Thursday, May 22, 2008

I miss you. But you won't even read this...

I lost a piece of me in you, I think I left it in your arms.
I forget the reasons I got scared, but remember that I cared quite a lot.

You see, but lately, I've been on my own. Yeah one, but one by choice. You see, that's a first for me. There's only me, yeah, there's only me. And now I realize for once, It's just me.

And I'll find a way to make it, there's no one left to stop me. Here I go. Can we take it from the top?

So why so long? So sad, I wanna be strong. Don't try to take this from me. I've already spent living half my life undone. So why so long? So sad, I wanna be strong. Don't try to take this from me. I've already spent my life living half undone.

I've been talking to my aunts and uncles, mom and dad again. I've been finding out that I have what this world has called friends. I've tried to push them all away, they push back and wanna stay and that's one good thing I have.

I'm gonna feel a peace in me, I'm gonna feel at home. I'm gonna make this cloud above me disappear, be gone. I wanna feel a punch inside, my heart beat on the floor. I don't wanna hurt no more.

Yeah, it's just me. It's just me. And I'll find a way to make it. There's no one left to stop me. Here I go. Can we take it from the top?

So why so long? So sad, I wanna be strong. Don't try to take this from me. I've already spent my life living half undone. So why so long? So sad, I wanna be srong.
Don't try to take this from me. I've already spent my life living half undone.

I used to be the one who won before. I used to smile, but don't no more. I'm living just to watch it all go by.

~Blue October

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

lately...

This town is colder now,
I think it's sick of us.
It's time to make our move,
I'm shaking off the rust.
I've got my heart set on anywhere but here.
I'm staring down myself,
Counting up the years.
Steady hands, just take the wheel...
And every glance is killing me.
Time to make one last appeal...
For the life I lead.

Stop and Stare
I think I'm moving but I go no where.
Yeah, I know that everyone gets scared
But I've become what I can't be, oh
Stop and Stare
You start to wonder why you're here, not there
And you give anything to get what's fair.
But fair ain't what you really need.
Oh, can you see what I see?

They're trying to come back,
All my senses push.
Untie the weight bags, I never thought I could.
Steady feet, don't fail me now.
Gonna run til you can't walk.
Something pulls my focus out.
And I"m standing down...

Stop and Stare
I think I'm moving but I go no where.
Yeah, I know that everyone gets scared
But I've become what I can't be, oh
Stop and Stare
You start to wonder why you're here, not there.
And you'd give anything to get what's fair.
But fair ain't what you really need.
Oh, you don't need...

What you need, what you need...

Stop and Stare
I think I'm moving but I go no where.
Yeah, I know that everyone gets scared
But I've become what I can't be.
Oh, do you see what I see....?

~OneRepublic

Thursday, May 8, 2008

The highlights...

Sorry I haven't updated much in the last few days. Been busy busy busy. I'm putting two little slideshow things on here for your viewing pleasure.

This one is of the Junior Parade that took place on Thursday...



This one is of the Big Parade that took place on Friday...



Enjoy!!

Commenting on the commenting

My good friend Chelf made some comments on the post "I miss church" so I thought I'd continue with this subject again...

First, I need to say that I, in no way, believe I am better than anyone else. Anything I discuss in my blog concerning problems I see in the churches around me do not exclude my own actions. I am quite guilty of many things. I think that's why it bothers me so much... because I want to change things, but won't step out on my own. Or something.

Chelf said: "I don't think it was a POINT of change. I think it was gradual. I also think that there is longing in us to get back to the original message. People of our age are jumping at the chance of foreign mission work, small group study, and work harder to show the Love of Christ. Why? Maybe because we want to see it, so we know we must share it first."

Chelf's comments were in regards to my wondering when the churches of Christ changed our goal from reaching and accepting and loving all, to a fashion show meet and greet that often leaves visitors feeling unwelcome and leaving with unanswered questions. At least, that's the way I feel about it. And don't get me wrong, I don't think think this is the case in every congregation. I'm mostly just ranting on not being able to find a church I feel good about like I had in Oklahoma City.

I agree with Chelf, wholeheartedly. I want to say that I've learned more and felt closer to God in small group studies and I know that people our age are embracing this type of "church service" for that very same reason. Since moving here, I've heard people (including preachers and elders) say things to the effect of "meeting in people's homes for church services in smaller settings is not scriptual" or that "breaking up into smaller groups is just another way of 'forsaking the assembly'." Does this sound ridiculous to anyone else? It seems to me that people are so reluctant to step into unknown realms (realms that could lead more people to Christ) because it's not the way things have been done in the past.

I don't think things done in the past were wrong. But I think we're lying to ourselves if we deny the fact that our means of bringing people to Christ need to change with the times. And notice, I said "OUR MEANS," not "OUR MESSAGE". Our message should never change. We should always teach and show Christ's love to everyone. Even (especially) those to whom it is most difficult to show this love and acceptance. (John 13:35 - By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.) (I Corinthians 13:4-7 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.)

I know that I'm not going to get anything out a worship service if I don't put something in to it. But I find myself holding back at churches here, because I'm so afraid of being rebuked if I sing too loud, too off key, if a certain verse to a song makes me my soul want to dance and I sway a little to the music. That hasn't happened, but I can see it happening. I can't say that I get particularly spirited in my worship... I'm not a dance up and down the aisles kind of girl. But I'm afraid of "stepping out of line" in anything I do.
The church my parents attend* makes me particularly angry in this sense. I know the anger is my sin, not theirs, but c'mon... a young man wearing flip flops when he's supposed to be teaching a class or preaching has nothing to do with his message, does it?

In Romans 12:1-2 the Word says: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

So, if the shoes we wear to the worship service aren't the best ones we have in our closet (or the middle of our bedroom floor...where ever we may be inclined to store them), does that mean we aren't presenting our best to God? Or is worrying about So-and-So's shoes instead of concentrating on your own worship an example of "conforming to the pattern of this world"? I am asking because I truly don't know.

In general, I just get an uneasy feelings towards churches here, so I've stopped going like I should. The fact that I let it bother me to that extent is where I fall short, and an area in which I need considerable amounts of prayer and repenting. I'm trying to work through these feelings I have, and it's hard. Hard on me.

I just want to find a place to worship my God without hesitation and fear of doing something deemed inappropriate if my heart is stirred. (Psalm 47:1 - Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.) (Psalm 141:2 - May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.)

I want to find a place to worship my God where the leadership is concerned and passionate about finding ways we can present our message and make our relationship with God more meaningful in this day and age, i.e. a small intimate Bible study in each other's homes.

I want to find a place to worship my God where instead of hearing "Well, we won't do that because it's never been done that way before," I hear, "Let me study and pray on what you're suggesting," or even "It says in Book, Chapter, and Verse that what you are suggesting isn't the way we are to conduct ourselves." If I truly do or suggest something inappropriate, and am presented with actual Biblical proof, I will repent of my failure and change my ways. So far, I've received no spiritual backing for the nit-picking I've been exposed to.

Has anyone else felt these things? Or I am being particularly stubborn and/or relentless? And also... How do you make yourself continue to attend worship with a congregation(s) that makes you wonder why you even bother to come.

That was a lot to get off my chest. I'm not even sure it's written coherently enough to understand.

*I respect my parents, and I respect the majority of the people who attend that particular congregation. I seek not to offend any specific person(s), nor anyone in general, with my words and so I will hopefully refrain from doing so by not listing further examples.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Well I lied

No pictures today. Maybe tomorrow.

Cause I said I'd try

I told myself I'd try to write something everyday even when I didn't feel like it... So it will probably be boring rubbish. To you anyway.

Today was the first official day of my vacation. I say it that way because I don't really count this past weekend seeing as how I would have been off those days anyway.

I didn't do much today. Woke up earlier than I would have liked because I had a doctor appointment. Nothing major, just trying to seriously monitor my weight. My doctor is helping. Regular visits to weigh definitely helps. Especially thinking about having to go in and weigh every time I think about chocolate. It doesn't help every time but it definitely helps the majority of the time, and that matters more than none of the time. I'm not sure that made sense.

Anyway, I've lost 8 lbs so far. I know that's not a lot, but it's a start. Especially for me. Baby steps.

This week is the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival held here in Humboldt. Tonight was the Opening Ceremonies and the Fireworks Display. A fun time was had by all. Except those who didn't show. Not sure what's in store for tomorrow, but I'm hoping to get some batteries and maybe take some pictures of downtown with all the flags and decorations. :-) But I make no promises.

Alright, seeing as how it's 3:30 in the AM, I'm gonna head. To the bed. I'm a poet and didn't even realize it.

Monday, May 5, 2008

If We Are The Body...

Continuing my thoughts from earlier... I thought I'd post some more of my favorite lyrics. I can sense this becoming a very popular theme with me, so expect more lyrics and my thoughts on them. If you don't enjoy that sort of thing... then read a different blog. ;-)

If We Are The Body, by Casting Crowns

It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in trying to fade into the faces
The girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know
But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't his words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way.
There is a Way.
A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat and quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances
Tells him that his chances are better out on the road
Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the body of Christ
Jesus is the Way.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Jaxon

On a completely unrelated note... My cousin Chris and his wife Hannah have the cutest baby EVER! :-)



I miss church.

I love Philippians chapter 3. Every time I read it I'm taken back to both of the churches I attended in Oklahoma City. Those churches really had it down--what it meant to be a support system for each other and above all, a family. I'm not saying they were perfect, I just feel they had it figured out--what Jesus wanted the church to be.

They weren't concerned with monetary and material things. If a need arose, they were prayerful about it and God always provided what was best. Philippians 3:7 says: "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ." Paul is saying that any advance he made in wealth and material possessions was only a loss to the cause of Christ. What happened to churches who thought like this? Why is it that churches in Oklahoma City (who receive much negative talk from the very conservative churches in this area of the United States) can have this figured out and no one in this area can quite catch on to it. Or they don't want to.

I visited one church here that seemed like it was going to be the ideal match for me. They weren't afraid of the conservative church slander and negative publicity they receive from other churches in the area. They have a "praise team" which I've never experienced before, but it wasn't a showcase or performance by any means, and I must say I enjoyed the experience. But as I sat there, knowing no one around me, I felt almost ashamed in my worn out (but comfortable) khaki colored corduroys and polo shirt. Those of you who know me know that I'm not the girliest girl. I don't give much thought to fashion. I actually consider it a waste of time. (But that's a different post on a different day, I guess...) The church was friendly enough, but I really did feel out of place because of the way I was dressed. Everyone there was wearing expensive, fashionable, flashy clothes. Some of the women my age were wearing things I, personally, would think of as "club wear" in that they were very tight and revealing. How is this appropriate to wear to worship a God who calls us to be humble and modest? And if someone who was searching for meaning in their life, someone off the street, strung out on meth, living a life of prostitution to make ends meet walked into the doors seeking answers... how accepted and welcome would they feel?

Philippians 3:8-11: "What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."

When did this goal change among the churches of Christ?

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Why the name?

My blog name comes from one of my favorite songs. It's called These Thousand Hills and it's by Third Day.

Here are the lyrics:

These thousand hills roll ever on
In footprints of a Mighty God
They bring me to my knees in praise
Amazing Love, Amazing Grace
Was on a hill my Savior died
A broken heart, a bleeding side
Hill of the skull, Mount Calvary
The blood He shed, He shed for me
When Heaven's hills at last I roam
Forever settle in my home
I'll join the saints around Your throne
Your Kingdom, Lord, rolls ever on
These thousand hills roll ever on
Ripples of a coming storm
The morning star precedes the dawn
These thousand hills roll ever on

I love the imagery this song gives me.

Have you ever stood on a hill looking out around you and realize how big the world really is? Do you imagine the valleys as the footprints of the One who made you and everything around you? I do.

Although, I don't really picture my God to be some vast giant. It's more that He's all around. He is in all things, around all things. He is everywhere.

How can I fear anything knowing that God surrounds me in such a way? How can I ignore that still, small voice in my heart knowing that it's the voice of God.

But I fear. And I ignore. Over and over again. And yet He sent His Son to be the final atoning sacrifice for my sins.

Compared to His presence and His love...anything I say or do is insignificant, but He cares enough for me to surround me and to let me know He's right there. Even when I fail miserably and deny Him.

(Thanks to Abbey for the use of this picture even though I didn't ask. Didn't think she'd mind.)

"There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still" ~Corrie TenBoom (Holocaust Survivor and author of "The Hiding Place")

Blogging

So I thought I'd give this blogging thing a try. I used to have interesting things to say... maybe it'll happen again.

Hmm...

Perhaps I'll try writing for a while before I tell anyone this blog exists... That way I'll know if I'm actually interested enough to stick with it and/or have anything interesting enough to say.

Yeah, I think I'll do that.

:)