to commence

to commence: to begin

it's definitely the beginning of something, i just have yet to figure that one out. have you ever felt the need to detach yourself from the routinely grind of life? to embark on a fresh adventure, filled with...uncertainties?

as strange as it may sound, that's the direction in which i am currently heading will full force. just this past week i left my job of 2 years for some serious R&R. i'm not typically one to leave life up to so much uncertainty. i much rather prefer to have those 'ducks in a row', yet when the Lord moves us in a new direction...we best follow.

what i've concluded is that i am due for a much needed sabbatical. it's so easy to get caught up in the busyness and routine that we begin to miss out on some key elements in life and begin to lose focus of the TRUE calling that God has for us...thus the Lord has made it clear to me that it's time for some reevaluation and rest...

what might you ask will i be filling all this time with?

well...QT with the Big Man upstairs (aka. ample amounts of time for communion with the Lord), cultivating my gifts (creative endeavors), savoring God's creation, physical rest, edifying the mind (aka. sitting down with a good book and indulging!), having fellowship with those people i love, etc.

i don't know why the Lord led me into this season but i am confident in His plan...

psalm 37:7..."be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him"

risky business

I love adventure. Or at least I think I do. Perhaps I thrive more on the thrill of discovering a new destination or experiencing/participating in that which I typically wouldn't ever do...

Anyways. I've noted that although many might believe me to be adventurous in deed/action, I've found myself at times to be less likely in heart. God has recently caused me to become aware of how I often times delude myself into believing I am adventurous in heart...

Now I'm not saying adventurous = stupidity. No, no, no. My desire is to live my life as fully alive; thus why I love to meet new people, experience new places, try something I've never done before, etc...

But God has been allowing me to face risks of the heart. Now scripture says that, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" (Proverbs 4:23). I am a firm believer in protecting your heart (especially us women in relationships). However, protecting your heart doesn't equate shutting others out at the chance they might someday cause pain. Relationships are a risk. And yes, discernment is needed in regards to whether the continuation of some relationships is healthy. However, risk of the heart is sometimes necessary as it calls for complete reliance and trust in God...and His plan for our interpersonal relationships...

"I hold it true, whate'er befall

I feel it, when I sorrow most

'Tis better to have loved and lost

Than never to have loved at all"

-Alfred Tennyson (1850)

Ponder that.

hearing from God versus hearing from people

Oddly enough, I was just discussing this topic with a good friend of mine the other night. There appears to be a fine balance between relying completely on other's opinions to make decisions and seeking godly wisdom (which ought to compliment that in which we are hearing from the Lord). While spending time with the Lord this morning I fell upon this insight from Joyce Meyer...

Sometimes we give more consideration to what people tell us than to what God says to us. If we pray diligently and hear from God, but then start asking everybody else what they think, we are honoring people's opinions above the Word of God. This attitude prevents us from developing a relationship where we consistently hear from God.

First John 2:27 confirms that we can trust God to instruct us without needing constant reassurance from others. But is this verse saying we do not need anybody to teach us the Word? No, because God appointed some people to teach in the body of Christ. But 1 John 2:27 says that if we are in Christ, we have an anointing that abides on the inside of us to guide and direct our lives. We might occasionally ask someone for their wisdom, but we do not constantly need to go to other people and ask them about decisions we need to make for our own lives.

1 John 2:27 reads,

"But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true and is no falsehood, you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him], just as [His anointing] has taught you [to do]" (Amplified Bible)

debates: music

So I recently engaged in a debate concerning the validity of Christian worship music. The purpose of this conversation was to discuss various aspects of worship music in comparison with a Christian concert. A fellow student completely degraded all worship musicians, by which I was completely appalled (mind you, this is a Christian university too). Hence, I responded with the following post of which I felt compelled to add to this blog...ENJOY! ;)

I found your post to be quite intriguing. You made several valid points concerning the foundation of secular music as being a method of self-expression. It allows for the expression of our own personal realities in musical form.

I must be honest. I sensed an acute bitterness to the topic of worship music in your post. I am grieved that you possess such a low opinion of these musicians and their workmanship. Certainly their intent is not to defame the Lord through musical expression. Scripture affirms that the Lord inhabits the praises of His people (Psalms 22:3). Note in this portion of scripture that there are no stipulations. The measure of lyrical eloquence, musical dictation, and chord progression are not mentioned in enhancing or deterring from the original intent. Whether worship is expressed in simplicity or complexity, God is present.

Indeed renditions of Christian worship music have occurred. However, various arrangements of the same song have occurred in every musical genre. I understand that the originality of song enhances its meaning as the lyrics and melodic composition were born out of the composer’s intimate reality. However, upon listening to these songs we are given the opportunity to assert our own interpretation for the sake of personal relevance. It is in this process that we as listeners are persuaded, engrossed, or overtaken by the connection we have formed with a particular piece of music.

The same is true in worship music. The emphasis should not be placed upon complexity and originality to legitimize its effectiveness in worship. King David encourages readers in Psalm 100 to make a joyful noise unto the Lord (Psalm 100:1). Worship derives from the intent of the heart. The act can either be acknowledging our brokenness before Him or conveying our praise and adoration of who He is. As worshippers our focus should be complete in the intent of our own heart. God is not limited. From the chord progression of C – G – F to genius compositions and poetic lyrics, God is still present.

the finale

The race is always the toughest as you near the finish line.

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us" (Romans 5:3-5)

re-reading:

"A Leader in the Making" by Joyce Meyer...gah I love her! :)