October 2012 Archives
CD Review: Dreamin’ Wide Awake (Doug Anderson)
Doug Anderson, the baritone singer for Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, released a solo CD last year and, although not a brand new project, I thought I would review it anyway. 🙂
The CD starts with “Jesus is Holding My Hand.” Aren’t you glad that “the one thing I’m sure of that never will change is Jesus is holding my hand”? In an ever-changing world, I love the comfort that comes from that thought.
“Smile It Through” is an uptempo, fun song with a great message. No matter what you’re facing, “Smile it through.”
“Some Say” talks about how some don’t believe in God but we know better. There’s no doubt God is alive and living in my heart.
I like the old song, “Only Here For a Little While.” It’s so important to make every moment count.
“That’s How Much I Need a Savior” talks about how we could not make it on our own but “what a Savior Jesus is to me.”
“I Love That About Him” talks about our relationship with God and how He loves pouring out His love as much as we love receiving that love.
“I’ll Take What’s Left” notes that we have nothing to give to Christ when we meet Him but He’s willing to take our poor, broken lives and redeem them anyway.
“Dreamin’ Wide Awake” is a country-sounding song about how good life is with friends and family. When I think of it, I do feel like I’m dreamin’ wide awake.
Come Home
As I swapped out my seasonal clothes yesterday, I put on a CD from David Meece. Although not a southern gospel artist, his songs have ministered to me many times in my life. Yesterday, the song that jumped out at me was “And You Know It’s Right.” So many run from God (or at least His ways) but the Father gave His life so that we could live life with Him, not just in Heaven but beginning now–here on earth.
My heart goes out to those who grew up in church and maybe even walked with God at one time but, for whatever reason, have rebelled against the life with God that they could have. God’s heart, however, is still reaching out to those people, calling and longing for their return.
When you think about the fact that we are the reason He gave His life, how could we do any less than serve Him? I wonder at times if those who have wandered feel like they can’t come Home. God is always quick to forgive a truly repentant heart, however. He will not stay away from those who seek Him wholeheartedly.
I think of the old hymn: “Come Home. Come Home. Ye who are weary, come Home. Earnestly, patiently, Jesus is pleading, calling, O sinner, come Home.” That is God’s call to each of us. “No matter what you’ve done, no matter where you’ve been, today can be your once in a lifetime.” (David Meece) Won’t you come Home to your Father today?
My Unchanging Rock
Have you ever experienced periods of time where life is so hectic that, when you are finally able to stop running and breathe a few minutes, your heart wells up in gratitude? I go through times like that. I think change in life is one thing that increases our sense of perspective and gratitude.
Personally I don’t like change but every change that’s ever come has been for a reason, and I know it has been for my good. I take comfort in the fact that, though life is full of changes, my God remains constant. His love is never ending. He never ceases to be in control. The God who said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” is true to His Word.
In a world of inconsistency, I’m thankful that there is Someone I can rest in. My hope is built on nothing less than Him. He is my Rock and always will be.
Beauty That Never Fades
Like most women, I sometimes fuss more than I probably should over my appearance. I just like to look nice. I wonder, though, if I put that much time and energy into making sure I’m beautiful to God which should be my desire above everything. First Peter 3:3-4 tells us, “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” This does not mean that we shouldn’t care about our outward appearance but it does mean that, no matter how we dress up the outside, if our heart is not pure, we are wasting our time.
I pray that, in everything I do, I am pleasing my Father. May He not merely find me beautiful outside but may my heart be beautiful to Him as well. Outward beauty fades in time but the beauty that comes from joy in serving Him will last forever. That is the beauty I desire to have.
Getting Used to the Dark
Last night, a song came to my mind that I’ve probably not heard since the 1980s. It was a song the McKameys recorded titled, “Getting Used to the Dark.” When I woke up this morning, I looked it up on YouTube and was thankful it was there. I’d forgotten most of the words but I felt like God was reminding me of an important truth.
It’s easy to go through life merely existing. We may know the world’s going to Hell but, if we think about it, do we really care? Do we want to be different or are we trying to fit in? Every once in a while, I listen to an old song by the Freemans. The second verse says:
Not just a glimpse of those Heavenly scenes
And loved ones who’ve gone on before
But a vision of Hell and those agony screams
‘Til we ask nothing less and want nothing more
We need to ask God to open our eyes, give us a burden, help us to live a holy life so that we have something to offer those lost in sin. Remember that “friendship with the world is enmity with God.” I don’t know about you but I want the Lord’s pleasure, not His heartache.
Beautifully Broken
Beautifully broken, willingly wasted, lovingly lavished here at Your feet. I am beautifully broken, willingly wasted, lovingly lavished. Lord, let me be broken–beautifully broken.
~from Beautifully Broken as sung by Canaan’s Crossing
We don’t often think of broken things as beautiful but, as the McKameys sang years ago, “What do we do with broken things but throw them away? Isn’t it strange how God can use broken things in a special way?”
We live in a society that preaches wellness, wholeness, and prosperity but God often wants us poor, weak, lonely and dependent on Him. We must be broken before we can be whole. Part of being a Christian is surrendering to God, willingly giving ourselves for His service whatever the cost. Being broken is hard but, if He is going to thoroughly cleanse this piece of clay, He must break away the blemishes and put me through the fire that will refine me even more. Don’t resent the refining process; embrace it and come through it more whole and spotless than ever before.
