P52: the battlefield

They stood unwavering.  The flat ground in front of them stretched out far beyond the black, armor-crusted wall to the mountains beyond.  Enemies were pouring forth, bent on death and destruction, but still they stood.  Some hearts may have felt faint with the thought of impending doom, but still they stood.  There was no hope of victory for this rabble group of men, but still they stood.  They were the last defense of freedom on earth, but still they stood.  

One man stood before them, with the strength of a king and courage of a bear. He was speaking to the group.  Loud and clear, his words rang above the din, cutting to the hearts of the fainthearted.  The words were simple and strong.  He spoke of certain death and doom, and yet the fear of that fate did not cause him to stop.  He was asking them to stand with him and fight.  

What sort of thoughts were filling the minds of these men, the last hope for earth?  What sort of loyalty and commitment would help them stand?  What kept them from running away from the fight?  Why did they go to war in the first place? 

If you’ve ever read or watched the Lord of the Rings: the Return of the King, then this scene might seem a little familiar.  Of course, it is the last battle for Middle Earth.  The king is going be battle to draw the enemy away from those who are trying to destroy the ring.  It’s a suicide mission; they knew if from the start, but that didn’t deter them from the battle.  Aragon makes a final speech for valor and bravery and making a last stand, the words still give me chills even though I’ve read the book and have seen the movie a dozen times. 

As I watched this familiar movie again, I was suddenly struck with the brevity of the story.  Imagine a world that is being threatened out of existence.  Those who still want peace and safety are driven to put their lives on the line for such a hope.  They do not think of themselves, but rather the generations after them that will take up their stead in the world.  They are committed to the cause and loyal to the king.  Nothing, not even the surety of death, will cause them to waver from the goal of a better world. 

And yet, I look at these men and women—even though just a story—and wonder at the waste.  How many people in our society today are hoping for the same things as the people of Middle Earth?  It is worthless really.  It is the waste of a life on the hope of a better world, without the hope of Christ. 

We fight battles too.  Our foe, not like the orcs of Mordor, is sin and death.  Greater than physical enemies, they are the spiritual forces of wickedness.  Once, we were children, bound under them like the rest of mankind, but God was gracious to send His Son to defeat that foe.  Those saved in Christ, are saved from the wrath of God by faith in Jesus Christ, who is the satisfaction of God. (Ephesians 2)  What a hope to live in: the knowledge of God our Savior who defeated the sting of death and the power, presence, and penalty of sin! (1 Corinthians 15)  What a great salvation, because of our great Savior!  We have more reason to stand against the flesh that fights us everyday because of our Savior.  We do not fear the end, since He has been there.  He conquered those foes; we have nothing to fear.  

This morning, my pastor was preaching, in his series on Hebrews, from chapter two.  The author of Hebrews is giving a warning and a promise to his readers about the temptation to drift away from the truth of salvation by following impulses, emotions, and in our society, the fast-paced information age.  He reminds them of the great salvation that they have in Jesus Christ who is superior to everything else.  He is a sure foundation; nothing will waver that has been grounded in Him!   

In Christ, we stand.  

"Be steadfast, immovable; 

always abounding in the work of the Lord, 

knowing that in the Lord 

your labor is not in vain." 

~ 1 Corinthians 15:58

P52: words that inspire

A list is a good way to stimulate brain function.  Whether you're working on a large to-do list for the week, monthly menu planning, or dreams for the future, lists help you think.  This week, I wrote a list of words.  These words are ones that inspire (in the normal sense of the word) the generation of thoughts and words and actions.  They also tend to read your mind, revealing other thoughts, dreams, and hopes.

Grace, Redeemed, Loved, Child, Creator, Mercy, Joy, Hope, Peace, Healed, Bought, Grow, Saved, Rest, Refuge, Shelter, Praise, Rejoice, Shepherd, Guide, Fortress, Satisfied, Contentment, Renew, New, Adopted, Righteousness, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Unchanging, Sacrifice, Servant, Beauty, Planned, Known, Wisdom, Mighty, Strong, Deliverer, Good, Truth, Justice, Friends, Family, Quality, Colorful, Sunset, Art, Music, Voices, Singing, Laughter, Smile, Heart, Delicious, Crisp, Calm, Sweet, Savor, Drink, Enjoy, Free, Quench, Taste, Behold, Canvas, Overflowing, Bounty, Rich, Live, Warm, Comfortable, Worn, Words, Hospitality, Generosity, Humility, Kindness, Patience, Tenderhearted, Eager, Forgive, Earnest, Remove, Paid, Gentleness, Meekness, Favor, Learn, Teach, Listen, Share, Give, Thanks, Excite, Bubbles, Delight, Appreciate, Time, Watch, Sunny, Flow, Clear, Refresh, Gift, Offering, Eyes, Mind, Soul, Seek, Value, Treasure, Worth, Prize, Vast, Wonder, Worship, Yield, Open, Spent, Valley, Springs, Travel, Explore, Spontaneous, Splendid, Create, Design, Perfect, Glory, Expectation, Story, Write, Character, Rhythm, Measure, Full, Soaked, Honest, Vulnerable, Bright, Soft...

And these are just a few words from a small amount of exercised brain power.  God has created us with minds to comprehend things and words.  Most of all, we have been given thinking power so that we can know Him through His Word, His Son, and His creation.

What are your words?    

Project 52: new beginnings

I'm quite convinced that New Years resolutions are cheesy and old fashioned.  Maybe it's because everyone asks about them or they tend to revolve around silly habits.  Or maybe it's because a resolution is easily broken, which is why the gym is always packed for about a month after New Years.  I've come to realize, however, that the beginning of a year is a wonderful time for new ideas, goals, and projects.  Hence, Project 52 and beginning right now.

One of my goals for 2015 (see, it's a goal, not a resolution!) is to form better habits for writing.  I really enjoy the practice, but have not been good about taking the time to chronicle thoughts here.  Therefore, each week this year, I will be taking a topic and writing about it.  I don't know yet what some of the topics will be or what form each post will take--that's the exciting part--and I'll leave that till later.

So, new beginnings.

There's something exciting about the beginning.  We read books and soak in the first few chapters to grasp the beginning of the story.  We like being the first one to dig our knife into the freshly opened peanut butter jar.  We rejoice to see new leaves sprouting on the trees after a long winter.  These things have a beginning.

When I look at a year, I usually picture a calendar, but in the shape of a very large mountain.  We start at the top in January, reach a lovely middle valley by July, then the bottom with much to reflect on in December.  Starting out at the top of the year brings challenges with anticipation.  This year, no doubt, comes with the same feelings.

As a believer, I  have more reason to hope at the beginning of the year and all through.  Hope--what a lovely word!  My hope is found in Christ and what He has done for me on the cross.  The gospel gives me hope for this year and the future.  I'm excited to see what He has for me in the ordinary and not-so-ordinary days to come!

Beginnings:

1. Reading through the Bible in one year - grab a friend (or more) and make time each week to spend reading the Bible together.

2. Learning Wisdom: the book of Proverbs is full of wisdom from God with practical thoughts for living.  Because it has 31 chapters, it's easy to read a chapter each day for a month, and then do it all year!

3. Project 52, crafty things, music...music...music...

4. Take advantage of the things God has put before you today!  Live for Him!

April 1 - the best fools day ever

April 1st has the potential of being an interesting day.  My favorite memory of April Fools Day was a couple of years ago, when I was a junior at Cornerstone Bible Institute.  

What do you get when you take the girls at Cornerstone Bible Institute (which was about 20 of us!)...

pick a "twin for the day".  (Switch clothes for emphasis...)

make a pact to be silent (at least until chapel)

and then be generally sneaky and creepy all morning?  

Well, as you can see from the picture, general confusion and chaos ensued.  

Even the teachers had trouble to focus on class.  

So much fun!  Best April Fool's Ever...:)  

Recent Life: walking by faith

What does it mean to walk by faith?  We say that we must, but do we understand what it will take? 

Scripture says that we must walk by faith and not by what we can see with our own eyes (2 Cor. 5).  Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.  It is impossible to please God without faith that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him (Heb. 11).  

Walking by faith isn't glamorous.  It isn't a pathway filled with lights and billboards.  Sometimes, the path isn't even paved.  But it has been walked before.  

We walk by faith and trust in the good hand of our Father.  He is our good Shepherd, leading us through the green pastures, the valleys of death and the still waters.  We rest under His care because He is good.  

God is Good!  

There is nothing to fear.  

We walk by faith, not by sight.  

Music Monday: favorite songs

I'll just start off by saying that I don't normally (as in never) post things about "Music Monday".  However, today is marking a new year and new things to come!  

Really, all this means is that I am once again attempting to write with a bit more consistency, and I thought today's musing would be a good start!  

So, the other day I was at work, listening to the usual play list that haunts my desktop.  I typically roam between Grooveshark and Bandcamp most of the morning, then hit Pandora in the afternoon.  In order to keep things "lively", I try to adjust what I'm listening according to the task at hand or my present mood.  As of late, however, I've hit a lovely obstacle and can't quite seem to jump over!  

Yes, it happened.  I've fallen into the same chasm where many music lovers have gone before. I've gotten stuck listening to one album, and in some cases one song of the album, for several days!  BUT this is the exciting part!  

The two songs to which I am referring are both done by Sovereign Grace Music (a personal all-time favorite for God-glorifying, Scripture-singing, gospel-revealing music).  They are from the album named, "From Age to Age".  This collection of songs was written by using hymn writers of the past to create new, rearranged, or restructured songs for the purpose of combining "rich, theologically driven lyrics with singable melodies for the glory of the Savior whose praises know no end."  

Not only are these songs so rich and full of theological truth, they also help to paint a music picture of what it means to know God.  I love listening to the words, because they point to God and the truth of God's word.  I love listening to the music, because the composers and musicians do an excellent of meshing concepts and feelings through the use of instruments, harmony, melody, and rhythm.  Too often the notes of music get overcrowded and muddled, so that you're too distracted by the music to hear the words.  Yet, these men and women do the opposite and make the words the most prominent thing.  Simply put, you can understand what they are saying!  I love having these songs on my mind!  

And here they are: 

 How Great You Are: 

this is a call to the well-known hymn "How Great Thou Art".  It speaks of the greatness of God, His unsearchable ways, and our response of singing praise to Him and offering our bodies as a living sacrifice to our Savior!  

As you listen, hear the voices of praise to our great God!  (and my personal favorite part of the song is the third verse, and the fantastic use of brass instruments.  It gives me chills every time!)


Immovable Our Hope Remains: 

this song combines the original words of an early 19th century hymn, by tying a new melody to the richness of the truth presented.  It speaks of our immovable and unchangeable heavenly Father who has saved us and keeps us till the end through the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit.  

Notice the build of energy throughout this song.  There is a unique call to worship which starts subtly and climaxes to a fantastic point (the organ in the last verse!  I mean how can you go wrong with an organ?), then edges off for a reflective refrain.  

I hope that you enjoy these musing on "Music Monday".  

This post certainly cannot do justice to some fabulous music described above.  

My suggestion is that you check these people out, and let your hearts and ears be blessed by their music ministry!  

Homework = good stuff

I'm now back in the "school" mode, which means that there is homework and papers and reading and class time and... well, you can fill in the blanks!  Anyway, I'm currently starting my long list of books to read for class and have not been disappointed with the material so far!  (I'm going to be taking a class for my Organizational Leadership program called "Leadership and Influence")

Here's a good thought(s) to chew on:

God develops leaders through a process.  When the Lord is developing someone, all of life is a school.  No experience, good or bad is wasted (Rom. 8:28).  God doesn't squander people's time.  He doesn't ignore their pain.  He brings not only healing but growth out of even the worst experiences.  Every relationship can be God's instrument to fashion a person's character.  At times, through our most painful experiences, God does His greatest work.  

- Henry and Richard Blackaby, Spiritual Leadership