Switching It Up...

So I know I was going to talk about cowardism... but i'm being led in a different direction!


Today I watched a movie known as "The Lottery" (and no, i'm not talking about the two minute lotto picks at the end of the News). In the movie, the whole town believes in this "lotto" idea. Every year they hold a town "lotto" and who ever is chosen... is stoned to death... which in turn God "blesses" their sacrifice with a thriving community. There's a lot of minor plotting, but you get the main idea. So all-in-all, although the movie is somewhat repugnant, the underlying theme is about tradition. It was originally a book, the author wanted to express how outlandish our traditions in society can get... AND ITS TRUE!

Okay so i'm going to segue-way for a second... but I promise I will return for the relevance of the movie...

So as I was driving to St. Louis this afternoon, I was preparing for my "video interview" for a series we're going through about taking steps toward God. So I was practicing my "story", you know the one where you talk about the before's and after's of being a Christ follower, and the strangest thought came over me. What if they ask me my favorite bible verse? And you're thinking... why would they ask her about her favorite bible verse when she's shooting a video about her "story"? That's just how my brain works. So I was going through my head and thinking... I don't really know a whole bunch of bible verses... or I do... and I have NO idea where in the bible they came from! So I started panicking... trying to think of some clever bible verse that will make it seem like i've actually been a Christian for the past 10 years...

At that point I believe is when God was looking at me slowly shaking His head in silent laughter... as if He hasn't taught me anything. It's not the words or the Bible verses that make me a Christian. Then I started having an argument in my head about the importance of Bible verses in today's culture. Here's what I've learned:

-One. You don't have to know the Bible cover-to-cover to be a Christian.

-Two. When you're talking about God with a non-believer it's probably best to leave the thou
shalt's and thou shalt-not's at home.

-Three. It's good to be armed with the word of God, but you can lead someone to Christ without
even pulling out a Bible.

Here's where the tradition comes in. Sometimes we get caught up in this "religion thing", and it can hinder God's work just as much as it can help it. Yes, don't get me wrong... it is GREAT to memorize bible verses... it can be your sword in battle especially when someone is trying to test your faith. But there's another point i'm trying to make. I've seen it plenty of times, new Christian questioning their roll or their purpose in life seeks a new Christian and is... "scripturized." Maybe they're questioning their sexuality, well you can either whip out the Old and New Testament and read to them why its a HUGE sin and what a BIG mistake... or you can listen, share stories, love on them. Then if they're still interested share a passage... or recommend a book. The only reason I choose this example is because I've seen it happen. Seeker searching for love, love in action, not a love from a book written by some guys that they don't even know or grasp yet. They need love now in a way that the action SHOWS Gods love.

So as I pondered the entire "mind argument" thing I was working on I realized that I don't have to have a favorite verse or chapter anything. If I have one great... but since I didn't it's fine. I don't have to know the Bible word-for-word to be a Christian.... and God still loves us anyways.

So I ask... Are you getting caught up in all these words that your actions no longer show Gods love?

leaders.

I'd like to start with two truths.

Leader: [lee-der]
1. a person or thing that leads
2. one who gives guidance and direction.
3. one who inspires.

Boss: [baws,bos]
1. a person who employs or superintends workers; manager.
2. a person who makes decisions, exercises authority, or DOMINATES.
3. to be master of or over, manage, direct or control.

Its sometimes hard to distinguish between the words leader and boss. Let me Clarify.

On one hand a "leader" can guide a "follower" into a Godly direction, while a "boss" can make the "follower" choose that direction without the "followers" input. In another hand a "boss" can make things happen then and now, while a "leader" can portray his/her direction in an enlightening manner. Or even a "boss" can decide to fire a person without reason, while a "leader" can choose to fire a person and be honest and firm.

Here's the cliff-notes version: A leader molds situations and gives his followers a choice and direction, while a boss controls the situation by exercising authority.

So here's my question for you... when you look back at your life experiences... or when God has placed you in a role of governing... did you impact your "followers"? You may not be able to think of a time where you were put in a big leadership role, but it's not always about the "big things" that make a difference. Maybe someone's idea of a leader is only expressed in the movement of large audiences, but yet a true leader could make an impact for only one. It's not about quantity, for if you're moving to impact one person for God, God can move and impact a thousand.

************************

When I was around 16 or 17 I was dumped. Normal, I know. It was the routine Godly check-up that shouted I was headed in the wrong direction too quickly (which I realize now... not so much at the time). I was hurt, sad, upset, ect... It was a normal reaction to a normal life process. Before this "life process" I was a happy-go-lucky newbie Christian, impacting my community and trying to make a difference. My family wasn't involved in church, but that didn't stop me... I was on fire. P.B. (or post breakup) I was broken, confused, I didn't understand how God would allow people to "betray me" and dismiss our so-called "friendships". You see I was so caught up in my "relationship" that I didn't allow myself to build true bridges and foundations. So when God shook what I though was a firm foundation, I landed in the middle of sand. I was left in the middle of a "Christian community" with nothing but my faith in God and my faith in myself. I actually understood what it meant to be a "leper". But I persisted, I knew that Gods plan was greater than what these "Christians" thought of me, or even my own thoughts of blaming God. I knew I was there for a reason, and even though I would sit and cry to myself every Sunday, I knew deep down, there was something more... and there was. God used my determined nature and my heart to become a true leader. Within those few months of what I deemed torture, God allowed my heart to be a proclamation to my greatest accomplishment. I impacted an entire generation, I impacted a way of life, I changed the course of history... I impacted my families lives forever. With my small accomplishment God transformed hundreds of people, the people my father impacted, the people my mother impacted, the people my friends impacted. I made a difference.

That is the reason behind this blog, because I understand leadership. By no means have I sacrificed anything of great value, but I understand why i'm a leader. I know that God has given me a true sense of leadership and heart for people. I, by NO MEANS, am perfect. GOODNESS I am FAR FAR FAR from perfect. But I'm also not just some stupid, young girl that posts on a blog to stir a pot. I post with purpose, I have meaning, and no one can sway my thinking.

I am a child of God. I am a Leader for Christ. I am not perfect. I impact to make a difference. I impact to make a change.

So next time you hear the word "leader" or "leadership", make sure you listen. Because they might actually be substituting a nicer name for "boss".


*By no means does the above stated come from the views of a church, the thoughts are mine alone.
**Stay tuned for my next blog when I discuss my thoughts on cowards.

MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC

SO last night I had the pleasure of hanging out and selling merch at the Hope Concert at Windsor Crossing. I had a blast and had the chance to hang out with some pretty awesome musicians. I wanted to give them a shout out... because I know how hard it is to make it in music... SO if you guys get a chance download a couple of their songs... see what you think!

First off was Chris Taylor. (who is a mac user... and is very cool). His new CD is a cool mixture... I would almost say Leeland/postalservice sound. You can download his stuff on iTUNES, Just search Chris Taylor.

Up after Chris was Alli Rogers. Her voice was just like her CD, and she was also a very talented musician. She has a similar sound to Bethany Dillion and if you've ever heard of the Stars... she also has a vibe similar to them. She was very nice and I actually started selling her stuff before I was moved down to the RS table.

Last in the line up was the headliner... of course Robbie Seay is always awesome. For those of you One Tree Hill fans... his music was featured last week! ANYWAYS... I spent most of my time selling RS Merch... and had a blast with their "roadies" for lack of a better word. If I never make it big... I could always sell merch... haha.

LIKE I SAID... CHECK OUT THE NEW BANDS... THEY ALWAYS APPRECIATE THE SPREAD OF MUSIC... SUPPORT OUR MUSICIANS!

A Heart like David... Revamped.

About time... I know!

I feel like this has been a long time coming... every time I get ready to write another blog... I get caught up in human emotions... that or I feel... uninspired.

WELL... not any more! I've changed the look of my blog and its given me something to write about! I've not only changed the look of my blog... but as most of you know am going through a whole other transformation. Having your life ripped out from under you... sure  changes a person! But for those of you who are actually concerned... I'm doing great. 

I've started to really enjoy the STL life. I've always loved it... but was always back and forth so much... I never had the chance to REALLY enjoy it. I've started serving at another church, which actually took no time at all. God always uses the willing! I've started school, which is always exciting.... wink. I've also made some great friends... surprisingly most are from FredMo. I've been looking a lot into the future to see where I'm headed to... and so far... I'm still mystified. The only thing I'm NOT mystified about is that I know God has a plan for me, and is leading me to where I belong. I do miss having my family around... they are truly phenomenal people and have there hearts with God. BUT they're always a phone call away! (and if need be a quick drive!) I'm glad that God is healing their hearts and is bringing some awesome people into it. I know that God is going to reveal His plan for my father and our family soon... and if not... we're only growing from the wait. 

Well.. I'm slowly falling asleep... I will continue later with some more blogs! Look out!

**sorry if I offended anyone... or bashed any "good people" this was not my intent.

Words of Wisdom

Sometimes I wonder where Natalie gets the inspiration from some of her songs... I know that one of my favorites by her was actually partly written by Matthew West (not you, other matt, the famous one.. haha) I was going to quote some of the lines that really were an impact to me.. but as you read these lyrics... it's really hard to key out a certain one. It's very honest, which is what makes her work impact so many people. It's hard to be honest or real in todays society, because we convince ourselves that when we're honest we could lose everything. Friends, family, trust, money, time, minds, bodies and even God. But nothing we could ever say or do can impact Gods perfection. He lived and died, gave us life, and heals hearts when they're broken. No matter where we are, where we've been, what we've done, or what we could ever do can take away his love and forgiveness. My life may be hurting and my heart might be breaking, but in no way can I ever give God the credit for another humans imperfections, I love God, and I know that he brings us through the pain and troubles of our lives. always.

Before Natalie Grant sang this song she quoted this piece of scripture

Isaiah 29:13-14

These people make a big show of saying the right thing.
But their hearts aren’t in it.
Because they act like they’re worshiping me
But don’t mean it.

I’m going to step in and shock them awake,
Astonish them, stand them on their ears.

The wise ones who had it all figured out will be exposed as fools.
The smart people who thought they knew everything will turn out to know nothing.



Never let him see you when your breaking
Never let him see you when you fall
Thats How We Live
And Thats How We Try

Tell The world you've got it all together
You never let him see what's underneath
We cover it up
with the crooked smile
but it only lasts for a little while

there's no such thing as perfect people
there no such thing as a perfect life
so come as you are, broken and scarred
lift up your heart and be amazed, and be changed
by a perfect god

Suddenly its like a weight is lifted
when you hear the words that you are loved
he knows where you are
and were you've been
and you never have to go there again

theres no such thing as perfect people
theres no such thing as a perfect life
so come as you are, broken and scarred
lift up your heart and be amazed and be changed
by a perfect god

Who lived, and died, to give you life
to heal our inperfections
so look up, and see love, and let grace be enough

There no such thing as perfect people
YEAAA
tehren's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scarred
lift up your heart and be amazed and be changed
by a perfect god
by a perfect god
by a perfect god
yyeaaa
by a perfect god
be changed by a perfect god
be changed

The Lyrics have it.

I'm really glad God has gifted Natalie Grant... because i'm here to tell you... I don't know what I would do with out the bible and the lyrics to some of her songs. I'm a strong indepentant woman and I will not be moved. So as you read these lyrics you have a glimpse of my heart for a moment... I am strong and I love people and I love God... no one can take that away from me.

I have been the wayward child*I have acted out*I have questioned Sovereignty*And had my share of doubt*
And though sometimes my prayers feel like*They're bouncing off the sky*The hand I hold won't let me go*And is the reason why...

I will stumble*I will fall down*But I will not be moved*I will make mistakes*I will face heartache*But I will not be moved*On Christ the Solid Rock I stand*All other ground is sinking sand*I will not be moved*

Bitterness has plagued my heart*Many times before*My life has been like broken glass*And I have kept the score*Of all my shattered dreams and though it seemed*That I was far too gone*My brokenness helped me to see*It's grace I'm standing on*

I will stumble*I will fall down*But I will not be moved*I will make mistakes*I will face heartache*But I will not be moved*On Christ the Solid Rock I stand*All other ground is sinking sand*I will not be moved*

And the chaos in my life*Has been a badge I've worn*Though I have been torn*I will not be moved*I will not be moved*I will not be moved*I will make mistakes*I will face heartache*But I will not be moved*On Christ the Solid Rock I stand*All other ground is sinking sand*

I will not be moved*I will not be moved

A New Idea