More Than Lilies

Good ole' Spurgeon

2009-11-04T11:23:00.000-06:00

I think I've talked about my favorite devotional here before; it's called Morning and Evening by Charles Haddon Spurgeon. I've read through it completely once and am working on my second time through it now; the passages are never old or redundant. Because Spurgeon was a 19th century preacher from London, his speeches/writings are not always the easiest to understand. Therefore, the version I have of the devotional uses updated language, revised by Alistair Begg (also from London, now based in Cleveland; a good modern-day preacher, as far as I know and have heard personally).

Anyhow, when I picked up the book this morning, I thought about how I would like to just re-read the morning passage from yesterday; it's my favorite in the entire book. (Crazy as it seems to me, I haven't posted on that passage specifically but have typed up others here and here.) I relented and moved forward, though, knowing that God has blessed this minuscule obedience many times by providing just the right word for me at just the right moment.

Today's passage was just what I had to hear today, especially after some stressful times yesterday and the great teaching I received last night in class. I thought I'd type it out for you today; put it out there and share it in case it brings some things to the surface for you or just reminds you of where true strength comes from. Enjoy!

Morning passage from November 4th

"For my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

A primary qualification for serving God with any amount of success, and for doing God's work well and triumphantly, is a sense of our own weakness. When God's warrior marches out to battle, strong in his own might, when he boasts, "I know that I will overcome - my own ability and my self-confidence will be enough for victory," defeat is staring him in the face. God will not enable the man who marches in his own strength. He who reckons on victory by such means has reckoned wrongly, for "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 4:6) Those who go out to fight, boasting of their ability, will return with their banners trailing in the dust and their armor stained with disgrace. Those who serve God must serve Him in His own way and in His strength, or He will never accept their service. Whatever a man does, unaided by divine strength, God can never own. The mere fruits of the earth He casts away; He will only reap corn the seed of which was sown from heaven, watered by grace, and ripened by the sun of divine love. God will empty out all that you have before He will put His own into you; He will first clean out your granaries before He will fill them with the finest of wheat. The river of God is full of water; but not one drop of it flows from earthly springs. God will have no strength used in His battles but the strength that He Himself imparts. Are you mourning over your own weakness? Take courage, for there must be a consciousness of weakness before the Lord will give you victory. Your emptiness is but the preparation for your being filled, and you are being humbled to prepare you for being lifted up.

When I am weak then am I strong, grace is my shield and Christ my song.

Songs to Sing

2009-10-28T13:08:00.003-05:00

What Matters More by Derek Webb
You say always treat people like you'd like to be
I guess you love being hated for your sexuality
You love when people put words in your mouth
About what you believe
Make you sound like a freak

'Cause if you really believed
What you say you believe
You wouldn't be so damned reckless
With the words you speak
You wouldn't silently consent
When the liars speak
Denying all the dying of the remedy

Tell me, brother what matters more to you
Tell me, sister what matters more to you

If I can see what's in your heart
By what comes out of your mouth
Then it sure looks to me like being straight
Is all it's about
It looks like being hated
For all the wrong things
Like chasing the wind
While the pendulum swings

'Cause we can talk and debate
Till we're blue in the face
About the language and tradition
That He's coming to save
And meanwhile we sit
Just like we don't give a shit 'bout
Fifty thousand people who are dying today

Tell me, brother what matters more to you
Tell me, sister what matters more to you

You Do Not Understand Now

2009-10-07T12:25:00.000-05:00

It's a cool dreary day here in Dallas. I am extremely grateful for it. Though I'm a summer baby through and through, I also eagerly await late September through late November every year; there is something very refreshing about the hot muggy summer days being blown away by the cool dry winds of autumn.

That doesn't have much to do with my post today but I'm giving thanks for it this morning.

It was about three years ago that Lois, my counselor at the time, used a story of the apostle Peter to gently show me the harsh judgmental ways of my heart. I was describing a recent confrontation I'd had with a very dear friend who bluntly told me, "You're harsh." At the time, I was easily frustrated with other people, even my closest friends - either they did/said/believed things that I didn't agree with so I'd let them know (not in the kindest way, mind you), or they fell short of my expectations of who they should be so I'd bite at them or be extraordinarily rude. Deep down I knew this behavior was wrong - the Holy Spirit was showing me so - but I didn't understand why and when apathy set in, I didn't even try to understand what was happening. I thought that I had this weird way of seeing everyone else's junk way better than my own for a special reason, like I was supposed to declare some warning to everyone I know (believe me - pride will convince you of the stupidest things).

As I talked and vented about my frustrations, Lois listened and pulled out her Bible. She asked me to do the same and turn to John 21. I thought she was going to point to Peter's denial of Christ after the rooster crowing. Instead, she told me how she thought some people overlooked Peter's journey of faith and how her study of him throughout the Bible meant so much to her daily walk. This is the passage where Peter professes his love for Jesus three times. She asked me to read verses 15-17 out loud.

Verse 15: When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”

Verse 16: He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”

Verse 17: He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”

When I was finished, she asked if I loved Jesus. My immediate response was yes, of course. If you're familiar with this passage in John 21, you know what happens next. I am almost sure that I'd read this passage but as I sat there with Lois, my pride kept my vision so hazy; I didn't know what Lois was getting at. I thought to myself, "What does this have to do with being judgmental or recognizing sin?" She asked me to continue reading at verse 20.

Verses 20-22: Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who had been reclining at table close to him and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”

I couldn't say those last three words out loud; my throat was tight and the tears flowed. Though I loved the Lord, I spent all my energy looking at everyone else. To borrow a metaphor from my pastor, it's as if I stood next to the cross, with my back to it, pointing at everyone else and demanding that they humble themselves. It was a major revelation to me - to begin to see myself more realistically before the cross was a new experience. And, as if the moment couldn't be any more revelatory, Lois sat and cried with me. She got that this was a big mind/heart-shifting thing for me. She showed extreme compassion and grace to me in that moment.

Please don't hear me say that I'm not judgmental and I'm cured! I still battle the green monster in me and my pride overwhelms me sometimes. I'm still a little rough around the edges. I get very passionate when someone dismisses issues that they don't understand with a "I don't struggle with that" statement, meaning they don't make an effort to avoid temptation in that realm (which, by the way, is the biggest load of horsecrap that I've ever heard! It's exactly what evil wants you to believe!). I genuinely do not want others to fall into traps that I've fallen into myself. I don't want to be harsh but I also do not want to willingly stand by as people walk into the furnace. In fact, one of the reasons I asked to be a part of my church's Lay Counseling class is so that I can learn to speak the truth in love.

Anyhow, I think I got off on a tangent.

I am often reminded of that session with Lois and the words "You follow me!" whenever I read or hear anything about the apostle Peter, like this post by Jon Bloom at Desiring God. Peter really did love the Lord but he had a very tough time letting go of the Pharisaic and cultural routines/beliefs. He also had a lot of pride, something I think I've proved I can resonate with. Peter missed the mark - a lot - when trying to figure out what Jesus was doing in His ministry. Jon uses the first part of John 13 to show Peter's confusion and near-unwillingness to be a part of Jesus's radical new covenant. I can't choose one good quote in the article, I like the entire thing, so go check it out for yourself.

I don't have this thing figured out. I do get overwhelmed occasionally; sometimes it seems like I've taken one step forward only to take two steps back. I do not understand now what the Lord is accomplishing in me, in my friends, in my family, in this city, in this world. However, grace and comfort sweeps in with that bold statement, "You follow me!" I don't have to figure the purpose out. I trust in His ways. I know He is victorious in the end. I know He is good.

If you take anything from this too-long post, take these three words: God is good. A countless number of my nights have been illuminated with those three words. Though you may wrestle to understand what they mean to you, He is faithful and will not fail to be good even if/when you don't fully grasp this truth.

If the world were a village of 100

2009-10-01T11:58:00.003-05:00

I stumbled upon some really interesting and cool designs regarding world population statistics. I'd be interested to know where the stats come from; in any case, though, the designs are striking. I find them even more intriguing as someone who is visually-oriented; I comprehend facts much more quickly when they're presented in a chart or graph or one of these awesome pictures.

Check them all out using this link. Enjoy!

(HT: Life2gether Blog)

Songs to Sing

2009-09-24T13:26:00.005-05:00

In the Shadow of the Glorious Cross
by Brooks Ritter & Rebecca Bales

In the shadow of the glorious cross
Compelled by grace to cast my lot
I'll discard the loss and bear Your name
Forsaking all for Your own fame

Your hymn of grace sung over me
Abounding forth in glorious streams
My thirst is quenched by You my Lord
Sustained am I redeemed restored
Sustained am I redeemed restored

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

When death's dark shadow's at my feet
When I am plagued by unbelief
You place my hands into Your side
By precious blood identified
By precious blood identified

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

These crowns I've clenched with fisted hands
I cast them down before the throne
Of Christ my God the Worthy Lamb
Christ crucified the great I AM
Christ crucified the great I AM
Christ crucified the great I AM

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! (4x)

*Use this link to download this song for free, sung by Sojourn Music.

Not a new favorite, but close

2009-09-24T11:31:00.002-05:00

If you own a television, you know that the Fall line-up is probably the best it's been in a few years. Several new shows might give some of the oldies a run for their money (hear that, CSI Miami?! You're done!).

Of all the shows premiering over the last couple of weeks - and with the exception of my favorite Monday night CBS line-up - I made a marked effort to catch the pilot and proceeding episodes of Glee. If you haven't heard of Glee, here is FOX's blurb about the new hit:

From Ryan Murphy, the creator of "Nip/Tuck," comes GLEE, a new comedy for the aspiring underdog in all of us.

The series follows an optimistic teacher, WILL SCHUESTER (Matthew Morrison), who - against all odds and a malicious cheerleading coach - attempts to save McKinley High's Glee Club from obscurity, while helping a group of aspiring underdogs realize their true star potential. It's a tall order when the brightest stars of the group include KURT (Chris Colfer), a soprano who hits a high note in fashion; MERCEDES (Amber Riley), a larger-than-life diva with a voice to match; ARTIE (Kevin McHale), a geeky guitarist who rocks and rolls; and TINA (Jenna Ushkowitz), a punk rocker who hides behind her stutter and blue hair extensions.

Will's only hope lies with two true talents: RACHEL BERRY (Lea Michele), a self-proclaimed star who is convinced that MySpace and show choir and are her tickets to fame; and FINN HUDSON (Cory Monteith), the popular high school quarterback with movie star looks who must protect his reputation from his holier-than-thou girlfriend and "Cheerios" head cheerleader, QUINN (Dianna Agron), and his arrogant football teammate, PUCK (Mark Salling).

Will is determined to do whatever it takes to make Glee great again, but his only ally is fellow teacher and germaphobe EMMA PILLSBURY (Jayma Mays). Everyone else around him thinks he's nuts - from his tough-as-nails wife TERRI SCHUESTER (Jessalyn Gilsig) to McKinley's scheming cheerleading coach SUE SYLVESTER (Jane Lynch) - but he's out to prove them wrong.

Featuring a soundtrack of hit songs from past and present, GLEE is produced by Ryan Murphy Television in association with 20th Century Fox Television. Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan are co-creators of the series. Murphy, Falchuk and Dante Di Loreto serve as executive producers, while Ian Brennan serves as co-executive producer. Murphy directed the pilot.

From the blurb alone, I would dismiss this as some pep squad tv-version of Bring It On. Also, this show seemed to present a long list of "no way joses" for me: I refuse to watch anything related to Nip/Tuck; FOX is notoriously raunchy (seems like an oxymoron given their "conservative" news program); historically I haven't liked movies/tv shows with over-the-top representations of cliche characters (the gay kid, the reject artsy girl, the jock and cheerleader couple, the loud black girl, etc); the guy who plays the jock looks a lot like Chris Klein (yuck!), ad nauseam.

However, thanks to FOX's smart and catchy plugs for the show at the onset of summer, I became more and more interested. I finally sat down last weekend and watched all the current episodes on Hulu. I'll be honest - this show is not even morally neutral; it's moral-meter leans way more towards Bad than Good. I have to give credit, though, to the musical talent and choreography of the cast and creators. They picked a great cast of people - very talented - and the show features current pop songs musical-style. It makes for great entertainment when viewed outside of the usual FOX raunchiness.

I want to watch the show because of these scenes which says a lot because I am NOT a musical fan. Ask my bestie Karen; she is a HUGE musical fan. Out of all the time I've known her, I've been to two musicals with her - Radio City Rockettes (it was free) and The Lion King (my favorite cartoon movie). However, I might have to pass and only watch clips of the musical scenes on Hulu because of the great bent towards sexual themes.

Now that I've finished my official review of Glee, let me present you with a great clip I found (via People.com) of a recent episode. You pick up in the last few minutes of a football game where the team is in a pinch and needs some extra help. I hope you enjoy it! Afterwards, you might be tempted to join me in my Hulu clip excursions for gems like these.

Songs to Sing

2009-09-16T12:11:00.002-05:00

Lead Us Back by Bobby Gilles & Brooks Ritter
Falling down upon our knees,
Sharing now in common shame,
We have sought security,
Not the cross that bears Your name.
Fences guard our hearts and homes --
Comfort sings a siren tune.
We're a valley of dry bones;
Lead us back to life in You.

Lord we fall upon our knees,
We have shunned the weak and poor,
Worshipped beauty, courted kings
And the things their gold affords,
Prayed for those we'd like to know --
Favor sings a siren tune.
We've become a talent show;
Lead us back to life in You.

You have caused the blind to see,
We have blinded him again
With our man-made laws and creeds,
Eager, ready to condemn.
Now we plead before Your throne --
Power sings a siren tune.
We've been throwing heavy stones;
Lead us back to life in You.

We're a valley of dry bones
Lead us back to life in You.
We've become a talent show
Lead us back to life in You.
We've been throwing heavy stones
Lead us back to life in You

*Use this link to download this song for free, sung by Sojourn Music.

A procrastinated project FINISHED!

2009-09-05T13:33:00.002-05:00

Hello, my name is Angela.

Welcome Angela!

I am here tonight because...

[crickets chirping]

...I am a home-project procrastinator.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you've known me for any length of time, or visited my humble abod, you know without any confession from these lips that I am a home-project procrastinator. I can place blame but I am fully to blame. It isn't the fault of my packrat father who piles all of his work tools, materials, projects on top of an antique pool table in the entry room of my parents' house. I also can't blame my paper-archiving mother who doesn't think you should ever throw out a bill or invoice; she apparently doesn't think you need to open them either. (Plus side: if I ever need to find a bank statement from my teenage days, my mother's gift will come in quite handy.) I also can't point the finger at my six years spent as a North Texas nomad. Between three dorm rooms, two apartments and a few trips back to my parents' house for summers, my life stayed in a mix-match of hastily collected cardboard boxes for a long time.

Nope. I have to take this burden. It is mine. (Did I mention I'm feeling melodramatic today?)

To get to the point of why I'm posting at all on a Saturday, my sabbath, I'll just say this: a bookcase in my sweet little bay window/dining room/office/sun room/storage area has been a long time coming.

I found a simple, inexpensive bookcase at Target in a color called espresso. I've fought tooth and nail in every store I've scoured to find a bookcase that is oak colored, not too cheap and flimsy, and a reasonable price. I don't know what came over me last Saturday but I up and bought this one for $25. It was priced $32 (in-store and online) but it magically rang up for $25 at the register (thanks Lord!). I spent about two hours putting it together Monday night and finally got around to pulling out all of my boxes of books Thursday night.

I set out to finish my project when I failed to roll over and go back to sleep at 10am this morning (Hey! Don't judge me! I haven't slept in for ages. Or maybe just two weeks. Who are you? The sleep police?!)

Here are some pictures of my achievement. Before and after books. And because I'm trying to recover from being a home-project procrastinator, I think confession and transparency are crucial. I included a picture of the bookcase's cardboard box, still sitting in my living room floor. From Monday. Don't judge me. ;-)

Before: (sorry for the blurriness)

After:

So sad....

Songs To Sing

2009-09-04T12:17:00.001-05:00

Faithful by Mike Cosper
In the desert
In the dry and worn-out land.
Is where my soul seems to be.

My body weak
With the weight of my own sin.
Sick with guilt once again.

Won't You rescue me?
Won't You hear my call?
God of grace renew me.
With Your unfailing love.

You are faithful,
You are faithful to your children.
When they call upon Your name.
You heal their sickness.
You redeem their souls from hell.
When they call upon Your name.

In the desert.
In the dry and worn-out land.
Is where I am redeemed.

You have rescued me
You have heard my call
Oh God of peace you fill me
With unfailing love.

You are faithful,
You are faithful to your children.
When they call upon Your name.
You heal their sickness.
You redeem their souls from hell.
When they call upon Your name.

You are faithful,
You are faithful to your children.
When they call upon Your name.
You heal their sickness.
You redeem their souls from hell.
When they call upon Your name.

*Use this link to download this song for free, sung by Sojourn Music.

"And if I bleat, and bolt? Still with me."

2009-09-03T14:22:00.000-05:00

Jenni posted something great today about our metaphorical valleys. Here's an excerpt:

"The valley is arrived at in an instant. An illness. An accident. Bad news dropping–no matter how gently–from the lips of a doctor, falling like a blanket of ash upon your soul. The valley is entered. The volcano has blown. There is no water, no sustenance, no warmth. We cannot see the way out. We can only stumble along, trusting in the grip of the One who never lacks sight.

Check out the rest of the post here.

P.S. Did I ever tell you that Jenni's the reason why I read (and started my own) blogs today? Hmmmm. Guess I should have mentioned that before!

Songs to Sing

2009-09-02T17:55:00.001-05:00

Our Great God by Fernando Ortega
Eternal God, unchanging
Mysterious and unknown
Your boundless love unfailing
In grace and mercy shown
Bright seraphim in ceaseless flight
Around your glorious throne
Their voices raised both day and night
In praise to you alone

Hallelujah!
Glory be to our great God
Hallelujah!
Glory be to our great God!

Lord, we are weak and frail,
Helpless in the storm
Surround us with your angels
Hold us in your arms
Our cold and ruthless enemy
His pleasure is our harm
Rise up, oh Lord, and he will flee
Before our Sovereign God

Hallelujah!
Glory be to our great God!
Hallelujah!
Glory be to our great God!

Let every creature in the sea
And every flying bird
Let all the mountains, all the fields
And valleys of the earth
Let all the moons and all the stars
Throughout the universe
Sing praises to the Living God
Who rules them by His word

Hallelujah!
Glory be to our great God
Hallelujah!
Glory be to our great God!

Raw

2009-08-16T22:43:00.000-05:00

Please forgive me in advance if this is a bit scrambled or rambling.

I just came upon a picture post of a blog I have read for nearly a year now. The blog has been around for several years; a young mother of four speaks with witty insights and sweet memories of her children and amazing husband. Exactly one year ago Saturday, she and her husband were in a horrible plane accident while on a small weekend getaway. I think there were three or four people on the flight; she and her husband survived. He emerged from the wreckage badly burned but expecting her to already be out. When he realized she was still in the plane, he went back and pulled her out, causing even more severe burns to himself than he had already received. She was badly burned on almost every surface of her body.

I share all of this to tell you that I am so very humbled and inspired by her journey. Over the last year I have read on as despair tried so fervently to take her over. Little children don't always understand these tragedies and her kiddos and husband are her crowning glory. They both have spent months in rehabilitation and surgeries; though at some times I am sure she would say her hope was not strong, I have seen remarkable faith on her part in the healing process. She has a beautiful family; it has been a privilege to pray for her and see her taking steps daily towards her new "normal".

In memoriam of the accident and the live(s) that was/were lost, she and her husband (and many others, I am sure) hiked the mountain where the accident took place. Today, also, she posted the very first picture of herself since the accident. She is radiant. No wretched despair can hold her back; the joy and love in her shines through her eyes and her smile. I sat speechless at the confidence at which she lives. I am truly humbled and reminded of what I should be grateful for; the meaningless, trivial things that will fall away should be left behind now.

Will you take a moment and just reflect on your concerns/worries? What are they? Who do they affect? What happened that made these things so heavy on your mind and heart? Are they worth all the obesessing and anxiety? Where do your hope and joy lie?

I promise that I will be thinking on these things tonight and this evening with you. Tears spill over easily already just running through the silly things I allow to rule my thoughts. Lord forgive me and help me.

*If you'd like to know the blog name, let me know and I'll point you in the right direction. I don't want to broadcast her blog or pictures here out of respect for her and her family.

"I need help with my math"

2009-08-12T11:28:00.001-05:00

I could not stop laughing at work after hearing this 911 call by a little kid. I found this posted on Between Two Worlds yesterday; check it out when you get a chance.

(HT: Phil Johnson, Justin Taylor)

#2 Favorite Disney Movie

2009-07-24T09:48:00.000-05:00

I wish I could give you a post about my #1 favorite Disney movie (The Lion King) but nothing super exciting is happening for it right now. However, my #2 favorite - Alice in Wonderland - was recently made into a real-life movie by Tim Burton and other geniuses of film-making. None other than the amazing Johnny Depp plays the Mad Hatter; Helena Bonham Carter plays the Queen of Hearts. I was THRILLED to see this teaser trailer. Hope you enjoy it!

*Update: I'm unable to embed a video of the trailer here (the link I had kept embedding New Moon, which I wouldn't mind, but I really want you to see Alice in Wonderland!). Anyway, just use the link below to go to Yahoo trailers - Yahoo always shows the trailers in HD!

Alice in Wonderland trailer on Yahoo

Genius!

2009-07-23T18:20:00.001-05:00

So stinking cool! I hope I can be this creative someday!

My steps to stupid

2009-07-14T15:45:00.000-05:00

I was busy laughing my head off a few minutes ago while reading SCL (#576, in particular, had me giggly) when I got to one of Jon's serious Wednesday posts. Jon is a great writer - he has the unique ability to write the way that people think. Or, maybe, he writes the way that I think. I don't know. But in either case, I am never surprised when I stumble across a post that reminds me of my own mindset or behavior.

That's why, when I stopped laughing and started reflecting on #566, I realized I needed to post about the message. In not so many words, he wrote about "steps to stupid" or things that are indicative of a wayward attitude. He reminded me of the recent tugging on my conscience to be mindful of what I'm doing with my time. My pastor has talked about this same thing before on one of the church blogs; the things that do not stir affection for Christ. So, here you go - I'm going to mention some things that can easily be defined, when indulged in, as my "steps to stupid".

1. Mindless TV watching
2. Overeating
3. Excessive isolation
4. Movies/TV/books with dramatic romance
5. Missing church services
6. More than 2 drinks at happy hour
7. Idle conversation
8. Gossip - anywhere (work, home, church, etc)
9. Fantasyland
10. Comparing myself to others

I admit that there are both basic (i.e. applicable for all Christians) and personal (i.e. applicable for just me as far as I know) items on this list. Some are universal thieves of affection for Christ; others are definitely true for me but not necessarily everyone. I won't spend time categorizing the items because, honestly, I don't know your heart and I've been a part of some disagreements on this topic. This verse always comes to mind when I reflect on this topic:

Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

I put my actions, thoughts, words, motivations, choices, plans - everything - up against this verse. If I cannot say with a pure heart that what I will do/have done lines up with this verse, then it goes onto my "steps to stupid" list. "Stupid" is a bad, lonely, sad, angry place to be. I want to avoid it like the plague. More than even that, though, I want to pay very careful attention to these things, and others yet to be revealed, so that my affection is stirred for Christ, not squashed. He is my goal, He is my treasure; in Him I live and move and have my being - not in a list of goods and bads - just Him.

Look for my next post where I lay out a few things that stir my affections for Christ.

Until next time,
Ang

Funny!

2009-07-10T12:54:00.000-05:00

I know it's been awhile since I've posted - I promise to get around to it soon! I've been uber-busy this summer with travel and work and reading Harry Potter (I'm about 10 years behind the craze).

Anyway, found a new blog that I might add to my reader; I have to share this funny video on the blog. Check it out below!

New Moon trailer #1

2009-06-01T00:09:00.000-05:00

I can't help but be excited. I've been a fan of the books for about a year now. If you've already the series, it may sound crazy that New Moon is one of my two favorites: Breaking Dawn is definitely #1. I can already tell the quality of the filming is way better than Twilight. It's going to be great!

Here's the first of (hopefully) several trailers for New Moon:

Click here for the Yahoo's HD New Moon trailer!

Indescribable

2009-05-31T01:57:00.000-05:00

100th post YAY!

2009-05-31T01:20:00.000-05:00

For the occasion, enjoy some fun "Do Re Me Fa So La Ti Do" :)

(HT: Ray Ortlund/Christ is Deeper Still)

Beatboxing

2009-05-30T22:52:00.000-05:00

Whoa.

Online Beatboxing Champion @ Yahoo! Video

Discernment

2009-05-27T23:10:00.000-05:00

I enjoy learning about spiritual gifts. It is one of the coolest things to see in the Church; people discovering their gifts and God using those gifts for His glory.

The Resurgence has been posting a series about spiritual gifts. I've really liked reading through them. Today, I finally got to read one that pertains to me: discernment.

Check out the whole series to date here.

Peace & chicken grease,
Ang

Sorry it's been so long!

2009-05-27T23:03:00.001-05:00

Lots to talk about - very little time to do so. Here are a few quick updates:

I'm leading a step study group for The Village's Recovery program this summer
The Thill/Beauvais family reunion is June 26-28 in Great Bend, KS - I'm so excited!
My church officially branched out into the city of Dallas - Northway Church is now The Village Church, Dallas Northway campus
I accepted a new position at my company about 6 weeks ago - my new title is Quality Assurance Analyst, Survey Programming
My parents gained a new doggy - her name is Penny; she's a Rotweiler
In just a little over a week, I'll get the honor of standing by my friend (Christie) as she becomes one with her beloved

I know that I've missed something, or many somethings, but like I said - limited time. I promise I'll update again soon!!

Sara Groves song #2

2009-04-23T14:54:00.000-05:00

I'm on a Sara Groves kick - except I'm not sure it's temporary. Here is another set of lyrics for a song called "Glory Come Down".

It didn't take me too long to find
The chains you just had freed me from
I got so used to having them on
I didn't know how to live in freedom

This can't be, no it can't be
What you have intended for me
And this can't be, no it can't be
What you have intended for me

Glory, come down
Sent from your holy place
Come cleanse me now
Sovereign and holy, come make me holy now

What is it in the nature of man
That draws us away from our purpose
To despise the things of God
And love the things that hurt us

And this can't be, no it can't be
What you have intended for us
This can't be, no it cannot be
What you have intended for us

Glory, come down
Sent from your holy place
Come cleanse us now
Sovereign and holy, come make us holy
Sovereign and holy, come make us holy
Sovereign and holy, come make us holy now

This can't be, no it can't be
What you have intended for me
This can't be, no it cannot be
What you have intended for me

Glory, come down
Sent from your holy place
Come cleanse us now
Sovereign and holy, come make us holy
Sovereign and holy, come make us holy
Sovereign and holy, come make us holy now

Straight from your holy place,
Lord, make us holy as you are holy
Send it down Lord, just a little bit of heaven here on earth
Send down your glory
Lord we need you, Lord we need you, Lord we need you
Lord I love you, Lord I love you, Lord I love you
Thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus

*written by Sara Groves

Something changed

2009-04-19T01:46:00.000-05:00

Something changed inside me broke wide open all spilled out
Till I had no doubt that something changed

Never would have believed it till I felt it in my own heart
In the deepest part the healing came

And I cannot make it
And I cannot fake it
And I can't afford it
But it's mine

Something so amazing in a heart so dark and dim
When a wall falls down and the light comes in

And I cannot make it
And I cannot fake it
And I can't afford it
But it's mine

*Written by Sara Groves