Wednesday, June 30, 2004
I Guess It Doesn't Spend the Same
When you see that penny on the ground, do you pick it up and say "it's good money, it all spends the same?" Wouldn't that mean A Million Pennies would spend the same as $10,000? Apparantly not!
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Happy Package
YAY! I got some happy packages at work today!
I luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuv happy packages!
What's a "happy package" you ask?
It's a package that makes me happy when I open it!
What's so exciting about opening a package?
It not about opening the package, although there is somewhat of an excitement about that, but it what's in the package...CDs!
I luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuv CDs!
I really luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuv FREE CDs!
I got bunches of them today! I sampled some on the way home and some sound really good, good enough to warrant a second listen and then some.
When I get a happy package like I did today, my favorite thing to do is sample them all. I'll let a few seconds of each song on the CD play and "get a feel" for the entire disc. I can usually tell if the CD is worth additional listens through my "sampling" process. Here's a short rundown of my first impressions of the CDs I found in my happy packages today, complete with a FIR (First Impression Rating) = 3 (forget it, I probably won't listen again), 2 (it may be worth another listen), 1 (definately will make it a priority to listen to again soon!)
Remember these are first impressions from very quick listens to short exceprts:
I luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuv happy packages!
What's a "happy package" you ask?
It's a package that makes me happy when I open it!
What's so exciting about opening a package?
It not about opening the package, although there is somewhat of an excitement about that, but it what's in the package...CDs!
I luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuv CDs!
I really luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuv FREE CDs!
I got bunches of them today! I sampled some on the way home and some sound really good, good enough to warrant a second listen and then some.
When I get a happy package like I did today, my favorite thing to do is sample them all. I'll let a few seconds of each song on the CD play and "get a feel" for the entire disc. I can usually tell if the CD is worth additional listens through my "sampling" process. Here's a short rundown of my first impressions of the CDs I found in my happy packages today, complete with a FIR (First Impression Rating) = 3 (forget it, I probably won't listen again), 2 (it may be worth another listen), 1 (definately will make it a priority to listen to again soon!)
Remember these are first impressions from very quick listens to short exceprts:
- Rush "Feedback" - [FIR = 1] This CD is a great cover album. The guys reminisced about their early days as a "garage band" in the mid '60s and all the rock anthems they enjoyed playing back in the day. I only recognize a few of the tunes on the CD, but I really like the straight ahead rock feel. Great stuff from Rush! Rush has always been one of my favorite bands, so it's given that I'd listen to this CD a few times anyway!
- Starfield "Starfield" - [FIR = 2] This band is from Canada and is your basic modern rock/alt-pop. Seems to have some good rock hooks intermixed with some songs that have very worshipful lyrics and music that would help a listener be drawn inward. It most likely will garner some attention from CCM radio.
- Jadon Lavik "Moving on Faith" - [FIR = 1] Jadon Lavik has a sound that reminds me some of Stephen Curtis Chapman's more acoustic stuff. Simpler and quieter, very smooth but still grabs the listener with a melodic pop hook. Some layered harmonies to spice up this well produced CD. It deserves another listen.
- Fusebox "Once Again" - [FIR = 2] Fusebox has its beginnings as Rebecca St. James backing band and released their first CD a couple of years ago. I have to say that I ws really disappointed in their first release so I wasn't too excited about this one, but I hear improvement. Heavier with the guitar and bass this time and they support some good rock hooks. Will give it another spin.
- Matt Redman "Facedown" - [FIR = 2] I like worship music that inspires, and draws me into worship. This CD starts out with a wonderful praise song, but then goes into a lull. While many would enjoy this CD because it is rather slowly paced and filled with very worshipful lyrics, I find it failing to hold my attention. I'm disappointed because I am always looking for some new praise tunes that help me relate to my Lord. Maybe another listen will help.
- Sarah Kelly - "Take Me Away" - [FIR = 1] This CD has been out since February, but I was only familiar with the first single "Take Me Away". Contagious melody that just cries out for the Lord to take her away. Her voice is powerful and "gutsy", reminds me at times of the subtlness of a Carole King, yet also captures a powerful Joplinesque edginess. This CD is a fine debut and I am looking forward to listening to this a lot. Wow, this one really sounds great!
I've got some more to share about, but maybe tomorrow. I'm ready to do some surfing and then I'll play some Battlefield.
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Who is Your Phillip?
The message at church was about Phillip meeting up with the Ethiopian in Acts 8:26-40. Dave Gushee did a great job of unpacking the message so as to explain that in the scenerio God had a role (opened opportunities), Philip had a role (saw opportunity and joined God at work), and the Ethiopian had a role (asking spiritual questions which opened the door) in God's Will.
At the end of the message Dave shared about his "Philip". It got me thinking about who my "Philip" is...who it is that shared the gospel with me when I was asking all the right kinds of questions? For Dave it was Randy. Randy was a member of a "Catalyst Team" that traveled to high schools performing drama and sharing the gospel through their art. Dave started asking all the "right" kinds of questions and Randy took the time to answer them all. Once he left town, Dave has never seen or heard about Randy since, but because Randy was willing to share about God, Dave was welcomed into the Kingdom.
My story is different, but the end result is the same. Isn't it for every Christian? Heaven rejoices when just one soul is saved?
Deb is my Philip.
She hates when I give her any sort of credit, that's her humility. There are details to my testimony that you can read about here, but the short of it is that when I had questions, Deb pointed me to answers.
I had come to a point in my life where I was alone, depressed, afraid and really didn't see any hope in a future. I sent a letter off to Deb that shared very personal stuff and I was very nervous about her reply. Why was it I reached out to Deb? Deb was an ex-colleague of mine from my teaching days.
I was the band director and Deb was the phys ed teacher. I had worked there for a good two years before really hooking up with Deb on a Strategic Planning Committee. Then, one school year, we were both assigned lunch duty together. It was during lunch duty that we chatted and got to know each other better. Anyone who knows what teaching is like will understand that it is difficult to carry on conversations at school because students are always around to interrupt...if not that, I'm sure there are food fights to break up and restroom passes to hand out, let alone all the noise!
Our chats were always short and fragmented, but one thing I learned about Deb is that she seemed "spiritually fit". I only learned this because now and then topics would come up that would allow her to share a bit of something about her beliefs and why she believed that way. I really can't recall any specific instance, but the point is, when I needed help, and was asking serious spiritual questions, it was Deb that I knew to turn to. What was interesting is that I hadn't seen Deb in over five years.
So, after five years, I send this "deep" letter to Deb asking for some help and not only did she respond with a letter back, she sent me a bible. In her letter she shared the gospel and some very well-thought out messages that were challenging, and also soothing to my soul. Deb was my "Philip" because she saw an opportunity, she saw God at work in my life, and then responded to the opportunity to join Him.
Deb and I continued to correspond through letters over the next few weeks, and all the while she encouraged me to find a church. This is where I met "Philip II". In my case, I had a few "Philips"! Irma is my "Philip the Second". I met Irma at a church service I attended and Irma reached out to me. She helped answer some spiritual questions and doubts I was having as well.
Irma and I met weekly over tea and coffee so we could chat. We developed a friendship and God used her to draw me even closer to Himself. After a couple of months I finally came to know Jesus Christ as my Savior and I work very hard to this day allowing Him to be Lord over my life.
I am so thankful for the "Philips" in my life!
Tell me about your "Philip(s)" in the comment section, or post it on your blog and feel free to link to it in the comment section below. It is always so exciting to hear people's testimonies!
At the end of the message Dave shared about his "Philip". It got me thinking about who my "Philip" is...who it is that shared the gospel with me when I was asking all the right kinds of questions? For Dave it was Randy. Randy was a member of a "Catalyst Team" that traveled to high schools performing drama and sharing the gospel through their art. Dave started asking all the "right" kinds of questions and Randy took the time to answer them all. Once he left town, Dave has never seen or heard about Randy since, but because Randy was willing to share about God, Dave was welcomed into the Kingdom.
My story is different, but the end result is the same. Isn't it for every Christian? Heaven rejoices when just one soul is saved?
Deb is my Philip.
She hates when I give her any sort of credit, that's her humility. There are details to my testimony that you can read about here, but the short of it is that when I had questions, Deb pointed me to answers.
I had come to a point in my life where I was alone, depressed, afraid and really didn't see any hope in a future. I sent a letter off to Deb that shared very personal stuff and I was very nervous about her reply. Why was it I reached out to Deb? Deb was an ex-colleague of mine from my teaching days.
I was the band director and Deb was the phys ed teacher. I had worked there for a good two years before really hooking up with Deb on a Strategic Planning Committee. Then, one school year, we were both assigned lunch duty together. It was during lunch duty that we chatted and got to know each other better. Anyone who knows what teaching is like will understand that it is difficult to carry on conversations at school because students are always around to interrupt...if not that, I'm sure there are food fights to break up and restroom passes to hand out, let alone all the noise!
Our chats were always short and fragmented, but one thing I learned about Deb is that she seemed "spiritually fit". I only learned this because now and then topics would come up that would allow her to share a bit of something about her beliefs and why she believed that way. I really can't recall any specific instance, but the point is, when I needed help, and was asking serious spiritual questions, it was Deb that I knew to turn to. What was interesting is that I hadn't seen Deb in over five years.
So, after five years, I send this "deep" letter to Deb asking for some help and not only did she respond with a letter back, she sent me a bible. In her letter she shared the gospel and some very well-thought out messages that were challenging, and also soothing to my soul. Deb was my "Philip" because she saw an opportunity, she saw God at work in my life, and then responded to the opportunity to join Him.
Deb and I continued to correspond through letters over the next few weeks, and all the while she encouraged me to find a church. This is where I met "Philip II". In my case, I had a few "Philips"! Irma is my "Philip the Second". I met Irma at a church service I attended and Irma reached out to me. She helped answer some spiritual questions and doubts I was having as well.
Irma and I met weekly over tea and coffee so we could chat. We developed a friendship and God used her to draw me even closer to Himself. After a couple of months I finally came to know Jesus Christ as my Savior and I work very hard to this day allowing Him to be Lord over my life.
I am so thankful for the "Philips" in my life!
Tell me about your "Philip(s)" in the comment section, or post it on your blog and feel free to link to it in the comment section below. It is always so exciting to hear people's testimonies!
Saturday, June 26, 2004
Killers must be found, destroyed - jacksonsun.com - COLUMN
Dave Gushee has an excellent column about the recent beheadings: Killers Must Be Found, Destroyed from the Jackson Sun.
Friday, June 25, 2004
Tech Help Needed
Could you, faithful reader(s) please go comment at PBGs' path and just see if the window will open to allow you to comment?
The comment window wont' open for me. Also, if it does...what browser are you using? firewall? java? It's driving me crazy!
Thanks!
-Sue
The comment window wont' open for me. Also, if it does...what browser are you using? firewall? java? It's driving me crazy!
Thanks!
-Sue
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Not the Mom
I am Sue. I am Not the Mom! Yet, I have enrolled to participate in a parenting seminar. I figure as long as God has me at this place in life, where I am partially responsible for the growth and well-being of children, I should equip myself to do the best job possible.
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Mark 12:30
The first and greatest commandment:
"Love the Lord your God will all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength" Mark 12:30.
Is the body of Christ falling short of teaching and setting an example of this most wonderful commandment of love?
I've heard teachings about loving God with your mind (what you think about) Collossians 3:2 "Set your mind on things above, not on Earthly things." 1 Peter 4:7 says, "Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray."
I've also heard it taught that we should focus on Philipians 4:8 "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
I've heard messages on purity even more-so in the day and age in which we live today. We are teaching our children to abstain and how sex is a gift from God to be shared between a husband and wife. This is so necessary and so wonderful...but not complete. There is so much more to loving God with our minds and bodies than maintaining sexual purity.
What about gluttony? What about lack of exercise? I've heard it mentioned from the pulpit a time or two about how gluttony is a sin...Some churches offer fitness and wellness programs...but I can't say that I have ever met the pastor brave enough to confront the church regarding this issue. I'm talking about a bold, and convicting message to God's people. So,what about loving God with our bodies? How does the body of Christ set an example to the rest of the world about loving God with our bodies?
There are so many of us who are out of control with our eating habits! Baptists are known for their reputation to "fellowship"! Jokes are made about gluttony as we fill our plates beyond capacity during each fellowship and go back for more. The United States of America...One Nation Under God...has a reputation for obesity!!! People are dying to get to the buffet!!! I found this very convicting last year when I kept hearing about it and I watched a documentary on it that was what made me determined to change my ways. I began to pray for God to give me wisdom about how He wants me to eat in a way that would be pleasing to Him and help me to care for the temple of the Holy Spirit. After battling my weight problem unsuccessfully, I finally gave it over to God. I let go of the controls and let Him have them. I have since lost 40 pounds and I am free of the misery that I have carried with me for the past 14 years. But, it hasn't stopped there. God has really been convicting me lately about my lack of exercise. Losing weight is wonderful but, I still need to get my body into better physical shape. It is for His glory but, I must say....I look forward to having a physically fit body. I'll be honest...it will look great!!! (Then I will have to struggle with the sin of vanity and spend more time concentrating on loving God with my mind!!!) I am already elated at the way my body looks and feels but, I know that the job isn't finished. It never will be. I will have to work at this for the rest of my life.
There needs to be a better example set by Christians about loving God with our eating and exercise habits. We are so quick to "judge" those who have smoking addictions, use bad language, alcohol addictions, etc... Food is a serious addiction that a majority of Christians suffer from, but we remain in denial as we crack jokes and laugh off our sinful behavior. "What would Jesus do?"
How does this one particular behavior reflect loving God with all of our heart and all of our soul? What about all of our strength? This is just one area in which there need to be more focus when we teach the message God speaks of with His first and greatest commandment. Losing weight is a terrible battle and extremely defeating when we try to do it "ourselves". It is difficult even with God's help. But, if we are doing it in order to fulfill the first and greatest commandment, and we let go and let God...all things are possible! He is our strength!
I can't help but wonder where the world would be if every single true believer focused everything he did on the most important commandment in the Bible. "Love the Lord, your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, with all of your mind, and with all of your strength." Where would we be in our walk with God? Where would the community be? Where would the country be? Where would our world be? I will leave that to another blog because I could write a book on it!!!!!!!!!!!!
When we make the first and greatest commandment the most important priority in our lives, everything else will fall into place behind it.
"Love the Lord your God will all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength" Mark 12:30.
Is the body of Christ falling short of teaching and setting an example of this most wonderful commandment of love?
I've heard teachings about loving God with your mind (what you think about) Collossians 3:2 "Set your mind on things above, not on Earthly things." 1 Peter 4:7 says, "Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray."
I've also heard it taught that we should focus on Philipians 4:8 "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
I've heard messages on purity even more-so in the day and age in which we live today. We are teaching our children to abstain and how sex is a gift from God to be shared between a husband and wife. This is so necessary and so wonderful...but not complete. There is so much more to loving God with our minds and bodies than maintaining sexual purity.
What about gluttony? What about lack of exercise? I've heard it mentioned from the pulpit a time or two about how gluttony is a sin...Some churches offer fitness and wellness programs...but I can't say that I have ever met the pastor brave enough to confront the church regarding this issue. I'm talking about a bold, and convicting message to God's people. So,what about loving God with our bodies? How does the body of Christ set an example to the rest of the world about loving God with our bodies?
There are so many of us who are out of control with our eating habits! Baptists are known for their reputation to "fellowship"! Jokes are made about gluttony as we fill our plates beyond capacity during each fellowship and go back for more. The United States of America...One Nation Under God...has a reputation for obesity!!! People are dying to get to the buffet!!! I found this very convicting last year when I kept hearing about it and I watched a documentary on it that was what made me determined to change my ways. I began to pray for God to give me wisdom about how He wants me to eat in a way that would be pleasing to Him and help me to care for the temple of the Holy Spirit. After battling my weight problem unsuccessfully, I finally gave it over to God. I let go of the controls and let Him have them. I have since lost 40 pounds and I am free of the misery that I have carried with me for the past 14 years. But, it hasn't stopped there. God has really been convicting me lately about my lack of exercise. Losing weight is wonderful but, I still need to get my body into better physical shape. It is for His glory but, I must say....I look forward to having a physically fit body. I'll be honest...it will look great!!! (Then I will have to struggle with the sin of vanity and spend more time concentrating on loving God with my mind!!!) I am already elated at the way my body looks and feels but, I know that the job isn't finished. It never will be. I will have to work at this for the rest of my life.
There needs to be a better example set by Christians about loving God with our eating and exercise habits. We are so quick to "judge" those who have smoking addictions, use bad language, alcohol addictions, etc... Food is a serious addiction that a majority of Christians suffer from, but we remain in denial as we crack jokes and laugh off our sinful behavior. "What would Jesus do?"
How does this one particular behavior reflect loving God with all of our heart and all of our soul? What about all of our strength? This is just one area in which there need to be more focus when we teach the message God speaks of with His first and greatest commandment. Losing weight is a terrible battle and extremely defeating when we try to do it "ourselves". It is difficult even with God's help. But, if we are doing it in order to fulfill the first and greatest commandment, and we let go and let God...all things are possible! He is our strength!
I can't help but wonder where the world would be if every single true believer focused everything he did on the most important commandment in the Bible. "Love the Lord, your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, with all of your mind, and with all of your strength." Where would we be in our walk with God? Where would the community be? Where would the country be? Where would our world be? I will leave that to another blog because I could write a book on it!!!!!!!!!!!!
When we make the first and greatest commandment the most important priority in our lives, everything else will fall into place behind it.
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