Music Monday - 20100621

For me the worship of God is a deeply emotional thing. When i went to church growing up more often than not there would be the 3 Hymns, a time of prayer, and then the sermon.  Even then, when i as yet did not have a relationship with Christ, i enjoyed the singing.  But when the Holy Spirit came to dwell in my heart something changed.  It felt like my joy could no longer be contained.  Now, i am not an awful singer, but i am not all that good either.  My song selection today is one that "still does it for me". 

How Can I Keep From Singing

by Chris Tomlin

There is an endless song
Echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring

And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the rock I cling

How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing

I will lift my eyes
In the darkest night
For I know my Savior lives

And I will walk with You
Knowing You'll see me through
And sing the songs You give

I can sing in the troubled times
Sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step
And fall down again
I can sing 'cause You pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know
That I'll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne

While searching for this song i found that an older song, a hymn if you will, also bears this title.  An interesting history to be sure.  I found this article on Wiki.

Random Dozen Wednesday

1. Would you rather host party or simply attend a party? ~ I am not really partial to crowds of more than say, 5 - that includes myself and my Beloved.  So, having to choose between these two... i would much rather attend.  That way i can find a less crowded corner or room to kind of disappear to.  However, God has a sense of humor because my Beloved is an awesome hostess.  She bakes and invites people over to relax.  And if you are inviting one couple over might as well invite five, and their children.  Although it is "uncomfortable", God has never allowed me to get complacent or comfortable. 8)

2. Tell us about the most memorable party you've been to. ~ The one that is most memorable one to me is the first one i was ever invited to.  My brother and i had been invited to BARD's house.  The age group was pretty diverse for such a party.  College students, High School Students, and others.  I remember because it was the first time i realized that i was not comfortable in a large crowd, and i learned that my brother could speak Orcish. 8)  I had to walk all the way back home to tell my mom that he was puking his guts out.  It just wasn't my scene.  Although BARD and i have been reacquainted through muFacebook and other means.  He is a fellow believer and a really good musician.  It's a shame we live about 100 miles apart though.

3. What is one thing you hope for in the after-life? ~ Wow... that is a tough one.  To be honest, i would be glad to just be cleaning the streets with my shirt tail.  I truly hope to be able to learn how to play a musical instrument so that i may play in the workshop to God that way.

4. What do you enjoy most about sunshine? ~ I enjoy the penetrating warmth that can be felt after a long cold/wet night.  When those first rays of sunshine hits your body you can almost literally feel the warmth soak into your skin.

5. When you attend a bridal/baby shower, do you prefer to bring your own gift or chip in with others to buy a larger gift? ~ 8| ... um.... i like chipping in.  I never really know what to get, and this way i feel like i have contributed in a meaningful way.  Even though it is not directly personal to me.

6. Would you rather have a FREE week of having your house cleaned or all of your meals cooked for you and your family? ~ I am leaning towards having the house cleaned.  I grew up scraping by with whatever could be scrounged to eat, and i am still that way today.  Don't get me wrong.  I enjoy a well cooked meal, and my Beloved makes sure i never go hungry.  But i think to best balance our gifts and season of life... a week of free house cleaning would be a real blessing.

7. What song describes your mood today? ~ He is Our King - by the David Crowder Band has been playing over and over in my mind today.

8. What is something you received for your own bridal shower/wedding that you still own or use? (If you are not married, feel free to sub a gift you received a long time ago.) ~ I cannot honestly remember any gift from my wedding day that we still use.  My Beloved might be able to, but i cannot.  However, my most treasured gift from my wedding day will be my bride and the ring she slipped on my finger.  It is scratched, it has been resized, it has a gauge from my military days, but she is mine and i am hers.

9. Your favorite flavor of ice cream is? ~ .Vanilla, all other "flavors" are merely variations of the original. 8)

10. When was the last time you felt "tested?" ~ Other than today?  There are "tests" everyday.  The only question is how one is going to respond to the situations you find yourself.  Tests of temptation, tests of persecution, tests of failures, test of prosperity.  But in the end what does it matter what you find yourself in the middle of, but how you react to it.

11. "[Fill in the blank] is a food that once I start eating I find really hard to stop." ~ My Beloved makes a Chicken and Rice Casserole that i can eat until i get sick to my stomach.  I have the same problem with her Pumpkin Pie too.

12. "-----" is the best motivation. ~ For me?  Responsibility.  If i don't care about something than i am not going to commit to competing/caring-about it.  But knowing that others are counting on me is a pretty good motivator for me.

Music Monday - 20090928 - and other randomness

Thank God it's Monday! \o/ What a weekend. Nothing too strenuous, and nothing more than a typical American family probably goes through. A maintenance activity kept getting rescheduled due to local weather and that was a little frustrating. I am praying for those affected. Right now it is on 'prolonged hold' until the local authorities can get things cleaned up. This morning i was startled into consciousness by my 'electric leash' (aka cell phone). My boss was trying to get the status on another, unrelated, issue that i had been called on. I had left the ringer set WAY loud and when it rang i felt like a cat being startled and vaulting six feet in the air ~ picture America's Funniest Home Videos. I could have sunk my fingers into the ceiling and hung there. *ckl* Yesterday my beloved's and my search for a new church home continued. We've known about the church we visited since before we were married but had never visited there. Mostly due to concerns regarding the doctrine, but we've also seen it raise up two very fine young adults in the children of some friends of ours. We were seated a little late due to not knowing where the youth services for our DD3. We also found out that the youth services for our sons took place at the earlier service. Be that as it may, shortly after we sat down we stood up to worship to this song, and even though my 'spirit' was not as prepared for worship as i would have preferred, this song spoke to my heart... and i hope was a glorious sound in my Savior's ears...

REVELATION SONG by Jennie Lee Riddle © 2004 CCLI # 4447960 Worthy is the, Lamb who was slain Holy, holy, is He Sing a new song to Him who sits on Heaven's mercy seat Holy, holy, holy Is the Lord God Almighty Who was, and is, and is to come With all creation I sing: Praise to the King of Kings You are my everything, And I will adore You Clothed in rainbows Of living color Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder Blessing and honor, strength and Glory and power be To You the only wise King Filled with wonder Awestruck wonder At the mention of Your Name Jesus, Your name is power Breath, and living water Such a marvelous mystery

I would consider myself "charismatic" in my worship of Christ. I believe in the gifts of the Spirit. I believe that there are times my emotions should be fully engaged in the worship of Christ (an ironic statement since i have trouble engaging my emotions in every day life). I would like to believe i am a fellow Christian "Hedonist" with John Piper. At the same time it needs to be said... the emotions, and the gifts of God, are NOT to be pursued in lieu of our relationship with Christ. They should be as a result of a passionate pursuit of the Savior. It is the pursuit of the gifts over the Giver that has given the "Charismatic movement" a black eye, and a sour taste in the mouth. I long for the day when i will stand among the throng before the Throne of God, with my emotions and mind fully engaged, singing similar words... What a weekend for the undercats! How about those Lions getting their first win in twenty games! Then, the Pittsburgh Steelers traveled to Cincinnati and then the Bengals dished out a plate of humble pie! With the Panthers struggling thus far this year i am pulling for all of the feline NFL teams. 8) I just wish i knew that the Panthers were going to win tonight! *ckl* I don't want to lose out on sleep for no reason! On Friday i got on a roll on a background piece for my 'novel'. It's a 'visualization' piece that i can use to help me keep a consistent picture of my four main characters. I was unable to finish it Friday night, and i made about three attempts over the weekend to pick it back up to no avail. I am just way too easily distracted. 8/ Oh well... i hope to pick it back up some time this week.

Music Monday - 20080922

What a weekend. Friday was spent moving and waiting between my house and the hospital that was over 25 miles away (the Urologists in my hometown do not take my insurance). Everything went well and we were home by 7:30pm. My beloved had a 4mm stone. Now, to be honest, when i first heard that i didn't think that was all that big, but after further consideration i think that thing was HUGE! I mean, picture a 4mm object trying to flow through such a tiny little tube... and then picture that happening to you! ;-) One bad thing is that i woke up Friday morning to the realization that a pretty decent head cold had taken a grip upon me. But it was not truly felt until Saturday. The rest of the weekend i spent in slow motion. Normally my beloved tries to make sure i can get rest when i am not feeling well but this weekend i had to be on my feet to make sure she was getting her rest. Poor kids ate a lot of PB&J. ;) Several friends helped out by watching them on Friday till we got home, and by bringing meals through last night. Very helpful, and a God send. I don't know if it was because of being under the weather, or if this is truly something God is trying to show me but it would seem that God has been showing me my 'place', if you will, within the body of Christ. I am not liking what i am seeing in regards to how i am actually doing/being/performing within the body, but in regards to my role/function i am remarkably comfortable. I always fancied myself as one who could be withing the leadership of the church, but in reality i am not much of a leader. I am a pretty good 'soldier' if-you-will, but not one who fashions ideas and plans. Not one who executes initiative. That is not to say that there are not times i should act in such ways, just that they are not my 'natural' inclination. When the realization of such things came over me i thought i should be more disagreeable, but God was fairly gentle in these revelations. He kindly showed me examples in my own life while unfolding it. I have been too busy trying to keep the house and kids moving to really meditate on this... i am hoping that it is not just me wanting to be lazy. Who knows, maybe it is a means in which God is trying to "wake me up". I mean, isn't it the "American Way" to always seek out leadership? To seize the initiative and show others the way to go? Ok, on to my usual blogging subject matter. I chose today's song because Micheal W Smith has long been an inspiration to me when it comes to worship. "Draw Me Close to You" is call we all really long to sing. Even those who never turn from their sins and accept what Christ has accomplished feel this tug. Just like his Word says, "...every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess [2] to God" (Romans 14:11, ESV).

Draw Me Close to You by Kelly Carpenter sung by Micheal W Smith (YouTube video below) Draw me close to you Never let me go I lay it all down again To hear you say that I'm your friend You are my desire No one else will do Cause nothing else can take your place To feel the warmth of your embrace Help me find the way Bring me back to you You're all I want You're all I've ever needed You're all I want Help me know you are near

Could there be anything more desirous? Anything more worth pursuing? May God be with each and every one of you this day. Verse for today: Psalm 25 : 4-5, ESV Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.

Music Monday - 20080804

I have wanted to put my selection for today's Music Monday for some time. Sometimes I would just plain forget, other times another song took its place in the 'I-just-have-to-put-it-in-today' category. LOL

Take Me In Words and music by Dave Browning from Petra Praise: The Rock Cries Out - 1989 Take me past the outer courts Into the Holy place Past the brazen altar Lord I want to see Your face Pass me by the crowds of people The priests who sing Your praise I hunger and thirst for Your righteousness And it's only found one place Take me in to the Holy of Holies Take me in by the blood of the Lamb Take me in to the Holy of Holies Take the coal, cleanse my lips, here I am Take the coal, cleanse my lips, here I am

I remember my first impression when I heard this song. It was a sensation of craving, but not one that would go against the ten commandments. Have you ever craved God? To experience His presence? To be near Him? To hear Him? To just be still and sit at his feet? That is what this song prompts in my heart and mind when I hear it. The imagery that comes to mind (at least to me) is of being led by Jesus into the temple. There are throngs of people milling about. And when I stop to join them Jesus touches my arm, shakes His head, and leads me further in. We then come to the alter of God and I am struck by God's righteousness and my inadequacies. I move to withdraw, but He touches my arm once more. When I turn back to Him with tears in my eyes he lovingly shows me the scars upon his hands, feet, and side. With love in His eyes he brushes away a tear from my face, and leads me further in. We then come to the Holy of Holies. I can no longer stand and fall to my knees in worship. This song stirs my soul. It springs forth a desire to worship. What an awesome song. Verse for today: Isaiah 6 : 1-7, ESV In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train [1] of his robe filled the temple Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” [2]

And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”

Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”

Where has the day gone!

Wow! Today has just flown by... in order to not forget to update my blog I thought I would post some things that I am thankful for this day...

1) I am thankful for my beloved wife. I still remember the day we met at the home coming football game for her college. I had been set up on a blind date with one of her roomates (long story there), and the three of us spent the entire game talking about the Soveriegnty of God! I don't think I saw three plays the whole game. She captured my heart the very first day we met. I still am not sure why she puts up with me... and I really mean that.


2) I am thankful for three kids. It just amazes me that God used me and my beloved to create three other human beings. Each one of them is amazing to me. And does God ever use them in my life! Joy, frustration, humility, love... and they are like mirrors into my soul and mind. God uses them to reveal sin in my life, to help me to better conform into the image of His Son, and there by - I hope - make me a better father and husband.


3) I am thankful for my career. When I met my beloved I was a carpenter's apprentice. Although I owned a little Ford Escort station wagon (a 'gift' from a church member I had never met), which was totaled a week later. She was always having to come down and meet me (we lived over 50 miles from each other), or I was having to catch a ride. When I moved to another state (actually closer to her) in order to pursue a college education and get married, I had no real job. Long story short, I have the job I have today, not because I knew what I wanted and went after it, but because God continually opened doors in my path.


4) I am thankful for my past. Specifically for my experiences. I grew up with divorced parents. I lived with my mother who struggled with depression and had attempted suicide several times. I never lived in any one place for more than two years. At one point, I lived in four different homes, and went to three different schools - all in one school year. I look back and I am just amazed at what God did and how He shaped me through those things. It is all by grace that I can say that my Lord is Jesus Christ, that He died for my sins, and that I can call Him friend/Lord/Savior. It is nothing done by my hand, or anyone elses.


5) I am thankful - and this really should be #1 on the list - for my salvaton. That God humbled Himself, came into the world to reveal the Father, and then paid the price of my sin so that I could know the Father.


6) I am thankful for the National Guard. God has used it to really shape me into a man who is responsible for his actions, and a man who takes service seriously. I have had the opportunity to serve my fellow man when they are most in need... and it is something I have really, really enjoyed. I have had the chance to travel (Honduras, Panama, Louisiana, Arkansas, California, Virginia, Maryland, New York, Florida, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Pennsilvania, West Virginia, Georgia). I have had the chance to meet Governors; fly in helicopters; repel off towers, helicoptors, mountains. I have had the chance to experience so many things that otherwise I would not have had the opportunity.


7) I am thankful for music. I really love music. Especially 'praise and worship' music. but I have found that i enjoy a lot of different kinds. Rock and Roll, Blues, Soul or Jazz, Irish and Scottish folk music. I especially enjoy the flute and piccilo.


8) I enjoy the internet. I have a been able to meet a lot of people, a chance to learn. A chance to 'see' a lot more than I otherwise might not have.


Well, I could probably go on, and on, but I need to wrap up for today... may God grant each of you a peaceful, and blessed Thanksgiving!



Verse for today:
Psalm 9:1-2, ESV
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

Musical Monday... not yet... but hopefully soon

I've seen "Wordless Wendnesday", "Thursday Thirteen", "Friday Feast" on other blogs. They are generally a helpful 'tool' to help a blogger generate a post for at least one or more days a week. Although I've not looked very hard, I've not seen one called "Music(al) Monday" - not decided what I want to call it yet - and I was thinking about doing this from time to time. Basically a way to post a song, or about a song, that has been going around the void between my ears of late. Unfortunately, this is not the Monday to start that as I've not really had one bouncing around this morning. I mean, last week Jukebox Hero was doing a number on me... But this week I am not fully prepared to begin this. Over the weekend I was pondering what God has done in my life. Specifically my professional career. I was able to spend some time with a good friend from High School (we've known each other since 1983). By God's grace we got through High School, post High School, life, marriage, kids, and moving to remain within ten miles of each other (not necessarily all in that order). He is a manager of an auto parts store, and for the most part he is doing very well. Although they are struggling with his work schedule. Being the manager he tends to work a whole lot more hours, including most holidays, and for less money/vacation/etc. I know it bothers him that he is not able to spend as much time with his family as he would like to, especially on weekends. I guess it's one of those questions we may never fully know the answer too. I know I don't feel deserving of all that I do have, let alone why others are not as "blessed". Especially of those who I feel do deserve such things. Verse for today: Proverbs 19:1, ESV Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.

Rest interrupted

Well, my 'mini vacation' was interrupted by the telephone at 06:50 this morning. It was the midnight shift guys letting me know that the 'bossman' was very ill, and I would be needed to come in and attend all of the daily/weekly meetings for him. Such is life, but I've since talked with 'bossman' and he's agreed to let me take a replacement day saometime in the "near future". Who knows... I might be able to start my Thanksgiving break a little early? :)

Today has been a whirlwind, but here are some random thoughts...

For some reason the song "Juke Box Hero" (by Foreigner) has been playing in mind over, and over, and over again... I really have no idea why. So, I've played it a few times from a You Tube video. I don't get it... but it's like being unable to scratch an itch or something!



For the past week or so, I have really been turning over the subject of knowing, and being known by, God. The verses "“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’" (Matthew 7:21-23, ESV), has been something I dwell on from time to time. Not just for my own edification, but so that I can (hopefully) explain it others if asked. One particular sub-theme of this as been (for me) the act of repentence. Over at Steve Camp's blog (yes the contemporary Christian musician) there is an excellent post regarding this very subject. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to ponder such things.

I enjoy writing the occasional short story, but I have been 'dry' for about 3 months now. I have ideas and concepts... continuations of several story lines I've started, but it's just not coming out. At least not in a cohesive form. I'm itching to write... I've just not had the time to sit and plug (i.e. bang) away at it until I clear that hurdle. I've been trying to carry a notebook around to jot notes in... but I've not been disciplined enough to follow through on that. gotta get off my duff!

Speaking of discipline... I need to get out and start running again. I know this is not the normal time a year to start such things, but my back has sidelined me from doing any serious exercise since late April. I've already missed two APFT test times, and I don't want to go out (retire) on a profile - unable to complete my expected check marks. My back still has some aches, and I am still seeing a chyropractor once aq month, but he feels it should be ok to start light running, and even some sit-ups (the later filling me with dread even thinking about it).

Coming back to music before I close things out for today, if you are one who enjoys praise and worship music I can cannot recommend the blog Worship Matters enough. It is written by a man who leads worship in church every Sunday. For me it has been very insightful.

Well, that's all I have for today... God bless...



Verse for today:
Phillipians 4:8-9, ESV
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Jesus bring the rain

Not long ago I heard a new song. At least it was new to me... right now I am not sure how old it was. But the Lord has really been using it in my life. It's titled "Bring the Rain", and it's by Mercy Me. The chorus goes like this:

Bring me joy, bring me peace Bring the chance to be free Bring me anything that brings You glory And I know there'll be days When this life brings me pain But if that's what it takes to praise You Jesus, bring the rain

And that has really been a desire of mine, but there are times when I struggle with this. Do I really want to go through hardships to being Him glory? What if God wanted me to lose my job? What about a serious illness? The book of Job has long been a favorite of mine. It is my favorite book in the Bible, and yet... to be honest... I don't want to have to go through that. I struggle in my flesh to really let myself go... to die to myself... daily. This Saturday I was called into work and ended up pulling an all nighter. There were times I was physically ill by what was going on. In the end it was resolved, and withing the customer's maintenance window. I did remember to give thanks in answer to my prayers that I was lifting up. As I slipped inbetween the sheets at o'dark thirty, just as the sun was beginning to crest the horizon, this song came to my mind once again. I remember chuckling to myself and smiling. Verse for today: Job 42:2-6, ESV “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.' I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent [1] in dust and ashes.”