My brother and I had an amazing conversation last night, where we shared songs with each other that pumped us up for battle. My brother explained to me how these songs would get him "in the zone" for an upcoming battle he was going to be physically fighting in. It's not lyrical by any means, but the music therapist in me analyzed the music he shows me and breaks down music into it's elements:
Pitch
Rhythm
Meter
Dynamics
Tempo
*Individual Instrumentation Styles (How each instrument group uses the elements to create something blood-pumping)
I have a couple videos of songs that my brother and I looked at and agreed upon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SenbXX0Lkb4
Like much music, you hear a simple line...but notice the pitch. Lower strings. It gets under your skin as you sense that the pitch slowly rises. Then you hear other instruments from under it rise in dynamics. Soon the two are working together to build suspension. The drums kick in more so to add rhythm, and finally higher strings play a very set and simple rhythm to emphasis the beat. Strings work together to form two sets, and finally the adrenaline begins to climb as the dynamics and suspension builds in this complexity of rhythm and voices. 2:04...hear the driving drums underneath? This is what keeps the line going. Everything else is simple rhythm, but this driving percussion line gets your body ready to take a risk! (and just cause I'm biased, the French Horns come in with rips to REALLY get the song moving at 2:30) Finally the final line in dynamics brings this piece to an epic close.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shDNaFhPiJY
Now this next one isn't going to have such a broad range of instrumentation. But notice the use of a constant moving melody line. No syncopation in the strings, but then the complexity in rhythm from stomping feet and clapping add more to this very set line. Apart, these lines are very VERY repetitive. Nothing new, nothing really complex. The strings alternate between a constant quarter note line with occasional eighth-note transitions and a constantly moving eighth-note drive. The percussive quality only emphasizes the beats like 1, 2...(3)and 4 and. The vocals emphasize the beats like 1..(2)..and (3)...(4) and. On the last phrase, the vocals and strings join in a harmonious grand finish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGcsIdGOuZY
My final video is one I know most of us have heard...many of which can hold close to your hearts for one reason or another. This one has vocals that only emphasis the message more that the instruments want to express. Granted, they don't play as vital of a role to get our blood pumping, but dynamic change to cue the chorus and the constantly moving guitar line helps to get the word "Hero" pop out that much more. Notice how the male and female vocal interaction. I love this song because they work together to get one message across..."We need a hero."
Given this short little musical connotation, I hope that your blood is now pumping. We are in our own constant spiritual battles.
I Timothy 6:12 "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
Ephesians 6:10-11 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."
And as Moses lifted the Israelites up with encouragement of our God as our Hero, I also use this to lift you up. Let God use His gift of music and scriptures to get your blood pumping for the good fight.
Exodus 14:13 "And Moses said to the people, 'Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians who you see today, you shall never see again.'"
If God be for us, who can stand against us?
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Lot's Wife
This week in my Woman's Devotional book, I am going through the life of Lot's wife and her legacy she left behind. Sadly, Lot's wife was not known for her roles as a mother, wife, servant...nothing like that. She was remembered for looking back, missing what she was leaving behind. She was remember for what she became...a pile of salt.
How interesting is this? Today's part of my devotional focuses on her legacy in scripture. Questions are asked such as "What do you think were his wife's thoughts and feelings when Lot offered his daughters instead of his guests to the raiders?" Wuff...tough question.
It was said that in those times, a guest was highly respected in a household. You put up great security for your guest...even to the point of sacrificing family members to keep your guests safe. How crazy is this? It is so interesting to learn about these things for me, because I understand scripture so much more if I knew the context of the situations. In this case, I am floored at even thinking about my future husband giving up my children so my guests can stay safe...I wouldn't know what to do!
My devotional then asked about why Lot's wife would want to look back while they left Sodom. Why would she want to stay in such a wicked city? For us, it seems like such a dumb thing to ponder. If it's wicked, leave. Well, how hard is it for us to point out our sins and desires as "wicked" and want to turn from them? Sometimes we get so caught up in the good pleasures of life that we don't want to break away from them, even if they are hurting us. Lot's wife must have had an attachment to the wickedness in the city, and had a couple things that she treasured a little too much. Why else would she turn back at the city?
Do you turn back on things in your life? Do you make the commitment to stop an addiction, drop a bad friend, end a poor relationship...and then turn around and spend our time looking back? What makes our fate any different than Lot's wife? There are plenty of times when I should have turned into a pile of salt. Thankfully God is forgiving and uses me as another kind of salt for the earth.
Stop looking back at your past mistakes and regrets and start moving forward so that we may season our earth with salt instead of become a worthless pile of it.
How interesting is this? Today's part of my devotional focuses on her legacy in scripture. Questions are asked such as "What do you think were his wife's thoughts and feelings when Lot offered his daughters instead of his guests to the raiders?" Wuff...tough question.
It was said that in those times, a guest was highly respected in a household. You put up great security for your guest...even to the point of sacrificing family members to keep your guests safe. How crazy is this? It is so interesting to learn about these things for me, because I understand scripture so much more if I knew the context of the situations. In this case, I am floored at even thinking about my future husband giving up my children so my guests can stay safe...I wouldn't know what to do!
My devotional then asked about why Lot's wife would want to look back while they left Sodom. Why would she want to stay in such a wicked city? For us, it seems like such a dumb thing to ponder. If it's wicked, leave. Well, how hard is it for us to point out our sins and desires as "wicked" and want to turn from them? Sometimes we get so caught up in the good pleasures of life that we don't want to break away from them, even if they are hurting us. Lot's wife must have had an attachment to the wickedness in the city, and had a couple things that she treasured a little too much. Why else would she turn back at the city?
Do you turn back on things in your life? Do you make the commitment to stop an addiction, drop a bad friend, end a poor relationship...and then turn around and spend our time looking back? What makes our fate any different than Lot's wife? There are plenty of times when I should have turned into a pile of salt. Thankfully God is forgiving and uses me as another kind of salt for the earth.
Stop looking back at your past mistakes and regrets and start moving forward so that we may season our earth with salt instead of become a worthless pile of it.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Little Humor
I found this funny, and I wanted to share this. To me, it was quite interesting.
I had Chinese food for lunch today, and my fortune cookie read, "Attend to business another day, nurture your love life." My reaction...laughter. I thought to myself "Hmm... this is interesting...I wonder what part of my love life we're talking about here...I could see many options to 'nurture' my love life.
So, my next step to answering this fortune? I went to my Proverbs chapter of the day. Low and behold, I got a kick out of what I read. Chapter 26, verse 6 "Like cutting off one's feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool."
So, my fortune wasn't accurate. Proverbs told me that. I will listen to that instead of a cookie any day. I thought it was funny though. And, I guess if I had a love life, I'd be nurturing it. However, I do not....yet. It's a promise from God though to me.
Will I be a Sarah, who takes that promise into her own hands because she wasn't patient enough, or a Ruth who waits for her kinsman redeemer to act? ...is that supposed to be a hard question?
Is this a hard question for you? Do you refer to the Bible to get your true answers of what to do with life? Don't let a fortune cookie lead you where God is trying to lead you instead.
I had Chinese food for lunch today, and my fortune cookie read, "Attend to business another day, nurture your love life." My reaction...laughter. I thought to myself "Hmm... this is interesting...I wonder what part of my love life we're talking about here...I could see many options to 'nurture' my love life.
So, my next step to answering this fortune? I went to my Proverbs chapter of the day. Low and behold, I got a kick out of what I read. Chapter 26, verse 6 "Like cutting off one's feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool."
So, my fortune wasn't accurate. Proverbs told me that. I will listen to that instead of a cookie any day. I thought it was funny though. And, I guess if I had a love life, I'd be nurturing it. However, I do not....yet. It's a promise from God though to me.
Will I be a Sarah, who takes that promise into her own hands because she wasn't patient enough, or a Ruth who waits for her kinsman redeemer to act? ...is that supposed to be a hard question?
Is this a hard question for you? Do you refer to the Bible to get your true answers of what to do with life? Don't let a fortune cookie lead you where God is trying to lead you instead.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Still Calls Me Son
I heard this song, and wept. So, I want to share it with everyone for my post.
Still Calls Me Son-John Waller
I drug his name through godless places
And I've known shame that no child of his should know
I've seen pain on broken faces
Beyond all thought of hope
I was just too far from home
Still I always wondered when I closed my eyes
After all I've done
Could he run to me?
Would he kiss my face?
Could he even look at me?
After where I've been
should he take me back?
I would understand
I've disgraced him
But it would be amazing
If he still calls me son
With nothing left for me to bring him
Lyrics www.allthelyrics.com/lyrics/john_waller/
I left my pride and turned my heart toward home
I saw my home on the horizon
And from a distance
I saw my Father
Watching for his own with forgiving eyes
After all I'd done
He just ran to me
Then he kissed my face
He would not let go of me
After where I'd been
He just welcomed me
I didn't understand
But he put his robe on me
It was so amazing
That he still called me son
One day as I breathe my last
And I know my days on earth have ended
When every hour is spent
I will close my eyes in amazement
And I'll hear angels
They'll be singing
Amazing Grace
Cause he will run to me
And he will kiss my face
He will not let go of me
After where I've been
He will welcome me
I won't understand
How he'll put his robe on me
It will be amazing
That he'll still call me son
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
When he calls me son
I once was lost but now I'm found
Cause he calls me Son
Still Calls Me Son-John Waller
I drug his name through godless places
And I've known shame that no child of his should know
I've seen pain on broken faces
Beyond all thought of hope
I was just too far from home
Still I always wondered when I closed my eyes
After all I've done
Could he run to me?
Would he kiss my face?
Could he even look at me?
After where I've been
should he take me back?
I would understand
I've disgraced him
But it would be amazing
If he still calls me son
With nothing left for me to bring him
Lyrics www.allthelyrics.com/lyrics/john_waller/
I left my pride and turned my heart toward home
I saw my home on the horizon
And from a distance
I saw my Father
Watching for his own with forgiving eyes
After all I'd done
He just ran to me
Then he kissed my face
He would not let go of me
After where I'd been
He just welcomed me
I didn't understand
But he put his robe on me
It was so amazing
That he still called me son
One day as I breathe my last
And I know my days on earth have ended
When every hour is spent
I will close my eyes in amazement
And I'll hear angels
They'll be singing
Amazing Grace
Cause he will run to me
And he will kiss my face
He will not let go of me
After where I've been
He will welcome me
I won't understand
How he'll put his robe on me
It will be amazing
That he'll still call me son
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
When he calls me son
I once was lost but now I'm found
Cause he calls me Son
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Lost in the Clouds
Two posts in one day...I just felt like I wanted to have a random post of what goes through my mind when I stare at the sky. (This brought about the change in blog title)
Clouds are so cool. We try to paint them, draw them, recreate them in some way down here with our own hands...but nothing beats the reality that comes from those clouds. They change in shape as they travel along the clear, pure sky behind them. They carry water that either results in shade from the sun, or a horrific thunderstorm. Sometimes it's hard to see what shapes the clouds make, and other times it has a clear resemblance of something we can relate to (like a bunny or dragon).
I love the clouds during a sunset or sunrise. It's really awesome to see the lower clouds have a different reflection of the sunrise than the clouds further up...resulting in deeper and contrasting colors. And there are so many kinds of clouds for that matter! The clouds that are highest in the sky, Cirrus clouds, are ones that are the lightest, most faded looking clouds, where as the clouds that are closest to the ground produce the dangerous, destructive storms we see.
Why do I rant about the clouds? If I could do nothing but lay down and stare up at the sky all day, I would be content. Cheapest entertainment for me. But really...what is it about the clouds that really get to me? Why do I stop and stare every time there is a clear sky? Why does something so frequent happen to be something so breath-taking each time I look up?
As I said earlier, clouds are something we cannot recreate. We try, but it's not the 'real thing.' I had said to myself earlier "Get your head out of the clouds and focus on your works down here that God has shown you." Then I realized...I can't! My head is forever in the clouds...but not with dreams and fantasies.
It's in the clouds because I know what lies behind those clouds. I know who made those clouds, and they were made for me. They were made to catch my attention and remind me that my true home is beyond those clouds. I am fascinated at what comes out of them because I know it's something we cannot recreate. It really makes me long for the day I can see my true home...on the other side of those clouds.
Clouds are so cool. We try to paint them, draw them, recreate them in some way down here with our own hands...but nothing beats the reality that comes from those clouds. They change in shape as they travel along the clear, pure sky behind them. They carry water that either results in shade from the sun, or a horrific thunderstorm. Sometimes it's hard to see what shapes the clouds make, and other times it has a clear resemblance of something we can relate to (like a bunny or dragon).
I love the clouds during a sunset or sunrise. It's really awesome to see the lower clouds have a different reflection of the sunrise than the clouds further up...resulting in deeper and contrasting colors. And there are so many kinds of clouds for that matter! The clouds that are highest in the sky, Cirrus clouds, are ones that are the lightest, most faded looking clouds, where as the clouds that are closest to the ground produce the dangerous, destructive storms we see.
Why do I rant about the clouds? If I could do nothing but lay down and stare up at the sky all day, I would be content. Cheapest entertainment for me. But really...what is it about the clouds that really get to me? Why do I stop and stare every time there is a clear sky? Why does something so frequent happen to be something so breath-taking each time I look up?
As I said earlier, clouds are something we cannot recreate. We try, but it's not the 'real thing.' I had said to myself earlier "Get your head out of the clouds and focus on your works down here that God has shown you." Then I realized...I can't! My head is forever in the clouds...but not with dreams and fantasies.
It's in the clouds because I know what lies behind those clouds. I know who made those clouds, and they were made for me. They were made to catch my attention and remind me that my true home is beyond those clouds. I am fascinated at what comes out of them because I know it's something we cannot recreate. It really makes me long for the day I can see my true home...on the other side of those clouds.
Biblical Directions
Matthew 9:27-30
"As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, 'Have mercy on us, Son of David!' When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and asked them, 'Do you believe that I am able to do this?' 'Yes, Lord,' they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, 'According to your faith will it be done to you'; and their sight was restored..."
What did it take for these blind men to be healed? What does that mean for you in your lives? How powerful does faith appear to be?
Matthew 6:24
"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
What is the main message of this verse? Pretend money isn't what is being addressed here...what is the other "master" that you are putting in place of God? What do you have to do to make God your only master in your life?
Luke 18:22-23
"When Jesus heard this, he said to him, 'You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth."
Following Jesus and serving God isn't supposed to be easy. What does this say about the importance of God in your life? How does this verse co-relate with the previous verse?
Acts 2:42
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
What should we be devoting ourselves to? Keeping the context of this list, what do these turn into in our lives?
"As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, 'Have mercy on us, Son of David!' When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and asked them, 'Do you believe that I am able to do this?' 'Yes, Lord,' they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, 'According to your faith will it be done to you'; and their sight was restored..."
What did it take for these blind men to be healed? What does that mean for you in your lives? How powerful does faith appear to be?
Matthew 6:24
"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
What is the main message of this verse? Pretend money isn't what is being addressed here...what is the other "master" that you are putting in place of God? What do you have to do to make God your only master in your life?
Luke 18:22-23
"When Jesus heard this, he said to him, 'You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth."
Following Jesus and serving God isn't supposed to be easy. What does this say about the importance of God in your life? How does this verse co-relate with the previous verse?
Acts 2:42
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
What should we be devoting ourselves to? Keeping the context of this list, what do these turn into in our lives?
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
And This is Why...
Matthew 18:12
"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?"
Ephesians 3:16-19
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Romans 9:12-21
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?"
Ephesians 3:16-19
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Romans 9:12-21
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Stop Chasing Fantasies
Proverbs 12:11- "He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment."
God has put things in my life that I need to work on, or things that I know I can and should do something about. He is calling me to do these things in my life rather than dream and focus on the fantasies that either won't ever happen or aren't supposed to happen now. Either way, these fantasies are things that I can't do anything about. So, the obvious thing is to do what I have to work on now right? Right. It's not easy, but it's true. What things are you fantasizing about that's keeping you from the works God is calling you to do now?
Understand this in your pondering, then I will close my blog (I know! It's super short!!)
Proverbs 13:12- "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."
God's timing will fulfill those fantasies and hopes that we can't do anything about...and the more you ponder and pray for these fantasies the sicker our hearts are and heavy we feel because we aren't seeing progress that we hope to see. So, my message from personal experience and revelations in my Bible studies is to focus on what God is putting before you now. If you can see a plot for you to follow, do it. If not, God hasn't called you to do anything yet. The door isn't shut, but he has a sign that says "Wet floor, keep out." That sign will come down, but it won't until the floor is ready for me to walk on...my fantasy won't happen until God's ready for me to enter into it so it becomes reality.
Be patient, and focus on what you are supposed to be working on. Get your head out of the clouds, and keep your fantasies up there for God to take care of.
God has put things in my life that I need to work on, or things that I know I can and should do something about. He is calling me to do these things in my life rather than dream and focus on the fantasies that either won't ever happen or aren't supposed to happen now. Either way, these fantasies are things that I can't do anything about. So, the obvious thing is to do what I have to work on now right? Right. It's not easy, but it's true. What things are you fantasizing about that's keeping you from the works God is calling you to do now?
Understand this in your pondering, then I will close my blog (I know! It's super short!!)
Proverbs 13:12- "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."
God's timing will fulfill those fantasies and hopes that we can't do anything about...and the more you ponder and pray for these fantasies the sicker our hearts are and heavy we feel because we aren't seeing progress that we hope to see. So, my message from personal experience and revelations in my Bible studies is to focus on what God is putting before you now. If you can see a plot for you to follow, do it. If not, God hasn't called you to do anything yet. The door isn't shut, but he has a sign that says "Wet floor, keep out." That sign will come down, but it won't until the floor is ready for me to walk on...my fantasy won't happen until God's ready for me to enter into it so it becomes reality.
Be patient, and focus on what you are supposed to be working on. Get your head out of the clouds, and keep your fantasies up there for God to take care of.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Inner Struggles and Development
"Soldier, get up. You need to keep going."
"I can't...I can't move on...not after that."
"Don't worry about back there...you did everything you could. No one knew that an army of 5x our size was going to run over those hills and attack us with brute force."
"I barely got through that...we almost died...I can't move on. Let's take a break...I really need to rest."
"All right soldier. We'll find shelter so you can at least take a breath, but we need to keep moving. We can't run and hide."
"I will do my best."
The two soldiers slowly make their way toward the nearest ally camp, only to find it in ruins.
"I can't believe this...I needed that recharge...now what do I do?"
*BANG* The dirt a few inches from their feet flies up and clouds around their stained army boots. "We have to move! They're coming back!"
"Dang...I can't do this!"
Both soldiers run and find cover while they load their guns with ammo. "I am almost out of bullets, my body is throbbing all over in pain, and I can't find a decent resting place anywhere in this chaos..."
"Whatever doesn't kill you will make you stronger...now let's move!" Both soldiers continued to move and avoid all the close shots the enemy was laying out to them. Finally, one soldier gave up. "I can't keep running. My body can't take it. I give up. I am going to run, hide, and let it all just happen."
"What are you talking about soldier? You can't give up! You have to keep fighting through it all."
*BANG* His vision goes blurry as he watches the figure of his partner stare him down and limp away...he heard a thud in the dirt feet away from him.
"...he shot me. He shot me in the bloody leg!" Furry raged inside this betrayed soldier. "He freakin' shot me so he could just run away...coward!" He continued to hear the thunderous approach of his enemy, and forced himself to get up despite his injuries. He had to move on or he would die too.
Suddenly he saw another soldier in his same uniform. This man appeared lifeless, but his gaze was enough to catch the soldier's attention. "Please...I need help."
Reflecting on his own injuries, the soldier reluctantly aided the man in dire need and together they escaped the hands of the enemy. The soldier left the field very worn and physically beaten, but he had reached a new level or warrior today. If he didn't rise to the challenge, he would not have progressed and strengthened his being. He had graduated from being a soldier to being a hero.
All throughout the fight, this strong soldier was beaten down with verbal, physical, and emotional distress that would have for sure caused him to fall into the hands of his enemy...but he did not give up. He rose to the challenge and fought. He kept going...just as this soldier, don't ever give up. The race of Christianity is not just a race to the finish line...it's a race for your life. Don't lose it.
"I can't...I can't move on...not after that."
"Don't worry about back there...you did everything you could. No one knew that an army of 5x our size was going to run over those hills and attack us with brute force."
"I barely got through that...we almost died...I can't move on. Let's take a break...I really need to rest."
"All right soldier. We'll find shelter so you can at least take a breath, but we need to keep moving. We can't run and hide."
"I will do my best."
The two soldiers slowly make their way toward the nearest ally camp, only to find it in ruins.
"I can't believe this...I needed that recharge...now what do I do?"
*BANG* The dirt a few inches from their feet flies up and clouds around their stained army boots. "We have to move! They're coming back!"
"Dang...I can't do this!"
Both soldiers run and find cover while they load their guns with ammo. "I am almost out of bullets, my body is throbbing all over in pain, and I can't find a decent resting place anywhere in this chaos..."
"Whatever doesn't kill you will make you stronger...now let's move!" Both soldiers continued to move and avoid all the close shots the enemy was laying out to them. Finally, one soldier gave up. "I can't keep running. My body can't take it. I give up. I am going to run, hide, and let it all just happen."
"What are you talking about soldier? You can't give up! You have to keep fighting through it all."
*BANG* His vision goes blurry as he watches the figure of his partner stare him down and limp away...he heard a thud in the dirt feet away from him.
"...he shot me. He shot me in the bloody leg!" Furry raged inside this betrayed soldier. "He freakin' shot me so he could just run away...coward!" He continued to hear the thunderous approach of his enemy, and forced himself to get up despite his injuries. He had to move on or he would die too.
Suddenly he saw another soldier in his same uniform. This man appeared lifeless, but his gaze was enough to catch the soldier's attention. "Please...I need help."
Reflecting on his own injuries, the soldier reluctantly aided the man in dire need and together they escaped the hands of the enemy. The soldier left the field very worn and physically beaten, but he had reached a new level or warrior today. If he didn't rise to the challenge, he would not have progressed and strengthened his being. He had graduated from being a soldier to being a hero.
All throughout the fight, this strong soldier was beaten down with verbal, physical, and emotional distress that would have for sure caused him to fall into the hands of his enemy...but he did not give up. He rose to the challenge and fought. He kept going...just as this soldier, don't ever give up. The race of Christianity is not just a race to the finish line...it's a race for your life. Don't lose it.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Woman Study Reflection in Proverbs
I really am fascinated by the woman in the Bible. I have a book right now that's a devotional focused on these women. Don't get me wrong guys, you all do some amazing things too, but I just never heard as much of the woman as I did the guys, so I'm making up for lost time.
My young adult Bible study is reading a chapter of Proverbs a day and focusing on some verses that really stood out to us. In the process of this, I had a revelation. Solomon refers to wisdom as a "she" for most of the Proverbs. He also compares Sin to an adulteress woman. Let me show you passages that compare Wisdom and Sin. It may help you understand more of when one is speaking to you more than the other.
Wisdom:
Proverbs 1:33-"But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."
Proverbs 2:12-15-"Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways."
Proverbs 4:6-9-"Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor."
Proverbs 8:1-11
Verse 1, 2, & 3-"Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand....she cries aloud."
Verse 6-"Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right."
Verse 8-"All the words of my mouth are just; none of them crooked or perverse."
Verse 11-"for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her."
Sin:
Proverbs 5:3-6 "For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharps as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths are crooked, but she knows it not."
Proverbs 6:25-26-"Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes, for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life."
Proverbs 7:10-23
Verse 11-"She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home;"
Verse 15-"So I came out to meet you..."
Verse 19-"My husband is not home..."
Verse 23-"...little knowing it will cost him his life."
Proverbs 7:27-"Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death."
Proverbs 9:13-18
Verse 13-"The woman of Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge."
Verse 15-"calling out to those who pass by..."
Verse 16-"'Let all who are simple come in here!'"
Can you see a distinct difference? If we follow our own desires fully, we will only see the "drip of honey" that looks so appealing. We will ignore when Wisdom calls out to save us. She is persistently fighting to keep us out of Sin's way. Notice that Sin calls out to us too. Part of Sin is secretive and hiding, but she steps out as well and calls to the simple. How can you keep from being simple? Being simple can be avoided if we remember the constant reminders of "To fear the Lord is the beginning of understanding." Also, don't be the man from Proverbs 7:10-23...Sin met him in the shadows at her corner. He put himself in harms way, and she met him. Keep yourself from Sin. I find it interesting to think of these two as individuals...especially with this passage about Wisdom...it's too long to type out so please open and read your Bible:
Proverbs 8:22-31
If God could have a wife, it would be Wisdom. Ladies, whether single or married...read verses 30 and 31.
"Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind." This is an excellent example of how we as wives submit and serve our husbands, as well as how we as the Bride of Christ should respond to Him...with sure delight in his craftsmanship.
I don't know about you ladies, but I know I want to be more like Wisdom: protective, honorable, loving, peaceful, supportive. I would rather have this in my life than the qualities of Sin. So men and women, seek Wisdom. Yearn for her, desire to desire her as instructed. She was in the beginning when God created everything, so she knows God. If we do so, our reward will be worth the wait and pursuit. I tell you...I will wait for this reward...hopefully someday I can be this "wife of your youth."
Proverbs 5:18-19-"May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer-may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love."
Have a blessed week.
My young adult Bible study is reading a chapter of Proverbs a day and focusing on some verses that really stood out to us. In the process of this, I had a revelation. Solomon refers to wisdom as a "she" for most of the Proverbs. He also compares Sin to an adulteress woman. Let me show you passages that compare Wisdom and Sin. It may help you understand more of when one is speaking to you more than the other.
Wisdom:
Proverbs 1:33-"But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."
Proverbs 2:12-15-"Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways."
Proverbs 4:6-9-"Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor."
Proverbs 8:1-11
Verse 1, 2, & 3-"Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand....she cries aloud."
Verse 6-"Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right."
Verse 8-"All the words of my mouth are just; none of them crooked or perverse."
Verse 11-"for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her."
Sin:
Proverbs 5:3-6 "For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharps as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths are crooked, but she knows it not."
Proverbs 6:25-26-"Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes, for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life."
Proverbs 7:10-23
Verse 11-"She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home;"
Verse 15-"So I came out to meet you..."
Verse 19-"My husband is not home..."
Verse 23-"...little knowing it will cost him his life."
Proverbs 7:27-"Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death."
Proverbs 9:13-18
Verse 13-"The woman of Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge."
Verse 15-"calling out to those who pass by..."
Verse 16-"'Let all who are simple come in here!'"
Can you see a distinct difference? If we follow our own desires fully, we will only see the "drip of honey" that looks so appealing. We will ignore when Wisdom calls out to save us. She is persistently fighting to keep us out of Sin's way. Notice that Sin calls out to us too. Part of Sin is secretive and hiding, but she steps out as well and calls to the simple. How can you keep from being simple? Being simple can be avoided if we remember the constant reminders of "To fear the Lord is the beginning of understanding." Also, don't be the man from Proverbs 7:10-23...Sin met him in the shadows at her corner. He put himself in harms way, and she met him. Keep yourself from Sin. I find it interesting to think of these two as individuals...especially with this passage about Wisdom...it's too long to type out so please open and read your Bible:
Proverbs 8:22-31
If God could have a wife, it would be Wisdom. Ladies, whether single or married...read verses 30 and 31.
"Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind." This is an excellent example of how we as wives submit and serve our husbands, as well as how we as the Bride of Christ should respond to Him...with sure delight in his craftsmanship.
I don't know about you ladies, but I know I want to be more like Wisdom: protective, honorable, loving, peaceful, supportive. I would rather have this in my life than the qualities of Sin. So men and women, seek Wisdom. Yearn for her, desire to desire her as instructed. She was in the beginning when God created everything, so she knows God. If we do so, our reward will be worth the wait and pursuit. I tell you...I will wait for this reward...hopefully someday I can be this "wife of your youth."
Proverbs 5:18-19-"May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer-may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love."
Have a blessed week.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Gideon vs Moses
I am doing a study with a friend of mine about Gideon. I will admit this...I stink with Old Testament. In fact, I think I just stink at understanding and connecting New and Old Testament and allowing myself to put the pieces together that make up these great stories we have in the Bible.
So, I will point out a few things about Gideon that I truly admire and respect in this man; things that I have seen through my studying and reflecting between Gideon and my friend.
1) It's okay to double-check...even triple-check with God (Judges 6:36-40)
2) It's okay to be cautious and afraid...we don't have to always have it all together ()
-Finding Christ in your strength
3) God takes away the odds, and still conquers
4) Gideon vs Moses comparison I made
-Gideon: "So God, I want to make sure this is coming from you. I will do it, I just want to know it's really you telling me this."
-Moses: "God, I know it's from you, but I'm just not the right guy. I think you're mistaken."
Which character do we reflect most? Are we the people that know it's God and ignores it, or are we the people that don't argue, but we just want to make sure? Notice that each person still accomplished God's will, but God's response was different for each person.
With Gideon, (Judges 6:15, 23, 36-40, 7:10-11) God responded with reassurance that was comforting and supportive to Gideon's mission. "I will be with you..." "If you are afraid..." "Peace! Do not be afraid."
With Moses, (Exodus 4) he kept making excuses. God had made Himself very evident to Moses, but Moses had a lack of belief in himself. "What if they don't believe me?" "I am terrible at speaking!" "Oh LORD, send someone else please." God responded a little different...and by a little I mean a lot. (Exodus 4:14) "Then the LORD's anger burned against Moses."
What does this change in attitude look like for us in our lives? Does God seem to get impatient with us when we argue with His plan? Does God assure us that we are on the right track? What does this look like for you? Are you the one with prayers that are arguing with God, or are you the one that continually is getting those second and third chances to see God's is really there? Either way, trust God's direction. Trust that you are good enough if God is calling you to it. If you are afraid, ask for peace. God wants to be the source of your courage, and your self-confidence. No one else can do it, and we can't do it without Him. Let Him in and make you strong from now on.
So, I will point out a few things about Gideon that I truly admire and respect in this man; things that I have seen through my studying and reflecting between Gideon and my friend.
1) It's okay to double-check...even triple-check with God (Judges 6:36-40)
2) It's okay to be cautious and afraid...we don't have to always have it all together ()
-Finding Christ in your strength
3) God takes away the odds, and still conquers
4) Gideon vs Moses comparison I made
-Gideon: "So God, I want to make sure this is coming from you. I will do it, I just want to know it's really you telling me this."
-Moses: "God, I know it's from you, but I'm just not the right guy. I think you're mistaken."
Which character do we reflect most? Are we the people that know it's God and ignores it, or are we the people that don't argue, but we just want to make sure? Notice that each person still accomplished God's will, but God's response was different for each person.
With Gideon, (Judges 6:15, 23, 36-40, 7:10-11) God responded with reassurance that was comforting and supportive to Gideon's mission. "I will be with you..." "If you are afraid..." "Peace! Do not be afraid."
With Moses, (Exodus 4) he kept making excuses. God had made Himself very evident to Moses, but Moses had a lack of belief in himself. "What if they don't believe me?" "I am terrible at speaking!" "Oh LORD, send someone else please." God responded a little different...and by a little I mean a lot. (Exodus 4:14) "Then the LORD's anger burned against Moses."
What does this change in attitude look like for us in our lives? Does God seem to get impatient with us when we argue with His plan? Does God assure us that we are on the right track? What does this look like for you? Are you the one with prayers that are arguing with God, or are you the one that continually is getting those second and third chances to see God's is really there? Either way, trust God's direction. Trust that you are good enough if God is calling you to it. If you are afraid, ask for peace. God wants to be the source of your courage, and your self-confidence. No one else can do it, and we can't do it without Him. Let Him in and make you strong from now on.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Beloved to Her Lover
After being inspired by a few blogs and her own attempts to writing letters to God, I have decided to put all my thoughts in perspective and write a letter to my lover. I felt it necessary to reflect for myself what God has been doing in me since my last relationship, and focus really on what God has been putting on my heart.
Dear Lover,
Your Beloved waits in anticipation for you to ride in on your noble steed...or maybe a miniature pony. Anyway, however you enter my life, I am preparing myself for you to become one with me.
As I was growing up, I really sought after you. I really wanted to meet you. I would write love poems, waiting for you. I would also write sad, lonely poems when you haven't arrived yet. I didn't know my own worth, and figured that I was all alone because I wasn't good enough, skinny enough, pretty enough...heck...I didn't think I had any beauty. I needed a man to make me feel beautiful.
That was a lie! I don't need a man to tell me I am beautiful when God shows me my worth every day. But, I still yearn for your touch, your embrace, your kiss. I still wait for you. Not as a woman broken and beaten, but as a woman who knows her worth. I am a woman who understands that God sacrificed for me, and that I was worth the cross.
I am a warrior. I will eagerly seek out spiritual battles for others and engage the Spirit in me when I can. I will rebuke Satan in the name of Jesus Christ. I will fight along side you and support you.
I am a princess...the daughter of a King. Dressed in God's Holiness and Salvation. I am waiting patiently for my prince to come and romance me under the stars...in the peace and quiet.
I am an adventurer, seeking the majesty and excitement in God's creation. Storms excite me, and there is no more proof of God's power and wrath today than an F5 tornado, ripping across the Earth.
I am a mother. I seek those that need nourishing and direction. I guide who the Spirit brings to me as He reveals it. I delight in watching growth.
I am your servant, but not your slave. I am here to support you, submit to you, and respect you, but I am not the scum in you toes. I will help lift you up, remind you that you can do it and you are good enough. I will point to the Bible to remind you of what God did to lowly men. I will nurse your kids, love your spirit, and work with your family.
I will point to Jesus as best and often as I can, and do my best to be the Eve that God intended when creation occurred. Being taken and made from Adam's rib, I will do my best to be a woman that stays as close to your heart as I can.
Until I meet you or realize who you are, I will keep preparing myself and allowing God to mold me more so you can receive a true beauty from God's own making.
With love, devotion, and dedication,
Your Beloved,
Kat
Dear Lover,
Your Beloved waits in anticipation for you to ride in on your noble steed...or maybe a miniature pony. Anyway, however you enter my life, I am preparing myself for you to become one with me.
As I was growing up, I really sought after you. I really wanted to meet you. I would write love poems, waiting for you. I would also write sad, lonely poems when you haven't arrived yet. I didn't know my own worth, and figured that I was all alone because I wasn't good enough, skinny enough, pretty enough...heck...I didn't think I had any beauty. I needed a man to make me feel beautiful.
That was a lie! I don't need a man to tell me I am beautiful when God shows me my worth every day. But, I still yearn for your touch, your embrace, your kiss. I still wait for you. Not as a woman broken and beaten, but as a woman who knows her worth. I am a woman who understands that God sacrificed for me, and that I was worth the cross.
I am a warrior. I will eagerly seek out spiritual battles for others and engage the Spirit in me when I can. I will rebuke Satan in the name of Jesus Christ. I will fight along side you and support you.
I am a princess...the daughter of a King. Dressed in God's Holiness and Salvation. I am waiting patiently for my prince to come and romance me under the stars...in the peace and quiet.
I am an adventurer, seeking the majesty and excitement in God's creation. Storms excite me, and there is no more proof of God's power and wrath today than an F5 tornado, ripping across the Earth.
I am a mother. I seek those that need nourishing and direction. I guide who the Spirit brings to me as He reveals it. I delight in watching growth.
I am your servant, but not your slave. I am here to support you, submit to you, and respect you, but I am not the scum in you toes. I will help lift you up, remind you that you can do it and you are good enough. I will point to the Bible to remind you of what God did to lowly men. I will nurse your kids, love your spirit, and work with your family.
I will point to Jesus as best and often as I can, and do my best to be the Eve that God intended when creation occurred. Being taken and made from Adam's rib, I will do my best to be a woman that stays as close to your heart as I can.
Until I meet you or realize who you are, I will keep preparing myself and allowing God to mold me more so you can receive a true beauty from God's own making.
With love, devotion, and dedication,
Your Beloved,
Kat
Friday, July 1, 2011
The Stuff
"This is the stuff, that drives me crazy. This is the stuff that's getting to me lately. In the middle of my little mess, I forget how big I'm blessed." The Stuff by Francesca Battistelli
Right now, I reflect on my morning and am reminded of the song lyrics above. Last night was a good night with a good walk with a very good friend. It was hot, humid, gross, and draining on me...but I liked it!
However, this totally exhausted me and right when I got home I passed out...so hard I slept through my 4 (yes, 4) alarms. I awoke with a phone call from my director wondering where I was. I got to work 45 minutes late.
I was...well...royally ticked at myself. I was mentally beating myself up for letting my mornings get so delayed that I eventually slept through my alarms. I was so embarrassed when I got to work. Satan pretty much had a hold on my attitude while I was at work..then God revealed Himself in a way that I couldn't resist. As I was getting my residents ready to play some Uno Attack, one lady found a beachball in the room...and started to throw that ball at me and the others residents that I got into the Activity room. I saw their smiles and laughs like they were children again, and God retrieved my very weary and distressed heart. I was then able to let God shine and put my stressing morning behind me.
Sometimes we get so worked up in the mistakes we make that we put that in front of something amazing that God is going to do. I would not have been able to fully love on these people in the home if I was still beating myself up about being not even an hour late. (I am not justifying that being late was a good thing).
Today, what things are Satan keeping in your thoughts that is making your day so down because you're worrying about "the stuff"? What things are keeping you from accomplishing something greater? What things are on your mind that make you distracted or even doubtful of God's work in you? Go find your "playful old people" to remind you of God's purpose and control in your life. It doesn't take much, and if you're to distracted you will miss it.
Right now, I reflect on my morning and am reminded of the song lyrics above. Last night was a good night with a good walk with a very good friend. It was hot, humid, gross, and draining on me...but I liked it!
However, this totally exhausted me and right when I got home I passed out...so hard I slept through my 4 (yes, 4) alarms. I awoke with a phone call from my director wondering where I was. I got to work 45 minutes late.
I was...well...royally ticked at myself. I was mentally beating myself up for letting my mornings get so delayed that I eventually slept through my alarms. I was so embarrassed when I got to work. Satan pretty much had a hold on my attitude while I was at work..then God revealed Himself in a way that I couldn't resist. As I was getting my residents ready to play some Uno Attack, one lady found a beachball in the room...and started to throw that ball at me and the others residents that I got into the Activity room. I saw their smiles and laughs like they were children again, and God retrieved my very weary and distressed heart. I was then able to let God shine and put my stressing morning behind me.
Sometimes we get so worked up in the mistakes we make that we put that in front of something amazing that God is going to do. I would not have been able to fully love on these people in the home if I was still beating myself up about being not even an hour late. (I am not justifying that being late was a good thing).
Today, what things are Satan keeping in your thoughts that is making your day so down because you're worrying about "the stuff"? What things are keeping you from accomplishing something greater? What things are on your mind that make you distracted or even doubtful of God's work in you? Go find your "playful old people" to remind you of God's purpose and control in your life. It doesn't take much, and if you're to distracted you will miss it.
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