Music Monday - and other ramblings - 20110117

For most of my Christian life (i am only a 21 year old Christian, hehehe) i have interacted with a lot of evangelists.  I am inspired and humbled by these men and women.  They take it upon their heart to carry the gospel to wherever the Lord leads them.  I am inspired because of how driven most of them are.  They have a passion to spread the Word of Christ, and that is an awesome thing.  I am humbled because, while i love the Lord with all my heart, i just do not have that drive to be out there.  Where i do seem to have a passion though is in support of those who are out there.  To serve these people, to lift them up in prayer, to try and provide in some way financially, etc.  In the military, at least in the Army, it takes seven people in the "rear" to support one soldier on the front line.  While i served in Army (both on active duty and in the National Guard) i was proud of the fact i was a "combat arms" soldier.  I would digress if i went into the why i enjoyed being the "tip of the spear", but i was also aware of the need for those seven other men and women "behind" me.  The soldier patrolling cannot safely complete his mission unless he has adequate supplies of ammunition and food.  If he cannot safely get to and from his area of operations.  Communication gear is crucial.  Now, the ratio may not be the same in regards to evangelism, but nevertheless, support people are just as crucial in the on going ministries of the church, but locally and internationally.  Just like actors get all the attention when it comes to being on the screen, and soldiers are looked up to when the are shown "meeting the enemy", etc. they cannot do what they do without the people who are unseen.  Even if God is not calling you to be out front there is a just-as-vital-mission for you to be a part of.  Maybe it is in prayer, maybe it is in going out to collect materials for them to take out with them.  What i am trying to say is that your gift may be just as important as theirs.  Get involved!

It has been many a week since i last placed finger to keyboard and put up a blog post on a meme that i started without prompting (that is to say it is not unique, but that i had started my thread without knowing about the others yet) - Music Monday. I know of only one other who does this as a result of this blog, and that would be Alise.  She on the other hand, has been VERY faithful in putting up her offerings.  She also does a GREAT job of expounding upon WHY she has chossen a particular song for the week.  I highly encourage you to visit "Big Mama's Blog" to see what i mean.

For a few weeks now i have been hearing a new song from Third Day titled "Lift Up Your Face".  Typical when you hear the word 'salvation' the imagery is usually of someone coming to Christ for the first time.  But the past few months have been pretty... severe for lack of a better word coming to mind.  For me this song was an affirmation to my heart that nothing of this world is forever, and my Lord will one day bring me home and i will be delivered.  The dichotomy of bring saved in the now, and not yet.

Lift Up Your Face

Third Day - from their MOVE album

Lift up your face
Lift up your face
Salvation is calling
Salvation is calling (your name)

You have fallen so far now
You don’t even know how
You are going to survive
But just over the horizon
A new light is shining
Breaking through the darkest night
Love is coming and it’s calling out your name

You feel like your life is fading
You’re tired of waiting
For your moment to arrive
But tomorrow will bring
A song that you can sing
And your hope is gonna rise
Love is coming and it’s calling out your name

Do you hear him calling
Can you hear him calling
He’s calling out your name
He’s calling our your name

Just over the horizon
A new light is shining
Salvation is on its way

I will wrap up this posting with an observation.  I am either not eating as much, or restaurant portions have gotten WAY bigger.  It has been a long time since i have been able to go out to eat, order an appetizer a main course (or entree) AND a dessert... and lately it can only be one of the three.  Recently we took LONG SHANKS out to eat for his birthday.  This time my beloved and i got smart, we ordered only one entree and split it.  With the family sharing the appetizer, me splitting the meal with my beloved, i actually ordered a dessert.  Why was i pushing my luck you ask?  Because someone has come up with dessert-shooters!  That's right, mini desserts served in what resemble shot glasses.  Small, less expensive than the full size counter parts, and just enough to cleanse the pallet. It is probably a win fall for the restaurants as well because i know the profit margin (labor aside) has got to be much larger for these little delectable treats.  Perfect end to the meal.  I was full, but not uncomfortably so.  Since we are not old enough to qualify for the senior citizen discounts and portion sizes yet, i am pretty sure the Mrs. and i will be splitting our meals a lot more often... and it has nothing to do with the saving money part.

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Monday Muddy ramblings

I have been trying fairly hard to come up with songs further and further in advance for my Monday blog entries, but the past seven days have been a whirlwind for me, and i am writing this in a somewhat fuzzy state of mind so it may be even less coherent than usual.

First, i do not have a song for this week. 8(  Alise is so much more faithful than i when it comes to this weekly offering.  I apologize dear readers.  I love music so much, but it is often hard for me to narrow it down to just one song, especially a song that i have not (preferably) used before.  And then, when i wait until the last minute, i often run out of time.

Last week i made a new "friend" on Facebook.  It is a woman who is a fellow MouseHunt player, but she also has a daughter who deals with Autism.  Granted she has been placed in a restricted group of my friends, but through her i found a new blog of her struggles with Autism (she lives in the UK), and as a result a whole new set of "link branches" to click and read.  Soon my mind began to swim.  Not that i do not feel for these parents, or care about what they are going through, but i began to feel overwhelmed in regards to my own struggles with my son.  Still, it was nice to meet someone with similar interests and struggles.  In a way... it was nice to see we are not alone in our struggles.  I would have to read some more, but i think the parents in the UK have it harder, or maybe it's just how good the support is we have where i live.

I want to develop my own little blog award.  Is that egotistical?  I do not come across a lot of blogs that i admire in regards to spiritual matters, and i am not trying to say that because i admire it, it is right or wrong.  I just want to have a way that i respect it, and perhaps have a way of creating links to such blogs to personally recognize them.  I mean... i am not anyone famous... my blog does not really have all that many followers... please feel free to post a comment and share your thoughts...

I was poised to get going on my writing last week when i had a minor revelation... i am hesitating because i really am not sure how to think, and write, from an alien perspective. As i have done "research" i have found someone i would consider an "Authority" on all things (Warhammer 40k) Eldar ~ Gav Thorpe.  I recently sent him an e-mail to ask a few questions in regards about how Eldar think, etc. and he took the time to answer!  His answers made me re-examine a few character traits, or at least how i might try and write them.  And not only his answers, but the brief excerpt from his book.His first Eldar novel, The Path of the Warrior, was just released and Amazon.com has notified me that it is on its way to me!.  I am really looking forward to reading his book, and over the course of time i have learned that this is just the first of three!  Yippie!  The Path of the Seer, and The Path of the Outcast are the next two.  While i am eager for the last title the most... i will have to wait the longest... but i think it will be worth it.  I have another "chapter" to release on my short story blog... but i think i should proof it at least one more time.

I will close this week and say that i have learned that no matter how "noble" my intentions are, my execution of such are not always at an optimum level.  For many reasons, many of which i do not fully comprehend (and that is OK), COWGIRL and her children have moved out.  She was offered a whole house to stay at rent free (just utilities), and that is an awesome opportunity for her and her family.  A ton more space and a chance to just be alone as a family - which is really important during this time.  Please continue to pray for her as she continues to seek out treatment for stage IV colon cancer.  The path ahead is still uncertain, and is filled with many a rock, but she has a really good fighting spirit and is really taking charge in making sure she gives herself every chance to fight this disease.  Changing her diet, seeking the elders to pray over her, and anything else she can think of.  I will try and keep people updated in the weeks and months ahead.  If you know me IRL and want a better means to keep up, please let me know.

Music Monday - 20100614

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the United States ARMY!  235 years young today!  

Since today is anniversary of the forming of the United States Continental Army, i thought it appropriate to have the Army Song as my song for today.

Intro:
March along, sing our song, with the Army of the free
Count the brave, count the true, who have fought to victory
We're the Army and proud of our name
We're the Army and proudly proclaim

Verse:
First to fight for the right,
And to build the Nation’s might,
And The Army Goes Rolling Along
Proud of all we have done,
Fighting till the battle’s won,
And the Army Goes Rolling Along

Refrain:
Then it's Hi! Hi! Hey!
The Army's on its way.
Count off the cadence loud and strong* 
* "Two! Three!" is typically sung here but is not an official part of the song
For where e’er we go,
You will always know
That The Army Goes Rolling Along. 

Verse:
Valley Forge, Custer's ranks,
San Juan Hill and Patton's tanks,
And the Army went rolling along
Minute men, from the start,
Always fighting from the heart,
And the Army keeps rolling along.

(Refrain)

Verse:
Men in rags, men who froze,
Still that Army met its foes,
And the Army went rolling along.
Faith in God, then we're right,
And we'll fight with all our might,
As the Army keeps rolling along.

(Refrain)

Now, i would like to point out here... that this was originally the Artillery Song, and we are kindly sharing it will all of our branch brothers in the Army. 8)

I will Praise You in this Storm - Music Monday edition - 20100524

Have you ever been in a storm and not known it?  I doubt it.  God has given each of us an ability to have a visual perspective.  We can feel the rain and the wind on our face and bodies.  We can see the dark clouds and lightning.  We can hear the crack of thunder and the impact of rain upon the ground.  But what happens when you are following what God is leading you to do?  There is a peace that truly surpasses all understanding.  The storm still rages, but when you are looking into the Saviors face, Paradise, Psalm 23 playing out.

A really good illustration came to mind as i was typing this out:

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.  And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,  but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.  And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.  But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.  But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”  He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”  Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”  And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.  And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:22-33, ESV)

This awesome experience of Peter does not fit my situation exactly.  For me God had mercy on me and He was beside and leading me before the storm kicked up.  Peter had to go on ahead of His Lord and before Christ rejoined them the storm blew in.  But the illustration is still vital for me as i continue to go forward.  As long as Peter looks at the Savior he is perfectly safe out on the water.  He is walking on the water while waves and lightning (the later an assumption on my part) crash and the wind howls.  He is at peace in the midst of it all until... he looks no longer to his Lord and Savior, but at the storm.  It is then he begins to sink.  And yet, he is still not lost.  Jesus reaches out and takes hold of Peter and leads him back to the boat.

Praise You In This Storm
Written by Mark Hall / Music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now
God, You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with You"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

CHORUS
I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with You"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

CHORUS

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
(repeat)

CHORUS

Though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

2005 Club Zoo Music (BMI) / SWECS Music (BMI) (adm. by EMI CMG Publishing) / Word Music, LLC (ASCAP) / Banahama Tunes (ASCAP) (adm. by Word Music, LLC)

I have no idea how long, or even how severe this storm is going to be, but i am grateful to Jesus for being with me, and even when i have taken my eyes off of Him, He will draw me back in. 

But ultimately my storm is tame compared to what COWGIRL is going through.  My "storm" is mostly a result of my own comfort and preferences.  Hers is one of family, cancer.  What is going to happen with the illness?  What about her children?  What issues may arise from the children's father?  None of these things are in her control, and yet she is handling herself with grace.  She is the image of peace.

May the Lord continue to shower us with His grace and mercy, may His perfect peace and strength carry us through to the other shore.  Perhaps, even all together.

Music Monday - 20100517

I am pretty sure i have used this song on my Music Monday offerings before, but it keeps coming back to me.  Especially during times when i feel so incredibly inadequate of what God is doing in my life.  And the wonder of it all is i am.  I am undeserving, i am unworthy of my God's mercy and forgiveness.  And yet, there He is.  He goes to the cross when He could have called down legions of angels, who i am sure were chomping at the bit, anxious to be released.  And He should have been, but for me (and you).  If He comes down from the cross before my debt is paid in full i am not redeemed but lost, but because He has done these things i am saved.  How can one not cry out in praise to the King?

God with us
Mercy Me

Who are we
that You would be mindful of us
what do You see
that’s worth looking our way
we are free in ways that we never should be
sweet release from the grip of these chains
like hinges straining from the weight
my heart can no longer keep from singing

CHORUS
All that is within me cries
for You alone be glorified
Emmanuel
God with us
my heart sings a brand new song
the debt is paid these chains are gone
Emmanuel
God with us

Lord you know
our hearts don’t deserve Your glory
still You show
a love we cannot afford
like hinges straining from the weight
my heart can no longer keep from singing

CHORUS

Such a tiny offering
Compared to calvary
Nevertheless we lay it at Your feet

CHORUS

While i know there is nothing in and of myself that is worthy of praise or any of God's attention save His righteous wrath, i am a son of the King.  I am one with Christ.  Creation does not sing to me, but i get to sing with it, in unbriddled joy.

So many times i feel like Moses, but with not as big a mandate.  (Exodus 3) Who am i to be used by God?  And yet, God does use Moses, and He uses you and me... and we can sing with joy and boast in the Savior.  He not only uses us where we are, but His grace covers our inadequecies, and when we are we weak He is strong, and He receives the glory and honor.

Ramblin Friday

This week has been absolutely insane in my real world life.  I barely got my Music Monday entry in, and Wednesday MEME is easier than coming up with all of it on my own.  I haven't had the time to add to my short stories this week either.  Fortunetly it gives me a whole lot to ramble about.

As i mentioned on Monday, my Beloved and i will be welcoming in a single mother (COWGIRL) and her two children (boy 13, girl 8).  COWGIRL has recently been diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer and she lives out West in a somewhat remote location.  Medical facilities are not stellar and there was limited access to top of the line Oncology resources. My Beloved and i reached out to her to offer our guestroom, etc. for her to come out here so that she can have access to Johns Hopkins and any other Oncology resources she might need.  They will be arriving tomorrow and her appointments begin in ernest next week.  Several friends have complimented my Beloved and i on taking this family in.  To be honest i am really confused as to how to respond to such praise.  It feels like this is what we should be doing, not that we are doing anything extraordinary.  God has blessed us with a home with a guestroom, and in close proximity to such resources.  She is also a close and dear friend, as opposed to a stranger.  I think i am embaressed by the praise... like it is putting the attention on me (and my family) instead of on her and her family.  And they are the ones who need the attention and support....  Not that people telling us "good job" is a bad thing... so when i try and divert the attention, and praise to God, i feel... what is the word... pious.  Like i am coming across "Holier than thou" type of deal... and, that is really not how i feel or want to convey... it's like how i feel about hugs... i guess i just need to accept them, say thank you, and move on.  In all things, to God be the glory, and i thank you all for your encouragement and support as well.

Music Monday has touched the "Big Time".  Big Mama has been granted and interview with Michael Gunger, and she is participating in a promo to give away a CD!  Click HERE to read the interview and enter in the contest.  Check it out! While i may have started this variation of a theme, Big Mama has really been a faithful participant and she draws from a much wider pool of life experiences in music.  Thank you Alise, and way to go!

With Tron Legacy coming out in December, and the possibility of actually being in Disney within a month of the release date, i am already feeling exceptionally geeky.  But, i have alse recently heard that Max Headroom is coming out on DVD for an official release on 10-August!  It is already sitting in my Amazon.com Cart, being saved for later.  I know all 100 of us here in the United States who loved this show, are pretty excited!  In my opinion Max Headroom was a major reason the Cyber Punk genre expanded as much as it did.

Speaking of DVD's, The Book of Eli is coming out on Blueray and DVD 15-June.  I really enjoyed this movie, but i have to be honest.  I will probably not buy this as soon as it hits the shelves.  Why?  Because I do not feel $25 is a good price for a DVD that does not have a whole lot of special features.  most of them are on the Blueray version - just another marketing ploy to get us to all upgrade to the newest technology.  And it does work, i can't blame it all on the manufacturers.  If we consumers would just unite some and get them to stop changing the market, etc.  Before the mid-twentieth century a lot of things stayed the same for a very long time.  If you bought the latest and greatest widget, it was most likely going to be good for as long as the widget lasted, or you no longer needed it.  Now, tech runs in 2 year cycles!  Even the IRS devalues company assets on IT faster than anything else!  If you buy a top of the line TV today, within 3 to 6 months you could have saved at least 25% on what you paid, two years your TV is "antiquated".  I am all for a free market economy, but i am seeing how and why my own father seemed so old fashioned when i was a kid.

Speaking of movies,  i have been itching to go watch Iron Man 2 with my friend RAM and DS1.  Life just keeps "getting in the way".  Meaning there are just higher priorities to heading out and seeing the latest film.  Now with COWGIRL coming in and all, maybe i can get all of us and the boys out to see it next week.  Another friend, PETRA, wants to come along as well.  I am starting to think i might be able to finagle a group discount or something. If we don't get out to see it soon, i may have to wait to see Robin Hood when it comes out on DVD.

I am going to have to wrap this up for now with a wave of thanks to my friend MOUSE, who provided me with a new/used 5 burner grill.  MOUSE is a great Chef, but he also has connections.  He will sometimes review and test items from companies.  They send him things like, oh... say a 5 burner grill, to test out and blog about, for free!  He also has at least two or three connections with food companies where they fly him out and he makes meals up and tries them out.  Simply awesome in my opinion.  I've been a blessed recipiant of his concoctions many a time.  Very tasty.  When my Beloved was pregnant with DS1 he would often come over and help us out by preparing meals.  He's been a really good friend over the years.  I was honored to be the Best Man at his wedding.  The Groom's gift to me was an engraved pocket watch.

God has indeed blessed me and my family with some wonderful friends. Life is not easy, the fall has made it so, but God gives us friends - sometimes in unlikely ways and places, in order to fellowship with.  To share each other's burdons, and to enjoy life's successes with.  I am not one to solicite prayers for myself, or even others, but i do continue to ask that you lift up COWGIRL and her family in your prayers.  I have no idea how long, or how dark this valley will be for them, but i am praying for a miraculous recovery.  A delay in the transition from earth to heaven, but if that is not what God has in mind, i pray for a peaceful transition and for grace/mercy/ and protection of her children.  That they would grow up in the fear of the Lord, and that they would be reunited in front of the Throne to worship the Savior together again.

Music Monday - 20100503

Way back when, when i was set up a blind date with my Beloved's roommate in college i had no idea the road God would lead me down - despite my "better" efforts.  Still, while we were dating, i distinctly remember a moment in time.  We were riding in the back seat of some friends (who are now married and one is the music ministry pastor at the church we now attend) and i was "interviewing" my Beloved (for lack of a better term) ~ asking her about her thoughts regarding certain theological "veins" (i wanted to know what she thought instead of making any assumptions).  But that is not what i am trying to get at. 

I distinctly remember thinking God was speaking to me.  Telling me that He would use me to share things that i had learned, in the area where we now live.  In hind sight i am glad that i did not just run with it, because while i was confident that it was God who had impressed such a thing on my heart, i doubted my own heart.  I was concerned that it was my own pride that had spawned such thoughts.  So, instead i just went about my life.

Several times in the eighteen years since i have had people tell me that they either thought i was in the ministry, or that i should go into the ministry.  However, in all that time i have never had the confirmation from my soul-mate that she thought or believe the same thing.  At least not full time ministry.  Recently God has been re-impressing my heart with a passion for His glory and to proclaim Him in front of others.  To be honest i am scared.  I doubt my own ability, i doubt my own mine, and i am highly suspect of my own pride.  However, about a month ago i stepped out when our Pastor asked that those in the congregation who felt a calling to serve to speak up - not during the service or anything.  Anyway, i mentioned it to him, including my own reservations and suspicions of my own heart.  Since then i have been approached by the youth leader, there may be opportunities to address the youth in the future. 

The best thing that this has brought on is that it has driven me to my knees more often.  One morning this past week while i was crying out to Jesus for His hand to drive and move, and not me in my own pride, this song came on the radio and it just... kind of hit home.

Revelation
by Third Day

My life has led me down the road that’s so uncertain

And now I am left alone and I am broken,
Tryin’ to find my way, tryin’ to find the faith that’s gone

This time, I know that you are holding all the answers
I’m tired of losing hope and taking chances,
On roads that never seem,
To be the ones that bring me home

Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I’ve been tryin’ to find my way,
I haven’t got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without You

My life has led me down this path that’s ever winding
Through every twist and turn I’m always finding,
That I am lost again (I am lost again)
Tell me when this road will ever end
Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I’ve been tryin’ to find my way,
I haven’t got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without

I don’t know where I can turn
Tell me when will I learn
Won’t You show me where I need to go
Oh oh
Let me follow Your lead,
I know that it’s the only way that I can get back home

Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I’ve been trying to find my way,
I haven’t got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without You

Oh, give me a revelation

I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without You

May God show each of us what His perfect plan may be.

Music Monday - 20100419

Every Christian has times of struggle, times of "walking through the valley", were it feels like you are far from God.  Not because He is allowing you to feel like He has "wandered off", but because of a sin (any sin) you struggle with.  For me, i struggle with anger, i have struggled with porn, and many other things.  The past month or so i have really been struggling with doubt and worry.

When it is a sin that we continue to fight with over and over again, discouragement can find a way in.  Doubt, questioning, etc.  I am constantly reminded that God is not surprised by my on-going struggles.  When He saw me before time and layed down the plan of salvation, He saw every sin i would ever commit.  Not just the ones i overcome, but even the ones that continue to plague me.  It is times like this i feel that God allowed Paul lto experience his own struggles, so that it may encourage me today:

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  (2 Corinthians 12:7-10, ESV)

How many times have we read about the fall of a Nationaly recognized Christian leader?  How many times have i struggled with pride over how well i feel when i am following God, or in some other accomplishment?  Instead of acknowledging what God has done, i take credit for the deed.  So, to some degree, i take solice in the struggles i expreience.  Not to leave them alone and never resist them though.  I am encouraged because i am seeing them, that i know what Christ has already done, and what He is doing.  But when i heard my song for today on the radio, it felt like i was singing the song.

Undo
by Rush of Fools

I've been here before
Now, here I am again
Standing at the door
Praying You'll let me back in

To label me
A prodigal would be
Only scratching the surface
Of who I've been known to be

Turn me around, pick me up
Undo what I've become
Bring me back to the place
Of forgiveness and grace
I need You, I need Your help
I can't do this myself
You're the only one
Who can undo what I've become

I focused on the score
But I could never win
Trying to ignore
A life of hiding my sin

To label me
A hypocrite would be
Only scratching the surface
Of who I've been known to be

Turn me around, pick me up
Undo what I've become
Bring me back to the place
Of forgiveness and grace
I need You, I need Your help
I can't do this myself
You're the only one
Who can undo what I've become

Make every step lead me back to
The sovereign way that You

Turn me around, pick me up
Undo what I've become
Bring me back to the place
Of forgiveness and grace
I need You, I need Your help
I can't do this myself
You're the only one who can undo
You are the only one who can undo
You're the only one who can undo
What I've become

I am so incredibly thankful that God does not leave me where i am, that He does not forsake me, and that when i want to give up, He is still there to lead me on.  I am grateful that He is indeed working to transform me into the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-30).

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Phillipians 1:6, ESV)

Praise God for His incredible kindness and mercy.

Miscellaneous Ramblings to pass the time

The past two days have been pretty much a blur.  I had a song picked out for yesterday's Music Monday post, but i never had a moment to actually get it entered in.  If i'm smart i will save it and get a head start for next week.  So, instead i will just move along...

Not long ago (i may have mentioned) i finally took my beloved's advice and went and had a sleep study done.  For the most part the results were predictable and i have been prescribed a CPAP machine.  It's been... interesting trying to make sure i get all of the insurance company's requirements taken care of, but i felt a LOT better the morning after the second test.  There was "anomaly" that concerned both the technicians monitoring me over night, and the doctor who reviewed the readings later.  Well, the good news is that those "anomalies" did not occur with the CPAP during the second test.  Yea!  This "anomaly" is a resurgence of a childhood issue, and has me sort of concerned.  By God's grace though, it appears to be nothing more than a blip on the radar.

I know there used to be a few rabid book readers who would frequent this blog, but i am not sure if they still do or not.  Be that as it may... i have noticed that my pile of partially finished books keeps growing.  Right now i am about 1/3 of the way through Stonewall Jackson: The Man. The Soldier, The Legend; a little over half way through The Last Patriot; I've just begun Proclaiming a Cross-centered Theology; been re-reading and about a third of the way through A Book of Five Rings; and barely even scratched Humility: True Greatness.  I love reading, but i really just need to knuckle down and finish at least one of them!   The good part of all this reading though, it has inspired sort of a writing spurt.

I don't remember how i found it, but i have found a new blog (called *Cute n Cool Blog Stuff*) site to help me learn how to customize my blog here.  She even, apparently, is willing to be hired to do some as well.  I don't have a lot of tools (like Photo or Paint Shop Pro), but i am looking forward (i hope) to trying to get some things done to spruce up the Ol' Dojo.

Yesterday i shared a link on Facebook titled, "Christian Faith: Calvinism is Back".  I thought it was a very interesting read, and it encouraged me personally.  In my opinion America needs a does of realizing exactly how depraved, how offensive, and just what it cost Christ to come to atone for sin on our behalf.

I had to cut today's entry "short" because i kept coming up with random things to blog about, and i was running out of time faster than i could keep up with my own train of thought!  *sigh* Such are the trials and tribulation of having ADD... even though i have found it quite beneficial in my day to day career. Well, i have "saved" them for another day... i am finally queuing up thoughts again!