Music has always been an important part of my life. OK maybe I should re-phrase that. It is woven really deep within who I am. So that being the topic I considered that my life is really a series of theme songs. Certain songs have resonated more than others and it's those that I'd consider my "theme songs".
Looking back I had to ponder. There were specific phases I went through when a genre change happened.
I remember in college so many of us were listening to all that was coming out of Seattle. Then shortly after becoming a young dad it was classic Beatles and the like British pop.
Reflecting over the recent few years I see songs being more a part than genres.
2009 into early 2010 without a doubt was Lifehouse's "Broken"
"I'm hangin' on another day
Just to see what you throw my way
And I'm hanging on to the words you say
You said that I will be OK"
Words that I hung on to, in the darkest of days. Knowing that God wasn't taken by surprise and that hope would rise.
And that leads me to mid-2010 and early 2011
United's "With Everything"
"Let hope rise And darkness tremble
In Your holy light"
In late summer 2011 ....my theme has changed,
Switchfoot "Dark Horses"
"I've made my mistakes
I've seen my heart cave in
I got my scars
I've been to hell and back again
Born for the blue skies
We’ll survive the rain
Born for the sunrise
We’ll survive the pain
[Chorus:]
We’re singing…
Hey, you can’t count us out
We’ve been running up against the crowd
Yeah, we are the dark horses
We’re singing…
Wait! It’s not over now
We’ve been down but we’ve never been out
Yeah, we are the dark horses
....Keep running for the dark horses
Hope makes the blood change courses"
Yeah theme songs they change just like the circumstances of life.
So what's yours? Time for a change?
Or maybe it's time you got one.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Being Daddy Pt.2 "What Song?"
There really isn't an instruction book to being a Father. Oh I know the Bible and many great books have been written but a step by step manual there is not. I was thinking about what Henry David Thoreau said ""Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them." I thought about this and what that means for my children. How can I as daddy help see that the song in their heart doesn't go unsung?
So many times as parents we confuse activity with purpose. What I mean is lots of after school sports and activities is great ...but how does all that tie-in with the purpose or deep dreams within them? Don't stop letting them experience extracurricular events, they're important for many reasons we won't get into here, But, I want to make sure they always dream beyond what they can see just in front of them.
Did you ever imagine being something as a child and have an adult that you trusted shoot down the idea as silly? That is exactly what crushes dreams ...or buries the song deep inside us and we're too ashamed to discuss it because others might see it as unreachable or sad.
I challenge you dads, never ever tell your kids they can't achieve their dreams. Almost as bad as telling them that they're silly is being so busy that you don't listen to them and really hear what they are conveying. Put down the ipad or turn off the TV.
Show them you believe in them ...don't just say the words.
Eldredge says "The Glory of God is man fully alive".
So how can I as daddy help them lead lives fully alive? Live, dream, believe.
Trust the Father of all of us is singing over us.
That's the song in our hearts ...don't let it stay deep within.
Show your kids how to sing it ...by living your life fully alive.
So many times as parents we confuse activity with purpose. What I mean is lots of after school sports and activities is great ...but how does all that tie-in with the purpose or deep dreams within them? Don't stop letting them experience extracurricular events, they're important for many reasons we won't get into here, But, I want to make sure they always dream beyond what they can see just in front of them.
Did you ever imagine being something as a child and have an adult that you trusted shoot down the idea as silly? That is exactly what crushes dreams ...or buries the song deep inside us and we're too ashamed to discuss it because others might see it as unreachable or sad.
I challenge you dads, never ever tell your kids they can't achieve their dreams. Almost as bad as telling them that they're silly is being so busy that you don't listen to them and really hear what they are conveying. Put down the ipad or turn off the TV.
Show them you believe in them ...don't just say the words.
Eldredge says "The Glory of God is man fully alive".
So how can I as daddy help them lead lives fully alive? Live, dream, believe.
Trust the Father of all of us is singing over us.
That's the song in our hearts ...don't let it stay deep within.
Show your kids how to sing it ...by living your life fully alive.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Being "Daddy"
I've thought a lot this week about what my greatest focus has been regarding my kids the past 3 years or so. For reasons I won't re-hash here it's something that I needed to actually "decide" awhile ago due to circumstances of life.
One word that resonated with me was "stability". Sure several other concepts for focus I thought about. But this one was the one that rose to the surface in my heart.
See whether you are a married dad or single one, this should be one of the highest priorities on your list. So what does that mean? Stability?
Maybe it means for you that as a dad you strive to keep roots down in your particular town and same school system, etc.
For me though it was much less "material related". Follow me here for a minute.
Stability meant the actions I had in responding to the negative circumstances around me. Why? Cause little eyes are watching. And how I responded was as important as anything else.
Did I always get it right? Nope. Still don't.
But, my heart knew I must take my call as a dad serious enough that I would run things through the constant filter of "what's best for them". Not what I want.
Now you say that seems pretty simple. Or maybe you think it's just being an adult.
Our society is full of dad's who don't choose anything close to stability for their kids.
Stability means... Unconditional love, integrity in the face of lies, the respect they see me show the women that interact in their lives, and setting aside personal goals for their greater good.
A more fulfilling life journey it has created for me ...honestly.
Stability leads to parenting kids that actually listen and do what's right ...because they see that example in we as dads.
Having kids that listen to you means you must first have kids that connect with you! Be fun, inspire them, believe in them, and point them to Jesus.
Stability for our kids isn't just about providing material needs. It's the life you lead in front of them that so loudly preaches the greatest sermon.
One word that resonated with me was "stability". Sure several other concepts for focus I thought about. But this one was the one that rose to the surface in my heart.
See whether you are a married dad or single one, this should be one of the highest priorities on your list. So what does that mean? Stability?
Maybe it means for you that as a dad you strive to keep roots down in your particular town and same school system, etc.
For me though it was much less "material related". Follow me here for a minute.
Stability meant the actions I had in responding to the negative circumstances around me. Why? Cause little eyes are watching. And how I responded was as important as anything else.
Did I always get it right? Nope. Still don't.
But, my heart knew I must take my call as a dad serious enough that I would run things through the constant filter of "what's best for them". Not what I want.
Now you say that seems pretty simple. Or maybe you think it's just being an adult.
Our society is full of dad's who don't choose anything close to stability for their kids.
Stability means... Unconditional love, integrity in the face of lies, the respect they see me show the women that interact in their lives, and setting aside personal goals for their greater good.
A more fulfilling life journey it has created for me ...honestly.
Stability leads to parenting kids that actually listen and do what's right ...because they see that example in we as dads.
Having kids that listen to you means you must first have kids that connect with you! Be fun, inspire them, believe in them, and point them to Jesus.
Stability for our kids isn't just about providing material needs. It's the life you lead in front of them that so loudly preaches the greatest sermon.
Friday, March 25, 2011
What a difference a year makes
Have your ever really stopped to think about how fast a year passes perhaps after an event? Maybe for you it's the time Christmas to Christmas. Or perhaps it's a memory of a dear loved one's passing? Whether joyful or sorrow filled, time can sometimes just slip away rapidly. I was reflecting on that today. Time flies and it has little to do with anything but our own perception. Procrastination lives in the world where our sensitivity to "spiritualizing our laziness" has numbed us through.
We don't feel anymore, because we don't want to feel something if it's pain.
This is where desire dies. It can't live in that realm. It wasn't meant to.
For a long time I've studied something about myself. When I lose my desire to press into a deeper spiritual walk it's not because I simply got discouraged ...it's that I was strategically setup.
We are opposed in this life. That is not accidental.
"The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist."
- The Unusual Suspects
When we abandon our desire ...we have unsuspectingly given in to the very opposition we thought we were defeating.
Never give up ...it's time to dream again. It's been a year.
We don't feel anymore, because we don't want to feel something if it's pain.
This is where desire dies. It can't live in that realm. It wasn't meant to.
For a long time I've studied something about myself. When I lose my desire to press into a deeper spiritual walk it's not because I simply got discouraged ...it's that I was strategically setup.
We are opposed in this life. That is not accidental.
"The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist."
- The Unusual Suspects
When we abandon our desire ...we have unsuspectingly given in to the very opposition we thought we were defeating.
Never give up ...it's time to dream again. It's been a year.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Contentment?
I've been thinking about the word contentment lately. It's official definition is "the state of being contented; satisfaction; ease of mind." Yikes! When have I felt much at ease of mind?
I guess I saw it maybe as a failing position in life? You know, I thought to be content is to be complacent or satisfied? Seems that society teaches a similar thought. You know "never stop going full steam ahead." "Keep striving for that brass ring!" lol
So where does God stand on this? Well 1 Tim. 6:6 says "But godliness with contentment is great gain."
So not contentment alone. But godliness with it. It's not enough to be godly. And only being content ...it won't gain you anything either. The two are needed simultaneously.
Seems that Paul was on to something here huh?
I think the reason I've been thinking about this is I sometimes feel like I don't know where things in this life are headed. And I can feel very far from any state of being content. In 2011 I have a desire to be content. I think it's God given ...if nothing else it's heart derived.
Because I don't think any of us can step into the next season He has for us without first being truly content in the one He has us in NOW.
My prayer for you is that you would find His joy, wisdom, favor, and contentment ...this week, month, and the year to come.
I'm a work in progress ...
I guess I saw it maybe as a failing position in life? You know, I thought to be content is to be complacent or satisfied? Seems that society teaches a similar thought. You know "never stop going full steam ahead." "Keep striving for that brass ring!" lol
So where does God stand on this? Well 1 Tim. 6:6 says "But godliness with contentment is great gain."
So not contentment alone. But godliness with it. It's not enough to be godly. And only being content ...it won't gain you anything either. The two are needed simultaneously.
Seems that Paul was on to something here huh?
I think the reason I've been thinking about this is I sometimes feel like I don't know where things in this life are headed. And I can feel very far from any state of being content. In 2011 I have a desire to be content. I think it's God given ...if nothing else it's heart derived.
Because I don't think any of us can step into the next season He has for us without first being truly content in the one He has us in NOW.
My prayer for you is that you would find His joy, wisdom, favor, and contentment ...this week, month, and the year to come.
I'm a work in progress ...
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Rescuing a Heart from 2010
At the end of the year so many times we write reflective letters or cards to commemorate the year that was. Including the simple life accomplishments and small and large victories. I had no intention of doing that this year. You, that know me well, are aware that 2010 was far from victorious for me. Without being dramatic it was without a doubt the worst personal year of my adult life. And I'm not here to lament about that. I will say that growing closer to my children and learning more of their hearts has been a great positive.
But as I gave thought to the year, I wanted to at least be able to take a thought or lesson learned from what this year was. And that's when I realized that more than anything I had learned the importance of protecting and looking out for my own heart.
Rescuing it really from what this year tried to crush it with.
I have learned that as the Bible so plainly states it ...we must protect our hearts for it's the wellspring of life. I can say that the arrows that were shot at mine weren't of cupid's doing but that of a sinister spiritual enemy who sought to destroy. With betrayal, selfishness, and abandonment.
Rescuing my heart from the grasp of this destructive force was a conscious choice. Otherwise I'll never be able to move forward towards any kind of a future personally.
If I can speak to anyone that feels like their heart is un-mendable, or too crushed to ever live again ...it doesn't have to be.
God really did make us to live for so much more. More than we imagine. You can forgive and live.
You can stand again and believe in hope once more. You can rescue your heart from the enemies camp. Because God placed His story inside you that he wants told. But it only is told from within your heart.
It doesn't get easier ...but it does get simpler.
Merry Christmas and yeah for 2011!!!
But as I gave thought to the year, I wanted to at least be able to take a thought or lesson learned from what this year was. And that's when I realized that more than anything I had learned the importance of protecting and looking out for my own heart.
Rescuing it really from what this year tried to crush it with.
I have learned that as the Bible so plainly states it ...we must protect our hearts for it's the wellspring of life. I can say that the arrows that were shot at mine weren't of cupid's doing but that of a sinister spiritual enemy who sought to destroy. With betrayal, selfishness, and abandonment.
Rescuing my heart from the grasp of this destructive force was a conscious choice. Otherwise I'll never be able to move forward towards any kind of a future personally.
If I can speak to anyone that feels like their heart is un-mendable, or too crushed to ever live again ...it doesn't have to be.
God really did make us to live for so much more. More than we imagine. You can forgive and live.
You can stand again and believe in hope once more. You can rescue your heart from the enemies camp. Because God placed His story inside you that he wants told. But it only is told from within your heart.
It doesn't get easier ...but it does get simpler.
Merry Christmas and yeah for 2011!!!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
The False Self Deception
I'm through with false self! You know the guy that we portray to the world that is a facade of the real us? Now I learned of the definition from the writings of Eldredge. So I give proper credit. But until you really experience something that shakes your world-view...I don't think you see the false self exposed.
In this world, that is social media obsessed, no doubt the false selves are easier to maintain. Feeding the animal though is unreal. Because it's living a lie. And when you live a lie you have to keep up with the lies to keep from being found out. So the games are played, and you never really live in a world that makes sense.
This is where God steps in. I experienced the crossroads where He met me on this. I could choose to be less than real or not really care what people thought and be who I am.
See our delusion of grandeur is that we can actually live this way. Hey it's not living ...it's existing.
God shakes us to the core and forces us in to a shift that demands we choose. He won't wait until it's convenient or until we stop spinning the plates. He meets us on this subject when it's inopportune.
I'm through with false self ...he can't live here anymore.
In this world, that is social media obsessed, no doubt the false selves are easier to maintain. Feeding the animal though is unreal. Because it's living a lie. And when you live a lie you have to keep up with the lies to keep from being found out. So the games are played, and you never really live in a world that makes sense.
This is where God steps in. I experienced the crossroads where He met me on this. I could choose to be less than real or not really care what people thought and be who I am.
See our delusion of grandeur is that we can actually live this way. Hey it's not living ...it's existing.
God shakes us to the core and forces us in to a shift that demands we choose. He won't wait until it's convenient or until we stop spinning the plates. He meets us on this subject when it's inopportune.
I'm through with false self ...he can't live here anymore.
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