The Silence of God

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin." - Hebrews 4:15

As we ponder the weight of Christ's sacrifice on the cross this Good Friday, I heard something from a brilliant professor last night that I wanted to share. Many times in our lives we find ourselves in a dry place, we pray and plead for what is on our hearts, and sometimes we don't hear the voice of Jesus at all. We are lost with how to accept this silence. Is it a no? Is it a wait? Sometimes we take it as Christ ignoring us for straying from him. In whatever circumstance we face we are lost for words on how to accept the silence of God. 
         Dr. Carmen Butcher, an amazing former professor of mine at Shorter University, shared last night that even Christ himself experienced the silence of God. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew- 26:39. And what followed, even for Christ our Savior, was the silence of God. 
         Dr. Butcher also pointed out how uncomfortable and even scary silence can be to us. We live in a world dominated by technology. Silence is something that bothers us as people. We have to have music, a ceiling fan, the television. Something. So when God is silent in our lives, how much more are we scared and uncomfortable? Yet, in the midst of the silence Christ prayed that the Father's will be done. 
         When we experience such silence in our lives when only need remember that the Son of God experience this silence, too. Hebrews 4:15 tells us that we have a High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses. How many times have we been discouraged by the silence of God? How many times has that lead us to have doubts and worry? In this times of darkness and dryness, let us remember that Christ Himself experienced the silence of God. That is crazy to think about. God Himself in flesh, experienced this silence. And he gave us the perfect example of how to react to it. "Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will."
          There is a popular television show entitled "True Detective." In this show there is a character named Rust Cohle. This is what he says about that moment at Gethsemane, "I contemplate the moment in the garden, the idea of allowing your crucifixion." As Christ prayed and received this silence, he didn't worry or scream or complain. He got up and he followed God'd will. 
          How can we ponder the silence of God in our lives? Dr. Butcher added at the end of her talk, "By realizing that Christ is present in the silence." When we feel alone from silence, we must realize that He has been there all along. Sitting with us, crying with us, praying with us, and inviting us to follow the Father. Wherever He leads, I'll go. 
"Wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you stay, I will stay." Ruth 1:16. That's what Christ did and that's what He calls us to do. Be blessed.  

A Year of Jubilation Part Two

Thus began our year of Jubilation with I AM, but it was not to last. The Garden in all its beauty had been invaded by something that would deceive me and my partner both. Too long had I become happy with my companion, Eve. She was the sun and the moon. Everything was perfect between me, my companion, and I AM. The animals and insects were beautiful in their habitat, but the Serpent was more clever than any animal God has placed in the Garden,
*                                                                             *                                                                                *

One day, as Eve recounts, she was wandering in the Garden when she heard what she thought was a tree speaking. It said, " Do I understand that God has commanded you not to eat from the trees in the Garden?" Eve was perplexed for she thought the voice had come from the trees and she couldn't understand why a tree was speaking to her let alone in her own tongue.
                   Curious, she looked around to try to find where the voice might be coming from. Just as she was about to give up and chalk it up to her imagination, she spotted it. Among the leaves, twisted between was the Serpent. She spotted him and he immediately asked her again, "Is it true? Can you not eat from the trees?"
                   Eve, not knowing his intentions, answered him saying, "Not at all, we can eat from these trees. I AM told us lovingly not to eat from the middle tree, He said in the moment we did we would surely die." The Serpent spoke again, "Now why would I AM tell you such a thing? Surely everything in this Paradise is perfect? No, you will not die. I AM knows that as soon as you eat from the tree, you will be just like Him." Eve replied, " Are we not already just like Him? Made in His very innate image?"
                   The Serpent persisted, "No, not in his image, but of His very mind."
                   " His mind, His thoughts?" Eve replied
                   " Yes," the Serpent replied "You will be equal with Him possessing everything that He possess. You will lack nothing."
                    And this, this interested Eve very much.

2014 Oscar Predictions

I've never written a blog like this before, but I wanted to get in on the fun and spirit of the Oscars. I love films and the art that goes into the making them. Here are my predictions for tonight's red carpet showdown:

Best Picture

"12 Years a Slave"
"American Hustle"
"Captain Phillips"
"Dallas Buyers Club"
"Gravity"
"Nebraska"
"The Wolf of Wall Street"
"Her"
"Philomena"

This is always a close race. There are a few here that could take the cake, but I think the top films for this award are "Dallas Buyers Club," "Gravity," and "Twelve Years a Slave." "Captain Phillips" could make a run for the award.

My Prediction: Gravity

Best Actor in a Leading Role

Bruce Dern -- "Nebraska"
Leonardo DiCaprio -- "The Wolf of Wall Street"
Chiwetel Ejiofor -- "12 Years a Slave"
Matthew McConaughey -- "Dallas Buyers Club"
Christian Bale -- "American Hustle"

Leo will once again not receive an Oscar for Best Actor. McConaughey and Ejiofor and the clear leaders in this category.

My Prediction: Matthew McConaughey- "Dallas Buyers Club"

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Cate Blanchett -- "Blue Jasmine"
Sandra Bullock -- "Gravity"
Judi Dench -- "Philomena"
Meryl Streep -- "August: Osage County"
Amy Adams -- "American Hustle" 

Any one of these women could take this award and they are all certainly deserving. This may be the best crop of actresses for this award in some time. Sandra Bullock looks this bring home the hardware with her haunting performance in "Gravity," but Cate Blanchett did win the Golden Globe in this same category for Woody Allen's "Blue Jasmine"

My Prediction: Cate Blanchett- "Blue Jasmine"

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Barkhad Abdi -- "Captain Phillips"
Bradley Cooper -- "American Hustle"
Michael Fassbender -- "12 Years a Slave"
Jared Leto -- "Dallas Buyers Club"
Jonah Hill -- "The Wolf of Wall Street"

Once again its a showdown between the juggernauts that are "12 Years a Slave" and "Dallas Buyers Club." But also keep an eye out for the wild card that is Cooper.

My Prediction: Jared Leto- "Dallas Buyers Club"

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Jennifer Lawrence -- "American Hustle"
Lupita Nyong'o -- "12 Years a Slave"
Julia Roberts -- "August: Osage County"
June Squibb -- "Nebraska"
Sally Hawkins -- "Blue Jasmine"

I liked to think that someone out there could usurp J-Law, but I dont see it happening this year.

My Prediction: Jennifer Lawrence- "American Hustle" 

Best Director

Alfonso Cuaron -- "Gravity"
Steve McQueen -- "12 Years a Slave"
Alexander Payne -- "Nebraska"
Martin Scorsese -- "The Wolf of Wall Street"
David O. Russell -- "American Hustle"

Why is Spike Jonze not nominated for "Her?" or Woody Allen for "Blue Jasmine?"

My Prediction: Alfonso Cuaron- "Gravity" 

Best Animated Feature

"The Croods" 
"Ernest & Celestine"
"Frozen" 
"The Wind Rises"
"Despicable Me 2"

For almost a solid month after its release all I heard from people and from Buzzfeed was FROZEN!!!!!!! I'll be shocked if it doesnt take the hardware tonight.

My Prediction: Frozen

From here its mainly a bunch of editing awards and such, I will say that Gravity will win any visual art awards, Frozen will win for best original song, Woody Allen will win for screenplay, and JOHN WILLIAMS will win for best original score, because I mean, come on, its JOHN WILLIAMS. 

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy the show! 

Fear, doubt, and anxiety (I will find a way)

Fear is something that grabs a hold of you and squeezes tight. Fear will you a shell of your former self. Fear, doubt, and anxiety can come out of nowhere for no reason at all. If you are like me, something that isn't a big deal at all turns into something that seems insurmountable. If you are like me, I hope this post will be helpful.
This last week of my life has been brutal. Its just been one of those weeks. I've worried, I've cried (a lot), and I've become mentally exhausted. I prayed, I read scripture, and I heard encouragement from family and the best girlfriend I could ever have asked for. I've also listened to a ton of music. Mostly Lord Huron on repeat, but this morning I sought for something different. I put in Jason Gray's album "A Way to See in the Dark." I heard encouragement as well as songs that let me know that I'm not alone in feeling this fear and anxiety. The song "I Will Find A Way" hit me the hardest. Its mainly a Christmas song about how Christ is coming into our messed up world to make all things new. I heard it from a completely different scope. I heard it as the lyrics say: "How should I come to one I love? I will find a way." This hit me like a ton of bricks. In the midst of my worry and doubt, where I was more focused on my small dilemma, I lost sight of the fact that Christ was pursuing me to resolve the situation and make all things new again. He was saying to me "Derek, why wont you let me in? Let me take care of this completely? Nevertheless, I will find a way." I know and admit this has been a weak past week for me. I have sought Christ and been consoled, but at the same time I have hung on to my problems and let them fester. I have written this as a form of therapy and also to let other people out there know that they are not alone. In our brokenness, Christ will come and carry us out of the fear, away from the doubt, and free us from the anxiety. Fear is easy, Love is hard. That is another track on Jason's record, but it is a true statement. Don't let fear overtake you like it did me this week, but when it does rely on Christ to carry you out. He has come to make all things new. He is sanctifying us day by day and making us new. Its comforting knowing that Christ will find a way. In the midst of our fear, doubt, and anxiety He will find a way to lead you out. Rely on Him, read the scriptures. My amazing girlfriend, Heather, pointed me towards Philippians and it was just what I needed. I read, prayed, cried, and worship for the first time that week. God has given the scripture for teaching, instruction, and worship. Let us read it and be blessed by what He is telling it. Life is too short and too beautiful to live in fear. Remember, no matter what, He will find a way.      

I'll Be the One to Drive You Back Home (The Art of Making Playlist)

                        One of my great passions in life is music. If you spent even five minutes with me, then you know this to be true. Its the way in which I express myself and, my sub-sequential, emotions. There are too many songs and too many records that influence me. It is nearly impossible to look to just one of them, although I find I can. It is still tough. The art of playlist making allows me to reach outside the realm of one artists' album and it allows me to create. We are all made in God's image and created by him. Because of this, He has given us the gift of creating also. It is a beautiful gift. And just as bands create their own works of art, making playlists allows us to create as well. It allows us to become vulnerable to a larger audience if we like. Its amazing the power that music has over people. Creating is something that we as Christians, and people of the world, should be doing on a daily basis. Making playlists allows me to worship the Creator through creating. Creating is, of course, not limited to making playlists. We should be doing something that involves creating daily whether its writing, building, throwing, spinning, painting, or filming. It is an appropriate form of worship and one that will, ultimately, bring us closer to our Savior.
                         Spotify has allowed me to do such a thing at an alarming rate (just ask my girlfriend Heather). This is in no way a pitch for Spotify and I just mention it because it has allowed me to create. Ive been exposed to all kinds of music that I didn't know about via Spotify. Its been good for my soul. If you are interested and have a Spotify account I encourage you to explore some of the playlists I've created. Music is an incredible inspiration to me.( Even as I write this I'm listening to Josh Garrels). It helps me says things that I have trouble saying myself. Sometimes its easier for me to make a playlist for Heather when regular words just don't seem good enough. She's an incredible playlist maker too, by the way.
                          We innately have this desire to create because we are created beings. So, when we do create let us create worthwhile things that will glorify our Creator and Savior. It has given us this gift and desire. Let us not squander it. All Glory to Christ.

Spring Reading List

So, I've decided to undertake a task in which I read a TON of books in a seven month period. At the moment I am still trying to finalize my list so that I can get started on this adventure as soon as possible. So, here's my list to date. If you have any more suggestions PLEASE comment and let me know! I would love to hear what books you all are reading. I want to know what books you love and which ones inspire you the most. Without further ado, here's my list to date.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (Soon to start this book)
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
A Song of Ice and Fire by George Martin
Summerland by Michael Chabon
Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
The Book Thief and I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
The Shining by Stephen King
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Extremely Loud and Incredible Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
The Old Man and the Sea- Ernest Hemingway

The is a BEAST of a list, but I encourage you to add to it if you have any more suggestions. I am definitely going to plow through these as fast as I can. Thank you all, again, for your suggestions. I am grateful to have friends who share a love for stories like I do. Thank you.

Daily Reflections on Art "Birds of Relocation"

                  I am a bird of relocation. I was once dead in my sin and buried in my depravity. But the sentence doesn't end there. By grace and out of love for me, Christ came and gave himself for me so that I could live a life of love in relationship with him. What grace, what love. Life hasn't always been easy, but I've found that Christ time and time again has used art to speak to me whether through His word, music, films, or other books.
                   Eric Peters is a singer/songwriter out of Nashville. His music speaks of not only joy, but also of the darkest moments of life. His music brings empathy and hope. His latest record "Birds of Relocation" seeks to bring hope to any listener who is weary and worn out. In his song "Lost and Found" he writes a simple lyric that can bring encouragement to anyone. He writes, "Today is yesterday made new." That's a simple, yet powerful lyric. Think about it. Whatever happened yesterday is over today. The sun sets and the night kills the previous day only to have a beautiful rebirth with the sunrise. A sunrise is grace. A new day that we don't deserve, but Christ gives to us out of love. A new day to love, forgive, and make new. The songs on this record pierce the heart and make you ponder what you are doing with your daily life. It has for me anyway. In "Voices" he writes, "Every hope that every lived there but has since flown, I'm finding again. Im finding again." Thats a great statement of hope for anyone who is struggling or is in a dry place in their life. Hope is alive and if you feel you have lost it, it is there and it can be found again! I encourage you to listen to "Birds" because in a way every Christian is a bird of relocation. We have been relocated, by the grace of Christ alone, from death to life. He alone has rescued us. He alone has relocated us.  Soli Deo gloria

My favorite songs from 2013

MY FAVORITE SONGS OF 2013

1. Rest Easy- Andrew Peterson
2. I'm on Your Side- Andrew Osenga
3. Blur- Anchor & Braille
4. I Am For You- Waking Ashland
5. Moving Upstairs- Danny Seim
6. Spark (Bitter)- Until June
7. New Constellation- Toad the Wet Sprocket
8. If This River Runs Dry- Caleb
9. Waiting For My Time to Come- Colony House
10. 1973- James Blunt
11. Brightest- Copeland
12. Atlas- Coldplay
13. Ungodly Hour- The Fray
14. Live and Let Die- Paul McCartney
15. Shadow Days- John Mayer
16. Haunted- Leagues
17. Do You What You Love- Machines Are People Too
18. Dismantle. Repair.- Anberlin
19. She Must And Shall Go Free- Derek Webb
20. My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark- Fall Out Boy
21. Never Grow Old- The Digital Age
22. God Badge- Fiction Family
23. The Cure for the Pain- Jon Foreman
24. The A Team- Ed Sheeran
25. Sky High- The Ben Folds Five
26. Table for Two- Caedmon's Call
27. A Last Time for Everything- Ben Shive
28. Skinnny Jeans- Andy Gullahorn
29. Judy and the Dream of Horses- Belle and Sebastian
30. Isaac- Bear's Den
31. Below My Feet- Mumford and Sons
32. Sweet and Low- Augustana
33. Falling Out of Trees- Barcelona
34.Brothers On a Hotel Bed- Death Cab for Cutie
35. Chrome- Eric Peters
36. Rangers- A Fine Frenzy
37. The Riddle- Five for Fighting
38. Hoppipolla- Sigur Ros
39. Nightmares- Katrina Barclay
40. Walking Song- Ron Block
41.Don't Blink- Relient K
42. Out of My Head- Max and the Moon
43. Make a New Dance Up- Hey Ocean!
44. Change of Time- Josh Ritter
45. Open Wide- Future of Forestry
46. To the Ends of the Earth- Lord Huron
47. Danny's Song- The Swon Brothers
48. 1904- The Tallest Man on Earth
49. A Way to See in the Dark- Jason Gray
50. Glorious Ruins- Hillsong Live

Selah: "To ponder and hang upon"

How many times when reading through the Psalms have you come across the word "Selah" and had no idea why it was there or what it even meant? All we can really find is that it is a musical term dividing up sections and even linking them together. However, I think that there is much more to be found in the word then we actually know. Selah is from the Hebrew word calah which means 'to hang,' It can also be translated to mean "stop and listen." This takes on a whole new powerful concept for the believer. So many times when we read the Psalms we read straight through only to briefly contemplate its meaning at the end of the passage. King David and the other writers of the Psalms, however, inserted this word "selah" on purpose so that throughout the psalm we might "stop and listen" to what the Spirit is trying to instill in us. Psalm 46:10a says, "Be still and know that I am God." This word, this instruction is simply put into the scriptures so that we may, as the psalm says, "Be still." Our world is all about the instant, but here in the psalms we learn that quiet contemplation and devotion is crucial to our growth in Christ Jesus. I have learned recently about a type of prayer called the "Nature Prayer." Simply put, it teaches for us to pray and give thanks for the Earth God has provided. We must find a quiet place to pray and mediate on His beauty and His creation. Selah is teaching the same principle. I pray, for myself and for anyone who reads this, that we find time in our hurried devotions to practice this principle and to hang upon the words of the Holy Scriptures. 

“We live, in fact, in a world starved
for solitude, silence, and private:
and therefore starved for meditation and true friendship.”
C.S. Lewis "The Weight of Glory"

9 Chattanooga Based Artists That You Should Be Listening To Right Now.

Being a native of Chattanooga, I heard some cool, eclectic, local bands growing up. I moved to Rome, Ga in 2007 and have been living there since. So when I came back to visit the Scenic City this week I discovered ( and rediscovered) some great music that I had either forgot about or had been missing out on. Believe me when I say that you should give each one of these artist a fair listen.

1. Katrina Barclay- Song- "Nightmares"
Katrina Barclay has been a dear friend of mine since our years at Shorter University in Rome, Ga, A Lookout Mtn native, Katrina is one of the finest singer/songwriters you will ever come across. Period. She has some amazing homemade crafted songs that will take you from the heart of Seattle to the heart of Jesus. She does not mince words when conveying her message and her music reflects her creativity. Her recently released EP "Nightmares" is her most personal work to date. In other words, BUY THIS RECORD. It will not disappoint, especially on a chilly night at your local coffee shop.
http://noisetrade.com/katrinabarclay

2. The Turning - Song- "Out of My Hands"
The Turning are a Christian rock group that released their one and only record "Learning to Lose" in 2006. This is one of those bands that you wish would come out with more material. Their potential seemed high as they released a Top 40 hit in "Out of My Hands." For some reason or another, though, this is the only record we get from a band that seemed like they could be going places in a hurry. Despite this you would still be remiss if you did not at least give the songs from this record a fair shot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVhEzvBoca0

3. Concerning Lions- Song- "Canon"
The indie scene in Chattanooga is a little more alight than one would think. Concerning Lions busted out into the Chattanooga scene in 2009 with their debut EP "A Movement Back And Forth" and with it their first single, "Canon." This band is most reminiscent of bands like Copeland and Barcelona. Their smooth, chill tones are sure to satisfy the indie alt rocker in anyone. Their soaring melodies and strong vocals will leave you wanting more from this indie rock group. The future is bright for these guys.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-hYpku_qZQ

4. Noah Collins- Song- "Somewhere New"
I have been a huge fan of this guy for a long time now. If you are looking for Chattanooga to provide a folk hero, this is him. Noah released "Heart On a Line" in 2009 and, in my humble opinion, hasn't looked back since. His familiar vocals and acoustic driven melodies are such to make your heart feel nostalgic. He has been a featured artist at Eddy's Attic in Decatur, Ga and still plays around the Chattanooga area a good bit. His song "Long Distance Call" is sure to make any Chattanoogan feel instantly nostalgic. His deep roots will pull you in and keep you coming back for more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OqmGDgxr1g&feature=c4-overview&list=UUZ0LrtqmgqvioFJuiPG6Gow

5. Eric Pendergrass- Song- "Wayward Ways"
I knew Eric pretty well in High School and from that time I could tell you that this guy was going to make some noise in the music world. His first steps toward that come with his debut record "Ghosts." He searches for God and love in this record that weaves the story of a man who is simply broken and haunted by the Ghosts of his past. This album will quickly resonate with anyone who has struggled to shrug off the burdens of loneliness and regret. Although he lives in North Carolina now, he will always have roots in Chattanooga. His album "Ghosts" is available on i tunes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqrtAJtzj9M

6. Telemonster- Song- "Moon Boots"
Comparable to groups like The Shins and Leagues, this band is indie to the core. From the moment you listen to them you hear catchy melodies that will play around in your head all day long. Strong vocals and eclectic instrumentations will make Telemonster a band that will keep you coming back on a regular basis. They just sound like the sun as it sets over the Walnut St Bridge and reflects off the Tennessee River. Check these guys out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SCa8fiMgas

7. Raenbow Station-Song- "City Lights"
These guys fit perfectly in the same mold with Telemonster. These two groups are definitely the future of music in Chattanooga. More driving melodies and heart felt lyrics will make you want to blare their music as you driving around Lookout Mountain or even as your drive down Broad St heading for the North Shore. There's not much else to say, but check them out soon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anIj0unFu08

8. Moonlight Bride- Song- "Wild Heart"
As you listen, I think you start to hear a pattern of musical influence and similarity. This group can identify themselves with the likes of The Shins. Perfect for a lazy winter day, this band will keep you on the cool side of nostalgia. The will slowly make you reflective. That's the charm and power of their music. Approach with caution, but enjoy nonetheless.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI0QGBU8t-4

9. Nevertheless- Song- "In or Out"
This is the most well known of all the Chattanooga group. Nevertheless burst onto the scene in 2006 with their first major release via Flicker Records called "Live Like We're Alive." This record boasts their one and only music video single, "The Real." They have cracked the Christian charts twice with "The Real" and their second single from their second album "In the Making..." called "Sleeping In." They decided to call it quits in 2009 and left their fans with an acoustic driven EP entitled "When I'm With You." The their punk alt music influenced many bands around the Chattanooga area and Im sure more around the US. The pop and drive of their songs from their first record combined with the reverent, acoustic driven songs from the second record make up a great anthology for a truly missed band.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OItjYp_jyg8

All of these bands are worth a small piece of your time. They will not disappoint.

A Year of Jubilation Part 1

A Year of Jubilation (Part 1)

I awaken… if that’s what it’s called; to a world, to a place, to a home. I move my stiff limbs and gasp for something to take this anxious feeling away from whatever is choking me. Where am I? Who am I? I wander around a strange land. The beauty is too much for me to comprehend. Water starts to pour forth from where I see. What is this mystery that overwhelms me? I see long stalks tower in the sky and wetness running through the land. Just as I begin to feel alone and scared I hear His voice. I see Him standing in front of me. I then realize I was formed from the very innate image of the one to whom I stare motionless at.

“Adam,” says the Voice

“Yes,” I reply guessing that that word must embody me.

“I AM,” He says in reply.

Immediately my bones shiver in fearful reverence. At that moment I begin to fear “I AM.” Not the kind of fear that would make me want to turn my eyes, but a magnetic fear.

He speaks again.

“Adam, I have formed you in my own image. You are the first of many more to come. This is the Garden of Eden, which I give to you. Take and enjoy.”

He offers me the lush garden when all I really crave, for the first time, is just for His constant presence.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Thus began a year of jubilation between I AM and I. The rivers flowed and the sun shone by day and the moon gave us light by night. I AM was always with me, but sometimes not physically present. His spirit was palpable, but I desired constant fellowship. So He gave unto me tasks within the Garden. He gave me birds of air and beasts of the land to name and rule over. At the sound of my own voice an animal would come near or flee away. I AM had given me a mystical power that I could not explain. He brought me near a tree, as I had learned from I AM, and told me of it.

“Adam, because I love you I’m telling you that of any tree in the Garden you may eat, except this one.”

I stood mesmerized . The tree stood resolute with such girth that I felt that I AM was saving me from such unprecedented wickedness; and who knew such wickedness could dwell amongst the limbs of a tree?

“Of any tree in the garden you may eat, except this tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for in the day you eat of it you shall surely die.”

I AM spoke with love in His voice, so much in fact that it shook the ground we stood on with the sound of thunder.  After this He left me to my own for a bit of time. Yet still after all of this I lacked fellowship with someone of my own kind.  I spent hours aching for a companion that was like me. All of creation sang by day and night, but it still didn’t fill a certain void that had overcome me. I knew that I AM looked on my predicament with sadness of heart. Again, He loved me. He loves His creation.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....

One day as I was working a deep yearning for sleep started to come upon me. This had not happened before since I had awoken in the garden. My flesh wanted rest, but my mind was concerned at my physical condition and why exactly, for no reason mind you, my eyes were so heavy. After a few moments of inner war my flesh won over, or so I thought, and I surrendered unto sleep. My dreams were void of anything. I felt what I thought was a constant tugging and pulling, but I gave into the notion that dreams were made for us to explore the unknown; things that we may never see or think of again. I awoke to a surprise that changed my life forever.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

“Adam.” I AM said. “It is not good that man should be alone. Behold, I have taken a rib from you and I have made a helper fit for you.”

The words reached into my soul as I saw the Imago Dei of another like me beside I AM. The beauty, the grace from wince it came. My eyes welled up with tears for the love and passion of this long awaited companion. It had seemed like years that I had wandered with this, this Imago Dei as my helper. All the feeling left my bones and I became stiff. I finally resolved to say something, anything as both I AM and this other Imago Dei stood smiling at me.

“This,” I started to lose my composure and became overwhelmed with tears, “this at last is bone of my bone and flesh and my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” 

Mixtape II

Here's my Sophomore effort in the world of making mixtapes. For all those who listened to the first tape, thank you. I hope you have enjoyed listening to it as much I have. I hope in some way it brought you a little inspiration and made your day that much better. All the artists featured on these tapes are true musicians in my humble opinion. Please support them and buy their records. This is another reason for these mixtape playlists. So, without further ado here is Mixtape II....

A-Side
1. Bruised- The Bens- The Bens EP
2. After All- Ben Rector- Songs That Duke Wrote
3. Sigh No More-featuring Maurissa Tancharoen&Jed Whedon-Much Ado About Nothing Soundtrack
4. Writing to Reach You- Travis- The Man Who
5. Bookmark- Andrew Osenga- Bookmark Single
6. Happiness- The Fray- The Fray

B-Side
7. Bluebird- Randall Goodgame- bluebird
8. Simple Song- The Shins- Port of Morrow
9. Golden- Switchfoot- Nothing is Sound
10. The Curse- Josh Ritter- So Runs the World Away
11. Oh, Pretty Boy, You're Such a Big Boy- Menomena- Mines
12. Janie- Further Seems Forever- Penny Black
13. Sad to Watch You Wave- Eric Peters- Chrome

There are some repeat artists from the first Mixtape, but the songs were too perfect to not include. This is Mixtape II for your consideration.... Thanks!
ps.... I just looked up to make sure all the songs were somewhere to be found online. Bluebird is only available on this link... Sorry for the inconvenience, but atleast you can still listen to it! Its worth it, I promise!
 https://store.rabbitroom.com/product/bluebird

Mixtape 6/19/13

I really like making mixtapes and this one is by far my favorite. If you've never heard of any of these songs before, you should look the songs up. They're really good, I promise. Haha, but seriously thanks for reading this and reviewing my mixtape.....

1. Moving Upstairs - Danny Seim- Blue Like Jazz Soundtrack
2. One Engine- The Decemberists- The Hunger Games Soundtrack
3. Time To Run- Lord Huron- Lonesome Dreams
4. I Will Steal You Back- Jimmy Eat World- Damage
5. Spark (Bitter)- Until June- Young & Foolish
6. Danny's Song- The Swon Brothers- The Voice Performance Single
7. Get Up- Barcelona- Absolutes
8. Here Comes The Sun- The Beatles- Abbey Road
9. Choose the One Who Loves You More- Copeland- In Motion
10. Change of Time- Josh Ritter- So Runs the World Away
11. Help is Round the Corner- Coldplay- Yellow EP
12. Sky High- Ben Folds Five- The Sound Of The Life Of The Mind
13. O, Theo- Matthew Perryman Jones- Land Of The Living

All these should be available on Spotify to listen to. Hope you all enjoy!

Time Heals Everything- A close look at "The Fray" by The Fray

This week’s album review comes from The Fray’s 2009 sophomore album entitled “The Fray.” I feel that “Time Heals”, an unreleased track from the album, could have been just as good a title for the album. The album is full of vulnerability and pain. Band members Isaac Slade and Joe King dig deep into their pasts and put their hearts on the line on this record. The album radiates musical maturity that the band just didn’t have on their first record “How To Save A Life.” From the first notes of the first track “Syndicate” the listener can tell that they are in for something a little bit different with this record. The band went through a lot of frustrations in making this album, which can be seen in their documentary “Fair Fight.” The album cries of these frustrations and troubles and it gives the listener a unique experience that was born out of making the record. “Where the Story Ends” is a great, upbeat track that couples with it sad lyrics at the same time. This song nearly killed the band, but because of their endurance and perseverance it ends up being one of the best tracks on the record.

                Isaac and Joe, once again, provide two tracks that will keep you listening again and again. “Ungodly Hour” and “Happiness” are those feel good sad songs. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but I think you know what I mean when I describe them in this way.

                “Ungodly Hour” is a song that many listeners can relate to as it speaks of lost love and how the titular character wishes they could carry the baggage and the pain of the relationship, but the time for that has passed.

“Happiness” is a unique work of art. The lyrics describe a scene in which the titular speaker is missing someone and is telling how the happiness he had is now killing him because his love is away from him, but then in the end he reconciles this pain by saying that “one day you’ll wake up and she’ll be home.” One of most interesting lyrics from this song is “Happiness will damn near destroy you.” At first this may not make sense to you, but if you consider how you would feel if your husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend was away from you thousands of miles away for an extended amount of time, I think you will understand the pain behind the statement.

                This record will keep you singing and thinking. The Fray delivers one of the best albums of alternative rock and with their third record, “Scars and Stories,” it doesn’t look like they will be slowing down for a good while. 

Mumford and Sons "Sigh No More" Review

               I've been away from the blogosphere for a while, but now that I have a little more time and determination I am going to be doing weekly album reviews to get everyone pumped and ready for fall. There is so much great music out there and my hope is that I can direct you towards a few of the ones that have made an impression on me. My first one is not new, but if somehow you've missed it or haven't given it a listen in a while then I hope this review while inspire you to buy or even dusk off your copy of "Sigh No More" by Mumford and Sons.
                The English Quartet's debut offers a great breath of fresh air from the mainstream that usually vies for your musical attention. The quartet begins their record off with the title track "Sigh No More." With Shakespeare inspired lyrics Frontman Mumford encourages listeners to serve God and to love. He not only pulls lyrics from Shakespeare, but also from 1 Corinthians 13; and while it isn't a direct quote from the scriptures, it's paraphrase that challenges the listener none the less.
                From there the band pushes into one of their biggest hits "The Cave." This song transcends its melody and pulls on the heartstrings of the listener by telling the audience that "I will hold on hope, and I won't let you choke on that noose around your neck, and I''ll find strength in pain, and I will change my ways and know my name as it's called again." The lyrics evoke a sense of genuine love and a call to arms for the audience to love and to endure through pain so that we, as people, can help those around us who are in need. A theme of spirituality weaves its way intricately throughout the record with songs like "Awake My Soul" and "Timshel." Mumford dared to go beyond the usual of just normal bubblegum love songs and to openly put his heart on the line for the listener.
                Mumford also touches on the topic of broken love. With songs such as "Little Lion Man" and "Winter Winds" he describes scenes where love can in some cases be lost and that, believe it or not, the cause for the heartbreak can be our own fault. In "Little Lion Man" Mumford tells his listener that it was "your heart on the line and I messed it up this time." He does what many artists do not do, he blames himself.
              If for some reason you've yet to check out "Sigh No More" then you must head on over to your nearest bookstore and make sure you purchase a copy of this album. Its music is full of rich folk melodies that will make you want to scream along with it and also at the same time cause you to bow your head in reverence to the beauty of what is being said and how it is being portrayed through the music.
           Thanks for reading and stayed tuned for my next post which will be about The Fray's self-titled second album.                        
                                                                   

The Wood Between the Worlds

The Wood between the Worlds

It’s the wood between the worlds just you and me girl

I think we’re stuck, I think we’re out of time

The soft green grass, the stillness, the trees

Something is off here and maybe it’s me

What do you say and what will it be?

I have to know where the pool the leads

So why don’t you come along with me?

I can see from your eyes that you would rather live here then die

But my heart is being called to the light

Please come with me and I’ll keep you safe

And get you back in time to set the plates

What do you say and what will it be?

My heart is longing for something inside

A song I can hear that will always abide

The darkness, the stars, they all formed when the Lion roared

And he sang and he spoke it to life

It wasn’t a roar, but the sweetest melody you’ve ever heard

Aren’t you glad you came here with me?

Oh what a sight mine eyes had seen when lion sang and trees became green

The colors formed right in front me

The animals came out of the dirt and the sweetest voices of the birds

Had I really seen the foundations laid?

And He came to me and he healed all my wounds

The same Lion who gave light to the moon

Changed by Mercy

Changed by Mercy

There’s been a song that I’ve been listening to here in Americus a lot. It’s called “Forever Changed” by Eddie Kirkland. It’s been such a great reminder of God’s mercy for His people. Kirkland reminds the listener that, even in our darkest hour, Christ meets with us and supplies in us everything we need to praise, serve, and glorify His name. This has been so true in my life. I struggle with various things, but Christ is so loving and forgiving. He speaks to us in the thunder and in a whisper, too. He draws near to us when we draw near to Him. I’ve learned a lot of great lessons here in Americus, but one of the greatest is the constant reminder that no matter how I’m feeling or what I’ve done, everyday God’s mercy is brand new. This is something that we as Christians should cling to and constantly bring praise to our Savior for. I know that sometimes during the day I get caught up in my own life, and I forget that this life is not mine. However, while I’m living on earth I should be constantly remembering that God supplies my every need to do His work. This does not mean that we should go on sinning thinking that He will just give us His mercy. Rather, when we do struggle and fall we should realize that Christ is here to pick us up and forgive us when we sincerely come to Him. His mercy brings my heart to life and His love, justice, and forgiveness bring strength to my bones. What a mighty God we serve.

Psalm 119 reminds us that we should take delight in the law of the Lord and cling to it. My life has been radically changed by what my Savior did for me when He took the wrath of God on Himself for my own sin. He made a way for me to have mercy and, most importantly, an intimate relationship with Him, the Creator of all things. Let this blog find you where you are and let it remind you that wherever you are in a high in life or in a low that God’s mercy is brand new every single day. We have been made alive by it and we should be thanking Him for it all the time. Yes, all the time.  I hope that as you read this you understand that if you have never experienced this life-changing grace and mercy that you can today.  Christ gives to all that ask and genuinely seek after Him.  So brothers and sisters, let us run the race that Christ has set out for us. His mercy is new every day and He is in our midst when we have struggles and fall. What a loving Creator we serve. 

Reflections on Jeremiah 29:11

Reflections on Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

This verse from the Old Testament is one of the most well-known and profound verses in the Bible. And, while it is all these things, it is also, I believe, one of the most taken out of context verses. Most people take this verse and apply it to any bad situation in life. But if one was to consider the context of this verse, they would be able to see the true beauty of what God was saying to His people. The people of Israel had been given into the hands of the Babylonians in the late sixth century. The people of Israel were enslaved and were helpless as they had been taken from their Promised Land due to their disobedience. Then God speaks through the prophet Jeremiah these beautiful words from the twenty-ninth chapter of the book.  He reminds His people that, though they have been taken from the Promised Land, He still has plans for them, good plans for their future. The people of Israel were in the lowest state that they could be in, and in all of it, God, being the great Father He is, reminds His people that He is still in control and has great things in store for them. God is displayed in this book as a loving Father who is punishing His children because He loves them, and while they are in such a lowly state, He reminds them that He loves them and displays His unending love for His people.

                So what does this mean to us today? How could we possibly apply this to our lives? Have you ever been disobedient to God? I’m talking about a state so low that you were afraid you would never get out and that God couldn’t forgive you for what you did. Even in those times God is doing a work in our lives. He wants us to know that, while our disobedience led us to our lowly state, that His love will lift us up out of it.  I’ve been there. I have run from God even though I have a personal relationship with Him. It is in those times that God has to discipline me and then remind me that as His child there is a future for me. So if you have run from God or just ignored Him in disobedience, come to Him with a repentant heart, and He will be merciful to forgive you and remind you that He has an awesome future for you in spreading His gospel throughout all the nations. 

Americus Blog #2: Man vs. Americus

  Man vs. Americus

This past week in the heart of Americus I undertook a challenge of tasty proportions. Monroe’s Hotdogs has been a local staple of good American eats here in Americus for years. They have everything from hotdogs to hamburger steak to a chicken dog. Their main attraction, however, is a behemoth dish called the Scramble Dog. Weighing in around a pound to a pound and a half, the Scramble Dog is a massive dish filled with two red hot hotdogs smothered with chili, cheese, and a layer of cole slaw. At first glance it’s a lot to take in, but as soon as you start tearing into it you start to realize just how delicious it really is. I personally have never taken any kind of eating challenge. This wasn’t an official eating challenge, either, but the children’s minister here at Central Baptist, Kevin, told me and my friend David that if we ate the entire dish that, he would give us some free T-shirts from the church. Now, you know how college-aged students are. They will do just about anything for a free T-shirt. I wasn’t going to let this opportunity pass me by, either. So, I grabbed a fork and I got to it. The initial taste of the Scramble Dog was one of pure bliss. It was amazing. As time passed by, though, it got harder and harder. I’m not going to lie, there were moments when I didn’t think I was going to finish it.  With every bite it got harder and harder to go on and finish, but with endurance and stamina I finished the dish up and got my free T-shirts! It was worth it, but I don’t think I’ll be eating another Scramble Dog any time soon.

On a more serious note, this past week has been amazing. My fellow missionaries and I worked with some college students from Central and the children’s minister to put on a backyard Bible club at a local park. We played games with the five consistent kids that we had, and we just loved on them and told them about the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. It was such a great experience. We were also able to minister to some adults who would just be passing by the park, too. It has been great here in Americus. Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts, and please be in prayer for us as we gear up for our mission trip to Louisiana. God is great and greatly to be praised. All glory to His name.

                                                                                                                                                In Christ,

                                                                                                                                                                Derek Hale 

Americus Blog #1

Americus Blog #1

Hi everyone,

This is my blog for my summer missions experience in Americus, Georgia. For those of you who don’t know, I am working with Central Baptist Church in Americus for six weeks. This is my first week here, and I can tell you already that I love it. The staff at Central is great, and the man we are working for is the Minister of Music, Joe Horan. This first week we have been working at the church with their VBS. The theme is “SKY” and the motto for the week is “Everything is Possible with God.” It has been a great week so far.  My team and I are playing in the VBS worship band, and I am working with the Bible story time while my teammates are working in other areas. Getting to see these kids respond to the Bible time in a positive way has been so enriching to my life. The first day, the kids were asked to trust God with the things that they could not control. The teacher asked the kids if they would pray about some things they couldn’t control and then ask God to trust Him with these things. It warmed my heart in a big way to hear those elementary school kids pray with such innocence and sincerity of heart.

                My team and I have had the amazing opportunity to bond through worship. Today, when we were tired, we strapped on the guitars and grabbed the mics and just worshipped the God who had brought us together. It was AMAZING! God is so great and this is going to be an amazing summer. My team is great. They are all super talented musicians and so on fire for God and His will for their lives. I am learning so much from them and am blessed to get to share this experience with them. Please be in prayer for us as well as Central Baptist Church and our VBS this week. My team is David Houser, Maghen Malcolm, and Taylor Turner.  Thank you all for reading and thank you for your prayers.

                                                                                                                                               In Christ,

                                                                                                                                                                       Derek Hale