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!

 



I journeyed as a journeyer today... trusting the heart of God.

Today I had an opportunity to not only visit a former home church, Hixson UMC, but participate in the worship service.  My role was fairly simple... walk down the aisle with a walking stick after the acolytes were on their way back.  I would be carrying a rock that I would set down among other rocks when I arrived to the table.  Then, I was to pour a cup of water and take a drink.  The journeyer.  It sounded like a great role, fitting even.... so I was glad to fill in at the last minute.

Little did I know prior to this morning that the theme was "perseverance" and that the rocks represented a rocky road.  Nor did I know that there would be a song playing, "Trust His Heart", by Babbie Mason. 

I knew that this was more than a role today.  I felt that in the air.  Then, the song started and the video that accompanied it played.  Both were powerful.  When it was time to start my journey, I couldn't quite set my pace.  It was almost as if I wasn't doing the walking.  What I do know is that the words were so powerful that I was teary-eyed as I walked.  I made it down the aisle and to the table.  I set my walking stick against the table.  I placed my heavy rock among the other rocks that were there.  I poured myself a cup of water, refreshing after a journey, and took a long sip.  Then, I turned to leave.  Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of the screen up to my left.  I saw the image of Christ in the picture and stopped to observe for a moment.  Then, I stepped down and went to my seat.

The service had songs and drama interspersed.  The music from the orchestra and choir were moving and powerful, as were the drama selections.

There were nuggets of truth from each that struck me.  Some more than others. 

"Ocean Views" was probably the most powerful for me, though I can't pinpoint why.  If I had heard that monologue last year at this time, it would have been even more difficult to hear as it talked about rough times.  Yet, it reminded all of us that God is bigger than all of those rough times.  And, as the monologue pointed out, there are still rough times.  Yet, the waves that crash the shore are no match for the waves of strength and joy that God has shown me are there for me, if I am willing to accept the gift of love, grace, and forgiveness.  God IS bigger than anything I can ever face.  And, I have faced some pretty big mountains in my life.

Spiritual growth has been one such mountain.... as God has continued to work in my life, calling me to go deeper, there have been some rocky roads along the journey.  It has been risky at times, often difficult, even painful (physically, emotionally, and spiritually).  But, it has been worth every ounce of effort and strength to keep going on the journey.  To keep on keeping on. 

The ultimate journey is my journey with Christ.  That relationship journey is the biggest for me.  It carries me on lots of adventures.   Beyond that, I'm on quite a few other journeys... school, Academy, family life, ministry, friendships, taekwondo, etc.  Each have their challenges, their rough spots, their joys.  Each is shaping me and molding me.

I am blessed to be on the journey with others.

How about you?  Are you on a journey of any kind?  What is it?  Where is it taking you?  Are there rocks along the path?  How do you deal with those rough spots? 

Though I may not always make the right decisions or take the right path at the crossroads, I am trying to live in such a way that shows there is some salt and light in this body.  And, when I'm not sure what to do, where to go, or what the heck is going on, I will try to remember to "Trust His Heart".

"Trust His Heart" by Babbie Mason
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLn0cRl-0GE&feature=related

All things work for our good
Though sometimes we don't see how they could
Struggles that break our hearts in two
Sometimes blind us to the truth
Our Father knows what best for us
His ways are not our own
So when your pathway grows dim
And you just don't see Him
Remember you're never alone

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
Trust His heart

He sees the master plan
And He holds our future in His hand
So don't live as those who have no hope
All our hope is found in Him
We see the present clearly
But He sees the first and the last
And like a tapestry
He's weaving you and me
To someday be just like Him

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
Trust His heart

He alone is faithful and true
He alone knows what is best for you

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
Trust His heart

When you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
Trust His heart

Journeying onward on this incredible adventurous path!
~Debra

Determination. Perseverance. Courage. Impacting the World.

Actually, my thoughts are swimming.  I have about three or four blog entries in my head right now.  I'm not sure which will come out.  Probably all of them. 

A few weeks ago I began this journey of blogging.  It is a new journey for me in some ways.  Not the writing or journaling part.  But, the "putting-it-out-there-for-folks-to-see" part.  Most of my journals are in spiral-bound and other notebook types.  I started writing when I was in elementary school.  I would "blog" our family trip adventures in tiny notebooks, telling on my little brothers, sharing about the nature I saw as we drove into campgrounds, etc.  Throughout my life I have shared some of my thoughts with some people.  Now, I'm sharing with "who knows who?", living "who knows where?" :)

One reason I am writing is to help me clarify the questions in my own life.  As I write about my journey, I might be able to see more clearly.  Another reason I write is to strengthen my writing skills.  Though these are the main reasons I write, I do wonder from time to time if anyone (besides "forced" family members) reads these things. :)

I have been humbled and amazed to learn that there are a few readers out there who haven't been "forced" to read.  Comments have encouraged me in that area.  Then, an e-mail came that completely humbled me and reminded me that it is not me in charge, that I am simply a willing vessel seeking to obediently do my part.

Someone has been reading.  And this someone told me that the words have spoken to them as if I'm right there.  And, the "messages" match what this person has been experiencing and needing.  Only God could do that.   (This would be where you would hear me say a "go God!", "woo hoo" or even see me do a little "go God spirit dance".  But, I'll spare you.)

Have you ever experienced that?  I have.  I experience it quite often with Mark Davis' reports from his radio show, the Healing Touch.  He has a "word" for the day.  It is amazing how often that word speaks to me-- whether it is for me personally or to pass along to someone in my life.  Words of encouragement, truth, etc.  Recently Mark has written on mentoring, Goliath, and armor of God, just to name a few. 

If we each "do our part", what can be the result?   What does "doing our part" mean?  For me, it means being 100% God's, no matter the cost.  Now, that's not always easy.  Nor do I always submit.   In fact, I have a prodigal daughter story that goes back to a time when I had given God 100%, no matter the cost.  Then I grabbed some of that percentage back.  Then I re-submitted, but not without some significant consequences.  This, too, has been an incredible and important journey in my life.  One that I've been blessed to share on Crossroads and Chrysalis Journey Weekends and at other times. 

That 100% can also be termed "radical abandonment to Christ".  That's what David Platt calls it in his book, Radical:  Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream. 

My husband asked me to read this book.  I wouldn't read it for a while.  He said it reminded him of a friend who put it all aside to go across the world for God.  I didn't want to read it because I'm fairly "radical" already these days and didn't know what this book might do. :)  My husband said it was a risk he was willing to take.  And, since he said "go with the flow" back in 2006, I decided to jump in.  I haven't finished the book yet.  I read it in small bites.  It's powerful.  Along with the other books I'm reading, I can't very well escape the fact that I am called to be 100% abandoned to Christ.  This has been my mission statement, though worded differently, for many years.  The question for now, is-- what does this mean at this time in my life?  Each step of the journey requires us to ask ourselves, 'how does this step reflect living my life for Christ?'

What if we're not 100% sure about something?  What if we get tired?  What if we feel like giving up?  This is where the body of Christ comes in.  The body of Christ is meant to be there for "one another" by activating and incorporating practices of prayer, discernment, and mentoring.  These practices, along with several others not mentioned, can provide wisdom, guidance, and encouragement.  Remember, we are not alone on this journey.  Or, at least we aren't meant to be.  Whether we hear it from Scripture, the Holy Spirit, or a companion on the journey, sometimes we need to stop.  Sometimes we need to go.  Sometimes we need to pause, wait, and listen.  Sometimes we need to be bold and courageous and "go for it". 

Putting on the armor of God is a helpful thing, at all times.  I once used my daughter's taekwondo sparring gear as a visual for the armor of God.  Just as she wouldn't head out to spar in class without her gear, we would be wise to not head out daily into life without our "gear".

Today, a young lady taught me a lesson in determination and perseverance.  She has been riding a unicycle for only a few months.  She decided to try something new today.  She wanted to try going up a steep hill.  She was bold when she told us she would do it.  She rode down to the spot, turned around, got situated on the cycle.  Then, she was a little less sure of herself.  I imagine it looked slightly different from her new angle with the hill in front of her sloping upward.  Her mother and I shouted encouragement down from above.  We told her to go for it, to pedal, to just keep on pushing.  That may not always be the best advice.  But in this situation, it was appropriate.  This young lady started off.  It took courage to take that first step, or in this case, that first push of the pedal.  You could see the determination in her face.  She was focused.  We weren't really sure she would make it.  She pedaled.  She kept on pedaling.  It was steep.  You know what?  She made it!  She persevered to the top!  Victory!


  just starting out

 

       almost there... she started at the black mailbox
 behind her (not the one by her hand)

This young lady impacted my life today because she reminded me that even though the hill may be steep, I can still make it.  I can make it in the power and strength of the One who has called me on this journey.  

I'm not just called to share it within my geographical or social borders, but throughout the world, to the ends of the earth.   David Platt reminds me that by making disciples is how I can impact the world: "Indeed, Jesus has invited us to join with him in the surprisingly simple journey of spreading the gospel to all nations by spending our lives for the good of others and the glory of God." (Radical, 87)

How is God calling you to impact those around you today? 

I can only make it up that hill pedal push by pedal push (or step by step).   Transformation is in the journey!

May your hills be high enough so that you know you can only make it outside of your own strength, yet not so high that you don't take the first step.

~Debra