What a time the last ten months have been.
I write as I listen for the rain. Spattered rumbles of thunder, shifting leaves as creatures move to find their way home. Clouds dipping low as the burnt gold glow of last sunlight dully shines through the trees.
Rain brings healing. The passing of seasons bring growth. As spring births summer, it's easy to become steadily comfortable. However, I want my heart to be always prompted to bear fruit akin to spring rains watering the earth, buds blooming and seeds lighting up.
*********************************************************************************
I wrote to You to bring the rain, and you did.
It was glorious, smelling hints of it and wondering if it would come--
then listening to leaves rustle as
big drops of water begin to land on the earth.
The cool steadiness of it was soothing, as Your Word to our souls.
The whiteness of the water contrasting against green trees:
Astounding.
Pouring down now.
More than just sending rain.
Flooding this place with even more proof of a creator.
23.6.11
22.6.11
Rooted.
I've been reading a book by Mark Buchanan called Spiritual Rhythm. I highly recommend it to anyone, but especially to people who find themselves in any kind of transition. The following is an excerpt from the chapter entitled "Sustaining." Buchanan writes about trees and water and meditation and attitude and action....all sorts of things that he somehow poetically, beautifully, ties into Scripture. (See Psalm 1:3: "They are like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither--whatever they do prospers.")
Buchanan writes:
"And blessed are those who choose what, on the surface, looks bland, routine, boring: being rooted. In contrast to the frenetic activity of those who heed the wicked--a blur of motion, they are--those who heed the Word are immovable. The frenetic activity of the wicked increasingly parches them, whereas the stillness of the blessed continuously nourishes them. The blessed are not going anywhere, which in this case is a good thing. The apostle Paul warns that if we do not grow in Christ, bearing fruit, we will be 'blown here and there by every wind of teaching.' We'll be like tumbleweed, fallen leaves, chaff: something rootless. But we're meant to be trees, deeply rooted. Trees may be buffeted by winds, and bend beneath them, but if the roots are strong and deep, they stay where they are. Immovable.
Being rooted. That's a mixed picture. Does it convey stability or sterility? Strength, or cowardice? Sturdiness, or stuckness? Perseverance, or stubborness? Contentment, or complacency?
Both. It depends.
Sometimes rootedness is an alibi for doing nothing, going nowhere. Sometimes it's a failure to dream and take risks. Sometimes it's a way of justifying a life of complacency: 'I'm just staying rooted.'
But mostly, rootedness is a picture of strength. It's a picture of a life that is deep and vibrant, richly alive without having to chase the next thing, and the next one after that. It's a picture of one who 'bears fruit in season.'"
I read this and wanted to call up the author and thank him for writing it for me.. My prayer is something new, based on what the Lord has been teaching me of late. Before I encountered this chapter, I had already started talking about the idea of being rooted with Karen, a lady who essentially mentors me (whether she knows this or not).
Karen said I should just dig deep and plant roots wherever I am. Until recently, I would not have received this well--I wasn't ready. Furthermore, I assumed that planting roots meant that I was "stuck" in a particular place for the rest of my life.
But I see it now--it's just a part of life. When I plant the roots, they'll come up at some point--they have to. Trees live and die and are reborn from seeds previously blown into the wind, landing on fertile soil. It will probably hurt, this uprooting.
I have to go ahead and do it, though. The hurt will only mean one good thing: That I loved deeply.
My prayer then, is that I am rooted in Jesus, first and foremost. It's something I've prayed before. Meditation on the Word brings delight, brings rootedness. May I dig deeply into the Word, that it would saturate my soul and bring even more healing. Furthermore, that my rootedness would bear fruit; while I'm in Athens, GA, my hope is that people see the fruit of labor rendered in full pursuit of better knowing the triune God. Finally, that I am not complacent in this time of transition. I want to take risks again, dream again, live life to the fullest. As I approach my birthday, I recognize the roots I'm placing into this Georgia ground. It scares me a little, even still--but I am stilled in the knowledge that the Lord God is not only rooting me in Him, in this place, in this time--but that He is also helping me dig up all this fallow ground, making room for more fertile...stronger...better soil in which to plant.
Buchanan writes:
"And blessed are those who choose what, on the surface, looks bland, routine, boring: being rooted. In contrast to the frenetic activity of those who heed the wicked--a blur of motion, they are--those who heed the Word are immovable. The frenetic activity of the wicked increasingly parches them, whereas the stillness of the blessed continuously nourishes them. The blessed are not going anywhere, which in this case is a good thing. The apostle Paul warns that if we do not grow in Christ, bearing fruit, we will be 'blown here and there by every wind of teaching.' We'll be like tumbleweed, fallen leaves, chaff: something rootless. But we're meant to be trees, deeply rooted. Trees may be buffeted by winds, and bend beneath them, but if the roots are strong and deep, they stay where they are. Immovable.
Being rooted. That's a mixed picture. Does it convey stability or sterility? Strength, or cowardice? Sturdiness, or stuckness? Perseverance, or stubborness? Contentment, or complacency?
Both. It depends.
Sometimes rootedness is an alibi for doing nothing, going nowhere. Sometimes it's a failure to dream and take risks. Sometimes it's a way of justifying a life of complacency: 'I'm just staying rooted.'
But mostly, rootedness is a picture of strength. It's a picture of a life that is deep and vibrant, richly alive without having to chase the next thing, and the next one after that. It's a picture of one who 'bears fruit in season.'"
I read this and wanted to call up the author and thank him for writing it for me.. My prayer is something new, based on what the Lord has been teaching me of late. Before I encountered this chapter, I had already started talking about the idea of being rooted with Karen, a lady who essentially mentors me (whether she knows this or not).
Karen said I should just dig deep and plant roots wherever I am. Until recently, I would not have received this well--I wasn't ready. Furthermore, I assumed that planting roots meant that I was "stuck" in a particular place for the rest of my life.
But I see it now--it's just a part of life. When I plant the roots, they'll come up at some point--they have to. Trees live and die and are reborn from seeds previously blown into the wind, landing on fertile soil. It will probably hurt, this uprooting.
I have to go ahead and do it, though. The hurt will only mean one good thing: That I loved deeply.
My prayer then, is that I am rooted in Jesus, first and foremost. It's something I've prayed before. Meditation on the Word brings delight, brings rootedness. May I dig deeply into the Word, that it would saturate my soul and bring even more healing. Furthermore, that my rootedness would bear fruit; while I'm in Athens, GA, my hope is that people see the fruit of labor rendered in full pursuit of better knowing the triune God. Finally, that I am not complacent in this time of transition. I want to take risks again, dream again, live life to the fullest. As I approach my birthday, I recognize the roots I'm placing into this Georgia ground. It scares me a little, even still--but I am stilled in the knowledge that the Lord God is not only rooting me in Him, in this place, in this time--but that He is also helping me dig up all this fallow ground, making room for more fertile...stronger...better soil in which to plant.
31.5.11
For Stephanie, On Her Wedding Day
To Steph:
Remember when I was back—it was the summer of 2009, and I felt like you didn’t let me out of your sight.
I recall watching you from your bed, before you climbed in and we slept, like sisters do. I commented on how we were a pair. You said something about being “best friends,” which I didn’t let into my being—instead, it bounced off my own wall of protection, a wall I didn’t know had been created.
“You know, we better pray you get married before I do,” I commented.
You turned to me, a look of semi-hurt in your eyes, your jaw dropped open.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Well, if I get married first, you would be…too affected. Unable to let me go.”
You chuckled, I tried to assure you, in my naïveté, that it didn’t really matter.
The thing is, you did let me go when I went to South America. And I didn’t understand at the time, but I do now: It doesn’t matter who leaves first, or who gets married first, because it is always very hard to let someone go.
So I write this now in the knowledge that I was wrong: You would indeed have been the strong one had God given me someone “first.” Instead, He now grows me in learning not only to trust Him, but to depend on Him in this time. Perhaps you saw the roots of these lessons come up in your own life while I was away…
So it turns out I’m not as “strong” as I thought. It turns out, it is very hard for me to let you go.
I know you’ll be here. I know we’re still wonderful friends. I know this because of Jesus and what He does when He binds sisters together who don’t share blood—it’s only in Him that I love you so much.
When the calls started coming to Peru from Georgia about this guy, I knew pretty quickly that Dane was the one for you. In fact, at the risk of boasting, I think I had this gut-feeling the first time you called to tell me about him. So, needless to say, I’ve had time to prepare.
In this time, I’ve discovered a few things:
I barely know Dane; however, the first time I met him, I saw how he looked at you. It was absolute love. Then, I began to recognize honor, protection, and respect. I’m so thankful God has brought you into marriage with such a man. I praise Jesus for Dane.
If I have to give you away, I can’t think of a better person you belong with. I can’t think of a better best friend for you.
I just ask that you keep me in mind. I will always, always keep you in my heart, Steph.
Remember when I was back—it was the summer of 2009, and I felt like you didn’t let me out of your sight.
I recall watching you from your bed, before you climbed in and we slept, like sisters do. I commented on how we were a pair. You said something about being “best friends,” which I didn’t let into my being—instead, it bounced off my own wall of protection, a wall I didn’t know had been created.
“You know, we better pray you get married before I do,” I commented.
You turned to me, a look of semi-hurt in your eyes, your jaw dropped open.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Well, if I get married first, you would be…too affected. Unable to let me go.”
You chuckled, I tried to assure you, in my naïveté, that it didn’t really matter.
The thing is, you did let me go when I went to South America. And I didn’t understand at the time, but I do now: It doesn’t matter who leaves first, or who gets married first, because it is always very hard to let someone go.
So I write this now in the knowledge that I was wrong: You would indeed have been the strong one had God given me someone “first.” Instead, He now grows me in learning not only to trust Him, but to depend on Him in this time. Perhaps you saw the roots of these lessons come up in your own life while I was away…
So it turns out I’m not as “strong” as I thought. It turns out, it is very hard for me to let you go.
I know you’ll be here. I know we’re still wonderful friends. I know this because of Jesus and what He does when He binds sisters together who don’t share blood—it’s only in Him that I love you so much.
When the calls started coming to Peru from Georgia about this guy, I knew pretty quickly that Dane was the one for you. In fact, at the risk of boasting, I think I had this gut-feeling the first time you called to tell me about him. So, needless to say, I’ve had time to prepare.
In this time, I’ve discovered a few things:
I barely know Dane; however, the first time I met him, I saw how he looked at you. It was absolute love. Then, I began to recognize honor, protection, and respect. I’m so thankful God has brought you into marriage with such a man. I praise Jesus for Dane.
If I have to give you away, I can’t think of a better person you belong with. I can’t think of a better best friend for you.
I just ask that you keep me in mind. I will always, always keep you in my heart, Steph.
16.5.11
For My Sister, On Graduation
Today, sitting on the other side of the stage was surreal. I forgot about the excitement you must feel over completing this phase of your life.
It was only three years ago for me; I now claim no knowledge as my own. I only claim Jesus and what He has imparted to me.
Here is what I want to tell you:
Dream big for His Glory--knowing He may humble you.
Make plans for His Glory--knowing that He may have another, better plan.
Take risks for His Glory--risking it all for the name of Jesus.
Make mistakes, not because we are "allowed" to, but because it is inevitable--and know that He redeems them.
Live hard and passionately for His Glory, willingly spending yourself for Him.
Go boldly into the world for His Glory--knowing that He aims to use you for His Kingdom work, so that all people will know His name.
In the midst of commencing something new and celebrating something finished, I think we are whirled into fallacies that our culture deems acceptable. But, I have to say this:
Life is hard. Life is beautiful, but it's just plain hard. You can't "have it all" ("it" being whatever our society defines as "all"). I don't think any of us really want it all, anyway.
God makes life joyful, hopeful. He gives us everything in His Son Jesus, and we get to live and rest and play and do life all because of this abundant, abiding ability we've been given. Trials come, but Jesus is there--He never leaves. He has overcome the world.
Keep dreaming, daring, adventuring, risking. But don't lose sight of the One who gives you the capacity to do this.
From Jesus Calling:
Thank Me in the midst of the crucible. When things seems all wrong, look for growth opportunities. Especially, look for areas where you need to let go, leaving your cares in My able hands. Do you trust Me to orchestrate your life events as I choose, or are you still trying to make things go according to your will? If you keep trying to carry out your intentions while I am leading you in another direction, you deify your desires.
Be on the lookout for what I am doing in your life. Worship Me by living close to Me, thanking me in all circumstances.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. -Deut. 28:1-2
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
-1 Pet 5:6-7
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. -1 Thess. 5:18
It was only three years ago for me; I now claim no knowledge as my own. I only claim Jesus and what He has imparted to me.
Here is what I want to tell you:
Dream big for His Glory--knowing He may humble you.
Make plans for His Glory--knowing that He may have another, better plan.
Take risks for His Glory--risking it all for the name of Jesus.
Make mistakes, not because we are "allowed" to, but because it is inevitable--and know that He redeems them.
Live hard and passionately for His Glory, willingly spending yourself for Him.
Go boldly into the world for His Glory--knowing that He aims to use you for His Kingdom work, so that all people will know His name.
In the midst of commencing something new and celebrating something finished, I think we are whirled into fallacies that our culture deems acceptable. But, I have to say this:
Life is hard. Life is beautiful, but it's just plain hard. You can't "have it all" ("it" being whatever our society defines as "all"). I don't think any of us really want it all, anyway.
God makes life joyful, hopeful. He gives us everything in His Son Jesus, and we get to live and rest and play and do life all because of this abundant, abiding ability we've been given. Trials come, but Jesus is there--He never leaves. He has overcome the world.
Keep dreaming, daring, adventuring, risking. But don't lose sight of the One who gives you the capacity to do this.
From Jesus Calling:
Thank Me in the midst of the crucible. When things seems all wrong, look for growth opportunities. Especially, look for areas where you need to let go, leaving your cares in My able hands. Do you trust Me to orchestrate your life events as I choose, or are you still trying to make things go according to your will? If you keep trying to carry out your intentions while I am leading you in another direction, you deify your desires.
Be on the lookout for what I am doing in your life. Worship Me by living close to Me, thanking me in all circumstances.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. -Deut. 28:1-2
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
-1 Pet 5:6-7
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. -1 Thess. 5:18
25.4.11
Green.
If someone had asked me a year ago if I saw better times coming, I would have laughed bitterly, snickering, and probably just cried my way through a sad monologue, trying to convey the depth of hurt and pain that I felt. No one would ever have understood what I was going through, I was convinced of this.
While 2010 saw agony and regret and bitterness and sorrow and many, many tears, 2011 is bringing redemption and healing. Praise God.
God is bombarding me with words and lessons and, perhaps more important, love. I still have hard days; I believe everyone does. To be honest, my winter, though it is leaving, shows its face every now and then. But the cool thing, the heavenly thing, is that when remnants of my 'winter of the heart' reappear, God has told me, ingrained in me, and given me the desire to take whatever hurt, whatever frustration, or whatever circumstance--and give it fully to Jesus and let Him have it. He knows what I'm going through. And in everything, I trust Him and give Him thanks for this moment, for just simply living life with me.
I'm seeing God's face and provision in countless small things. If anything, just reading my journal and tracing Scripture I've recorded, or conversations I remember having with friends and mentors--those are the things that help me remember that I am always going to be learning new things while I walk with Christ. He is teaching me about decision-making, being wholly confident in the Gospel, trusting Him and leaning into Him in everything, understanding that He is FOR me, how my attitude affects everything, seasons that come and go, and seeking first the Kingdom of God. This doesn't even scratch the surface, really.
Here is a song I wish I had written; instead, Sara Groves penned words that I know to be very true in this moment. It's a miracle that I can finally identify with this healing. Enjoy! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtpZfYG1nBs
It's been a hard year
But I'm climbing out of the rubble
These lessons are hard
Healing changes are subtle
But every day it's
Less like tearing, more like building
Less like captive, more like willing
Less like breakdown, more like surrender
Less like haunting, more like remember
And I feel you here
And you're picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad situation
But you are able
And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars and more like
Character
Less like a prison, more like my room
It's less like a casket, more like a womb
Less like dying, more like transcending
Less like fear, less like an ending
And I feel you here
And you're picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad situation
But you are able
And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars
Just a little while ago
I couldn't feel the power or the hope
I couldn't cope, I couldn't feel a thing
Just a little while back
I was desperate, broken, laid out, hoping
You would come
And I need you
And I want you here
And I feel you
And I know you're here
And you're picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad, bad situation
But you are able
And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars (x3), and more like character.
While 2010 saw agony and regret and bitterness and sorrow and many, many tears, 2011 is bringing redemption and healing. Praise God.
God is bombarding me with words and lessons and, perhaps more important, love. I still have hard days; I believe everyone does. To be honest, my winter, though it is leaving, shows its face every now and then. But the cool thing, the heavenly thing, is that when remnants of my 'winter of the heart' reappear, God has told me, ingrained in me, and given me the desire to take whatever hurt, whatever frustration, or whatever circumstance--and give it fully to Jesus and let Him have it. He knows what I'm going through. And in everything, I trust Him and give Him thanks for this moment, for just simply living life with me.
I'm seeing God's face and provision in countless small things. If anything, just reading my journal and tracing Scripture I've recorded, or conversations I remember having with friends and mentors--those are the things that help me remember that I am always going to be learning new things while I walk with Christ. He is teaching me about decision-making, being wholly confident in the Gospel, trusting Him and leaning into Him in everything, understanding that He is FOR me, how my attitude affects everything, seasons that come and go, and seeking first the Kingdom of God. This doesn't even scratch the surface, really.
Here is a song I wish I had written; instead, Sara Groves penned words that I know to be very true in this moment. It's a miracle that I can finally identify with this healing. Enjoy! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtpZfYG1nBs
It's been a hard year
But I'm climbing out of the rubble
These lessons are hard
Healing changes are subtle
But every day it's
Less like tearing, more like building
Less like captive, more like willing
Less like breakdown, more like surrender
Less like haunting, more like remember
And I feel you here
And you're picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad situation
But you are able
And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars and more like
Character
Less like a prison, more like my room
It's less like a casket, more like a womb
Less like dying, more like transcending
Less like fear, less like an ending
And I feel you here
And you're picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad situation
But you are able
And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars
Just a little while ago
I couldn't feel the power or the hope
I couldn't cope, I couldn't feel a thing
Just a little while back
I was desperate, broken, laid out, hoping
You would come
And I need you
And I want you here
And I feel you
And I know you're here
And you're picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad, bad situation
But you are able
And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars (x3), and more like character.
21.2.11
Top 15
Oh, how I love music. I mean, I adore music more than most really good things in this world. I love how it moves people, how it often means many things or sometimes nothing at all. I love the creative process that must go into it, though I know nothing of that. Above all, I love a good lyric. Poetry in music is profound.
I've been to several concerts of late, and then I saw pieces of the Grammys, and it made me start to think about some really wonderful songs. So, I've decided to share some with you, along with some thoughts as to why they mean something to me.
In no particular order, here are my songs and the stories behind why I chose them:
1. "Psalms 23," Trevor Morgan and Geoff Moore
This comes off the Glory Revealed II cd, and I didn't really discover the song until I was in Peru, though I'd had the album for awhile. My friend Ginny was talking to me about a verse in 1 Timothy (I think), and it made me trail off into Scripture and find some other relevant verses, and I came across Psalms 23. The performance is beautiful--the way Morgan sets the Psalmist's cry to music is deeply powerful. "You anoint my dead with oil, my cup overflows."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYtWlMURWsM
2. "Be Set Free," Josh Garrels
I was visiting some friends in Portugal and we got to go to a pro-surf competition in Peniche (one of the most breathtaking beaches I've ever seen). Afterwards, we hooked up with some missionary friends who work with Christian Surfers. Just being able to see this ministry in motion was a blessing; we helped with their event that night, which involved showing "Walking on Water," an evangelistic film with pro-surfer Bryan Jennings. I was completely astounded not only by the film, but by the passion for Jesus within the surfing community--it was very cool. The movie's soundtrack was awesome, too, and I ordered both soon after I returned to Peru. This track is one of the most chill songs I've ever encountered. I've worn it out pretty well, but one particular memory surrounding it involves a trip to Puno, Peru. I'm sitting on a boat, looking out on Lake Titicaca (blue beyond blue), and absolutely soaking up God's creation. He says to be set free every day.
http://www.walkingonwater.com/themovie/
3. "Abre Que Voy," Miguel Enriquez y Su Salson
I have to include a salsa song on my top list. I'm back in Orishas in Peru, dancing my heart away with Julia, Edu, Cesar, Rosmi, y Manuel. This song is beyond fun and takes me back to lots of salsa dancing. I miss it. :) "Salseros, se llaman, 'yo vengo'...and la clave starts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMfCCQUBwg4
4. "Your Love is Strong," Jon Foreman
This man is pretty much one of my heroes of the writing world. The man can write. I can't say enough about Jon Foreman; if I could just have lunch with him one day and pick his brain, I'd be a happy girl. This song is on his Spring EP--all of his "seasonal" EPs are whoa-crazy-good...go get them if you don't have them already. I remember walking around a retreat center at night in the middle-of-nowhere Peru and stumbling upon a group of our summer missionaries singing this song at the top of their lungs. I just sat and listened and soaked it up in the darkened room.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA7YIqWzKfQ
5. "Come and Listen," David Crowder Band
Who doesn't love some awesome DCB? I remember getting "A/B Collision" and being absolutely blown away-Crowder is a creative genius. I would play this song on repeat at UGA, driving around campus-the song is so simple and beautiful. "Let me tell you what He has done for me..."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUxF3LULDG4&feature=related
6. "Gold Digger," Kanye West
Alright. After a few Jesus songs, I know it might seem weird that this is a top song for me. And yet, it is a top song based purely on the fact that every memory that pops into my head when it is played is a fun one. The one that will always stand out is the night my senior-year roomies and I hung out at our apartment waiting for Sara Lawrence to come back as a soon-to-be Mrs. Mitch Kimbrell. Christy, Mel, and I were absolutely ecstatic and high on the adrenaline of the knowledge that our friend was getting engaged. We danced to many songs (including this one, in which they and only they know what dance move I pulled out), sang, jumped up and down and laughed in general. CT and I even set a record driving to the store and back to get chocolate and sparkling Champagne to celebrate.
No link needed--everyone in the world knows "She give me money, when I'm in need..." and the notes that follow.
7. "Hold You in My Arms," Ray LaMontagne
I first discovered "Trouble." Then I fell in love with Ray. When I discovered "Hold You in My Arms," I made Stephanie listen to it at full volume, pretending Ray was singing to us or something. This is an epic song that moves everyone who hears it, I believe. His voice is beyond powerful and soulful and sexy; his writing-genius is on display here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6O-8crNF_M
8. "I Exalt Thee," Chris Quilala
I had never heard this song until August 2008. I was at the two month training with the International Mission Board and some of the Journeymen began to meet in the small chapel at night for worship sessions. We crammed upwards of 40 people in a space meant for 10 or 12 and sang our hearts out to Jesus. Chris Black usually led worship and he pulled this one out one evening and it blew me away. It's so simple. I will never, ever forget worshipping with those people and having that incredible acoustic sound waft through the wooden rafters, lift into the clouds, and reach the throne of God.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-lY8VQpSTY
9. "Mexico," James Taylor
This is one of the most fun memories I have in life: The James Taylor concert in North Carolina with my aunt, uncle, and cousins in 2005. I was working at a summer camp around there so I was able to spend some time with them. We went to James Taylor one warm evening and sat on the lawn and soaked up summer. It began to rain during "Mexico," and we danced on the lawn in the rain. Best night ever. This is a great clip, but we heard the full-band version-a little more upbeat. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FVAUP_Yigw
10. "Your Love, Oh Lord (Psalms 36)," Third Day
I loved Third Day even before I became a believer, which happened in September of 2009. I have been to more Third Day concerts in my life than anyone else (Bebo Norman is a close second). I love their sound, their lyrics, but above all, their purity in worship. This song is amazing. I will always rememeber my first mission trip: Honduras 2005. I went with Prince Avenue people, and one evening, Jacquelyn Gillette (who would later become my roommate and "JG") and I stood in a field, sky black with millions of stars lighting it up, and sang this song to Jesus. I close my eyes and can still see our shadows in that dark field.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEF7IoQ3eUk
11. "Wildfires," Josh Ritter
Laying on Ryan's couch in Lima. An unexpected sunny day in May. All doors and windows open, breeze and warmth coming in. Music on at full blast, Josh Ritter singing this haunting song. A beautiful afternoon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtCWvBpi37c
12. "Arise and Be Comforted," Watermark
This song is similar to "Psalms 23" for me, except I knew immediately the impact it would have on my life the moment I heard it. I bought a Watermark cd in 2006 and fell in love; I found more songs by them and happened across this one. I wore it out. Took it to Peru with me and wore it out there. It's an anthem for people who hurt, and we all hurt at some point in our lives. Christy and Nathan Nockels captured hurt and healing in this song perfectly.
13. "Lejos de Ti," Gian Marco
I'm not sure why I love this man, but I do. He's bald and at first look, not that attractive. Then I saw him in concert in Lima, Peru and pretty much almost fainted. There is something charming about him when you see him in person, and he is very attractive and has a beautiful voice. He has an awesome way with words in music, and he puts on a fantastic concert. Go see him, even if you don't speak Spanish. At the very least, listen to this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZWI5XqZLDQ
14. "Sunday Morning," Maroon 5
Open up all your windows on a sunny-day drive through the country and tell me if you don't smile with this song. I've done this many times and it never fails. Enough said.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2Cti12XBw4
15. "Kind of Blue," Miles Davis
I didn't know much about instrumental music other than my Kenny G cd I had as a child (this is a fact that is hard to admit). However, as I started experimenting listening to other music, I heard a song by Miles Davis. I was about 13 or so, I think, and I went out and found two tapes of Miles Davis at Target. I bought them and began to fall in love.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEPFH-gz3wE
I've been to several concerts of late, and then I saw pieces of the Grammys, and it made me start to think about some really wonderful songs. So, I've decided to share some with you, along with some thoughts as to why they mean something to me.
In no particular order, here are my songs and the stories behind why I chose them:
1. "Psalms 23," Trevor Morgan and Geoff Moore
This comes off the Glory Revealed II cd, and I didn't really discover the song until I was in Peru, though I'd had the album for awhile. My friend Ginny was talking to me about a verse in 1 Timothy (I think), and it made me trail off into Scripture and find some other relevant verses, and I came across Psalms 23. The performance is beautiful--the way Morgan sets the Psalmist's cry to music is deeply powerful. "You anoint my dead with oil, my cup overflows."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYtWlMURWsM
2. "Be Set Free," Josh Garrels
I was visiting some friends in Portugal and we got to go to a pro-surf competition in Peniche (one of the most breathtaking beaches I've ever seen). Afterwards, we hooked up with some missionary friends who work with Christian Surfers. Just being able to see this ministry in motion was a blessing; we helped with their event that night, which involved showing "Walking on Water," an evangelistic film with pro-surfer Bryan Jennings. I was completely astounded not only by the film, but by the passion for Jesus within the surfing community--it was very cool. The movie's soundtrack was awesome, too, and I ordered both soon after I returned to Peru. This track is one of the most chill songs I've ever encountered. I've worn it out pretty well, but one particular memory surrounding it involves a trip to Puno, Peru. I'm sitting on a boat, looking out on Lake Titicaca (blue beyond blue), and absolutely soaking up God's creation. He says to be set free every day.
http://www.walkingonwater.com/themovie/
3. "Abre Que Voy," Miguel Enriquez y Su Salson
I have to include a salsa song on my top list. I'm back in Orishas in Peru, dancing my heart away with Julia, Edu, Cesar, Rosmi, y Manuel. This song is beyond fun and takes me back to lots of salsa dancing. I miss it. :) "Salseros, se llaman, 'yo vengo'...and la clave starts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMfCCQUBwg4
4. "Your Love is Strong," Jon Foreman
This man is pretty much one of my heroes of the writing world. The man can write. I can't say enough about Jon Foreman; if I could just have lunch with him one day and pick his brain, I'd be a happy girl. This song is on his Spring EP--all of his "seasonal" EPs are whoa-crazy-good...go get them if you don't have them already. I remember walking around a retreat center at night in the middle-of-nowhere Peru and stumbling upon a group of our summer missionaries singing this song at the top of their lungs. I just sat and listened and soaked it up in the darkened room.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA7YIqWzKfQ
5. "Come and Listen," David Crowder Band
Who doesn't love some awesome DCB? I remember getting "A/B Collision" and being absolutely blown away-Crowder is a creative genius. I would play this song on repeat at UGA, driving around campus-the song is so simple and beautiful. "Let me tell you what He has done for me..."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUxF3LULDG4&feature=related
6. "Gold Digger," Kanye West
Alright. After a few Jesus songs, I know it might seem weird that this is a top song for me. And yet, it is a top song based purely on the fact that every memory that pops into my head when it is played is a fun one. The one that will always stand out is the night my senior-year roomies and I hung out at our apartment waiting for Sara Lawrence to come back as a soon-to-be Mrs. Mitch Kimbrell. Christy, Mel, and I were absolutely ecstatic and high on the adrenaline of the knowledge that our friend was getting engaged. We danced to many songs (including this one, in which they and only they know what dance move I pulled out), sang, jumped up and down and laughed in general. CT and I even set a record driving to the store and back to get chocolate and sparkling Champagne to celebrate.
No link needed--everyone in the world knows "She give me money, when I'm in need..." and the notes that follow.
7. "Hold You in My Arms," Ray LaMontagne
I first discovered "Trouble." Then I fell in love with Ray. When I discovered "Hold You in My Arms," I made Stephanie listen to it at full volume, pretending Ray was singing to us or something. This is an epic song that moves everyone who hears it, I believe. His voice is beyond powerful and soulful and sexy; his writing-genius is on display here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6O-8crNF_M
8. "I Exalt Thee," Chris Quilala
I had never heard this song until August 2008. I was at the two month training with the International Mission Board and some of the Journeymen began to meet in the small chapel at night for worship sessions. We crammed upwards of 40 people in a space meant for 10 or 12 and sang our hearts out to Jesus. Chris Black usually led worship and he pulled this one out one evening and it blew me away. It's so simple. I will never, ever forget worshipping with those people and having that incredible acoustic sound waft through the wooden rafters, lift into the clouds, and reach the throne of God.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-lY8VQpSTY
9. "Mexico," James Taylor
This is one of the most fun memories I have in life: The James Taylor concert in North Carolina with my aunt, uncle, and cousins in 2005. I was working at a summer camp around there so I was able to spend some time with them. We went to James Taylor one warm evening and sat on the lawn and soaked up summer. It began to rain during "Mexico," and we danced on the lawn in the rain. Best night ever. This is a great clip, but we heard the full-band version-a little more upbeat. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FVAUP_Yigw
10. "Your Love, Oh Lord (Psalms 36)," Third Day
I loved Third Day even before I became a believer, which happened in September of 2009. I have been to more Third Day concerts in my life than anyone else (Bebo Norman is a close second). I love their sound, their lyrics, but above all, their purity in worship. This song is amazing. I will always rememeber my first mission trip: Honduras 2005. I went with Prince Avenue people, and one evening, Jacquelyn Gillette (who would later become my roommate and "JG") and I stood in a field, sky black with millions of stars lighting it up, and sang this song to Jesus. I close my eyes and can still see our shadows in that dark field.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEF7IoQ3eUk
11. "Wildfires," Josh Ritter
Laying on Ryan's couch in Lima. An unexpected sunny day in May. All doors and windows open, breeze and warmth coming in. Music on at full blast, Josh Ritter singing this haunting song. A beautiful afternoon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtCWvBpi37c
12. "Arise and Be Comforted," Watermark
This song is similar to "Psalms 23" for me, except I knew immediately the impact it would have on my life the moment I heard it. I bought a Watermark cd in 2006 and fell in love; I found more songs by them and happened across this one. I wore it out. Took it to Peru with me and wore it out there. It's an anthem for people who hurt, and we all hurt at some point in our lives. Christy and Nathan Nockels captured hurt and healing in this song perfectly.
13. "Lejos de Ti," Gian Marco
I'm not sure why I love this man, but I do. He's bald and at first look, not that attractive. Then I saw him in concert in Lima, Peru and pretty much almost fainted. There is something charming about him when you see him in person, and he is very attractive and has a beautiful voice. He has an awesome way with words in music, and he puts on a fantastic concert. Go see him, even if you don't speak Spanish. At the very least, listen to this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZWI5XqZLDQ
14. "Sunday Morning," Maroon 5
Open up all your windows on a sunny-day drive through the country and tell me if you don't smile with this song. I've done this many times and it never fails. Enough said.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2Cti12XBw4
15. "Kind of Blue," Miles Davis
I didn't know much about instrumental music other than my Kenny G cd I had as a child (this is a fact that is hard to admit). However, as I started experimenting listening to other music, I heard a song by Miles Davis. I was about 13 or so, I think, and I went out and found two tapes of Miles Davis at Target. I bought them and began to fall in love.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEPFH-gz3wE
9.2.11
The Beautiful Thorn
Today I found a Peruvian thorn in my scarf.
Driving down 316 into Athens, passing familiar sights on the way to Walmart, I fingered the blue and brow-striped cloth wrapped around my neck for warmth on the chilly Winter day. I started a little as something stabed into my finger.
I looked down and saw Peru. My eyes registered memories instead of the actual object sticking through the end of the scarf. I felt very little pain from this protruding object; instead, happiness engulfs me as my lids shut and I remembered:
Trudging through the plants, I realize the thorns cover my cltohes, embedded into the threads that interwine. I try to pick them out, but no use. My failed attempt doesn't phase me in the midst of such beauty.
I feel the wind in my hair as I climb up enormous hills in Tinajani, sharp, jagged rocks flanking my sides; behind me, a green valley with a river cutting through tall grasses. Ahead, clear blue skies, the sun casting shadows on the images carved into the rocks by the hand of God. Dancing.
I hear the brush underfoot as I trample through plants with unknown names. I hear other footsteps, but am wrapped up in my reverie. I pick tiny flowers to hold onto throughout the trip. No reason or rhyme to this. Holding them lightly so as not to crush them, I stand in silence among years of ancient story, known only to the natural environment in which I find myself. And of course, to the Creator.
----------------
The Walmart parking lot is full of money, old and new. I enter thrhough the automatic doors, walk straight to my destination: The photo center.
I pay for the 33 prints of Peru. I smile as I open them up and touch my friends--some familliar, some strangers. I gaze around the store aimlessly. My steps lead me swiftly out of corporate hell.
I clutch the paper memories, climb into the car, find the thorn in my scarf, and smile in the silence.
Driving down 316 into Athens, passing familiar sights on the way to Walmart, I fingered the blue and brow-striped cloth wrapped around my neck for warmth on the chilly Winter day. I started a little as something stabed into my finger.
I looked down and saw Peru. My eyes registered memories instead of the actual object sticking through the end of the scarf. I felt very little pain from this protruding object; instead, happiness engulfs me as my lids shut and I remembered:
Trudging through the plants, I realize the thorns cover my cltohes, embedded into the threads that interwine. I try to pick them out, but no use. My failed attempt doesn't phase me in the midst of such beauty.
I feel the wind in my hair as I climb up enormous hills in Tinajani, sharp, jagged rocks flanking my sides; behind me, a green valley with a river cutting through tall grasses. Ahead, clear blue skies, the sun casting shadows on the images carved into the rocks by the hand of God. Dancing.
I hear the brush underfoot as I trample through plants with unknown names. I hear other footsteps, but am wrapped up in my reverie. I pick tiny flowers to hold onto throughout the trip. No reason or rhyme to this. Holding them lightly so as not to crush them, I stand in silence among years of ancient story, known only to the natural environment in which I find myself. And of course, to the Creator.
----------------
The Walmart parking lot is full of money, old and new. I enter thrhough the automatic doors, walk straight to my destination: The photo center.
I pay for the 33 prints of Peru. I smile as I open them up and touch my friends--some familliar, some strangers. I gaze around the store aimlessly. My steps lead me swiftly out of corporate hell.
I clutch the paper memories, climb into the car, find the thorn in my scarf, and smile in the silence.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)