More Than A Song....

My Mom recently sent me Jimmy Needham’s new album (personally autographed by the way. J She definitely knows my love language!) Well, the last few days I have enjoyed listening to the record. There is a song on there that I keep thinking about and the more I listen to it the more convicting it gets for me. It is called “Clear the Stage.”

Here’s the lyrics:

Clear the stage and set the sound and lights ablaze
If that's the measure that it takes to crush the idols.
Chuck the pews and all the decorations too
Until the congregations few then have revival.
Tell your friends that this is where the party ends
until you're broken for your sins you can't be social.
Then seek the Lord and wait for what he has in store
and know that great is your reward and just be hopeful

Cause you can sing all you want to.
Yes you can sing all you want to
you can sing all you want to
And don't get me wrong, worship is more than a song.

Take a break from all the plans that you made
And sit at home alone and wait for God to whisper.
Beg Him please to open up his mouth and speak
And pray for real upon your knees until they blister.
Shine the light on every corner of your life
Until the pride and lust and lies are in the open.
Then read the word and put to test the things you've heard
Until your heart and soul are stirred and rocked and broken.

Cause you can sing all you want to.
Yes you can sing all you want to
you can sing all you want to
And don't get me wrong, worship is more than a song.

Anything I put before my God is an idol.
Anything I want with all my heart is an idol.
Anything I can't stop thinking of is an idol.
Anything that I give all my love is an idol.
We must not worship something that's not even worth it.
Clear the stage and make some space for the one who deserves it.

Cause I can sing all I want to.
Yes I can sing all I want to
I can sing all I want to
And still get it wrong, worship is more than a song.

And you can sing all you want to.
Yes you can sing all you want to
You can sing all you want to

(Lyrics by: Ross King)

 

The two questions that I am left with after I listen to that song are: 1. Is worshipping more than just a song I sing? 2. What am I putting before God?

Do I only worship God when we are singing my favorite worship song in church or when it’s being played on the radio? Do I only worship God when I feel like it? Or when things are going good? Is worship just a feel good experience to me? Or is worshiping my life? Is it the continual outflow? Do I live my life as a continual worship service to my King? Is my love, my affection, my adoration and praise for Jesus Christ constantly pouring out of my soul?

I can say it is not nearly enough.

Worship is not just the song we sing or raising our hands at the perfect time. Worship is a life fully given to Christ glorifying Him in every area and action, word and deed in our life. It is showcasing Christ and living a life of continual praise and adoration unto Him.

The second question is- what are we putting before God? What is hindering us from having a life of continual worship of Christ? Is it busyness? Is it sleep? Is it friends? Is it the noise of this world-distracting us from being quiet before Him? I know for me it is so easy to fill up my day with things to do and forget to even set aside adequate time to be still before the Lord. Or I keep pushing snooze of my alarm to get more sleep thus, missing out on precious time that I could be before the Lord.

What has to give in order for the idols to be crushed? Are we willing to give up our silly little “entitlements” that we feel we have a right to? Do we really want God enough to be willing to forgo friendships, plans and sleep in order to be on our knees in prayer? Are we willing to seek Him with all our hearts?

So I guess what I am asking is: What is worship to you? Is it just a song you sing? Is it just going to church? Or is your life a worship service? Is the outflow of your life praise and adoration to Christ? Secondly, what idols need to go? What haven’t you given to Christ? What are you holding back? Do you want Christ enough that we are willing to have the idols crushed?

Jesus Christ is WORTHY of all our worship and all our praise. He is worthy to continually be on our lips and in our hearts and minds. Jesus Christ will not share our hearts with anything or anyone else. He must have our entire hearts.

Does He have only a little bit of our hearts and lives? Does He only have half our hearts? Or does He have ALL our hearts? ALL our affection? ALL our thoughts? ALL our life?

Here's A Band that You Need To Listen To!

So a few weeks ago, my "adopted" big sister, Jacquelynn and I drove to Estes Park, CO for Student Venture's Rocky Mountain Getaway. Student Venture is the high school ministry of Cru. There was about 400 students at the getaway. It was so encouraging to see the Lord transform lives but it was also a great reminder of the spiritual battle that is going on in the lives of high school students- from drugs, sex, drinking and partying, abuse etc.    (photo credit: Jim Trewin)
But while I was at the getaway I met these guys:
                                                                             

       Letters From Patmos


Letters was the band that lead worship at the conference! They were such a blessing to us all as they lead us in adoration and worship of the King.

They also are great guys (funny ones too as you can see from the picture below :) I had the priviledge of spending sometime with them. They are the real deal and truly have hearts for the glory of God!
Letters have only been together for about a year but the Lord has put something truly amazing!

(l to r: Josh- road manager, Dustin, Corey, me, Logan, Ben and Rafael :)

So here's my pitch: Buy their CD at  lettersband.com (it's only $5!!) and enjoy listening to this amazing band!

The Fingerprints of God Are All Over You...

Take the next few minutes and listen to this clip from Paul Washer.

Such a great reminder! The power of the Gospel!

Lord, Give Me Your Heart....

Last Thursday I walked out of class with a heavy heart. We had just finished our class on Awareness and Advocacy for the least, vulnerable and forgotten. We heard statistics on orphans, girls who are being sex trafficked around the world and in the United States, children who are in foster care and those who are dying of starvation without ever hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For most of the class time we spent time watching videos on those issues- putting the faces with the statistics. For most of the time I just cried. Hearing from children who are in the foster care system. From girls who were sold into prostitution in Cambodia, little boys who are kidnapped by the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda and Sudan,children who are sold into slave labor in Haiti. All of it was so heavy on my heart.

I was on the verge of tears as I walked back to my dorm room. I walked by the Victory wing which is now home to adorable children from Ethiopia and Honduras. They are with His Little Feet- a orphan children's choir. They were practicing for their tour. As I walked by, they were singing on the top of their lungs, "WE ARE THE CHILDREN OF GOD!! WE ARE THE CHILDREN OF GOD!!"

It was a perfect reminder that He knows about the little girls who are in slavery, he know about the orphan boys and girls in Uganda, he know about the children in the Foster Care system. And He knows their names.

"Thou art a helper of the fatherless." -Psalm 10:14

"A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in His holy habitation. God setteth the solitary in families. He bringeth out those which are bound in chains..." -Psalm 146:9

This is our God. He is rescuer, helper, comforter, sustainer, deliver. He is the Father to the fatherless, the advocate to those who have no voice. He knows each an every orphan, slave, child soldier, aborted baby, dying and vulnerable child.

The thing we must ask is: "Lord, give me your heart."

God uses His people to be the rescuers, helpers, advocates for the least. We MUST have His burden, we must have His heart... it must be broken for these children. We must feel what He feels when we hear of orphans in Liberia, 10 year old prostitutes in Cambodia, abused children in Foster Care and child soldiers in Uganda. We must carry God's burden. Our motive cannot be ruled by human compassion or humanitarianism but it must be for the glory of Jesus Christ that we act. If we do it out of humanitarianism we will only be putting a band-aid on a gaping wound. We will only be taking care of their physical needs without giving them what they really need: Jesus Christ.



Pray:

"Lord, Give me your heart for these children! May I see them as you see them! Break my heart for what breaks Yours! Let me feel what you feel when you see them! Burden me and send me out to rescue them! Not just to eliminate their physical poverty, situation or hardships but bring them to the feet of Jesus Christ and give them true life in Christ. For Your glory! Your praise! Your honor!! Send me!!"

Waiting Here For You...

My lifesong right now....

WAITING HERE FOR YOU- Christy Nockels

If faith can move the mountains
Let the mountains move
We come with expectation
Waiting here for You, waiting here for You

You're the Lord of all creation
And still You know my heart
The Author of Salvation
You've loved us from the start

Waiting here for You
With our hands lifted high in praise
And it's You we adore
Singing Alleluia

You are everything You've promised
Your faithfulness is true
And we're desperate for Your presence
All we need is You

Singing Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

Written by Chris Tomlin, Martin Smith and Jesse Reeves
© 2011 sixsteps Music / worshiptogether.com Songs / Vamos Publishing (Admin. at EMICMGPublishing.com) (ASCAP) / Curious? Music Uk (PRS)

Ellerslie: Summer 2011

Hey! I hope your week has been a good one and that you enjoy the Memorial Day weekend!
Two weeks from tomorrow I will be headed to Colorado to spend 10 weeks at Ellerslie Leadership Training It's kinda hard to describe Ellerslie because it is so different than anything else. So watch this video and hopefully you'll get a glimpse of what Ellerslie is all about.



If you didn't watch The Gospel video I posted a few weeks ago, but I recommend you watch it-here

Ellerslie is founded and led by Eric and Leslie Ludy. Eric and Leslie have written several books on relationship and the Christian walk. Here's a few that I highly recommend! :)
















And this is just a few!!

I really don't know what my schedule will be while I'm at Ellerslie and how much time I will have to blog but hopefully, I'll be able to update you all on what's going on!

Please pray for me now as I prepare these next 2 weeks and while I am at Ellerslie. That my heart would be ready, open and willing to whatever the Lord has for me! That I would lose all the distractions of this world and seek only after my King!

The Gospel- Eric Ludy

This is why Jesus came. He came to rescue us. To save us. And He did by shedding His very own blood on our behalf. Watch this video and reflect on what Jesus has done for us and what it compels us to do in response.



"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ..." Romans 1:16

What is the Gospel?

So, so good.

Modesty Reminder....

I was watching some videos on Youtube made by Christian guys who were talking about modesty and how girls dress. It was such a good reminder for me to be constantly evaluating how I am dressing and what message it sends to guys. I think sometimes we tend to forget the point of modesty and the reason we do it because we have heard it taught so much. It's not just to keep covered up, we are to be modest because it is honoring to Jesus Christ and to our brothers in Christ.

I listened to guy after guy talk about (sometimes very bluntly)what a struggle immodesty creates for guys. How can any Christian girl watch and listen to those guys speak and then go out and dress immodestly?

I know bikinis are what every teen girl is wearing for swimwear but it is immodest. Do you realize what you are wearing??? Basically nothing!!
I know mini skirts and short dresses are in style (even with leggings) they are immodest.
I know short shorts are in style- but as one guy said "you're wearing a diaper."

In saying this I don't want you to think that I am condemning you if you choose to wear these items. I want to encourage you to pursue a higher standard. Think about your future husband. Would you like for a girl at his church, his youth group, his college Bible study to wear something that would cause him to lust or struggle? I don't think so. You want him to keep his eyes only for you-right? Well, it's like that with the guys you come in contact at your church, youth group, college Bible study etc. help them (keep their eyes only for their future wives) by the way you dress and wear your clothes.
I think often while I am getting dressed, "Is this the best I can do?" "Is God being glorified in this outfit or am I getting the glory?" "Is this outfit drawing people closer to Christ or is it drawing people (guys) away from God and more toward lust? "

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Cor. 10:31

I know this verse it quoted a lot but think about it. WHATEVER YOU DO- means EVERYTHING- including how we dress should to glorifying to Jesus Christ.

I know it's easier to compare everyone else, like: "Well, I don't dress like so and so." or "My skirts aren't as short as (fill in the blank)"
But it's not about some one else- it is about you. You and your relationship with Jesus Christ. If you are walking with and delighting in Jesus the fruits of your life will be to honor and glorify Jesus in all areas of your life- including the way we dress.

So maybe it's time we take a look at our closets and reevaluate what we are wearing. The first thing we should think about when dressing is 1. IS THIS GLORIFYING TO JESUS CHRIST? 2. IS THIS HONORING TO MY BROTHERS IN CHRIST? IS THIS DRAWING THEM CLOSER TO JESUS OR AWAY INTO SIN?
Not is it cute? Or is this in style? Or will my girlfriends approve? No, does this bring glory to Jesus.

Girls, it's time we step it up a bit and dress in glory of Christ not ourselves.

When we dress immodestly it shows either 2 things: Insecurity or Pride. Insecurity shows when we think we have to dress and flaunt ourselves in order for guys to notice us and like us. Pride when we know that our bodies and how we dress our bodies can cause guys to stumble and we do it anyway.

When we dress modestly it shows 2 things: Confidence and Humility. Confidence in who God has made us and that we don't have to flaunt ourselves in order for guys to be attracted to us. Humility- in knowing that God has made women to be beautiful(for the purpose of our future husbands)but we dress modestly for the glory of Christ and out of respect and honor of and for our brothers in Christ.

Girls, let's be a generation of girls who dress to glorify Christ in all things-especially in the way we dress!!

Here's one of the videos that was really helpful. :)

The Purpose of the Church by Francis Chan- Good Stuff!

Modesty- A Guy's View....

I found this very interesting and helpful. I'm so thankful that these guys in the video are bold enough to share their hearts and be honest with us on how girls dress.

Lead Me

God has blessed my family with many neat friendships. A few years ago, we were able to meet and start a friendship with the guys from Sanctus Real. Whenever they are in the Arkansas area we try to go out and see their great show and to meet up and encourage the guys. Sanctus Real has a strong passion for marriages and families and appreciate the work of FamilyLife. It has been evident in their songwriting but in just talking to them and seeing what their priorities in life are. I am so thankful for these guys' desire to be men of God who lead their family in godliness and integrity. Which is becoming very uncommon these days. A few weeks back we were able to meet up with Sanctus in Texarkana, AR. During the show Matt played a new song called "Lead Me" I was blown away by the honesty and realness of the lyrics. I thought I'd share with you and hope you are encouraged by the song as I was. If you are a husband or father, may you lead your family and look to God to lead you. I am inspired to pray all the more that their would be more godly men in the world striving to pursue godliness and Christ- likeness and be leading or ready to lead their wives and families. It seems that these kind of men are truly diamonds in the rough! So here you go, enjoy the video! And if you ever get the chance to see Sanctus Real, you are in for a real treat! :)

When Sanctus Real Hijacked my Camera!!

Last week at the Sanctus Real concert, Matt asked for my camera and started videoing!! Check it out!! :)

God's Amazing Creation!

I wish I could put up all of Louis Giglio's talk called "How Great is Our God" but this is an excerpt for his talk. This blew my mind!! Incredible!!

"Beautiful Ending" BarlowGirl

Oh, tragedy
Has taken so many
Love lost cause they all
Forgot who You were
And it scares me to think
That I would choose
My life over You
My selfish heart
Divides me from You
It tears us apart

So tell me
What is our ending?
Will it be beautiful
So beautiful?

Oh, why do I
Let myself let go
Of hands that painted the stars
And hold tears that fall?
And the pride of my heart
Makes me forget
It's not me but You
Who makes the heart beat
I'm lost without You
And dying from me

So tell me
What is our ending?
Will it be beautiful
So beautiful?
Will my life
Find me by Your side?
Your love is beautiful
So beautiful

At the end of it all
I wanna be in Your arms
At the end of it all
I wanna be in Your arms
At the end of it all
I wanna be in Your arms
At the end of it all
I wanna be in Your arms

So tell me
What is our ending?
Will it be beautiful
So beautiful?
Will my life
Find me by Your side?
Your love is beautiful
So beautiful

Always, Our Savior Never Fails!

There are a lot bad things that happen in our world. Just days ago, a man shot two soldiers at a Army recruiting office, killing one and injuring the other severely. Just because they where soldiers. When we look at our world and the troubles in it we sometimes question, 'God, why would you allow this?' Murder, rape, abuse, death, abortion, divorce etc. 'What is your will in this?' We have a friend whose daugher and son in law lost a baby a week after she was born last year and again this year they miscarried another baby. It is hard at times that God is good. But He is! He never fails!
If you have read my blog for just a short time you'll notice that I really like music! So once again I have found a song that says exactly what we need to believe in good times and in the most difficult. JESUS NEVER FAILS!!!!


Lead singer Jason Roy for Building 429 said this about "Always"
"There is a moment in each of our lives that will undoubtedly define our existence from that point on. Some of us have already faced it, and some of us are still awaiting ours. The moment when, for the first time, we stare injustice in the face. When an innocent child is murdered, when a father walks out on a family, when life seems completely unfair. That moment that undoubtedly brings us to our knees to ask the question: "God, Where are you?" If we listen closely, I believe he would say: "My child, I am before you. I will be long after you, and always I will be with You." This is the true story of two people who faced that very question and found peace in the storm in the truth of God with us."


Building 429
"Always"
I was standing in the pouring rain one dark November night
Fighting off the bitter cold when she caught my eye
Her face was taught and her eyes were filled, and to my surprise
She pulled out a photograph and my heart just stopped inside
She said, “He would’ve been three today
I miss his smile, I miss his face”
What was I supposed to say, but

CHORUS
I believe always, always
Our Savior never fails
Even when all hope is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
He will be with you always

He was living in a broken world, dreaming of a home
His heart was barely keeping pace when I found him all alone
Remembering the way he felt when his daddy said goodbye
Fighting just to keep the tears and the anger locked inside
He’s barely holding onto faith
But deliverance is on its way, cause

CHORUS
I believe always, always
Our Savior never fails
Even when all hope is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
He will be with you always

Friend, I don’t know where you are and I don’t know where you’ve been
Maybe you’re fighting for your life or just about to throw the towel in
But if you’re crying out for mercy, if there’s no hope left at all
If you’ve given everything you’ve got and you’re still about to fall
Well hold on, hold on, hold on, cause

I believe always, always
Our savior never fails
Even when all faith is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
Always, always, He will be with you always

You've Stolen My Heart!!

You've stolen my heart
You've captured me with Your grace
Your friendship is intimate
Your peace is soothing
Your love is more than I can comprehend
Your commitment is everlasting
Your forgiveness knows no bounds
Your faithfulness is more faithful than the rising of the sun
Your glory is ever shining
Your holiness is like no other
Yet You cherish me though I am stained

Jesus, You have stolen my heart, and I am ruined for anything less
I love You, my Savior, Lover, Redeemer, Father and Friend.

My Jesus

Kris Allen on American Idol!

I am a really big fan of American Idol and this year I especially am. Kris Allen
from Conway, Arkansas is in the top 9! Kris is one of the worship leaders at New Life Church in Maumelle, AR. Kris' talent is amazing but his love for the Lord shines through. I hope Kris does really well.

This is a video of Kris singing "O Holy Night" at New Life Church.