Finally, Into Marvelous Light

WOW...what a night!! I just got back from the benefit concert that our praise band put on at the William A. Floyd amphitheater at the Civic Center. Let me tell you, God rocked my socks off! Worshipping is incredible, but when you get to do so with so many amazing friends, it becomes just that much more of a blessing. While I was basking in His glory along with some wonderful people, God really just reached down and touched my heart tonight. During the song, "Fire Fall Down" there is a part that says "'Cause I know that you're alive, you came to fix my broken life, I'll sing to glorify your holy name, Jesus Christ!" and then another part that says "I'll never be the same." And God just kept speaking to me and showing me how much He has changed me in the past year of my life. Those reading this blog that knew me a year ago know that I am a totally different person. I owe all the thanks and glory to my one and only Savior. I recently started reading through some of Paul's letters starting with Galatians and throughout I could absolutely connect with Paul. I was wrapped up in a sinful life, one that I knew was wrong because I had a relationship with God since I was very young.
In this verse, which has been the title of my blog before, Paul just spills his heart. "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life" 1 Timothy 1:15-16. That verse blows me away and gives me so much hope at the same time. To think that a year ago I was drenched in a crimson stain but because He brought me to fall on my face at FCA on October 24, 2005 and give my life back to Him instead of running, He wants to use my messed up life to glorify him. Now that is true power! So now, instead of running towards sin and away from God…INTO MARVELOUS LIGHT I’M RUNNING, OUT OF DARKNESS OUT OF SHAME! BY THE CROSS YOU ARE THE TRUTH! YOU ARE THE LIFE! YOU ARE THE WAY!-sorry I just had to burst into song! What?! Jesus has that effect on me! So, I just really felt God lay it on my heart to spill how great His glory, how vast His mercy, and how unending His power is. But don’t take my word for it. Check out these verses, too—Ephesians 2:1-10. It’s beautiful! With that, I’m out like all of my clothes in the middle of my floor—give me a break, I’m packing for the beach!

P.S. Marissa (probably spelling your name wrong) thanks for the verbal props to my blog tonight! It's nice to know that even though they may not leave comments, people are reading and maybe even getting something from my blog. Thanks chick! YOU SERIOSLY ROCK! :-)

Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's...Jesus

Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's...Jesus. You were expecting me to say Maybelline, weren't you? For all you guys out there that don't know what I am talking about, this is a popular catch phrase for the makeup company Maybelline, New York. While I was getting ready this morning, putting on my own makeup actually, I overhead the television downstairs which was tuned in to an infomercial on Sheer Cover makeup (not associate with Maybelline ,New York). Some of the ear-catching phrases included "It will change your day, it will change your week, it will change the way people perceive you." "We have a GREAT GREAT GREAT product here." "It changed my life." More women went on to say that it was such a life changing, pivotal aspect of their life that they had to tell all of their friends about it. Women, when you find a new type of makeup that just gives you this GLOW that you've never had before-do you feel the need to tell your friends about it? More than likely, the answer is yes. Think about it. You're sitting around having coffee, or whatever it is you drink, with your best girlfriends and someone compliments your skin and then you go on this twenty minute schpeel about your new makeup and how they just MUST try it. Here's the twist. How awesome would it be if the next time someone complimented you on your glow, or your appearance if you gave God the glory. Don't you agree that he is a "GREAT GREAT GREAT product." He's also able to "change your day...change your week...change the way people perceive you." Wouldn't you say God is more worthy than the makeup company that produces your favorite cover up? This hit me really hard because I was really caught up in this infomercial and thinking "man I have got to try this stuff" when God spoke to me. It went a little something like this:
Me (thinking): Man, this stuff is awesome! It can cover up anything.
God: Hey...Megan. You know, my son can cover up more than that makeup. He covers the sin of the world.
Me: Wow, you're right. I've got to write this down!
And here I am now, writing this blog about how Jesus is better than makeup. Here's the challenge. Ladies-when you start to give a makeup company or a clothes manufacturer the glory for your appearance, give God the glory for the beautiful creation of yourself. You are beautiful inside and it shows through. With that, I'm out like the sunshine on the B-E-A-Utiful day!

Upward Influence

Lately I've really felt God speaking to me in BIG ways and satan has been fighting it tooth and nail. He's throwing everything he's got at me...too bad God always wins. If I were to try to do things on my own I would fail miserably, but through God's grace and power I am safe from these attacks. Anywho...the BIG plans satan is trying to bash are the plans that my friend Brittney and I have to create a Christian magazine for girls--one with a Christian approach to the issues addressed in Cosmo, etc; an approach that is creative and relevant, just like our church (NewSpring). Check out Brit's blog, also under my link list, for more info about our magazine concept. By now you are probably wondering, "So what does 'Vertical' have to do with this blog? Well, that is Brit's design for the cover of our mag. Vertical, an Upward Influence. For more on the creative aspects, seriously check out Brit's blog. She's brilliant. On that, I'm out like me--I was the fat kid in dodge ball!

Beck's B-day

My little sister is 14 today...14!! It seems like just yesterday she was just learning how to knock on my door, then picking my lock, and now she's all grown up and stealing my clothes when I'm not looking. Even though the six year difference has proven a huge gap at times, I love her so much and I know that God has some big plans for her. She is so amazing! I know, I am biased, but I think that she is the prettiest girl in the world and that I am going to have to beat the boys off with a stick when she goes to high school next year. Ahhh geez! She'll be driving soon! That scares me! I feel like such a mother now. Anywho...that's all I've got for now. I'm out like J-Lo in a...you get the picture.

Styrofoam Cups and Puzzles

Have you ever felt like a styrofoam cup--a styrofoam cup full of Jesus? I have. Bare with me here as I attempt to explain my wild comparison. There are situations and people in life that can sometimes poke holes in your spiritual life (aka your cup), causing Jesus to be drained out of you. There are also people and situations which make you feel as if the holes have been repaired and you are filling back up again. While the getting filled part sounds a whole lot better than the being drained part, think of it this way--while you are being drained, Jesus is pouring out of you onto others (I think that there is a parable about this in the Bible except talking about water jugs and cracks and my Bible is in my car because I'm about to leave to go to Ignite; anywho, if someone reading this knows what I am talking about, feel free to comment). At the time, these draining sessions can seem like they are not from God--but trust is an absolute must when you feel spiritually drained. Trust that Jesus will fill you back up. To be filled back up though, you have to be willing to pour yourself into His Word and commit yourself to Jesus loving fellowship. Today at lunch was one such example.
After church I had the blessed opportunity to go to lunch with several wonderful people that share my passion for youth ministry. We had an absolute blast joking around and getting serious about our relationships with God. It was so encouraging and amazing to experience exactly what Perry talked about today in his sermon about running the Christian marathon. Companionship is essential to repairing and refilling your spiritual styrofoam cup. Funny how this ties into a conversation I was having with my friend Jeremy last night about relationships. At the time I thought that the conversation only related to romantic relationships, but it can apply to platonic relationships as well. People in relationships are like pieces of a puzzle. You see some pieces stuck together that don't quite fit like they should but they belong to the same puzzle creating a picture somewhat like that of Picasso with the picture distorted and out of whack; or you see two pieces that fit together, but are meant to make up two different puzzles with a big picture that is totally different like putting the Little Mermaid in the Star Wars special addition puzzle. Lastly, there are people that fit together perfectly with their big picture being that of the glory of Christ. How awesome would it be if we chose to glorify God with all our relationships? Sure, the pieces may start off looking like mismatches, but imagine if we poured out our cups so that Jesus may change those puzzle pieces and through us change the big picture of that relationship to His glory. That being said, in dating relationships I don't agree with Christians pairing with non-Christians (it's not biased, it's Biblical-2 Corinthians 6:14) but I do believe that we are called to meet people where they are and create relationships that will glorify God and show the love of Jesus so that we can make His name famous. Whew...I will get off my soap box now! I'm out like Ferris Bueller on his day off.

Poetry Night

Pull out your coffee mugs, your snapping fingers, and your bean bag chair...it's poetry night! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it is poetry night! I read Lee McD's blog earlier and his words just inspired me to write. I figured while I was at it I would share a few other's I've written--before my writer's block occurred. Enjoy, comment, & hopefully be inspired.

Untitled, until I know your name (6/23/06)

Everything happens for a reason
I guess that's why we've yet to meet
There are greater hands and greater plans
Over our heads , under His feet
I've messed up a time or two
But now I'll wait with patient eyes
Save my love and save my future
With my heart set towards the skies

Only peace from God can win me
His perfect love protects my soul
My heart is hidden in His hands
For my love to Him you'll go
So seek His word and seek His purpoose
While you wait to see my face
I pray that you will love me
But next to God, I'm second place

We'll begin with a seed of friendship
And we'll watch it grow with time
With God's Light and loving care
One faithful day I'll call you mine
But until we see that coming day
When God allows our love to bloom
I pray that God will bless your life
And hope He brings you to me soon


The Beauty of the Moon (12/21/2005)


The moon waxes and wanes with the fading of the days
Dancing in and out of sight with every changing phase
Depending on the sun for her inconsistent light
She cannot find the source within so she may shine as bright
Why must the moon seek light from an outward source,
Why is her beauty hidden with such a great remorse?

When the moon is full, with her borrowed light
She can make one stop and stare as she shines all through the night
Her beauty isn=t hidden when the sun gives all
But when the sun is absent, darkness soon will fall
The moon is new with the absence of her sun
But she continues looking for the light from her only one

The moon cannot appreciate the phase when she is new
A time to search for light within, instead of being blue
She only looks for brighter nights when her sun gives light at last
Even if the light is duller than the past
She takes what she can get, holds dear her crescent phase
Even when the sun gives her these lesser rays

So sad, the beauty of the moon cannot be independent
The concept of her own light seems utterly transcendent
I wish that she could see the inner beauty that she hides
Can she not see her reflection in the waters of the tides?
Until the day she sees the beauty on her own
The moon will shine with borrowed light as she has always shone.

I wrote this next one the day after we lost Miss Laura Leigh Tye 11/18/2005.


Two pinkies and an "A-urrr"

I'd give it all up just to see you again
You were not just a teammate, even more than a friend
You were a blessing, an angel on earth
Your smile and your laugh, we miss and it hurts
You’re loved and you’re missed, so incredibly much
If only you could see how many lives that you touched

Beth shanked you good at the truck stop that day
You were so mad, but you laughed anyway
You hated fruit, but I put that peel on your head
You tried to say Albuquerque, but said something else instead
"A-urrrr" you said, like all giraffes do
We can't help but miss you Lou!

We all know that you’re playing on God's volleyball team now
Get a kill for us Lou, we know you know how
Give God two high fives, even though you want one
And He'll hold up two pinkies when the game is won
Thanks for the laughs and the stories you told
We'll meet you soon on the streets of gold.

Thanks for checking out my poetry. There will be more in days to come as I am randomly inspired. With that...I'm out like my writer's block!

Everything Happens for a Reason...

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace." Ecc. 3:1-8

Ecc. 3:1 is my favorite verse in the Bible, it has been for a while now--since back in the day when I was reading from a New King James version and it sounded a little something like this, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." While this verse is dear to my heart, over the past two days I've encountered these verses three times in very different situations. The first time was yesterday while, of all things, I was watching the movie Footloose and Kevin Bacon quoted those verses. The second was last night while I was reading I Gave Dating a Chance. The third was earlier when I checked my comments on Myspace, someone had left a comment that was an icon which read, "Everything happens for a reason." So, it is possible that God is trying to tell me that EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON? I think so! While, I'm not quite sure yet why He is showing me this, I have a feeling that I'm going to find out really soon. Whatever it is, I'm just saying "yes" to God because He "is able to do IMMEASURABLY more than ALL we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us," (Eph. 3:20). On that note, I'm out like the Tigers in College World Series. :-(

It's a God Thing...

Reading Perry Noble's blog this morning I came upong this quote at the end: "What has God called you to do? Is it to invite someone to church…change your major…reconcile a relationship…get out of debt…make a career change? It’s time–get off of your 'blessed assurance' and GO FOR IT! YEAH!" In an earlier blog I had mentioned that I felt God calling me to start a Christian magazine for girls. I hadn't mentioned that I had felt God calling me to lead a Bible study for the 8th grade girls from Ignite that are moving up to high school. Since I felt God's calling about the Bible study I had let go of the magazine idea--until this morning. It's funny how God catches you at the most random moments-I guess he does it in the moments that we can't make noise, when we must be still and allow him to speak. Well, I was in the shower thinking about this Bible study and then God spoke to me and brought my two callings together. It went a little something like this.

Me: God, I know that you want me to lead this Bible study, but I don't have any idea how to present your truth in a relevant way to them.
God: Well, don't they read those magazines you saw in the store the other day?
Me: OH WOW! You're calling wasn't necessarily to start a Christian magazine, but to show these girls a Jesus twist on articles that they read in their favorite magazines!

Guys, I'm not even joking. This idea was a Godsent because I know that I could never have put those two things together on my own. It's kinda cool how God showed me two things that he wanted to do with me that I thought had nothing to do with one another only to wait and listen to him and discover his intentions from the beginning. Isn't God awesome? He is so much bigger than my own thoughts and plans for my life. Gotta ♥ Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." That's some powerful stuff. Chew on that one for a while! With that, I'm out like Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest on July 7!

I Want to be a Princess

"Once upon a time, a young princess wandered through the woods. A nasty barbarous man spotted the lovely young princess and approached her. He offered her the "pleasure"of becoming his bride and living with him in the shack he called home.
After a quick look at this barbarian and his residence, the princess flatly refused. She told him she would never marry a man who couldn't respect himself or his home. She wanted someone honorable like her father, the king. Then off she went to the beautiful castle.
The barbarian was crushed.
In the following days, he couldn't get the pure and noble princess out of his mind. Finally he vowed to win her, no matter what. He decieded that the only way to do this was to become a noble man himself.
He observed the king from afar, watching his actions and listening to his speech. He noticed and admired the king's integrity and dignity. The kings character captivated the barbarian. He wanted to be just like him. He still longed to marry the princess, but now his desire to become as noble as the king exceeded even his love for the princess.
Slowly but surely, as the barbarian modeled his behavior after the king, his appearance and manner were refined. He also worked long and hard to transform his home into a beautiful estate surrounded by well-tended gardens.
Finally he felt ready to approach the princess once more. This time the princess was so impressed that she promised to consider his request to become his bride. Eventually the two were wed, and (you guessed it) lived happily ever after." Jeramy Clark I Gave Dating a Chance

I recently started reading I Gave Dating A Chance after talking with a friend about Joshua Harris' I Kissed Dating Goodbye. Last night while reading I came across this story and it really intrigued me. Since reading it I've really been chewing on its meaning and just how I can apply this story to my life. In the past, I haven't said no to the barbarians. I've accepted them as they were instead of caring enough to point them toward my King. My selfish desires to have someone love me had overtaken my desire to make my Lord's name famous. This also shows me where my faith is weak. I haven't trusted God enough with my ENTIRE life. Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." I struggle with allowing God to take control of my relationships. This is why I have really and honestly tried not to date over the past nine months. I knew that I wasn't ready to allow God to have that part of my life--I still struggle with allowing him to have it. I want God to completely consume me and control my character before I enter into a relationship with anyone. I want to be so in love with Jesus that whoever the young man is that God places in my life falls more in love with Jesus the more time he spends with me. That's another reason why I know that I am not ready to date. I still have that selfish desire to be the center of a guy's attention. This leads to another reason why I know that the young man God places in my life will have to be strong enough in his walk with Christ to lead us both. I'm barely strong enough to lead myself, I need someone to lead me. So, what this story pointed out to me in a nutshell is this: 1) I need to have faith in God's plan for me in relationships 2) Just say no to barbarians 3) I want to fall more in love with Jesus so that I can help my future boyfriend fall more in love with Jesus rather than falling in love with me. This time I'm spending growing in my walk with God is priceless and I would not change it for love or money. Jesus rocks my socks off! One that note, I'm out like lighters during the ballad at a rock concert.

P.S. My aunt just came over and took me back to my childhood days by bringing me Chewy Spree and a Dr Pepper-a snack she used to bring me at every visit! :-) I am 20 years old and this still makes me smile. Like my g-pa Chastain always used to say, "It's the little things in life." Then he would call me May-gweel...and that made me smile, too!

Power of the Word

As I sit in this grungy office of my dad's metal fabrication shop answering phones while reading blogs of some of the coolest people on the face of the planet, I truly feel empowered by the awesomeness of God. After last week at the Gauntlet, I'm still on a spiritual high from witnessing the salvation and baptism of so many young people. I pray that I never come down. In this moment of passion and amazement I cannot help but cry out to Jesus and thank him for his glory and splendor; even though I'm here at work surrounded by fervent non-believers who bash my beliefs and my passion for Christ every chance they get. Sadly the large percentage of these individuals are men in my family. However, because of this fire God has stoked in my heart I am prepared to let go and let God fight this battle today. My prayer is that any words that come from my mouth today would be straight from God alone, straight from his word. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 So, as I put on the full armor of God, pray that this battle would be God's alone and that I would be humble enough to set myself aside and allow God to work through me. It's all for his glory. With that, I'm out like the toilet paper in the women's bathroom...which I'm going to fix-right now!

Big props to God for being random!

Due to recent discovery of soreness in muscles I didn't know I had and bruises from my pitiful attempts at wakeboarding I was forced to recall the incident that occurred yesterday. During this recollection period I began to understand just how random God is. It's awesome that he is so random, much like me-that's how we roll! Anywho, I began to stew over the reasons why I did not succeed at wakeboarding. Doc was trying to tell me just to slide my butt to the board and the power of the boat would do the rest, but I couldn't follow those simple instructions because I had to feel like I was in control. So, much to my dismay I would get up and then "gracefully" face plant-if there is such a thing. Much like Doc, God's word gives me simple instructions and tells me to let the power of God do the rest. When I try to take control of my life- much like when wakboarding, I fall flat on my face! Isn't it awesome how God can speak to us even through the most random things? Big props to God for being random! WOOHOO On that note, I'm out like earplugs at the giftshop in the opera house.

2 face plants & 10 gallons of lake water

Ok, so I'm usually pretty natural at most sports...not being egotistical, just the truth! I have no room to be over confident after bouncing a particularly large check the my hiney couldn't cash-I found my "waterloo". For Dad's Day my fam headed out to the lake to chill with mom's clan and the friendly neighborhood Doc was going to take us girls out to wake board. Well, I've never tried before, and being the athlete that I thought I was-I was determined to try it and be good at it on the first try. After watching my cousin get up easily and make wake boarding look like a joke, I was prepared to get up on the first try and start jumping waves. I found out pretty quick that God has a great since of humor when it comes to pride. Two face plants, an all natural enema and the consumption of 10 gallons of lake water later I could no longer feel my ankles, so I decided that I had learned enough for the day and that I would wait until the lake was a little less choppy before I tried again. So, God taught me a little lesson in pride today. I was humbled greatly, especially in the several moments when I thought I might drown. Other than that I would have to say this was a fantastic Father's Day b/c my family came to church with me this morning. That's been my prayer for SO long now and it really made my century for my parents to be able to see just why I am so on fire for God. This fire isn't going out either! Look out Anderson, the youth group is back in town and we are fired up and ready to serve our Lord! On that note, I'm out like Baal after God lit Elijah's sacrifice! (1 Kings 18-19)

I'm glad God's random like me!

Ok, so saying yes to God obviously opens the door for him to speak, in the most random moments. I was standing in line at CVS with my dad when I glanced over at my old favorite magazines, you know the ones-Marie Claire, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, etc. when I felt God call me. What if there was a magazine for young women that presented a Christian approach to these very same issues, I'm an English major...I could do this. I have friends who are majoring in graphic design. It all just kinda rushed over me at once. I went to Google a few minutes ago to check out magazines geared toward Christian woman and the woman on the most recent cover looked to be mid to late-forties and dressed like a grandma-no offense whatsoever meant to the Christian creators of this magazine, but Jesus met people where they were...to reach the world, we are going to have to meet them where they are. The world sees supermodels that are flawless, why not show strong Christian woman with powerful images of them serving the Lord and still looking beautiful. God's calling and I hope that I can do everything in my power to answer. If you are reading this blog and you are looking for a way to serve God with your talents and this sounds like something you would be interested in, give me a holler! My email is Mizpiknz@aol.com! I'm praying over this because this calling is SO strong. I know that God will speak to those who are meant to get involved. If you don't feel called to get involved just pray that God prospers this and he is in this step by step. On that, I'm out like the newest addition of my future magazine.

Fire Fall Down

WOW! I just got home from Panama City Beach a few hours ago after spending 5 amazing days at NewSpring's youth camp The Gauntlet. I have to say that I saw God work in amazing ways and I am totally blown away by the work he did through each individual who volunteered this week. I saw 46!!! kids get baptized Thursday morning in the ocean. I saw about 10 kids committ their lives to Christ each night this week. I must say that this has been the most amazing week of my life and God has truly confirmed this week that he is calling me into the ministry. Please keep me in your prayers and I just take a leap allowing God to move me to where he wants me in the ministry. Perry ended the week with a message on spiritual warfare. After pledging myself to the ministry I called home to tell my parents about the amazing things that had happened during the day to receive some horrible news-my own spiritual battle. My dad told me that my cousin, Korey had passed away. I fell to my knees with such a burden but I rose with it lifted knowing that this was an attack from the enemy in a lame attempt to detour me from the ministry. Little did satan know that this would just bring me closer to God and stoke my fire for the ministry that much more. Korey's graveside service will take place tomorrow at 2:00. Please keep me in your prayers at that time. I wish that I had the energy to write all about this week in every detail, but I just don't. Photos will be posted tomorrow and if you want to hear more about it feel free to comment with questions, etc.! For now, I need sleep! I'm out like the tide...I'll be back soon!

DATE?!?! Who me?!

Last night was my first official date in a little over eight months. It was fun because I truly felt appreciated, the conversation didn't drift toward awkward or inappropriate subjects, and I laughed and had serious and not serious conversations (not to mention, the couple that made this date a double date-they are AWESOME!! Mandy and Chris ROCK!) Ok, back to my date, I know that this person is a part of my life right now for a reason. I'm not quite sure where this is going to go, but my prayer is that it is not my path that is chosen into more than friends or just that-but that it is God's choice. If I were to go about this alone I would make a mess of things, as I have in the past. Now it's in God's hands. Where things go from here is all up to the BIG GUY! So, more news to come about this mystery date.
Anywho...35 HOURS TO GO UNTIL GAUNTLET!!!! Look out Panama City Beach, here's comes NewSpring's youth group! With that, I'm out like depends at the grocery store down the street from the overactive bladder support group.

Shawn McDonald

I recently discovered an AMAZING Christian artist on MySpace named Shawn McDonald. His music just grabbed me with his honesty and vulnerability laced with authentic praise. Here's a little snippit I found about him @ http://www.chrisitanmusictoday.com.

On occasion we are fortunate to hear a voice that rings true. One that is hard to forget. A vocal delivery filled with cracks and crevices that belie a difficult past. Simultaneously hopeful and haunting, it is impossible to get out of your head…let alone your heart. A cry from deep in the valley where the spirit of a song lives and the necessity of its telling is born. This is the case with 28-year-old Seattle singer-songwriter, Shawn McDonald. On McDonald's second studio offering, Ripen, the humble songwriter carves out 15 stories with the urgency and earnest of a town crier.
McDonald's tender is his honest lyrics. Neither inexplicit generalities nor simple saccharine praise are found on the album. Rather, Ripen exhibits poetic pop ("Free," "Pour Out"), soulful howling ("Perfectly Done," "Salvation"), and vulnerability (the autobiographical "Lovely"), à la Damien Rice, Cat Stevens and Ben Harper. The artist's gravelly voice, wrapped in atmospheres of cello, violin, acoustic guitar and sophisticated noise, provides several snapshots of a journey in progress.

You can also check out McDonald here http://www.myspace.com/shawnmcdonald at MySpace.com! Let me know what you think! For now, I'm out like Christians @ the rapture.

Amazing Grace

So, just as I finished studying the small group questions for the Youth Trip to the Gauntlet next weekI realized that I do things so differently now that I have rededicated my life. I just can't say it enough...God's grace is AMAZING, PHENOMENAL, better than french vanilla capucinno on a 65 degree afternoon on the beach in Charleston with a good book and a cushy lounge chair. Yes, even better than that! Just thought I would share that. I'm out like the neon sign down at the honky tonk.

Relationships and ministry...to be or not to be?

SO I just got home from my very first, first Wednesday service @ NewSpring. I must say it was pretty amazing. Afterwards I went out with some friends, reason being for my late arrival back @ the hizzy here in E-town. Anyway...a lot has been on my mind lately; a lot concerning God's will and plan for my life. I feel like I'm constantly tugging backward, remitting to places where I am comfortable in my life. God calls us to step out and be radical. Two major things on my mind lately: RELATIONSHIPS & MINISTRY! The relationship stuff is not so major, but this feeling I have that God is calling me to ministry is. I've actually felt God guiding me towards missions since I was at Red Hill. In my life, when I've been my closest to God, I've felt this call to ministry, missions...whatever it is. I just know I want to serve my Lord however he sees fit. Tonight @ first Wednesday Perry preached to the several men who were to be ordained and the more Perry spoke about ministry the more I knew God was calling me towards it. While speaking to these chosen men, Perry mentioned that he wants to one day hear God call him his good and faithful servant and he wants each of the men who were ordained to be there. Well, this made me realize that when I get to heaven I want the young people who I have met through Ignite to be there, not because of what I've done but b/c of what God did with a broken water jug like me; I want to hear him call them his good and faithful servants. Ministry is incredible, it's not easy-but I want to sell the best product in the world. A product that died on the cross so that WE may have eternal life. Jesus is off the chain.
Now, all this being said-it makes me wonder if now is the time for me to even be thinking about relationships. Even though opportunity is knocking-it may not be God's opportunity. Even though I know that one young man in particular is an amazing man of God, it may not be the right time. But I definetly do enjoy spending time with him. I think I just need to get away from everything for a little while and spend some time with God...which is what I'm doing next week! I cannot wait-I get the blessed opportunity to spend next week in Panama City with the Ignite and Fuse kids!! WOOHOO I can't wait to see how God is going to work with these young people. So...from Sunday, June 11th- (I think) Saturday, June 17th I will be in Panama city, but expect to hear all about it when I return. But, I'm exhausted, bedtime for Bonzo. I'm out like sleeping pills at an insomniac convention!

All I Need

Some lyrics to live by...I recently discovered Shawn McDonald, I don't remember quite how, I think it was on MySpace. Anywho, his music is amazing! His voice is incredible and the lyrics of his songs are just such a blessing to my soul. Here's just one example, a song by him entitled "All I Need" Enjoy, then I'm out like ice bags @ the rodeo.

As I sit here and think
About all that You've done
About how You gave me Your one and only Son
And I'm trying to fathom
All that You are, but so far, Lord
You're so beyond me
I fall down in reverence
And I fall down in fear
And I'm asking You, Lord, won't You please draw near
Won't You open my eyes
So that I can see
The way that You are working in me
All I need is Your love
To come and fill this heart of mine
My heart is a desert that has gone dry
And I need Your love to carry me bye, bye, bye, bye, bye
To carry me bye, bye, bye, bye, bye
To carry me bye
And I lay down my life
And I put it before You
All that I am is in Your hands
And I'm not going to question, why
You're so faithful
Why that You give me the blessing that You have
Let the glory be known, let the glory be shown
Lift You up unto the throne
You are my God, You are my King
To You I give, I give You everything
All that I need is Your love, my God

HIS GRACE IS ENOUGH

Today was an absolutely amazing day. Church this morning-my 4th grade girls listened to everything I had to say about Jesus and why we should obey and then the 11:15 service, Clayton King spoke and he always blows me away when he speaks. It seems like God always uses Clayton to speak something so powerful that it changes my perspective on things. Wait, my day gets better, if you can believe that. After church I went to Clemson and played outdoor volleyball and chilled at the lake with some awesome people and had an absolute blast. Then I went to youth group. Funny how I seem to get more out of it than I feel like I put in. Alden always makes the message so relavent, not only to the middle schoolers, but also so that I can apply it to my own life. Tonight the message was about just being still and listening to God. It's amazing how when you acutally just sit still and let Him speak to you, He will BLOW you away. I have such a peace right now b/c God is just leading me and I can honestly say I am tee-totally in LOVE with Jesus! The only way this day could have been any better is if my little sister wasn't sick and she would have got to come to youth group tonight. Other than that, this day was pretty AMAZING! On that note, I'm out like the luck of a sore tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs!

Broken Road Taking a Turn

I think this broken road is actually starting to lead somewhere. Lately, God has given me so much direction for my life...sadly enough, it took me falling on my butt today to realize this. So, I was at work, minding my own business, working my tail off when I slip in the water in the kitchen and land on the tail that I was so hardily working off. At first I kinda laughed it off and just kept going, but soon I was dizzy and feeling the repercussions of landing on my hip. So I got cut early and got left work around 2:30 with only $26 in my pocket-NOT GOOD. I came home and laid in bed for a while thinking about life in general. When I woke up around 5:00 I really began to realize just how much God is working in my life. He only takes things out of our hands so He can fill them with something better. God rocks my socks off! Everything happens for a reason and it all goes according to His will. Patience is the key to seeing God's blessings. Wow, I have really been tested in that area for the past few months and now God is slowly allowing things to fall into place in His time. I'm so glad that He is my God and that He provides for me constantly. Ok, my back is starting to hurt again. Chill time. I'm out like the bottle of Ibuprofen in my medicine cabinet!