Below is the link to a song that has captured what I see when I walk with Christ. I am in awe of how this song so beautifully portrays my awe of Him.
I hope you too, whomever God has led to listen to it, may also be filled as I am.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgq84vTIsKE
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Music the Beautiful
Today was a day filled with work. We worked the convention from 10am to 6pm. Basically what I do is watch people pruze into our both and look at our music or pruze on by in search for something so much different. It is amazing to me that so many people would gather at one place for a Orchestra convention. The day itself is pretty slow. It is hard being a marketing major because I have absolutly no idea what any of the music is about.
Standing in the booth next to me however, is the great James Mulholland, a national known composer. It is insane to seem the amount of people that just want to shake his hand. He seems to be worshiped as his music is so beyond that of many compoers and all those who listen to it.
Later this afternoon then the convention had a choir sing pieces of music, basically showing off their choir and the pieces of music. Of course, on of Mulholland's pieces was chosen, "Farewell to Thee." It was amazing to sit next a man that wrote a piece of music. Every word, every note, every beat, absolutely everything I was hearing. I was enraptured by the choir. Every member of the choir was so vastly different. From their appearences, to their movement, to their voices. But yet, in the midst of all those different people the choir was capable of using all of their differences to create a sound so harmonious that I began to get the chills. I became so moved with how beautiful we humans could make sound. Oh how God put so much thought and creativity when creating us.
I am amazed at the splendor of our Father. That even like the choir, all our differences can be brought together to create a beautiful worship for Him. How I hope that I can now begin to see that the differences in each of us is a beautiful thing when we are worshiping together, rather than apart.
How great and awesome are you Father! Please continue to give me strength as I am weak.
Standing in the booth next to me however, is the great James Mulholland, a national known composer. It is insane to seem the amount of people that just want to shake his hand. He seems to be worshiped as his music is so beyond that of many compoers and all those who listen to it.
Later this afternoon then the convention had a choir sing pieces of music, basically showing off their choir and the pieces of music. Of course, on of Mulholland's pieces was chosen, "Farewell to Thee." It was amazing to sit next a man that wrote a piece of music. Every word, every note, every beat, absolutely everything I was hearing. I was enraptured by the choir. Every member of the choir was so vastly different. From their appearences, to their movement, to their voices. But yet, in the midst of all those different people the choir was capable of using all of their differences to create a sound so harmonious that I began to get the chills. I became so moved with how beautiful we humans could make sound. Oh how God put so much thought and creativity when creating us.
I am amazed at the splendor of our Father. That even like the choir, all our differences can be brought together to create a beautiful worship for Him. How I hope that I can now begin to see that the differences in each of us is a beautiful thing when we are worshiping together, rather than apart.
How great and awesome are you Father! Please continue to give me strength as I am weak.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
San Antonio: The City of Love
To all who may not know, I am not in San Antonio, Texas on a business trip.
What a beautifully majestic city. The structures here are nothing like those in the Midwest. They all have character and beauty to them, rather than the constant cold steel look. Furthermore, the river, that runs throught the city has given this dry hot city vibrant life.
The city and the buildings themselves were created and constructed to envelop the river. All along the river are these beautiful stone and brick walkways with hotels of beauty like non other. Furthermore, restaurants line the banks as you are capable of eating right along the river. Couples seem to flock here as I sat and read my book yesterday. Everywhere you looked couples were holding hands and hugging as they were enveloped by the love that filled the air. Those visiting who do not have a significant other feel much out of place and missing a significant other. How this city has made me so excited for the day when I am married, and Lord willing I can travel here and share these amazing sights with my wife, but for now, I will just scout them out.
First, on the flight down here, I was seated next to a man who went to Warsaw High School way, way back in the day and just got back from a reaunion. We spend the whole flight conversing about what Warsaw was like back in the day and where the Lord has taken him in his lifetime.
Then, this morning, in search for the today show, who is live on the river, I ran into a man by the name of Dweight. Dweight works by cleaning up the sidewalks along the river,however is unlike any other man I have ever met. He is a man that is filled completly with the Spirit and dwells in worshiping Christ with others. I spent roughly an hour just listening to this man spill out what his Love and knowledge of Christ. I was astounded of how greatly the Spirit has filled that man. He gave me such great advice that I will have to share about later.
Right now, it has amazed how the Spirit has brought such random people into my life and allowed me opportunities to speak of His name. I just ask and pray that I continue to let Him do the work and not myself.
Overall, I am loving San Antonio and am excited for another night to adventurer. Who knows who I may run into again.
I am called to Love, not to judge, not to stand over, but to love. May you teach me that Christ.
What a beautifully majestic city. The structures here are nothing like those in the Midwest. They all have character and beauty to them, rather than the constant cold steel look. Furthermore, the river, that runs throught the city has given this dry hot city vibrant life.
The city and the buildings themselves were created and constructed to envelop the river. All along the river are these beautiful stone and brick walkways with hotels of beauty like non other. Furthermore, restaurants line the banks as you are capable of eating right along the river. Couples seem to flock here as I sat and read my book yesterday. Everywhere you looked couples were holding hands and hugging as they were enveloped by the love that filled the air. Those visiting who do not have a significant other feel much out of place and missing a significant other. How this city has made me so excited for the day when I am married, and Lord willing I can travel here and share these amazing sights with my wife, but for now, I will just scout them out.
First, on the flight down here, I was seated next to a man who went to Warsaw High School way, way back in the day and just got back from a reaunion. We spend the whole flight conversing about what Warsaw was like back in the day and where the Lord has taken him in his lifetime.
Then, this morning, in search for the today show, who is live on the river, I ran into a man by the name of Dweight. Dweight works by cleaning up the sidewalks along the river,however is unlike any other man I have ever met. He is a man that is filled completly with the Spirit and dwells in worshiping Christ with others. I spent roughly an hour just listening to this man spill out what his Love and knowledge of Christ. I was astounded of how greatly the Spirit has filled that man. He gave me such great advice that I will have to share about later.
Right now, it has amazed how the Spirit has brought such random people into my life and allowed me opportunities to speak of His name. I just ask and pray that I continue to let Him do the work and not myself.
Overall, I am loving San Antonio and am excited for another night to adventurer. Who knows who I may run into again.
I am called to Love, not to judge, not to stand over, but to love. May you teach me that Christ.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Beginning for the End
Well today it starts. I am heading to San Antonio for work. As well, today marks the day of thoughtful and deep consistent prayer for the direction in my life.
So for anyone reading this post, please lift me up in your prayers. That I may succumb to my Father's voice and willingly seek Him.
Give me strength Father, as I am week. In Your hands do I give my life.
Every time I listen to the song, "Have you ever?" by Shawn McDonald I will think of you.
So for anyone reading this post, please lift me up in your prayers. That I may succumb to my Father's voice and willingly seek Him.
Give me strength Father, as I am week. In Your hands do I give my life.
Every time I listen to the song, "Have you ever?" by Shawn McDonald I will think of you.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Stop & Stare
Today, during lunch, I had another awesome opportunity to sit on the circle downtown and people watch. I do not like to people watch the whole time, as I know it can soon turn into judging rather than watching. Today more the less, was a day filled with starring, starring at improper places that is. Have you ever just sat and watched men go about their way when a good looking woman walks by, or a woman who shows a little more than asked? Well, ladies, let me tell you what happens. As I am sure most of you know, men think about sex almost all of the day, therefore, what do you think a man is thinking as he fixes his eyes on places he should not be looking. That is right, he is undressing you. Sure, you may say that he is simply admiring you but I disagree. If he wanted to admire you, why would he not say it to your face, rather than lust in secret. For to admire Christ is not to stare in secret, but rather to praise publicly (no I am not saying we should praise a woman for what she is not wearing, just a metaphor).
However, women, this is not all the man's fault. You are in control, whether you know it or like it. What you wear, how you dress and carry yourself will determine how often a man is tempted to sin. Mind you, even though a man is doing the lusting, you too are helping spur the sin and are therefore sinning yourself.
Romans 14:12,13 - "So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way."
Next time then, brother/sister, I ask of you to think about who will stumble with what you wear or do not wear.
However, women, this is not all the man's fault. You are in control, whether you know it or like it. What you wear, how you dress and carry yourself will determine how often a man is tempted to sin. Mind you, even though a man is doing the lusting, you too are helping spur the sin and are therefore sinning yourself.
Romans 14:12,13 - "So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way."
Next time then, brother/sister, I ask of you to think about who will stumble with what you wear or do not wear.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
לונלינאס
Loneliness, is what has brought me to write this post. In short, my girlfriend and I, in a relationship for a little longer than 8 months, are no longer together. I am at a loss of words in how to explain what I felt I lost.
So now, this past week and weekend I have been all alone. She however, has been busy, beyond all get-out, with family and friends providing her more and more love. At first I was jealous, upset, angry that she would not call me, want to hangout or spend time with me. Angry that I was all alone had no friends no family to sit here and keep my mind off of her. However, after days of feeling "The Great Sadness" my Father finally broke my Spirit. So why, during such a difficult time do I feel alone?
Well, I finally realized that I had a history of running to anyone and everyone when I feel or felt lonely, but never running to my Father, who knew what it was like to be alone when he was forsaken on the Cross, to fulfill me. However, this time, my Father graciously removed all my friends and family so that the only person I could turn to was Him. Sure, I did not first see it and continued to put pressure on my now friend girl. To her, if she ever reads this, I am truly sorry. I am sorry for all the pain that I put you through, that I put us through, I hope that you can forgive me, not only now, but also in the future, as I know again I will fail.
So advice to those who are lonely. Do not run, do not hide, embrace and take the time to be lonely. Realize that loneliness is an opportunity for your Father to speak to you, and for you to Listen. Psalm 22, is an amazing passage of scripture that points to our Fathers never ending love and faithfulness. Do not turn to your friends, family, or significant other first. No, rather first, turn to Him, and spend those days relying on Him. For after a while you will find happiness in Him and then He will provide those who you should turn to for even more support.
For when God is in control why should we worry, give of your plans and pick up His.
So now, this past week and weekend I have been all alone. She however, has been busy, beyond all get-out, with family and friends providing her more and more love. At first I was jealous, upset, angry that she would not call me, want to hangout or spend time with me. Angry that I was all alone had no friends no family to sit here and keep my mind off of her. However, after days of feeling "The Great Sadness" my Father finally broke my Spirit. So why, during such a difficult time do I feel alone?
Well, I finally realized that I had a history of running to anyone and everyone when I feel or felt lonely, but never running to my Father, who knew what it was like to be alone when he was forsaken on the Cross, to fulfill me. However, this time, my Father graciously removed all my friends and family so that the only person I could turn to was Him. Sure, I did not first see it and continued to put pressure on my now friend girl. To her, if she ever reads this, I am truly sorry. I am sorry for all the pain that I put you through, that I put us through, I hope that you can forgive me, not only now, but also in the future, as I know again I will fail.
So advice to those who are lonely. Do not run, do not hide, embrace and take the time to be lonely. Realize that loneliness is an opportunity for your Father to speak to you, and for you to Listen. Psalm 22, is an amazing passage of scripture that points to our Fathers never ending love and faithfulness. Do not turn to your friends, family, or significant other first. No, rather first, turn to Him, and spend those days relying on Him. For after a while you will find happiness in Him and then He will provide those who you should turn to for even more support.
For when God is in control why should we worry, give of your plans and pick up His.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
mtb - monon
Just got back from mtb on the monon from 46th St. to 156th St. I finally found the end of the monon in roughly 40 minutes, of hard riding. It is amazing how free I feel when I ride. On the way back, again, my Father showed up on the last leg as a Red Robin swopped down in front of me and then disappeared quickly. Again, I felt the presence of my Father.
Thank you Father, again. I needed that.
Thank you Father, again. I needed that.
mtb - brown county
Alex, Johnny, and myself hit the mtb trail in Brown County today. Soaked and all, we were quick to got suited up and on the trail. The trail itself was slippery, wet, and dangerous. Being dangerous is however what keeps me coming back to the trail. Realizing that I usually live the safe and simple life. On the trail I feel this sense of danger, where trees who seem so innocent become death traps, as you fly by, carelessly.
To make this story make more sense, I am reading "The Shack" and am begining to feel that my Father is surrounding me in all areas. So as I was riding, I cam upon these beautiful white tailed deer on the side of the trail. Immediately, for some unknown reason, I said, "Hey, Father." Haha, realizing what I had said, I looked at those deer much differently than I have ever before. As I rode closer the deer scurried off and I again was left alone, cruising through His creation, realizing that my Father was saying hi and reminding me He is always watching and caring.
Thank you Father!
To make this story make more sense, I am reading "The Shack" and am begining to feel that my Father is surrounding me in all areas. So as I was riding, I cam upon these beautiful white tailed deer on the side of the trail. Immediately, for some unknown reason, I said, "Hey, Father." Haha, realizing what I had said, I looked at those deer much differently than I have ever before. As I rode closer the deer scurried off and I again was left alone, cruising through His creation, realizing that my Father was saying hi and reminding me He is always watching and caring.
Thank you Father!
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