February 2011 Archives
CD Review: Sunday Morning Feeling (The Copenhavers)
I met the Copenhavers about three years ago and I love seeing their smiling faces each time our paths cross. Their new CD is a collection of both old and new songs.
The CD starts with the title song which was written by Karen Copenhaver and sung by Jim Copenhaver. Next is “He Set Me Free,” followed by Josh Copenhaver singing, “If I Can Help Somebody.”
Karen Copenhaver sang a song she wrote titled “Everlasting Love” which was based around Jeremiah 31:3. Then they sing “Love is Like a River.” I have a hurt foot but I find myself tapping my other foot when this song comes on. 🙂
Next is “What a Meeting” and “Glad Reunion Day,” followed by Karen’s uptempo song “Restore Unto Me” and ending with “Give Them All to Jesus” featuring Angela Copenhaver. I haven’t heard anyone record that in about 20 years but it’s a needed reminder today as it was then.
The Good Fight
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
What a testimony! How I long to be able to say that when my race is over. It is not always easy to fight the good fight but I remind myself that it is so worth it. To be able to reach the end of life and have my Father look at me with love in His eyes and say, “Well done, my faithful daughter, enter into your rest” will be a blessing beyond words. No amount of worldly pleasure can compare with that, and that is what my eyes are on.
If you have been tempted to give in lately, let me remind you that sin may seem pleasurable for a season but the punishment for sin is death. Even if you later repent, there may be consequences you will have to live with the rest of your life. It’s really not worth it.
We sing “I Surrender All” but I wonder how many people can honestly say they have totally surrendered to Christ to the point that they would do whatever He asks of them. I hope you can say that. He would not tell us that He would provide a way of escape if it weren’t true. Repent of your sins, and He will deliver you from whatever sins are a part of you today. It’s so important.
Relationships
It seems to me like the greatest wall in relationships is misunderstandings. Often, people think they know the motive for a person’s words or actions (or lack of them) when the real motive was something entirely different. I’ve been trying to figure out why that is. Why do people always believe the worst? What about preferring others above ourselves or love believing the best? I believe it’s because we’re a self-centered society. If we’re unhappy or hurting, it’s got to be someone’s fault … but it’s not mine!
In close relationships, there has to be giving and taking. If one person is doing all the giving and another is doing all the taking, it’s not much of a relationship. Sure, the one taking may think they’re getting along fine but the one giving is bound to wear out. When that happens, the taker will be hard pressed to figure out what happened but both will wish there had been a different outcome.
When you interact with people, are you looking for ways to serve them, or are you focused on what they can do for you? “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friend.” (John 15:13) Let’s strive to believe the best about others and give them the benefit of the doubt, especially when interacting with our Brothers and Sisters. If you’re starting to be offended by something they’re doing or not doing, talk to them. You may find out it was purely accidental, and your relationship will be stronger because you cared enough to ask about it as opposed to taking offense and allowing it to drive a wedge between you.
The Way That He Loves
Back in the 1970s, there was a popular song titled “The Way That He Loves.” I wish I could find it on YouTube so I could share it with you but I’ve been thinking about Christ’s love lately. His love truly is refreshing. It brightens our way. It gives us hope when we have no hope. If we’re honest, we know we don’t deserve the love of our King but, if you’re like me, you’ve come to depend on it. Maybe you haven’t thought about it but I would not want to live without Christ’s love.
As unfathomable as His love is, He desires that we love others with that same love. He is setting the example. We know what it means to be loved by Him. Are we willing to give of ourselves for others the way Christ gives Himself for us? I love the old Don Francisco song which says, “Love is not a feeling; it’s an act of your will.” I’m sure it’s not always easy for Christ to love us. There must be times He rolls His eyes or gets frustrated but He also realizes we’re weak humans and, as long as our heart is toward Him, He’s willing to pick us up and help us get back on the straight and narrow way. That’s what we need to do for our Brothers and Sisters. Let’s strive to truly bear with each other and encourage each other to keep growing in our walk with Christ. As we do so, we’ll begin to love the way that He loves.
CD Review: The Ultimate Collection (The Paynes)
Back in the 1980s and early 1990s, there was a rash of my favorite groups that disbanded. First, the Happy Goodmans. Then the Hinsons, the Hemphills and, finally, the Paynes. I used to love listening to them on the radio and I wished I had more of their music.
About a year or so ago, I discovered that the Paynes put together what they call “The Ultimate Collection,” and it is exactly that. Three CDs containing over 60 of your favorite Payne family songs. It’s been so fun to go down memory lane as I play each CD with over an hour of music on it. Some songs I didn’t remember but a lot I did. There are live versions to some of their songs such as “Angels Step Back,” “Rise and Walk,” “The King of Glory,” “If God Be For Us,” and “Holy of Holies.”
For a complete listing of their songs, visit their store on the web. These CDs are definitely worth the investment.
