A Bit of Humor . . . Not My Usual Post

I was reading the Clubhouse magazine that my younger siblings get from Focus on the Family, and I found this article really hilarious. Especially the first part about the hugs. But it also has a good message. It's a little different than my usually posts. Hope you enjoy it!

Adventures of Average Boy

By Bob Smiley as told to Bob Smiley

I don't own a tourniquet (Note: a thing you wrap around part of your body to stop bleeding.) I'll never need one. If I'm ever bleeding and want it to stop, I'll simply ask my mom to hug me. My mom is the tightest hugger in the world! Sometimes she hugs me so tight that hours later my eyes are still bulging. I think the medical term is Optical Poptitude.

My dad, on the other hand, doesn't hug a lot. He pats me on the back to show his love.

"Good job setting the table, Son!" he'll say and then whack me on the back, sending me about two feet forward and causing me to have to reset several things on the table.

Between Mom's hugs and Dad's pats on the back, I'm surprised I have hung on to my eyeballs for as longs as I have. I actually enjoy the hugs and back-pats, because showing love is part of a great relationship.

Relationships are funny, because they're all different. Sometimes your relationships develop slowly.

For instance, there's a girl on my bus, and we speak only once a day. But we're great friends.

She suffers from constant leg cramps. Every day, I try to sit next to her on the bus. However, each day she gets a really bad cramp in her lower leg. She then kicks out her leg in the empty seat next to her and starts shouting, "Ohhhh . . . my leg is cramping again! I have to keep it straight out on this seat!"

This happens every morning. And Donny is really mean to her. He sits there and laughs as I walk past her to another seat. But every day I use the situation to let her know someone cares about her. "I'll pray for you and your leg," I whisper. "See you tomorrow."

It's a small relationship, but it's important. I have tons of those experiences each day.

My coach and I meet only once a day for PE, but we have an awesome relationship. A year ago his doctor told him he needed to exersize more. The doctor specifically said Coach needed to get his heart rate up every day. I don't know how I help him do that, but I do!

He once told me, "Bob, just having you in class gets my heart rate to at least 120 beats per minute every day."

"120!" I replied. "That's awesome! Your heart rate matches your age. That's got to make it easy to remember."

"There you go doing it again, Mr. Smiley!" he said appreciatively. "Now go take a lap."

Every day you and I see people. Sometimes we have a small relationship - like the one I have with my coach or the leg-cramp girl. Sometimes we have a big relationship - like the one I have with my parents or my school principal. Each time we see these people, we have a chance to leave them happier or sadder than they were before they saw us. If you try to make others happier each time - by putting them first - you will build great, strong relationships. That's my challenge to you. That, and help me figure out how to cure leg cramps. Hurry!

Now if you will excuse me, I just got a paper cut and it's bleeding. I think I need a hug.

Before Him Bend the Knee

Lord's Supper is on Sunday. I was just thinking about that and this hymn by John M. Wigner popped into my head . . . and it won't go away, especially the phrase 'no vain excuses frame, for feelings do not stay.' It's weird cause I can't remember the last time I have heard this one, or the last time we have sung it in church.

Come to the Savior now

He gently calleth thee

In true repentance bow

Before Him bend the knee

He waiteth to bestow

Salvation, peace and love

True joy on earth below

A home in heaven above

Come to the Savior now

Ye who have wandered far

Renew your solemn vow

For His by right you are

Come like poor wandering sheep

Returning to His fold

His arm will safely keep

His love will ne'er grow cold

Come to the Savior now

He offers all to thee

And in His merits thou

Hast an unfailing plea

No vain excuses frame

For feelings do not stay

None who to Jesus came

Were ever sent away

Come to the Savior now

What'er your burdens be

Hear now His loving call

"Cast all your car on Me"

Come, and for every grief

In Jesus you will find

A sure and safe relief

A loving friend and kind

So Many Questions...So Much to Live For!!

This weekend was so full of excitement and fun and fellowship! And also two compelling sermons on Psalm 22 and I Corinthians 1, and an amazing Bible study on envy at Young People's. I have so much to ponder and think about.

Do I envy anyone, whether for their looks, character, talents, or possessions? How can I guard myself from jealousy and envy? Would I be able to approach that person and admit my envy?

Has Jesus Christ just become a piece of furniture in my life? Have I become to flippant in my worship of Him? Is Jesus truly the only comfort I have in life AND death? If Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters, am I ashamed to confess Him as my Lord before a watching world?

Is the cross foolishness to me, or the power of God to me? Is the world's wisdom foolishness or valuable wisdom to me? Am I living a life of joy and hope in Christ, and in so doing, affecting those in the world I am in contact with? or does my life NOT reflect a changed life in a wonderful Savior?

So many important questions. And through God's strength, may the answers always be glorifying to His name and a testimony to His presence and hope in my life.

"Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus; that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, no imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He has made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:9, 14-21

The Awe of God's Creation

Today, mom took my brothers and two younger sisters to go skating and play hockey on an outdoor rink along Hwy 8. I decided to go along since Amy was at work. We skated for about an hour, and it was lightly snowing. A little while before we left, I was sitting on a chair watching them play hockey, and I looked down so see that my coat and mitts were lightly sprinkled with the most intricately designed snowflakes I have ever seen. They were absolutely beautiful. I just sat there looking at them. I can't describe how beautiful they were. Imagine the millions of uniquely designed snowflakes you are looking at when you look outside at the snow! And no two are exactly the same.

God not only created the complex snowflakes, but He also created you and me. We are like snowflakes. God created each and every one of us, and no two of us are the same. We are all unique and look, act, and talk different. Looking at those beautiful snowflakes reminded me of Psalm 8:3-5, "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor."

In the Bible, snow is a symbol for being cleaned or washed. Psalm 51:7, "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Isaiah 1:18, "'Come now, and let us reason together,' says the Lord, 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be as wool.'" Snow tainted by sand and dirt is like us stained by our sin. We need the blood of Jesus to cleanse us, to make us as clean as pure white snow. We need our Savior to take out the dirt of sin from our lives and make us clean and new again.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21

"And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight." Colossians 1:21-22

Praise You in this Storm

This song is one of those songs that you hear, and not only the words are amazing and the message is well worded, but the music fits so perfectly with the words, and is so beautiful that you could listen to it over and over and never get sick of it. I wish I could add the music to this post along with the lyrics, but I guess the lyrics with have to be sufficient for now. And if you know the song already, listen to it again! And yes, this is yet another Casting Crowns song. They have some really neat song ideas, and I love their musical style as well.

Praise You in this Storm
Casting Crowns
Romans 8:28 / 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 /
Psalm 42:5 / Psalm 121:1-2 /
Job 1:20-21 / Daniel 3:16-18

I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen"
And it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength was almost gone
How can I carry one
If I can't find You

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

The Lord have, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. Job 1:21b

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. Psalm 42:5

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. I Corinthians 4:16

Another Song (By Me)

Rejoice with those who rejoice

Weep with those who weep

Showing love to all the saints

In all brotherly love

Serve the Lord, rejoice in hope

Patient in your trials

Strong in prayer, loving good

Watching for the needs of the saints

Cast your care upon the Lord

For He cares for you

Resist the one who walks about

And tries to make you fall

Knowing that your brotherhood

In the Lord are also

Going through the same trials

Satan tempts you with every day, so

Rejoice with those who rejoice . . .

Communion of the Saints

I was listening to Casting Crowns: Lifesong this afternoon and the song Stained Glass Masquerade (previous post) came on. I love that song. It says so well what I often think about in our little Christian communities. We often try to hide how we really feel inside from others around us so that they won't see what we truly think and feel, what we fear or worry about. We want others to think that we are strong and maybe even perfect, and have everything in our lives under control.

Then I got thinking about blogs. And how amazing it is that through something as small as a blog on the big web, Christians can not only be a witness to those who might happen to read our blog, but we can also, as Christian young people, learn about and learn from eachother and encourage one another by hopping from one blog to the next (as I do sometimes), leaving and encouragement here or a fun one there.

I think we often get frustrated with the increasingly high tech world we live in. At least I do. Or we take for granted the internet, or even computers. Thank you God for things like email and blogs and some pretty awesome young people in my world to learn from and get to know. The Christian community is a truly amazing one to be a part of!

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep (Rom 12:15). God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Cor. 1:9). But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble (1 Cor. 8:12-13). And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints (1 Thess. 3:12-13). Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world (1 Peter 5:6-11).

Song on Psalm 91

Psalm 91
Carol-Lee Joy Brouwer

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High God
Shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty God
I will say of the Lord Most High
"He is my refuge and my fortress
My God, in how I trust."

A thousand may fall at your side
Ten thousand at your right hand
But it shall not come near you
Only with your eyes will you look
And see the reward of the wicked.

I have made the Lord Most High my strong dwelling place
No evil nor any plague shall come near me
His angels are surrounding me
In their hands they shall bear me up
Lest I dash my foot and fall.

"He has set his love on Me, so I'll go with him
And has known My holy name, I will set him on high
He shall call on Me in prayer
I will be with him in trouble
Bear him up and deliver him."

How Much Does Your RoadGuide Mean to You?

"You each need your own RoadGuide. All who walk the red road must read it. Repeat its words until they flow from your heart like water from a fountain. You must study the map, or you will get lost…or stray from the road…or be unprepared for what you encounter on it."

"You’re always reading it," Victoria said. "Can’t we just follow your lead? Besides, the red road is obvious, isn't it?"

"The book is your guide, your compass. Don't underestimate your ability to depart from the true road. Don't trust your instinct of your logic - don't even trust me. I don't trust myself. Trust only the RoadGuide."

I turned through the pages, reading instructions here and there, looking at the maps, scanning the many stories of those who'd walked the red road before.

. . . Everyone got up but Quon, already lost in the pages of the book. I had to pull him up, and even then he kept his nose in the book as he walked. I had to occasionally grab his arm to keep him from stumbling. Half the time he didn't even notice.

(Edge of Eternity, by Randy Alcorn, pages 150-51; definately a recommended book if you liked Pilgrim's Progress!)

RoadGuide - Bible ; Red road - Narrow path to life in Christ

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have such a renewed love for the Bible like Quon's love for it? We often hastily do devotions, thinking about all the things we have to do. We don't give God's Word, or Him, the time He deserves as our Father, Creator, Redeemer, and King.

"My soul faints for Your salvation, But I hope in Your word. Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day." Psalm 119:81, 97

WAR!!

I love reading. Maybe too much! One thing I notice when I'm reading a book is that I always seem to feel as if the main character's problems are mine and I want to fix them. And I keep reading, wishing I could tell him or her how stupid they are when they make a bad decision or warn against obvious danger around the corner. And sometimes it's really annoying, but I guess that's the whole adventure of reading a book.

I got Randy Alcorn's Edge of Eternity for Christmas. I just started reading it today. I tried reading it a few months ago when I got it out of the library, but I couldn't get into it then. This time, I'm seeing it differently. The main guy, Nick Seagrave, finds himself in another world and scenes of his messed-up life keep flashing before him. He begins to realize the wrong choices he's made, but the devil (represented by a scorpion hooking it's tail into his chest) still has a powerful grip on him. One part struck me and reminded me of Ephesians 6. I think we sometimes forget about the spiritual battle that is constantly going on, not only around us, but it is a war to fight for our very souls. And when we do remember, we are sometimes so caught up in the battle and relying on our own strength, that we sometimes forget the power we have to fight in Jesus Christ.

The plain suddenly became an immense battlefield, full of great gladiators, with eyes of fire, lifting their swords against other warriors, these with cold shark eyes. The warriors of both sides seemed to be of the same stock, as if it was a civil war - the gray city of the east versus the bright city of the west. Some troops fought on the ground, some above it, as if the air had an invisible floor. Sparks flew off their swords and lightening bolts pierced the sky. Swords clashed agianst shields, and thunderclaps exploded. Even at a distance the noise was almost unbearable.

People, some of whom I'd just seen, walked on the ground underneath the great combatants. Now they appeared translucent, almost invisible. Most of them stepped casually, unguardedly, apparently unaware of the battle raging above and around them. (Edge of Eternity, page 73)

"Finally, my brethern, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Ephesians 6:10-13

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

It is God Who Arms Me with Strength

With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful;
With a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless;
With the pure You will show Yourself pure;
And with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd.
For You will save the humble people,
But will bring down haughty looks.

For You will light my lamp;
The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
For by You I can run against a troop,
By my God I can leap over a wall.
As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

For who is God, except the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of deer,
And sets me on my high places.
He teachers my hands to make war,
So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

You have also given me the shield of Your salvation;
Your right hand has held me up,
Your gentleness has made me great.
You enlarged my path under me,
So my feet did not slip.
Psalm 18:25-36

Verse 29 is amazing. With God beside us, we can do or face anything. He is our rock, shield, defender, Savior, salvation. He holds us in His right hand. Isn't that amazing . . . to think that God would love us so much that He actually HOLDS us in His hand? He guides every step we take, helping us along the way, to face anything. With God's help we can perservere through any trial, whether spiritual or physical. "For by You I can run against a troop, by my God I can leap over a wall." What stunning imagery . . . a troop and a wall. Passages like these never cease to provoke awe and wonder of just what an amazing and all-powerful Father we have.

Stained Glass Masquerade

Stained Glass Masquerade
Casting Crowns

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small

'Cause when I take a look around
Everbody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover
That I don't belong

So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the part again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation's open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we'll close the curtain on our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who's been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one that's traded
In the alter for a stage

The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
You imagine me to be

Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatains 6:2

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you . . . and this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the friuts of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:3, 9-11

"A friend is someone who shares all your great moments with you. A true friend is someone who is there to share all the bad moments too." R. Sherwood

To all who I can truly be myself with, thank you for being such amazing friends in Christ.

Letting God Take Control

Ready for You (Kutless)

Lord, You take my heart away with Your love

And I, am willing to put all my faith in Your plan 1

Come and take my life

Make my soul refreshed in truth now 2

I am ready for You

Take my heart and make me new now

I am ready for You

To come and fill my soul 3

Cleanse, all of my mind that is not of You

Break me, teaching my how to find rest in Your hands 4

Whatever it takes

I'm needing to make Your will be done 5

And I'm letting go of my control

For I see what You've done in me 6

1 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

1 "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements and His ways past finding out!" Romans 11:33

2 "And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." 1 John 3:3

2 "Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom." Psalm 51:6

3 " . . . where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all." Colossians 3:11

3 "For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's." Romans 14:8

4 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

4 "Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins." Psalm 19:"12b

5 "And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." 1 John 2:17

5 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2

6 "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21

6 "For our God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:29

6 "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20

Back to the Grind

Well, it's back to the grind once again. 'sigh' I must say, it felt really good to get up at 7:30 this morning, which is unusually early for me, and get to work. I feel like I have actually done something worth while . . . especially after almost three weeks off. I even helped my sister with some Algebra 1 this morning, and shocked myself that I can still remember that stuff! I plunged right into studying music history this morning, and it was surprisingly fun. It felt good to be studying music again, even though I was really sick of it before Christmas. I think I really needed a holiday. And then I taught 4 piano lessons. I'm glad the break is over, I'm ready for a regular routine again.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Psalm 91

I've been memorizing Psalm 91. There are some pretty amazing verses in this psalm. One of my favorites is verse 7 and 12.

1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."

3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence.

4 He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day,

6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.

8 Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place,

10 No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;

11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.

12 In their hands they shall hear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

14 "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.

15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation."

Living Sacrifices

Romans 12:1-2 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

This is one amazing passage. I came across it again during the devotions the other day, and I realized that I don't think about this as often as I should . . . that I don't always strive as much as I should to serve God with all of my life, every single part of it.

2007's here!!!

Blessed New Year everyone! Welcome 2007!

The name of the Lord is a strong tower,
The righteous run to it and are safe.\
Proverbs 18:10

Trusting

Lately, I have been reflecting on just how much I really trust in God. I realized that I was limiting God's power in my mind. My trust in Him was not all that it should have been. So I found some Bible passages that has been a great help to me in this.

Psalm 17:5, 6, 8
Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip. I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings.

Proverbs 18:10
The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe.

Psalm 18:28-32
For You will light my lamp; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop, by my God I can leap a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect.

Isaiah 41:9, 10, 13
You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest regions, and said to you, 'You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you by My righteous right hand.' For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.'

As morning dawns and evening fades
You inspire songs of praise
That rise from earth to touch Your heart
And glorify Your name

Your name
Is a strong and mighty tower
Your name
Is a shelter like no other
Your name
Let the nations sing it louder
'Cause nothing has the power to save
But Your name

Jesus in Your name we pray
Come and fill our hearts today
Lord give us strength to live for You
And glorify Your name

Family is a Blessing

I can only give a small glimpse of what we did on our holiday. But here are a few highlights of our four days in North Carolina:

• staying in the same house with 14 wonderful people that I am privileged to call my family
• lots and lots of laughing and talking.
• playing games like 20 Questions, Phase 10, and Jungle Speed (and trying not to draw blood with my finger nails. Sorry Curtis!)
• quoting Veggie Tales with the cousins, what a blast that can be!
• watching The Nativity Story at the theatre, and Carz and Lord of the Beans at the Bos home theatre!
• a candle light service, in which I accompanied my cousin Laura who plays violin.
• refreshing walks and a hike in the gorgeous 60 - 70F weather, yes I said 70F.
• caroling around the neighborhood on Christmas Eve with another family from the Bos' church.
• eating a delicious Christmas dinner prepared by mom and aunt Marlene . . . and doing all the dishes after with dad and uncle Bill.
• singing around a campfire in t-shirts and bare feet!
• playing music with Amy, Kim and Curtis . . . I would have to say that was my favorite part of the four days we spent there. We even gave a mini concert to our parents on Christmas day.
• sharing a room with my five siblings.
• lots of food, namely baking, druppies, peanuts, and coffee!
• Did I mention all the picture taking that was going on?

What a truly wonderful thing it is to have such a family, both immediate and extended. I am so blessed to be a part of it. Not only because my family loves me, and so much fun to be with, but because they have their faith grounded in Christ. Once again, I have been reminded of that amazing blessing this past weekend. As David said in Psalm 61 "You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name . . . So I will sing praise to Your name forever." And I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Greetings from North Carolina!!!

Hey ya'll! Greetings from Goldsboro, North Carolina. It's absolutely beautiful here . . . despite the rain we had yesterday. It looks like the sun is trying to peek out though, so it should be a beautiful day!! It's about 70F right now!

This first picture is a picture from when I got together with my friends and my sister on Tuesday night: Amy, Maria, me, Amy, and Jacinda! Thanks for the amazing fun girls. We'll have to do it again some time.

The rest of the pictures are just a taste of the beautiful scenery we saw on the 15 hour drive here on Thursday. It's hard to get too bored on the long drive when you have music and stories to listen to, movies to watch, and of course, the farms, houses, towns, and mountains to look at. It's a gorgeous drive!

Yesterday, we went to see The Nativity Story at the theatre. It was really good, and pretty faithful to the way the Bible tells the story. It was a really touching protrayal of our Saviors birth. Then last night, we watched Carz here at my aunt and uncles. Now that is one funny movie!

Anyway, hope ya'll are having a good holiday. God bless!

Christmas Blessings Ya'll!!

I know it's a week early, but since I will be in North Carolina during Christmas this coming weekend, I want to wish you all a wonderful Christmas. May the joy of Christ's birth amaze you once again, and His love fill you as you spend time with friends and family.

This Christmas hymn has become a favorite of mine. As I really thought about the words I was singing, I realized how powerful they are. They speak of the adoration of Christians around the world of our Savior who came to save the world from their sin. What an amazing God!

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem
Come and behold Him
Born the King of Angels

O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exaltation
O sing, all ye bright hosts of heaven above
Glory to God
All glory in the highest

Yea, Lord, we great Thee, born this happy morning
Jesus, to Thee be all glory given
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing

Another favorite during this time of celebration is the amazing "Hallelujah Chorus". All praise to God!

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Halleuljah, hallelujah, hallelujah!
For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Hallelujah!

I leave you with this beautiful passage in Isaiah, especially verse 6b.

Isaiah 9:6-7

Thought Provoking

Here is a song for the Christmas season. It was written by Mark Hall from Casting Crowns. He wrote it based on the song "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem".

Oh little towm of Bethlehem
Looks like another silent night
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
A giant star lights up the sky
And while you're lying in the dark
There shines an everlasting light
For the King has left His throne
And is sleeping in a manger tonight

Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed
While you were sleeping
For God became a man
And stepped into your world today
Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

Oh little town of Jerusalem
Looks like another silent night
The Father gave His only Son
The Way, the Truth, the Life had come
But there was no room for Him
In the world He came to save

Jerusalem, what you have missed
While you were sleeping
The Savior of the world
Is dying on your cross today
Jerusalem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

United States of America
Looks like another silent night
As we're sung to sleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children
And while we're lying in the dark
There's a shout heard 'cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned
And has carried His bride away in the night

America, what will we miss
While we are sleeping
Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay
America, will we go down in history
As a nation with no room for its King
While we are sleeping
While we are sleeping

Who Am I?

This song is amazing. The words are very touching and have so much meaning. The first time I heard this song a few years ago, I loved it. It says very well what is in my heart so often.

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would car to know my name
Would care to feal my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

No because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still you have me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me

I am Yours
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
'Cause I am Yours
I am Yours

Don't You Let Go

Here is a song that has meant a lot to me lately from Tait.

Heard you say
That no one seems to care about you
It's in your eyes
You think that life's unfair to you
Just give it all you've got
My friend
Just give it all you've got
It's not the end

'Cause you ought'a know
There's a reason for these changin' seasons
God only knows how much your heart can bear
So don't you let go
Everybody has their up and down times
Everybody needs to know
How much their loved my friend
So hold on, it's not the end

As I remember
Everything you touched would turn to gold
You have a secret
To make your grandest dreams unfold
You are the very best of us all
But the sun that rises still falls

It's just a love song
Cause everybody needs a friend
I'll be right there for you
It's just a simple prayer
It's from the bottom of my heart
That He'll never let you go

Another Song . . . Psalm 20

Psalm 20 has been one of my favorite Psalms for a long time, so I wrote a song on it. I would have to say that this is my second favorite song that I have written so far.

May the Lord answer you
In the day of trouble
My the name of God defend you
May He send you help
From the sanctuary
And strengthen you out of Zion

Now I know that the Lord
Saves His chosen ones
He will answer them from
His holy place
With the saving strength of His hand

May the Lord grant you
All your heart's desire
May the Lord fulfill your purpose
May the Lord give you
All of your petitions
And answer you when you call

Some trust in chariots
And some in horses
But we will remember the Lord our God
They have all bowed down
And they have fallen
But we will rise up and stand

To My Wonderful Friends

Here's to all my friends who have come to mean a lot to me: first of all, my family. And Amy (my sister), Jacinda K, Amy V, Maria V, Naomi K, all of the people involved in LW, my friends in Zion YP, and my friends from working at Verbinnen's Nursery. Thank you so much for being such an amazing encouragment and blessing in my life.

I found this song on a CD of mine, and it reminded me again of how much you all mean to me.

ALWAYS BE
If you cry, I will cry with you
If you laugh, I will laugh with you
If you need a time to talk, I'm there
If you want to share your dreams, I'll care

And even though I know, that we're far away
I know that forever friends we'll stay

And I want you to know, what you mean to me
And I need you to know, that we'll always be

Let Us Run . . .

A few weeks ago, I was very privileged to read a poem that my friend Maria wrote. It was an amazing poem based on Hebrews 12:1-2. She wanted to put it to music, and asked me to help her!! I felt very honored, especially since she doesn't usually show people her poems. With her permission, I am posting it here.

Let Us Run With Endurance (Heb. 12:1-2)

Surrounded by those witnesses

While we run our race

We follow their example

Their every step we trace.

Jesus has begun us in this race 1

He will guide us through it 2

Then we'll see Him face to face

At God's right hand He sits!

Let us run with endurance

The race that is set before us 3

Looking to Jesus who will

Guide and uphold us.

The world runs for an earthly crown

Finding joy for a day

They do all their pleasure

Living like here's where they'll stay.

We run for an everlasting crown 4

Lay all your sin aside

Earthly 'things' don't matter

'Cause in Him we abide!

Let us run with endurance

The race that is set before us 3

Looking to Jesus who will

Guide and uphold us.

We had to make a few changes with the words to make it work, but I came up with a melody and chords. I played it for Maria and she really liked it. When we showed it to our friend Jacinda and my sister Amy, they helped us figure out how to put in an echo for the chorus. It was so much fun. Thanks Maria for allowing me to help you put your poem to music. I look forward to doing more!

When I put it to music, we changed these words to:

1 He's begun us in this race

2 He will guide us through

3 The race that's set before us

4 We run for a lasting crown

AND . . . Song IV

I wrote this song a few weeks ago, but I didn't have it perfected until now. It is based on some verses in Isaiah 25 and 26.

"For You have been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; for the blast of the terrible ones is a storm against the wall. And it will be said in that day: 'behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.'" Isaiah 25:4, 9

"O Lord, we have waited from You; the desire of our soul is for Your name and for the remembrance of You. With my soul I have desired You in the night, yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early." Isaiah 26:8

I've waited for Him

And He will save me

This is the Lord, my God

I've waited for Him

O Lord, I've waited for You

My soul's desire is You

Me spirit within me

Will seek You

You're a strength to the poor in heart

A help to those in distress

A refuge from the storm

And a shade from the heat

Song #3

Here is another song I wrote recently! It is based on Jeremiah 29:11-13 and Isaiah 55:8-9. I shared Jeremiah 29 with a friend this past summer, and I found Isaiah 55 while I was reading through Isaiah, and it reminded me of Jeremiah 29. I thought it would make a neat song. I haven't showed my sister, who is my "editor" yet, but here it is anyway!

As the heaven's are high above the earth
So are My thoughts higher than yours
Thoughts of peace and not of evil
To give you a future and a hope

If you will call on Me and pray
I will listen to your cry
If you seek Me with all of your heart
Then you will find Me
I'll give you a future and a hope

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.

There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;
God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;
He uttered His voice, the earth melted.

The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge.

Come, behold the works of the Lord,
Who has made desolations in the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks th bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariot in the fire.

Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!

The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge.

My Second Song!

I have been writing more songs lately! Here is my second one, with more to come in the near future.

Search Me, O God
Carol-Lee J. Brouwer
Psalm 139

Verse 1:
Lord, You have searched my and known me
You know my sitting and rising up
You understand my thoughts far off
You know my path and my ways

Chorus:
Search me, O God, and know my heart
Try me and know my ever fear
And see if there is evil in me
Lead me in Your way, O Lord
Lead me in Your way, O Lord

Verse 2:
For there is no word in my mouth
That You don't, Lord, already know
You have hedged me behind an' before
You've laid Your hand upon me

Bridge:
Such knowledge is to awesome for me
It's high, I cannot attain it

I Asked the Lord

I promised my friend that I would post this song. So here it is:

I Asked the Lord

John Newton & Laura Taylor

I asked the Lord that I might grow,

In faith and love and every grace,

Might more of His salvation know,

And seek more earnestly His face.

'Twas He who taught me thus to pray,

And He I trust has answered prayer,

But is has been in such a way,

As almost drove me to despair.

I hoped that in some favored hour,

At once He'd answer my request,

And by His love's constraining power,

Subdue my sins and give me rest.

Instead of this He made me feel,

The hidden evils of my heart,

And let the angry powers of Hell,

Assault my soul in every part.

Yea more with His own hand He seemed,

Intent to aggravate my woe,

Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,

Cast out my feelings, laid me low.

"Lord why is this," I trembling cried,

"Wilt Thou pursue thy worm to death?"

"'Tis in this way," the Lord replied,

"I answer prayer for grace and faith."

"These inward trials I employ,

From self and pride to set thee free,

And break thy schemes of earthly joy,

That thou mayest seek thy all in Me."

God's Plan for Us

Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the thought I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope, then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart

Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace, who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Sheperd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to who be glory forever and ever. Amen.

He Holds My Hand

"You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest regions, and said to you, 'You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' . . . For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'fear not, I will help you.' . . . The poor and needy seek water, but there is non, their tongues fail for thirst. I, the Lord, will hear them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will open rivers in desolate heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will plant in the wilderness the cedar and the acacia tree, the myrtle and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the cypress tree and the pine and the box tree together, that they may see and know, and consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it." - Isaiah 41:9-10, 13, 17-20

"See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands." - Isaiah 49:16a

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine." - Isaiah 43:1b

Reading the book of Isaiah is an amazing journey. Seeing God's wrath poured out against His enemies and then the beautiful imagery that describes how He gives His remnant, His chosen people, a second chance. God is so full of mercy and love! And what makes Him love a sinner? It continues to remain a mystery to me. But I know that it is a comfort that He calls me by name, He holds my hand, and He is there in every valley and trial.

Tucked Away in the Prophets

I have been reading a lot of the prophets lately, and finding some really awesome verses. I don’t know about you, but I used to think the prophets were boring to read, because I they are all about God's wrath against the evil nations. But a little while ago, a good friend of mine put a verse from Lamentations at the bottom of her email. It was a really neat verse. So I read through at least five or six whole books from the prophets in one night. And I am reading through Isaiah as well. There are some pretty powerful verses in there, especially images of God's love and protectiveness to His people.

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

"Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." Isaiah 12:3

"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassion's fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I hope in Him.' The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." Lamentations 3:22-26

"The Lord you God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

"'They shall be Mine,' says the Lord of hosts, 'on the day that I make them My jewels.'" Malachi 3:17a

JOY

I have been reading "Wonders Never Cease" by Phil Callaway. The last chapter was my favorite, especially this part, "After all these years and all the things I've seen, I still find each day too short for all the prayers I want to pray, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see. The longer I live, the more I'm coming to love God. And the more I love Him, the more I find to be thankful for."

Everyday, I learn to love God more as well. Even when it seems like my life is a repeat; week after week, doing the same old things. But life is so much more than just living, it is living for God! He created us for one purpose, to bring glory to Him. What an amazing calling! It is so easy to forget that we have a high calling, and to become bored with life. But in Christ there is a so much joy and overwhelming happiness and thankfulness for all the blessings He gives us.

Today, I was sitting in my room, listening to music, and I decided to come up with a Bible verse for each letter of my middle name, Joy. The words will probably seem a little strange when you read them, but the verses will explain why I chose them. The first verse speaks of our joy in Christ, and my church gave it to me when I did profession of faith. The second one says that we can turn to God for comfort when we are lost, afraid, or just feeling down. The last one is a simple description of our service to Him as His children.

Joy - "Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." Isaiah 12:3

Overwhelmed - "From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Psalm 61:2

Yoke - "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:30

The Reason for Music

"Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful." - Psalm 147:1

While I was studying my music history the other day, I found some quotes about music that I thought were pretty neat.

"Music is to me the perfect expression of the soul." - Robert Schumann

"These harmonic notes are the language of the soul and the instruments of the heart." - Barbara Strozzi

"Music [is] the favorite passion of my soul." - Thomas Jefferson

"The practice of [music] is . . . a great part of my inner self. To me, it is the very air I breathe." - Clara Schumann

"We know by experience that song has great force and vigor to move and influence the hearts of men to invoke and praise God with a more passionate zeal." - John Calvin

So often when I play music, whether it be classical music, hymns, or praise music, it plays with my emotions . . . of joy, thankfulness, and praise. I have told people over and over that I don't know what I would do without music. It is me, my career, the one thing that I probably would have the hardest time letting go of in this world.

But music is not only about our soul and emotions, it is first and foremost about bringing praise and glory to God, who is the Creator of music. Here are two amazing quotes that I found from two early composers.

"The aim and final reason of all music should be nothing else but the Glory of God and the refreshment of the spirit." - Johann Sebastian Bach

"Our wisest mortals have decided that music should give zest to divine worship. If people take great pains to compose beautiful music for profane [secular] songs, they should devote at least as much thought to sacred song, nay, even more than to mere worldly matters." - Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

'Til the Storm Passes By

Last week, a good friend of mine shared this song with my sister and I. It is based on Isaiah 25:4 which says "For You have been strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; for the blast of the terrible ones is as storm against the wall." It is such a comfort to know that God is there for us whenever we need Him.

'Til the Storm Passes By by Mosie Lister

In the dark of the midnight, Have I oft hid my face, While the storm howls above me, And there's no hiding place, 'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry, "Keep me safe 'til the storm passes by."

'Til the storm passes over, 'Til the thunder sounds no more, Til the clouds roll forever from the sky, Hold me fast, let me stand, In the hollow of Thy hand, Keep me safe 'til the storm passes by.

Many times Satan whispered, "There is no need to try, For there's no end of sorrow, There's no hope by and by", But I know Thou art with me, And tomorrow I'll rise, Where the storm never darkens the skies.

When the long night has ended, And the storms come no more, Let me stand in Thy presence, On that bright, peaceful shore, In that land where the tempest, Never comes, Lord, may I, Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.

God Knows Me!

Yesterday, we had a sermon on Psalm 139. I was struck once again with how awesome God is, and with the greatness of His love for us. He knows everything about us; He knows what we are feeling or thinking, even before we express anything to Him. There is nothing about us that we can hide from Him because He knows it all. He is always there, in every step we take, whether it be good or bad; He is there watching us.

Psalm 139:1-6, 23-24
O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are aquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O Lord, You know it all together.
You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid You hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.

His Joy's Gonna Be My Strength

At our last Living Worship evening(s), we did the song "Trading My Sorrows." I love the words of the verse. They come straight from 2 Corinthians 7:10.

"I'm pressed but not crushed, persecuted not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed; I am blessed beyond the curse for His promise will endure, that His joy's gonna be my strength; though the sorrow may last for the night, His joy comes with the morning."

I just think it is so amazing that in whatever we go through, God is there with His children every step of the way. We are not abandoned or destroyed because our strength comes from God, who will help us through every struggle. A devotional written by Andrew Murray says this,

"The dangers we face are often very real and dark. The situation, whether in the temporal or spiritual life, may appear to be utterly hopeless. There is always one hope: God's eye is on us. That eye sees the danger, sees in tender love His trembling and waiting child, sees the moment when the heart is ripe for the blessing, and sees the way in which it is to come. The psalmist said, 'the eye of the Lord is in those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine' (Psalm 33:18-19). He does not say the Lord will prevent the danger of death and famine - this is often needed to stir up people to wait on Him. He says the Lord will deliver and keep alive. He walks with us through hardships and heartaches. Oh, the faithfulness of our God, who is a very present help in every time of trouble, a shield and defense against every danger. During the utmost spiritual famine, and when death appears to prevail, wait on God. He does deliver; He does keep alive."

(Pg. 66)

Hebrews 4:15 "Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Hebrews 2:17-18 "Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God . . . "

I'm going to close this entry with a song by Selah.

"When I am down, and oh, my soul, so weary; when troubles come, and my heart burdened be; then I am still, and wait here in this silence, until You come and sit a while with me. You raise me up so I can stand on mountains, You raise me up to walk on stormy seas; I am strong when I am on Your shoulders, You raise me up to more than I can be."