Kelly: This morning, the two of us were presented with an opportunity to possibly fill a need in our church that several of us feel has not been met. For quite some time now, it's been under the assumption that this need has been "taken care of" and that others are doing something about it. In other words, there really isn't a clear direction. Anyway, more on that later, but that's what's been going on. What inspired this tidbit of possibly new direction was this morning at church. In today's day and age, we are all circling in our own orbits of day after day life, wondering how we're going to live for ourselves. Seriously, it's true. Even I myself am guilty of it. But how often do we think about those around us? I know that even in my line of work, when I walk out the door my mind is wondering of how I'm going to spend my next few days off.
It's no secret that we love helping people. I've dabbled into different volunteer opportunities for a while, but after a short amount of time found it wasn't my niche or the other volunteers were often gossiping about things not getting done or were sometimes judgmental towards those who came in. I witnessed this while at a food bank as a volunteer, and removed myself from there because it was a place I felt I did not or should not be mixed into. Hard to show the love of God when the majority are acting in ways that are the complete opposite of such. I have been praying for a while to find ways to use my time off in other ways other than myself; tired of being selfish let's just say. And then this opportunity came up. I don't know what kind of fruit this will produce; hopefully good but again, all in God's will and in His perfect plan. The title of today's post is derived from the words of a song by Matthew West titled "Do Something." Listen to it if you want a good encouraging message and a reminder of our duty as Christians. It's up to us; nobody else is going to take care of it. If not us then who? If not now then when?
Holly: I read a status on Facebook a while back from a young mother, claiming that she hated every single thing about being a parent, yet she loved her child (I really wish I was making this up). Part of this rationale was that this person believed that we as humans were entitled to being selfish. I could not disagree with this more.
I might get some flack for this statement, but I believe it to be true, completely regardless of whether or not you are a Christian: Life is not about you. There. I said it. I think, as a Christian, or even as a decent human being, we ought to be seeking out ways to serve others, instead of attempting to fulfill our own desires. Guys, I am far from a pristine example of this. I still am learning, but it is only by the grace of God that I can keep trying. Something that struck me especially from the sermon today (which we've heard before) is that we waste so much time on trivial, meaningless things. We compartmentalize ourselves, turn ourselves into islands with our Netflix and our iPhones and we just completely miss the point. Again, Guilty. As. Charged. Things are just that....things. Things don't last. Period. One of my favorite passages of Scripture comes from 2 Corinthians 4: "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
As Kelly mentioned, we have an opportunity at our feet that, right now, we aren't sure of much. It's still in the planning stages, but we are praying for God's will and direction, confirmation that this is what He wants to do. He knows our hearts and our desires. At least for me, one of the goals is that we will reach out to those in need, that we will open our homes and our hearts, and that we will bring them to Jesus. That's the main goal: Jesus. Because I still think life isn't about us.
If not us, then who?
If not me and you right now, it's time for us to do something!
If not now, then when?
Will we see an end to all this pain?
It's not enough to do nothing. It's time for us to do something!
We are the salt of the earth, we are a city on a hill
We're never going to change the world by standing still
Showing posts with label songs that speak to us. Show all posts
Showing posts with label songs that speak to us. Show all posts
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
30 Days of Doctor Who: Favorite Music
Holly and Kelly: So technically, today is supposed to be favorite theme song, but that's silly, because this show has AWESOME music. Seriously. That's one of the things we love about this show. Instead of the theme music, we are going to sample some of our favorite tracks from the show, since you only hear the theme for all of 30 seconds when the credits roll.
1. Abide With Me/The Old Rugged Cross
~This is heard in season 3 in one of our favorite episodes "Gridlock". A seemingly hopeless situation (drivers stuck in a decades long traffic jam, trapped in an under city) show hope in their new home, and this song is heard being sung by the city as the Doctor tells Martha of his fallen home planet, Gallifrey. The track is called "Abide With Me." Below is an earlier scene from the same episode; again, everyone is trapped in the gridlock. But hope resounds in song, or in this case, a hymn. It's really quite beautiful
Since Rose is our favorite companion, naturally we love her "theme" as well. Beautiful, yet with a hint of sadness. Even though it nearly destroyed us at the end of "Doomsday", we think it suits Rose perfectly. Give it a listen.
This is in "The End of Time". And I'll just stop there.
We fell in love with Amy and Rory, hard, so it goes without saying that we were not really looking forward to "The Angels Take Manhattan". The scene where you hear this track is unbelievably powerful...how far would you go for the one you love?
We have just recently begun Clara's run as companion, and there is something different about her as one. One thing that is different is her "theme." It's very whimsical and unlike the other themes. I (Kelly) think it's cute and want it played at my wedding :)
And we saved our favorite two for last...
In the episode that this song plays in, The 11th Doctor delivers one of the most epic speeches in which he shares his gifts and burdens as a Time Lord who has lived for almost a Century. This speech is given as an attempt to deter a vicious beast from destroying an innocent race. It's amazing.
This song still remains our favorite song from Doctor Who. It is heard in Season 4 after a great war has come to an end, and The Doctor, along with his 6 companions are guiding ol' Mother Earth back where she belongs. But what you don't understand is that it just isn't just a song of freedom; it's a song of so much more. It's a song of hope, inspiration, and of course freedom, but a freedom of fear, worry, despair and hopelessness. You feel empowered after you listen to it, seriously!
Labels:
30 Days of Writing,
Doctor Who,
music,
songs that speak to us
Sunday, March 9, 2014
God Moments: part 3
Kelly: Today's post is very different from our other ones with this title. In light of recent events, we felt it would be appropriate to share a very near and dear God moment we have both had the wonder of experiencing.
The Family That Became
In February of 2009, I, along with Holly, joined the church choir at Berea Baptist church. This process took a series of arm twistings by some friends of ours who were already in it. I remember we were eating dinner and these two friends came up to us and said "Holly and Kelly, you're coming to church choir with us." So we reluctantly came, joined, met some of the members and the rest is history. My oh my how 5 years seems to pass so very quickly. I walked into a church I had barely gone to, sat down, met some people and now am honored and so very blessed to be a part of this every other Tuesday (God's calling at my job keeps me away from time to time but it is all well and understood).
As I posted on my Facebook just recently, to be a part of something that not only changes other people's lives but continues to change mine Sunday after Sunday. It is a blessing, an honor and a privilege to worship God the most high with countless others who love Him too. That's it. I really don't have anything else to say. It's all been said before.
Holly: I remember not even 2 weeks after we had joined we went on a choir retreat to Gatlinburg. As I was literally dragging my stuff up the street from my dorm to church, I was thinking something like: I must be out of my mind. Here I am, I JUST joined this choir, and now I'm going to spend the weekend with all these crazy people, none of whom I really know save a few, on a bus for 3 hours there and back, in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, way up in the mountains, it's freezing, I have all this homework to do, I don't want to do this.
I wish I could travel back in time and smack myself across the face. I'll save all the details, stories, testimonies, etc, but I will say that I will never, ever forget that weekend. Ever.
I had no intention of staying with this choir for five years, but alas, God's intentions are greater than my own. This choir is a part of my life now. It's my family. We're family. We are all part of something that is more beautiful and bigger than we ever will be. I can't speak for everyone, but it's made me better because of it. I count myself incredibly blessed to be a part of this body of believers. God has done amazing things with us, and I wouldn't change any part of it for the world. I thank God every week for this ministry and I sincerely pray it continues to change lives as much as it has changed mine.
The Family That Became
In February of 2009, I, along with Holly, joined the church choir at Berea Baptist church. This process took a series of arm twistings by some friends of ours who were already in it. I remember we were eating dinner and these two friends came up to us and said "Holly and Kelly, you're coming to church choir with us." So we reluctantly came, joined, met some of the members and the rest is history. My oh my how 5 years seems to pass so very quickly. I walked into a church I had barely gone to, sat down, met some people and now am honored and so very blessed to be a part of this every other Tuesday (God's calling at my job keeps me away from time to time but it is all well and understood).
As I posted on my Facebook just recently, to be a part of something that not only changes other people's lives but continues to change mine Sunday after Sunday. It is a blessing, an honor and a privilege to worship God the most high with countless others who love Him too. That's it. I really don't have anything else to say. It's all been said before.
Holly: I remember not even 2 weeks after we had joined we went on a choir retreat to Gatlinburg. As I was literally dragging my stuff up the street from my dorm to church, I was thinking something like: I must be out of my mind. Here I am, I JUST joined this choir, and now I'm going to spend the weekend with all these crazy people, none of whom I really know save a few, on a bus for 3 hours there and back, in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, way up in the mountains, it's freezing, I have all this homework to do, I don't want to do this.
I wish I could travel back in time and smack myself across the face. I'll save all the details, stories, testimonies, etc, but I will say that I will never, ever forget that weekend. Ever.
I had no intention of staying with this choir for five years, but alas, God's intentions are greater than my own. This choir is a part of my life now. It's my family. We're family. We are all part of something that is more beautiful and bigger than we ever will be. I can't speak for everyone, but it's made me better because of it. I count myself incredibly blessed to be a part of this body of believers. God has done amazing things with us, and I wouldn't change any part of it for the world. I thank God every week for this ministry and I sincerely pray it continues to change lives as much as it has changed mine.
![]() |
| Easter 2013- combined program with First Baptist London |
| Easter 2013- we look sleepy :) |
![]() |
| The retreat that started it all |
![]() |
| Choir picnic (I believe this would have been spring 2009...?) |
![]() |
| Corn Maze- fall 2010 |
Labels:
answered prayers,
blessings,
church,
friends,
God,
songs that speak to us
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Top Ten Tunage
Holly: So Kelly and I were inspired by this:
http://twopaddocks.com/team-tunes.shtml#BenedictCumberbatch
Yes, it's Mr. C. Sue us. But we were browsing through the rest of the lists and we just kept thinking, what would be OUR top ten songs?? So here they are (these are in no particular order):
1. Who You Are- Unspoken
I first heard this song on a radio station I don't normally listen to, and the words just really spoke to me. It just resonated with me that no matter how far gone you go, God is still there.
2. Holland Road- Mumford and Sons
Ok, essentially ANYTHING by them is good, just very recently got into them and love their music, their instrumentation, etc. But the rhythms and driving melody is just...aah! My ears are happy. And the words are really powerful.
3. Can't Stop Loving You- Phil Collins
Like Mumford, I'm a huge Phil Collins fan. HUGE. It's very hard to find a song by him that I don't like. But this is just one of the most beautiful love songs in existence, in my opinion. If I ever get married I will play this song.
4. Solsbury Hill- Peter Gabriel
Just makes me think about life, memories, good times.
5. River- Enya
I listen to this if I can't think of anything to listen to. Beautiful music.
6. No Not One- Brandon Heath
Probably one of my favorite songs ever. Great reminder of God and His love and power.
7. Tonight is the Night- Outasight
Don't judge. Makes me want to dance.
8. Ticket to Ride- The Beatles
Catchy.
9. Hide- Scott Grimes
Yes, Dr. Morris on ER can sing. And he does it well.
10. Into the West- Annie Lennox
Still gives me chills to this day. Hauntingly beautiful.
Kelly: (my list changes daily. I love all kinds of music)
1. Caledonia-Celtic Woman.
I first heard this song when I was in the Highlands last summer in Scotland. It's a beautiful song about making a return journey home. There are many versions of this song; I just like Celtic Woman's the best :]
2. Broken Crown-Mumford & Sons
There are a few explicit words in this song, but a friend of mine pointed out how much passion there is in it. There really is. Just listen to the words. And the music is terrific too
3. The Memory of Trees-Enya
This song...is so beautiful. I love a lot of Enya's work, but after a long day this song is so relaxing.
4. One Thing Remains-Kristian Stanfill
Just a reminder that God's love is always with us. It never fails, never gives up, and it never runs out. Power! What power! Currently playing on repeat
5. All This Time-Britt Nicole
I call this my theme song. For real. Sometimes I forget that God has been there walking beside me through the hard times. And He still is!
6. Voice in the Wilderness-David Nevue
Found this song through Pandora. It's gorgeous! I love calm piano music, mostly hymns.
7. I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)-The Proclaimers
I just always want to get up and start dancing when I hear this song. I play it after I get something done and want to celebrate. Plus, they're twins...from Scotland! :D
8. Joy to the World-Hillsong
Yes, yes. I know it's a Christmas song. But it's my favorite arrangement of said song. Take a listen.
9. Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da: The Beatles
Because it's awesome. That's why!
10. Free-Dara Maclean.
Another whoop whoop song! Just got introduced to this not too long ago. Such true words! Great for walking early in the morning. :]
Let us know what you like or what you like on this list! Cheers!
http://twopaddocks.com/team-tunes.shtml#BenedictCumberbatch
Yes, it's Mr. C. Sue us. But we were browsing through the rest of the lists and we just kept thinking, what would be OUR top ten songs?? So here they are (these are in no particular order):
1. Who You Are- Unspoken
I first heard this song on a radio station I don't normally listen to, and the words just really spoke to me. It just resonated with me that no matter how far gone you go, God is still there.
2. Holland Road- Mumford and Sons
Ok, essentially ANYTHING by them is good, just very recently got into them and love their music, their instrumentation, etc. But the rhythms and driving melody is just...aah! My ears are happy. And the words are really powerful.
3. Can't Stop Loving You- Phil Collins
Like Mumford, I'm a huge Phil Collins fan. HUGE. It's very hard to find a song by him that I don't like. But this is just one of the most beautiful love songs in existence, in my opinion. If I ever get married I will play this song.
4. Solsbury Hill- Peter Gabriel
Just makes me think about life, memories, good times.
5. River- Enya
I listen to this if I can't think of anything to listen to. Beautiful music.
6. No Not One- Brandon Heath
Probably one of my favorite songs ever. Great reminder of God and His love and power.
7. Tonight is the Night- Outasight
Don't judge. Makes me want to dance.
8. Ticket to Ride- The Beatles
Catchy.
9. Hide- Scott Grimes
Yes, Dr. Morris on ER can sing. And he does it well.
10. Into the West- Annie Lennox
Still gives me chills to this day. Hauntingly beautiful.
Kelly: (my list changes daily. I love all kinds of music)
1. Caledonia-Celtic Woman.
I first heard this song when I was in the Highlands last summer in Scotland. It's a beautiful song about making a return journey home. There are many versions of this song; I just like Celtic Woman's the best :]
2. Broken Crown-Mumford & Sons
There are a few explicit words in this song, but a friend of mine pointed out how much passion there is in it. There really is. Just listen to the words. And the music is terrific too
3. The Memory of Trees-Enya
This song...is so beautiful. I love a lot of Enya's work, but after a long day this song is so relaxing.
4. One Thing Remains-Kristian Stanfill
Just a reminder that God's love is always with us. It never fails, never gives up, and it never runs out. Power! What power! Currently playing on repeat
5. All This Time-Britt Nicole
I call this my theme song. For real. Sometimes I forget that God has been there walking beside me through the hard times. And He still is!
6. Voice in the Wilderness-David Nevue
Found this song through Pandora. It's gorgeous! I love calm piano music, mostly hymns.
7. I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)-The Proclaimers
I just always want to get up and start dancing when I hear this song. I play it after I get something done and want to celebrate. Plus, they're twins...from Scotland! :D
8. Joy to the World-Hillsong
Yes, yes. I know it's a Christmas song. But it's my favorite arrangement of said song. Take a listen.
9. Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da: The Beatles
Because it's awesome. That's why!
10. Free-Dara Maclean.
Another whoop whoop song! Just got introduced to this not too long ago. Such true words! Great for walking early in the morning. :]
Let us know what you like or what you like on this list! Cheers!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Some days you're the gun...some days you're the smiley face on the wall...
Kelly:
In case you're wondering about the title of the blog...well, the above video describes it. I'm sure you've all heard the phrase (or something similar) "some days you're the bug and some days you're the windshield." The title of today's blog post is that same analogy, except I added a Sherlockian twist. Today has definitely been one of those days. Today I am definitely the smiley face.
Yesterday our water heater sprung a leak. A pretty big leak. Catherine noticed it yesterday, so for all we know it could have been running and running for days...which is sort of a scary thought. Apologies...hard to type with hang nails on BOTH of your ring fingers. >.< Anyway, so after church I ran out and called our water company on the way home. The guy basically said it wasn't his problem and told us to call the landlord...which we did. While at the grocery store, our landlord called me and said he'd be there within the hour. Long story short so I can get to the point, some valve needs replaced and will be fixed on Wednesday. Hurrah!
Anyway, coming to the point of this post. Today at church there were a few eye-opening moments. The ending theme was about being wealthy. My pastor asked the congregation if we considered ourselves wealthy. Thinking to myself...I said no. No I really didn't. Then some things were said and my thinking changed. Perspective. That's what it's about. Really. Again...felt like the smiley face on the wall. To be honest, if you REALLY think about it, we are pretty wealthy. Now that I've left church I consider myself pretty wealthy all things considering. Even if we have to survive without hot water for a few days. We've got it pretty well made. I'm listening to this song right now called "Good to be Alive." The song speaks for itself.
I wanna live like there's no tomorrow
Love like I'm on borrowed time
It's good to be alive.
Holly: Something to think about the next time you drive to work, go to your kitchen, or sit down with your family at dinner:
8% of the world's population owns a car.
1 billion people don't have access to clean water.
800 million people won't eat today. 300 million of those will be children.
In order to provide basic nutrition, water, and resources to those who don't already have them it would cost roughly $20 billion. In the grand scheme of things that doesn't sound like much, but that amount is roughly what Americans spend on ice cream each year.
Talk about counting your blessings. Definitely a smiley-face-in-the-wall moment for me. Our culture is so skewed in terms of perspective: our gotta-have-it-all-right-this-very-second, bigger, better, best, I-have-more-stuff-than-you attitude is just really crappy, bottom line. Even in my barely moved-into apartment I STILL feel like I have too much stuff. And in the grand scheme of things, I do. I know I do, and I try my best to downsize. But over the years, especially in college, I've come to realize just how pointless stuff really is.
Every day I'm trying to thank God for the things I do have, and also thanking God for when people pull through. Like today. I'm trying to be thankful for the things that matter in my life: my friends, my family, my church, people I work with. We just become so attached to our things, our money, that we completely lose sight of what's important. That is such a dangerous cycle. But I find that when I put my focus on God, everything else just falls into place.
Use things, not people. Love people, not things.
Yesterday our water heater sprung a leak. A pretty big leak. Catherine noticed it yesterday, so for all we know it could have been running and running for days...which is sort of a scary thought. Apologies...hard to type with hang nails on BOTH of your ring fingers. >.< Anyway, so after church I ran out and called our water company on the way home. The guy basically said it wasn't his problem and told us to call the landlord...which we did. While at the grocery store, our landlord called me and said he'd be there within the hour. Long story short so I can get to the point, some valve needs replaced and will be fixed on Wednesday. Hurrah!
Anyway, coming to the point of this post. Today at church there were a few eye-opening moments. The ending theme was about being wealthy. My pastor asked the congregation if we considered ourselves wealthy. Thinking to myself...I said no. No I really didn't. Then some things were said and my thinking changed. Perspective. That's what it's about. Really. Again...felt like the smiley face on the wall. To be honest, if you REALLY think about it, we are pretty wealthy. Now that I've left church I consider myself pretty wealthy all things considering. Even if we have to survive without hot water for a few days. We've got it pretty well made. I'm listening to this song right now called "Good to be Alive." The song speaks for itself.
I wanna live like there's no tomorrow
Love like I'm on borrowed time
It's good to be alive.
Holly: Something to think about the next time you drive to work, go to your kitchen, or sit down with your family at dinner:
8% of the world's population owns a car.
1 billion people don't have access to clean water.
800 million people won't eat today. 300 million of those will be children.
In order to provide basic nutrition, water, and resources to those who don't already have them it would cost roughly $20 billion. In the grand scheme of things that doesn't sound like much, but that amount is roughly what Americans spend on ice cream each year.
Talk about counting your blessings. Definitely a smiley-face-in-the-wall moment for me. Our culture is so skewed in terms of perspective: our gotta-have-it-all-right-this-very-second, bigger, better, best, I-have-more-stuff-than-you attitude is just really crappy, bottom line. Even in my barely moved-into apartment I STILL feel like I have too much stuff. And in the grand scheme of things, I do. I know I do, and I try my best to downsize. But over the years, especially in college, I've come to realize just how pointless stuff really is.
Every day I'm trying to thank God for the things I do have, and also thanking God for when people pull through. Like today. I'm trying to be thankful for the things that matter in my life: my friends, my family, my church, people I work with. We just become so attached to our things, our money, that we completely lose sight of what's important. That is such a dangerous cycle. But I find that when I put my focus on God, everything else just falls into place.
Use things, not people. Love people, not things.
Labels:
being a Christian,
church,
God moments,
Perspective,
sermons,
Sherlock,
songs that speak to us
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Man, these times are hard
Kelly: It started with church today...the topic of this blog. But before I delve into the real purpose of this blog, I must say watching very....oh ok, cute Danish gymnasts perform in front of our very eyes was definitely worth getting out of my room for! Mmmm mmmm...good! Ok enough about that; time for what is really on my mind. It actually started in Sunday school; our class is doing a video series by a pastor named Andy Stanley (he is FANTASTIC!!!) called Twisting the Truth. It is exactly just that; how an invisible world (Satan) is attacking and twisting the truth of our visible world...here. Folks, this is such true stuff; we cannot ignore it! Anyway, today's discussion was about exactly how twisted this world is. For real.
One particular example I could not get out of my head was Westboro Baptist church. If you don't know who they are, then you are a blessed individual. I'd rather not explain all it is that they do, because thinking about it makes me physically ill. But I mentioned in my class that sometimes people can try to twist God's truth, and so on and so forth. Then came to the message...titled Stronger Together. Over the past year or so, our pastor mentioned that there have been several issues regarding our church unity; basically there are tensions that are keeping some of us congregation members divided. It just saddened me actually; was I just naive or was I completely unaware that these issues were even going on?
Even if it's not what you believe in, just hear me out; the world is so full of....crap. Crap that is threatening to change our views on culture, race, and each other. So many of us are hurting day after day, but all this world seems to be worrying about is who to blame for the next financial crisis, the next recession, or finding the next predictor of Earth's tragic demise. In my honest opinion, this world needs more than just us good-hearted people; it needs a Savior. Readers, I am not trying to preach, but please don't misunderstand me. It's up to us to combat this evil in the world and hold true to what we believe in. Because honestly, in this day and age, for some people it's all they've got.
Holly: I really have nothing to add, except this: Whether or not you pray, believe in God, it doesn't matter: please be thinking/praying for our beloved church. It has changed my life for the absolute better and the fact that there is so much hurt going on that I didn't know about hurts me. And if there is anything that any of you are going through that you feel comfortable enough to share with us, please do. Let me know if I can pray for you or help you in any way. :)
I was introduced to this song today. Yeah, I know, it's about birthdays...but really listen to it! It's so much more than that.
Just Another Birthday- Casting Crowns
Sixteen finds me
Blowing out candles and making wishes
And all around me
Is everyone but the one I'm wishing for
And he sent me flowers
And gift-wrapped excuses
From a daddy whose daughter
Wants to see him again
And I know, I know
It's just another birthday
But I guess I thought
This would be the one
When he would call me, see me
Hold me and free me
But it's just another birthday
And I'll be fine
I'll be fine
Nineteen finds me
And I'm wild-eyed and wide open
I gave myself away to love
But backseat promises fade like a mist
I'm screaming at the midnight air
Everyone hears me but I don't care
My heart's clenched just like a fist
Cause, people, I didn't ask for any of this
And I'm not fine
I'm not fine
In the company of strangers
In a cold and sterile room
All alone with a child inside me
And I don't know what to do
Jesus, can You hear me
Come and heal my brokenness
Put the pieces back together
And be a Father to the fatherless
Twenty-one finds me
Blowing out candles and making wishes
And all around me
My barefoot princess twirls and sings
It's so amazing
Looking back at all God's brought us through
You are my happy birthday
And you were born to break the chains
Now I know, I know
It's not just another birthday
Cause I'm here, shes here
And look how far we've come
Since you've called me, saw me
Held me and freed me
Thank you, Lord, for another birthday
And we'll be fine
We'll be fine
One particular example I could not get out of my head was Westboro Baptist church. If you don't know who they are, then you are a blessed individual. I'd rather not explain all it is that they do, because thinking about it makes me physically ill. But I mentioned in my class that sometimes people can try to twist God's truth, and so on and so forth. Then came to the message...titled Stronger Together. Over the past year or so, our pastor mentioned that there have been several issues regarding our church unity; basically there are tensions that are keeping some of us congregation members divided. It just saddened me actually; was I just naive or was I completely unaware that these issues were even going on?
Even if it's not what you believe in, just hear me out; the world is so full of....crap. Crap that is threatening to change our views on culture, race, and each other. So many of us are hurting day after day, but all this world seems to be worrying about is who to blame for the next financial crisis, the next recession, or finding the next predictor of Earth's tragic demise. In my honest opinion, this world needs more than just us good-hearted people; it needs a Savior. Readers, I am not trying to preach, but please don't misunderstand me. It's up to us to combat this evil in the world and hold true to what we believe in. Because honestly, in this day and age, for some people it's all they've got.
Holly: I really have nothing to add, except this: Whether or not you pray, believe in God, it doesn't matter: please be thinking/praying for our beloved church. It has changed my life for the absolute better and the fact that there is so much hurt going on that I didn't know about hurts me. And if there is anything that any of you are going through that you feel comfortable enough to share with us, please do. Let me know if I can pray for you or help you in any way. :)
I was introduced to this song today. Yeah, I know, it's about birthdays...but really listen to it! It's so much more than that.
Just Another Birthday- Casting Crowns
Sixteen finds me
Blowing out candles and making wishes
And all around me
Is everyone but the one I'm wishing for
And he sent me flowers
And gift-wrapped excuses
From a daddy whose daughter
Wants to see him again
And I know, I know
It's just another birthday
But I guess I thought
This would be the one
When he would call me, see me
Hold me and free me
But it's just another birthday
And I'll be fine
I'll be fine
Nineteen finds me
And I'm wild-eyed and wide open
I gave myself away to love
But backseat promises fade like a mist
I'm screaming at the midnight air
Everyone hears me but I don't care
My heart's clenched just like a fist
Cause, people, I didn't ask for any of this
And I'm not fine
I'm not fine
In the company of strangers
In a cold and sterile room
All alone with a child inside me
And I don't know what to do
Jesus, can You hear me
Come and heal my brokenness
Put the pieces back together
And be a Father to the fatherless
Twenty-one finds me
Blowing out candles and making wishes
And all around me
My barefoot princess twirls and sings
It's so amazing
Looking back at all God's brought us through
You are my happy birthday
And you were born to break the chains
Now I know, I know
It's not just another birthday
Cause I'm here, shes here
And look how far we've come
Since you've called me, saw me
Held me and freed me
Thank you, Lord, for another birthday
And we'll be fine
We'll be fine
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)



