes!Needless to say I'm pretty pumped up for the week- I still can't believe that I've been blessed with this opportunity! I've got interviews lined up with Hawk Nelson, Superchick, Kids in the Way, Starfield, Paul Wright, Skillet, Kevin Max, and so many other great artists- it's going to be a blast!
Also after the what the past couple of months have held for me, I'm really looking forward to the change of scenery and the change of pace. As I found out on my trip to the East Coast of Canada last year, there's something special about leaving what you know and exploring what you don't. It a journey. And for me journeys are holy moments.
I'm not sure what internet access will be like and if I'll even have any spare time to post, but if I do, you'll be hearing from me at some point throughout the week. In the meantime, I covet your prayers for a safe trip, for good health, and ultimately for a spiritual journey that leaves me forever changed.
"So my prayer is that your story will have involved some leaving and some coming home, some summer and some winter, some roses blooming out like children in a play. My hope is your story will be about changing, about getting something beautiful born inside of you, about learning to love a woman or a man, about learning to love a child, about moving yourself around water, around mountains, around friends, about learning to love others more than we love ourselves, about learning oneness as a way of understanding God.
We get one story, you and I, and one story alone. God had established the elements, the setting and the climax and the resolution. It would be a crime not to venture out, wouldn't it?
It might be time for you to go, It might be time to change, to shine out.
I want to repeat one word for you: Leave.
Roll the word around on your tongue for a bit. It is a beautiful word, isn't it? So strong and forceful, the way you have always wanted to be. And you will not be alone. You have never been alone. Don't worry. Everything will still be here when you get back. It is you who will have changed." (Donald Miller- Through Painted Deserts)
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Claim To Fame
Recently I've come up with another one of my infamous "claim to fame" ideas. But unlike all of the other silly ideas that I've come up with, I think this one may actually work.
As reality television continues to climb in popularity and as webcasting is becoming easier and easier, I've found the perfect way to combine the two: with my own reality tv show broadcast on the internet. Brace yourself cause this is going to be good.
You see my family is infamous for one thing: our dinner time conversations. It's almost embarrassing to have people over for supper because we can get a little out of control. But with these random tangets comes a lot of laughs.
Don't believe me? I'll let you in on one recent dinner time conversation (and these are word-for-word quotes):
Senior 1: "Your cat is biting me." Reply: "I hope not- we don't have a cat."
Senior 1: "I went bezerk- I lost control!"
Senior 1: "I killed a man once." Dead silence in the room for one minute. "Well, I almost killed a man."
Youth 1: "I'd rather smell a smoker than a chimney."
Senior 2: "Looking back now, I'm convinced that my father was on drugs."
Senior 1 to lady talking about her sick husband: "What are you complaining about? Everyone has to die!"
Senior 1 after that conversation: "I spent a useless morning talking to her."
And this is just a glimpse. During one point in the dinner my sister and I were laughing so hard that we were shaking, thus the idea of our own webcasted reality tv show came into being.
Wouldn't you watch a show like that? I think I just may have something here...
On the topic of reality (and web based) television, check out some hilarious videos on Google Idol.
As reality television continues to climb in popularity and as webcasting is becoming easier and easier, I've found the perfect way to combine the two: with my own reality tv show broadcast on the internet. Brace yourself cause this is going to be good.
You see my family is infamous for one thing: our dinner time conversations. It's almost embarrassing to have people over for supper because we can get a little out of control. But with these random tangets comes a lot of laughs.
Don't believe me? I'll let you in on one recent dinner time conversation (and these are word-for-word quotes):
Senior 1: "Your cat is biting me." Reply: "I hope not- we don't have a cat."
Senior 1: "I went bezerk- I lost control!"
Senior 1: "I killed a man once." Dead silence in the room for one minute. "Well, I almost killed a man."
Youth 1: "I'd rather smell a smoker than a chimney."
Senior 2: "Looking back now, I'm convinced that my father was on drugs."
Senior 1 to lady talking about her sick husband: "What are you complaining about? Everyone has to die!"
Senior 1 after that conversation: "I spent a useless morning talking to her."
And this is just a glimpse. During one point in the dinner my sister and I were laughing so hard that we were shaking, thus the idea of our own webcasted reality tv show came into being.
Wouldn't you watch a show like that? I think I just may have something here...
On the topic of reality (and web based) television, check out some hilarious videos on Google Idol.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
He Is Enough
One of my article's titled He Is Enough has just been posted on relevantmagazine.com.
Click here to give it a read.
Click here to give it a read.
Friday, March 03, 2006
A Preview Just For You!
As some of you may or may not know I spent a good deal of my summer working on a book project titled "Walking Through A Fallen World". The primary of the focus being why bad things happen to good people and what we can learn from the hard times in our lives.
I was even blessed to be given a publishing agreement for the book, but unfortunately I found out just recently that the publisher was sold to another and I got lost in the shuffle.
But I'm not letting that stop me. I've revised the book to tell my story of the past couple of months, while incorporating the teaching portion of it around the story. The new title is "From The ER to the OR: A Spiritual Journey Through Illness" and I've spoken to a few publishers about it and I'm hopeful that it will be published soon.
In the meantime I thought I would give you guys a preview. Below are links where you can download or read the first three chapters. If you can't read them in that format, please email me and I will send it to you as a .doc file.
How Did I Get So (Un)lucky?
Can Someone Turn Off That Megaphone?
Christmas In October (And other ER adventures)
If you have a chance to read the chapters, I'd love to hear your feedback on it! Drop me an email or leave a comment here!
I was even blessed to be given a publishing agreement for the book, but unfortunately I found out just recently that the publisher was sold to another and I got lost in the shuffle.
But I'm not letting that stop me. I've revised the book to tell my story of the past couple of months, while incorporating the teaching portion of it around the story. The new title is "From The ER to the OR: A Spiritual Journey Through Illness" and I've spoken to a few publishers about it and I'm hopeful that it will be published soon.
In the meantime I thought I would give you guys a preview. Below are links where you can download or read the first three chapters. If you can't read them in that format, please email me and I will send it to you as a .doc file.
How Did I Get So (Un)lucky?
Can Someone Turn Off That Megaphone?
Christmas In October (And other ER adventures)
If you have a chance to read the chapters, I'd love to hear your feedback on it! Drop me an email or leave a comment here!
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
What A Story!
Check out this inspiring story about an autistic boy who's dreams were made true when he was brought in to play during the last game of the year for his high school's basketball team.
I won't give the whole story away, but I will say that this is the kind of story that movies are made of. Watch the video: you'll laugh and you'll cry.
I won't give the whole story away, but I will say that this is the kind of story that movies are made of. Watch the video: you'll laugh and you'll cry.
Friday, February 24, 2006
John Piper on missions:
"The reason man was created in the beginning and the reason the church is being recreated in the end is for the worship of God. Missions therefore is neither God's primary end nor the primary end of the church. It is a means to the primary end of worship. Missions exists because worship doesn't. There will be no missions in the age to come. Worship will be our life. Missions is not our ultimate goal. It is a means to our goal.
We cut off the power of the cause of missions when we give it a place in our churches and in our hearts that belongs only to worship. If the pursuit of man's good is not ordered below the pursuit of God's glory in the priorities of the church and the affections of the heart, man will not be well served and God will not be honored."
Your thoughts?
Thursday, February 23, 2006
God's Provisions
So my business cards came in today, take a look:
Normally I wouldn't make such a purchase, but thanks to a very generous gift, this year I will be attending GMA Week in Nashville where I'm told having a business card comes in very handy.
But what does this have to do with anything? Stay with me for a minute.
In Matthew 6:32-33 Jesus gave us an amazing promise when He said:
"Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern."
And I have seen the promise of that verse delivered over and over again.
Even recently. In December I received a phone call telling me that I was being given an all-expense paid trip to GMA Week and the awards ceremony afterwards. Now I know very well that I could never have been able to pay for the trip on my own, but God provided through the generosity of another radio station. And this went way beyond providing for daily needs.
Then just this week I had another experience with God's provisions. I make my income by doing computer consulting and instruction on the side, but because of my illness I have had to turn down a lot of jobs over the past couple of the months, so funds have been really tight.
But then the other day I was going through my mail and found a letter from the university that I attend. Also in the envelope was a check for a couple hundred dollars! It turns out I was the one student picked for an award that I never even applied for- talk about a blessing!
And so on March 31st I will be leaving Timmins for a week in Music City USA where I will meet many of the artists that I play on the radio show and I will have the opportunity to be trained by some of the best broadcasters in the industry. And not only is everything provided for from the plane ticket to the hotel to my admission to the events, but now thanks to another provision, I will even have some spending money in my pocket!
Thank you Lord for the gifts you send our way and forgive me for all the times I question first and trust second.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Dancing With Jesus
This weekend I attended interdenominational ladies retreat held here in Timmins. While I'm now on IV antibiotics to treat my infection, thanks to God's perfect timing, I was still able to attend most of the sessions even if that meant getting lots of questions about "what did you do to your hand?"
On Friday night the speaker (Kathy Mainse from 100 Huntley Street) talked about how God wants to be our lover, not just our master, potter, and shepherd. After her message we spent some time in prayer and while I was sitting there praying, I felt someone standing next to me and suddenly a lady started praying for me. After she finished praying she said: "I see you waltzing with Jesus- Jesus wants to dance with you."
Now I am probably one of the biggest skeptics that there is when it comes to stuff like this, but as soon as she said these words I knew that it was from God. Let me tell you why:
This last summer was an amazing time spiritually for me. My relationship with God was flourishing and I literally felt like most of the time I was dancing with Jesus. He would lead and together we would move through life to the beat of His rhythm. And the more time we spent together "dancing", the closer we got and the deeper our relationship became. But then things changed.
When it happened for sure I don't know, but sometime over the past couple of months, I stopped dancing. It wasn't a sudden thing but as I began to get sicker and sicker, I danced less and less. Then the dancing stopped completely. It wasn't like my relationship with Christ dissolved, in fact my faith was never stronger, but those intimate moments became few and far between.
So when that lady said "I see you waltzing with Jesus- Jesus wants to dance with you" it was like my eyes were opened wide. In that moment I realized that the discontentment I was feeling wasn't from my illness, but from the missing intimacy between Christ and I. Where once we moved spontaneously through life and our relationship was filled with excitement and fire, I had unknowingly fallen back into the religious structure of a forced formula friendship: "take 15 minutes of Bible reading, add ten minutes of prayer, subtract one sin, add three good deeds and God is happy and so are you" kind of thing.
And I'm happy to say that thanks to this weekend, that structure has been removed. I'm "dancing" again and I'm loving every minute of it. And the more time I spend dancing, the more Christ pulls me to Himself and the clearer His voice becomes and then it doesn't really matter if we're dancing all by ourselves in a world filled with chaos and strife. All that matters is that I'm moving to His rhythm through this life and drawing nearer to my King- that's exactly what I want my life to be about.
On Friday night the speaker (Kathy Mainse from 100 Huntley Street) talked about how God wants to be our lover, not just our master, potter, and shepherd. After her message we spent some time in prayer and while I was sitting there praying, I felt someone standing next to me and suddenly a lady started praying for me. After she finished praying she said: "I see you waltzing with Jesus- Jesus wants to dance with you."
Now I am probably one of the biggest skeptics that there is when it comes to stuff like this, but as soon as she said these words I knew that it was from God. Let me tell you why:
This last summer was an amazing time spiritually for me. My relationship with God was flourishing and I literally felt like most of the time I was dancing with Jesus. He would lead and together we would move through life to the beat of His rhythm. And the more time we spent together "dancing", the closer we got and the deeper our relationship became. But then things changed.
When it happened for sure I don't know, but sometime over the past couple of months, I stopped dancing. It wasn't a sudden thing but as I began to get sicker and sicker, I danced less and less. Then the dancing stopped completely. It wasn't like my relationship with Christ dissolved, in fact my faith was never stronger, but those intimate moments became few and far between.
So when that lady said "I see you waltzing with Jesus- Jesus wants to dance with you" it was like my eyes were opened wide. In that moment I realized that the discontentment I was feeling wasn't from my illness, but from the missing intimacy between Christ and I. Where once we moved spontaneously through life and our relationship was filled with excitement and fire, I had unknowingly fallen back into the religious structure of a forced formula friendship: "take 15 minutes of Bible reading, add ten minutes of prayer, subtract one sin, add three good deeds and God is happy and so are you" kind of thing.
And I'm happy to say that thanks to this weekend, that structure has been removed. I'm "dancing" again and I'm loving every minute of it. And the more time I spend dancing, the more Christ pulls me to Himself and the clearer His voice becomes and then it doesn't really matter if we're dancing all by ourselves in a world filled with chaos and strife. All that matters is that I'm moving to His rhythm through this life and drawing nearer to my King- that's exactly what I want my life to be about.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Satisfying the Soul
Yesterday I re-arranged my room. Well correction: my Mom and brother re-arranged my room while I stood by and directed traffic (lifting is still a no-no). While they were moving things here and there I had the thought "this room would really make a great office", but then reality kicked in and I realized that my bed has to go somewhere and my Mom isn't willing to knock down any walls (trust me, I asked).
I don't know what it is, but I really want an office. Maybe it has something to do with having to study at the kitchen table, record the radio show in my Mom's room, and an answer a slew of emails when fielding everyone else's social calls. Or maybe I just want an office.
Just recently I was promised "anything I wanted". Foolishly I went big and asked for a car. Today no car sits in my driveway and I sit here and stare at four walls and dream of what could have been.
But today I realized that being given an office wouldn't solve the problem. Sure, I would have a consistent place to study, read, record the show, and answer emails, but an office won't solve the real issue of finding satisfaction. True satisfaction is never going to be found in computers, cars, ipods, or even offices. Trying to find satisfaction through chasing wants is always a waste of time because there's always going to be another want (Proverbs 27:20).
I'm learning more and more that true satisfaction can only be found in one place: our relationship with Christ. It can't be found in riches, or perfect health, or other relationships. It can only be found in Him.
As C.S. Lewis once wrote:
"We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."
So today instead of wishing for a bigger room or a new office, I'm going to take the space I am blessed to have and spend some time alone seeking satisfaction in the right place. In the only place.
"It is a solemn thing, and no small scandal in the Kingdom, to see God's children starving while actually seated at the Father's table." A.W. Tozer
I don't know what it is, but I really want an office. Maybe it has something to do with having to study at the kitchen table, record the radio show in my Mom's room, and an answer a slew of emails when fielding everyone else's social calls. Or maybe I just want an office.
Just recently I was promised "anything I wanted". Foolishly I went big and asked for a car. Today no car sits in my driveway and I sit here and stare at four walls and dream of what could have been.
But today I realized that being given an office wouldn't solve the problem. Sure, I would have a consistent place to study, read, record the show, and answer emails, but an office won't solve the real issue of finding satisfaction. True satisfaction is never going to be found in computers, cars, ipods, or even offices. Trying to find satisfaction through chasing wants is always a waste of time because there's always going to be another want (Proverbs 27:20).
I'm learning more and more that true satisfaction can only be found in one place: our relationship with Christ. It can't be found in riches, or perfect health, or other relationships. It can only be found in Him.
As C.S. Lewis once wrote:
"We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."
So today instead of wishing for a bigger room or a new office, I'm going to take the space I am blessed to have and spend some time alone seeking satisfaction in the right place. In the only place.
"It is a solemn thing, and no small scandal in the Kingdom, to see God's children starving while actually seated at the Father's table." A.W. Tozer
Monday, January 30, 2006
Some thought-provoking quotes...
On why God allows pain and suffering...
“Theologians have battled this discussion for centuries and have yet to come up with compelling reasons for pain that fully satisfy those who are hurting. But for me, it has been reduced to one simple explanation: healing is temporal but grace is eternal. Given a choice, I will take grace every time.” (Mariane Holbrook)
On integrity...
"Surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of man he is." (C.S. Lewis)
On the cross...
"The cross cuts deeply into our lives, but it can be known only as far as the knowledge of our sin goes. If we don't make our sin known to ourselves and others, our experience of the cross will be a shallow, sentimentalized version of the real thing." (John Fischer)
On Forgiveness...
"The only thing harder than forgiveness is its alternative." (Philip Yancey)
“Theologians have battled this discussion for centuries and have yet to come up with compelling reasons for pain that fully satisfy those who are hurting. But for me, it has been reduced to one simple explanation: healing is temporal but grace is eternal. Given a choice, I will take grace every time.” (Mariane Holbrook)
On integrity...
"Surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of man he is." (C.S. Lewis)
On the cross...
"The cross cuts deeply into our lives, but it can be known only as far as the knowledge of our sin goes. If we don't make our sin known to ourselves and others, our experience of the cross will be a shallow, sentimentalized version of the real thing." (John Fischer)
On Forgiveness...
"The only thing harder than forgiveness is its alternative." (Philip Yancey)
Monday, January 23, 2006
A Unique Gifting
This weekend I had to miss church, so once again I spent time listening to Rob Bell from the Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids.
During the message, titled The Flames of Heaven Rob said:
"You have by God been gifted in some unique way and you have a divine responsibility to do something with that for the common good. In essence, the rest of us suffer when you aren't true to how God made you."
I love that quote especially because I think too often we believe that unless we serve God in a certain way, we aren't fulfilling our mission. But in reality everyone's way of serving God is as unique as our personality is.
So my way of serving God may look differently than your way of serving Him, but in the end we're all fulfilling our purpose in the body of Christ.
The danger though, as Rob pointed out, comes when we aren't true to how God made us and in the sermon he went on to say that if there's an unfilled need in the body of Christ: "somebody, somewhere, buried somthing." Challenging words, but true nonetheless.
"Now there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving. There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church." (1 Cor. 12:4-7)
During the message, titled The Flames of Heaven Rob said:
"You have by God been gifted in some unique way and you have a divine responsibility to do something with that for the common good. In essence, the rest of us suffer when you aren't true to how God made you."
I love that quote especially because I think too often we believe that unless we serve God in a certain way, we aren't fulfilling our mission. But in reality everyone's way of serving God is as unique as our personality is.
So my way of serving God may look differently than your way of serving Him, but in the end we're all fulfilling our purpose in the body of Christ.
The danger though, as Rob pointed out, comes when we aren't true to how God made us and in the sermon he went on to say that if there's an unfilled need in the body of Christ: "somebody, somewhere, buried somthing." Challenging words, but true nonetheless.
"Now there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving. There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church." (1 Cor. 12:4-7)
Friday, January 20, 2006
Cry Out To Jesus
It's been three months. Since October 19th I've been fighting against myself to get well and I'm still fighting. In many ways I'm more tired today than I was in the initial days following the surgeries. And it's not over.
Yesterday I was told it will still be another couple of weeks before the wound closes (which is way longer than it was supposed to be) and until that happens I won't be fully well. I'm still fighting off an infection in the incision and now because of my weakened immune system I've caught a bad cold.
Today I was totally wiped of any energy and as a result spent most of the day in bed (which doesn't happen very often). In the midst of feeling absolutely miserable and very discouraged, "Cry Out To Jesus" (lyrics below) started playing on my ipod and if you've ever heard the song, you know it's hard not to be encouraged by listening to it.
So once again I find myself crying out to Jesus and once again I'm finding that He's enough. And I'm being reminded that even when I walk through very dark ,and honestly sometimes very lonely days, He's with me. As Third Day sings so beautifully, He meets us wherever we are. Cry out to Jesus.
Cry Out To Jesus (Third Day)
To everyone who's lost someone they love
Long before it's their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
When you said goodbye.
And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keepin' you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing
And there is no one who can make it right.
There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary,
and love for the broken hearts.
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are.
Cry out to Jesus. Cry out to Jesus.
For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on
Have lost all of their faith in love
And they've done all they can to make it right
Again stil it's not enough.
For those who can't break the addictions and chains
And try to give up but you come back again.
Just remember that you're not alone
In your shame and your suffering
There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary
And love for the broken hearts
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing
that meets you wherever you are.
Cry out to Jesus.
When you're lonely and it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus.
To the widow who suffers from being alone,
wiping the tears from her eyes.
For the children around the world without a home,
Say a prayer tonight.
There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary
And love for the broken hearts.
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing
That meets you wherever you are.
There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary
And love for the broken hearts.
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing
That meets you wherever you are.
Yesterday I was told it will still be another couple of weeks before the wound closes (which is way longer than it was supposed to be) and until that happens I won't be fully well. I'm still fighting off an infection in the incision and now because of my weakened immune system I've caught a bad cold.
Today I was totally wiped of any energy and as a result spent most of the day in bed (which doesn't happen very often). In the midst of feeling absolutely miserable and very discouraged, "Cry Out To Jesus" (lyrics below) started playing on my ipod and if you've ever heard the song, you know it's hard not to be encouraged by listening to it.
So once again I find myself crying out to Jesus and once again I'm finding that He's enough. And I'm being reminded that even when I walk through very dark ,and honestly sometimes very lonely days, He's with me. As Third Day sings so beautifully, He meets us wherever we are. Cry out to Jesus.
Cry Out To Jesus (Third Day)
To everyone who's lost someone they love
Long before it's their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
When you said goodbye.
And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keepin' you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing
And there is no one who can make it right.
There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary,
and love for the broken hearts.
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are.
Cry out to Jesus. Cry out to Jesus.
For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on
Have lost all of their faith in love
And they've done all they can to make it right
Again stil it's not enough.
For those who can't break the addictions and chains
And try to give up but you come back again.
Just remember that you're not alone
In your shame and your suffering
There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary
And love for the broken hearts
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing
that meets you wherever you are.
Cry out to Jesus.
When you're lonely and it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus.
To the widow who suffers from being alone,
wiping the tears from her eyes.
For the children around the world without a home,
Say a prayer tonight.
There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary
And love for the broken hearts.
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing
That meets you wherever you are.
There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary
And love for the broken hearts.
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing
That meets you wherever you are.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
The good, the bad, and the ugly
Because I've been on antibiotics on and off for the past three months, I've had to start taking a supplement alongside of my medication.
When the bottle of bio-k was first handed to me I thought it was some kind of a sick joke. The bottle reads (and I kid you not): "this product contains over 50 billion live good bacteria."
And with the one sentence the skeptic in me emerged. First of all, when has eating bacteria sounded like a good idea? Second of all, how do they determine what's good bacteria and what's bad bacteria? And lastly (and most importantly), how can this possibly taste good?
No one could answer my first two questions and I answered my third one after I tasted the stuff- let me tell you, bacteria tastes horrible (big surprise I know)!
But now I'm the first to admit that it works. With all of the medication that's been put through my system to fight the infections I should have run into some other problems by now, and I guess thanks to the bio-k (and prayer), I haven't.
As I was eating the ghastly stuff last night I couldn't help but see a spiritual parallel in all of this.
You see there have been many times in my life when God has placed me in a situation or has allowed something to happen, and to be honest it looks pretty bad. Yet through it all, God promises that it will be for my own good. And just like the idea of consuming over 50 billion live bacteria doesn't sound right, the skeptic in me often doesn't believe that the situation could possibly be good for me.
But time and time again I've been proved wrong. It has been through the trials and the unknown and the tests that my faith has grown and I've been brought spiritually to the place that I'm in today.
This is exactly what James was talking about when he wrote:
"Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything." (James 1:2-4)
So in the same way that I consume live bacteria in order to build my immune system, we as Christians often have to walk through dark or troublesome times to build our character and grow more Christ-like.
And after the testing is over, the blessings flow:
"God blesses people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12)
Simple stuff, but sometimes I know I need a reminder just the same.
So today I'll willingly swallow another jar of bio-k because I know it's good for me. In the same way, I'll willingly go through this time of testing, knowing that the results will be good and the rewards to follow will far outweigh any temporary discomfort that I experience here and now.
When the bottle of bio-k was first handed to me I thought it was some kind of a sick joke. The bottle reads (and I kid you not): "this product contains over 50 billion live good bacteria."
And with the one sentence the skeptic in me emerged. First of all, when has eating bacteria sounded like a good idea? Second of all, how do they determine what's good bacteria and what's bad bacteria? And lastly (and most importantly), how can this possibly taste good?
No one could answer my first two questions and I answered my third one after I tasted the stuff- let me tell you, bacteria tastes horrible (big surprise I know)!
But now I'm the first to admit that it works. With all of the medication that's been put through my system to fight the infections I should have run into some other problems by now, and I guess thanks to the bio-k (and prayer), I haven't.
As I was eating the ghastly stuff last night I couldn't help but see a spiritual parallel in all of this.
You see there have been many times in my life when God has placed me in a situation or has allowed something to happen, and to be honest it looks pretty bad. Yet through it all, God promises that it will be for my own good. And just like the idea of consuming over 50 billion live bacteria doesn't sound right, the skeptic in me often doesn't believe that the situation could possibly be good for me.
But time and time again I've been proved wrong. It has been through the trials and the unknown and the tests that my faith has grown and I've been brought spiritually to the place that I'm in today.
This is exactly what James was talking about when he wrote:
"Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything." (James 1:2-4)
So in the same way that I consume live bacteria in order to build my immune system, we as Christians often have to walk through dark or troublesome times to build our character and grow more Christ-like.
And after the testing is over, the blessings flow:
"God blesses people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12)
Simple stuff, but sometimes I know I need a reminder just the same.
So today I'll willingly swallow another jar of bio-k because I know it's good for me. In the same way, I'll willingly go through this time of testing, knowing that the results will be good and the rewards to follow will far outweigh any temporary discomfort that I experience here and now.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
My Current Top 20
Listed below are the current most played songs on my itunes. Some are really old, others are fairly new. Some I've posted comments about below them, others I've let the title speak for itself. Topics are random, but overall I'd say the music is pretty good ;)
1. Heaven Hang On (Shaun Groves)
During my illness this quickly became one of my favorite songs to listen to. Even though none of the situations really described mine, I really connected with the song.
2. Swallowed In The Sea (Coldplay)
It's Coldplay, enough said.
3. Cover Me (Bebo Norman)
4. Wholly Yours (David Crowder Band)
5. History (Matthew West)
6. The Fight Song (Sanctus Real)
7. I Can Trust You (Rebecca St. James)
The lyrics of this song absolutely blew me away the first time I heard them and to some extent, they still do. In one song Rebecca had the ability to capture what I think most Christians struggle with all the time.
8. Lovely (Michelle Tumes)
If you haven't heard the music of Michelle Tumes, I highly recommend doing a search to find some of her albums. This song is one of the most beautiful that I've ever heard.
9. Less Like Scars (Sara Groves)
This is an older song, but it's still one that I really connect with. Again, brilliant lyrics.
10. This Mystery (Nichole Nordeman)
11. Heaven (Paul Wright)
12. City of Blinding Lights (U2)
13. I Can't Do This (Plumb)
14. You Found Me (Kelly Clarkson)
I've never watched American Idol and I don't think I ever will, but Kelly Clarkson sure can sing!
15. Which To Bury, Us Or The Hatchet (Relient K)
16. The First Cut Is The Deepest (Sheryl Crow)
17. Your Love Keeps Me Alive (Skillet)
This is a Skillet song from "back in the day", but it's still one of my favorites.
18. Only (Shaun Groves)
19. We Live (Superchick)
A good reminder of how precious life is.
20. Like Like You Were Dying (Tim McGraw)
I think this is the only country song that I've ever liked. Enough said.
So now it's your turn, what songs are currently in "high rotation" on your computer/mp3 player/CD player? Leave a comment to share your music wealth with the rest of us...
1. Heaven Hang On (Shaun Groves)
During my illness this quickly became one of my favorite songs to listen to. Even though none of the situations really described mine, I really connected with the song.
2. Swallowed In The Sea (Coldplay)
It's Coldplay, enough said.
3. Cover Me (Bebo Norman)
4. Wholly Yours (David Crowder Band)
5. History (Matthew West)
6. The Fight Song (Sanctus Real)
7. I Can Trust You (Rebecca St. James)
The lyrics of this song absolutely blew me away the first time I heard them and to some extent, they still do. In one song Rebecca had the ability to capture what I think most Christians struggle with all the time.
8. Lovely (Michelle Tumes)
If you haven't heard the music of Michelle Tumes, I highly recommend doing a search to find some of her albums. This song is one of the most beautiful that I've ever heard.
9. Less Like Scars (Sara Groves)
This is an older song, but it's still one that I really connect with. Again, brilliant lyrics.
10. This Mystery (Nichole Nordeman)
11. Heaven (Paul Wright)
12. City of Blinding Lights (U2)
13. I Can't Do This (Plumb)
14. You Found Me (Kelly Clarkson)
I've never watched American Idol and I don't think I ever will, but Kelly Clarkson sure can sing!
15. Which To Bury, Us Or The Hatchet (Relient K)
16. The First Cut Is The Deepest (Sheryl Crow)
17. Your Love Keeps Me Alive (Skillet)
This is a Skillet song from "back in the day", but it's still one of my favorites.
18. Only (Shaun Groves)
19. We Live (Superchick)
A good reminder of how precious life is.
20. Like Like You Were Dying (Tim McGraw)
I think this is the only country song that I've ever liked. Enough said.
So now it's your turn, what songs are currently in "high rotation" on your computer/mp3 player/CD player? Leave a comment to share your music wealth with the rest of us...
Monday, January 09, 2006
Prayer Request
Hello faithful blog readers and friends,
As many of you probably know, the past few months has been quite a roller-coaster for me with my surgeries and the complications that followed. As the open wound left from the second surgery got smaller and smaller, I figured that everything would be okay and that there wouldn't be another infection. As it turns out, I was wrong (it's not the first time either).
Today I went to the doctor and he confirmed that yes, I do have another infection. I don't know what the long term implications of this is, all that I do know is that it's obviously not good for my health and I really need the Lord's healing.
So here is where you come in. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer and I would really appreciate it if you could join me in praying about this- praying that the infection would heal before it becomes a problem and praying that the wound will finally close. Thank you.
Your sister in Christ,
Kristen
As many of you probably know, the past few months has been quite a roller-coaster for me with my surgeries and the complications that followed. As the open wound left from the second surgery got smaller and smaller, I figured that everything would be okay and that there wouldn't be another infection. As it turns out, I was wrong (it's not the first time either).
Today I went to the doctor and he confirmed that yes, I do have another infection. I don't know what the long term implications of this is, all that I do know is that it's obviously not good for my health and I really need the Lord's healing.
So here is where you come in. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer and I would really appreciate it if you could join me in praying about this- praying that the infection would heal before it becomes a problem and praying that the wound will finally close. Thank you.
Your sister in Christ,
Kristen
Friday, January 06, 2006
2006: Stop doing, Start being
If there's one thing I've learned over the past few months from being out of a normal routine, it's that 'fly bys' with God just doesn't cut it for me anymore.
I'm not saying that before I didn't spend time with Him, it's just that the time I spent was lacking in both quantity and quality.
Yesterday I came across a verse in Colossians where Paul wrote:
"Let your roots grow down to into Him and draw up nourishment from Him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught."
That can't happen when I'm rushed in the morning or trying to grab a few moments at night. Originally I had the idea that this year my goal was to read through the entire Bible again, but I've changed my mind on that.
No, this year I want to spend more time in the quiet with my Jesus. If I happen to get through the Bible in the year, then great. But if all I 'accomplish' during that time is being still before Him, then even better.
It's time that I stop putting the focus on doing with God and instead put the focus on being with God. And that's what I pray 2006 brings for me.
"What makes for a good [life] story is not necessarily a thrill-a-minute plot, but an eye for detail, loaded moments. It's the so-called mundane that is most often chock-full of the eternal." Linford Detweiler (The Art of Being)
I'm not saying that before I didn't spend time with Him, it's just that the time I spent was lacking in both quantity and quality.
Yesterday I came across a verse in Colossians where Paul wrote:
"Let your roots grow down to into Him and draw up nourishment from Him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught."
That can't happen when I'm rushed in the morning or trying to grab a few moments at night. Originally I had the idea that this year my goal was to read through the entire Bible again, but I've changed my mind on that.
No, this year I want to spend more time in the quiet with my Jesus. If I happen to get through the Bible in the year, then great. But if all I 'accomplish' during that time is being still before Him, then even better.
It's time that I stop putting the focus on doing with God and instead put the focus on being with God. And that's what I pray 2006 brings for me.
"What makes for a good [life] story is not necessarily a thrill-a-minute plot, but an eye for detail, loaded moments. It's the so-called mundane that is most often chock-full of the eternal." Linford Detweiler (The Art of Being)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)