As I've mentioned many times, I love music. I love that the lyrics say things that I might not ever put into words and how the power of a great song can stop me in my tracks at any moment. I can be anywhere and suddenly I'm compelled to stop and lift my hands, close my eyes, and praise. I LOVE IT! Countless times I've been driving down the road, just listening to whatever comes on the radio and suddenly find myself moved to tears. I love that God speaks to me through the music and the music allows me to worship and praise Him in amazing ways.
I'm a lyrics person. I know others that just enjoy the tune and the flow of the song. I do understand that. I love a good beat, a nice rhythm, or kickin' drum or guitar solo. Heck, a good friend of mine frequently points out that I am prone to spontaneous dancing at any time, in any place. No one else hears the music but I'm dancing to the song in my head. This is true, I won't deny it, but when it's all said and done, I'm all about the lyrics.
So...finally, hears what's been on my mind for a few days.
In a song by Mercy Me, the lyrics go like this:
"Bring me joy, Bring me peace,
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings you glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise you
Jesus, bring the rain
The first time this song got my attention I was in a women's prison with a ministry team. We were there to paint the cell walls and were allowed to bring in a guitar to lead some worship music. We sang all sorts of songs but when these ladies sang this particular song, it got my attention. They belted it out. Throughout the entire cell, women were letting it out. These women knew pain, they new what it was like to be without freedom. Some of them have found what true freedom is-even in a jail cell. These women have been in the rain, many of them in worse storms than I've ever found myself. Yet, they sang these words and they meant it. You could see it in their eyes and hear it in their voices.
Now, suddenly this week, this song has popped back in my head. I haven't even heard it in a while but I can't forget the words. To truly worship God during our times of pain and suffering is the greatest honor. It demonstrates our true love for and understanding of our savior, Jesus Christ. So, I considered these words and I wondered, could I make these words my prayer? Am I willing to say, "if that's what it takes to praise you, Jesus, bring the rain?" At this point in my life, I am. I'd rather be with Jesus in the worst situation than be in the best place this world can offer without Him.
This has really been on my heart for a few days, so I'd ask you to consider it. Would you ask Jesus to bring the rain? If not, how can you get to that point? What's stopping you?
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
What is your worldview?
As you may know, I'm working on my Master's in Special Education. In my last class, the final paper was a book critique of "The Pattern of God's Truth." At the end of our critique, we were supposed explain our worldview. After re-visiting my paper yesterday, I decided to post some of it here. Mostly just to remind myself. So here goes:
A Biblical Worldview
A worldview is the outlook that a person has based on their beliefs regarding where they come from, who they are, and how they relate to the world. If a person has a Biblical worldview, they believe that the words of the Bible are truth. More specifically, they believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God impressed upon the authors to write down for future generations to possess. Once a person claims a Biblical worldview, certain beliefs become foundational. First of all, they believe that the earth and all its inhabitants were created by God. Also, humans were created in the image of God. Second, they believe that human beings have a sinful nature and were separated from a relationship with God after the original sin. Third, they believe that Jesus Christ came to this earth and lived a perfect life. Then he was crucified on the cross, put in a tomb, and rose three days later. The purpose of his death and resurrection was to atone for the sins of every human being that they may have a renewed relationship with God. Jesus says in John 6:38 and 40, “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me...For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (The Living Application Study Bible, New International Version, p. 1888).
In addition to those basic truths, having a Biblical worldview also means that a person basis all knowledge and truth on what is found to be true in the Bible. The place to seek knowledge and answers on any topic is the Bible. In addition to seeking answers from the Bible, those with a Biblical worldview relate all knowledge to the Bible. For example, when discussing a scientific theory, it is necessary to match the plausibility of this theory with the truth found in the Bible. If any detail of the theory is in contrast to the truth of the Bible, then the theory is discredited and, therefore, thrown out by those with a Biblical worldview.
As a believer in God, I personally have a Biblical worldview. I have known the Lord as my savior since a young age and experienced his power as an adult. Because of this view, I hold the truth of the Bible as the standard by which everything else is judged. If I did not have this belief then I would have to trust that Science is correct or look for some other standard by which to make decisions. Every person must decide for themselves what standard is true. All knowledge and beliefs are looked at from the perspective of a person’s worldview.
I hope that my daily walk demonstrates this worldview. When it is my time to leave this earth, I want everyone to be clear why I was here. May my life leave no room for doubt!
A Biblical Worldview
A worldview is the outlook that a person has based on their beliefs regarding where they come from, who they are, and how they relate to the world. If a person has a Biblical worldview, they believe that the words of the Bible are truth. More specifically, they believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God impressed upon the authors to write down for future generations to possess. Once a person claims a Biblical worldview, certain beliefs become foundational. First of all, they believe that the earth and all its inhabitants were created by God. Also, humans were created in the image of God. Second, they believe that human beings have a sinful nature and were separated from a relationship with God after the original sin. Third, they believe that Jesus Christ came to this earth and lived a perfect life. Then he was crucified on the cross, put in a tomb, and rose three days later. The purpose of his death and resurrection was to atone for the sins of every human being that they may have a renewed relationship with God. Jesus says in John 6:38 and 40, “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me...For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (The Living Application Study Bible, New International Version, p. 1888).
In addition to those basic truths, having a Biblical worldview also means that a person basis all knowledge and truth on what is found to be true in the Bible. The place to seek knowledge and answers on any topic is the Bible. In addition to seeking answers from the Bible, those with a Biblical worldview relate all knowledge to the Bible. For example, when discussing a scientific theory, it is necessary to match the plausibility of this theory with the truth found in the Bible. If any detail of the theory is in contrast to the truth of the Bible, then the theory is discredited and, therefore, thrown out by those with a Biblical worldview.
As a believer in God, I personally have a Biblical worldview. I have known the Lord as my savior since a young age and experienced his power as an adult. Because of this view, I hold the truth of the Bible as the standard by which everything else is judged. If I did not have this belief then I would have to trust that Science is correct or look for some other standard by which to make decisions. Every person must decide for themselves what standard is true. All knowledge and beliefs are looked at from the perspective of a person’s worldview.
I hope that my daily walk demonstrates this worldview. When it is my time to leave this earth, I want everyone to be clear why I was here. May my life leave no room for doubt!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Threads of Gratitude, 01-11-10
I have no idea if anyone actually reads my ramblings but just in case, I'll give a little back history. It is possible that through someone you know at church you have seen the "threads of gratitude" in your inbox. Almost two years ago Lisa Stone started this thread. She and I and several other dear friends were in a Bible study together on Wednesday nights. One Monday she sent out an email sharing a list of some things she was grateful for. She was nervous about the reaction and being considered "a dork" but she felt that God was asking her to do this. To her surprise, everyone responded with what they were grateful for and was so excited to receive the email. Lisa continued to send a new email of gratitude every Monday. Eventually Lisa felt God directing her to spread the gratitude further, so she encouraged us all to add new people to the thread and forward it on. To this day, Lisa still sends out a thread every Monday, I only know of once that she missed because she was in the middle of nowhere without a computer (that's over 100 threads of gratitude). At this point, we don't even know how many people get it or where it ends up. It has been a great joy in my life because I look forward to hearing what others are grateful for and how God is working in all of our lives. For some reason, I felt led to post today's thread here in my blog. Perhaps it is something I will start to do so that I can look back at the gratitude of the past. If you'd like to be added to my thread, let me know and I'll make sure I have your email address.
So here is today's:
Good evening Friends, it's Monday. In fact, Monday's almost over. I'm sorry that I missed this last week. We were on the road and with family for the funeral and I never got around to sending the email. I did think about what I was grateful for though! So here we go for this week:
Father, today I am grateful for the amazing amount of memory space you have given me. I wish I had been using it to know your word for all of these years but I'm glad that you have brought me back to this simple challenge. I remember as a child we always memorized scripture but I never really tried as an adult. I LOVE that I have fresh thoughts from you rolling around in my head!
Most High, I am grateful for the desire to share you with others. You have taken me out of my comfort zone to speak to strangers twice in the last week and I have been blessed both times! Thank you and I pray that it continues.
Lord, thank you for giving me direction in my life. To know where you want me and enjoy being there is such a blessing. When the days are long and the children are irritating it is so much easier to stay the course knowing that you put me there. I am surprised by how much I enjoy it and that I don't ever desire to quit, even on the worst days.
Father, thank you for connections and easy ways to communicate with friends. It is so great to run into people and catch up knowing that you put us on a path to intercept each other!
Lastly but perhaps of most significance, thank you for your faithfulness! We know that your plan is for good and everything happens in your time. Life is so much better knowing that you will never fail us. You always answer our prayers just maybe not the way we want. I am grateful to know that you love us enough to not give us what we want but instead to give us what we need and what is best!
Friends, take some time to think about what you are grateful for and share with me if you feel led to do so!
So here is today's:
Good evening Friends, it's Monday. In fact, Monday's almost over. I'm sorry that I missed this last week. We were on the road and with family for the funeral and I never got around to sending the email. I did think about what I was grateful for though! So here we go for this week:
Father, today I am grateful for the amazing amount of memory space you have given me. I wish I had been using it to know your word for all of these years but I'm glad that you have brought me back to this simple challenge. I remember as a child we always memorized scripture but I never really tried as an adult. I LOVE that I have fresh thoughts from you rolling around in my head!
Most High, I am grateful for the desire to share you with others. You have taken me out of my comfort zone to speak to strangers twice in the last week and I have been blessed both times! Thank you and I pray that it continues.
Lord, thank you for giving me direction in my life. To know where you want me and enjoy being there is such a blessing. When the days are long and the children are irritating it is so much easier to stay the course knowing that you put me there. I am surprised by how much I enjoy it and that I don't ever desire to quit, even on the worst days.
Father, thank you for connections and easy ways to communicate with friends. It is so great to run into people and catch up knowing that you put us on a path to intercept each other!
Lastly but perhaps of most significance, thank you for your faithfulness! We know that your plan is for good and everything happens in your time. Life is so much better knowing that you will never fail us. You always answer our prayers just maybe not the way we want. I am grateful to know that you love us enough to not give us what we want but instead to give us what we need and what is best!
Friends, take some time to think about what you are grateful for and share with me if you feel led to do so!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
seems so long
Well, last time I wrote I mentioned that when Monday came I'd be back to busyness. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. On New Year's Day, Floyd I. Stanley Sr passed away. We drove to Arkansas on Monday to be with the family and attend the funeral.
If you were at that funeral, you probably would have had many of the same thoughts that I had. You see, Floyd was a pastor for many decades. More than a pastor, he was a student of God's word. He wrote many books about what he learned and taught many classes. At one point he could quote the entire Bible, literally. He knew it all by memory. At his funeral there were so many people that spoke about his devotion to the Lord. No one could doubt what the purpose of his life was. The number of people that could share Floyd's role in their life is amazing. He shared the gospel with too many people to ever count.
When I die, I know what I want my funeral to be like. You may think I'm kidding but just ask Floyd (my Floyd, Floyd III) or my kids and they'll tell you. I even have a running list of the songs I want people to sing. Not because I want to die but because I hope people know what my life is about. When I do go home for eternity, it will be just like all those before me. Those left behind will be sad but I'll finally meet my savior face to face. I hope in the meantime that I can be more like Christ every day; that I can share the gospel with the same passion that Floyd Sr did; that when others are asked to describe me whatever they say some how ties to my love of the Lord.
Of course,I hope it's not soon, I'd like to be here to see my children grow up and have their own. I'd like to do a lot of things. Those that know me well know that I'm always up for an adventure.
I pray that the Lord uses my life and that I always say yes to the adventure that He puts before me. I can't think of anyone better to plan the trip of a life!
While I'm babbling on today, I'd also like to share a little of my thoughts about my heart's prayer for day 3. So many times we focus on certain big events and spend our daily lives caught up in all the routines and mundane happenings. We're just busy going through life and we lose track. So here's my prayer...
Lord, Open my eyes to what you put in my path. I pray that I say YES when you call me in big ways and in small every day ways. Help me to focus my life on what is important. I want to live my life on a mission for your kingdom. Give me your eyes Lord! Let me see others the way you do. Let me see what you see as I walk down the hall ways at work and drive down the highway. Lord, when I see, move me to action! Give me the courage to say those words or reach out and touch. May my fear for those living without you be greater than my fear of speaking up or putting myself out there. All of this I ask in your precious son's name, Amen.
If you were at that funeral, you probably would have had many of the same thoughts that I had. You see, Floyd was a pastor for many decades. More than a pastor, he was a student of God's word. He wrote many books about what he learned and taught many classes. At one point he could quote the entire Bible, literally. He knew it all by memory. At his funeral there were so many people that spoke about his devotion to the Lord. No one could doubt what the purpose of his life was. The number of people that could share Floyd's role in their life is amazing. He shared the gospel with too many people to ever count.
When I die, I know what I want my funeral to be like. You may think I'm kidding but just ask Floyd (my Floyd, Floyd III) or my kids and they'll tell you. I even have a running list of the songs I want people to sing. Not because I want to die but because I hope people know what my life is about. When I do go home for eternity, it will be just like all those before me. Those left behind will be sad but I'll finally meet my savior face to face. I hope in the meantime that I can be more like Christ every day; that I can share the gospel with the same passion that Floyd Sr did; that when others are asked to describe me whatever they say some how ties to my love of the Lord.
Of course,I hope it's not soon, I'd like to be here to see my children grow up and have their own. I'd like to do a lot of things. Those that know me well know that I'm always up for an adventure.
I pray that the Lord uses my life and that I always say yes to the adventure that He puts before me. I can't think of anyone better to plan the trip of a life!
While I'm babbling on today, I'd also like to share a little of my thoughts about my heart's prayer for day 3. So many times we focus on certain big events and spend our daily lives caught up in all the routines and mundane happenings. We're just busy going through life and we lose track. So here's my prayer...
Lord, Open my eyes to what you put in my path. I pray that I say YES when you call me in big ways and in small every day ways. Help me to focus my life on what is important. I want to live my life on a mission for your kingdom. Give me your eyes Lord! Let me see others the way you do. Let me see what you see as I walk down the hall ways at work and drive down the highway. Lord, when I see, move me to action! Give me the courage to say those words or reach out and touch. May my fear for those living without you be greater than my fear of speaking up or putting myself out there. All of this I ask in your precious son's name, Amen.
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