retreat

busyness seems to come so easily in my life. this year especially.

my time seems to be so easily occupied. this is not how a life is supposed to be lived. we were not made to function this way.

i was walking back to my room tonight and gazed up at the clouds and stars, wishing that i could fly and take a long break from the chaotic things in my life. just soar with angels, caught up in the praise of God.

God. i hate being busy. i hate that i take your gift of time and, more often than not, don't manage it well. i ask that you would give grace and mercy and perseverance. i don't want this to be a habit. teach me to live simply and to glorify you in all areas of my life; most of all my time.

"I sought the LORD and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears...This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him...Oh taste and see that the Lord is good." (pieces of Psalm 119)

Perspective on sin

"YHWH is the God of life, the source of life, according to Genesis. That is the reason that all the words for 'sin' in the Hebrew Bible also refer, in one way or another, to behaviour which destroys or diminishes life. As the redeemer (the go'el of Job 19.6) YHWH is the one who protects, defends and restores life."

-timothy goringe "Harvest" (reading i have for homework)

identity

In philosophy, identity is whatever makes an entity definable and recognizable, in terms of possessing a set of qualities or characteristics that distinguish it from other entities.

seems like our world has endless options for identity. think the definition and your life through and tell me what your identity is. (feedback encouraged and/or required)

God

ever faithful, ever true.

when all else fails, you remain.

great is thy faithfulness.

rock of ages, cleft for me.

God with us.

I AM.

Shedding light on Dark and Light

so anberlin released their record, Dark is the Way, Light is a Place on the 7th. i love the album and it's only been a week. it has a much more mature sound to it, an obvious nod to the producer, Brendan O'Brian. he's produced albums by big names such as stone temple pilots, pearl jam, rage, incubus, train, springsteen, and ac/dc to name a few.

the guys have all been stretched talent wise and are better for it. the album is one that shows off their creativity and skill, from vocal to lyrical to instrumentation. they have a much bigger, more refined sound.

the album seems to have a theme of distant relationships that are desired to be closer. the theme is even wrapped around a song title, simply "closer." the albums talk about how difficult it is to work through the initial stages of a relationship and how deeper understanding is wanted. i think that it's a great theme to wrap around because there are so many superficial relationships out in the world, be it a friendship or romantic one. i think that finding a deep friend that you can bare your soul to is so important. it's so easy to keep people out though, and this is something this album reflects on.

the album is one that will catch your ear as well. each song is unique and has it's own catchy vibe to it, whether it's the poppy "you belong here" or the driving beat of "pray tell." it's an album of songs that flow well together yet has songs that can stand out when listened to.

all this to say, you oughta give it a listen

(i'm lovin it.)

truth

our God is greater, our God is stronger,

God you are higher than any other.

our God is healer, awesome in power

our God, our God.

more than all i want, more than all i need,

You are more than enough for me.

more than all i know, more than all i can see,

You are more than enough for me.

amazing grace

the Lord has promised good to me.

His word my hope secures,

He will my shield and portion be,

as long as life endures.

great is thy faithfulness, o God my father,

there is no shadow of turning with thee;

thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not;

as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.

you're my God and my firm foundation,

it is you [i need to trust] trust at all times.

i give glory, praise, adoration;

to my savior who's seated on high.

all i need is you lord, all i need is you.

you hold the universe, you hold everyone on earth.

sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the things whirling around me; to get caught up in the business and distraction. yet God is faithful and here when i lose focus of Him, still leading, still loving, and wanting to transform. great is His faithfulness.