Do you derive your theology from the lyrics of a song?

Anonymous, Good article, thanks for the link. Does not support your comment though. . .And yes the song is full of sarcasm. That is the point. . . we in America think we have a grasp on the "Big Picture". . .sorry to burst your little bubble. . .but we aren't even close. Our view of God is so small. Unfortuantely we have been given (sometimes sold) a small view of God through our churches and TV Land. I don't want to serve a God that I have to pay money to get a blessing! That is NOT the God I serve!

I do not get my theology from a song. but it can make you think. . .and laugh. It points out how trivial we can be at times. Others are starving, being beaten and hiding for their faith or just to live. We sit in the lap of a great nation and pray for our team to WIN! How messed up is that?

We were in the mall last night and overheard a woman talking rather loudly, to the poor captive cashier, about what they were doing to raise money for an event at their church. It would have been amusing had it not been for the last comment she made. . .after all of her talk about God and how he was providing and they were so excited. . .but they needed more money 3k more. . .they were just trying to get this last bit of money in . . .then the comment that blew my mind. . ."oh by the way don't tell your manager what I just said, I am not supposed to be doing this here" . . .I wanted to go up to the cashier and apologize on behalf of the not so crazy people who love God.

What a representation of Americanized Christianity.

The Eagles New Album

Growing up in the 70's you just had to love the Eagles music. . .
Just picked up their new album. AWESOME!
I think I have already worn it out. Has some great songs.
But one that hit me and I love is. . .

"Frail Grasp On The Big Picture"

Well, ain't it a shame
That our short little memories
Never seem to learn
The message of history
We keep makin' the same mistakes
Over and over and over and over again
And then we wonder why
We're in the shape we're in

Good ol' boys down at the bar
Peanuts and politics
They think they know it all
They don't know much of nothing
Even if one of them was to read the newspaper
Cover-to-cover
That ain't what's going on
Journalism's dead and gone

Frail grasp on the big picture
Light fading and the fog is getting thicker
It's a frail grasp on the big picture
Dark ages

You my love-drunk friend
All that red wine and candlelight
Soulful conversations
That go on until the dawn
How many times can you tell your story?
How many hangovers can you endure
Just to get some snuggling done?
You're living in a hollow dream
You don't have the slightest notion
What long-term love is all about
All your romantic liasons
Don't deal with eternal questions like
Who left the cap off the freaking toothpaste?
Whose turn to take the garbage out?

Frail grasp on the big picture
You keep on rubbin' that,
you're gonna get a blister
It's a frail grasp on the big picture
I've seen it all before

And we pray to our Lord
Who we know is American
He reigns from on high
He speaks to us through middlemen
And he shepherds his flock
We sing out and we praise His name
He supports us in war
He presides over football games
And the right will prevail
All our troubles shall be resolved
We have faith in the Lord
Unless there's money or sex involved

Frail grasp on the big picture
Nobody's calling them for roughing up the pitcher (?)
It's a frail grasp on the big picture
Heaven help us

Frail grasp on the big picture
All waiting for that miracle elixir
Frail grasp on the big picture
I don't wonder anymore
Frail grasp on the big picture
Somebody says,
"You brought her here so go ahead and kiss her

Frail grasp on the big picture
Frail grasp on the big picture
Light fading and the fog is getting thicker
It's a frail grasp on the big picture
Frail grasp on the big picture
Frail grasp on the big picture

None But Jesus. . .

None But Jesus

by Brooke Fraser

In the quiet,

in the stillness

I know that You are God

In the secret of Your presence

I know there I am restored

When You call I won’t refuse

Each new day again I’ll choose

There is no one else for me

None but Jesus

Crucified to set me free

Now I live to bring Him praise

In the chaos, in confusion

I know You’re Sovereign still

In the moment of my weakness

You give me grace to do Your will

When You call I won’t delay

This my song through all my days

All my delight is in You Lord

All of my hope, all of my strength

All my delight is in You Lord Forevermore

I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it!!

I love it when God's faithfulness is revealed and hope springs anew!! Here is a response from my best friend, Cheri, that shares my name. . .This is how God ministered to her today. I just had to share this!

My dear friends, The Lord has given the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness!! Thank you for your prayers; God has worked in a mighty way! He has guided and directed me through a thick fog and fierce storm. This is the scripture the Lord took me to this morning; honestly, I don'tbelieve I have ever read or heard this verse. As I was looking at another verse across the page, my eyes literally fell right to these words:

Isaiah 54: 5 - 8
For your Maker is your Husband - the Lord of hosts is His name and the Holy One of Israel is your redeemer; the God of the whole earth He is called. For the Lord
has called you like a woman forsaken, grieved in Spirit, and heart sore - even a wife wooed and won in youth, when she is later refused and scorned, says your God. For a brief moment I forsook you, but with great compassion and mercy I will gather you to Me again. In a little burst of wrath I hid my face from you for a moment, but with a age-enduring love and kindness I will have compassion and mercy on you says the Lord, your redeemer.

Jeremiah 33:3 says:
Call unto me, and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you know not.

What a wonderful promise! because He does answer, far beyond what we think or
imagine! I thank God for each one of you, thank you for your calls and emails
this week! Cheri

Glory and Honor and Praise! You are holy precious Father!!

Be Strong and Courageous

To two special women in my life going through a rough time right now. I urge you to be strong and courageous! Let the Light that lives inside you search out and destroy the darkness that is threatening you (and your children, Cheri).

My wish would that I could be to stand and fight right beside you. . .but since I am unable to be with you physically in your fight, I will fall on my knees every chance I get to pray that the Greatest Comforter and Warrior will be there surrounding you and protecting you in this battle. That you would know and feel His presence and praise Him for the victory that is to come.

I love you Anna & Cheri. . .be strong and courageous!

You Are Holy

Finally got to jump back on the Harley with Jeff yesterday. . .it's been awhile. What a gorgeous day. Almost cold! It was a great ride.

I love having my ipod on as we ride. As usual I was listening to it and had such a God time. It was awesome.

We were riding along the beach in Jupiter and you could see the waves every so often through the bushes. The cool breeze was blowing . . .the sky was so bright and clear and the song "You Are Holy" By Hillsong (linked below) comes on. The words overwhelmed me and comforted me at the same time.

To preface this, I have been feeling very lost in some things that are happening. Besides the fact that I have always struggled with being insecure. . .anyway, Jeff comes home from his trip and we have this long talk. . .cry. . .awakening. . .realization and humbling time the night before. A whole tumult of emotion. God breaks through some of the barriers I have set in place. He uses my precious husband to help me realize I was not trusting God through the past week. . .It was an awesome time of learning and getting ready to learn even more. . .

So, back to the ride. . . I am enjoying this song as I usually do and this phrase keeps repeating and it struck me in my heart. . .

I'll sing your praises forever
Deeper in love with you
Here in your courts
Where I'm close to your throne
I've found where I belong

I have found where I belong!!

Fall is here!!!

I walked out my door at 6:30 am to head to work this morning expecting the usual hot morning blast of air we have had lately. . .but I was greeted with a wonderful cool breeze!! It was so awesome! How refreshing to feel the fall air here in S FL!

Then again, it makes me want to get outside and play not be in my office working!

My husband has just come through a refreshing of sorts. A spiritual renewal . . .I am glad for him. and a little jealous I must admit. . . but how is it just like our heavenly Father to blow over us like this fresh fall breeze after a long hot summer. I know He will barely be touching the ground on his ride home.

I did not make this easy on him. I let fears and pride creep in and ruin my enjoyment of what he went to do. For that I do have regret. . .but my precious daughter was there to talk me through it and patiently listen to my feelings and what I was experienceing and then not blow them off but agree that they were valid and that I needed to give it over to God and trust Him. . .I love having a daughter that is a close friend and sister, as much as she is my child. Thank you Linsey, I love you dearly!

Jeff I love you more than words could ever express! I cannot wait for you to be back home!