Lyrics in perspective

I spend close to an hour in the car commuting to and from work each day. Some days it tries my patience, but most days its time that I take to pray, listen to music and get inspired for the day. One of my favorite things is when I listen to a song and the lyrics just hit me. 

I could have listened to the song 1,000 times before and then one sunny, Wednesday morning in June, the words have new meaning. Even secular songs can be valuable, when you think about them from a 'heavenly' or Godly perspective. 

For example:

Artist/Band - Dashboard Confessionals
Song - Vindicated
Lyrics - ... I am flawed, but I am cleaning up so well. I am seeing in me now the things you swore you saw yourself...

Perspective - I am sinful. I mess up. I am selfish. I have insecurities. But thanks to blood of Jesus, He's cleaning me up so well. I can see in me now, the love, beauty and potential that God sees in me. 

But those words don't sound as pretty or insightful in a song. I like the way DC put it together better :)

Maybe you think this is a little sacrilegious and a small part of me agrees, but more importantly, I think God can use anything to speak to us... are you listening?

Gray Tuesday

My commute was extra long today. While it was annoying, it was also very refreshing. The drive in was gray and rainy, but not the ugly stormy kind of rain (which I actually do like), but this was a refreshing kind of rain. The sun was still slightly peeking through the clouds. There was a warm glow in the sky and I could still see the edges of white puffy clouds mixed in with the gray. I enjoyed watching the raindrops puddle up on my windshield. I let my mind and eyes blur to take in the lyrics playing through the car speakers.

You can take my dry bones

Breathe life into this skin

You called me by name

Raised me to life again

You can calm the oceans

Speak peace into my soul

Take me as I am

Awaken my heart to beat again

It was the essence of a ‘Gray Tuesday moment’. 

I’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the number of activities on my plate right now. My lack of motivation isn’t contributing to getting any of it completed either. Those extra 30 minutes in the car this morning were divinely appointed to help me reconnect with the source of my strength and motivation. Jesus. It gave me the perspective I needed, that without Him, I am nothing.

Here's the song including lyrics. I hope it helps you also have a Gray Tuesday moment. Happy Tuesday loves. 

Week 6: Jesus 90 Days

Hi girls - read through to day 38 by next Tuesday (June 24).

Are you planning to attend the 4th Friday next week too? Its June 28 @ 7:00PM. Get more details here!

Week 5: Jesus 90 Days

Hello! Just a quick post to 'assign' reading for the week. Try to reach day 31 by the end of this next week! We're really getting hot n' heavy now! I hope you haven't given up! More to come tomorrow!

Hope you all have a great start to your week!

 

For me being on the beach gazing out at the ocean is one of the most humbling moments. Its a glimpse into the perspective of just how vast the seas are. I am thankful that God holds it all in His hands.  My worries and struggles seem so small when compared to this! Have a great weekend!

 

Current Study, Week 4: Jesus 90 Days

Hello ladies! Is it just me or have the last few weeks been crazy busy!? To be completely honest I'm finding it hard to find motivation to do much of anything (I think due to the busy-ness) and that includes this study! :/

I came across a motivational thought this week on Facebook (I know - shocking). It was something along the lines of when you feel like quitting, that is the time when its more important than ever to press on. I personally felt this about our current study, but it could definitely apply to many life scenarios - so keep that one in your back pocket for a rainy day!

We knew from the start this study would be a challenge and its not disappointing! I am truly enjoying the insight about Jesus's life and His character through these devotionals. Beth Moore has an amazing way of making us look at things a little differently and more in-depth.

What has stuck out to you the most these last few days?

I love learning about Jesus's character. Day 12 was an especially good one for me. I liked thinking about Jesus as deeply spiritual and deeply PRACTICAL! He was a man you'd want to have around!

I think He was a man that would have given good advice, been a good listener and had tangible skills to help with. What drew people to Him are also the very things He wants to develop in us, so that others may be drawn to the same Jesus that lives within us! He was very real. I think our culture is in desperation for real genuine character. Christ was and IS definitely those things even today. He is the same as He was then.

Pondering these things is inspirational to me. I want to be the same kind of real and practical person that Jesus was. Approachable and not judgmental. A good listener, real, kind, humble and genuine.

What are you learning about Jesus's character that is awe-inspiring? Share your comments here or on the current study page forum.

Press on through the study! Let's get back into full swing - try to make it to Day 24 this week!

I am praying blessings over you all this week! xoxo

Week 3: Jesus 90 Days

Hiya girls! Just leaving a quick message to let you know that we'll do a catch up week this week. I know I'm running behind on some of the days, so this week just try to make it up to day 17-ish.

I'll post a video blog later this week with an update of 4th Friday and a mini recap from last week.

I hope you've enjoyed your weekend!

XOXOX! Em