(Wrote this on the flight from Anchorage to Honolulu while my wife gave me a break from carrying our son.)
Sometimes we just need to cry it out.
We are flying back to Hawaii from Alaska today and my son is crying. He wants to get up and walk around. But I can't let him cause we are flying. Because I'm not giving in, he's throwing a fit in the plane and there's not much I can do about it except let him cry it out.
I wonder if that's not true of God and us as well. God is trying to take us somewhere and we want to get up and move and do our own thing, but the best thing for us to do is sit it out. And because we might not like it, the only thing "we can do" is cry it out as well.
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Friday, July 24, 2015
Friday, March 29, 2013
Hosanna by Cara Reddy
This is my friend Cara Reddy. And this is a great song she wrote. I'd explain it myself, except she explains it better. So I'll let her do it. But I will say this... the contrast of praise and sorrow in this song moves me. Hopefully for more than just this moment as I type. Hopefully for more than this week or month or year. Actually I just pray that I would allow God's Spirit to continue to move.
So here's her song.
Hosanna by Cara Reddy (check her out on facebook, here.)
This past Sunday was Palm Sunday. It is a day celebrated by Christians remembering the order of the events leading up to the death (Good Friday, March 29) and resurrection of Christ (Easter Sunday, March 31).
Sunday morning I was standing in church listening to the appropriately themed music and watching the kid’s walk down the aisle with their palm fronds waving in the air and wondering, “Why is this part of the story so important?” Of course the events of that day were part of the story of the Cross (John 12:12-16) and in that sense remembering them is important. It was also mentioned that this event gives us an opportunity to see Jesus being hailed “as a king” and he truly is the King of All. I stood there and kept listening.
And as I listened to the songs that recounted that day in history and watched the kids march proudly with their palm branches my eyes began to fill with tears. I began to wonder if part of the awesomeness of these events was that in the midst of all that excitement, all the joyful emotions, at the height of popularity, and in all the hype...not even for a moment did Jesus buy into it all because there was greater Kingdom he had come to establish. One that included all nations and lasted for all of Eternity.
Did he receive the genuine proclamations of faith from the small few who genuinely believed he was the Son of God, the Messiah? Of course He did, but He knew in the midst of it all that most of the crowds opinion of Him would change when their expectations began to be dashed -- when their “so called King” drug a splintered cross up a criminals hill, bloodied, beaten and defeated. They wouldn’t get it, not yet, and many would turn away.
I was thinking about the contrast of the outward joyous circumstances of that day to the possible inward struggle of Christ. I wonder if perhaps in those moments He was really just longing for a ”true sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15) from even just one individual instead of the clamor of the misinterpreting masses?
I was overwhelmed with gratitude that I was able stand with a community of believers and sing out these same words “Hosanna, in the Highest!” with the understanding of how Christ made His Kingdom come to this earth through His sacrificial death and resurrection from the dead. I felt so grateful that could proclaim His Kingship with my whole heart because He chose to plant a seed of faith in me that has grown since I was a child.
And so I sat down on Monday morning and wrote this song. Perhaps you are not a believer. Perhaps you have celebrated many, many Easter’s as a Christian. Maybe the true magnitude of the meaning of this day has yet to reach your heart in a way that is very memorable. Well, here is it, another Good Friday, another Easter Sunday. Make an effort, call a friend, go to church and simply ask the Lord to reveal Himself...His Gospel...His Great Love to you. He is faithful and He is Risen indeed! Happy Easter.
--------------------------
hosanna (3/25/13)
have you ever held the world upon your shoulders?
have you ever heard the people shout your name?
have you ever known the end before it’s over?
known that everyone’s emotions would soon change?
well, I did
as they shouted hosanna
with their hands raised in the air
and in all the noise
and cries of joy
a silence lingered there
as they screamed out hosanna
Israel’s King has finally come!
I knew their expectations
would soon become undone
have the people ever loved you for your miracles?
have they only come and listened for the food?
have you ever been so filled with God’s compassion
as your whole life’s work was being misconstrued?
Like I was.
and as they shouted hosanna
with their hands raised in the air
in all the noise
and cries of joy
a silence lingered there
as they screamed out hosanna
Israel’s King is finally here!
I knew they’d feel unsatisfied
as the cross was drawing nearer
and in that moment my heart was breaking
in the depth of my soul I was aching
for the cross on which I’d die
when after three days I would rise
when to glory I’d return
and my people would discern
my Spirit coming down
to dwell inside them now
with the Gospel shining through
they’d worship me in Truth
for one hosanna
from a grace-fill, thankful heart
to hear your worship
I’d embrace a shameful cross
have you ever witnessed all the realms of glory?
have your every traded Heaven for a womb?
endured because of joy that’s set before you
leaving sin and death defeated and Satan’s power entombed?
I did. Oh, I did.
so shout hosanna
with your hands raised in the air
and worship me
the One True King
with grateful hearts declare
sing out hosanna
the time has finally come
I payed the price
through sacrifice
my kingdom’s finally come
Thanks, Cara.
So here's her song.
Hosanna by Cara Reddy (check her out on facebook, here.)
This past Sunday was Palm Sunday. It is a day celebrated by Christians remembering the order of the events leading up to the death (Good Friday, March 29) and resurrection of Christ (Easter Sunday, March 31).
Sunday morning I was standing in church listening to the appropriately themed music and watching the kid’s walk down the aisle with their palm fronds waving in the air and wondering, “Why is this part of the story so important?” Of course the events of that day were part of the story of the Cross (John 12:12-16) and in that sense remembering them is important. It was also mentioned that this event gives us an opportunity to see Jesus being hailed “as a king” and he truly is the King of All. I stood there and kept listening.
And as I listened to the songs that recounted that day in history and watched the kids march proudly with their palm branches my eyes began to fill with tears. I began to wonder if part of the awesomeness of these events was that in the midst of all that excitement, all the joyful emotions, at the height of popularity, and in all the hype...not even for a moment did Jesus buy into it all because there was greater Kingdom he had come to establish. One that included all nations and lasted for all of Eternity.
Did he receive the genuine proclamations of faith from the small few who genuinely believed he was the Son of God, the Messiah? Of course He did, but He knew in the midst of it all that most of the crowds opinion of Him would change when their expectations began to be dashed -- when their “so called King” drug a splintered cross up a criminals hill, bloodied, beaten and defeated. They wouldn’t get it, not yet, and many would turn away.
I was thinking about the contrast of the outward joyous circumstances of that day to the possible inward struggle of Christ. I wonder if perhaps in those moments He was really just longing for a ”true sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15) from even just one individual instead of the clamor of the misinterpreting masses?
I was overwhelmed with gratitude that I was able stand with a community of believers and sing out these same words “Hosanna, in the Highest!” with the understanding of how Christ made His Kingdom come to this earth through His sacrificial death and resurrection from the dead. I felt so grateful that could proclaim His Kingship with my whole heart because He chose to plant a seed of faith in me that has grown since I was a child.
And so I sat down on Monday morning and wrote this song. Perhaps you are not a believer. Perhaps you have celebrated many, many Easter’s as a Christian. Maybe the true magnitude of the meaning of this day has yet to reach your heart in a way that is very memorable. Well, here is it, another Good Friday, another Easter Sunday. Make an effort, call a friend, go to church and simply ask the Lord to reveal Himself...His Gospel...His Great Love to you. He is faithful and He is Risen indeed! Happy Easter.
--------------------------
hosanna (3/25/13)
have you ever held the world upon your shoulders?
have you ever heard the people shout your name?
have you ever known the end before it’s over?
known that everyone’s emotions would soon change?
well, I did
as they shouted hosanna
with their hands raised in the air
and in all the noise
and cries of joy
a silence lingered there
as they screamed out hosanna
Israel’s King has finally come!
I knew their expectations
would soon become undone
have the people ever loved you for your miracles?
have they only come and listened for the food?
have you ever been so filled with God’s compassion
as your whole life’s work was being misconstrued?
Like I was.
and as they shouted hosanna
with their hands raised in the air
in all the noise
and cries of joy
a silence lingered there
as they screamed out hosanna
Israel’s King is finally here!
I knew they’d feel unsatisfied
as the cross was drawing nearer
and in that moment my heart was breaking
in the depth of my soul I was aching
for the cross on which I’d die
when after three days I would rise
when to glory I’d return
and my people would discern
my Spirit coming down
to dwell inside them now
with the Gospel shining through
they’d worship me in Truth
for one hosanna
from a grace-fill, thankful heart
to hear your worship
I’d embrace a shameful cross
have you ever witnessed all the realms of glory?
have your every traded Heaven for a womb?
endured because of joy that’s set before you
leaving sin and death defeated and Satan’s power entombed?
I did. Oh, I did.
so shout hosanna
with your hands raised in the air
and worship me
the One True King
with grateful hearts declare
sing out hosanna
the time has finally come
I payed the price
through sacrifice
my kingdom’s finally come
Thanks, Cara.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Song Time - Tell The World
Here is the latest...not necessarily the greatest...song from yours truly.
Possibly the most upbeat song I've written. Song is about telling people of our Savior. The main part of this song (for me) is the pre-chorus based on Matthew 5:14. That we would let God shine His light, his love through us. Then the second half of that comes out of Matthew 28:19 where Jesus is says to go and make disciples. Most of the songs I write are just prayers. I hope that even without music, if you just read the words, they would make sense and would be something you could imagine yourself saying to God. Anyways, if you have any questions about the songs or whatevers, just comment below. Thanks for stopping by and for listening.
And with out further ado...
Tell the World
You are the truth, the life, the way
Our hope is found in You
We will declare
We will proclaim
Our hope is found in You
Make us shine like a city on a hill
Let Your light shine
God let Your light shine
Send us out so the world may hear
For God You so loved the world
That you came for us
You came to seek and save what was lost
You came to save the day
Rescue us from the grave into life everlasting
Joy, You are the hope of the world
Lover of our soul
We will tell the world
We will tell the world
You are the light shining in the darkness
Our hope is found in You
You are the peace that comforts in the storm
Our hope is found in You
When we were lost and far away
You came for us
When we were broken and in pain
You came for us
Now we will testify of Your love in our lives
Of all You've done and all that You are
God be lifted high
Possibly the most upbeat song I've written. Song is about telling people of our Savior. The main part of this song (for me) is the pre-chorus based on Matthew 5:14. That we would let God shine His light, his love through us. Then the second half of that comes out of Matthew 28:19 where Jesus is says to go and make disciples. Most of the songs I write are just prayers. I hope that even without music, if you just read the words, they would make sense and would be something you could imagine yourself saying to God. Anyways, if you have any questions about the songs or whatevers, just comment below. Thanks for stopping by and for listening.
And with out further ado...
Tell the World
You are the truth, the life, the way
Our hope is found in You
We will declare
We will proclaim
Our hope is found in You
Make us shine like a city on a hill
Let Your light shine
God let Your light shine
Send us out so the world may hear
For God You so loved the world
That you came for us
You came to seek and save what was lost
You came to save the day
Rescue us from the grave into life everlasting
Joy, You are the hope of the world
Lover of our soul
We will tell the world
We will tell the world
You are the light shining in the darkness
Our hope is found in You
You are the peace that comforts in the storm
Our hope is found in You
When we were lost and far away
You came for us
When we were broken and in pain
You came for us
Now we will testify of Your love in our lives
Of all You've done and all that You are
God be lifted high
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Song Time - Be Lifted High
This song came together in about 4 days.
It's a simple song that aims to exalt the Lord. Hope you love it.
Be lifted high, God almighty
Be lifted high, Savior of the world
Be lifted high, God almighty
Be lifted high, Savior of the world
Be lifted high
No eye has ever seen
No ear has ever heard
No mind can concieve
All the wonders of Your love
Glory to the Lord almighty
To the one who was and is and yet to come
Joining with all of the heavens
and all of creation
"Holy is the Lord"
Here's some song notes that hopefully help deciphering what I've written here:
- The middle section references 1 Corinthians 2:9-10. In it I'm trying to communicate the greatness of God's love. That however great or incredible we have seen, heard, or understand God's love to be, it cannot compare to what God's love really is.
- A lot of times I sing songs that I have no idea what it means. I just sing it cause it sounds nice. So the part "to the One who was and is and yet to come"...yeah. I didn't really understand that. So I did a little researching and God is known as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He was there when the world began, he came to us as Jesus, and will come again for us one day. It's kinda funny that I need to research the meaning to my own songs. Anyway, just being real with you.
- I did have an issue with the "all of the heavenS" line. I thought about changing it to angels or something like that, but Psalm 19 says "The heavenS declare the glory of God..." So if it's in the bible, it can be in my song. In that line though, I just wanted to encompass all things we think of as heavenly: angels, heroes of the faith (like Moses, David, Noah, etc), all of those who have past on...that we join with them in our praise.
It's a simple song that aims to exalt the Lord. Hope you love it.
Be lifted high, God almighty
Be lifted high, Savior of the world
Be lifted high, God almighty
Be lifted high, Savior of the world
Be lifted high
No eye has ever seen
No ear has ever heard
No mind can concieve
All the wonders of Your love
Glory to the Lord almighty
To the one who was and is and yet to come
Joining with all of the heavens
and all of creation
"Holy is the Lord"
Here's some song notes that hopefully help deciphering what I've written here:
- The middle section references 1 Corinthians 2:9-10. In it I'm trying to communicate the greatness of God's love. That however great or incredible we have seen, heard, or understand God's love to be, it cannot compare to what God's love really is.
- A lot of times I sing songs that I have no idea what it means. I just sing it cause it sounds nice. So the part "to the One who was and is and yet to come"...yeah. I didn't really understand that. So I did a little researching and God is known as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He was there when the world began, he came to us as Jesus, and will come again for us one day. It's kinda funny that I need to research the meaning to my own songs. Anyway, just being real with you.
- I did have an issue with the "all of the heavenS" line. I thought about changing it to angels or something like that, but Psalm 19 says "The heavenS declare the glory of God..." So if it's in the bible, it can be in my song. In that line though, I just wanted to encompass all things we think of as heavenly: angels, heroes of the faith (like Moses, David, Noah, etc), all of those who have past on...that we join with them in our praise.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Soap, Chips, Veggies, & a Coke
Well, the other day I walked past Steve on my way to the gas station to get a
cup of coffee. I was going to say something to him, but he had
headphones on and looked like he was resting. So I tried to make eye
contact and acknowledge him and then went and got my stuff. On my way
back, he was lying down with a cap drawn over his eyes. Sleeping I guess...or so I thought. I didn't want to bother him if he was sleeping, so I just went back to the office.
(Thinking about it now, it's kinda ridiculous. I should've just said hi. Anyway...)
I get back to the office and a little while after, Max says hey, I think Steve is still out there. We should make him a plate of food.
(Great, right after I walk by the man, Max has this great idea...but often, I feel that's how God works in my life.)
So we get to it.
All we have in the fridge are some veggies...and I'm feeling a little embarrassed cause that's all we have to give. And then I think to myself, "Why are you embarrassed? He doesn't have anything to eat. Something is better than nothing. Right?"
So I get over that.
Max also gets some chips, soap, and a Coke. Doesn't look like that pitiful of an offering anymore.
As we are walking out, we say a few short prayers. We ask God to bless Steve. We ask God for wisdom as to how to love Steve.
We get there and this is not a movie, so this picture also comes with smells and I can smell Steve. Which makes it a little more difficult to be there. He's lying down curled up, headphones on, with his cap still drawn over his eyes. He's resting. I'm ready to tell Max let's leave the plate and other stuff by him and let Steve rest, but before I can say anything, here's Max nudging Steve's arm...
Steve wakes up with a tired and confused look on his face. But he gets up and acknowledges us. So we (re)introduce ourselves and give him our little gifts of soap, chips, veggies, & a coke.
We talk stories.
We hear how he tries to keep his area clean so the cops don't bust him or tell him to move. We hear how he is still healing from a hip replacement. We hear how other people steal his stuff like his blanket and soap...and as he mentions the soap, he looks at the big plastic bag full of hotel soap and shampoo and says how it was just what he needed. (Wow.)
We stay there for a little while longer and before we leave, we ask Steve if we can pray for him. He says it's alright. So we do. We pray. At the bus stop. We pray for healing to come to his hip and to his ulcers. We pray for God to provide for Steve. We pray for God to bless Steve. (Amen) We shake hands and let him know that our office is around the corner if he needs any help.
Then Max and I head back.
As we do, I think about what just happened. I think about what my plan for Steve was: to provide a few things, gain his trust, infuse a little hope into his life, pray that Steve comes to the Lord, gets off the streets, gets a place to stay, gets a job, comes to church and tells everyone how God changed his life!
But that wasn't God's plan. Not that day anyway. God's plan was for me to get to know Steve better. God's plan was for me to see how grateful he was for those simple things. My plan was for me to go and bless Steve and for me to teach him something about God, but God's plan was that Steve was going to teach me...about contentment...about being grateful...and about what we need to "survive".
If we think about it, what do we need? Not that much. But we stress, fight, and work so hard for things that really aren't that essential.
This is a difficult verse because of the culture most of us live in, but it comes to mind:
Proverbs 30:7-9 NIV
7“Two things I ask of you, Lord;
...so thanks, God.
...and thanks, Steve.
(Thinking about it now, it's kinda ridiculous. I should've just said hi. Anyway...)
I get back to the office and a little while after, Max says hey, I think Steve is still out there. We should make him a plate of food.
(Great, right after I walk by the man, Max has this great idea...but often, I feel that's how God works in my life.)
So we get to it.
All we have in the fridge are some veggies...and I'm feeling a little embarrassed cause that's all we have to give. And then I think to myself, "Why are you embarrassed? He doesn't have anything to eat. Something is better than nothing. Right?"
So I get over that.
Max also gets some chips, soap, and a Coke. Doesn't look like that pitiful of an offering anymore.
As we are walking out, we say a few short prayers. We ask God to bless Steve. We ask God for wisdom as to how to love Steve.
We get there and this is not a movie, so this picture also comes with smells and I can smell Steve. Which makes it a little more difficult to be there. He's lying down curled up, headphones on, with his cap still drawn over his eyes. He's resting. I'm ready to tell Max let's leave the plate and other stuff by him and let Steve rest, but before I can say anything, here's Max nudging Steve's arm...
Steve wakes up with a tired and confused look on his face. But he gets up and acknowledges us. So we (re)introduce ourselves and give him our little gifts of soap, chips, veggies, & a coke.
We talk stories.
We hear how he tries to keep his area clean so the cops don't bust him or tell him to move. We hear how he is still healing from a hip replacement. We hear how other people steal his stuff like his blanket and soap...and as he mentions the soap, he looks at the big plastic bag full of hotel soap and shampoo and says how it was just what he needed. (Wow.)
We stay there for a little while longer and before we leave, we ask Steve if we can pray for him. He says it's alright. So we do. We pray. At the bus stop. We pray for healing to come to his hip and to his ulcers. We pray for God to provide for Steve. We pray for God to bless Steve. (Amen) We shake hands and let him know that our office is around the corner if he needs any help.
Then Max and I head back.
As we do, I think about what just happened. I think about what my plan for Steve was: to provide a few things, gain his trust, infuse a little hope into his life, pray that Steve comes to the Lord, gets off the streets, gets a place to stay, gets a job, comes to church and tells everyone how God changed his life!
But that wasn't God's plan. Not that day anyway. God's plan was for me to get to know Steve better. God's plan was for me to see how grateful he was for those simple things. My plan was for me to go and bless Steve and for me to teach him something about God, but God's plan was that Steve was going to teach me...about contentment...about being grateful...and about what we need to "survive".
If we think about it, what do we need? Not that much. But we stress, fight, and work so hard for things that really aren't that essential.
This is a difficult verse because of the culture most of us live in, but it comes to mind:
Proverbs 30:7-9 NIV
7“Two things I ask of you, Lord;
do not refuse me before I die:
8Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
9Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.
...so thanks, God.
...and thanks, Steve.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Alaska Abaze 2012
Here's a little recap video from our team that went to Alaska this summer. Thank you for all your prayers and support. To God be the glory.
Alaska Ablaze 2012 from KCFHAWAII on Vimeo.
(I'll try to blog more about the camp later.)
Alaska Ablaze 2012 from KCFHAWAII on Vimeo.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
All For Love (DEMO)
So here's the newest song I have. I really tried to write a song that
convicts the heart...BUT it somehow ended up very happy and singsongy at
the end. I guess that's just the kind of person I am. Also, I really
need help/tips on recording...cause this is just...not good. Or if I could find
someone to sing my songs!!!???!?!?! That'd be good, too. I think really
it's just that I need a church/congregation. I really am uncomfortable
singing by myself. Anyway, to God be the glory.
All For Love
All For Love
Broken for me
The crown of thorns & nails in Your feet
& hands flow blood
All for love
You took my place upon the cross
You died the death that I deserve
You paid the ransom for me
Once and for all
for love
All for love
So I will sing
& I will praise You
& so I will worship You
with all my heart
And I will live
Giving You everything
for You gave everything
& You held nothing back
for love
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Something about worship & anointing
This past Sunday we went to church at SRM Kona. If you're in Kona on a Sunday, go check them out for sure. But it was a good day. God showed me stuff about worship and I guess wanted me to see/understand/experience something about anointing.
Now for me, anointing is a funny word. I understand/understood it to be when God's blessing or God's hand is on someone for a certain task. But it kinda always meant: skillful. I though that was the church word for skillful: Anointed.
Oh, that person was an anointed speaker...means that person gave a great message.
Just fill in the blank for ministry...worship leader, guitar player, singer, children's worker, etc.
But last Sunday during worship at SRM, there was an anointing I believe. Not necessarily on the whole team, I would say...but at least one, for sure. My father-in-law. It was weird because I have been to this church so many times before and have experienced their worship and church and only once have I ever felt something similar. The one time before was when Jimmy Bohol lead a song. Kind of a husky bigger guy, broad shoulders, dark skin, hair slicked back, huge smile. Didn't really have the best voice but he had a nice voice. The thing about it was he had cancer. He was dying. Yet he lead on stage with passion and praised the Lord with all that he had. You would never know he had cancer or that he would die soon by watching him praise the LORD.
I thought to myself, "Wow, that is worship."
...I cried a little that day because I saw a man who loved the Lord so much and I saw myself who needs to love so much more.
So this past Sunday, nearly the same thing.
My father in law was just doing his thing...playing bass. But every time I turned my eyes to him, something between my heart and throat started to well up. So I would turn away...and it would go away. Till finally, I just locked in on him...and just like that, tears started to flow. It wasn't that I was blown away with his musicianship (which I was cause he's really really good), it wasn't that I was suddenly convicted of some major sin in my life (which I probably should have been), the song that they were playing has been played many times before, but it was more that he was just "in his own world", giving glory to God.
That is what my eyes saw. That is what my heart felt.
Anointing, I don't believe is just so we can say, "Wow, that person is really great or anointed at what they do," or "Look how God anointed them!"
It's has to be about, that person really loves God. Then somehow when God infuses them with his spirit for that time or season...something happens...something affects us...deep in our soul and somehow we are closer to God.
To God be the glory.
What does anointed mean to you?
Friday, April 20, 2012
The thing (I think) Rich Mullins said...
I can't remember where I heard this story.But it's relevant to me because I struggle with...stuff.
I wonder a lot of times if what I'm doing matters. I wonder if I'm "good enough" or "skilled enough" at (fill in the blank).
I'm not sure of myself, so I look to others for approval or validation. I figure if they don't see "it"...or if you don't see "it" (whatever "it" is) then "it" must not be in me. I must not have "it".
So I just continue on with life doing what I'm doing...and in that doing, I think that I am safe.
Anyway, the story is about Rich Mullins & actually the story is more about what he said than it is about him. He was a musician. He was a singer. He was a song writer. He loved Jesus.
The story goes something like...
A young musician came up to Rich one day and gave him a recording of some songs he had written. He asked Rich to listen to them and tell him what he thought of the songs. Rich told him, he wouldn't listen to the songs, but instead first responded with a question...
Did God tell you to do this? If He did, then it doesn't matter what I think.
That's the best I could do. Most likely not a word for word recap of what happened that day, but that was the gist.
The point is, it doesn't matter what anybody thinks. Whether they think you are the best thing EVER! Or the worst. All that matters is if God said to do it. If He said so, then do it.
I think my problem is that I don't want to ask God. Or maybe it's more that I don't want to wait for His answer...cause truth is sometimes I'm not sure what He is saying...I'm not sure if I hear Him correctly. So I look to you. Family, friends...strangers sometimes...you reading this blog even, for validation if what I am doing matters...if what I am doing is good.
But what this story reminds me of is that if God says, then do it. No matter how it ends up, all He wants is for me & you to listen...& do it. He'll take care of it being "good enough". He'll take care of it mattering. He'll take care of it making a difference.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Holoholo D.T.S.
In January 2001, I was a part of the very first one of these. It was hard, but it was good. During this time God started to become really...real to me. Not only that but He began to challenge me to see life with eyes of faith...to see things that 'were not' as if they 'were'...and to trust Him more.
Today, it would be fair to say that I am still learning about faith, trust, & God...but it would also be fair to say that in doing a DTS I'm further along than I would have been without it.
Here's their latest and greatest promo video.
"We Go" YWAM Holoholo DTS in Kona, Hawaii from YWAM - crown media on Vimeo.
Personal note: DTS is not a program that will change you forever. Instead, by doing a DTS you give yourself time to be changed forever. You remove yourself from the distractions of day to day living (work, school, bills, etc.) and give yourself time to strengthen your relationship with the Lover of our soul.
For more information, check out their website here:
http://www.holoholo.info/
Holoholo DTS is a ministry of YWAM (Youth With A Mission)
Today, it would be fair to say that I am still learning about faith, trust, & God...but it would also be fair to say that in doing a DTS I'm further along than I would have been without it.
Here's their latest and greatest promo video.
"We Go" YWAM Holoholo DTS in Kona, Hawaii from YWAM - crown media on Vimeo.
Personal note: DTS is not a program that will change you forever. Instead, by doing a DTS you give yourself time to be changed forever. You remove yourself from the distractions of day to day living (work, school, bills, etc.) and give yourself time to strengthen your relationship with the Lover of our soul.
For more information, check out their website here:
http://www.holoholo.info/
Holoholo DTS is a ministry of YWAM (Youth With A Mission)
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Still here...barely
Hey,
I'm still here. I haven't abandoned the blog.
I've just been going through a...I've just been going through some things.
Stuff like my faith and what it really means to be a follower of Jesus. & am I doing that or just living an American life with a little 'Jesus' sprinkled on top?
I think about our planet and how we can't afford to ignore how irresponsible we have been with the resources we have been blessed with. I've always thought or imagined that there was an unlimited amount of things and that this planet would always be able to sustain us. But there is a lot of evidence saying otherwise. Not only regarding fuel...but water as well.
Then the greed that driving so much of this. I feel like it's a gigantic wave that can't be stopped.
There is so much that is wrong.
But what can I do to make it right?
Not much.
But recently I felt like God reminded me that, in spite of my seemingly good intentions, it can never be about me. It has to be about Him.
Who would I rather have working things out? Me? Who is just one out of what is now 7 billion people on the earth? or Him? Maker of the Heavens and the Earth?
I'd take Him, too.
And even then it's hard 'cause there's always that pull to try to figure things out on my own.
Then verse from the bible came to mind and gave me some clarity:
I does comfort me in the sense that God doesn't want me to look at all the world's problems and fix all of them...although if that could be done, then that'd be great. But He wants me to watch Him and just do what I see Him doing.
That's seems easier.
We'll see.
Thanks for reading.
I'm still here. I haven't abandoned the blog.
I've just been going through a...I've just been going through some things.
Stuff like my faith and what it really means to be a follower of Jesus. & am I doing that or just living an American life with a little 'Jesus' sprinkled on top?
I think about our planet and how we can't afford to ignore how irresponsible we have been with the resources we have been blessed with. I've always thought or imagined that there was an unlimited amount of things and that this planet would always be able to sustain us. But there is a lot of evidence saying otherwise. Not only regarding fuel...but water as well.
Then the greed that driving so much of this. I feel like it's a gigantic wave that can't be stopped.
There is so much that is wrong.
But what can I do to make it right?
Not much.
But recently I felt like God reminded me that, in spite of my seemingly good intentions, it can never be about me. It has to be about Him.
Who would I rather have working things out? Me? Who is just one out of what is now 7 billion people on the earth? or Him? Maker of the Heavens and the Earth?
I'd take Him, too.
And even then it's hard 'cause there's always that pull to try to figure things out on my own.
Then verse from the bible came to mind and gave me some clarity:
So Jesus explained, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does." John 5:19 NLT
I does comfort me in the sense that God doesn't want me to look at all the world's problems and fix all of them...although if that could be done, then that'd be great. But He wants me to watch Him and just do what I see Him doing.
That's seems easier.
We'll see.
Thanks for reading.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Song time - Be Still
wrote this song going through a rough patch in my life...it's about trusting that even though everything seems to be crashing down around me, I need to make time to stop and realize the LORD is there and He is God.
BeStill(082311DEMO) by jaredmiyamoto
Chorus
Verse1
PreChorus1
(Chorus)
Verse2
PreChorus2
(Chorus)
Bridge
(Chorus)
Let your light shine.....
BeStill(082311DEMO) by jaredmiyamoto
Chorus
I will be still I will wait here
For You to come O LORD
For You to come
Verse1
(&) save the day, rescue me once again
speaking to me words of hope
& peace, driving away all I fear
PreChorus1
In the valley of the shadow
I will find my strength in You
(Chorus)
Verse2
(&) take my hand, I am reaching out to You again
I have tried to make it on my own
but failed. I am weary and in need of rest
PreChorus2
Like the prodigal I must confess
Only You can fill this emptiness, so...
(Chorus)
Bridge
In the valley of the shadow
I will find my strength in You
Like the prodigal I must confess
Only You can fill this emptiness, so...
(Chorus)
Let your light shine.....
Song time - For You So Loved
...based off of John 3:16
ForYouSoLoved(81111)DEMO by jaredmiyamoto
Verse
Chorus
Bridge
Let your light shine.....
ForYouSoLoved(81111)DEMO by jaredmiyamoto
Verse
Oh God, for You so loved the world
that You sent Your only Son
to die upon the cross
the sacrifice for all
That whoever would believe
Would gain eternal life
For our sins are washed away by the blood that flowed from Him
Our Savior Jesus Christ
Chorus
LORD You gave everything to show
Your great love that rescues evermore
Forever I will praise Your holy name
For You alone are God
Savior of the world
Worthy to be praised
Bridge
God of mercy and grace
I pray forgiveness fall like rain
as I give my life to You
Holy Spirit make me new
& wash away my shame
And I will join the angel's song
singing, "Holy is the LORD"
Forever and always for all of my days
I will worship You my God
Let your light shine.....
Song time - I Love You LORD
This song is just talking to the LORD about what He has done in my life and my response to Him.
ILoveYouLord(81811DEMO) by jaredmiyamoto
Verse
Chorus
Bridge
Let your light shine.....
ILoveYouLord(81811DEMO) by jaredmiyamoto
Verse
I come before You LORD For You have made my heart to see
Your unfailing love is pouring out on me
Your mercy saved my soul Your grace it makes me clean
And I'll worship You my LORD, forever I will sing
Chorus
I love You LORD
and I will praise You with my whole heart
for my life is Yours
I love You LORD
may Your name be exalted
in all of the earth
Bridge
to the one who's saved my soul
to the one who makes me whole
to the one who redeemed me
to the one who sets me free
to the one who reigns on high
to the one who gave His life
to the one who's always faithful
O LORD my God I'll praise You
Let your light shine.....
Song time - Holy Is the LORD
This is just a simple song that I wrote to express my heart in what some call "worship". A prayer of sorts.
HolyIsTheLord(81111)DEMO by jaredmiyamoto
Verse
Chorus
Bridge
Let your light shine...
HolyIsTheLord(81111)DEMO by jaredmiyamoto
Verse
We praise You God above all things
Savior of the world The King of kings
We bow our hearts before You now in awe
We gather here O LORD to seek Your face
Let Your glory fall here in this place
As we worship You with all our hearts Chorus
We cry out holy is the LORD
We cry out holy is the LORD
Bridge
Let Your glory fall here in this place as we worship You
Let Your glory fall here in this place as we worship You
Let your light shine...
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Hello again, the rapture, & Zach Smith
Hey there,
I've tried to blog a whole lot. Started at least 3 or 4 posts, but could never finish. Just not 'feeling' it I guess. Well, if you're still out there listening...reading, thanks.
One of the things I was gonna blog about was the whole Harold Camping, rapture thing. I didn't because I couldn't really say what I wanted to say. I kept getting side tracked. One thing I will say about the rapture and all of that is (as you may or may not have heard before) that Jesus himself says that no one knows the time when God will come back except for the Father (Mark 13:32). So when people are proclaiming the end of the world, I generally am thinking it will not end then.
But what this whole thing did get me thinking about was that one day there will be an end. Life is fragile and short. There is so much beauty that I know I miss because I take things for granted.
Here is the story of Zach Smith. I shared the link on Facebook a while back and for some reason, I thought of him tonight. The video is amazing.
The Story of Zac Smith from NewSpring Media on Vimeo.
I don't want it to have to take cancer, a tsunami, a tornado, or something even worse to learn the lessons that Zach is sharing.
This is kinda cliche, but Thank you LORD for today. For all the blessings You have poured out on my life. Big and small. Help me to not forget...to not take things for granted.
Zach passed from this world on May 16, 2010. If you want to know more about Zach's story...his blog is here: http://www.hello-righton.com/
I've tried to blog a whole lot. Started at least 3 or 4 posts, but could never finish. Just not 'feeling' it I guess. Well, if you're still out there listening...reading, thanks.
One of the things I was gonna blog about was the whole Harold Camping, rapture thing. I didn't because I couldn't really say what I wanted to say. I kept getting side tracked. One thing I will say about the rapture and all of that is (as you may or may not have heard before) that Jesus himself says that no one knows the time when God will come back except for the Father (Mark 13:32). So when people are proclaiming the end of the world, I generally am thinking it will not end then.
But what this whole thing did get me thinking about was that one day there will be an end. Life is fragile and short. There is so much beauty that I know I miss because I take things for granted.
Here is the story of Zach Smith. I shared the link on Facebook a while back and for some reason, I thought of him tonight. The video is amazing.
The Story of Zac Smith from NewSpring Media on Vimeo.
I don't want it to have to take cancer, a tsunami, a tornado, or something even worse to learn the lessons that Zach is sharing.
This is kinda cliche, but Thank you LORD for today. For all the blessings You have poured out on my life. Big and small. Help me to not forget...to not take things for granted.
Zach passed from this world on May 16, 2010. If you want to know more about Zach's story...his blog is here: http://www.hello-righton.com/