This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Christian Music Summit in Seattle, Washington with some members of the praise team from Parkview.
It was a great conference with lots of well known worship artists and Christian musicians from the past and present. Paul Baloche, Brian Doerksen, Pocket Full of Rocks, Phil Keaggy, Lincoln Brewster, Scott and Christine Dente (Out of the Grey), Zoro the drummer, Rick Cua, Billy Smiley (of White Heart), Roby Duke, Tim Hughes, Robbie Seay Band and Tommy Walker just to name a few of the presenters/performers.
There was a ton of great camaraderie among the four of us attendeding... including some great discussions on spirituality, worship, the journey that got us to that point in life and... well... lots of humor based around one-liners from movies and imitations of bodily functions (right, Steve!?).
These events (remember back to my post on going to Nashville?) always have a way of tugging at my heart. I don't think I could ever describe in words my mental state at events like this.
I don't attribute it to the abilities of any man, but more that I believe God has been/is trying to get my attention.
I don't know how many people were there, but they (for the most part) were all worship leaders and musicians... so imagine if you will your favorite praise song's a cappella section being sung by several thousand people in tight harmony. It was amazing.
I realized three things at this event:
1) I care too much about what people think. I was standing there during a particularly moving worship time (I'll talk more about this later) feeling like I wanted to be more outward with my expression of worship, but feeling too self-conscious about doing so because I was standing between Steve and Brian (two of the other team members). I was worried that I'd appear "freaky" to them... I should correct that... I was worried that I'd appear MORE freaky to them (I already take a fair amount of pounding for the fact that I color my hair and use more hair care products than any man should). Trading my worship for God for acceptance from man... hmmm.
2) I love worship through music. I love playing it. I love listening to it. I love taking Christ's salvation to the churched and unchurched alike. It seems to be deeply engraved in me as something that God either allows me to do or wants me to do. There is something about tying the beauty of music to the beauty of God's love for us. Don't take me wrong, I'm not anti-secular music... in fact me and another worship leader in town have been doing coffee shop gigs in which we use secular music as part of our set... I'm just saying there is something magic to the depth of God's love set to music for me.
3) This is the big one... this is the thing I've been wrestling with for a couple of years... God keeps bringing people and events into my life that deal with the orphans, widows, broken, homeless etc. I'm not sure how to process it all.
Maybe I'll save my commentary on it for another time, but I want to share with you the lyrics to a song this past weekend that has really been causing me to sit down and consider what we do with what God has given us.
The song is called "God of Justice" and it is from Tim Hughes most recent recording.
God of Justice, Saviour to all
Came to rescue the weak and the poor
Chose to serve and not be served
Jesus, You have called us
Freely we've received
Now freely we will give
We must go
Live to feed the hungry
Stand beside the broken
We must go
Stepping forward
Keep us from just singing
Move us into action
We must go
To act justly everyday
Loving mercy in every way
Walking humbly before You God
You have shown us, what You require
Freely we've received
Now freely we will give
Fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out Lord
That one line... "stepping forward - keep us from just singing - move us into action" just slays me.
I'll write more on what this has meant to me and my wrestling with God's will for me over the next few days.
Jim
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Jesus Loves Me This I Know...
Tonight I had a late practice with my friend Paul. He and I are playing (along with two other guys) at a coffee shop this coming Friday night. (Note: If you are interested, it is at the "Coffee Emporium and Cafe" in Hiawatha. We start at 7 pm).
Paul and I talked a little tonight about how difficult we humans seem to be able to make things. It seems we always want a little more, a better explanation or to turn things into a deep discussion of why the person sitting next to us is wrong and we are right.
The thing is, is that it really isn't that hard. Don't get me wrong, I'm not claiming that we should have discussions or that we shouldn't be students of the Bible and think deeply on subjects... I'm just saying don't forget the simple truths.
Jesus Christ died for my sins. He rose again. I believe that to be true. I believe that in Him doing so and me accepting the gift that He gave of Himself, I have been forgiven and granted salvation... my eternity secure.
When I sit and think about that, I'm just in awe of how amazing that is. I didn't earn it. I didn't buy it. I didn't create it. I didn't find it... God gave it to me and just asked me to accept and acknowledge it.
As Paul and I stood there tonight watching the fog roll in and the stars shine in the sky, you just couldn't help but be amazed by the beauty and strength of our God... and then to think that same God... the God of the universe loves even me. Wow.
Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me... the Bible tells me so.
Jim
Paul and I talked a little tonight about how difficult we humans seem to be able to make things. It seems we always want a little more, a better explanation or to turn things into a deep discussion of why the person sitting next to us is wrong and we are right.
The thing is, is that it really isn't that hard. Don't get me wrong, I'm not claiming that we should have discussions or that we shouldn't be students of the Bible and think deeply on subjects... I'm just saying don't forget the simple truths.
Jesus Christ died for my sins. He rose again. I believe that to be true. I believe that in Him doing so and me accepting the gift that He gave of Himself, I have been forgiven and granted salvation... my eternity secure.
When I sit and think about that, I'm just in awe of how amazing that is. I didn't earn it. I didn't buy it. I didn't create it. I didn't find it... God gave it to me and just asked me to accept and acknowledge it.
As Paul and I stood there tonight watching the fog roll in and the stars shine in the sky, you just couldn't help but be amazed by the beauty and strength of our God... and then to think that same God... the God of the universe loves even me. Wow.
Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me... the Bible tells me so.
Jim
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
This Is Dedicated To The One I Love
Ok... so I'm borrowing a line from the Shirelles song... you got a problem with that!? *grin*
I've been sitting up in my office tonight replaying some events of the last couple of days. I've had several "inspirational" moments that have been enjoyable and caused me deep thought... but I decided that those things are not what I want to write about tonight.
Instead I would like to tell you about a person whom I have the honor of calling my best friend... my wife, Ashley.
Tonight we attended a banquet for The House of Hope in Cedar Rapids. The House of Hope is a ministry that strives to help women learn about themselves as children of God. They deal with many issues that I know are near and dear to the hearts of many women (physical and mental health, relationships, mentoring, prayer life etc.).
Ashley got involved with The House of Hope a few years back. She was at a point in her life (we actually both were) where she was trying to break free from some things that she felt hindered her walk with God.
Let me just stop for a minute and tell you how proud of Ashley I was (and am) when she told me that she wanted to try to get free from some of these issues. She wanted to be a better mom, a better wife and most of all a better follower of Christ.
You see, Ashley and I have been on a kick for the past couple of years of trying to be real in our walk. Sometimes we do better than other days, but the point is that it is our sincere hope to actually be what we claim to be as a believer.
During Ashley's two years of taking classes and being involved in the lives of other women in the community, I can tell you without a doubt that I have seen a HUGE change. Its amazing thing when you get to watch a person who already had a beautiful heart change, grow and cling closer to God as their heart grows even more beautiful.
She'd be the first to tell you that she thinks she has a long way yet to go... but I'll be the first to tell you that we ALL do and I've seen incredible change already.
Let's fast forward to tonight. A few weeks back, the staff at the house asked Ashley if she'd be willing to share some of her testimony for a video that they wanted to show at the banquet. She agreed (if you know Ashley, this in itself was a big step in her breaking out from underneath some fears).
Needless to say, I saw the video tonight at the banquet and she did an awesome job. I leaned over and whispered in her ear after the video "wow!! I'm married to a movie star!!"
If you could see the ground that she has crossed in the last two years... witnessed the tears that fell... talked through the changes of heart and the increased desire to be a light into people's lives... I know that you would be as proud of her as I am.
I married an amazing woman. I couldn't be more proud of her... not because of the video, but because of all the things that she is laying before God's feet and allowing Him to truly speak into her life.
Yep, I married a star... one of God's own.
Jim
I've been sitting up in my office tonight replaying some events of the last couple of days. I've had several "inspirational" moments that have been enjoyable and caused me deep thought... but I decided that those things are not what I want to write about tonight.
Instead I would like to tell you about a person whom I have the honor of calling my best friend... my wife, Ashley.
Tonight we attended a banquet for The House of Hope in Cedar Rapids. The House of Hope is a ministry that strives to help women learn about themselves as children of God. They deal with many issues that I know are near and dear to the hearts of many women (physical and mental health, relationships, mentoring, prayer life etc.).
Ashley got involved with The House of Hope a few years back. She was at a point in her life (we actually both were) where she was trying to break free from some things that she felt hindered her walk with God.
Let me just stop for a minute and tell you how proud of Ashley I was (and am) when she told me that she wanted to try to get free from some of these issues. She wanted to be a better mom, a better wife and most of all a better follower of Christ.
You see, Ashley and I have been on a kick for the past couple of years of trying to be real in our walk. Sometimes we do better than other days, but the point is that it is our sincere hope to actually be what we claim to be as a believer.
During Ashley's two years of taking classes and being involved in the lives of other women in the community, I can tell you without a doubt that I have seen a HUGE change. Its amazing thing when you get to watch a person who already had a beautiful heart change, grow and cling closer to God as their heart grows even more beautiful.
She'd be the first to tell you that she thinks she has a long way yet to go... but I'll be the first to tell you that we ALL do and I've seen incredible change already.
Let's fast forward to tonight. A few weeks back, the staff at the house asked Ashley if she'd be willing to share some of her testimony for a video that they wanted to show at the banquet. She agreed (if you know Ashley, this in itself was a big step in her breaking out from underneath some fears).
Needless to say, I saw the video tonight at the banquet and she did an awesome job. I leaned over and whispered in her ear after the video "wow!! I'm married to a movie star!!"
If you could see the ground that she has crossed in the last two years... witnessed the tears that fell... talked through the changes of heart and the increased desire to be a light into people's lives... I know that you would be as proud of her as I am.
I married an amazing woman. I couldn't be more proud of her... not because of the video, but because of all the things that she is laying before God's feet and allowing Him to truly speak into her life.
Yep, I married a star... one of God's own.
Jim
Monday, August 20, 2007
Ya, Hey Der!!
Well, I just returned from a quick trip up to Duluth, Minnesota to see my family and you know what? I really have nothing bad to say about the weekend.
Sure, there were a few bumps and the weather was a little on the cold/rainy side... but it was a chance to see some people and get away from the rest of life for a little while.
Everything started on a high note when I decided to email a friend (if he is ok with me calling him that) to see if there was any chance he could meet me for coffee on my way through the Twin Cities. This individual has been someone that I've respected greatly in the music industry and have been trying to get to know better over the past several years.
Much to my surprise, we were actually able to get together (he even drove an hour round-trip to make the meeting).
I'll be honest and say that it was very refreshing to sit and talk with this individual. Not only did he have a lot of positive things to share about how he and I relate to the music industry, but more importantly we were able to discuss quite a few spiritual things.
I think one of the most impressive thing was that as we ended the meeting (his daughters were having a High School Musical 2 party, so he had to get home), he asked what he could do to help me out. I have no reason to doubt his sincerity, so I have to tell you that it says a great deal about this individual's character.
Not to mention that it was my first visit to a Caribou Coffee shop... and they have awesome white chocolate hot chocolate!
Great way to start the weekend!
We got to Duluth after dinner that night and spent some time hanging out with family. Any concerns we had about things being "tense" (we hadn't been together as a family for over 3 years) quickly dissipated.
It was just a matter of minutes before we entered into the same routines as last time we visited. Jokes were made, card games were played, food was consumed.
My oldest brother-in-law Todd even challenged the majority of us to fußball. After several attempts at taking him down, I must humbly admit that he is indeed the champion.
I have to give a big hand to my wife... she was a huge example of servanthood throughout the weekend. She watched kids (9 cousins total!) while me, my brother and my two sisters goofed off, she put up with sharing a cramped single bed with my daughter for the three nights we were there and most importantly, she took some time to sit down and discuss some pretty deep and significant spiritual issues with one of my siblings.
This of course all came after taking the kids and walking around a scary mall while me and my friend met for coffee on the first day.
What can I say, I married an awesome lady.
So... now I'm back at my desk, facing what could be a busy and stressful week... but I am very thankful for this past weekend and the various parts of life that were touched by it.
So there you have it... I could go on and on... but I'll maybe save some of it for future posts!
In Him,
Jim
Sure, there were a few bumps and the weather was a little on the cold/rainy side... but it was a chance to see some people and get away from the rest of life for a little while.
Everything started on a high note when I decided to email a friend (if he is ok with me calling him that) to see if there was any chance he could meet me for coffee on my way through the Twin Cities. This individual has been someone that I've respected greatly in the music industry and have been trying to get to know better over the past several years.
Much to my surprise, we were actually able to get together (he even drove an hour round-trip to make the meeting).
I'll be honest and say that it was very refreshing to sit and talk with this individual. Not only did he have a lot of positive things to share about how he and I relate to the music industry, but more importantly we were able to discuss quite a few spiritual things.
I think one of the most impressive thing was that as we ended the meeting (his daughters were having a High School Musical 2 party, so he had to get home), he asked what he could do to help me out. I have no reason to doubt his sincerity, so I have to tell you that it says a great deal about this individual's character.
Not to mention that it was my first visit to a Caribou Coffee shop... and they have awesome white chocolate hot chocolate!
Great way to start the weekend!
We got to Duluth after dinner that night and spent some time hanging out with family. Any concerns we had about things being "tense" (we hadn't been together as a family for over 3 years) quickly dissipated.
It was just a matter of minutes before we entered into the same routines as last time we visited. Jokes were made, card games were played, food was consumed.
My oldest brother-in-law Todd even challenged the majority of us to fußball. After several attempts at taking him down, I must humbly admit that he is indeed the champion.
I have to give a big hand to my wife... she was a huge example of servanthood throughout the weekend. She watched kids (9 cousins total!) while me, my brother and my two sisters goofed off, she put up with sharing a cramped single bed with my daughter for the three nights we were there and most importantly, she took some time to sit down and discuss some pretty deep and significant spiritual issues with one of my siblings.
This of course all came after taking the kids and walking around a scary mall while me and my friend met for coffee on the first day.
What can I say, I married an awesome lady.
So... now I'm back at my desk, facing what could be a busy and stressful week... but I am very thankful for this past weekend and the various parts of life that were touched by it.
So there you have it... I could go on and on... but I'll maybe save some of it for future posts!
In Him,
Jim
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Mind, Matter And The Insecure Musician
I was reading Jason's blog yesterday and ever since have been having trouble putting some ideas to rest.
Jason and I had talked briefly this past weekend about the state of our hearts. How we feel about the music we write, the people we are in front of, the convictions that God has placed in our hearts. Truth be told, after reading Jason's blog I feel pretty guilty that I didn't acknowledge the opportunity to dive deeper into the subject with him.
I've mentioned before that I'm what I guess most would call an accomplished musician. I've had a lot of great experiences and opportunities that are "above average"... but yet I spend an awful lot of time comparing myself to Jason, Joel, Andrew, Andy, Andy, Sara, Jill, etc.
Not so much putting them on a pedestal, but more so wishing that I could be a part of it all.
It seems so easy for me to see the purpose, passion and talent behind what they (and others) do... but not so easy to see it in myself.
I often wonder how God could have ingrained such a deep love of music and such an emotional tie to being a part of it into my very being... but only give me the abilities that I have.
I know it sounds like I'm angry at God about this, but rest assured... I'm not. Its more a deep longing to be useful. To understand at least a glimpse of why He created me the way He did.
Frankly, I'm often jealous when I hear how tight knit a group of musicians I respect have become. It seems I'm either in the wrong place at the wrong time, or that I'm just not the right type of person. I'm not cool enough. I'm not stylish enough. I'm not tall enough. I'm not short enough. I'm too fat. I'm too bald. I'm not witty enough. I don't command a stage... of course these are all things related to the world's standards.
As my wife would say, I'm in bondage to not being happy with who I am.
So... let me get back to Jason's blog. While a great deal of what Jason was saying was related to whether or not people understand and accept his music (not so much him as a person), I think it still brings to light that most musicians (especially Christians who are musicians) tend to have a poor self image either about themselves or their art. Strange, isn't it?
I sang about 30 seconds of a song for a friend on Sunday in front of Jason and all I could think about was what he thought. Not what I was singing. Not how privileged I was to be asked to sing for my friend. More or less I just sat there thinking "people with real talent know that I'm a joke". Jason didn't say anything negative. He didn't show negative body language... nothing to make me think that I did anything wrong. It is all just how I perceive it.
My wife talked with some of her friends about insecurities and they were all amazed at how insecure I am about things musical (ok... and many more things in life too), because when they see me they tend to see the same things that I see when I look at people like Andrew or Jason.
So where does that leave me? I'll tell you this much... my sincere prayer is that God would use me in spite of my insecurities. I pray that He would have a place to use my voice and my heart to reach people. I just don't feel that I can deny what I believe to be a call, but I have no idea how it is to manifest itself.
It is often a deep and dark struggle for me to wake up at 35 years of age and believe that God has something in store for me. Its a fight that often takes everything that I have in me.
As Jason talks about in his song "This Far", I cling to what I believe God is calling me toward even though I don't understand it.
"I don’t believe You brought me this far to give up
So everyday I keep on fighting for it
Show me again what I was made for
Help me to see
How You’re moving me"
So that's the bottom line. I'm insecure. God's done a lot to shake me up this year and still seems to be doing so... but I don't believe He brought me this far to give up. So everyday I keep on fighting for it.
I'm thankful for friends like Jason. Friends that understand the muse that is music and are honest enough with themselves to be real in front of people. To admit that we struggle. Believing that someday God will make it clear. Believing that we all have something to contribute. Continuing to try to hear that still small voice and act in obedience, while the world around us screams "you are nothing!"
In Him,
Jim
Jason and I had talked briefly this past weekend about the state of our hearts. How we feel about the music we write, the people we are in front of, the convictions that God has placed in our hearts. Truth be told, after reading Jason's blog I feel pretty guilty that I didn't acknowledge the opportunity to dive deeper into the subject with him.
I've mentioned before that I'm what I guess most would call an accomplished musician. I've had a lot of great experiences and opportunities that are "above average"... but yet I spend an awful lot of time comparing myself to Jason, Joel, Andrew, Andy, Andy, Sara, Jill, etc.
Not so much putting them on a pedestal, but more so wishing that I could be a part of it all.
It seems so easy for me to see the purpose, passion and talent behind what they (and others) do... but not so easy to see it in myself.
I often wonder how God could have ingrained such a deep love of music and such an emotional tie to being a part of it into my very being... but only give me the abilities that I have.
I know it sounds like I'm angry at God about this, but rest assured... I'm not. Its more a deep longing to be useful. To understand at least a glimpse of why He created me the way He did.
Frankly, I'm often jealous when I hear how tight knit a group of musicians I respect have become. It seems I'm either in the wrong place at the wrong time, or that I'm just not the right type of person. I'm not cool enough. I'm not stylish enough. I'm not tall enough. I'm not short enough. I'm too fat. I'm too bald. I'm not witty enough. I don't command a stage... of course these are all things related to the world's standards.
As my wife would say, I'm in bondage to not being happy with who I am.
So... let me get back to Jason's blog. While a great deal of what Jason was saying was related to whether or not people understand and accept his music (not so much him as a person), I think it still brings to light that most musicians (especially Christians who are musicians) tend to have a poor self image either about themselves or their art. Strange, isn't it?
I sang about 30 seconds of a song for a friend on Sunday in front of Jason and all I could think about was what he thought. Not what I was singing. Not how privileged I was to be asked to sing for my friend. More or less I just sat there thinking "people with real talent know that I'm a joke". Jason didn't say anything negative. He didn't show negative body language... nothing to make me think that I did anything wrong. It is all just how I perceive it.
My wife talked with some of her friends about insecurities and they were all amazed at how insecure I am about things musical (ok... and many more things in life too), because when they see me they tend to see the same things that I see when I look at people like Andrew or Jason.
So where does that leave me? I'll tell you this much... my sincere prayer is that God would use me in spite of my insecurities. I pray that He would have a place to use my voice and my heart to reach people. I just don't feel that I can deny what I believe to be a call, but I have no idea how it is to manifest itself.
It is often a deep and dark struggle for me to wake up at 35 years of age and believe that God has something in store for me. Its a fight that often takes everything that I have in me.
As Jason talks about in his song "This Far", I cling to what I believe God is calling me toward even though I don't understand it.
"I don’t believe You brought me this far to give up
So everyday I keep on fighting for it
Show me again what I was made for
Help me to see
How You’re moving me"
So that's the bottom line. I'm insecure. God's done a lot to shake me up this year and still seems to be doing so... but I don't believe He brought me this far to give up. So everyday I keep on fighting for it.
I'm thankful for friends like Jason. Friends that understand the muse that is music and are honest enough with themselves to be real in front of people. To admit that we struggle. Believing that someday God will make it clear. Believing that we all have something to contribute. Continuing to try to hear that still small voice and act in obedience, while the world around us screams "you are nothing!"
In Him,
Jim
Monday, August 13, 2007
Does This Mean I've Lost Control?
This past weekend, my family was blessed with a chance to spend some time with a couple of friends from Minnesota. They came down to be a part of the "Connect!" service that I help organize at Cedar Valley Bible Church here in Cedar Rapids.
You see, Jason is a very talented musician and a gifted speaker... so we put him to work!
We ended the evening by going out to a local restaurant... Jason and his wife... and my whole family (all 4 kids included!). Do you feel sorry for the Minnesotans yet?
Jason and I ordered meatloaf. The ladies ordered soup and salad. I'm pretty sure there is some sort of stereotypical joke in there.
The point of this really isn't what we ate... the point is that they were gracious enough to endure hanging out with my kids.
Don't get me wrong, I love my kids dearly... but let me show you what I walked into this afternoon when I went downstairs from my office.
First, observe my second oldest, Reid:
In case you can't tell... that is a pillow on his head that is in the shape of a baseball glove. He removed the ball and decided his head should go in its place.
Let's move on to my daughter, Grace:
My wife, Ashley, has been teaching a couple classes on being a "princess" in God's eyes. Do you think Grace has latched on to that concept?
My oldest, Andersen, apparently doesn't rank high enough in the princess/baseball glove royalty line... so he was demoted to the role of the horse. Notice Grace's proper side-saddle position.
Ok... now for the creme de la creme. My youngest son, Griffin, has been spending the afternoon listening to a CD that Jason was kind enough to give us last night. I think he has spent a little too much time watching me play on stage because... well... this was his heart-felt response to Jason's CD. And yes... in case you couldn't tell, that is our living room coffee table!!
Yep... I've definitely lost control.
Jim
You see, Jason is a very talented musician and a gifted speaker... so we put him to work!
We ended the evening by going out to a local restaurant... Jason and his wife... and my whole family (all 4 kids included!). Do you feel sorry for the Minnesotans yet?
Jason and I ordered meatloaf. The ladies ordered soup and salad. I'm pretty sure there is some sort of stereotypical joke in there.
The point of this really isn't what we ate... the point is that they were gracious enough to endure hanging out with my kids.
Don't get me wrong, I love my kids dearly... but let me show you what I walked into this afternoon when I went downstairs from my office.
First, observe my second oldest, Reid:
In case you can't tell... that is a pillow on his head that is in the shape of a baseball glove. He removed the ball and decided his head should go in its place.
Let's move on to my daughter, Grace:
My wife, Ashley, has been teaching a couple classes on being a "princess" in God's eyes. Do you think Grace has latched on to that concept?
My oldest, Andersen, apparently doesn't rank high enough in the princess/baseball glove royalty line... so he was demoted to the role of the horse. Notice Grace's proper side-saddle position.
Ok... now for the creme de la creme. My youngest son, Griffin, has been spending the afternoon listening to a CD that Jason was kind enough to give us last night. I think he has spent a little too much time watching me play on stage because... well... this was his heart-felt response to Jason's CD. And yes... in case you couldn't tell, that is our living room coffee table!!
Yep... I've definitely lost control.
Jim
Saturday, August 11, 2007
When I Grow Up...
Wow... so it has really been over a month since I last wrote something here, eh? Sorry about that. I know my millions of readers are just sitting on the edge of their seat waiting to see what witty, deep and/or insightful river of intellect will spew from my mouth next. (Did that sound sarcastic enough? *grin*)
Truth be told, I have been insanely busy with work projects lately. The company that I work for (Laridian) has been working on some awesome new products and all of us at work have been swept up in the necessities surrounding the release of new products.
I just got home tonight (1:29 AM) from letting a musical friend of mine into my parent's house for the weekend. He's been out on the road and drove in from another state tonight to play at church tomorrow.
I tell you this because hanging out with other musicians always makes my mind start to wander. So here I was driving home from my parent's house tonight... out in the country, listening to a Jill Phillips CD in the van... wondering and asking the same question that 14 year olds ask... "What do I want to be when I grow up?"
Have you ever noticed how life tends to complicate that question? The older we get, the more we tend to answer that question with simplified comments related to work and family and such. The more (at least in my case) we make excuses about how we could never do such and such.
As I mentioned in my last post (a month ago)... some things in life have really kind of shaken my thinking. They have really made me go back to the root of the question and then expand on it a little. "What does GOD want me to be AS I grow up?"
In my particular case, if I'm totally honest, I'd say that I struggle with where I think God wants me to be with whether or not I think I have any talents in that area. My lack of talent makes me fearful of taking any risks in certain areas... even if I think God wants me to trust Him.
So... it takes me back to my drive out on the country road tonight... What do I want to be when I grow up? I could list things like "a programmer" or "a musician"... but I think my answer is more along the lines of this: "obedient", "willing", "trusting"... you get the idea.
I'm not there yet. Not even close. Life has cause me so much panic lately that its just revealed to me more and more how much more I need to grow up. How much more I need to seek Him.
What do you think? Look at your life right now... would you be willing to take a step in a totally different direction?
In Him,
Jim
Truth be told, I have been insanely busy with work projects lately. The company that I work for (Laridian) has been working on some awesome new products and all of us at work have been swept up in the necessities surrounding the release of new products.
I just got home tonight (1:29 AM) from letting a musical friend of mine into my parent's house for the weekend. He's been out on the road and drove in from another state tonight to play at church tomorrow.
I tell you this because hanging out with other musicians always makes my mind start to wander. So here I was driving home from my parent's house tonight... out in the country, listening to a Jill Phillips CD in the van... wondering and asking the same question that 14 year olds ask... "What do I want to be when I grow up?"
Have you ever noticed how life tends to complicate that question? The older we get, the more we tend to answer that question with simplified comments related to work and family and such. The more (at least in my case) we make excuses about how we could never do such and such.
As I mentioned in my last post (a month ago)... some things in life have really kind of shaken my thinking. They have really made me go back to the root of the question and then expand on it a little. "What does GOD want me to be AS I grow up?"
In my particular case, if I'm totally honest, I'd say that I struggle with where I think God wants me to be with whether or not I think I have any talents in that area. My lack of talent makes me fearful of taking any risks in certain areas... even if I think God wants me to trust Him.
So... it takes me back to my drive out on the country road tonight... What do I want to be when I grow up? I could list things like "a programmer" or "a musician"... but I think my answer is more along the lines of this: "obedient", "willing", "trusting"... you get the idea.
I'm not there yet. Not even close. Life has cause me so much panic lately that its just revealed to me more and more how much more I need to grow up. How much more I need to seek Him.
What do you think? Look at your life right now... would you be willing to take a step in a totally different direction?
In Him,
Jim
Monday, July 9, 2007
Sorting It Out
You ever have those moments where life just seems... well... heavy?
Things that once brought great joy just seem to ring a little empty?
How about feelings of anxiety or depression related to times of year?
What do you attribute those feelings to? Is it coincidence? Is it chemical? Is it purely emotional?
Could it be something deeper? How about spiritual? Is there a literal battle between God and Satan for our heart and mind?
Truly, I'd like to know your thoughts. My reason? Well... lately I've been walking through one of those valleys.
I won't bore you with details, but let me just say that some things have been occuring in my personal life that are causing anxiety.
For example, my 91 (almost 92) year old grandmother fell down on the final morning of our family reunion a week or so ago and broke her hip/leg. If you knew my grandmother, you'd understand that this is a huge setback for her. She is very independent and acts like a woman of much fewer years. There is a chance she might spend the rest of her life in a care facility... when just days ago she was dancing the night away with the rest of the family as we played and sang music out on the deck of the cabin.
My uncle (who happens to live near my grandmother) and his wife have been evacuated from their new home in the Black Hills due to an approaching wild fire. As of this evening, the fire is about 1 mile from their house.
A close friend of mine (he's like a brother to me) and his wife recently found out that they have lost a baby during pregnancy.
Of the four areas I consider the "focus" of my life (God, family/friends, work and music) I can honestly say that none of them are settled. Each one has its unique stress and cause for anxiety right now.
Some of them are things I've subjected myself to and some of them are things that I have no control over, but could impact my life and the lives of others.
So the past few days have been rough for me.
I'm normally a person who really doesn't mind being alone. In fact I often enjoy a little peace and quiet. However a few days ago I found myself alone while my family was away at an event and well... I really didn't want to be alone that particular night.
What's that all about?
Sometimes it is scary waiting to see how God is going to handle something, isn't it? Makes you wonder how some of the people in the Bible felt when God gave them an instruction that from a human perspective might have seemed vague or seemed to just be irresponsible or illogical.
Do we... do I... trust God enough to know that He has a plan already crafted for my life and the lives of those around me that I care about?
In Him,
Jim
Things that once brought great joy just seem to ring a little empty?
How about feelings of anxiety or depression related to times of year?
What do you attribute those feelings to? Is it coincidence? Is it chemical? Is it purely emotional?
Could it be something deeper? How about spiritual? Is there a literal battle between God and Satan for our heart and mind?
Truly, I'd like to know your thoughts. My reason? Well... lately I've been walking through one of those valleys.
I won't bore you with details, but let me just say that some things have been occuring in my personal life that are causing anxiety.
For example, my 91 (almost 92) year old grandmother fell down on the final morning of our family reunion a week or so ago and broke her hip/leg. If you knew my grandmother, you'd understand that this is a huge setback for her. She is very independent and acts like a woman of much fewer years. There is a chance she might spend the rest of her life in a care facility... when just days ago she was dancing the night away with the rest of the family as we played and sang music out on the deck of the cabin.
My uncle (who happens to live near my grandmother) and his wife have been evacuated from their new home in the Black Hills due to an approaching wild fire. As of this evening, the fire is about 1 mile from their house.
A close friend of mine (he's like a brother to me) and his wife recently found out that they have lost a baby during pregnancy.
Of the four areas I consider the "focus" of my life (God, family/friends, work and music) I can honestly say that none of them are settled. Each one has its unique stress and cause for anxiety right now.
Some of them are things I've subjected myself to and some of them are things that I have no control over, but could impact my life and the lives of others.
So the past few days have been rough for me.
I'm normally a person who really doesn't mind being alone. In fact I often enjoy a little peace and quiet. However a few days ago I found myself alone while my family was away at an event and well... I really didn't want to be alone that particular night.
What's that all about?
Sometimes it is scary waiting to see how God is going to handle something, isn't it? Makes you wonder how some of the people in the Bible felt when God gave them an instruction that from a human perspective might have seemed vague or seemed to just be irresponsible or illogical.
Do we... do I... trust God enough to know that He has a plan already crafted for my life and the lives of those around me that I care about?
In Him,
Jim
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
A Puppet Show, A Rap Group And Me
Well... it finally happened. This past Saturday I officially stepped into my mid-thirties by turning 35.
Normally I wouldn't blog about such an event, but this particular birthday was... well... different.
You see, my friend Paul is a worship pastor at another church in town. Paul, by the way, is like uber tall... but that's another story. Paul's wife, Julia, is a DJ on the local Christian radio station. Still following me? Ok... the radio station teamed up with a group from the Cedar Rapids area called "Raising Praise Ministries" to put on a day of Christian entertainment in the city park in Marion... where I live (no, I don't live in the park... I live in Marion). Still with me? While putting together the schedule, they realized they needed some additional acts to fill some of the time slots... so Paul decided he'd throw together a band to play the event.
The band consisted of 6 guys from various churches around Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. All kinds of denominations were represented, which in itself was really cool. You see Paul and I share the desire to see churches break down false or man made barriers and come along side each other in serving God as a community of believers... so it was really cool to just worship with a bunch of brothers in Christ.
All different age groups were represented too... I think from the youngest to the oldest band member we crossed almost 30 years!! Very cool.
It was a short set... something like 5 or 6 songs... but it was a lot of fun.
The weather was overcast, but it made for a cooler than average day which was great!
Ok... so now for the funny part:
I'm going to mention some "accomplishments" from my musical career in order to help set the stage. Forgive me if it seems like I'm bragging... I'm really just wanting to drive the point home and show the humor in this all.
I've toured 3 continents performing music.
I've sang on stage at Carnegie Hall (yes.. for an actual concert).
I've opened for several "well known" acts.
I've played concerts in excess of 20,000 people in attendance.
I've had a record deal.
I've held endorsement deals with musical equipment manufacturers.
I've had a song in the top 10 in national radio.
But there are a couple things that I've never been able to say I've been a part of... until now!!!
This past weekend was a TRUE Spinal Tap moment:
(If you've never seen the movie... you probably won't understand and I can't claim that it would be an edifying movie for you to watch.)
You see, we had a very special opening act for the show.... A PUPPET SHOW!!
And so began the Spinal Tap quotes: "If I've told them once... I've told them a thousand times... Spinal Tap and THEN the puppet show!" "Well, we have the bigger dressing room!"
It was one of those moments that just sort of makes you smile.
To add to the unusual happenings, we were immediately followed up by a two person rap group!
I'll be totally honest with you all... the puppet show was actually very good. Very well done by a group of young puppeteers.
I can't comment on the rap group, as I was packing equipment back up.
All of that to say that it truly was a lot of fun. It was great, but busy, way to spend my birthday... celebrating that it takes all kinds to do the work for which God called us. Celebrating diversity. Celebrating fellowship. Celebrating Him over all else.
What a blast.
Although it wasn't Carnegie Hall or the Sydney Convention Center, it was truly a blessing to hang out with good and Godly men and just come along side each other in worship. I can also honestly say that sharing a stage with men who desire to glorify God even in the littlest things means so much more than the size of the audience or the name on the outside of the building.
You can't ask for anything more or better than that.
Well... maybe one thing better... hanging out with friends while wearing a Cocoa Puffs t-shirt.
In Him,
Jim
Normally I wouldn't blog about such an event, but this particular birthday was... well... different.
You see, my friend Paul is a worship pastor at another church in town. Paul, by the way, is like uber tall... but that's another story. Paul's wife, Julia, is a DJ on the local Christian radio station. Still following me? Ok... the radio station teamed up with a group from the Cedar Rapids area called "Raising Praise Ministries" to put on a day of Christian entertainment in the city park in Marion... where I live (no, I don't live in the park... I live in Marion). Still with me? While putting together the schedule, they realized they needed some additional acts to fill some of the time slots... so Paul decided he'd throw together a band to play the event.
The band consisted of 6 guys from various churches around Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. All kinds of denominations were represented, which in itself was really cool. You see Paul and I share the desire to see churches break down false or man made barriers and come along side each other in serving God as a community of believers... so it was really cool to just worship with a bunch of brothers in Christ.All different age groups were represented too... I think from the youngest to the oldest band member we crossed almost 30 years!! Very cool.
It was a short set... something like 5 or 6 songs... but it was a lot of fun.
The weather was overcast, but it made for a cooler than average day which was great!
Ok... so now for the funny part:
I'm going to mention some "accomplishments" from my musical career in order to help set the stage. Forgive me if it seems like I'm bragging... I'm really just wanting to drive the point home and show the humor in this all.
I've toured 3 continents performing music.
I've sang on stage at Carnegie Hall (yes.. for an actual concert).
I've opened for several "well known" acts.
I've played concerts in excess of 20,000 people in attendance.
I've had a record deal.
I've held endorsement deals with musical equipment manufacturers.
I've had a song in the top 10 in national radio.
But there are a couple things that I've never been able to say I've been a part of... until now!!!
This past weekend was a TRUE Spinal Tap moment:
(If you've never seen the movie... you probably won't understand and I can't claim that it would be an edifying movie for you to watch.)
You see, we had a very special opening act for the show.... A PUPPET SHOW!!
And so began the Spinal Tap quotes: "If I've told them once... I've told them a thousand times... Spinal Tap and THEN the puppet show!" "Well, we have the bigger dressing room!"
It was one of those moments that just sort of makes you smile.
To add to the unusual happenings, we were immediately followed up by a two person rap group!
I'll be totally honest with you all... the puppet show was actually very good. Very well done by a group of young puppeteers.
I can't comment on the rap group, as I was packing equipment back up.
All of that to say that it truly was a lot of fun. It was great, but busy, way to spend my birthday... celebrating that it takes all kinds to do the work for which God called us. Celebrating diversity. Celebrating fellowship. Celebrating Him over all else.
What a blast.
Although it wasn't Carnegie Hall or the Sydney Convention Center, it was truly a blessing to hang out with good and Godly men and just come along side each other in worship. I can also honestly say that sharing a stage with men who desire to glorify God even in the littlest things means so much more than the size of the audience or the name on the outside of the building.
You can't ask for anything more or better than that.
Well... maybe one thing better... hanging out with friends while wearing a Cocoa Puffs t-shirt.
In Him,
Jim
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Castle On A Hill?
This past weekend was a busy one... between leading songs for Saturday night, Sunday morning and Sunday night services and getting ready for a show I'm doing with another artist this upcoming weekend, my fingers are sore to the bone and I'm feeling pretty warn out. None of the services felt particularly "safe" from my standpoint, but that's ok because it is not about me, right?
The weekend did allow me some time to talk with some trusted friends and contemplate a few things that have been nagging at me for some time.
I even started working some more on a few songs that I'd like to record on my own... a scary endeavor for someone who isn't confident in their talents and has always had other band mates to help him along the way.
I've been asking a few "friends" in the music business to write some songs with me, but as of yet I haven't been able to convince any of them... maybe I smell bad or something. *grin*
Maybe my frustration with some of the other things in life has skewed my perception, but I wanted to share one thing that has really been heavy on my heart and mind over the past year or so. It is a phenomenon in which churches and individuals have become increasingly inward focused. Of course there is "nothing new under the sun", but hear me out for a moment...
Matthew 5:14 talks about being like a city on a hill... basically being so filled with our purpose in God, that we cannot help but show Him to others. However, most of what I see these days reminds me more of a castle on a hill. We spend so much time arguing symantics and difference between churches... or even WITHIN churches... that there is little to no time left to be any sort of light to others. We've made it all about the pomp and circumstance... The legalism over the intended purpose... The casual Christian over the follower of Christ.
How many times do things like attire in the church need to be discussed? How about all the things that are wrong with such and such church across town? How about the battles between the youth and the older generations in the church?
The list can go on and on: dispensations, gifts, teaching styles, music styles, etc.
As these battles rage on behind the closed gate of our castles, the villagers are starving in the little town at the bottom of the hill.
I'm not suggesting that some differences and some discussions aren't worth having... but I am suggesting that we need to be very careful about what we make issue over because of most of them are based upon personal preference. We can of course find some weak, out of context references to pick our battles, but by in large we simply don't need to go there.
I've had a few experiences in my life that have really changed my way of thinking... maybe someday I'll discuss them, but chances are I'm the only one who finds them interesting. What I discovered in all of this is that although I consider myself conservative (I'm talking spiritually... let's leave politics out for right now)... I've learned that the more conservative I become, the more radical/liberal I am beginning to look in the modern church's eyes. The more Christ like I intend to be, the less legalistic and prim and proper I become.
You tell me... if Jesus was here walking the earth in the form of a man right now, do you think He'd be arguing within the church walls about whether we should wear a suit and tie versus jeans and a button down shirt... or do you think He would be asking us why we aren't taking His word beyond the walls of our castle?
A city on a hill invites people in... a castle on a hill closes people off in order to protect their way of life... which would you rather be?
In Him,
Jim
(all bible passage links are from BibleGateway.com)
The weekend did allow me some time to talk with some trusted friends and contemplate a few things that have been nagging at me for some time.
I even started working some more on a few songs that I'd like to record on my own... a scary endeavor for someone who isn't confident in their talents and has always had other band mates to help him along the way.
I've been asking a few "friends" in the music business to write some songs with me, but as of yet I haven't been able to convince any of them... maybe I smell bad or something. *grin*
Maybe my frustration with some of the other things in life has skewed my perception, but I wanted to share one thing that has really been heavy on my heart and mind over the past year or so. It is a phenomenon in which churches and individuals have become increasingly inward focused. Of course there is "nothing new under the sun", but hear me out for a moment...
Matthew 5:14 talks about being like a city on a hill... basically being so filled with our purpose in God, that we cannot help but show Him to others. However, most of what I see these days reminds me more of a castle on a hill. We spend so much time arguing symantics and difference between churches... or even WITHIN churches... that there is little to no time left to be any sort of light to others. We've made it all about the pomp and circumstance... The legalism over the intended purpose... The casual Christian over the follower of Christ.
How many times do things like attire in the church need to be discussed? How about all the things that are wrong with such and such church across town? How about the battles between the youth and the older generations in the church?
The list can go on and on: dispensations, gifts, teaching styles, music styles, etc.
As these battles rage on behind the closed gate of our castles, the villagers are starving in the little town at the bottom of the hill.
I'm not suggesting that some differences and some discussions aren't worth having... but I am suggesting that we need to be very careful about what we make issue over because of most of them are based upon personal preference. We can of course find some weak, out of context references to pick our battles, but by in large we simply don't need to go there.
I've had a few experiences in my life that have really changed my way of thinking... maybe someday I'll discuss them, but chances are I'm the only one who finds them interesting. What I discovered in all of this is that although I consider myself conservative (I'm talking spiritually... let's leave politics out for right now)... I've learned that the more conservative I become, the more radical/liberal I am beginning to look in the modern church's eyes. The more Christ like I intend to be, the less legalistic and prim and proper I become.
You tell me... if Jesus was here walking the earth in the form of a man right now, do you think He'd be arguing within the church walls about whether we should wear a suit and tie versus jeans and a button down shirt... or do you think He would be asking us why we aren't taking His word beyond the walls of our castle?
A city on a hill invites people in... a castle on a hill closes people off in order to protect their way of life... which would you rather be?
In Him,
Jim
(all bible passage links are from BibleGateway.com)
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Taking It For Granted
Over the past three weeks I have been involved with a new worship service. This service is particularly aimed at calling God's people to action and challenging them beyond their status quo. This all seems like something that most Christians should already understand, but I'm convinced it really isn't the case... starting with myself!
This past Sunday night, I conducted an impromptu poll during the service. I asked the congregation to raise their hand if they own a shirt with the name or logo of their favorite sports team. Probably 75% of the people in the room raised their hand. Next I asked how many people own a shirt with their favorite music group, TV show or movie. Once again I would say about 60% of the congregation raised their hand. Next I asked how many people are ashamed to wear those shirts in public. Not a single hand went up.
The point of the poll was to explain how much emphasis and enthusiasm we put behind things of this world... even things that we aren't even remotely involved in. We like to celebrate the lack of mediocrity among OTHER people.
Imagine what this world could be like if we had the same lack of shame for "wearing" Jesus on a day to day basis. Imagine what it would be like if expressing our faith in God was as simple and effortless as grabbing your favorite sporting team's shirt out of the closet for the day. Imagine what it would be like if our response toward worship and praise to God equaled the response that we often show while watching someone make a touchdown or cross the finish line neck and neck with another opponent?
Imagine what it would be like if we entered into things like communion with full appreciation of the greatest gift ever given us... instead of just following the crowd.
Grown men will jump out of their chairs and scream at the TV in "worship" of a couple dozen college kids... whom they have never met and know nothing of their character... running into each other on a big plot of grass.
That same man will sit bored out of his mind in church on Sunday morning after having spent the past 6 days "avoiding" God... the Creator of the universe... ignoring the fact that we have a specific relationship with God through Christ and are therefore purposed for His work and worship. We aren't just a spectator with season tickets.
God designed us to be passionate people. Christ showed several times over that He Himself responded WITH (not BECAUSE of) emotion.
So... I challenge you... I challenge me... when you are sitting down to listen to your favorite CD this week, ask yourself if you've spent the same amount of energy in understanding God's beauty as you have your favorite song lyrics and chord progressions? When you watch the latest movie or your favorite TV show, ask yourself if you've spent the same time understanding God's story as you have following Jack Bauer? When you watch your favorite sports team compete on the field, ask yourself if you've spent the same amount of enthusiasm being a witness for Christ as you have being a fan of a group men or women.
In Him,
Jim
This past Sunday night, I conducted an impromptu poll during the service. I asked the congregation to raise their hand if they own a shirt with the name or logo of their favorite sports team. Probably 75% of the people in the room raised their hand. Next I asked how many people own a shirt with their favorite music group, TV show or movie. Once again I would say about 60% of the congregation raised their hand. Next I asked how many people are ashamed to wear those shirts in public. Not a single hand went up.
The point of the poll was to explain how much emphasis and enthusiasm we put behind things of this world... even things that we aren't even remotely involved in. We like to celebrate the lack of mediocrity among OTHER people.
Imagine what this world could be like if we had the same lack of shame for "wearing" Jesus on a day to day basis. Imagine what it would be like if expressing our faith in God was as simple and effortless as grabbing your favorite sporting team's shirt out of the closet for the day. Imagine what it would be like if our response toward worship and praise to God equaled the response that we often show while watching someone make a touchdown or cross the finish line neck and neck with another opponent?
Imagine what it would be like if we entered into things like communion with full appreciation of the greatest gift ever given us... instead of just following the crowd.
Grown men will jump out of their chairs and scream at the TV in "worship" of a couple dozen college kids... whom they have never met and know nothing of their character... running into each other on a big plot of grass.
That same man will sit bored out of his mind in church on Sunday morning after having spent the past 6 days "avoiding" God... the Creator of the universe... ignoring the fact that we have a specific relationship with God through Christ and are therefore purposed for His work and worship. We aren't just a spectator with season tickets.
God designed us to be passionate people. Christ showed several times over that He Himself responded WITH (not BECAUSE of) emotion.
So... I challenge you... I challenge me... when you are sitting down to listen to your favorite CD this week, ask yourself if you've spent the same amount of energy in understanding God's beauty as you have your favorite song lyrics and chord progressions? When you watch the latest movie or your favorite TV show, ask yourself if you've spent the same time understanding God's story as you have following Jack Bauer? When you watch your favorite sports team compete on the field, ask yourself if you've spent the same amount of enthusiasm being a witness for Christ as you have being a fan of a group men or women.
In Him,
Jim
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
God Is Good
Sometimes God just sort of sneaks up and amazes you when you don't expect it.
I know that sounds like a vague statement, but come on... you know it is true.
I'm in a state of being wonderfully confused right now. You see, life right now is extremely busy. So busy that Ashley and I often don't know which end is coming or going, but yet it is exciting because so much is happening.
First off, let me brag on my wife for a moment. If you're a husband, you can maybe relate to the excitement of watching your wife grow in her walk with God. Sometimes big steps, sometimes small steps. Over the past year, my wife has grown by leaps and bounds and is really being bold in her faith. I'm not so much commenting on her ability to boldly share with others (though she is much better about this than I am), but more so her ability to trust in her faith. Her ability to let go of the reins and allow God to steer even when we can't see the outcome.
What's most exciting about it is that Ashley and I are both feeling the desire to really grow and stretch ourselves in certain areas related to this.
I think maybe it started a little over 3 years ago when I started working with Laridian. Prior to the change I had been with a company for 11 years and so it was a big decision to try something new, but I haven't regretted it even once. There is something really nice about working with people you know you can trust and that you also have the honor of calling friends.
My point is that even though we often fear what is in front of us, we (and by "we" I mean "I") need to remember that God is already there.
Instead of looking for reasons why we can't do something, we need to look at stepping out in faith and being willing to go where God wants us... just like when I left my old job and started working for Laridian. A lot of things fell into place and I just have to believe that God's hand was in it.
I've got a similar situation going on right now not related to my job but rather related to my music. I won't go into detail, as I'm not sure I'm supposed to just yet, but I will say that I met with a friend on Monday who presented an opportunity that sounds really exciting to me. I then met with another friend on Tuesday and talked through yet some more opportunities... and later in that same day received a response on an email from yet another person music related.
Keep in mind that this is all after the band I had been a part of for the past 15 years of my life disintegrated before my eyes.
Sure, there is a scared feeling involved with stepping out into new territories musically (a few of which put me into positions that I question my own skill in relation to the need presented), but I'm relying on the fact that God is indeed good. I am wanting to make sure I examine doors that He opens rather than trying to keep life "comfortable".
Maybe I'll explain more later once the situation settles a little.
In Him,
Jim
I know that sounds like a vague statement, but come on... you know it is true.
I'm in a state of being wonderfully confused right now. You see, life right now is extremely busy. So busy that Ashley and I often don't know which end is coming or going, but yet it is exciting because so much is happening.
First off, let me brag on my wife for a moment. If you're a husband, you can maybe relate to the excitement of watching your wife grow in her walk with God. Sometimes big steps, sometimes small steps. Over the past year, my wife has grown by leaps and bounds and is really being bold in her faith. I'm not so much commenting on her ability to boldly share with others (though she is much better about this than I am), but more so her ability to trust in her faith. Her ability to let go of the reins and allow God to steer even when we can't see the outcome.
What's most exciting about it is that Ashley and I are both feeling the desire to really grow and stretch ourselves in certain areas related to this.
I think maybe it started a little over 3 years ago when I started working with Laridian. Prior to the change I had been with a company for 11 years and so it was a big decision to try something new, but I haven't regretted it even once. There is something really nice about working with people you know you can trust and that you also have the honor of calling friends.
My point is that even though we often fear what is in front of us, we (and by "we" I mean "I") need to remember that God is already there.
Instead of looking for reasons why we can't do something, we need to look at stepping out in faith and being willing to go where God wants us... just like when I left my old job and started working for Laridian. A lot of things fell into place and I just have to believe that God's hand was in it.
I've got a similar situation going on right now not related to my job but rather related to my music. I won't go into detail, as I'm not sure I'm supposed to just yet, but I will say that I met with a friend on Monday who presented an opportunity that sounds really exciting to me. I then met with another friend on Tuesday and talked through yet some more opportunities... and later in that same day received a response on an email from yet another person music related.
Keep in mind that this is all after the band I had been a part of for the past 15 years of my life disintegrated before my eyes.
Sure, there is a scared feeling involved with stepping out into new territories musically (a few of which put me into positions that I question my own skill in relation to the need presented), but I'm relying on the fact that God is indeed good. I am wanting to make sure I examine doors that He opens rather than trying to keep life "comfortable".
Maybe I'll explain more later once the situation settles a little.
In Him,
Jim
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
It Is Nice To Know...
A good friend of mine recently emailed me about some struggles he is having. Without explaining his situation, let me just say that I can't imagine any one handling it better than he has. It has been amazing to watch.
That's not how he sees it, however. He told me that he at times feels like he is being fake or being a poser, because he always seems to slip back into a world of doubt and fear.
I can relate to what he is saying... when things get busy it just seems natural to feel overwhelmed and it becomes very easy to lose perspective. Sitting here even now, I'm balancing about 5 different major tasks for the day (involving work, church, personal stuff etc) and feeling like I'd rather just go back to bed.
The interesting thing is that I don't think my friend and I are the only ones who struggle with this ebb and flow. In fact I know we aren't.
My bible reading lately has me in the early part of Judges. I am amazed at how Israel continuously stands up and falls down over and over.
It sort of reminds me of watching my children when asked to stop doing something: they show brief remorse as they are rebuked, but left to their own devices the will revert back to it again within a matter of minutes. Over and over the cycle goes.
This is not to say that I ought to be happy with the fact that I have my lulls, but it does prove once again that "there is nothing new under the sun".
In Him,
Jim
That's not how he sees it, however. He told me that he at times feels like he is being fake or being a poser, because he always seems to slip back into a world of doubt and fear.
I can relate to what he is saying... when things get busy it just seems natural to feel overwhelmed and it becomes very easy to lose perspective. Sitting here even now, I'm balancing about 5 different major tasks for the day (involving work, church, personal stuff etc) and feeling like I'd rather just go back to bed.
The interesting thing is that I don't think my friend and I are the only ones who struggle with this ebb and flow. In fact I know we aren't.
My bible reading lately has me in the early part of Judges. I am amazed at how Israel continuously stands up and falls down over and over.
It sort of reminds me of watching my children when asked to stop doing something: they show brief remorse as they are rebuked, but left to their own devices the will revert back to it again within a matter of minutes. Over and over the cycle goes.
This is not to say that I ought to be happy with the fact that I have my lulls, but it does prove once again that "there is nothing new under the sun".
In Him,
Jim
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
People Disappoint Me
It is true... I said it... I mean it... people disappoint me.
Over the past several weeks I have had a few situations in which I was hoping for responses or reactions from particular individuals. In one case, they have yet to responsed... in another, we talk from time to time but anytime something of substance comes up, they tend to disappear.
In talking with a close friend here in town (hey Ostrich!!) it seems that I'm not the only one disappointed by the way people act and think. He's been spending his time lately dealing with a very difficult situation in which many people are thinking of one thing and one thing only... themselves.
None of this is surprising, after all each and every one of us is constantly caught up in the battle between God and flesh, mind and heart, "life" and living.
None of the people I am disappointed by "owe" me anything... I'm not waiting for them to fulfill a promise or anything of that sort, I just simply expected more from them.
As my mind wanders, I start to think about all of the times that people have expected more of me than I was willing to give... be it my wife, my kids, my parents, my friends, my church, my job/bosses, myself or even my Lord. It is a sobering thought!
I've been reading in Joshua and Judges lately and have been amazed at how many people in the bible disappointed God... Judges in particular is full of God showing favor followed by disappointment toward people who simply didn't seem to "get it". There were consequences, but God was faithful to His plan for those people.
We are very much the same way... constantly and consistently disappointing God and crying out to Him when things don't go our way... yet the Lord still desires to call each of us His own. How amazing is that? He is the ONLY one with truly unconditional love.
What an example... here we are, a world full of disappointing people, and yet God desires us to spend time with Him.
I guess the point of this all is when people disappoint me, it must be because I am looking at them through my eyes instead of God's.
In Him,
Jim
Over the past several weeks I have had a few situations in which I was hoping for responses or reactions from particular individuals. In one case, they have yet to responsed... in another, we talk from time to time but anytime something of substance comes up, they tend to disappear.
In talking with a close friend here in town (hey Ostrich!!) it seems that I'm not the only one disappointed by the way people act and think. He's been spending his time lately dealing with a very difficult situation in which many people are thinking of one thing and one thing only... themselves.
None of this is surprising, after all each and every one of us is constantly caught up in the battle between God and flesh, mind and heart, "life" and living.
None of the people I am disappointed by "owe" me anything... I'm not waiting for them to fulfill a promise or anything of that sort, I just simply expected more from them.
As my mind wanders, I start to think about all of the times that people have expected more of me than I was willing to give... be it my wife, my kids, my parents, my friends, my church, my job/bosses, myself or even my Lord. It is a sobering thought!
I've been reading in Joshua and Judges lately and have been amazed at how many people in the bible disappointed God... Judges in particular is full of God showing favor followed by disappointment toward people who simply didn't seem to "get it". There were consequences, but God was faithful to His plan for those people.
We are very much the same way... constantly and consistently disappointing God and crying out to Him when things don't go our way... yet the Lord still desires to call each of us His own. How amazing is that? He is the ONLY one with truly unconditional love.
What an example... here we are, a world full of disappointing people, and yet God desires us to spend time with Him.
I guess the point of this all is when people disappoint me, it must be because I am looking at them through my eyes instead of God's.
In Him,
Jim
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
The Blahs
Ever have those days where you just want to go back to bed?
Sometime over this past weekend, I managed to catch whatever sickness my kids have been passing around and I have to tell you that it has pretty much taken me down.
I'm tired of coughing (I have a very loud cough) every 5 minutes and having every time I sneeze look like some long lost footage from one of the Ghostbusters movies (ok... gross, I know).
I'm in this constant state of going from a "night time so you can sleep medicine" to pain relievers and nose spray during the day... ewwwww.
Being sick is bad enough, but it just so happens that this week involves me playing at a worship conference and singing in a wedding for my boss's daughter!! Not to mention the various family activities such as soccer games and practices for the kids.
Ok... that's enough for now.
Jim
Sometime over this past weekend, I managed to catch whatever sickness my kids have been passing around and I have to tell you that it has pretty much taken me down.
I'm tired of coughing (I have a very loud cough) every 5 minutes and having every time I sneeze look like some long lost footage from one of the Ghostbusters movies (ok... gross, I know).
I'm in this constant state of going from a "night time so you can sleep medicine" to pain relievers and nose spray during the day... ewwwww.
Being sick is bad enough, but it just so happens that this week involves me playing at a worship conference and singing in a wedding for my boss's daughter!! Not to mention the various family activities such as soccer games and practices for the kids.
Ok... that's enough for now.
Jim
Thursday, April 12, 2007
One Versus Ninety-Nine
Today in my reading, I came across some verses that are probably familiar to most... Luke 15:4-7. In light of my recent convictions in regard to what it is I do with my music, these verses really hit home.
How often is it that we are more concerned with the one who is lost than we are with the ninety-nine who aren't? My guess is "not nearly enough".
This isn't meant to start a debate over seeker churches/missionaries/outreaches etc... I'm talking about on a personal level. What does this mean to you and me?
I was talking to Scott via email this week about how it seems Christian musicians (that is to say a musician that is a Christian) have weakened or removed their desire to use their music as an outreach. It has become more about playing to an expectation than it has been serving a purpose or avoiding being associated with a genre in fear of someone judging your art.
If our art and our ministry are purposed toward serving God, what does that look like? Which is the better scenario; the artist who is blatant about their purpose and has no problem wearing the title of Christian artist or the artist who says that they are a believer and that their music reflects their person as a whole (thus trying to avoiding being pigeonholed into a particular genre)?
I've got friends who fall on both sides of the fence and who are all (from as much as I am capable of seeing) spirit-filled believers with a good intentioned, God-fearing heart.
Which allows us better to pursue the one versus the ninety-nine? And is that our real reason for the choices we have made?
These are sincere and honest questions, as I can truly see the purpose of both sides.
A year or so back, I adopted the position of "I am who I am in Christ and I don't really care what people label me" - meaning that if someone calls me a Christian artist, then I am... if someone calls me a Christian who is an artist (see the difference?), then I am.
The big question is did I adopt that position so that I could reach more people or so that I wouldn't have to take a stand for what I believe (possibly at the risk of the audiences who might hear my music)?
Maybe I'm guilty of leaving all one hundred?
Jim
(all bible passage links are from BibleGateway.com)
How often is it that we are more concerned with the one who is lost than we are with the ninety-nine who aren't? My guess is "not nearly enough".
This isn't meant to start a debate over seeker churches/missionaries/outreaches etc... I'm talking about on a personal level. What does this mean to you and me?
I was talking to Scott via email this week about how it seems Christian musicians (that is to say a musician that is a Christian) have weakened or removed their desire to use their music as an outreach. It has become more about playing to an expectation than it has been serving a purpose or avoiding being associated with a genre in fear of someone judging your art.
If our art and our ministry are purposed toward serving God, what does that look like? Which is the better scenario; the artist who is blatant about their purpose and has no problem wearing the title of Christian artist or the artist who says that they are a believer and that their music reflects their person as a whole (thus trying to avoiding being pigeonholed into a particular genre)?
I've got friends who fall on both sides of the fence and who are all (from as much as I am capable of seeing) spirit-filled believers with a good intentioned, God-fearing heart.
Which allows us better to pursue the one versus the ninety-nine? And is that our real reason for the choices we have made?
These are sincere and honest questions, as I can truly see the purpose of both sides.
A year or so back, I adopted the position of "I am who I am in Christ and I don't really care what people label me" - meaning that if someone calls me a Christian artist, then I am... if someone calls me a Christian who is an artist (see the difference?), then I am.
The big question is did I adopt that position so that I could reach more people or so that I wouldn't have to take a stand for what I believe (possibly at the risk of the audiences who might hear my music)?
Maybe I'm guilty of leaving all one hundred?
Jim
(all bible passage links are from BibleGateway.com)
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
When It Rains... It Snows?
You ever get the feeling that the harder you try to get things on track, the more impossible it seems to be?
My wife and I were discussing this the other night. We have both committed to a bible reading plan and have been having fun picking on each other as one of us gets ahead of the other during the day.
Then those little things started happening... I had a discussion with a close friend over some things that have been on my heart and received a response that wasn't quite what I expected from them... My car comes out of the repair shop with a large dollar amount of repairs, and it now looks like there are some additional things to be done, which of course means more money... Our 2 year old son, Griffin, spiked a 105 degree fever last night (which thankfully came down a few degrees), causing a chain reaction of events needing to be canceled including our daughter Grace's birthday party and a field trip to the art museum... I came up to my office to check email and I had an em
ail about my good friend Jody's condition being less than ideal (I'll explain this in another post sometime)... Another email stated that a friend's son was checked into the hospital last night because he has been confused, disoriented and very lethargic... And to top if all off, after a few weeks of beautiful Spring weather, it is now snowing in Iowa. Weather experts predict a decent amount of accumulation and some icy roads and such.
So, what gives? Is it that our brain becomes hyper aware of our surroundings when we are trying to stay on track? Is it something deeper? A spiritual warfare of sorts? Is it God seeing if we truly are trusting Him in all matters? Is it all just coincidence?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not sitting here thinking the world is caving in around me and playing the pity game... nothing of the sort. I'm very thankful for the things in my life that are both good and bad. I just find it interesting that this is the way the pattern seems to work at times and thought I'd throw it out there for comment.
Do I believe it could be a spiritual warfare thing? Sure. Do I believe it could be God allowing trial? Sure. Do I believe that it might just be coincidence? Sure. Do I believe that I have to know the reason? Absolutely not. I'm not God (nor would I want to be... wow, talk about stress!!)
I think it is a good reminder that there are lots of things that happen in life that we can't explain. Some major and some minor. I hold to the fact that if we knew why things happen to us or those around us, we wouldn't really have a need to trust God, now would we? Part of my faith is knowing that God is God and that no matter how bizarre, coincidental or painful the circumstance, He is still God.
"My hope is built on nothing less..."
In Him,
Jim
My wife and I were discussing this the other night. We have both committed to a bible reading plan and have been having fun picking on each other as one of us gets ahead of the other during the day.
Then those little things started happening... I had a discussion with a close friend over some things that have been on my heart and received a response that wasn't quite what I expected from them... My car comes out of the repair shop with a large dollar amount of repairs, and it now looks like there are some additional things to be done, which of course means more money... Our 2 year old son, Griffin, spiked a 105 degree fever last night (which thankfully came down a few degrees), causing a chain reaction of events needing to be canceled including our daughter Grace's birthday party and a field trip to the art museum... I came up to my office to check email and I had an em
ail about my good friend Jody's condition being less than ideal (I'll explain this in another post sometime)... Another email stated that a friend's son was checked into the hospital last night because he has been confused, disoriented and very lethargic... And to top if all off, after a few weeks of beautiful Spring weather, it is now snowing in Iowa. Weather experts predict a decent amount of accumulation and some icy roads and such.So, what gives? Is it that our brain becomes hyper aware of our surroundings when we are trying to stay on track? Is it something deeper? A spiritual warfare of sorts? Is it God seeing if we truly are trusting Him in all matters? Is it all just coincidence?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not sitting here thinking the world is caving in around me and playing the pity game... nothing of the sort. I'm very thankful for the things in my life that are both good and bad. I just find it interesting that this is the way the pattern seems to work at times and thought I'd throw it out there for comment.
Do I believe it could be a spiritual warfare thing? Sure. Do I believe it could be God allowing trial? Sure. Do I believe that it might just be coincidence? Sure. Do I believe that I have to know the reason? Absolutely not. I'm not God (nor would I want to be... wow, talk about stress!!)
I think it is a good reminder that there are lots of things that happen in life that we can't explain. Some major and some minor. I hold to the fact that if we knew why things happen to us or those around us, we wouldn't really have a need to trust God, now would we? Part of my faith is knowing that God is God and that no matter how bizarre, coincidental or painful the circumstance, He is still God.
"My hope is built on nothing less..."
In Him,
Jim
Monday, April 9, 2007
Be Deliberate.
He is risen... He is risen indeed!
Awesome thought when it really gets down to it, isn't it?
I spent a wonderful weekend celebrating Christ's resurrection in music and fellowship. I don't think I can ever recall an Easter sermon in my past that included speaking about both Christ's resurrection and the hind quarters of peacocks. Wow... way to go Pastor Gilmore!!
One thing that struck me a little differently this year was a simple thought: Mark 16:6 in the KJV states "He is risen"... The NASB states "He has risen"... both showing us that this occurred in the past. Well duh, Jim... of course Christ was resurrected in the past, what's your point? My point is, "now what?"
We know why He was crucified and we know what it means for us to put our trust in His death and resurrection, but now what?
For some of you, you are undoubtedly reading this and saying "I can answer that" or "this seems pretty remedial", but the fact of the matter is our emphasis in society on making such a huge deal out of our Easter services just reminds me how much we are missing the point the rest of the year.
Without question, Easter is something to be celebrated and something to respectfully present in remembrance of Christ's resurrection, but what if that passage read "He has risen... and He is waiting for you!" What about the other 364 days of the year?
You see, Christ has risen and we have the opportunity to know our Savior on an individual/personal level.
This has all come out of personal conviction. It is easy for us to make Easter or Christmas a priority, but how easy is it for us to make Christ a priority? I crawled out of bed at 5:08 am this past Sunday morning to drive 40 minutes South of my house and participate in worship with the church... would I crawl out of bed at 5:08 am to talk with God?
My wife, Ashley, and I are working through this very thing. We have long been dedicated believers and try to be willing to go the extra mile for whomever needs our assistance, but it has usually been at the expense of our time with God. Not that we didn't pray or read, but more the case that we fit it in around everything else that was happening in life.
Our time with God (especially in my case) had become an extra and not a priority.
At the conference in Nashville I had the opportunity to hear Phil Joel speak. Phil is the former bass player for The Newsboys. What he had to say was extremely convicting to me.
Phil and his wife Heather have started a new ministry called "deliberatePeople." The concept is amazingly simple: God desires to spend time with us on a daily basis. We need to make that a priority.
Wow... what a concept. God desires to talk with us. God desires to teach us. God desires us to come to Him in prayer and worship.
Phil's website provides a reading track and some notes on journaling what it is you are learning daily in reading the Word.
This is no great revelation... ask any Christian and you'd probably be told that we are to be in the Word daily. But ask the same believer how much time they spend reading the latest book by "Dr. Eldridge Piper Moore Swindoll" compared to time in the Word and in prayer and see if the priorities align as they should.
Now don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with reading other people's thoughts on life, biblical issues, church issues, etc. The point is are we equally fired up about learning what God the author has to share with us?
A simple concept, but one that I think we are all in need of remembering.
He has risen... and He is waiting for you.
Once a year we all climb out of bed to remember Christ the risen Lord... funny thing is... tomorrow He is still risen. Where will you be then?
In Him,
Jim
(all bible passage links are from BibleGateway.com)
Awesome thought when it really gets down to it, isn't it?
I spent a wonderful weekend celebrating Christ's resurrection in music and fellowship. I don't think I can ever recall an Easter sermon in my past that included speaking about both Christ's resurrection and the hind quarters of peacocks. Wow... way to go Pastor Gilmore!!
One thing that struck me a little differently this year was a simple thought: Mark 16:6 in the KJV states "He is risen"... The NASB states "He has risen"... both showing us that this occurred in the past. Well duh, Jim... of course Christ was resurrected in the past, what's your point? My point is, "now what?"
We know why He was crucified and we know what it means for us to put our trust in His death and resurrection, but now what?
For some of you, you are undoubtedly reading this and saying "I can answer that" or "this seems pretty remedial", but the fact of the matter is our emphasis in society on making such a huge deal out of our Easter services just reminds me how much we are missing the point the rest of the year.
Without question, Easter is something to be celebrated and something to respectfully present in remembrance of Christ's resurrection, but what if that passage read "He has risen... and He is waiting for you!" What about the other 364 days of the year?
You see, Christ has risen and we have the opportunity to know our Savior on an individual/personal level.
This has all come out of personal conviction. It is easy for us to make Easter or Christmas a priority, but how easy is it for us to make Christ a priority? I crawled out of bed at 5:08 am this past Sunday morning to drive 40 minutes South of my house and participate in worship with the church... would I crawl out of bed at 5:08 am to talk with God?
My wife, Ashley, and I are working through this very thing. We have long been dedicated believers and try to be willing to go the extra mile for whomever needs our assistance, but it has usually been at the expense of our time with God. Not that we didn't pray or read, but more the case that we fit it in around everything else that was happening in life.
Our time with God (especially in my case) had become an extra and not a priority.
At the conference in Nashville I had the opportunity to hear Phil Joel speak. Phil is the former bass player for The Newsboys. What he had to say was extremely convicting to me.
Phil and his wife Heather have started a new ministry called "deliberatePeople." The concept is amazingly simple: God desires to spend time with us on a daily basis. We need to make that a priority.
Wow... what a concept. God desires to talk with us. God desires to teach us. God desires us to come to Him in prayer and worship.
Phil's website provides a reading track and some notes on journaling what it is you are learning daily in reading the Word.
This is no great revelation... ask any Christian and you'd probably be told that we are to be in the Word daily. But ask the same believer how much time they spend reading the latest book by "Dr. Eldridge Piper Moore Swindoll" compared to time in the Word and in prayer and see if the priorities align as they should.
Now don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with reading other people's thoughts on life, biblical issues, church issues, etc. The point is are we equally fired up about learning what God the author has to share with us?
A simple concept, but one that I think we are all in need of remembering.
He has risen... and He is waiting for you.
Once a year we all climb out of bed to remember Christ the risen Lord... funny thing is... tomorrow He is still risen. Where will you be then?
In Him,
Jim
(all bible passage links are from BibleGateway.com)
Friday, April 6, 2007
Nashville or Bust
This past weekend my friend John and I attended a conference in Franklin, Tennessee for independent Christian musicians.
John was actually nominated for an award (which he won!) and had asked me to attend because he thought the conference would be right up my alley.
I can honestly say that I wasn't expecting from the conference what I walked away with.
I went into the conference feeling pretty convinced that I knew the direction my life was heading. I walked out of the conference wondering if I was selling God short.
I know that all sounds rather cryptic, so let me try to define a little of what I'm struggling with:
I have several friends in and around the "music business". Over the years as I've been involved with their careers and various portions of my own musical life, I've tried to shape what I believe are my responsibilities (or lack thereof) related to my music and my faith.
I have a friend who believes that being a church musician is the ultimate for any musician. I have a friend who believes that all art (secular or religious) is a gift from God. I have a friend who believes that music is something he does for his own enjoyment and has little or no bearing on his walk as a believer. I have a friend who believes that music is the means by which we communicate God's love to unbelievers. I have a friend who believes that music is the means by which we remind of God's love to existing believers... etc etc.
I've walked many of these paths with different bands and such myself over the years.
Many of you who are Christians and musicians have probably dealt with or thought about the statement "I am a Christian who happens to be a musician" and what exactly that means to you.
I thought up until this past weekend that I was pretty comfortable with my stance on everything. I have considered myself (after years of being pushed around the system) as a musician who happens to be a Christian.
I purposed my "art" to be family friendly and tasteful, but wasn't overly concerned with how it was perceived as a ministry. Granted, since I also serve as a worship musician/leader I was able to convince myself that I was still using my talents to serve God.
The questions now look something like this in my mind: Am I doing what I do with my music because its easy or am I doing it because it is purposed? Am I doing what I do with my music (and my life) to bring glory to God or because it has become my habit?
I think the answer is that it really doesn't matter what your idea of music and ministry looks like, but what does matter is why you are doing it. Where is the heart of the matter?
This past weekend really revealed to me some things that I've known about myself for quite some time. It really touched on some things that perhaps I had given up on because a) the industry doesn't like it or b) because it is hard work. If I'm serving God, then the industry and my own concept of "work" doesn't really matter.
I can honestly say that I'm more confused (in a good way) about how to use my 34 year old life now than I was when I walked into the building in Franklin last Friday morning.
It is a scary thought to sit back with your comfortable life and say "God use me how you will".
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that I think I need to go out and be the next big thing in the Christian music scene. I don't believe that an achievement in an industry makes me any more Christ-like. What I am suggesting however, is examining the things I do and the purpose for which I do them. If I truly feel God has blessed me with a talent (which I still have not comfortably concluded), then I need to be using that gift for Him (in my opinion). What that looks like, I'm unsure of.
That's all for now... I'll chew more on this as I feel I have anything new to share!!
Jim
John was actually nominated for an award (which he won!) and had asked me to attend because he thought the conference would be right up my alley.
I can honestly say that I wasn't expecting from the conference what I walked away with.
I went into the conference feeling pretty convinced that I knew the direction my life was heading. I walked out of the conference wondering if I was selling God short.
I know that all sounds rather cryptic, so let me try to define a little of what I'm struggling with:
I have several friends in and around the "music business". Over the years as I've been involved with their careers and various portions of my own musical life, I've tried to shape what I believe are my responsibilities (or lack thereof) related to my music and my faith.
I have a friend who believes that being a church musician is the ultimate for any musician. I have a friend who believes that all art (secular or religious) is a gift from God. I have a friend who believes that music is something he does for his own enjoyment and has little or no bearing on his walk as a believer. I have a friend who believes that music is the means by which we communicate God's love to unbelievers. I have a friend who believes that music is the means by which we remind of God's love to existing believers... etc etc.
I've walked many of these paths with different bands and such myself over the years.
Many of you who are Christians and musicians have probably dealt with or thought about the statement "I am a Christian who happens to be a musician" and what exactly that means to you.
I thought up until this past weekend that I was pretty comfortable with my stance on everything. I have considered myself (after years of being pushed around the system) as a musician who happens to be a Christian.
I purposed my "art" to be family friendly and tasteful, but wasn't overly concerned with how it was perceived as a ministry. Granted, since I also serve as a worship musician/leader I was able to convince myself that I was still using my talents to serve God.
The questions now look something like this in my mind: Am I doing what I do with my music because its easy or am I doing it because it is purposed? Am I doing what I do with my music (and my life) to bring glory to God or because it has become my habit?
I think the answer is that it really doesn't matter what your idea of music and ministry looks like, but what does matter is why you are doing it. Where is the heart of the matter?
This past weekend really revealed to me some things that I've known about myself for quite some time. It really touched on some things that perhaps I had given up on because a) the industry doesn't like it or b) because it is hard work. If I'm serving God, then the industry and my own concept of "work" doesn't really matter.
I can honestly say that I'm more confused (in a good way) about how to use my 34 year old life now than I was when I walked into the building in Franklin last Friday morning.
It is a scary thought to sit back with your comfortable life and say "God use me how you will".
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that I think I need to go out and be the next big thing in the Christian music scene. I don't believe that an achievement in an industry makes me any more Christ-like. What I am suggesting however, is examining the things I do and the purpose for which I do them. If I truly feel God has blessed me with a talent (which I still have not comfortably concluded), then I need to be using that gift for Him (in my opinion). What that looks like, I'm unsure of.
That's all for now... I'll chew more on this as I feel I have anything new to share!!
Jim
Let me introduce myself...
Welcome to The Barefoot Servant.
Everyone in the blog world thinks that they have the answers to life's tough questions. You can pretty much find advice about anything and everything if you are willing to look hard enough. Opinions run rampant as to what the "correct" point of view is on just about every issue under the sun.
I want this blog to be something more... something deeper.
I don't want this to be about telling you how I've mastered everything in life and how you can do the same by following my advice. To the contrary, I want to share what it is I'm learning and what it is I've both struggled with and succeeded at. A place for us all to converse and share.
You might wonder why I used this particular name. The answer is actually pretty simple: The idea of a barefoot servant captures two mindsets that I believe are important.
The first one is being a servant to God and others in all that we do. We have been gifted in ways that allow us to uniquely contribute to our families, churches and our society.
The second one is the idea that I am who I am, barefoot before my God. That is to say that fancy clothes (or shoes!), a nice haircut and a massive vocabulary don't change how God sees me. In light of that, I need not be ashamed to stand barefoot before Him scars and all.
I hope what you read here you will find encouraging, thought-provoking and sometimes just plain fun.
In Him,
Jim
Everyone in the blog world thinks that they have the answers to life's tough questions. You can pretty much find advice about anything and everything if you are willing to look hard enough. Opinions run rampant as to what the "correct" point of view is on just about every issue under the sun.
I want this blog to be something more... something deeper.
I don't want this to be about telling you how I've mastered everything in life and how you can do the same by following my advice. To the contrary, I want to share what it is I'm learning and what it is I've both struggled with and succeeded at. A place for us all to converse and share.
You might wonder why I used this particular name. The answer is actually pretty simple: The idea of a barefoot servant captures two mindsets that I believe are important.
The first one is being a servant to God and others in all that we do. We have been gifted in ways that allow us to uniquely contribute to our families, churches and our society.
The second one is the idea that I am who I am, barefoot before my God. That is to say that fancy clothes (or shoes!), a nice haircut and a massive vocabulary don't change how God sees me. In light of that, I need not be ashamed to stand barefoot before Him scars and all.
I hope what you read here you will find encouraging, thought-provoking and sometimes just plain fun.
In Him,
Jim
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