Remedy Drive Concert 09/29/10

Over the past two years I have posted about the band Remedy Drive many, many times.  I found their music at a time in my life when I really needed to hear something about hope and perseverance, and by golly... they were just what I needed!  I found out on Monday that they were going to be in town on Wednesday evening, and I quickly texted my mom to see if she wanted to go...she did!  I recently used their songs during my Shear Hope event and passed the CD along to my mom to listen to, and she also found the message of hope in their music!  I was so excited.  It's been nearly two years since that first time I saw them in concert (I always miss them when they come through, but have had the opportunity to interview them or talk to them at the station a few times since then... and I've listened to their CD over and over and over and over...).

The concert was at White's Chapel in Southlake.  There was a pretty small turn out, but that it a pretty intimate experience.  Despite the microphone not working at all through the entire first song (and David, the lead singer having NO idea it wasn't working, haha!), the show was great.  Afterwards, Mom and I were headed out to the car and we ran into David.  He recognized from Power FM and we stopped to chat for a bit.  My mom got to tell him how much their music helped through the recent passing of my grandmother.  He was very kind and humble, as usual.  It was a great evening... except for the part where Callen (yes, Callen got to go to the concert too) screamed all the way home in the car. Haha!

Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions For Kids by Sarah Young

Since the entries in this kids' devotional are dated, I plan to give this to my son (who will be 5 years old) as a Christmas present and start it with him on January 1^st. We recently started homeschooling, and his first task every day is to read from his Children's Bible, which he loves! The first thing I noticed about this book was that the cover was adorable! I also like that the pages inside are colorful, but simple... and not overly childish. The wording is much the same way – not geared towards babies, but also would not be too confusing for young children with some help from mom or dad. It is written as if the LORD is speaking to the reader (ie. “As you begin each day, talk to Me about it.”). This collection of daily devotionals would be great for boys and girls of varying ages up to the teenage years. The short, concise reading is broken down into the scripture focus, a short blurb of text which expounds on the scripture or theme and then an additional verse or chapter is suggested to “read on your own.” Sarah Young has done a fine job providing some relevant, thought-provoking commentary on Scripture for kids, to keep them steady in their walk with God.

Look inside this book by clicking here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Snuff The Punk

Ok, so lately it seems like everyone I know is under attack.  Health issues, lay-offs, inability to find jobs, depression, miscommunication, loved ones passing away, car issues, house issues, LIFE ISSUES.  It's crazy the amount of strife going on right now.  I mean, I know we're all constantly, on a day-to-day (sometimes hour-to-hour) battle with everything, but it just seems like this year has had a record number of #Fails.  (Sorry the twitterer in me is coming out.) 

Honestly I don't feel like I'm in any position to heap out brilliant advice or even cheerful words of encouragement, 'cause I (along with my family) am right there in the trenches as well.  I feel beat down, worn out, run over and all that.  I've cried.  I've screamed.  I've punched my pillows.  I've accused God of not hearing us!

This past Sunday, Pastor Joe talked about how when things are going badly, we often say "Just pray the devil leaves me alone."  But truth is, the devil is NOT gonna leave us alone 'cause we're down.  He's not gonna leave us alone just 'cause we've asked nicely.  It's these moments he's gonna throw more and more at us, because he knows we're weak.  Things often have to get so much worse before they can get better.  I don't know why God doesn't just step in and "fix things."  Wouldn't that be rad?  Why do we have to go through so many trials and tribulations of just every day life. We know we're here for more than working for the man, paying the bills, driving a nice car, etc.  So why do we have to go through all these hoops?  The devil isn't as powerful as our Father, but he is certainly a hard worker, and he knows us... he knows just what it takes to get us down.  He knows to hit our bank accounts, he knows how to cause tension between spouses and friends, he knows how to get us and he'll do everything in his power to make it count.

But, the last few days every time I hear or read a new prayer request, or a cry out for help, or a "OMGosh, why is life so sucky??!?!" I've had a picture pop up in my mind.  The devil is strong, but not as strong as God.  The devil is smart, but not as smart as God.  The picture that has popped into my head is this one...

No matter what your stance on the band P.O.D. is, this CD cover still has to be a little bit of fresh air in your otherwise horrendous day.  Ok, at least it is in mine.  The good guys will win in the end.  Light shall prevail.  The devil cannot be the victor.  God will snuff the punk!

So, I dunno what you're dealing with right now (well, I do know what a lot of you are dealing with right now), but God has it in His hands, He is Lord over all... and even though it does suck right now, there's a greater outcome.  We just have to continue to be strong, continue to be faithful and remember that God is bigger!

Permission to Speak Freely by Anne Jackson

I have met Anne a handful of times, and we have many mutual friends... I also enjoy following and reading Anne's blog and twitter posts, as she is a great writer.  The topic of this book is definitely interesting. Why is it that the church is the very place we feel least comfortable being honest and open? We feel the need to paste on a happy face and pretend that everything is great around fellow Christians, when it obviously isn't. This book is Anne's contribution in breaking down that misconception, in letting us know that it's OK to be broken. We all are in some way. Anne tells her story, offers scripture, art and poetry throughout the beautifully put together book... but there is no easy answer to fix your heart. Don't expect a last chapter or paragraph tying it all up and handing you the key to healing or success. It's a personal, spiritual journey, and Anne allows you to take the reins and go from here. Anne is very open about her failures, strongholds and brokenness... we should all have an opportunity to be as honest and real.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”