Yesterday I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed. I was dreading it because I have the type of imagination that envisions the pain-killers not working, over-sized pliers out of a rusty tool box, and a geyser of blood.
I wouldn't volunteer to go through it again but God and I had a great couple of hours. The procedure wasn't nearly as bad as my imagination had made it out to be.
During the procedure I had my iPod. I'd created a "worship" playlist that was nearly four hours long (just in case because I was imagining my butt would never leave that chair). While in the midst of a worship time with my King I made a correlation between my time in the chair and our sinful nature.
Despite knowing that what was being done to me should/would hurt I felt nothing more than some manuevering in my mouth. What I knew should bring pain and eventually would was nothing more than an irritant. As I lay there and the drill would come out I'd turn up my iPod and drown out the sound of the tool with worship songs. If things quieted down I'd turn it down a bit but remain deep in the presence of God.
Isn't that how life should be? If the procedure becomes the sin in our lives then don't we need to drown out its influence with the presence of God? Don't we overpower it with the grace of God and trust in Him to see us through?
Temptation seems to be at an all-time powerful these days. Everywhere we go we are bombarded with images, sounds, messages that aren't honoring to God. We need to turn down the influence of the enemy and immerse ourselves in God's presence. He's always waiting for us if we'd only turn up the volume and ignore the temptations surrounding us.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Monday, December 12, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
Longing
Karenkingsbury.com
Longing Once again Karen Kingsbury delivers a tale that keeps readers guessing as to what happens next. However, as with the first two books in this series, Longing falls short of being a captivating story. This fan just wants to know what happens next so we can move beyond this series. This story is moving slower than the proverbial molasses dripping uphill.
There are many faults with this writing that began with the Dayne Matthews story. The obvious fascination with fame and Hollywood is a bit suspect. You should write what you know not who you know. A fictional story should be inspired by not based on the lives of the people around you. Kingsbury has lost the distinction between her daughter, Kelsey, and the character, Bailey. If you follow her on Facebook at all you'll see all the similarities between the Flanigans and the Kingsburys.
The blinders are certainly on in telling the story of Bailey Flanigan. Bailey is a too-perfect-to-live-up-to character. Her biggest struggle is choosing between two guys who both worship the ground she walks on. You could say that both of them put her first in their lives although both take the easy way. Cody chose to walk away putting Bailey's perfection above his desire to be with her. Brandon uses his unending money to court her but since his funds are unending it isn't like he sacrifices a lot for her.
There is a line that summarizes my problem with the entire series. "In Bailey's presence Brandon was clearly a new guy." Bailey did not save Brandon nor can she be the reason for his transformation. Brandon, Bailey, and Cody need to have personal relationships with Christ driven by their desire to pursue Him not their need to live up to the expectations of anyone else. If God is their priority there is no time nor need for Facebook stalking your ex, googling your ex, or having thoughts about an ex when you've committed yourself to someone that God placed in your life. It all plays out like a season of One Tree Hill with mentions of God thrown in.
Cheyenne's advice to Cody on her deathbed is wrong. We can make mistakes and chose the wrong person or not chose the right person. Just because we walk away doesn't mean that person wasn't God's will for your life. Just because you choose someone doesn't mean you are following God's will for your life. However, pursuing someone who is in a committed relationship is wrong. Both Cody and Brandon have pushed this boundary and Bailey continues to not dedicate herself to the relationship of her choosing.
The compromise continued in Longing. A few well-placed words glossed over situations that should alarm any reader with its message.
I'm concerned for the message that this series sends to readers. Be a perfect Christian. To be a perfect Christian you must beautiful, pursued by every guy you meet, amazing at all you do, and of course never make a mistake. Never have an unkind thought. Never say an unkind word. Never say the wrong thing even accidentally. If you are that perfect Christian than your ex can't forget you, Zac Efron will fall in love with your headshot, and a Tim Tebow will be waiting in the wings if neither of the aforementioned guys keeps your interest.
Ladies, if you want to find your prince you don't wait/search/long for a man who pursues you like a dying man pursues water in the desert. You pursue God like a dying man pursues water in the desert. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Don't settle for a man who makes you his whole world. Pray and wait for a man whose whole world is focused on Christ. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." It won't matter if he has everything in the world or nothing at all. "For my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory." With all you do give the glory to God. Don't do things to attract a man's attention. "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Give all your attention to God so when He shows you His will you won't miss it. "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them."
Longing Once again Karen Kingsbury delivers a tale that keeps readers guessing as to what happens next. However, as with the first two books in this series, Longing falls short of being a captivating story. This fan just wants to know what happens next so we can move beyond this series. This story is moving slower than the proverbial molasses dripping uphill.
There are many faults with this writing that began with the Dayne Matthews story. The obvious fascination with fame and Hollywood is a bit suspect. You should write what you know not who you know. A fictional story should be inspired by not based on the lives of the people around you. Kingsbury has lost the distinction between her daughter, Kelsey, and the character, Bailey. If you follow her on Facebook at all you'll see all the similarities between the Flanigans and the Kingsburys.
The blinders are certainly on in telling the story of Bailey Flanigan. Bailey is a too-perfect-to-live-up-to character. Her biggest struggle is choosing between two guys who both worship the ground she walks on. You could say that both of them put her first in their lives although both take the easy way. Cody chose to walk away putting Bailey's perfection above his desire to be with her. Brandon uses his unending money to court her but since his funds are unending it isn't like he sacrifices a lot for her.
There is a line that summarizes my problem with the entire series. "In Bailey's presence Brandon was clearly a new guy." Bailey did not save Brandon nor can she be the reason for his transformation. Brandon, Bailey, and Cody need to have personal relationships with Christ driven by their desire to pursue Him not their need to live up to the expectations of anyone else. If God is their priority there is no time nor need for Facebook stalking your ex, googling your ex, or having thoughts about an ex when you've committed yourself to someone that God placed in your life. It all plays out like a season of One Tree Hill with mentions of God thrown in.
Cheyenne's advice to Cody on her deathbed is wrong. We can make mistakes and chose the wrong person or not chose the right person. Just because we walk away doesn't mean that person wasn't God's will for your life. Just because you choose someone doesn't mean you are following God's will for your life. However, pursuing someone who is in a committed relationship is wrong. Both Cody and Brandon have pushed this boundary and Bailey continues to not dedicate herself to the relationship of her choosing.
The compromise continued in Longing. A few well-placed words glossed over situations that should alarm any reader with its message.
I'm concerned for the message that this series sends to readers. Be a perfect Christian. To be a perfect Christian you must beautiful, pursued by every guy you meet, amazing at all you do, and of course never make a mistake. Never have an unkind thought. Never say an unkind word. Never say the wrong thing even accidentally. If you are that perfect Christian than your ex can't forget you, Zac Efron will fall in love with your headshot, and a Tim Tebow will be waiting in the wings if neither of the aforementioned guys keeps your interest.
Ladies, if you want to find your prince you don't wait/search/long for a man who pursues you like a dying man pursues water in the desert. You pursue God like a dying man pursues water in the desert. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Don't settle for a man who makes you his whole world. Pray and wait for a man whose whole world is focused on Christ. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." It won't matter if he has everything in the world or nothing at all. "For my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory." With all you do give the glory to God. Don't do things to attract a man's attention. "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Give all your attention to God so when He shows you His will you won't miss it. "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them."
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Stripes
Tonight I sat in church behind someone who had a cute t-shirt on. It was a WWF t-shirt with a zebra and it said "I've earned my stripes." It was adorable. However, God brought a weekend of seeking Him and personal worship full circle and made that t-shirt a part of my anthem.
I've earned my stripes but He bore them.
I spent part of Saturday morning immersing myself in worship songs, praising my God for all He has done for me. I ended up on YouTube where I found a great video reminding me that We are the Reason that He gave His life. I was struck again of how I take for granted the punishment that I earned but that He endured.
Mentally I know that His beating and death were in lieu of the punishment I deserve. He endured the pain that I might gain the prize. However, the visual imagery of the pain - the whip that tore into His back, the crown of thorns that embedded in His skull, the nails that pierced His hands, the agony that He suffered in love for me - moved me to a place that I haven't been in a long time. It's a humbling thought but sometimes it is too easily forgotten. I don't remember daily that His sacrifice was my gain. I live as though I have the right to do as I please within reason but that isn't the case. Too easily do I forget the pain that gives me peace, the separation that gives me acceptance, the death that covers me in grace, mercy, and the promise of forever. I forget to express my gratitude to Him for saving me from a life without hope and peace. I fail to talk to Him because I take for granted that He knows all I'm going through. I don't share with Him the good in my life but I seek Him out to solve the bad.
I was introduced to a new group this weekend. Their song Can't Get Over You is an amazing worship song. (I linked to the acoustic version because really you just need to sing this as a love song to God.) However, before you can move to the place of complete surrender and focus on Him self must be removed. We didn't earn His mercy or grace; they were a gift extended to us because of His unwavering love. Someday I'll leave this Earth behind and truly turn my eyes to Him. There'll be no distractions, excuses, reasons, or sin separating us. It'll be an eternity to worship Him - 10,000 years and we'll just have begun. There is so much here on Earth that looks to divide me from Him until that day. Yet, if I remind myself of His sacrifice, my eternity, and the job He has called me to do then I won't get over Him anytime soon.
I love the way You love like no other
It's got nothing to do with anything that I do
Time and time again You forgive me
So this time I choose to stay here with You
Hold me
Pull me just a little bit closer
I don't want to lose this moment
You're love has covered me
And now I can't get over You
I can't get over You
I can't get over You
I just can't get over You
Here in the arms of my Father
Only grace can be found
So I lay my fears down
Nothing is the same anymore
You've changed me from the inside out
Now my heart is beating and it's singing won't You...
Hold me
Pull me just a little bit closer
I don't want to lose this moment
You're love has covered me
And now I can't get over You
I can't get over You
I can't get over You
I just can't get over You
I can't get over You
I can't get over the way
Your love stays the same, oh Lord
I can't get over the way
Your love stays the same, oh Lord
Even through the good and the bad times
You stay the same
So my song will remain
Lord...
Hold me
Pull me just a little bit closer
I don't want to lose this moment
You're love has covered me
And now I can't get over You
I can't get over You
I can't get over You
I just can't get over You
I can't get over You
I can't get over You
There's nothing I can't do
I just can't get over You
I can't get over You
I've earned my stripes but He bore them.
I spent part of Saturday morning immersing myself in worship songs, praising my God for all He has done for me. I ended up on YouTube where I found a great video reminding me that We are the Reason that He gave His life. I was struck again of how I take for granted the punishment that I earned but that He endured.
Mentally I know that His beating and death were in lieu of the punishment I deserve. He endured the pain that I might gain the prize. However, the visual imagery of the pain - the whip that tore into His back, the crown of thorns that embedded in His skull, the nails that pierced His hands, the agony that He suffered in love for me - moved me to a place that I haven't been in a long time. It's a humbling thought but sometimes it is too easily forgotten. I don't remember daily that His sacrifice was my gain. I live as though I have the right to do as I please within reason but that isn't the case. Too easily do I forget the pain that gives me peace, the separation that gives me acceptance, the death that covers me in grace, mercy, and the promise of forever. I forget to express my gratitude to Him for saving me from a life without hope and peace. I fail to talk to Him because I take for granted that He knows all I'm going through. I don't share with Him the good in my life but I seek Him out to solve the bad.
I was introduced to a new group this weekend. Their song Can't Get Over You is an amazing worship song. (I linked to the acoustic version because really you just need to sing this as a love song to God.) However, before you can move to the place of complete surrender and focus on Him self must be removed. We didn't earn His mercy or grace; they were a gift extended to us because of His unwavering love. Someday I'll leave this Earth behind and truly turn my eyes to Him. There'll be no distractions, excuses, reasons, or sin separating us. It'll be an eternity to worship Him - 10,000 years and we'll just have begun. There is so much here on Earth that looks to divide me from Him until that day. Yet, if I remind myself of His sacrifice, my eternity, and the job He has called me to do then I won't get over Him anytime soon.
I love the way You love like no other
It's got nothing to do with anything that I do
Time and time again You forgive me
So this time I choose to stay here with You
Hold me
Pull me just a little bit closer
I don't want to lose this moment
You're love has covered me
And now I can't get over You
I can't get over You
I can't get over You
I just can't get over You
Here in the arms of my Father
Only grace can be found
So I lay my fears down
Nothing is the same anymore
You've changed me from the inside out
Now my heart is beating and it's singing won't You...
Hold me
Pull me just a little bit closer
I don't want to lose this moment
You're love has covered me
And now I can't get over You
I can't get over You
I can't get over You
I just can't get over You
I can't get over You
I can't get over the way
Your love stays the same, oh Lord
I can't get over the way
Your love stays the same, oh Lord
Even through the good and the bad times
You stay the same
So my song will remain
Lord...
Hold me
Pull me just a little bit closer
I don't want to lose this moment
You're love has covered me
And now I can't get over You
I can't get over You
I can't get over You
I just can't get over You
I can't get over You
I can't get over You
There's nothing I can't do
I just can't get over You
I can't get over You
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Grace Like Rain
Grace Like Rain by Todd Agnew
On June 1st, I found myself in an interesting position. I left work frustrated with my boss because her procrastination caused me to pick up the pieces again. So instead of heading home I had to run an errand in the opposite direction. While I stood in Staples it downpoured and hailed outside. I rushed through the rain to get home and came to an abrupt stop because of heavy traffic only about a mile from home. I figured there was flooding and switched on the radio. There may have been flooding but the delay was due to a tornado that danced through West Springfield, Springfield, and eventually out to Monson. It took me seven hours to get home that night. As hungry and frustrated as I was when I got home, it all dissipated the next day when I realized the 3.86 mile drive from work to home had been the path the tornado took for about 2.5 of it.
At one point on Wednesday night I found myself on a road unable to go anywhere. The skies opened up and it torrential downpoured. I turned my car off to wait it out when it became evident we weren't going anywhere. The rain kept coming. Tonight as I listened to Grace Like Rain, I thought back to my experience on Wednesday night. His grace kept me safe but I observed a lot about rain that evening also.
While my car was running during the downpour the wipers couldn't keep up. Even on the highest setting they may as well not been on. The rain came down so swiftly that it looked like my car was underwater. Then the water built up underneath the car as there was no outlet for it since there was so much.
Tonight I envisioned God opening up His grace and covering me with it. He pours it out and there is so much that I can't absorb it all. There is so much that even if I wipe it away I am instantly covered again. It collects beneath my feet because I don't soak it all up nor does it disappear as soon as it drips from me. I can splash in it. Sometimes it may feel like God only gave us a drizzle, but I really do think that it is more a steady, unrelenting rain.
On June 1st, I found myself in an interesting position. I left work frustrated with my boss because her procrastination caused me to pick up the pieces again. So instead of heading home I had to run an errand in the opposite direction. While I stood in Staples it downpoured and hailed outside. I rushed through the rain to get home and came to an abrupt stop because of heavy traffic only about a mile from home. I figured there was flooding and switched on the radio. There may have been flooding but the delay was due to a tornado that danced through West Springfield, Springfield, and eventually out to Monson. It took me seven hours to get home that night. As hungry and frustrated as I was when I got home, it all dissipated the next day when I realized the 3.86 mile drive from work to home had been the path the tornado took for about 2.5 of it.
At one point on Wednesday night I found myself on a road unable to go anywhere. The skies opened up and it torrential downpoured. I turned my car off to wait it out when it became evident we weren't going anywhere. The rain kept coming. Tonight as I listened to Grace Like Rain, I thought back to my experience on Wednesday night. His grace kept me safe but I observed a lot about rain that evening also.
While my car was running during the downpour the wipers couldn't keep up. Even on the highest setting they may as well not been on. The rain came down so swiftly that it looked like my car was underwater. Then the water built up underneath the car as there was no outlet for it since there was so much.
Tonight I envisioned God opening up His grace and covering me with it. He pours it out and there is so much that I can't absorb it all. There is so much that even if I wipe it away I am instantly covered again. It collects beneath my feet because I don't soak it all up nor does it disappear as soon as it drips from me. I can splash in it. Sometimes it may feel like God only gave us a drizzle, but I really do think that it is more a steady, unrelenting rain.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Leaving
Karenkingsbury.com
Leaving If you've never read a Karen Kingsbury book before - DON'T START WITH THIS ONE.
This is far from Karen's best. As a matter of fact I'd say she can't see the forest through the trees and has wandered aimlessly lost. Bailey, patterned after Karen's daughter, is an impossible character. She is impossible to live up to. Impossible to like. Impossible to empathize with. Impossible to cheer for.
I also take issue with the behavior exhibited by Bailey and condoned by her parents. Brandon Paul (prior to being saved) regularly came onto Bailey and she allowed it and her parents never cautioned her about it. While Bailey was in a relationship she allowed herself to be in situations with Brandon that Cody could misunderstand. Overall Bailey is the victim of Cody's decision but her own actions played a huge part in his decision. However, now Bailey is being pursued by the hottest actor in Hollywood with unlimited funds and charm to bring a smile to coldest of hearts. Ahem. Of course she fell for Brandon. She facebook stalked her ex and now he is in a relationship and Brandon is always there to cheer her up when Cody breaks her heart one more time. Of course she fell for him he made her feel like Cinderella.
These stories leave the realm of reality and travel into a mother's fantasy wish for her daughter. The problem is that "Jenny" can't guide her daughter down a path that is honorary to God. This book condones allowing feelings to override God's will. Was Bailey supposed to be with Cody? Was that God's will for her life? She forgot to stop and ask God while Brandon was flying her all over the country and whispering in her ear. I get Learning and Leaving confused but at one point Brandon and Bailey are alone together in an apartment. For real? What mother condones that? Why would you promote that to your readers? Temptation abounds when you don't protect yourself by avoiding all appearances of evil. Besides what kind of testimony is that to the people who read the magazines that the paparazzi that chased them sold the pictures to? Great way to promote the Christian faith. "Yes, we disappeared into the apartment together for four hours and we were alone but I swear I never touched her. I'm a good Christian now. You have to believe me."
Overall the Bailey Flanigan series is a compilation of compromise. God is a convenient thread but we can work in two young adults being alone together for the purpose of the story, Facebook stalking (and not having a private profile), eating disorders, and many other "white" sins that seem so innocent but in reality are a bad influence on the pre-teens and teens that may read and look up to Bailey Flanigan. There was plenty of exposition about what a wonderful girl Bailey is but that just made her seem unreal when the action parts of the story left so much to be desired in showing us.
I'm also quite concerned with the Team Cody and Team Brandon that has become popular and so reminiscent of Twilight. My feelings on Twilight besides it being a big pile of poo is that Bella should have thrown both Jacob and Edward to the curb and found someone truly good for her. Twilight had no faith element in it so let's draw the comparison to Bailey. Cody/Edward left Bailey/Bella to "protect her" rather than be honest and work it out together. Cody/Edward made the decision. The friend Brandon/Jacob manipulated the situation and the feelings afterwards to weasel into Bailey/Bella's life where they probably don't belong. Bailey Flanigan, the girl who loved, served, and pursued God, should have trusted Him. If Cody is the one for her then she should have never given into Brandon's manipulation. If Cody wasn't for her then she should have given him over to God and pursued God for His will. This team stuff is scary because it has nothing to do with looks, history, who is better for Bailey, or anything of the sort. It is about who God would have her be with.
I feel that Bailey Flanigan series is off the mark. It has become the Win A Date With Tad Hamilton of the Christian literary scene. A fantasy allowed to play out like a daydream. Very disappointing as the opportunity was ripe to challenge readers young and old, duaghter and mother, to take a good long look at relationships (romantic and familial) and honor God in all they do.
Leaving If you've never read a Karen Kingsbury book before - DON'T START WITH THIS ONE.
This is far from Karen's best. As a matter of fact I'd say she can't see the forest through the trees and has wandered aimlessly lost. Bailey, patterned after Karen's daughter, is an impossible character. She is impossible to live up to. Impossible to like. Impossible to empathize with. Impossible to cheer for.
I also take issue with the behavior exhibited by Bailey and condoned by her parents. Brandon Paul (prior to being saved) regularly came onto Bailey and she allowed it and her parents never cautioned her about it. While Bailey was in a relationship she allowed herself to be in situations with Brandon that Cody could misunderstand. Overall Bailey is the victim of Cody's decision but her own actions played a huge part in his decision. However, now Bailey is being pursued by the hottest actor in Hollywood with unlimited funds and charm to bring a smile to coldest of hearts. Ahem. Of course she fell for Brandon. She facebook stalked her ex and now he is in a relationship and Brandon is always there to cheer her up when Cody breaks her heart one more time. Of course she fell for him he made her feel like Cinderella.
These stories leave the realm of reality and travel into a mother's fantasy wish for her daughter. The problem is that "Jenny" can't guide her daughter down a path that is honorary to God. This book condones allowing feelings to override God's will. Was Bailey supposed to be with Cody? Was that God's will for her life? She forgot to stop and ask God while Brandon was flying her all over the country and whispering in her ear. I get Learning and Leaving confused but at one point Brandon and Bailey are alone together in an apartment. For real? What mother condones that? Why would you promote that to your readers? Temptation abounds when you don't protect yourself by avoiding all appearances of evil. Besides what kind of testimony is that to the people who read the magazines that the paparazzi that chased them sold the pictures to? Great way to promote the Christian faith. "Yes, we disappeared into the apartment together for four hours and we were alone but I swear I never touched her. I'm a good Christian now. You have to believe me."
Overall the Bailey Flanigan series is a compilation of compromise. God is a convenient thread but we can work in two young adults being alone together for the purpose of the story, Facebook stalking (and not having a private profile), eating disorders, and many other "white" sins that seem so innocent but in reality are a bad influence on the pre-teens and teens that may read and look up to Bailey Flanigan. There was plenty of exposition about what a wonderful girl Bailey is but that just made her seem unreal when the action parts of the story left so much to be desired in showing us.
I'm also quite concerned with the Team Cody and Team Brandon that has become popular and so reminiscent of Twilight. My feelings on Twilight besides it being a big pile of poo is that Bella should have thrown both Jacob and Edward to the curb and found someone truly good for her. Twilight had no faith element in it so let's draw the comparison to Bailey. Cody/Edward left Bailey/Bella to "protect her" rather than be honest and work it out together. Cody/Edward made the decision. The friend Brandon/Jacob manipulated the situation and the feelings afterwards to weasel into Bailey/Bella's life where they probably don't belong. Bailey Flanigan, the girl who loved, served, and pursued God, should have trusted Him. If Cody is the one for her then she should have never given into Brandon's manipulation. If Cody wasn't for her then she should have given him over to God and pursued God for His will. This team stuff is scary because it has nothing to do with looks, history, who is better for Bailey, or anything of the sort. It is about who God would have her be with.
I feel that Bailey Flanigan series is off the mark. It has become the Win A Date With Tad Hamilton of the Christian literary scene. A fantasy allowed to play out like a daydream. Very disappointing as the opportunity was ripe to challenge readers young and old, duaghter and mother, to take a good long look at relationships (romantic and familial) and honor God in all they do.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)