Psalm 23
Current mood: tired
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Out of the 150 Psalms there are several that stick out in my mind for one reason or another... 16, 139, 117-119, 46, and quite a few others.  Pieces and parts stick out in the minds of almost everyone.  Possibly the most known Psalm is Psalm 23.  Whether it be movies, books, songs, cross stitch wall hangings, or speeches, the Psalm can spring up almost any where at anytime.  One of my favorite appearances of the Psalm is in a song by Mark Schultz.  For those of you who really know me, this probably isn't too big of a surprise.  The song is He Will Carry Me off Mark's Stories and Songs album. The chorus goes something like this:

And even though I'm walking
Through the valley of the shadow
I will hold tight to the hand of Him
Whose love will comfort me
And when all hope is gone
And I've been wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will ever need
He will carry me

Not a great deal of the Psalm is present here, but then with a Psalm that expresses almost every emotion, that would be challenging and cluttered.  However one of my favorite parts of the Psalm, as well as the most known parts is present.  Even though I'm walking through the valley of the shadow.  As a Christian, we're not promised an easy life.  The word Christian, literally Christ-like, should be an immediate indication of that.  Christ did not have an easy time on earth as people might like to assume.  In Matthew 4:1-7 Jesus is tempted over and over by Satan himself, but Jesus overcomes.

In our lives, temptation is all around us, whether it be substance abuse, sex, lying, or what have you.  Some of these temptations might seem like a really great way to get out of that valley of the shadow.  As Psalm 23 tells us though, there's a much better way through the valley.  It doesn't promise us that He will pull us immediately out, and that one prayer will make everything better, what He does promise is He will be there to carry us, through the darkest of times.

Psalm 23
A psalm of David

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, 
  he leads me beside quiet waters,
  he restores my soul. 
He guides me in paths of righteousness 
  for his name's sake.
Even though I walk 
  through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, 
  for you are with me; 
  your rod and your staff, 
  they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me 
   in the presence of my enemies. 
You anoint my head with oil; 
   my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me 
   all the days of my life, 
   and I will dwell in the house of the LORD 
   forever.

8:20 PM - 3 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

A New Flow
Category: Music

Here's a little ditty I wrote back in high school, let me know what ya think:

A New Flow
We live in a world of hate
Full of people who discriminate
Even little kids have this trait
We don't know what we're doin ain't right
So we go on, blind toward our own plight
Against our own brothers we fight
Those who know about it do almost nothing
Shouldn't somebody do something
Won't anyone turn us around, do the right thing

There is a man who's done this for us
He came and a while ago to show us
The path we should take was set for us
His body, his blood, he gave for us
Nailed to a tree on Calvary he died for us
He rose from the dead to walk among us
He's coming back, to home he'll take us

All us people are hedonistic
With no hope we're all pessimistic
To any change we're pacifistic
The path for peace is on our face
Take a look around, we can change this pace
Take this world, make it a better place
When will this change start
How soon will we soften our hear
All I know, I'm the best place to start

I'm gonna start livin like Him
I'll live my day to day for Him
Everyone'll see it the best with Him
Today is the day, I give it all to Him
My life will be a reflection of Him
Until the day I die and meet with Him
I'm gonna to live my life just for Him

A new world I plan to see
Christ planted the seed to this brotherhood tree
That tree will grow, it will set us free
When this new world comes through
Our minds and hearts will belong to who is true
We'll all be a part of the Jesus crew
When this day comes I will rejoice
Heavenly praises ring out from my voice
For I know, we'll have made the right choice

Here in this place Christ works through us
Here in this place our voice will praise Him
Out in the world a light shines for us
Out in the world this light comes from Him
Deep in my heart your presence fills me
Deep in my heart I cry out for you
I know you are with me, for that, I love you

10:56 AM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Life in General....
Current mood: contemplative
Category: Life

God has been good lately and blessed me with more choices than I know what to do with... But that's all right.  Its moments like these when there is only one thing we can do... freestyle...

I wake up in the morning and I'm wonderin why
You had all this white stuff fallin from the sky
Makes things fun when I'm drivin to school
Can't wear my flops, and that just ain't cool
So many choices, and so much seems right
God I thank you I'm precious in your sight

Cause I know, no matter what happens
Cause I know, no matter what I do
Cause I know, no matter what I say
Cause I know, no matter where I go

You'll be standing there, next to me
You'll be the one, who's guiding me
Through thick an thin,
Good times and bad
You'll be there right beside me
You'll be there right inside of me

I got so many blessings I can't begin to count
You've taken my life turned it inside out
I love what you've done with this heart of mine
Gave it to You to give to her when its time
And when I can't seem to see the way
You got her holdin my hand to help me, always

Cause I know, no matter what happens
Cause I know, no matter what I do
Cause I know, no matter what I say
Cause I know, no matter where I go

You'll be standing there, next to us
You'll be the one, who's guiding us
Through thick an thin,
Good times and bad
You'll be there right beside us
You'll be there right inside of us

There's so much uncertain, so much unknown
But after it all, by Your grace alone, I'll've grown
Teach me, use me, build me, show me
All the things you want from a man like me
I want to thank you Lord for all the love you given
I want to show you Lord, just what it means to me

Cause I know, no matter what happens
Cause I know, no matter what I do
Cause I know, no matter what I say
Cause I know, no matter where I go

You'll be standing there, next to us
You'll be the one, who's guiding us
Through thick an thin,
Good times and bad
You'll be there right beside us
You'll be there right inside of us

9:50 PM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Madea's Family Reunion
Current mood: sleepy
Category: Music

For those of you that don't know Madea's Family Reunion is the sequel to Diary of a Mad Black Woman... So, different song, different artist, and this really isn't anything like a sequel to my other blog, sorry...

Broken I run to You
For Your arms are open wide
I am weary but I know Your touch restores my life
So I'll wait for You
So I'll wait for You

I'm falling on my knees
Offering all of me
Jesus, You're all this heart is living for

That's the second verse to Hungry written by Kathryn Scott.  Lately I've been listening to the version by Kara.  Anyhow I really like the second verse, especially mornings like this one where I didn't get home until 1:30 and have been up since 7... I am weary, but I know your touch, restores my life... No matter what we're going through, long days, tiring shifts at work, boring classes; if we're doing the work of God, He will provide us the energy we need, the drive to keep moving forward.

Hold on a second Andy, you said if we're doing the work of the Lord, I'm just in school, I just work, I just, I just, I just.... I'm not some missionary out serving in Africa; I'm not some big name evangelist making a difference.  Well, truth is you probably aren't some big name anything, but you are making a difference. God's work starts when ya crawl out of bed in the morning and isn't done until you go back to sleep, we are always in the mission field, and if we continually seek God's will, we will always be doing God's work.

When people used to fall on their knees, it was in front of the king, or some type of royalty, someone above them.  They would offer themselves to the service of the king by making themselves lower; they would make the king greater.  Jesus wants us to bow before no other.  He wants us to offer all we are, at his feet, for his service, for his love.

I'm falling on my knees
Offering all of me
Jesus You're all this heart is living for...

7:40 AM - 3 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Friends

Friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though its hard to let you go
Into the Father's hands we know
A lifetimes not too long
To live as friends

Last night I got really mad at several of my really good friends, over something that means a great deal to me... Today, in thinking back over it, I don't know where I would be without them, they have been so awesome and such a huge part of my life.  No matter what I've been through, they've been there for me, and I know that they will be, which is such a huge blessing, one that only God can provide.

Everytime I think about just what my friends mean to me, this song, Friends by Michael W. Smith and his wife, comes to mind.  The words hit home.  I know I'm only 20, but the friends I've made in the past few years, the closest of my friends, are the forever friends.  It isn't because of who we are or what we've done, because if that was the case, I wouldn't have any friends.  But its because of who He is and what the Lord has done for us, especially when it comes to forgiveness.

God, thank you for my friends.  They do mean the world to me, and I would give the world for them. Lord, help us when we stumble, help us when its hard to be friends, help us to remember that when you are Lord, friends are friends forever.  Without you, they wouldn't be in my life, they are a gift from you, help me to remember that. Amen

No a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends

3:54 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Give Thanks
Current mood: tired
Category: Life

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His son

Do you ever take the time to look back over your life, not necessarily the whole thing, but maybe just the past month?  If you do, that's awesome.  If not, why not give it a shot now.  February is coming to a close, and its the shortest month so you have 3 less days to remember than in January :P  What has God done in your life over the past month? How many times has He stepped in and made your day that much brighter? How many times has He held you when you just needed to cry?

This past month has been quite a blessing.  From snow days and a new building project to new worship opportunities and awesome new friends.  On a few Saturdays this past month I got the chance to go walk around in the woods - well, snow shoeing really - and just experience the awesomeness God has divine insight to build. God sent several Christian bands to the Cheytown area, and in one weekend 8 people gave their life to Christ, how awesome is that! He works in simply amazing ways and all I can do is stand in wonder of what He has done and what He has in store for me, and well, everyone near me.

God, I thank you with a humbled heart.  I stand in awe of all you've done for me, I can't begin to comprehend how lost I would be without you. Thank you for every new life you have brought into mine, there is a reason for every one, some for a season, some for a lifetime. Father, my one magnificent obsession, thank you. Amen

And now let the weak say "I am strong"
Let the poor say "I am rich"
Because of what the Lord has done for us
Give thanks

7:20 AM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Diary of A Mad Black Woman...
Current mood: calm
Category: Life

Well, to be honest, I'm not mad, maybe a little crazy, but thats for another night, I'm not black; to some of my friends, this might be coming as a suprise; and I'm not a woman, enough said.  So really, to be completely honest the only part that is close to right would be the whole diary part, but really, my thoughs tonight come more from the words of another than from myself.

My first day of recess
They all laughed at me
When I fell off the swing set
And scraped up my knee
The nurse called my Momma
To say I'd be late,
And when she gave me the phone
I could hear Momma say
"I'm so sorry, son.
Oh I think you're' so brave"

And she was smilin when she said:
When you come home,
No matter how far,
Run through the door
And into my arms
It's where you are loved,
It's where you belong
And I will be here
When you come home

That is the first verse and chorus of Mark Schultz's When You Come Home, a song that falls into the category of songs that would make me cry if I was a girl who was emotional like that.  But not tonight.  The past few days God has taken the time and opportunity to show me, through my friends and family that there are people in my life who will always be there for me when I come home.  Whether that be my house, my church home, my school, where ever I'm at, God has people there, waiting with open arms and an open heart.  To all of you, you know who you are, thank you.

Tonights challenge... As you go through your days, thank someone for being that person in your life, the person who is always waiting for you with open arms, no matter where you've been or what you been doing with your life.  And if you ever feel like there isn't that person in your life, Jesus is alway there for you and he will never leave you.

10:48 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Worship
Category: Music

Music is where I meet God.  Leading worship and helping others to see God where I see Him the best thrills me to no end and makes my life just that much brighter.  Well, last year I got to do this all the time, and it possibly even got to the point where I took it for granted some of the time.  Sure I was away from my family and friends, becoming completely dependant on God for everything I needed, and it was an awesome experiece, but I love being home with my family and friends (especially all my new friends, y'all make my day ya need to know that).  Anyways, since I got home, I really haven't had that oppertunity.  Life gets busy, and there's always something else standing in the way.  Well, that was until last week.

I went to church with a buddy of mine at the Warehouse.  Definitly an experience I recommend, Pat is a loving man of God.  After the service I got to talking to people and one of those people was the guy who was leading worship. One thing lead to another and I ended up playing with them tonight.  God has ways of blessing His followers.  It was such a blessing to get to play in that setting again, and to have that oppertunity opened up to me on a weekly basis.  God, thank you!

The group tonight wasn't that big, only a handful of people.  It reminds me now of a show we played in Savanna, GA, where only our host familes were there to watch.  But in doing the show in Savanna, God taught me that it doesn't matter how many people come, He'll send the people He there.  Three people gave their lives to Christ this evening, and a handful of others this weekend.  What a blessing it has been, and an encouragement to watch these people give up themselves and join the family of something much greater.

9:20 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Its all about...
Current mood: contemplative
Category: Life

So... its Valentines Day, or National Singles Strike Out Day, one of the two.  First and formost a shout out to all the singles, and just incase you were wonderin, I like long walks on the beach, ....  oh nevermind.  Anyways.... at Chili's tonight I was discussing, with some newly made friends, how Christians who have been in the game for a while tend to get kinda, lukewarm, and I know its obvious, but thats not such a good thing.  We get complacent in our worship, prayer, devotions, and evangelism, and it become routine, just another part of our life that we need to go through.  Revelations is clear about God's feelings toward lukewarm Christians (Rev. 3:16)

My challenge to you tonight (me as well) is to not be lukewarm in your walk.  Think for just a moment, longer if you need, what would happen if God became lukewarm in our lives.  If He stopped looking out for us for just one day, if He stopped loving us for just one hour, stopped caring if our heart was still beating for one minute.  Think where we would be if God was lukewarm in our lives.  I know we're no where near God in terms of perfection, but as our spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:1) we are to give our all, and walk as Jesus walked...

8:53 PM - 1 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

The right things....
Current mood: contemplative
Category: Life

Why does it seem in our lives that doing the right thing, the thing we know God wants us to do, the thing we feel burning deep in our soul, that one right thing, why is that hard?  God's got a plan for my life, it says so in Psalm 139, and numerous other places around His book, but yet for some reason, I find myself thinking I can do better.  Where does this idea come from?  Probably Satan, or me and my desire to control my life.  But that isn't the way things need to be.  God needs to be in control, and even when the hardest thing to do is the best thing.  Promises can be hard to keep, but in God's eyes, He's already made the best promise, the best commitment, whatever you want to call it.  He offered us salvation, through His son, on a cross.  He promised us unconditional forgiveness.  He isn't going to go back on His promise, but think about what would happen if He did.  What if God decided He wanted to go back on the promise He made to us...

9:13 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment