Thursday, June 28, 2012

A Healing Start

For seven years I have been struggling with the feelings of bitterness, resentment, and even a little hatred. However, these past couple of months have really had me brewing with emotion for this certain situation. Just recently I went to a concert featuring Josh Garrels. (If you haven't heard of him, look him up on you tube and listen to his music there.) There came up a point where he was introducing his next song "Slip Away". He talked about how a lot of his friends that he and his wife stood in weddings for, separation and divorce were taking place. He described it as like a wave from an ocean. He went on saying that the reason why marriages do not last, whether its because of one person or both persons, the reason is they stop building. Marriage takes work; it's a growing and building process. As soon as I heard this I immediately had an "ah-ha" moment. Now I feel that I can fully forgive this person that hurt me and several other people for that matter. I can finally begin to heal.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

My Favorite Things

Everyone has their favorite thing or things to see and do; as do I. Besides spending time with God, family and friends, there are a few things that I just enjoy doing when I am alone.  To be quite honest, I am not sure how many I have. There could be a couple or there could be a lot. I have never actually taken the time to ponder them until now. So we shall see how it all plays out.

1. All my life, I have been involved with music in some form and fashion. I've played in the church band, school band, marching band. I have sang in the church choir, been on the Praise Team, and even in the school chorus. Music is a very big part of my life and still to this day I can not get enough of it. God has blessed me with a gift and I intend on using it for His glory.

When it comes to music I still like to imagine that I am on a big stage singing in front of thousands of people. In fact if I am really getting into it, I'll grab my shaving cream can, hair spray or the vacuum cleaner attachment and pretend that its a microphone. (Actually anything that could pass as the shape of a microphone will work.) I press power on my stereo or my mp3 player and I am in another world. It's even to the point, and those who know me can vouch, but when I'm listening to Praise and Worship I memorize the ad-lib speaking parts from the worship leaders. Pop in some of the old Hillsong albums or even Kim Walker's "How He Loves" and you'll see what I'm talking about.

2. It's a habit that I started when I was about twelve. At night I would walk up and down the driveway. Now if it's too hot, freezing cold, and/or pouring down rain I won't be out there. Anyway, walking in the dark is relaxing to me. It's my time when I meditate and talk to God. I love it especially now because where I live its completely open. It a time when I can pray and express myself to God openly, but privately. 

I will also admit that sometimes I catch myself putting outdoor concerts on for the animals and/or the heavens. That's right! The mp3 player goes out with me. If it doesn't then I hear all sorts of wild animal noises. 

3. Writing is definitely a favorite of mine. I find it to be therapeutic. I can express more in writing than I can just saying it with my mouth. People see and hear more of who I am and who I want to be. Writing takes time; thinking is involved. Every word chosen carefully and placed precisely within the sentence. Each blog has taken its time getting here; even the shorter ones. Songs, I like to write songs. Anything that lifts up and gives glory to God, that's what I want to write about.

4. Painting. I like to paint. There's no need to be perfect with the lines and other pre-coloring details like in drawing; painting you just go for it. Everyone has their own style when it comes to art. My sister, she got the "drawing" gene; I didn't. Still there is something about getting a blank canvas and making something that says something about yourself.

Well, as of now I can not think of anything else. Let me know some of your favorite things to do.