What is Love? Can it heal, when the pain is so real?
Can it reach, to the lost? Can it speak? Does it cost?
Is it strong? Can it be, a saving grace, all you need?
Is it real? Can it feel, the desire of one, and be the hope to come?
Is it higher and wider and greater...
This love, of a life, I can't find?
He is Love
And He came down, and He poured out
No greater Love to me
The almighty, redeemer, and healer
The God of hope of peace
He was sent from above, for the chance to love...
Is there joy, in the midst, of the strife in life when it hits?
Can you trust, this love, when this life gets too much?
Is it higher, and wider, and greater
this love of life I can't find...
He is Love
And He came down, and He poured out
No greater Love to me
The almighty, redeemer, and healer
The God of hope of peace
He was sent from above, for the chance to love...
Let the sun rise up from the bay
and bring new life this way
There is hope for you and me
and Love the way it should be
Monday, April 16, 2012
Saturday, April 14, 2012
The Chance to Love
What is love?
Trying to define this term/action/emotion and everything else that makes it what it is, can lead to a lifetime of searching. I have come to the conclusion that you can't quite define Love. Love is a lifestyle, and your choices contribute to it greatly. "Love" has been divided into the worlds idea of it versus the way God intended it to be. Agape Love. Aside from the romantic/relational love, we could write novels and novels about the idea of "Love" and what it consist of. But, the fact is that no matter how much we seek and try to define the idea of "Love", it will never be what it was intended to be without God in the picture. Simply put, God.is.Love. Love is a daily action, and everyday I am learning more and more what it means to love and be loved in return.
As most of you may know, my calling is music. God has done amazing things in my life through it and in return has given me the ability and gifting. With that said, I also love to write a lot of my own songs. A lot of my songs are derived from life's experiences themselves, and my journey through faith in Christ. Most recently I have been seeking the idea of love and what it is in the worlds perspective versus God's. I have been reading devotionals, scripture, blogs, observing everyday actions in the world, and anything you can think of that relates to the topic. Basically, it has been on my heart and mind for weeks. So has the notion of writing a song about it. I wanted to describe what is looks and feels like, how it affects us, and everything else in between. Love is a part of our daily lives. In writing the song I titled "The Chance to Love" I was directed to a portion of scripture that really put things in perspective for me. Ephesians 1:3-12 talks about the ultimate portrayal of love. The ultimate portrayal of love was God sending his son on our behalf so that we could be set free from sin, but beyond that and what's even greater to me is that as imperfect as we are and so often so far from Him, He chooses to love us because He wants to, it pleases Him. It is in his nature to love us, no matter how sinful we can be. A crazy Love. God's perspective of love keeps no record of wrongs and covers a multitude of sins. Combined with his limitless grace, it becomes greater than our sin. And as Joyce Meyer puts it...
"Just as it is impossible for God not to love, so it is impossible for us to do anything to keep Him from loving us."
That's love! God's love is the power that forgives our sins, heals our emotional wounds and mends our broken hearts. What's amazing to me, is that man has been looking for a perfect love in the world since it was created and has been let down time and time again. Yet we continue to put our hope and dependency in a false, shallow and selfish type of love. God's love is unconditional and based on Him, not us. Once we can realize and grasp the concept that God loves us regardless of what we have or haven't done, then can we truly be free and experience love the way it was intended. A love that will fill you, and not leave you wanting more. You don't have to earn this love, just simply receive it.I don't know about you, but I want this love and to love like this in return! The ultimate portrayal was sent from above, for our "Chance to Love"...
Trying to define this term/action/emotion and everything else that makes it what it is, can lead to a lifetime of searching. I have come to the conclusion that you can't quite define Love. Love is a lifestyle, and your choices contribute to it greatly. "Love" has been divided into the worlds idea of it versus the way God intended it to be. Agape Love. Aside from the romantic/relational love, we could write novels and novels about the idea of "Love" and what it consist of. But, the fact is that no matter how much we seek and try to define the idea of "Love", it will never be what it was intended to be without God in the picture. Simply put, God.is.Love. Love is a daily action, and everyday I am learning more and more what it means to love and be loved in return.
As most of you may know, my calling is music. God has done amazing things in my life through it and in return has given me the ability and gifting. With that said, I also love to write a lot of my own songs. A lot of my songs are derived from life's experiences themselves, and my journey through faith in Christ. Most recently I have been seeking the idea of love and what it is in the worlds perspective versus God's. I have been reading devotionals, scripture, blogs, observing everyday actions in the world, and anything you can think of that relates to the topic. Basically, it has been on my heart and mind for weeks. So has the notion of writing a song about it. I wanted to describe what is looks and feels like, how it affects us, and everything else in between. Love is a part of our daily lives. In writing the song I titled "The Chance to Love" I was directed to a portion of scripture that really put things in perspective for me. Ephesians 1:3-12 talks about the ultimate portrayal of love. The ultimate portrayal of love was God sending his son on our behalf so that we could be set free from sin, but beyond that and what's even greater to me is that as imperfect as we are and so often so far from Him, He chooses to love us because He wants to, it pleases Him. It is in his nature to love us, no matter how sinful we can be. A crazy Love. God's perspective of love keeps no record of wrongs and covers a multitude of sins. Combined with his limitless grace, it becomes greater than our sin. And as Joyce Meyer puts it...
"Just as it is impossible for God not to love, so it is impossible for us to do anything to keep Him from loving us."
That's love! God's love is the power that forgives our sins, heals our emotional wounds and mends our broken hearts. What's amazing to me, is that man has been looking for a perfect love in the world since it was created and has been let down time and time again. Yet we continue to put our hope and dependency in a false, shallow and selfish type of love. God's love is unconditional and based on Him, not us. Once we can realize and grasp the concept that God loves us regardless of what we have or haven't done, then can we truly be free and experience love the way it was intended. A love that will fill you, and not leave you wanting more. You don't have to earn this love, just simply receive it.I don't know about you, but I want this love and to love like this in return! The ultimate portrayal was sent from above, for our "Chance to Love"...
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Strength of Purpose
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 NIV
This scripture revealed itself to me in a time in my life where I didn't know what or where to go. A time when I was broken and completely vulnerable. A time where I was battling losing my mom because of a terminal illness at the age of 17. And my father wasn't in the picture...
You see...STRENGTH is developed through difficulty. Sometimes God takes away things in our life and we don't have a choice but to depend on him. We may not see it at that point and time, but it serves a greater purpose. How amazing is it that we despise difficulties and run from obstacles, yet these difficulties are used to develop the fortitude and abilities in us that haven't been realized in our life.
It's been four years since I lost my mom, and I'm not going to say it's been easy, because it hasn't...it's been a journey. But looking back, I know that He was preparing me for something greater than myself. The strength I have gained through those trials and dependency on God is one that I wouldn't trade for the world. God has made a way and given back twice in return, and I have known a deeper love, relentless love. So three things you can take from this no matter what your situation or circumstance...
1. God's timing is PERFECT. We've all heard the saying "patience is a virtue". But this can be applicable in so many other ways. If you're waiting on that "big break", your future wife/husband, the loss of a loved one, or any other situation. Know that His will for you is perfect, and the sooner you stop comparing yourself to other people and their circumstances, the sooner you can move forward and know that it is to the glory of God to conceal a matter.
2. DEPENDENCY in God is the best habit you will ever develop. True dependency requires risk, risk requires trust and trust requires faith in Him. He will never let you down, so look beyond your current position.
3. God's LOVE is indescribable, thus I won't try and do it justice with mere words. Seek for yourself, and you will never want any other. But more than anything, dare to love like He loves...crazy love!
This scripture revealed itself to me in a time in my life where I didn't know what or where to go. A time when I was broken and completely vulnerable. A time where I was battling losing my mom because of a terminal illness at the age of 17. And my father wasn't in the picture...
You see...STRENGTH is developed through difficulty. Sometimes God takes away things in our life and we don't have a choice but to depend on him. We may not see it at that point and time, but it serves a greater purpose. How amazing is it that we despise difficulties and run from obstacles, yet these difficulties are used to develop the fortitude and abilities in us that haven't been realized in our life.
It's been four years since I lost my mom, and I'm not going to say it's been easy, because it hasn't...it's been a journey. But looking back, I know that He was preparing me for something greater than myself. The strength I have gained through those trials and dependency on God is one that I wouldn't trade for the world. God has made a way and given back twice in return, and I have known a deeper love, relentless love. So three things you can take from this no matter what your situation or circumstance...
1. God's timing is PERFECT. We've all heard the saying "patience is a virtue". But this can be applicable in so many other ways. If you're waiting on that "big break", your future wife/husband, the loss of a loved one, or any other situation. Know that His will for you is perfect, and the sooner you stop comparing yourself to other people and their circumstances, the sooner you can move forward and know that it is to the glory of God to conceal a matter.
2. DEPENDENCY in God is the best habit you will ever develop. True dependency requires risk, risk requires trust and trust requires faith in Him. He will never let you down, so look beyond your current position.
3. God's LOVE is indescribable, thus I won't try and do it justice with mere words. Seek for yourself, and you will never want any other. But more than anything, dare to love like He loves...crazy love!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Mom (Lyrics)
She's a mother like no other, I really love her
She's given everything
She's a soft place to land, give me her right hand
She's the reason I believe
And, she'd lay down her life for me
I just want her to know...
I'll never give up
Always try to lift you up
Even when day's are long...
'Cause Momma, you're my shooting star
Never have to look to far
I will always be, your little girl
She's my home from the war, gave life so much more
And never ask for anything
She'll be there when your down
Turn your life around
What could I ask for more...?
And, she'd lay down her life for me
I just want her to know...
I'll never give up
Always try to lift you up
Even when day's are long...
'Cause Momma, you're my shooting star
Never have to look to far
I will always be, your little girl
She's given everything
She's a soft place to land, give me her right hand
She's the reason I believe
And, she'd lay down her life for me
I just want her to know...
I'll never give up
Always try to lift you up
Even when day's are long...
'Cause Momma, you're my shooting star
Never have to look to far
I will always be, your little girl
She's my home from the war, gave life so much more
And never ask for anything
She'll be there when your down
Turn your life around
What could I ask for more...?
And, she'd lay down her life for me
I just want her to know...
I'll never give up
Always try to lift you up
Even when day's are long...
'Cause Momma, you're my shooting star
Never have to look to far
I will always be, your little girl
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Ready or Not
So often are we afraid to speak the truth because of "offending" someone or even as far as losing them in our life as a friend, family member or even acquaintance. What we should be more concerned about is losing them in the long run because we were more concerned with what the world might think, or how we may look in that moment.
"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18.
If we claim to be walking with Christ, then it is His words in us and speaking through us that moreover our actions should prove to them and convince.
"For The Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight." Hebrews 4:12-13
The word of the Lord shines light on truth where there was once doubt or confusion, brings to light where there was once darkness, and moreover brings healing where there was once brokenness. You have to decide sometime in your life whether you are going to be accountable to God or not... It's more than just a set of ideals, but a relationship. And once you KNOW Him, let me tell you there is nothing else in this world that will satisfy you by any means. God is the essence of unconditional Love, should we choose Him...Ready or Not
"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18.
If we claim to be walking with Christ, then it is His words in us and speaking through us that moreover our actions should prove to them and convince.
"For The Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight." Hebrews 4:12-13
The word of the Lord shines light on truth where there was once doubt or confusion, brings to light where there was once darkness, and moreover brings healing where there was once brokenness. You have to decide sometime in your life whether you are going to be accountable to God or not... It's more than just a set of ideals, but a relationship. And once you KNOW Him, let me tell you there is nothing else in this world that will satisfy you by any means. God is the essence of unconditional Love, should we choose Him...Ready or Not
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Inconsistency
This is something that has been on my heart for a while now, a topic that I have wanted to confront for a while but wanted it to be the right time so I would have the right words. I believe I have also wrestled with this for longer than I have been aware of, and it has played a huge role in my life. With that said... Are you ever frustrated by inconsistencies you see in others, or even in yourself? Inconsistencies on the biggest scale possible, to the smallest. Inconsistencies you have dealt with from certain people your whole life, or situations that seem to show up in every season of your life, that seem to have affected your ability to trust. Or maybe it has been an issue just recently. I don't know about you, but the inconsistencies in this world are enough for me, let alone dealing with people and situations in my own life that portray such. Until recently, I never realized how much inconsistency in general bothered me. Or maybe my eyes just weren't open enough. I am very much an eb and flow type of person, who seeks to have a rhythm in every aspect of my life and a sense of direction. Two of my top five strengths are actually Consistency and Futuristic. Now don't get me wrong, I love to be spontaneous...but for the most part an idea of where I'm at and where I am going, as well as seeing it all as a whole is the ideal. When I can't figure something out, or someone it really bothers me and I tend to start analyzing all of it. Or when their actions aren't consistent, it really confuses me and honestly frustrates me (causing me to doubt). I guess it is the orderly, organizational person in me.Or the pure nature in me, one where actions are just as important as what comes out of your mouth. Consistency allows me to piece together someone little by little, or see where I am going in whatever aspect. But most importantly it allows me to gain a confidence and trust in that someone, something, or situation. I think I can speak for most everyone when I say that NO ONE likes inconsistency in their life in the form of struggles, hurt, and unexpected situations they are forced to deal with. And thinking back, I have prob dealt with more inconsistencies/change in my life than none...which may make sense as to why this means to much to me lol.
Jill Carattini (managing editor of A Slice of Infinity at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia) put's it in perspective for us like this, "Who can argue that we are not a people torn with inconsistency, a world offering every material comfort, encouraging the pursuit of assurance in our overwhelming array of options, while behind our storage units, despair and depression refuse to be bought."
Wow, what do you say to that? Obviously, there are more deeper underlying issues that contribute to such actions, is what I get from it. It's not a secret that this world is full of inconsistencies ranging from the beliefs and moral ideals we the people have as whole. We see it predominantly as modern Liberalist today in the fact that every issue or moral obligation is relative to the situation itself and justified. There is no set foundation within our society for what we believe in or stand for as a whole. But that's another story for another day lol. As I was praying about this exact issue and why it goes straight to the core for me personally and makes it hard to trust that much more, God once again revealed himself through his word. I love it when He does that lol.
Psalm 33:11 says, "But the plans of the Lord stand FIRM FOREVER, the purposes of his heart through all generations." That's what I love about serving the one and only Jesus Christ. He IS consistent. God is completely trustworthy, and his intentions never change. He promises us good and perfect gifts that come from the creator who never changes. When you wonder if there is anyone in the world you can trust, remember that God is completely consistent. This world may never be that, but you can put your HOPE is something that is bigger than this world and ultimately has overcome it. Let Him counsel you, and trust in his plans for your life. That's what I put my hope in...
Jill Carattini (managing editor of A Slice of Infinity at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia) put's it in perspective for us like this, "Who can argue that we are not a people torn with inconsistency, a world offering every material comfort, encouraging the pursuit of assurance in our overwhelming array of options, while behind our storage units, despair and depression refuse to be bought."
Wow, what do you say to that? Obviously, there are more deeper underlying issues that contribute to such actions, is what I get from it. It's not a secret that this world is full of inconsistencies ranging from the beliefs and moral ideals we the people have as whole. We see it predominantly as modern Liberalist today in the fact that every issue or moral obligation is relative to the situation itself and justified. There is no set foundation within our society for what we believe in or stand for as a whole. But that's another story for another day lol. As I was praying about this exact issue and why it goes straight to the core for me personally and makes it hard to trust that much more, God once again revealed himself through his word. I love it when He does that lol.
Psalm 33:11 says, "But the plans of the Lord stand FIRM FOREVER, the purposes of his heart through all generations." That's what I love about serving the one and only Jesus Christ. He IS consistent. God is completely trustworthy, and his intentions never change. He promises us good and perfect gifts that come from the creator who never changes. When you wonder if there is anyone in the world you can trust, remember that God is completely consistent. This world may never be that, but you can put your HOPE is something that is bigger than this world and ultimately has overcome it. Let Him counsel you, and trust in his plans for your life. That's what I put my hope in...
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
There will be a day...
"There will be a day with no more tears
No more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place
Will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we'll hold on to you always"- Jeremy Camp
(There Will Be a Day)
There will be a day. That's it. There will be a day for anything and everything. A day when whatever trial you are currently facing, you will look back and see why you are going through what you are going through, and hopefully have a greater understanding of it all. There may be "many" days in succession. There will be a day when the truth is revealed and all the obscurities that have been blocking your vision will be gone. There will be a day when you finally decide to stop trying to make sense of it all, and once again trust in HIM.
There have been many days for me lately, and everyday I choose to hold onto Him I have grown stronger, with more understanding than the days before. I am still dealing and healing and yes, believe it or not I am not perfect by any means, but I have always come back to the one who has provided and proven his faithfulness time and time again. Back to the same one who was there for me when I was determined to do it my way, and yet he still loved me. One who's mercies still cease to amaze me, and when I read about the amazing stories of his love, I can't fathom how someone who was wronged time and time again and went through everything this world and everyone in it encounters, retaliates by showing more love than before! I mean wow...
Hopefully one day I can share more with my experiences these past few years, but until then I'm holding onto the Hope that "There will be a day"...and seeking Him first and foremost, because that is the only way. Because what you do while you are waiting, is just as important as what you are waiting for. And nine times out of ten, when you stop obsessing over trying to make sense of it all and just give it up, that's when things start to happen. Not by my will, but His!
No more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place
Will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we'll hold on to you always"- Jeremy Camp
(There Will Be a Day)
There will be a day. That's it. There will be a day for anything and everything. A day when whatever trial you are currently facing, you will look back and see why you are going through what you are going through, and hopefully have a greater understanding of it all. There may be "many" days in succession. There will be a day when the truth is revealed and all the obscurities that have been blocking your vision will be gone. There will be a day when you finally decide to stop trying to make sense of it all, and once again trust in HIM.
There have been many days for me lately, and everyday I choose to hold onto Him I have grown stronger, with more understanding than the days before. I am still dealing and healing and yes, believe it or not I am not perfect by any means, but I have always come back to the one who has provided and proven his faithfulness time and time again. Back to the same one who was there for me when I was determined to do it my way, and yet he still loved me. One who's mercies still cease to amaze me, and when I read about the amazing stories of his love, I can't fathom how someone who was wronged time and time again and went through everything this world and everyone in it encounters, retaliates by showing more love than before! I mean wow...
Hopefully one day I can share more with my experiences these past few years, but until then I'm holding onto the Hope that "There will be a day"...and seeking Him first and foremost, because that is the only way. Because what you do while you are waiting, is just as important as what you are waiting for. And nine times out of ten, when you stop obsessing over trying to make sense of it all and just give it up, that's when things start to happen. Not by my will, but His!
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