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.