I hate all your show and pretense
the hypocrisy of your praise
the hypocrisy of your festivals
I hate all your show
Away with your noisy worship
Away with your noisy hymns
I stop up my ears when your
singing ‘em
I hate all your show
Instead let there be a flood
of justice
An endless procession of righteous
living, living
Instead let there be a flood of justice
Instead of a show
your eyes are closed when you’re praying
you sing right along with the band
you shine up your shoes for services
but there’s blood on your hands
you turned your back on the homeless
and the ones that don’t fit in your plans
quit playing religion games
there’s blood on your hands
Ah! let’s argue this out
if your sins are blood red
let’s argue this out
you’ll be white as the clouds
let’s argue this out
quit fooling around
give love to the ones who can’t love at all
give hope to the ones who got no hope at all
stand up for the ones who can’t stand up at all
instead of a show
I hate all your show
Now that's one heavy song! But SO true!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Songs of the moment....
There's just something about this song that gets my heart everytime... give it a listen. LOVE Michael Ketterer. Oh. My. Word. GOOD stuff!
Dusty Road
And this one too...
Grace like Rain
Dusty Road
And this one too...
Grace like Rain
Thursday, February 2, 2012
I've learned
I've learned that I can never make everybody happy. Someone will be hurt, disappointed, frustrated, confused in any given situation of life. The people pleaser in me would say otherwise. But I know now, maybe even for the first time, that no matter what I do to "appease" the masses, it's impossible to please everyone, every time.
I've learned that true friends are a rareity in this world. You know, the ones that stick by you regardless of what you say or do. Regardless of circumstances. Regardless of distance. Regardless of time. Those friends, who pursue and love in everything are a gift.
I've learned that risks are hard and being the "bigger person" is a lot easier said that done. I've learned that persecution happens, and sadly, it's found the most within 'christian' community.
I've learned that life is too short to go through the motions of the everday.
I've learned that mistakes are just little reminders to stay humble and moldable by Him.
I've learned that guilt and shame are 2 very big vices that the enemy uses to suck the life out of us on our earthly journey.
I've learned that loving is easy, losing is difficult, and starting over is scary.
I've learned that Christ's love is sometimes hard to accept, but it's life changing and refreshing when you finally do.
I've learned that friends will disappoint, family will hurt, and people that barely know you will judge you in the worst of ways. But I've learned to love them regardless.
I've learned that I don't think things through very well sometimes. I don't pause to wait on the Lord. No, I get too impatient and too hurried to rest in His answers.
I've learned that it's better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.
I've learned that His grace is sufficient, in every situation, even the one's I seriously mess up.
I've learned that He is the provider of everything I need. The protector and defender of my heart.
I've learned to see beyond the walls of those brought into my life and into their hearts. Seeing their true selves, though outwardly they'd try and convince me otherwise.
I've learned
His peace
His grace
His love
is for anyone.
And I've learned that the "greatest of these is love" and "to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul and to love other's as yourself."
Love wins. Everytime. Period.
I've learned that true friends are a rareity in this world. You know, the ones that stick by you regardless of what you say or do. Regardless of circumstances. Regardless of distance. Regardless of time. Those friends, who pursue and love in everything are a gift.
I've learned that risks are hard and being the "bigger person" is a lot easier said that done. I've learned that persecution happens, and sadly, it's found the most within 'christian' community.
I've learned that life is too short to go through the motions of the everday.
I've learned that mistakes are just little reminders to stay humble and moldable by Him.
I've learned that guilt and shame are 2 very big vices that the enemy uses to suck the life out of us on our earthly journey.
I've learned that loving is easy, losing is difficult, and starting over is scary.
I've learned that Christ's love is sometimes hard to accept, but it's life changing and refreshing when you finally do.
I've learned that friends will disappoint, family will hurt, and people that barely know you will judge you in the worst of ways. But I've learned to love them regardless.
I've learned that I don't think things through very well sometimes. I don't pause to wait on the Lord. No, I get too impatient and too hurried to rest in His answers.
I've learned that it's better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.
I've learned that His grace is sufficient, in every situation, even the one's I seriously mess up.
I've learned that He is the provider of everything I need. The protector and defender of my heart.
I've learned to see beyond the walls of those brought into my life and into their hearts. Seeing their true selves, though outwardly they'd try and convince me otherwise.
I've learned
His peace
His grace
His love
is for anyone.
And I've learned that the "greatest of these is love" and "to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul and to love other's as yourself."
Love wins. Everytime. Period.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Relationship>Religion
As of late I'm asked more and more if I'm the "religious" type. Something in me always seems to cringe whenever I hear that word... "religious". It just sounds so antagonistic, so harsh, so... judgmental.
And that's the hardest part. Outsiders looking into the world of a Christ follower only see the "rules", the "lifestyle", the "religion" of it. But the fact of the matter is that to the true Christian life is not about being religious or rules. No, it's about a relationship with the One and Only. And relationship is VERY different than religion...
Religion says you're bad
Relationship says you're forgiven
Religion says do this to earn your goodness
Relationship says my grace is sufficient. Period.
Religion says look at how much better you are than him/her/them
Relationship says lay your life down for your fellow man. Love the unloveable.
Religion lays down judgment and condemnation.
Relationship says Love wins. Always.
Religion says do this or that to earn your eternal home.
Relationship says: choose Me, love Me and your future is forever.
Religion points the finger at the faults of others
Relationship says there is freedom in love.
A religion tells you what to do, promotes shame, encourages judgment, and lays blame on others, while puffing itself up. It's selfish. It's hurtful. It's demanding. And dare I say, it's draining!
Whereas a relationship with Christ is exactly that... a relationship. It's a love relationship with someone who forgives freely, convicts gently, and loves openly. And something incredible that I've realized as of late is that Jesus is fun. He's adventurous. He goes against the grain of religion. He is daring and bold. He's open and honest. He's a lover of the lost. A friend to the friendless. He literally chose to spend His time on earth walking with the "unclean", the "heathen", the "drunkards", and the "prostitutes". He chose the lowly in order that He may bring the truth in love. Christ came for ALL. Period. End of story. He didn't come for the riches and the fame, He didn't come to be glorified and exalted on earth, He came to die for our brokenness, our sins. He paid our every debt. And I bet if He were to come and walk amongst us again today He wouldn't set foot in the churches of today, but would go to the local coffee shop, the beach, even the bars and start building relationship with those inside. His desire is to seek and save the lost... to be the forever friend of those that don't yet know Him.
And I know...
There is no fear in Christ.
There is no shame.
There is no regret.
There is no looking back.
Freedom, Grace, Love, and Mercy are what you find in this relationship. And as with every other relationship, because we love Him, we shouldn't plot to hurt Him, but respect Him and love Him in return.
What once were Pharasee's and Saducee's are now Denominations and Religious. They're one in the same... just a few centuries down the road than those of Christ's day.
Relationship. I choose relationship.
I choose to dance, to sing, to go out and share a meal with others, to walk alongside the lost. I too may be seen as Christ once was, as a "glutton and a drunkard". But who cares? In the grand scheme of things, my loving on the lost is exactly what I'm called to do. Sharing a meal with them, having a glass of wine, sitting at the table of the 'tax collectors" of the land is what I will do everytime if it means I get to share Christ's freely given love to someone. Because I want everyone to experience the freedom and the peace that surpasses all understanding, that only comes from RELATIONSHIP with Him.
P.S. - check out this awesome video that prompted today's blog: Jesus, not religion
And that's the hardest part. Outsiders looking into the world of a Christ follower only see the "rules", the "lifestyle", the "religion" of it. But the fact of the matter is that to the true Christian life is not about being religious or rules. No, it's about a relationship with the One and Only. And relationship is VERY different than religion...
Religion says you're bad
Relationship says you're forgiven
Religion says do this to earn your goodness
Relationship says my grace is sufficient. Period.
Religion says look at how much better you are than him/her/them
Relationship says lay your life down for your fellow man. Love the unloveable.
Religion lays down judgment and condemnation.
Relationship says Love wins. Always.
Religion says do this or that to earn your eternal home.
Relationship says: choose Me, love Me and your future is forever.
Religion points the finger at the faults of others
Relationship says there is freedom in love.
A religion tells you what to do, promotes shame, encourages judgment, and lays blame on others, while puffing itself up. It's selfish. It's hurtful. It's demanding. And dare I say, it's draining!
Whereas a relationship with Christ is exactly that... a relationship. It's a love relationship with someone who forgives freely, convicts gently, and loves openly. And something incredible that I've realized as of late is that Jesus is fun. He's adventurous. He goes against the grain of religion. He is daring and bold. He's open and honest. He's a lover of the lost. A friend to the friendless. He literally chose to spend His time on earth walking with the "unclean", the "heathen", the "drunkards", and the "prostitutes". He chose the lowly in order that He may bring the truth in love. Christ came for ALL. Period. End of story. He didn't come for the riches and the fame, He didn't come to be glorified and exalted on earth, He came to die for our brokenness, our sins. He paid our every debt. And I bet if He were to come and walk amongst us again today He wouldn't set foot in the churches of today, but would go to the local coffee shop, the beach, even the bars and start building relationship with those inside. His desire is to seek and save the lost... to be the forever friend of those that don't yet know Him.
And I know...
There is no fear in Christ.
There is no shame.
There is no regret.
There is no looking back.
Freedom, Grace, Love, and Mercy are what you find in this relationship. And as with every other relationship, because we love Him, we shouldn't plot to hurt Him, but respect Him and love Him in return.
What once were Pharasee's and Saducee's are now Denominations and Religious. They're one in the same... just a few centuries down the road than those of Christ's day.
Relationship. I choose relationship.
I choose to dance, to sing, to go out and share a meal with others, to walk alongside the lost. I too may be seen as Christ once was, as a "glutton and a drunkard". But who cares? In the grand scheme of things, my loving on the lost is exactly what I'm called to do. Sharing a meal with them, having a glass of wine, sitting at the table of the 'tax collectors" of the land is what I will do everytime if it means I get to share Christ's freely given love to someone. Because I want everyone to experience the freedom and the peace that surpasses all understanding, that only comes from RELATIONSHIP with Him.
P.S. - check out this awesome video that prompted today's blog: Jesus, not religion
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Bye bye 2011, Hello 2012
Honestly, I don't have much to say, no wise words, nothing stupendous to share on all things 2011. As with every other year, I sit here on January 1st and look back at the last year. And this year, I find myself looking back and going "what the heck??"
2011 started with a party at some friends house and the first part of the year was filled with similar things. Getting together with friends, and buliding relationships with people whom I thought were like family to me. Funny how I sit at the end of 2011 without those very people I treasured most in my life... funny how quickly things change.
In February my mom had brain surgery and I just about went bonkers with all the logistics. We went from signing last will's and testaments right down to passwords for bank accounts and last wishes. NOT an enjoyable season of life, to say the least.
In the summer, I dated a boy for the first time in a long time. Though nothing was ever made 'official", I very much valued the times and the memories we shared. And something hit me a bit funny as I recalled my dating history in the past few years. I haven't been in a serious relationship in 3+ years. Sure I've dated people here and there, but nothing serious, nothing steady for over 3 years now. And I sit here at the ripe age of 26 going, "okay Lord, maybe it's just not in the cards for me." And I'm reminded that just because he says "not yet" doesn't mean He's said "no" altogether. In the past year, I've come to understand and appreciate that my story with the man I'll someday be with is going to be anything but ordinary. Don't ask me why I feel that way, I just get this sense that it will be.
In August I got my Crossfit Certification and started training people in November. It's been such a blessing to learn from and come under friends who encouraged me to go after this dream and get it done.
November started with me joining a leadership team at a church in Orange. I'm the person who makes sure all the logistics of every Sunday go according to plan. It's been an eye opening experience, to say the least.
I guess what last year, 2011, boiled down to was another series of stripping down to be rebuilt. I lost friends, I lost a community, a possibly relationship, and so much more, but I've gained so much. Where I've lost "Christian" friends, I've met non-Christians who really challenge me and my beliefs. I've had some of the best conversations to date with some awesome people. With that, God has brought little gifts, little reminders of His love and provision. A new home being one of them, complete with a washer/dryer, gas stove, and a balcony. All things a girl appreciates in life. This year has been nothing short of amazing and challenging. It's been a true blessing to me. And by His grace, I've made it through, hopefully a bit more mature, a bit less selfish, and a lot more loving and caring towards others.
So 2012 - here we come! May you be a year of Jubilee!
2011 started with a party at some friends house and the first part of the year was filled with similar things. Getting together with friends, and buliding relationships with people whom I thought were like family to me. Funny how I sit at the end of 2011 without those very people I treasured most in my life... funny how quickly things change.
In February my mom had brain surgery and I just about went bonkers with all the logistics. We went from signing last will's and testaments right down to passwords for bank accounts and last wishes. NOT an enjoyable season of life, to say the least.
In the summer, I dated a boy for the first time in a long time. Though nothing was ever made 'official", I very much valued the times and the memories we shared. And something hit me a bit funny as I recalled my dating history in the past few years. I haven't been in a serious relationship in 3+ years. Sure I've dated people here and there, but nothing serious, nothing steady for over 3 years now. And I sit here at the ripe age of 26 going, "okay Lord, maybe it's just not in the cards for me." And I'm reminded that just because he says "not yet" doesn't mean He's said "no" altogether. In the past year, I've come to understand and appreciate that my story with the man I'll someday be with is going to be anything but ordinary. Don't ask me why I feel that way, I just get this sense that it will be.
In August I got my Crossfit Certification and started training people in November. It's been such a blessing to learn from and come under friends who encouraged me to go after this dream and get it done.
November started with me joining a leadership team at a church in Orange. I'm the person who makes sure all the logistics of every Sunday go according to plan. It's been an eye opening experience, to say the least.
I guess what last year, 2011, boiled down to was another series of stripping down to be rebuilt. I lost friends, I lost a community, a possibly relationship, and so much more, but I've gained so much. Where I've lost "Christian" friends, I've met non-Christians who really challenge me and my beliefs. I've had some of the best conversations to date with some awesome people. With that, God has brought little gifts, little reminders of His love and provision. A new home being one of them, complete with a washer/dryer, gas stove, and a balcony. All things a girl appreciates in life. This year has been nothing short of amazing and challenging. It's been a true blessing to me. And by His grace, I've made it through, hopefully a bit more mature, a bit less selfish, and a lot more loving and caring towards others.
So 2012 - here we come! May you be a year of Jubilee!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Into my journal we go
This morning as I was sitting at my favorite coffee shop and reading the Good Word, I found myself journaling away on a verse I found in Ecclesiastes 1. Here's a glimpse of my journal entry...
"With much wisdom comes much sorrow. The more knowledge, the more grief. - Ecc. 1
Man, that statement is SO true. As more trials come so more wisdom follows. It seems that suffering breeds understanding and knowledge. It's unattainable any other way. Thus in the trials, the suffering, the pain - character and integrity are formed. I've seen the results of those refusing to walk the difficult, slippery, pain stakingly narrow path and it's a lukewarm Christianity that makes my stomach churn. I can only imagine what it does to the Father's heart when His dear sweet children refuse to fight the good fight and would rather surrender to the visible world than the supernatural promises. Complacency and laziness are the fruits of the "booksmart" Christians of today. Experiential knowledge, the kind where one endures "tears for food" and a stripping of "all we once held dear", is a thing of the past in American society. And here I sit, wondering how people can be such fair weather lovers of Christ? It's in the pain, the confusion, the deep wounds of the heart that the honesty and love of the Lord are produced. It's in the suffering that the indelible bond and relationship with the Father comes. For He is our shelter in the storm. And friends, I guarantee you that there will be storms in your life! But if you just run from the problems or stuff them and never face them, how will you ever grow and be used by Him for His ultimate good and pleasing will?"
"With much wisdom comes much sorrow. The more knowledge, the more grief. - Ecc. 1
Man, that statement is SO true. As more trials come so more wisdom follows. It seems that suffering breeds understanding and knowledge. It's unattainable any other way. Thus in the trials, the suffering, the pain - character and integrity are formed. I've seen the results of those refusing to walk the difficult, slippery, pain stakingly narrow path and it's a lukewarm Christianity that makes my stomach churn. I can only imagine what it does to the Father's heart when His dear sweet children refuse to fight the good fight and would rather surrender to the visible world than the supernatural promises. Complacency and laziness are the fruits of the "booksmart" Christians of today. Experiential knowledge, the kind where one endures "tears for food" and a stripping of "all we once held dear", is a thing of the past in American society. And here I sit, wondering how people can be such fair weather lovers of Christ? It's in the pain, the confusion, the deep wounds of the heart that the honesty and love of the Lord are produced. It's in the suffering that the indelible bond and relationship with the Father comes. For He is our shelter in the storm. And friends, I guarantee you that there will be storms in your life! But if you just run from the problems or stuff them and never face them, how will you ever grow and be used by Him for His ultimate good and pleasing will?"
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Temporal.
This week, this month, this past year has been in such a constant state of change. If I'm learned one thing, I've learned a thousand. And this time in my life confirms over and over that every season, every tear, every heartache, every joy, everything on this earth is temporal.
It's temporal in the way people come and go in our lives. It's temporal in the ways we're involved in certain things and then suddenly not. It's temporal in our jobs, our interests, our friends, and even our own families. Life this side of heaven is forever changing.
And though everything changes and things are stripped away from us, it seems the Lord bring other people, other things to our lives to bless us and teach us some new lesson. For so much of my life I wasn't even open to meeting new people, and now, in this season, I've found my life bombarded by new faces, new friends, those who are quiestioning, curious about this thing called the Christian life. And I'm abundantly blessed by each and every one of them.
As I sat with two dear friends at a local Pub last night, eating a burger and catching up on life, I realized once again, that very moment would be here one moment and then suddenly gone. And I found myself thinking "cherish the moments, relish the memories for in a blink of an eye the tide will once again change and this very moment will be no more".
Temporal.
And temporal is the very reason why I feel the need to live each moment to it's fullest. For I won't be passing this way again and I need to be fully engaged in the here and now. For I'm not guaranteed tomorrow and tomorrow has enough worry of it's own. There's not anything I can do to change that reality. I've been given today and God has been gracious in providing me people, adventures, and abilities to be His hands and feet in the physical world.
So adventures - here I come! Memories to be made - places to see, people to love, and experiences to have. And the constant reminder that today is what I have and this season of singleness, this season of having an amazing roommate, this season of new friends, new jobs, new everything will last but a moment.... cherish them.
It's temporal in the way people come and go in our lives. It's temporal in the ways we're involved in certain things and then suddenly not. It's temporal in our jobs, our interests, our friends, and even our own families. Life this side of heaven is forever changing.
And though everything changes and things are stripped away from us, it seems the Lord bring other people, other things to our lives to bless us and teach us some new lesson. For so much of my life I wasn't even open to meeting new people, and now, in this season, I've found my life bombarded by new faces, new friends, those who are quiestioning, curious about this thing called the Christian life. And I'm abundantly blessed by each and every one of them.
As I sat with two dear friends at a local Pub last night, eating a burger and catching up on life, I realized once again, that very moment would be here one moment and then suddenly gone. And I found myself thinking "cherish the moments, relish the memories for in a blink of an eye the tide will once again change and this very moment will be no more".
Temporal.
And temporal is the very reason why I feel the need to live each moment to it's fullest. For I won't be passing this way again and I need to be fully engaged in the here and now. For I'm not guaranteed tomorrow and tomorrow has enough worry of it's own. There's not anything I can do to change that reality. I've been given today and God has been gracious in providing me people, adventures, and abilities to be His hands and feet in the physical world.
So adventures - here I come! Memories to be made - places to see, people to love, and experiences to have. And the constant reminder that today is what I have and this season of singleness, this season of having an amazing roommate, this season of new friends, new jobs, new everything will last but a moment.... cherish them.
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