The Funny One

So this a quick little post. I've been failing a bit with my devotions and quiet times and finally got back to it today and was VERY glad that I did.

If you talked to me at all in the past few months I may have told you about this girl I have known. We've been getting know each other better and such, but a couple weeks ago realized we weren't hearing God the same, however I told her I appreciated her honesty in the matter. Today, I was reading in Proverbs and read kind of a funny verse.

"An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips."
-Proverbs 24:26

I laughed. Who says God isn't funny!?

Because God told me so...

Have you ever had someone tell you, "because God told me?" This is usually said among christians about a various number of things. For example, where there are going to college, or why they're dating a certain person, or when they're going to give their testimony, or many other things.

But have you ever thought how easy it is to use, "because God told me" as an excuse!? Especially among your christian friends who will accept the idea. I came to this realization the other night, laying awake in bed. I had recently been told this, in different form, but the same concept nonetheless. However, I really did believe my friend in that what they were saying was what they received from God. But just think for a second how easy that would be to use to justify decisions. It could be a phrase simply used to get someone off of your back.

There have not been very many things I can say that I've felt God tell me to do. The only thing I am certain about is God's wanting me to be involved with music and worship. Whether that be writing songs or just playing, I need to worship Him with the gift He has given me. I feel He definitely has revealed where He wants me to be. Which is Lincoln. It has a more challenging music system, it's closer to home, it has many christian friends of mine, and the real clincher I discovered this weekend was the staff at UNL informed me of a new program they are starting which is music composition and education put together. It is exactly what I want to do. Write music and teach it.

I noticed then when I came to see what He had for me, I was doing well with my walk with Him. In John 8:47 it says, "He who is of God hears God's words." It checks out.

The friend I mentioned earlier had a different take on the situation than I. Looking back I can say that I wasn't right where I should have been with God, so I don't think I was hearing Him correctly. Now, before I even try to hear what God has for me; I make sure that I am right with Him and am completely humbled before our Lord.

Just a suggestion and something to think about.

Get Rich Quick

I saw something a bit disheartening the other night. A friend of mine asked me if I'd be interested in earning some extra money by doing some social networking stuff. Since I am in the need of some currency I decided well...I can at least check it out, so I did.

The meeting was at Ramada Inn and I wore jeans. I was a bit under dressed, but she said it was okay. We went into the meeting room where the guest speaker introduced himself and began to explain the whole thing. First impression was: "This is scam. No way anyone can make as much money as he's saying he did." It cost $175 to get going and you had to attend a conference about it in Nashville or Minneapolis, and they don't pay for those, but the business will in a couple months, sure. However, as he continued talking some of it did actually did make sense.

He first talked about how we have been "brain washed" in that we need to go to school to get a good job and do that for the rest of our lives when we can actually survive using this networking thing and earn a lot more extra cash by doing it. He worked at IBM for 20 years and apparently hated every minute of it. Since he got into this business he quit his job, doesn't wake up until 11, and takes vacations every 2 weeks.

He could tell I wasn't impressed by what he was doing with his money and as he was going through all the "glorious" things you can do with money, stopped by me and said "Or you could even give your pastor or church $20,000. Wouldn't he love that?!" I nodded, just to get him away from me because he had a creepy smile.

Basically this guy said, "Quit school or your job, do this, you'll make tons of money and barely have to do anything for it." Sounds easy right? Too easy, I'd feel so lazy if I did that. Imagine getting up at 11:00 AM every day and taking vacations every 2 weeks; what could you possibly get done? He also told he gets done every day around 3:00 PM.

I'm not trying to bash on the people that are interested in this and have gotten started with it. I can't say that everyone that has gone through that has not used their money very wisely, but I can say that I don't think I'd really want all that money. I'd have no idea what to do with it. I'd march drum corps and buy some gaming systems. That'd probably be the extent of it.

I left the meeting with a CD to give me more info about it. I threw it away. I got a call from someone about getting everything set up. I told him I wasn't interested, at all. Easy as that. I'd rather spend my hard earned money something worthwhile, not snowmobiles and fancy resorts.

Be Still

Everyone loves music, but some appreciate more than others. I, being a music major, would say that I do and I truly realized it this past weekend. My mom's birthday was this weekend so I decided I should probably go home. College and home is a pretty good distance away, about 2 and a half hours, so I listened to a bunch of music on the way home and I took another 45 minute trip to see a certain someone. I went there and back so all together I had 6 and a half hours of intense music listening. It was good time.

Anyways, I've noticed that certain songs extract different emotions. This sounds really cheesy, I know. But for instance, All the Memories by The Classic Crime makes me a bit sad because it reminds me of my high school show choir and how much I loved it. A couple songs by Tool also do the same but with drumline, it reminds me of the winter shows in the past.

However, the most emotional ones I have found are songs I sang with Esprit de Corps. Every time I listen to Make Some Noyz I get chills, because I can remember exactly what it felt like to just praise with everyone together. It was one of the most awesome feelings I've ever had. But the best one out of that group was Still by Hillsong. It's easily one of my favorite songs of all time. I had heard it a few times before Esprit but never realized how awesome of a song it truly is.

We sang it at youth group tonight and I just listened to it again. I almost cried. There are so many things going on in my life right now that I lose sleep over. I don't have a job and need one badly. I know what's right, but don't necessarily do it all the time. My classes are stressing me out already. I'm worried about a developing relationship for no real reason. I'm scared that transferring won't go smoothly. I'm even worried about not getting into the School of Music at UNL. Everything just seems to be chipping away at me.

Yet, in spite of that, this song reminds me not to worry, to relax, to be still, and know that God is God. He is King over the flood. I know His power in quietness and trust. I will find rest in Christ alone. My favorite lyrics of the song: "I will soar with You above the storm."

*sigh* thanks God.

New Year's Resolutions

Well, it has been 2009 for a couple hours now. I have made a few resolutions, just like everyone else. I intend to keep them as well.

1) EXERCISE

I never really exercised a whole lot on my own after gym class. I've decided I'm going to work out/run at least two or three times a week. Nothing wrong with being healthy, and you gotta have some kind of cheesy cliche on the top of your resolution list.

2) BIBLE READING

I do read my Bible, but not quite as often as I should. I plan to read every day at least once if not twice. I got some big decisions headed my way. If I want to make the right choices, reading the Bible is a great place to look. I also have some friends that occasionally will ask me for advice. How am I supposed to help them if I don't have at least a small amount of wisdom?

3) QUIET DOWN

I know my roommate will love this one. I've been known for being a bit loud. I admit, sometimes it is a bit over the top. I actually read about it today, in my Bible. I have a good start on my 2nd resolution already. I was reading in 1 Thessalonians, in chapter 4 verse 11 it says, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life..." I figure it should be something I need to look into doing.

So there are my resolutions for 2009. Basically, I'm going to stay healthy physically and spiritually, and by being healthy and fit in both I will be healthy emotionally as well. Kind of confusing, but it's not, trust me. Here's an equation:

{{Healthy Physically + Healthy Spiritually = Healthy Emotionally}}

Happy 2009!

Patience

I am in a weird mood. I'm happy, yet I'm not, and I know why. Unfortunately, I don't want to share it at this point. Let's just say that, God brought something awesome into my life, and is putting it on hold it seems. It's for the better, but I want it now. There a few things in my life right now that aren't what they should be. I believe that God is wanting me to take care of those things before he "gives" me what I want.

I don't necessarily see myself as a patient person, I guess tolerant would be a better word for it. I can stand a lot of things. I may not like it, but I can tolerate it. For instance, on our missions trip to Mississippi the kids would hang all over you. Not particularly my favorite, but I could tolerate it and it was good for them. I never got angry, but patience is something I think God will be teaching me these next 8 or 9 months. Which is good, usually if I want it, I'll rush into it and BAM! It doesn't always turn out the way I'd like. If you have any idea what I'm talking about, or if you think you have an idea, this may confirm it:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does no envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."
-1 Corinthians 13:4

Interim Deity

Life's hardships happen to come along,
Like losing a job or a family member.
All of sudden we know where to go,
We randomly remember.

As soon as He helps us out
We push Him back out the door.
Why wouldn't we do just that?
He is not a need anymore.

Humans know how to run our lives.
It's only the best if it's run by us.
We don't need Him any longer;
It's simply not a must.

We feel mighty proud of ourselves,
Kicking Him out on a whim.
We're the powerful ones here
And we don't need Him!

Mark 7:6