Monday, March 31, 2014

Persevering to the end..... my first 5K experience



This past Saturday, I did my first 5K.  I say "did" because I didn't run the entire time.  I started off running.  I ran off and on in the middle.  I finished running.  Okay, jogging.  I walked at other times.  Walking and running (jogging) was my intention.  Finishing was my intention.  I didn't really have a time to finish under in mind, other than I really wanted to finish in under an hour.  Well, truth be told, a friend did her first 5K a few months back and did around 45 minutes, so that was in the back of my mind. ☺

I started walking October 1st of 2013.  Back then, a 5K wasn't in my vision as a goal.  But, fairly soon, it became a goal.

When I learned about the Operation Outreach 5K that was helping out the Soddy Daisy Food Bank, I checked my calendar and found out I would be in town.  I check with the race organizers to see if walkers were allowed for the 5K and it was all good.  So, Operation Outreach became my first 5K race goal.  I used Runkeeper to count down days to the race, March 29.

On March 29, race day, it was raining slightly (drizzling) when I headed over to the starting point at Mile Straight Baptist Church.  Though I didn't know it until race time, they had decided to alter the route due to the weather.  That wasn't a big deal really, except that I later learned a friend had come out to support me and had place herself along the original route.  OOPS.  What dedication to come out on an early Saturday morning in rainy weather.  And, then to have the route changed.  I remain grateful for the effort and show of support!

I'm still sore from Saturday.... shins, quads, hams... but the soreness will work itself out eventually.  I haven't run that much in decades.  I ran track my senior year in high school (and enjoyed it), but I was primarily a swimmer throughout my life.  I marched in the band.  I rode bicycles.  I hiked (and still do).  And these days I walk 5-6 days a week. 

Even with all the walking since October.... and increased walking and hiking in March (over 50 miles and 25 hours), I still found myself worn out at the end of the race and coming close to vomiting at the very end.... the feeling where you've given it all you can give it and your lungs are coming up your throat.  But, thankfully, my lungs and my stomach stayed in place and I didn't puke, upchuck or vomit at the end of my first 5K.

Results from the race?

There were 89 people in the race.  I came in 78th overall (I was #1886).  My time was 47:21.  My pace was 15:16. 

In my age category (40-49), there were 17.  I came in 14th.  I was the oldest in my age category! ☺

These are decent statistics, especially for my very first 5K.  But it wasn't about these numbers.  The best statistics are the numbers that reveal how much food was donated to the Soddy Daisy Food Bank: 2,491 pounds of food!  Now, that's what makes this a successful 5K in my opinion!  It was the first "Operation Outreach 5K" and that's a great start to a yearly race!

The Soddy Daisy Food Bank is an organization we have helped out as a family through different churches and through BI-LO, a local grocery food store.   It was good to catch up with several of the volunteers with that organization that I know from days gone by.

Walking and doing a 5K are part of my preparation for my year of jubilee that begins in October.  I don't know when my next 5K will be or what it's mission focus will be.  But I don't think this past Saturday was my 'first and last' 5K.  I look forward to more adventures on the road.

Speaking of adventures, I am enjoying this pre-jubilee year.   If my pre-jubilee year at 49 is so wonderfully freeing, adventurous, and growth-producing, I simply can't imagine what the year of jubilee is going to be. 

Blessings on your adventures and your journey,

Debra



Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Our God Saves-- Paul Baloche. Another song with a Trinitarian message.

This morning I heard these words on the radio:  "in the name of the Father, in the name of the Son, in the name of the Spirit" and my ears perked up.  A contemporary song with a Trinitarian message. 

Ever since we were challenged in our worship class (WO 510) to listen for / to pick out contemporary songs with a Trinitarian message, I've heard almost a handful.  As I was looking for the lyrics for this song, "Our God Saves", I found a link that listed songs with a Trinity theme.  I was shocked and surprised to find 295 songs on that list.  Does that shock or surprise you?  Check it out: Songs with Trinity Theme.

I am fairly certain I've heard "Our God Saves" before today.  I've heard the artist's name before too, Paul Baloche, but he isn't someone with whom I'm very familiar.  This song is from the Our God Saves album (2007).

Yet, I'm familiar with his songs.  It turns out that he has written quite a few songs I know, some of which are: "Open the Eyes of My Heart", "Above All", and is co-author of "A New Hallelujah".

                                            OUR GOD SAVES with scenery from Brazil

                                            OUR GOD SAVES-- live with interview

Lyrics and chords:

Verse 1                             D
In the name of the Father, in the name of the Son
                            Gmaj7
In the name of the Spirit Lord we come
               Bm
Gathered together to lift up your name
                         Gmaj7
To call on our Saviour, to fall on your grace

Pre-Chorus
                D
Hear the joyful sound of our offering
                A
As your saints bow down, as your people sing
            Bm7
We will rise with you, lifted on your wings
            G2
And the world will see that...

Chorus
                D                    A
Our God saves, our God saves
              Bm7                  G2
There is hope in Your name
              D                        A
Morning turns to songs of praise
               Bm7                        G2
Our God saves, Our God saves

Checking into Paul Baloche, I learned that he sings some in French.  For those who speak French and/or are learning French, check out this link to 3 worship songs in French: Sing French with Paul Baloche.

You can also check out Paul Baloche on MySpace for music, etc.

As usual, a song on the radio has taken me deeper.  Not only has it spoken to me spiritually and ministered to me, but it has allowed me to go deeper in exploration and learning.  In my exploration this afternoon, I found several "who knew?" gems.

I hope you find something here that allows you to go deeper in some aspect on your journey. 

Blessings as you travel this adventurous life!

Debra

Yo sé quien soy yo / I know who I am

For my drive to KY for worship class (WO 510) weekend #2 on March 13, I grabbed a handful of my Spanish CDs so I could worship some in Spanish.  I haven't really done that on my drives back and forth to KY to school and I have missed worship in Spanish from my drives to FL for the Academy and worship in the Academy. 

I have a fairly large selection of Spanish compilation praise and worship CDs and some individual artists. 

I started with Danilo Montero's En Vivo Desde La Iglesia Lakewood: Devoción (Live From Lakewood Church: Devotion).

There were two songs in particular that struck me to the core, that evoked deep emotion.  They took me to the foot of the throne.  Habían dos canciones en particular que me tocaron profundamente. Me tomaron al pie del trono.

While listening to the songs, I was in "Spanish-mode".  I thought I might write solely in Spanish, but I decided to write in English.   Even if you don't speak or understand Spanish, I encourage you to listen to the songs.  Maybe they will touch you as they did me.  As I looked back at my notes, I see that one of the songs is the Revelation Song (Revelación) that I wrote about yesterday.  Danilo Montero doesn't use the same name for it as Ingrid Rosario (Digno y Santo), but uses the cognate of the English title).  I knew I had heard that song in Spanish. ☺  It's powerful likely in any language.

The first song that caught my attention was: «Yo sé quien soy yo».  It was written by Israel Houghton and Chris Tomlin in 2007. 

Lyrics:

Yo sé quien soy yo////
Tuyo soy, tuyo soy
Tú eres mi Dios
Cristo eres mi Dios//

Extraviado
Me encontraste
Ciego estaba
Y ahora puedo ver
Hoy tu canción yo cantaré
Quebrantado
Me sanaste
Muerto estaba
Y ahora vivo en ti
Tu identidad has puesto en mí
Yo sé, yo sé///

Soy perdonado
Tu amigo soy
Soy aceptado
Yo sé quien soy yo
Tengo confianza
Seguro estoy
Que soy amado
Yo sé quien soy yo
Volví a vivir
Yo libre soy
Te pertenezco a ti
Tú eres mi Dios



I haven't heard this song ("I Know Who I Am") in English before, but it wasn't difficult to find.  Here it is on the album A Deeper Level by Israel & New Breed, featuring Chris Tomlin.


Lyrics in English:

"I Know Who I Am"
I know who I am
I know who I am
I know who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

I know who I am
I know who I am
I know who I am
I am yours, I am yours

And you are mine
Jesus you are mine
You are mine
Jesus you are mine

I was running and you found me
I was blinded and you gave me sight
You put a song of praise in me

I was broken and you healed me
I was dying and you gave me life
Lord you are my identity
And I know, I know

I know who I am
I know who I am
I know who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

I know who I am
I know who I am
I know who I am
I am yours, I am yours

I was running and you found me
I was blinded and you gave me sight
You put a song of praise in me

I was broken and you healed me
I was dying and you gave me life
Lord you are my identity
And I know, I know, I know, I know

I am forgiven
I am your friend
I am accepted, I know who I am
(I know who I am)
I am secured, I'm confident,
That I am loved, I know who I am
(I know who I am)
I am alive
I've been set free
I belong to you and you belong to me

Oh oh
Oh oh
Hey

I know who I am
I know who I am
I know who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

I know who I am
I know who I am
I know who I am
I am yours, I am yours

I know who I am
I know who I am
I know who I am
I am yours, I am yours

And you are mine
Jesus you are mine
You are mine
Jesus you are mine

The second song that touched me on this album by Danilo Montero was the «Revelación» song with Kari Jobe.  This song was written by Jennie Lee Riddle in 2004. 

Here are the Spanish lyrics:

Digno es el cordero santo
Santo, santo es Él
Levantamos nuestra alabanza
Al que en el trono está

Santo, santo, santo
Dios todopoderoso
Quien fue, quien es y quien vendrá
La creación hoy canta
Y damos Gloria a Él
Tú eres digno por siempre y siempre

Even though I already posted a Spanish version of this song in yesterday's post with the Revelation Song being the last in a worship set, I will post another one today, so you can listen directly and worship here and now.  [If you want the English version, there are plenty on yesterday's post! You can access it by clicking the following link: Music from the radio...combining the songs into a worship set (and LOTS of the Revelation Song).]


Thanks for allowing me to share some of my worship time with you that I experienced in my "rolling sanctuary" on my way to worship class weekend #2 a few weeks ago driving to KY. 

May these songs (either the English or Spanish versions) touch your spirit and allow you to worship.

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Music from the radio... combining the songs into a worship set (and LOTS of the Revelation Song)

On the way home from WO 510 weekend #2 on Saturday afternoon/evening March 15th, my ears were listening to the text and tunes of songs.  I was listening for evidence of the Trinity (something we had been challenged to do in the class.... thus the recent We Believe post).  I was also listening for the flow of music, how songs might flow one into the other. 

Remember that music isn't my strong area.  I'm a language person.  Yet, I need to learn all I can in this area and be prepared.  As a leader of worship, I need to understand what is going on, even if the main task is in someone else's realm. 

I enjoy music.  That is likely evident by the number of posts on music.  Music speaks to my heart, mind, and soul.  There isn't much better than music with strong lyrics and a good tune.  Sometimes all one needs is a good tune.  It depends on what the need is or where the mind, heart, or soul happen to be at the time.

Anyway..... as I listened to the radio, there were three songs that caught my attention.  They weren't played consecutively.  Yet as I heard them, I thought they would make a good worship set.  They could be played as the worship set prior to the prayer, then the pastor would bring the word.

The three songs:
  • "Yours Will Be" (also known as: "The Only Name" and "Land of Glory") by Big Daddy Weave
  • "Oceans" (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong United
  • "Revelation Song" by Phillips, Craig and Dean (I am actually not sure who was singing this song on this day on the radio.  It was written by Jennie Lee Riddle.  It has been sung by Kari Jobe, Susan Ashton, the Newsboys, and probably others in English.  In Spanish, it has been sung by Ingrid Rosario "Digno y Santo" and Danilo Montero.  At the end of this post you will find a video of "The Story Behind the Revelation Song" and a few links to other singers singing it.)

                                                   YOURS WILL BE by Big Daddy Weave

                                                     OCEANS by Hillsong United

                                           REVELATION SONG by Phillips, Craig & Dean

I think the last song is a good response song to the Word too.  It can lead into hearing the Word and allow for response to the Word.

Here are the lyrics for these three songs:

YOURS WILL BE by Big Daddy Weave (off the Love Come to Life album)

Yours will be the only Name that matters to me
The only One Whose favor I seek
The only Name that matters to me
Yours will be
The friendship and affection I need
To feel my Father smiling on me
The only Name that matters to me
Yours is the Name the Name that has saved me
Mercy and grace the power that forgave me
And Your love is all I’ve ever needed
When I wake up in the Land of Glory
And with the saints I will tell my story
There will be one Name that I proclaim
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, just that Name

OCEANS by Hillsong United (off the Zion album)

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
[x6]

I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine


REVELATION SONG by Phillips, Craig & Dean (off the album Fearless)

Worthy is the,
Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to Him who sits on
Heaven's Mercy Seat
[Repeat 2x]

[Chorus:]
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And I will adore You…!
Yeah!

Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and
Glory and power be
To You the Only Wise King,
Yeah

[Repeat Chorus:]

Filled with wonder,
Awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name
Jesus, Your Name is Power
Breath, and Living Water
Such a marvelous mystery
Yeah...

[Chorus:]
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come,
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And – I - will - adore YOU…

[Chorus (Repeat at a cappella)]

Come up lift up His Name
To the King of Kings…
We will adore YOU Lord…
King of heaven and earth
King Jesus, King Jesus
Aleluya, aleluya, aleluya!
Majesty, awestruck Honor
And Power and Strength and Dominion
To You Lord,
To the King, to King
To the King of Glory

[Chorus (Repeats)]
                                    
                                         THE STORY BEHIND THE REVELATION SONG

Other links/videos to other versions of the REVELATION SONG:


                                                                       Susan Ashton

                                                                      Newsboys

                                                                      Kari Jobe


                                                                   Ingrid Rosario (Spanish)

 
                                                  Danilo Montero (with Kari Jobe--Spanish)
Spanish lyrics:

«Digno Y Santo»
 
Digno y Santo el cordero
Inmolado en la cruz
Nuevo canto
Al quien su trono esta
 
Digno y Santo el cordero
Inmolado en la cruz
Nuevo canto levantaremos
Al quien su trono esta
 
[Coro:]
Santo, santo, santo
Dios todo poderoso
Quien fue, quien es y quien vendra
La creacion te canta
Hosana al gran Yo Soy
Tu eres mi todo
Y yo te adorare...
 
De un arcoiris, estas vestido
Tu voz resuena como los truenos
Recibe Honor y Gloria
Poder y Majestad
A ti el unico Rey
 
[Coro]
 
Tan grandioso, asombroso
Con solo decir Jesus
Tan grandioso, asombroso
Con solo decir Jesus
Cristo tu nombre es grande
Fuerte inagotable
Tu misterio glorioso es
 
Eres santo
 
[Coro 2x]


I hijacked my own post, going from a worship set to an in-depth post about the "Revelation Song".  But it caught my attention that it was originally written by someone, recorded and sung by many, and also sung and recorded in Spanish.  Truthfully, I can listen to the song over and over.  That may be obvious by now. ☺  I hope it hasn't been too much for you.  If it has been, then you have the choice to not click and listen. ☺

Thanks for allowing me to share what I'm learning from my worship class with you.  It's all part of my journey.

What are you sharing with others from your journey?

Blessings as you travel,

Debra

Monday, March 24, 2014

WO 510-- Weekend #2-- Continued learning in worship class

WO 510 weekend #2 was jam-packed with as much learning as weekend #1. 

I've been back home a week now and haven't really had the opportunity to write about what I've learned.  I've been attempting to read for class (I FINALLY finished the Stookey book I was reading and can now read the other two I lack). 

I have shared this past week some of what I learned during weekend #2 (March 14-15) in a couple of blogs this week as I've shared some songs that have caught my attention on the radio. 

Here are some of the highlights from weekend #2:

  • It may seem like a very small thing, but the way we read numbers (actually the way we read/speak anything) is important.  I will likely dedicate an entire post to this, but the short version of this is that "150" is read thus: one hundred fifty.  Not "one fifty" nor "one hundred and fifty" (which I'm learning turns it into a decimal number.)  It is best to place a slight pause after the hundred number, allowing folks a chance to hear and start turning to the page.   Even if one isn't using a hymnal or a Bible, it doesn't hurt to give out the numbers in proper form.
  • It is important to remember the role of Christ in worship leadership.  This keeps things properly aligned and in perspective. 
  • It is a challenge to frame the story in order to get it across to others.  (If you don't believe this, talk to anyone who leads in worship at any church. ☺)
  • Anyone in worship leadership cannot coast, but must dedicate one's self to life-long learning study and time in God's story, going deeper and deeper.
  • Authentic Christian worship is not always about getting it right immediately in the process; it's about doing it. (Leaders and congregation can learn along the way.)
  • We learned about meter and metrical feet, a short lesson from MU 510.  We were introduced to page 926 in the UMC Hymnal (the metrical index) and learned how to used this. 
  • If a tune is unfamiliar, choose a familiar tune.  (Using new text and new tune at the same time will be disastrous.)  (Just because a tune is familiar, doesn't mean it should be used.  We should also consider the liturgical season and therefore rhythm of the tune for the text.)
  • We watched a Rob Weber video clip on Reconnecting Worship.  [I wasn't able to find anything on video, but here is a link to the book--Reconnecting Worship (kit).]
  • We talked about baptism in class and had read an article with descriptions of many denominational views on baptism.  One thing that came out of the class discussion that was new to me was to sing when you do a baptism.  I have never seen that done that I can remember.  And, there are several songs that lend themselves to being sung at a baptism.  Because baptism is a community act, this is an additional way to engage the community besides the sharing of the community vows.  I liked this idea of singing a song at a baptism.  We sang several in class.
As I continue to go through this worship class, I am at times overwhelmed by the responsibilities of worship leadership.  Thankfully, in many cases, one is blessed with a staff/team of talented and gifted folks who carry this responsibility of worship leadership along with interested, gifted, and talented lay folk.   Guiding and leading the leaders is part of the guidance, along with the preparation and guiding of the worship experience.  

Leadership of any kind can be overwhelming.  Yet, we do what we can.  We take what we know and apply it.  We continue learning and we can apply that.  As life long learners, we will be molded and shaped so that we can better guide and lead others.  We don't wait until we have it all figured out.  We wade into the waters with what we have and continue going deeper as we go and grow. 

I'm definitely learning new things in this course.  I am applying and sharing what I am learning.

What about you?  What have you been learning lately?  How are you applying it and sharing it?  Or, maybe you're being led into a new role in life.  How are you stepping into it?  I encourage you to walk into the waters with what you know.... you have been prepared to this point.  You will learn more as you go and grow.

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

No One Higher


This morning I heard another song new to me on the way back from taking the girls to school, "No One Higher" on Family Life Radio (locally 91.5 FM) 

The very beginning of the song caught my attention: "One God, Creator".  Then there were other words and phrases that caught my attention too.  In fact, when I got back home, I sat in the driveway to finish listening to the song.  Our class verse for the worship class comes through in this song.  The verse?  I Chronicles 17:20-- "O Lord, there is no one like you-- there is no other God.  We have never even heard of another god like You."

I looked up the song on the computer on the Family Life Radio website to see who was singing it.  It was Aaron Shust.  The song comes from his Morning Rises album.  It was released July 2013.

The song was written by Seth Condrey.  It was previously recorded and sung by Seth Condrey of North Point Music from North Point Community Church and released on the 2012 album entitled with the same name as the song (No One Higher).

I don't know which version will be your preference, so I will include both in this post.  I like them both. ☺

First, the lyrics.  Take a moment to read slowly through the lyrics before listening to the song.  Allow it to be an exercise in lectio divina, if you will.  What captures your attention?  What speaks to you?

Lyrics:
 
Our Father, Creator
You hold our hearts together
There's no one higher than You

Redeemer, Defender
Our great and mighty Savior
There's no one higher than You

You are always with us
Gracious to forgive us
By Your power we've been set free

And Lord we stand amazed in Your presence
Astounded by Your mercy and love
Our hands are lifted high in surrender
Your grace for me is always enough
And there is no one higher than our God
There is no one higher than our You

Majestic in wonder
You reign with love forever
There's no one higher than You

Your beauty, Your splendor
Your glory knows no measure
There's no one higher than You

You are always with us
Gracious to forgive us
By Your power we've been set free

And Lord we stand amazed in Your presence
Astounded by Your mercy and love
Our hands are lifted high in surrender
Your grace for me is always enough
And there is no one higher than our God
There is no one higher than our You

Let my life forever praise the glory of Your name
There is no one higher than You

There is no one higher
No one greater
No one like our God
There is none more able
Christ our Savior
Great and glorious

And Lord we stand amazed in Your presence
Astounded by Your mercy and love
Our hands are lifted high in surrender
Your grace for me is always enough
And there is no one higher than our God
There is no one higher than our You

Let my life forever praise the glory of Your name
There is no one higher than You 
A version with Aaron Shust singing:



A version with Seth Condrey singing:


Another version of Seth Condrey singing on YouTube (that I couldn't get to embed, but has a great video along with the song): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGTG2_skmaE

As I listen to this song over and over again, reflecting on its words, its seems like an ideal song to be the last one in a worship set, leading into the prayer time prior to the sharing of the Word (teaching time).   That's where I see it based on what I'm learning in my WO 510 class from my classroom experience and readings.  There may be another place in the worship service for it to fit well too.  I'm just learning these things.  I would seek input from the more experienced worship leaders on this to find out where they would put this in a service.

Beyond the corporate setting, it's a good song for individual worship too.  So, maybe you aren't reading this and thinking about how to apply it for a service, but rather you're simply allowing the song to bring you to a closer, deeper relationship with your Creator.  That works!

Blessings on your journey,

Debra


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Wrecking Ball (Press On) by Building 429

This is a fairly new song for me, though it came out in the summer of 2013.  I've just been hearing it recently.  The words grabbed my attention.  Here are some of them:

I'm a mess
I'm a wrecking ball
I confess I still don't get it all
Press on
Life goes on
 
The tune is catchy and makes for great driving music. ☺
 
 
Here's a version of Building 429 sitting around on a couch, talking about the song and singing the song:
 
 
Pressing on isn't always an easy thing to do.  There are moments, even days, in which it would be easier to stop, to quit, to give up.  For some people, that means stopping, quitting, giving up on a task/activity/person/relationship/job.  For others, it can be more serious and even mean life.  Yet, there is reason, there is hope to keep pressing on.  PERIOD.  No matter the situation.  There is reason.  There is hope.  There is light at the end of the tunnel (and unless you're standing on a railroad track, it ISN'T a train).  So, press on!!
 
I found a blog post about this song in my searching for information about this song on the overflow.com.  Check it out.  Two interesting things I learned from it:  1) that this song was written before the Miley Cyrus "Wrecking Ball" song and 2) there is a devotional reading app that goes along with the album where you can go deeper on the songs.  Here is the link for "Wrecking Ball/Press On".
 
Check out the lyrics:
 
"Wrecking Ball (Press On)"(feat. Blanca Callahan of Group 1 Crew)
Sometimes this world starts breaking me down
I get so lost I think I’ll never be found
And there are moments of fear and doubt
Even the best fall to the ground

I am a mess, I am a wrecking ball
I must confess that I still don’t get it all
Lord I believe that all Your words are true
Doesn’t matter where I’m going if I’m going with You
I press on, I press on, I press on
When I still don’t get it

I see the world through my jaded eyes
I get frustrated when there is no Why
I put my focus on worthless things
Even the strong fall to their knees
God only knows what we all need

I am a mess, I am a wrecking ball

I must confess that I still don’t get it all
Lord I believe that all your words are true
Doesn’t matter where I’m going if I’m going with You
I press on, I press on, I press on
When I still don’t get it

Life goes on, life goes on
But Your love will prove
All I need, all I need
I will find in You
Life goes on, life goes on
But Your love will prove
All I need, all I need
I will find in You
I press on

I am a mess, I am a wrecking ball
I must confess that I still don’t get it all
Lord I believe that all Your words are true
Doesn’t matter where I’m going if I’m going with You
I press on, I press on
I press on, I press on
When I still don’t get it

Life goes on, life goes on
But Your love will prove
All I need, all I need
I will find in You
Life goes on, life goes on
But Your love will prove
All I need, all I need
I press on
 
Press on.  Perseverance.  Tenacity.  It's a message that other artists have written inspirational songs about too.
 
Check out Mandisa's song entitled "Press On"
 
 
The lyrics to her song:
 
When I’m alone, when I’m afraid
When I have had all I can take
Losing my grip, I start to slip away
When I can hear the voice of doubt
Inside my head, screaming loud
Strengthen my faith, and help me say
Today, today

I will follow, I will press on
Even when the walk feels long
Your hands hold me together
Your love is with me forever
Through the broken, through the victory
I will praise You through it all
And run hard ‘til the race is done
I, I’m gonna press on, press on
I’m gonna press on, press on

How many storms have I been through
How many led me right to You
You’re using the pain, the hardest days
For my good, my good
So what do I fear
God, You are with me
Guiding my steps today
Through the mountains, valleys, sun and rain
Lord, lead the way, lead the way

I will follow, I will press on
Even when the walk feels long
Your hands hold me together
Your love is with me forever
Through the broken, through the victory
I will praise You through it all
And run hard ‘til the race is done
I, I’m gonna press on, press on

One step in front of the other
No looking back, no looking back
One step in front of the other
I’m gonna press on, I’m gonna press on [x2]

I will follow, I will press on
Even when the walk feels long
Your hands hold me together
Your love is with me forever
Through the broken, through the victory
I will praise You through it all
And run hard ‘til the race is done
I, I’m gonna press on, press on
I’m gonna press on, press on

One step in front of the other
No looking back, no looking back
One step in front of the other
I’m gonna press on, I’m gonna press on
 
One more.... "Press On" by Selah:
 
 
Lyrics:
 



When the valley is deep
When the mountain is steep
When the body is weary
When we stumble and fall

When the choices are hard
When we're battered and scarred
When we've spent our resources
When we've given our all

Chorus:
In Jesus' name, we press on
In Jesus' name, we press on
Dear Lord, with the prize
Clear before our eyes
We find the strength to press on

In Jesus' name, we press on
In Jesus' name, we press on
Dear Lord, with the prize
Clear before our eyes
We find the strength to press on
To press on
 
I've shared this one by Selah before.  You'll find it in this post where I used it in a sermon (February 24, 2013). [In the blog post link from that sermon, there is one another song from the music group Harvest with the song "I'm Pressin' On" and the Scripture references to pressing on.]
 
We've gone from a fast song in the beginning to a slower tune here at the end.  They all carry the same theme.  Maybe one or more of the songs speak to you.  Maybe the combination of the three draw you into worship at the feet of the Creator, the One who can and will give you the strength to press on.
 
No matter what is going on in your life, no matter what you're going through, it is my desire for you that you have the strength to PRESS ON!
 
Blessings on your journey!
 
Debra
 
 
P.S.  The idea of "pressing on" for me is one of looking ahead, looking toward something, keeping my eyes focused on that which brings light, hope, and joy.  Though I will walk through times of darkness and struggle, I will practice letting go of things that hinder me.  In attempting to find an image of what expresses this for me, I settled on a sunrise I took 10 years ago (May 2004) at New Smyrna Beach, FL.  Enjoy!
 


Monday, March 17, 2014

Christ Beside Me and Christ My All... St. Patrick's Prayer in song

Today is St. Patrick's Day.

I don't know about you, but I couldn't go through the day without spending some time with St. Patrick's Prayer, otherwise known as the "Breastplate of St. Patrick".

I first learned about this prayer three years ago.  In fact I wrote about it in a blog post back then.

There are numerous versions of this prayer.  The more famous portion of this prayer is the section mentioning Christ with the various prepositions of place (within, beside, before, behind, beneath, above).
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

This version is from the Prayer Foundation.

Our lead pastor, Rowland Buck, shared this prayer at the beginning of the pastoral prayer in yesterday's worship service.  It's a wonderful and beautiful prayer.

The rest of the prayer is pretty awesome too.  There are different versions of it.  I will share a couple that I found.  The first one that I found this morning was embedded in a blog and made mention of a Catholic songwriter.  So, let's learn from them first.

The picture grabbed my attention.


As I read the blog of Ann Ammar, I found her words inspiring.  The post is entitled St. Patrick's Breastplate.  The artist she mentions is Mark Mallett.  His song, "Christ My All" is from his Deliver Me From Me album from 1999.  You can listen to the song "Christ My All" by going to the CD baby music store site, scrolling down to song #10 and hitting play.  The lyrics are based on the prayer.  Mark Mallett has an OFFICIAL website with links to a blog, music, store, etc.

I looked for other versions of the prayer and songs throughout this afternoon.  From hymnary.org I learned that a song based on this Gaelic prayer is found in 8 hymnals, one of them being "The Faith We Sing" (#2166, used by UMC).  This tune is entitled "Christ Beside Me" and was adapted by James Quinn.  To learn which 8 hymnals include this song, you can go to this hymnary.org link.  You will also see information about James Quinn, a song pages from two different hymnals, the lyrics to this song, meter (5.5.4.4 D / also written as 55.54 D) and tune (BUNESSAN) information.

Here is a version of "Christ Beside Me"


As you listen to the music played in the video, you may recognize the tune.  The BUNESSAN tune is also used for "Morning Has Broken" (#145 in the UMC hymnal). [If you're wondering, 'why in the world is she talking tunes and meters'?!?! I confess that it is because of worship class weekend #2 this past weekend.  We learned how to "dial 926" in the UMC hymnal to learn about the metrical index.  We also learned about substituting songs so that we wouldn't be teaching a new text and a new tune at the same time.  We learned how to use the metrical index to help us find a different tune that would fit the song with the text that we desired to use.  One must keep in mind the liturgical season in that choice.  This was very fun for me!]  That's my commercial for the WO 510 class, now back to the post....

Another song that comes from this prayer is "I Bind Upon Myself Today" translated by Cecil Francis Alexander per the Oremus Hymnal site.  This song is found in numerous hymnals and is another popular version of the prayer.

If this post has raised your curiosity in any way, you might find yourself searching to see what other songs have been written based on this prayer.  You will notice that I haven't included any biographical information on St. Patrick himself.  I'm hoping that you'll be curious enough to look for some of that yourself.  This post is long enough. ☺

Blessings on your journey,

Debra





"We Believe"-- an affirmation of faith in song

This morning I heard a song for the first time, "We Believe" by the Newsboys on Family Life Radio.  It caught my attention immediately as I heard:

We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit

In our worship (WO 510) class at Asbury Theological Seminary taught by Dr. Goold, we have been learning and discussing all kinds of things about worship.  One aspect has been the Trinitarian focus in contemporary songs.  We were challenged to listen for such lyrics. [And because I just came back from worship class weekend #2, these things are fresh on my mind.  In fact, you may see another blog based on "free flowing worship" and some songs I heard on my way home...]

So, lo and behold, this morning I hear "We Believe".  Not only does it fit the inclusion of Trinitarian language, but it is basically a creed, an affirmation of faith, in song.

I have been listening to this song several times today and thought I'd share it.

Here are the lyrics:

In this time of desperation
When all we know is doubt and fear
There is only One Foundation
We believe, We believe
In this broken generation
When all is dark, You help us see
There is only One Salvation
We believe, We believe

We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He's given us new life
We believe in the crucifixion
We believe that He conquered death
We believe in the resurrection
And He's comin' back again, we believe

So, let our faith be more than anthems
Greater than the songs we sing
And in our weakness and temptations
We believe, We believe!

We believe in God the Father!
We believe in Jesus Christ!
We believe in the Holy Spirit!
And He's given us new life!
We believe in the crucifixion!
We believe that He conquered death!
We believe in the resurrection!
And He's comin' back again!

Let the lost be found and the dead be raised!
In the here and now, let love invade!
Let the church live love our God will see
We believe, We believe!
And the gates of hell will not prevail!
For the power of God, has torn the vail!
Now we know Your love will never fail!
We believe, We believe!

We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He's given us new life!
We believe in the crucifixion!
We believe that He conquered death!
We believe in the resurrection!
And He's comin' back,
He's comin' back again!
He's comin' back again!
We believe!
We believe


"We believe" is from the Restart album. © 2013 Integrity Worship Music


Here is a video of the song:

 
 
What a cool/neat way to share in an affirmation of faith as a community of faith through this song!  What a great response to how God is at work in the body.  I can see it being sung during a worship service.  I can see it being sung as an opening song to engage folks in worship.  I can also see it as a response song after the sermon. 
 
 
Another aspect of worship that we've been drilled about is that we don't use unfamiliar songs.  So, that means finding a way to "seed" the song so that the words and/or the tune isn't new to the people. 
 
As I listened to this particular song, I thought that the repetitive chorus lent itself easily to the entire congregation joining in after the first (or second) time.  For those who've been in church, the words will remind them of the Nicene or Apostles' Creed and they might even be able to join in sooner.  I think even someone with no previous church experience (or language) could catch on however.  The music is "catchy" as well.  A soloist or the worship band can lead the song and invite the congregation to join in on the chorus. 
 
The next time the song is sung in worship it will be more familiar. 
 
I don't know if this song will fit in for your corporate worship where you are.  Maybe it can fit in for your individual worship.
 
Blessings on your journey,
 
Debra