Simplicity

I have an ear for commercials that features music in the background. That's why I like to watch certain shows because they always have good music that I have never heard. If I hear something I like, I am franticly searching for it! Thank God for YouTube and Google!! There's a jewelry commercial that featured a song that I loved (even though you only hear maybe 30 seconds of it). So I found it! Landon Pigg is the name of the artist and the song is called Coffee Shop...Love is simple and doesn't have to be complicated. We make it complicated by putting it in a box and giving it rules to live by. Watch the youtube video first (great photography) and read the sweetest testimonial below:
(Not the official video)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=bt01d5ZuyjY

"I met my wife on the subway. Our first date was in a coffee shop. She spilled her cup on me and right then and there I knew she was the one. Now, over 25 years, 2 kids, a house, numerous cats and a dog later, everytime I smell coffee, I think of her."

Cowardly Monkey

My friend to the left is saying it all without saying anything. The unfortunate part is that this is what we look like when we don't speak up. Silence is so loud. It's more piercing than the highest frequency. We have all been in a room full of people when a shocking question has been asked or a shocking answer has been given. The whole room has gone silent. What a deafening soundless sound! Every now and then, I'll watch Oprah to keep current on her show topics. A couple of days ago, she did a show which involved an experiment called What Would You Do. Basically they staged various controversial situations (using actors and actresses) to see if by-standers would react or how they would react rather. Or lack of reaction, also. I thought it was interesting because you never know what you will do or say until the pressure is on.

I believe that silence is the quietest death to anything. That's what our Civil Rights leaders believed also. That's why they marched, spoke, and made noise about the essentials to our human existence. Silence is not indecision, it's_a _decision. In the past week I have been surprised at the actions of others to the point where I couldn't be quiet, even if it was in church. I believe that's one of the reasons why I have a heart to be a Social Worker. Something inside me won't let me be quiet to injustice. Obviously words provoke change. How do you think policies in this country have passed or controversial cases in court have change the condition of right and wrong (whether the outcome was right or wrong).

Most importantly, I think about prayer. Prayer is communication between you and God. Prayer is like a universal key that can open any door, even if the locks are all different. It enables God to make moves. Those moments when I feel lazy and don't feel like praying, silence has won and with winning, it's at the cost of myself and others. The Body (Body of Christ) falls for silence because it's easier. Speaking up puts us in uncomfortable positions. Speaking up makes us the odd-ball when we are in pursuit of popularity. Speaking up deems us as "super-spiritual". Speaking up might mean rejection. As I am typing, it's chilling to know that someone has just passed away with the possibility that someone didn't witness to them the love of Christ because they looked intimidating. Or if someone is sick, we figure enough people are praying, so one less prayer won't make or brake. Hmmm, I wouldn't want to find out how right or wrong of a notion that is.

When the enemy has convinced us to keep our mouths closed, he has arrested us. What damage can we do him with our mouths shut and our hands preoccupied with sealing our mouths? We look like cowardly monkeys. We have received the instruction of the Word and that is to "pray continually...(1Thessalonians 5:17)". Why? Because we have an enemy who seeks to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). Keep your mouth moving, with prudence of course. If we were truly made in the image and likeness of God, in imitation of Him, were not made to be silent creations. God spoke and things came to be. Adam spoke and things were named. Moses spoke and led the people. Esther spoke and saved her people. Jesus spoke and saved us! Nothing is accomplished in silence. But much is to be accomplished with moving mouths and words of substance. Selah...

Zap Your Zit

Usually in middle school, teenagers are going through changes and with that, sometimes accompanies acne (zits). But what is a zit really, or why is it rather? There is a hormone that produces more oil (oily skin) during that time and can clog your pores, causing an infection. The thing about white heads is that the infection remains below the surface of the skin and manifests with a white bump. So what's going on below the surface of the skin manifests itself and is released (by whatever method).

I believe God desires to take us to higher levels and I know that for myself. To myself, I feel that I am ready but it's not until God shows you flawed areas, that your realize underlying issues you didn't know were REALLY issues. Procrastination has been my biggest downfall. It use to be a joke because I felt that I did my "best" work at the last minute under pressure. That was usually the case. But now that I am an adult, procrastination has become a stronghold keeping me from moving forward smoothly. I started seeing things about myself that are flawed like how I don't keep an account of my money properly, or do things in a timely manner and that's a confidence killer. But I see now that those things (infections underneath) had to be brought to the surface (like white heads) and be brought to my attention. God wasn't showing me these things to discourage me! He was showing me so that I can acknowledge that I have a problem and allow Him to do a work in me. While we can't deliver ourselves from strongholds (only by the greater one on the inside of us) we can give God something to work with. For example, I have adopted the habit of creating of list of daily goals each morning. As long as I have my list, the Lord orders my day and helps me accomplish my tasks.

When you start noticing bad habits and undesirable traits about your character, don't get discouraged. Know that God is bringing those things to the surface so you can be delivered from them and be successful in everything you put your hand to. Zap those zits!

Pack Light

I know several people who have relocated, because of their job, and were well taken care of. They were given a house and everything that was necessary. Must have been a valuable employee! What if someone were to give you a brand new beautiful house, paid for debt free! All the cabinets filled with food, all the closets filled with new clothes and shoes, new dishes, pots and pans, linens, E-VER-Y-THING. Then you show up at the front door with your suit cases filled with your clothes, the cooking pot that's been passed down to you, books, rugs etc. Then your U-haul truck pulls up with your furniture including that dining room table that always gives you splinters. You brought everything that has been in your life for years. If you went to the pond shop, those things wouldn't be worth much and you know it.

Sometimes we move to the next level in our lives and God is saying "I have an assignment for you and all you have to do is show up. Don't worry about the accessories of life (Matthew 6:25-34)...just say yes and show up". Then we show up with all of our baggage from yesterday, the day before that, and the day before that. We brought our old clothes when He has provided new ones. We brought that dinning room table that gives us splinters (bad relationships that leave scars), that cooking pot that's been passed down (generational curses), books (hanging on other peoples words) etc. We hold on to old things that have become too familiar to the point to where it's hard to get rid of it, even when we know there is no real value. Even if it's junk, it's familiar and familiarity brings comfort (as strange as it sounds).

Erykah Badu said it right, in her Bag Lady song: "Pack light..."...or better yet, don't pack anything at all. The more you pack, the slower you progress. Things of no value are dead weight. That includes friendships, relationships and old unfulfilled promises. Anything dead should be buried. You have nothing to lose, but a whole new life to gain.

No Title is Necessary

I come from a musical family. My grandmother sings and plays the piano and she will wipe the floor up with you playing some old hymns. My mom also sang, played the piano and violin (trying to get back into the violin), my oldest brother plays the keys, bass and drums (dabbles in guitar), my second oldest brother plays drums, bass, trombone (used to), acoustic guitar (I'm sure others), and me - well I used to play piano and flute and I really want to get back to playing keys and electric guitar (I have to dust it off) and sing. So I have an appreciation for music and the craft and technique of it. I may not but up on all the popular music of today, but we grew up listening to music folks didn't know about and even to this day (I give a shout out to Dev). I grew up listening to bands like the Imperials and Phil Keaggy etc. (along with other types of music).

I must say there is something atmospheric that happens when the mixture of note chemicals marry. I enjoy and intensely pay attention to bands who play music and make a sound that supersedes this earthly realm. From the beginning of a song to end, it's like taking a ride that accelerates, intensifies, and finally gently drops you off at the whem of your imagination. It's left to your interpretation. My choir sang last Sunday and the band was particularly on point that day! In the lulls of the service (such as during offering time), the band was playing low and created an unrehearsed interlude that was so sweet, a few of us forgot we were in the choir stand. Music isn't something that can be explained or calculated. It's only something that can be experienced. When I listen to a good band, I feel like I have had an experience. Instruments are all about complementing each other and not competing against. Someone may not have the gift of singing but can sing through their guitar. Or someone else may not have the anointing to be a preacher, but they can testify from within them and translate it using the keys.
Music was meant to be a euphoric phenomenon. I'm talking about your extremities being detached from your analytical mind and moving on their own. I'm talking about an invisible power. So powerful that David (a musician;Psalms) was summoned by King Saul to play his harp for him to bring relief from evil spirits tormenting him. Not to mention all the other instances of instruments being used in powerful and unusual ways. If you are going to play an instrument, perfect your craft! Psalm 33:3 tells us to "...play skillfully...". This is my ode to music and the people who authentically play it:

Gallop the cadences of your heartbeat

Sing your notes all the way to heavens door

Strum the song a pen can't write

Blow the wind of life from within

Tesoro

What do you do with something you enjoy and don't want anyone else to partake of? Or something that is dear to you and don't want tainted nor damaged? You typically hide it right? I know when it's the last piece of cake or the last piece of something that I have my heart set on, I AM HIDING IT!! People who have valuable jewelry, air looms, or things they place high value on, usually lock those things up someplace safe. What is a phrase we use when we are expressing how close someone is to you? We say "You will always have a place in my heart". What is it about the heart, that it's the prime hiding spot for things that mean a lot to us emotionally?

The Goonies is one of my favorite childhood movies. If you haven't heard of the movie, look it up or rent it (very funny). But what sticks out about the movie is the main theme, finding the hidden treasure of One Eyed Willy. There was a whole mythical story behind the treasure. Using a treasure map, the goonies ended up finding the treasure and the myths ended up being true.

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11 NIV). This one sentence is packed with revelation. Number one, David was making a vow to God. He was making a declaration that because I don't want to sin against you, hurt you, or disappoint you, I will take your word as value to my personal walk and hide it safe in the chamber of my heart where no one can touch it. Number two, the infallible Word of God possess so much value that it even is worth hiding. What a revelation! How precious is the Word to you? How far will you go so that it stays safe in a place where no one can take it from you? Tell me how many people in your life exist that you can take their word to the bank? Or how many people do you know that if you do everything they tell you, then you will be a success every time?

"For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21 NIV). If you were to give someone a map to your treasure, what will they find? Material things, idle relationships, status...Defined, treasure is: to regard or treat as precious; cherish, to put away for security or future use, any thing or person greatly valued or highly prized. At what value do you put the Word? It's permeated my life, transformed me, energized me, comforted me, brought me peace, empowered me, brought me restoration, assured my steps, given me joy and the list can go on! Check your heart and what the treasure locked up in it.

Crush Crisis

Women have the difficult and tricky role of waiting to be chosen by the RIGHT man (however that's defined by you and God). In my own experience, even most recently, I have found myself in the midst of what I will call a crushing crisis. This was the longest lasting crush I had in a while and Facebook was NO help, just made it worse. One of my favorite songs by Alicia Keys is You Don't Know My Name and expresses my sentiments. I got to the point where I was trying to be seen on purpose and was convinced that when he was looking my direction, he was looking at me (in a room of 50+ people). I was toiling within myself and toiling turned into anxiety. Anxiety turned me into a possessive monster because we act like the guy or girl we like is the only one left in that category. I put my stamp on this good brotha with hopes of building a friendship that would lead to other things. When I want something, I am adamant about getting it! All the while, I was questioning God "what's the point of crushes" because I was driving my own self crazy, let alone my friends. So I worried myself into a into a stupor until my friend came to the rescue and talked me off the edge of the cliff (thanks Jazz).

My perspective has been forever changed! Crushes don't have to be a curse people. Clearly this "guy" possessed qualities and characteristics that I desire in my special someone (hence the crush). So what if I don't get this specific guy that I had MY eye on. God is showing me through my crush, that there are men who exist that have what I desire and more! So I don't have to have anxiety (through fear) because God will supersede who I think is good for me. He won't give me less! If God can do better than the guy I like, I will be the luckiest girl in the world. Bring it on God!

My focus is no longer on the guy because that doesn't even matter. What does matter is what's for me will be for me. I don't want to have a desire for possibly someone else's future man. As Solomon so eloquently put it, "I am my lover's and he claims me as his own" (Song of Songs 7:10 New Living Translation). And while we wait in a positive expectation for that good man or woman, our focus should be on the biggest unfinished project of our lives, OURSELVES. Focus on all that you have ever been required to focus on, God's work! All the extra stuff, you are stepping beyond your boundaries. I'm reminded of the scripture talking about the return of J.C. and how, in the mean time, we (or the Disciples being taught) are to keep busy until His return (Luke 19:13). Stay busy while waiting.

A friend of mine wrote a very poignant note about contentment, the key to your sanity (thanks for sharing Mina ;-):

"So I was given this prayer CD and it had this sweet confession for unmarried people on it that I thought was definitely worth sharing. Many times I see singles around the church selling themselves short when it comes to dating, job choices, friends, improving themselves, etc. But I'll never forgot a message that I heard preached at a Y.E.S.S. Meeting (if you know what that is, then you are cool with me). The message was entitled, "The Enemy of the Best is the Good". What we think may be good for us or what even looks good, may not be God's best.

Proverbs 14:12 says, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." We as children of God need to remember that God's ways are higher than ours and so are His thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). Therefore, what may look good to us really needs to be brought before God and the light of His Word before we act on it. You see, His Word will shed light on the situation and reveal the truth that was previously hidden in the darkness! This process takes time, and contrary to what satan wants us to think, we do have the time. The BEST is definitely worth the wait. Okay, okay, okay, enough preaching from me...check out this confession:

I confess total contentment in myself, wholeness in my body, patience to wait on God, and security in Christ. I am a person of high self-esteem and significant value to the Kingdom. I will not compromise my covenant with God, nor will I allow fear to cause me to operate in the flesh (realm of the flesh). I exercise complete and total control over my mind, my will, and my emotions, and I do not leave any doors open for satan to sneak in.

I understand that every relationship is not for me. Every person does not have my best interest. All that glitters isn't gold, and every sugary thing is not sweet. In the Name of Jesus, I will not be distracted by counterfeits and wolves in sheep's clothing. I will not lower my biblical expectations nor will I give in to the pressures of the world. I have total confidence in God and the plan that He has for my life."

Easy-does-it

Yesterday was particularly windy and I almost got blown away quite a few times walking from here to there. That's almost a parallel to the kind of last few weeks I have been having. But at one point, I was sitting in my truck waiting to go into a building when I noticed the seagulls flying above the parking lot. I locked my attention on one and made a profound observation. This poor seagull. I'm sure he had a destination in mind and he was trying his hardest (yes, I assigned a gender as we all unconsciously do) to get there. But the wind was so strong, you could see it pushing him backwards or sideways as he tried to fly straight ahead. Then I saw the most amazing thing! Suddenly, the seagull stops resisting and lets the wind catch him under his wings. He starts to surf off the wind. It was really cool to watch! He wasn't struggling along anymore, he just relaxed and surfed as if he knew he wasn't going to fall.

Wow, if we all could just relax and glide off of the wind...how freeing of a feeling. That's why people who go sky diving become addicted to it. Because for however many minutes they are soaring, there is a feeling of exuberance and easygoingness (that is a word). It sort of reminds me of Alice in Wonderland when she was falling down that rabbit hole. Sometimes I feel like I am falling, losing control of things around me, feeling insecure. But when Alice's dress ballooned open, she felt more secure. The counter wind caught under her dress and she floated along.

Everything is not for us to control. Human nature feels insecure when things are beyond our control. Those are the times when we should relax and ride off of the wind of life knowing that God won't let you fall! Stop resisting, spinning your wheels and tiring your wings. Be a kite today. I imagine I am a rock star kite with an electric guitar on it...