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

4th Friday - May 24

I am really looking forward to meeting together with everyone this week! If you are in the Columbus, Ohio vicinity we'll be meeting at my house!

This is the link to the facebook invite. It includes the address. If you are not on Facebook - email me and I will send you the address (emilyburlingame@gmail.com).

Invite your friends! And bring your book if have it. Don't let this hinder you from coming if you're not doing the study, you can absolutely still participate and hang out! See you then :)

Tuesday love!

Whatever you are doing today, find comfort in knowing God goes before us and is always with us. Blessings today my loves!

Current study - Week 1, Jesus 90 Days...

 

Highlights:

1. Write down one or a few things you are believing through out this study. Something you want to bring to Jesus's feet, are hoping to learn or something God will do or change in your life. (Luke 1:37 "With God all things are possible.")

2. Find an accountability partner to do this study with. (email me if you need a buddy! emilyburlingame@gmail.com)

3. Plan to attend 4th Friday this week and bring a friend!

4. Host 4th Friday?! Anyone? :)


Leave your comments below!



Tuesday Testimonial

Hello ladies! Its Tuesday! Which means we'll be sharing a real story about real women, in the real ways God is encountering us and changing our lives (Tuesday Testimonial!). 

We are heading into day three and I hope you are already finding this study refreshing and rejuvenating to your heart and soul.

A friend of mine shared this story with me and we both felt the need to share it with you all! Our hope is that it serves as a reminder (or perhaps a new idea to some) that Jesus ADORES us! And that you would keep this single thought in your minds as we continue this study about Jesus's life.

She has allowed me to share it, but would like to remain anonymous. This is her story...

"While at a praise and worship service a few weeks ago, I had the most amazing encounter with Jesus I've ever had.

I don't even remember what song we were singing, but I had a vision that I was in Heaven, on my knees, worshipping about twenty feet from Jesus, while he was sitting on the throne. There was an angel on either side of Him and they were both covering their eyes, because they could not even look at Him. He was so great.

I remember looking up at Him, feeling so special that I could see His face when the angels could not. He smiled the biggest smile and his eyes sparkled as He walked toward me where I was on my knees. He bent over me and grabbed my cheeks in both hands. He pulled me up to standing and we were face to face. With his hands still on my cheeks, he pulled my face right in front of His and looked me right in the eyes and smiled. He never said a word. He didn't have to.

I have never felt so much love in my entire life. It was absolutely amazing.

I am sharing this because I feel like there are women out there that need to visualize this to feel how much Jesus absolutely adores us.

He came to me where I was, picked me up off my knees and filled me with the purest love I have ever felt. I pray this reaches someone that needed to hear it. He loves all His daughters this way."

Goosebumps? Tears? Anyone else besides me!? God's love is amazing! Read Isaiah 43 for more love notes from God...

Ready, set, GO!

Ladies! Well here we go! I am so excited to start this journey with you! I am believing and expecting that God is going to do incredible things through the study of His word. Reading and studying scripture provides the opportunity for God to speak to us... and I can't wait to hear what He has to say!

 

This week we are starting the book Jesus: 90 Days with the one and only by Beth Moore. The book is broken down by day, so its super easy to follow. There are bible passages to read, thoughts and questions to ponder, a place for journaling and a place for prayer. Just do 1 devotional per day. We'll start this week with days 1 - 7.

 

Check in through out the week here or on the facebook page and share with us what you're learning. I'll be posting a brief synopsis next Sunday of Days 1 - 7.

 

Pray this with me this week! (or something along these lines!)

 

Lord, be among us. Some of us are new friends, some of us live hundreds of miles apart. Unite us in you, no matter how far apart we all may be. Speak to us, teach us, transform us!

 

Ready, set, GO!

 

Love, Emily

Welcome to Gray Tuesday!

Please ignore my annoying 'heeellooo'. I sound like Mrs. Doubtfire!

New devotional study: Jesus: 90 Days with the one and only

May 12, 2013 we will kicking off a new study. Won't you get a book and join us? There's a link in the right navigation bar for you to purchase a book through Amazon.com, but you can pick it up at almost any book store.

 

Here's the back of the book synopsis:

 

"Just wait till you've spent 90 solid days enmeshed in His life, walking with Him through triumph and trial, reacting to the very same questions He posed to His first followers.

 

That's because this is deeper than daily devotional. This is Bible Study. This is a plunge onto the Word's picturesque original languages. Yet it's also an invitation to quietly sit at His side and awaken your spirit, to hear and respond through journaling and prayer. To love HIm. Oh, to love Him!"

 

So grab a couple gal pals and join us! You can check in every week here on Sundays to follow along.