Tag Archives: faith

Beauty in the Waiting

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Waiting… It can be one of the hardest things to do.  While waiting, we have little control over the timing or even the outcome.  Think of the family sitting in the hospital anxiously, hoping to hear good news or the small business owner sitting, phone in hand, hoping to hear from the bank on a much needed loan.  Sometimes we feel like professional waiters! The Word of God is filled with promises that are rarely fulfilled instantly.  We spend a lot of time waiting to see the realization of what our hearts crave come to pass.

And yet, there’s beauty in the waiting. 

Think of the bride waiting for her wedding day.  She is not complacent in the waiting, she is planning, preparing, creating, and dreaming!  The wedding day will be even richer for the those seemingly unending moments of anticipation! 

Waiting… we spend much of our lives in the wait mode.  If we are not careful, our waiting will become filled with all the wrong things: impatience, laziness, frustration, jealousy, bitterness. 

How can our wait become a season of beauty?  One in which we grow and thrive?

First, look back…  I know, we think that we should never look back, right?  Forget the past and push on!  But wait! Think on the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan in Joshua 4.  After that miraculous crossing, God had the people set up an alter as a testimony of His mighty works for the generations to come.  We want to look back with thankfulness for the blessings we’ve already seen come to pass in our lives!  Create a “memorial” to remember all that God has done for you and your family!

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord: yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” Psalm 77:11 NIV

Journaling creates a tangible “monument” to God’s faithfulness!

Then, look forward!  What are the dreams God has placed in your heart?  What are you anticipating coming to pass?  What promises have you been declaring over your life?  God is the Dream-Giver and He doesn’t place desires for good gifts in your heart without a purpose.  Look forward in faith!  If your dreams look possible without Divine help,  then maybe they’re too small.  Dream big with the faith that what you can’t see can truly be!  Write down your dreams and lay them at the feet of the Father in faith.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Now… be present in the now.  What is the Lord’s plan for you in the now?  What will you do in the waiting? As you look back in thankfulness and forward in faith, I dare to declare that your present will be filled with grace for the season you are walking through!  God’s grace will sustain you to not just survive, but thrive!  He will give you what you need to yield fruit today, now, in your present circumstance.  Trust Him!  He has created you for His Kingdom purposes long before you stood in this place.1  He is faithful in your today, no matter what it looks like.  Be patient in the waiting!

“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 NIV

Consider these lyrics from Hillsongs’ Seasons, so encouraging!

“I can see the promise
I can see the future
You’re the God of seasons
And I’m just in the winter
If all I know of harvest
Is that it’s worth my patience
Then if You’re not done working
God I’m not done waiting
You can see my promise
Even in the winter
Cause You’re the God of greatness
Even in a manger
For all I know of seasons
Is that You take Your time
You could have saved us in a second
Instead You sent a child”2

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

God designed us to live in the present, but not without the benefit of the past or the blossom of the future!  Look back in thankfulness, forward in faith, and live in His grace for the now, knowing that there is beauty in the waiting.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.”  Jeremiah 17:7-8

Live Loved,

P.S. You are not alone in your waiting! Others are waiting too… comment and share this encouragement on social media! 🙂

1Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 139:13-16, Psalm 37:3-8

2Lyrics from “Seasons” by Songwriters: Benjamin William Hastings / Ben Tan / Chris Davenport   Seasons lyrics © Hillsong Publishing

A New Year’s Revolution!

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You read that correctly… forget New Year’s resolutions and go for New Year’s Revolution!

Rev·o·lu·tion noun: to revolt, to forcefully overthrow in favor of a new system.  Out with the old and in with the new!

Not everyone needs a revolution.  Some need affirmation.  Some need encouragement. Some just need a reminder.  Only you know what you need as we charge headlong into 2019!  So, read on and take what you need…

As you contemplate the closure of one year and the opening of another, consider these words of wisdom:

“Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be His sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness {being set apart}, experiencing all that delights His heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship.” Romans 12:1 tPt

I am so incredibly thankful for the unending mercies God has extended to me in 2018!  And, I’m excited to live for Him another year, realizing that my journey in Him will bring delight to His heart!  The second verse brings us to that revolution…

“Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in His eyes.” Romans 12:2 tPt

How do we truly throw out the old that needs to go… the old way of thinking, unwise spending, wrongfully treating others,  judgmental attitude, devaluing ourselves, fearfully weighing the future, etc.?  In what area of your life do you need a revolution?  That’s the area that needs a new way of thinking! 

Most New Year’s resolutions involve behavior modification, a pattern of choices that change our less desirable habits.  However, as many will testify, rarely do these changes “stick” for the long term.  Why?  Because authentic change in our behavior will only result when our thinking changes!  If you want long term results, go to the heart of the matter!  Ask the Lord to change your thinking so that you are able to discern His will and live a life of abundancy (more than enough)! 

What is the best way to revolutionize your thinking? I’m so glad you asked!  😉 We need to embrace His truth as our truth!  God speaks to us through His Word, through Jesus’ life, and through the Holy Spirit in us.1  Any and all of these will give us foundations for needed change in our lives.  Dig into the Word of God and spend some time listening for His input and He will download divine strategies that will revolutionize the areas of your life that need it! 

How can you and I practically embrace His truth as our truth?  🙂 Great question! The Word of God (both logos and rhema1) goes deep when we apply it to our lives! It will empower us to revolutionize the areas of our lives that are not reflective of the person God created us to be.2  Don’t stop at just reading the Word of God, practically apply it to your life by writing out verses, memorizing them, creating positive declarations based on the Truths you’ve explored.  When God speaks into your heart, write it down!  Pray into those revelations and celebrate His affirmations.  Remind yourself of His declarations of love! 

God’s Word is filled with “strategies” to help you and I align our thinking with His.

In Jesus, I am a new creation!  I am made in His image.  I am righteous and beloved.  I walk in grace and peace. I am filled with the Holy Spirit and I have the mind of Christ. 

That’s just a taste of some revolutionary thinking!  But it’s an amazing start!  Where will you declare revolution in your life? Overthrow the stinkin’ thinkin’ by purposefully embracing Divine thinkin’!

Live Loved!

1 For deeper understanding, study: God’s Word-Greek: logos, Jesus modeled for us a lifestyle full of demonstrations, Holy Spirit’s guidance, living word-Greek: rhema

2“For we have the living Word of God, which is full of energy, and it pierces more sharply than a two-edged sword. It will even penetrate to the very core of our being where soul and spirit, bone and marrow meet! It interprets and reveals the true thoughts and secret motives of our hearts.” Hebrews 4:12 “Every Scripture has been written by the Holy Spirit, the breath of God. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness.” II Timothy 3:16 tPt

A Teachable Heart

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Knowledge is not the same as wisdom.  In fact, some of the wisest people you’ll encounter may have little to no formal schooling while some knowledgeable people lack the understanding to know when it’s time to listen rather than talk!  So, what’s the dividing line between smart and wise?  It’s certainly not gray hair!

So, at what point do we stand and say, “I’ve arrived!  I now wear the crown of wisdom and no longer need to learn!”?  Is it when you’ve earned your doctorate?  When you’ve raised successful children?  When you’ve achieved x number of milestones in your career?  When you’ve written a best-selling manual?

I would say that no such point exists! 

One who is thought of as wise would be characterized as being willing to learn, considerate of the thinking of others, and humble enough to realize that they really don’t know it all!  Interestingly, as I read the word of God, I see wisdom repeatedly linked to willingness to learn!

When I first started working in the public school system, I came with 16 years of experience working with children and teens.  During that first semester, I shared a classroom with a teacher that was fresh out of college.  How easily I could have placed myself in the mentor role, relegating the fresh-faced graduate to being my mentee.  But wisdom wouldn’t allow me to dismiss all that she brought to the table!  Her updated understanding of pedagogy, combined with her knowledge of current educational resources, were just what I needed to navigate my first year as a public school teacher.  In turn, this new teacher was also open to my ideas and suggestions learned through years of experience.  We made a great team then, and I still learn from her today! 

Wisdom is so much more than knowing stuff!  Being able to spout off tidbits of knowledge or information will cause us to do more talking than listening!  This “rolodex syndrome” can keep us focused on hearing our own voice instead of valuing the art of listening and learning from others.

“The heart of the wise will easily accept instruction. But those who do all the talking are too busy to listen and learn.”  Proverbs 10:8a TPT

Worse than the “rolodex syndrome” is the “I know better delusion.”  This is the idea that we know ourselves so well, or we have so much experience, or we are plenty intelligent (or old) enough to not need input, direction, or correction from anyone else.  This lack of humility breeds disdain for the ideas of others, even those who should have the opportunity to speak into our lives.*

Knowledge is having information.  Wisdom is knowing when and how to apply that information effectively!  Sometimes that means tapping into others and learning from their experience and understanding.  Sometimes that means delaying action based on the Lord’s direction or the counsel of a wise friend.  Sometimes that means taking our plans to the Father and simply leaving them at His feet. Always, wisdom requires that we humble ourselves and value input that comes from outside of us!  What we do with that input is dependent on the Lord’s direction.  But being willing to receive that input is the mark of wisdom. 

It grieves my heart when I encounter someone who is unteachable.  I’m sure you’ve met a few people like this too.  They are not interested in growing as a person and see no need to glean wisdom from others.  This heart posture waves off instruction and misses the opportunity for deep understanding.  No one offers them input that is valued as higher than their own.  Honor is only their expectation, not their gift for another. 

Conversely, being teachable is a beautiful attitude of the heart!  One who is teachable glows with expectation and appreciates time invested in them.  A teachable heart and mind is equally delightful in the old as well as the young. When I encounter teachability in another, it makes me want to reflect that character trait even more!  Proverbs 21:11 in the Passion Translation says that the wise are teachable.  I want to jump up and down and say, “That’s me! That’s me!”

Wisdom is so valued by the Lord, that He had Solomon write repeatedly about its value.  James reminds us that if we feel that we lack wisdom, to ask for it!  But in asking for wisdom, you and I must humble our hearts to receive that wisdom, even if it doesn’t come from where we’d expect it.  The ultimate source of wisdom is the Holy Spirit!  James 3 tells us that wisdom from above is always pure, considerate, willing to yield, and teachable.  It is filled with love, peace, and mercy.  When you receive input, correction, or direction from others, the Holy Spirit will enable you to know if, how, and when to apply that knowledge.

Teachable heart check:

  • Do I think I’m always right?
  • Am I willing to receive ideas from others of any age, any ethnicity, any gender?
  • Is the goal of my communication to convince others to believe the way I do?
  • Am I open to conversations with those of a different religious persuasion?
  • Do I honor my peers or only those in authority?
  • Am I willing to hear the thoughts of someone whose opinion is different than mine?
  • Do I value political agreement more than relational connection?
  • Am I a respectful listener, regardless of who is speaking?
  • Do I believe that I know more than most of those around me?
  • Am I authentically engaged or am I rolling my eyes on the inside?

Amen or oh my? I’m challenged to purposefully choose to be teachable in heart and spirit!

As we enter into a new year, we have a new opportunity to choose to be teachable again! 

Dear Father, I choose a heart posture that honors You and allows the Holy Spirit to have His way in me!  May my teachable heart and spirit enable me to grow in every area and receive the blessings found in honoring others that You place in my life! Make me more like you, Daddy! Amen!

Live Loved,

P.S. If this blog challenged and encouraged you, please share on social media! I welcome your input as well, so please comment. 🙂

*Caveat: Not everyone should have the authority to speak into your life.  But hopefully, you’ve cultivated honorable relationships that allow others to speak truth, challenge, and encouragement to you!

No Longer A Slave

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“When I found I had crossed that line, I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person. There was such a glory over everything; the sun came like gold through trees, and over the fields, and I felt like I was in Heaven”.

Harriet Tubman, Scenes in the Life of Harriet Tubman By Sarah Hopkins Bradford.

Selfless, brave, determined… these are all character qualities my students used to describe Harriet Tubman after reading about her life.  Tubman fell to her knees in prayer after crossing the Pennsylvania border exhilarated by her newfound freedom.  She then pressed on and began her new life in Philadelphia.  But the money she made working was for the primary purpose of gaining freedom for others who were still enslaved.  History tells us that Tubman was also a nurse, cook, and spy during the Civil War.  Later in life, she opened her home to those who were in need.  Through it all, she trusted the Lord to be her Source and Strength.

I believe that Harriet Tubman’s life journey reflects the Kingdom of Heaven culture.  Each person that God creates has a purpose, something they bring to this world that no one else can.  Whether or not we fulfill that purpose has much to do with the decisions we make in our personal journey.  Sometimes those decisions mean determining whether or not we will allow ourselves to stay enslaved… enslaved to self-pity, rejection, pride, pain, greed, or broken dreams.

Ultimately, the things that drive or enslave us can all be summed up by the word “fear,” fear of failure, fear of loss, fear of hurt, fear of abandonment, fear of rejection.  “I’m no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God,”1  This morning, I found myself singing this line, along with everyone else, but I felt the words deeper in my spirit than I ever had before. I had been enslaved by fear in the past.  It drove me to do things I wouldn’t typically do and it drove me to not do things that I should do.  Knowing that I don’t have to be driven by fear any longer is liberating!

Being strong or confident is not the opposite of fear; it is faith in His love that is the antithesis of fear! We all long to be known and loved.  It is only in knowing the perfect love of our Heavenly Father that the chains of fear can be rendered useless. Why does perfect love drive out fear?2  Because when we get a revelation of His perfect or unconditional love for us, we can trust His plans for us.  Perfect love is the truth that when life is difficult, loss rocks our world, or pain is suddenly staring us in the face, it is not for the purpose of tormenting us or punishing us!  Our circumstances are NOT a reflection of God’s love for us or His value of us!  We can be confident that no matter what comes our way, He is always with us, loving us, and causing everything to work out well for us… eventually!3

We might be tempted to stop there, basking in the knowledge that we are perfectly loved by this amazing God!!  Sometimes we do need to just soak in His presence (after all, He IS love!) and allow the joy of knowing His love to go deep.  But there’s more to the journey.  Isaiah 58 talks about what is pleasing to the Lord.  He doesn’t want us to keep love’s freedom to ourselves!  He wants us to help others who are enslaved find freedom too;  much like Harriet Tubman did when she took multiple trips south to lead others to freedom.  Was it convenient?  No. Was it safe? No.  Was it easy? No.  But it was her destiny and purpose to help others find {physical} freedom.

How much more important is it for you and I to help others find spiritual freedom!  Freedom from the fear that strangles out life and hope, freedom from the fear that keeps us from reaching out, freedom from the fear that chokes our trust, and freedom from the fear that breeds bitterness.  That’s a tall order, isn’t it?!  How can we help others find the freedom of knowing that they are unconditionally loved by their Creator? We become virtual conduits that allow the love of our amazing Father to flow through us to others!

By tapping into Him, our Source, and relying on His strength, we become the concrete example of God’s unconditional love to others.  As those walking in freedom, we set the vision and standard of freedom for EACH person we encounter!  We believe and declare that He loves them in the middle of their mess, just like He loves us even when we were at our worst.

Will loving those enslaved in fear be convenient? Safe? Easy?  No, no, and no, but it’s our destiny and purpose to help others find freedom in His perfect love!4  This precious freedom then enables them to walk in their destinies setting even more people free! It’s the circle of Kingdom life!

I’d like to say that I’m a pro at this thing of helping others find freedom from fear.  It would be great if I could tell you that I’ve got the perfect love thing down pat.  I don’t… I’m working on it, stumbling along, sometimes failing, and sometimes succeeding.  The good news is that there is always hope!  Each day is a new beginning and nothing is set in stone until we breathe our last breath!  Each encounter with another person is an opportunity to value one of God’s precious creations and demonstrate fear-freeing love.

Lord, Help me not to waste these opportunities!

Live Loved!

P.S.  If this encouraged, challenged, or blessed you, please share on social media! 🙂  Also, thanks to my Aunt Sandy Hall for the great shot of Mount Fuji!

1Lyrics from: ”No Longer Slaves” Bethel Music

2“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” I John 4: 18

3 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

4Read more: I John 3:16-23, Mark 12:29-31, All Embracing Love… Really?

#thankful

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Have you noticed the new t-shirt trend?  Sure, there are still the sassy ones out there: “Sarcastic comment loading,” or “What makes you think I care?”  But there is also a wave of t-shirts available now that celebrate… celebrate strong girls, celebrate world changers, and celebrate positive attitudes: #thankful, #gratefulheart, #blessed, #spreadkindness.  As a teacher, I see the trend and I’m loving it.

When life is tough, your attitude can make or break your day! 

A few days ago, I {finally} relaxed on a massage table as I used the gift card my husband gave me last Christmas.  As the therapist started working on the knots in my shoulders, I actually had to work at calming my mind and letting go of my “To-do” list as well as my “Problems to solve” agenda.  As I listened to the soothing music, I began to talk to the Lord.  I thanked Him for my job, even though it’s stressful.  I thanked Him for my home, even though it needs some upkeep.  I thanked Him for our cars, even though the payments are coming due.  I thanked Him for my family, even as I wondered how I was going to budget Christmas.  I thanked Him for His goodness, even though I know I don’t deserve it.

By the time the therapist got to my hands, I felt overwhelmed with thankfulness!  But this thankfulness was different. I was thankful for simply having all 10 of my fingers!  I began to think of not just what I have, but also what I don’t have… an insurance claim for a house lost to a fire, a doctor’s appointments for a terminal condition, or an addiction to manage.  I don’t have empty cupboards or a home infested with pests.  I don’t have to visit a family member in jail today or a missing loved one to file a police report on.

Is life perfect?  Not for anyone!  But if I don’t choose thankfulness, what’s left to choose from?  Complaining, whining, bitterness, self-pity, jealousy.  None of those sound particularly pleasant.  In fact, all of those attitudes will make me a less than enjoyable person to be around.  Don’t get me wrong, sometimes we need to “vent” to an understanding ear.  But if we stay in that place of perpetual complaining, our attitude {and facial expression} will scream #sourpuss, no t-shirt necessary!

The other day, my friend said, “We can complain ourselves right out of a victory!”  That statement was an eye opener for me!  The reality is that life feels like a battle at times.  What will my battle cry be?  #whyme? #Idon’tdeservethis! #lifeisnotfair!  These battle cries will lead to discouragement and failure.  Our battle cries should be declarations of victory! #Icandothis #blessed #Godisgood #endurewithgrace #thankful!

I am thankful!  I have the best Dad ever!  He is a faithful God and trustworthy Father.  Even when life sends me spinning, I know that He has me in the center of His Hand.  If you need that same confidence, turn your face heavenward!  God created you and He loves you!  He IS love!  He has good things in store for those who trust Him!  Hebrews 12:28 in the Passion translation says, “Since we are receiving our rights to an unshakeable kingdom we should be extremely thankful and offer God the purest worship that delights His heart as we lay down our lives in absolute surrender, filled with awe.”  Your right to an unshakeable kingdom comes when you acknowledge God as your Father, Healer, Deliverer, and Savior!

#extremelythankful

Please comment and share what you are most thankful for today!

Live loved!

P.S. My husband just walked in and told me what the chickens are thankful for: they are not turkeys! 🙂

To All Who are Weary…

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What are you facing today?  What giant is blocking your path?  What struggle is stealing your breath?  What pain is battering your heart?  Are you weary? This word is for you!

“Yet I totally trust you to rescue me one more time, so that I can see once again how good you are while I’m still alive! Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting—for He will never disappoint you!” 

Psalm 27:13-14 tPt

 

Hold tight!  God is in yesterday, today, and tomorrow; but He wants you focused on His presence in your present.  He will give you what you need to endure today’s battles.*

No matter what is wearing you down, it won’t always be like this… You will endure this season and come through stronger!

Let this be your battle cry: “My God is faithful! He won’t disappoint! I will trust in Him!”

This word is for you, this word is for me! Our God is faithful!

*Updated: I wrote this on Saturday and was so blessed by this song on Sunday morning: King of My Heart. He is good and He is never gonna let us go!

Live Loved and Victorious!

*Matthew 6:33-34

Please share on Social Media to bless someone else!

Mic Drop Monday: Are You Naked?

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Hmmm, I’m wondering, how many Jesus followers are walking around naked?

Here’s the test:

Does my heart harbor unforgiveness? Prejudice?  Pride? Self-righteousness? Judgement? Anger? Ungratefulness?

Do I allow myself to have foul conversation? To talk unkind about others? Be impatient? Rude? Bitter? Complaining? Vengeful?

Then I am walking naked!

Colossians 3 reminds us of what should be in our closet!  We need to put on the clothing of love:

 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and He lives in all of us.

12 Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

OK, I experienced a few ouch moments reading that, how about you?  Let me go get dressed…

Live loved and Dressed too! 

Favorite Friday: Artist

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OK… fangirl post! From the early days of DC Talk’s hit Heavenbound to his new release, The Elements, dropping today, TobyMac has been at the T-O-P of my favorite artist list!  As I was thinking about this blog, I tried to choose my favorite TobyMac tune and I have to confess, that was not an easy endeavor!  Some songs stand out because of their artistic wow-ness while others have lyrics that go deep… and that’s without factoring in the Christmas songs!

DC Talk, Then and Now

But before we go to the favorites, here are the top 10 reasons that I think highly of TobyMac.  (No, I don’t know him as a person, but the fruit of his walk is evident to anyone who pays attention.)

Top 10 things I appreciate about TobyMac:

10: DC Talk brotherhood: In this age of “no one stays together,” TobyMac, Michael Tait, and Kevin Max demonstrate that brotherhood is still a priority even while pursuing solo careers. Jesus Freak

9: Gotee Records: Toby formed this label with two others when they were unable to find a label deal for Out of Eden.  Today, you’ll find diverse and talented artists such as Aaron Cole, Hollyn, Capital Kings, and Relient K on Gotee’s roster!  Right on Time by Aaron Cole

8: Commitment to People: TobyMac is in his 10th year of sponsoring Run for Hope, a local school in his area.  Additionally, he sponsors Camp Electric which is an interactive worship and rock & roll camp.  He values his community in Franklin, Tennessee, purposefully frequenting the local businesses.  This Christmas

7: Christmas tunes! I love what TobyMac brings to Christmas… A fresh perspective of the delight and beauty found in celebrating Jesus’ birth! O Come, All Ye Faithful

6: Promotes others: I know that TobyMac must have a strong business sense and most likely take seriously the blessing of providing an inheritance for his children’s children.  But kudos to the guy for investing in others by lending his talents to their songs and coming alongside others to help make their vision a reality! Check out this Citizen shop. Hold Me by Jamie Grace

5: Artistic creativity: Do I need to explain this?  Every album: same signature voice in outrageously creative, diverse tunes!  It doesn’t get old! This is Not a Test

4: Passion about diversity: You don’t have to listen long to pick up on TobyMac’s passion for diversity.  Not only does he sing about it, but he even named his band Diverse City!  Colored People, Wanna Be Loved (both by DC Talk), Diverse City, City on Our Knees, One World, all point to his desire to see love trump hate, differences, and division.

3: #SpeakLife Movement: After TobyMac’s song Speak Life hit the airwaves, its popularity inspired the #SpeakLife movement encouraging positive, life-giving words that shine His light to a hurting world. (Ephesians 4:29) Speak Life

2: Spiritual growth: From my perspective, TobyMac demonstrates new spiritual depth with each successive release.  His songs seem to reflect an increasingly deeper personal connection with His Heavenly Father.  In his words, “I try to lean into God and say ‘What’s up? Watchya want me to say, Daddy*?'” when he is in the writing process. As listeners, we feel his growing understanding of walking out this faith, grappling with real life issues, and pressing through the fire to find victory. I Just Need U

1: Commitment to family and faith: It’s clear, this man loves and values his family!  And He loves his Heavenly Father!   He purposes to show that in the choices he makes and the songs he writes and sings. What a blessing! Lose My Soul, Family, Steal My Show

 

Okay… I tried to come up with my favorite, but that was a no-go, so here are my favoriteS by TobyMac and Diverse City:

Maybe someday, I’ll get to chat with the this artistic legend!  Who is your favorite artist and why?  I’d love to hear…

Live Love and Sing with abandonment!

P.S. If you enjoyed this, please share on social media and comment! 🙂

Special thanks to:

P.P.S.: Andy and Caleb met TobyMac, Jon Micah (of Kutless), and Mark Stuart (formerly Audio Adrenaline) at Grove City College in Pennsylvania in 2005.  After a rousing game of stick ball, the artists gladly posed for some fan shots!  Here’s a throwback shot!

Disclaimer: I own the rights to none of these songs or videos.

Favorite Friday-Lemme Tellya!

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Oh no, that was not a typo!  Planetboom’s new song Lemme TellYa is topping my list of favorite’s this week.  Why? Powerful lyrics married with incredible beats!  Turn up that volume…

As a teen, I remember the debate over “Christian Rock.”  Many in the older generation thought that it couldn’t be a good thing, after all, think about the reputation of the rock ‘n’ roll world, right?!  Today, there are many who decry rap, hiphop, metal, reggae, or any music involving more than piano and guitar!

My stand then, is the same as today… What about the lyrics? What are they alluding to or outright saying? Are the lyrics positive or negative? Uplifting or degrading?

 

Music itself is a vehicle that delivers; the lyrics are what impacts the mind and even beliefs.  Regardless of style… the lyrical quality determines the impact value of the song! 

Want to bring more dance inspiring tunes into your day?  Here are two more of Planetboom’s tunes that are definitely worth a listen!

If you enjoy these tunes (and maybe my thoughts too), please share on social media and comment!

Live Loved and Dance like only He is watching!

P.S. Thanks to Miranda for introducing me to yet another cool tune!

P.P.S Planetboom might not be familiar to you, but they are the youth spinoff of Planet Shakers, who have some inspiring tunes themselves!

Put the Stone Down!

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I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but your measuring stick is flawed.

Please don’t be offended… because mine is also flawed!  Yet, sometimes we wield our measuring stick like a sword aimed at what we consider errors in the lives or opinions of others.

Even though we know we are far from perfect, we forget that our measuring stick is not that of Mary Poppins.  You know the one, the practically-perfect-in-every-way measuring stick. We hold it up to “that neighbor,” “that relative,” “that church,” “that blogger,” “that co-worker,” and find them lacking in some area.  Why does it seem so easy to zero in on the negative?

Unfortunately, highlighting the faults of others seems to be a social epidemic.  If you spend any time on social media, or the internet for that matter, you’ve seen what I’m talking about.  Self-appointed “inspectors” pass over the good in favor of criticizing, cutting down, nitpicking, and judging.  Sadly, I think Christians (and I use this term loosely here) are some of the biggest culprits.

You may have stumbled across one of these situations:

  • Complete websites dedicated to tearing down pastors, prophets, and teachers.
  • Bloggers who have taken the time to write an entire blog about why a worship song isn’t worth singing.
  • Professors who teach that church services shouldn’t have low lights, loud music, dancing, children’s church, etc.
  • People who have stormed out of churches because they didn’t like something the pastor said, did, stood for, or even implied.
  • Those who are more concerned that you use their version of the Bible than living by what’s inside of it.
  • Pastors who use their authority to declare entertainers, music styles, and even people groups as demonic.

How it must grieve God’s heart to see His children throwing stones at others.

Some of you might be thinking, but we are supposed to judge the fruit, right?  We are supposed to be “wise as serpents,” aren’t we?  Let me refer you to the first sentence of this blog and then remind you of the second half of Matthew 10:16, “and be harmless as doves.” Note that the word “judge” means to form an opinion or conclusion.  There’s an old adage that says, “Opinions are like armpits, everyone has them and they often stink!” Much of what criticizers call out in others is simply a reflection of their own opinion or their disagreement of someone’s understanding or interpretation.

Even if someone is doing or saying something that seems askew, what purpose does it serve to publicly defame them?  Does it glorify God? Build them up?  Encourage other believers?  Bring life to the situation?  I’m confident that the answer to those questions is an emphatic “NO!” Rarely ever will public criticism bring about a positive outcome or fruitful discussions.

So, what IS an effective action when you suspect that a speaker, ministry, or songwriter seems off?  Pray and bless! Pray for God to give them (and you) a revelation of truth and clarity!  Pray that they will be drawn deeper in relationship with the Father! Bless them in the areas they are right on track.1

This may come as a shock, but there is NO perfect theology, NO perfect church, NO perfect worship style, NO perfect sermon length, NO perfect author… Do you get my point?

Churches, pastors, ministries, authors are all different and unique.  Why?  Because that’s how God created each one of us!  We were wonderfully formed in His image as one-of-a-kind children who have individual relationships with our Heavenly Father.  As creative as our God is, why do we think that He would want us to have cookie-cutter churches or ministries?

While our tenants of faith stand strong (based on the Word of God), our walks as believers, our preferred ways of worship, our revelations, our engagement with the Holy Spirit will reflect our uniqueness.  He is not a cookie-cutter God!

So if we are all so different, what does God expect of His wonderfully unique children?  God’s measuring stick is reflected in His Word: Seek Justice, love mercy, walk humbly (Micah 6:8), Love God, love others (Matthew 22:37-39), Bless, do not curse (Romans 12:14), Mercy triumphs over judgement (James 2:12-13).

Peter sets forth a challenge:  “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” (I Peter 4:8 NLT)

Here are some practical ways to rise to the challenge!

  • Purpose in your heart to look for the good in others. See criticism as a weapon of the enemy and demolish it!
  • Celebrate the efforts and hard work of ministries, pastors, writers, believers, prophets, etc. who are living and declaring the Kingdom of God.
  • Find and embrace a place of worship that shares your heart, vision, and style. Stick with that church family through thick and thin until God clearly directs you otherwise!
  • Pray for other believers and ministries asking the Lord to bless them in their “on-target” areas and bring revelation to their “off-target” areas.  Pray the same clarity for yourself!
  • Seek to be like Jesus!  Study His life and grab His heart!

Let’s be Jesus-followers together!

Live Loved!

1Note that James 5:19 discusses turning back one who wanders from the truth.  Realize that publicly denouncing someone on social media or anywhere else will not turn someone to the truth.  A personal relationship that is based on love and respect will enable this to occur and the one in error will be protected because love covers a multitude of sins!

Here more here: Designed to Impress