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.

Wicked Wednesday - 20100616

Hi and welcome to Wednesday Wickedness. We are like other memes in that we will ask you ten questions each and every Wednesday. But our little "twist" is that each week we will pick a famous person and pick ten of their quotes. Each of our questions will be based on the quotes. Got it? Great! Let's begin this week's meme!

Today we picked Bruce Springsteen. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. “When it comes to luck, you make your own.” Do you believe you have that type of control over your luck?

 I feel that there are always things outside of my control.  I cannot affect what other people do.  I may have influence over some, but the vast majority i do not.  What i do have control over is how i act/react to the situations that life presents.  So ultimately, no, i cannot "make my own" luck, but i can control how i "create my own luck".  If a job opportunity presents itself i can show up on time, i can perform to the best of my ability.  Often others will see this, and thus how things come your way in the future is impacted.

2. "You've got to learn to live with what you can't rise above.” What is something you have had difficulty rising above?

For me it has been my own poor choices in regards to my education.  Some of it has to do with my own ability to learn/absorb, but trying to be late to class, or rolling dice to make my choices on tests, and putting off college until my own personal life became too much of a "distraction".  By God's grace i have the job i have, but it was not by wise personal choices.

3. “Poor men wanna be rich, rich men wanna be kings, and a king ain’t satisfied till he rules everything.” Would you want to be rich?

There are times when i would really like to be a little more "rich".  For example, i would love to not have a mortgage.  However, i also recognize that there is a part of me that is never satisfied.  Right now, i consider myself "rich" in that the only debt i have, that i carry a balance from month to month, is my mortgage.  There are months where that the belt is getting pretty tight, but in the end... i am fairly happy with where i am at.

4. “The best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with.” Tell us about a song that helps you "face the world."

For me it has to be Amazing Grace.  I love both the traditional hymn, but also the more recent version by Chris Tomlin.


 

This song helps me keep myself in perspective, as well as the world.

5. “In America everything's about who's number one today.” Have you ever been a fan of someone you thought would last but turned out to be a flash in the pan?

It is no secret that i am a fan of American Football, and while i have favorites among the position, the one i hold in the highest esteem is at Running Back.  When Tshimanga Biakabutuka was drafted by "my" Carolina Panthers in 1995 i was really excited. The career span of a Running Back in the NFL is very short, but this man really had a hard time staying healthy.  I do not say that in a critical tone, rather in a way that i feel it was too short.  Fortunately he has been able to make a life for himself after his NFL career.  But when he was on the field - wow! - it's just a shame that he was unable to take it all the way.

6. “Is a dream a lie if it don't come true, or is it something worse?” Has any dream of yours come true?

I think as a result of my childhood i really do not tend to be a dreamer. For me i have to focus on the here and now.  The what might be is too far off, too many variables affecting the end outcome.  While i know it is important to have a long range target in mind, so that you can adjust the footsteps in route, my focus tends to be more immediate.

7. “Our American government has strayed too far from American values. It is time to move forward. The country we carry in our hearts is waiting.” What would you change if you became the president?

I almost snorted Dr Pepper out my nose!  Wow... assuming i even made it that far... i would like to enact line item veto ability for the President, a flat income tax for all social standings - if say 10% is good for people making minimum wage then it is good for those drawing down $1m or more AND the elimination of many of the tax deduction/credits - or at least a cap at a certain percentage,  a mandatory balanced budget, and a law that states that Congress and the House MUST abide by ALL laws enforced upon the general populace.  They (including the President) are in a position of power to serve the people, not to line their own pockets and be exempt from the rules.

8. "Yeah, I had gay friends. The first thing I realized was that everybody's different, and it becomes obvious that all of the gay stereotypes are ridiculous." How do you feel about gay rights?

I will start with - you cannot legislate morality.  Second, gays are no different than you or me.  They are just labeled differently for the type of sin they are choosing to pursue.  So, to ask me if i feel that gays and lesbians should have the right to get married, etc. my answer is no.  But then, i feel that pornography should be illegal as well so...  No matter how many laws you enact (or not), inevitably we humans will still seek out the tree of forbidden fruit. 

9. " It's a sad man my friend who's living in his own skin and can't stand the company." Have you ever been disappointed in yourself?

I am pretty sure not a week goes by that i have not done something that i am not disappointed about.  Maybe it's a boneheaded decision at work, or a harsh word spoken to my children.  A failure to take action in regards to a need that God has shown me.  In the end... i am not resting on what i have, or have not done, but in what Christ has done for me.  He provides the grace and mercy to change, so that when such "opportunities" come back around, i can make a different decision.  If not for Christ, this "samurai" would have had to commit seppuku long ago.

10. "The best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with." What's your favorite type of music? What's your favorite band?

My preference lie in Celtic Folk Music.  I love the rhythm and pace, i like the instruments, and i especially enjoy the spirited instrumentals and dance numbers.  Funny thing is... in this genre i do not really have a favorite above all others.  I like Steeleye Span, Maddy Prior, Gaelic Storm, Blackmore's Night, and the like.  If i have to pick one group over all the others... i think i want to go with Jethro Tull  but their lyrics and over all world view keep me from taking them as #1... i would go with Chris Tomlin.  Really good music and lyrics.  Now, if i could find a way to combine the gospel-centric lyrics of Christ Tomlin/Steven Curtis Chapman/Casting Crowns and Celtic/Irish folk music... that would be awesome.  In my opinion.

Thanks for checking out our Wednesday craziness. We hope you join us again. Please visit our other player's posts and make a comment. Join us next week for our next meme!

Music Monday 20090323

It was a fairly routine weekend around the 'dojo'. Friday night my two oldest had a sleepover at a friend's house, we had care group (small group, Bible study, Biblical Community) where i led the start of our "Love Dares" series. My beloved went to a going away party for a friend of hers who is moving away. Saturday i headed to a restaurant in Frederick, MD to meet up with some of my old National Guard buddies (some of the guys i had not seen since before they were deployed). After that, while i was heading to pick the boys up i heard my selection for this week on the radio. I could not tell you who the artist was that was singing it on the radio, and a subsequent search to find out who the original author was has been unsuccessful so far. I am counting on a more musically inclined blogging friend to fill me in because she has the really cool knack for knowing/finding this information. As i was listening to it i forgot all of the little trials i am going through. Thoughts of the odds and ends that usually fill my brain were temporarily pushed aside and i was able to just meditate on my Savior for those few brief moments. I often find it hard for me to do that. That is clear my head and just think about the things of God. During quiet times (which to be perfectly honest they are neither regular or long enough for my personal tastes), even while singing worship songs, my mind wanders. I am not sure how to take this (it's not just during times that i want to focus on God... i have similar difficulties when trying to read anything). Am i not disciplined enough? Is it that i don't take the time to train myself more, or is it something i should take medication for? Anyway, this song was a real blessing to me this weekend. For five minutes i was focused on my Savior, and i really felt refreshed.

The Wonderful Cross author: Isaac Watts (thanks Alise!) When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of Glory died My richest gain I count but loss And pour contempt on all my pride See from his head, his hands, his feet Sorrow and love flow mingled down Did ever such love and sorrow meet Or thorns compose so rich a crown O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross All who gather here by grace draw near and bless Your name Were the whole realm of nature mine That were an offering far too small Love so amazing, so divine Demands my soul, my life, my all Musician performing in Video: Chris Tomlin

This song is one that stirs a wide range of emotions within me. Shame - because i know that it was my sin that brought Him to such a place. Sorrow that my Savior died to take my place. Joy that His death bought my peace and security. Contentment knowing that my eternity is secured. Frustration in my self that i continue to struggle over the sins that are nailed to that cross. Sometime back i had the privilege to listen to series of sermons by C.J. Mahaney titled, "The Main Thing" (i think that was the title). But in essence the heart of the message is that the cross is the center of what Christianity is all about. It does not matter what the denomination's traditions are, it does not matter what the beliefs are regarding baptism are - without the cross traditions and doctrines mean nothing. Our works and beliefs begin and end on what Christ accomplished on the cross. Our lives and messages need to be Christ and Cross centered.

Musical Monday

The past week or two my daughter has really been wanting to watch the DVD of her year she practiced ballet. The woman who was running, and teaching, the school made a DVD because it was going to be the last year before her husband took a job in another state (very sad for us), so she wanted to give her students something to remember the school. DD3 has been wanting to get involved in something, almost anything, but she is at an in-between age where she is either not old enough, or the timing of when the classes, etc., are not available. Anyway, when I heard this song on the DVD it spoke to my heart (again), then last night as I was sitting in my car (reading "Living the Cross Centered Life" while waiting for Awana's to end), I heard this song on the radio and it was confirmed. I just had to use it for my "Musical Monday".

Indescribable
by Chris Tomlin

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

These verses really speak to the vanity of man's attempts to really describe God. Just how small man really is when we dare to look up and compare ourselves to Him. But in spite of all of this He reaches down, He makes Himself known to His creation, and He actually intervenes on our behalf. Words cannot adequately express...
Verse for today:
Job 38 : 3-7, 22-24, ESV
Dress for action [1] like a man;
I will question you, and you make it known to me.

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
On what were its bases sunk,
or who laid its cornerstone,
when the morning stars sang together
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

“Have you entered the storehouses of the snow,
or have you seen the storehouses of the hail,
which I have reserved for the time of trouble,
for the day of battle and war?
What is the way to the place where the light is distributed,
or where the east wind is scattered upon the earth?