Chapter One describes a part of Webb’s early career as a songwriter and dives into a historical approach to songwriting as readers are introduced to transforming poetry into lyrical imagery.  “Which is to say that all great lyrics use the devices of poetry – metaphor, simile, imagery, alliteration and meter, among others…as a songwriter you are…the literary standards of true poets, novelist or other intellectuals.” [12]  Webb also points out a common concern that many songwriters face as they try to write original music that could potentially be perceived as an imitation of a past (or current) song.  He addresses this concern stating that, “if we carried such concerns to extremes we would never get a melody written but would become full-time researchers instead, perhaps letting your computers devise complicated and never-before-heard combinations.  It is a mathematical fact that only twelve notes can be arranged in multiples of millions of unique sequences.  Surely all the melodies have not been written.” [3]

Webb not only offers insight into chord progression and how to differentiate chord and lyric progressions, he also stresses the importance to “draw an imaginary protective circle around ourselves and step inside.  The place where we write is important whether it is a physical room or a spacious loft in the heart and mind. “ [4]  He acknowledges later on that he is attempting to illustrate to the reader that every place and every waking and dreaming moment is potential musical inspiration and every idea should be considered.

Further into reading, the song idea and concept is introduced.  This section could quite possibly be the most valuable section of the book for songwriters looking to fine-tune their craft.  Webb states, “we must accomplish our aims and tell our entire story in a time frame of about three minutes (plus or minus).  Every word, every note must count.” [5]  He also suggests isolating the song idea by conveying the feelings in a letter.   This journey through the song vision provides readers with a more concrete view on creating a strong hook.  He also encourages the use of different writing techniques such as false rhyme, repetitive rhyme, blank verse, metaphors and similes that further enhance the song lyrics.

The following four chapters illustrate the fine mechanics of songwriting.  Chapter five summarizes writing sessions one and two for the song, Problem Child.  Webb spends ample time writing and re-writing the chorus until he believes that he has come up with a “good” chorus.  He notes that not every person reading this book will make “so much fuss over one lyric but most successful songwriters are at least this persnickety and perhaps even more so.” [6]

Chapter six begins with an overview of basic music theory and uses diagrams to create a visual aid to enhance the learning process.  This chapter covers minor, major, relative and diatonic scales (among others), half and whole steps, skips, variations, augmented and diminished chords.  Webb spends most of the chapter addressing chord variations and chord structure.  “Many contemporary composers, myself included, believe that oftentimes the germs of beautiful melody exist in chord structure itself; that the chord structure leads us in interesting directions melodically, paths that might not be discovered otherwise.” [7]  He also encourages readers to “practice until you can invent and invert any major chord at will.” [8]

In Chapter 8, Webb creates the tune to accompany his lyrics for Problem Child. He creates the chord structure that he believes sets the mood and the tempo for the song and then analyzes the way that each syllable of the lyrics is sung.  He goes into great detail to carefully outline the finalization of his song and also includes a list of 10 things to keep in mind when writing the melody to a song.  Webb concludes the chapter with the final score of his song and mentions that he hopes his song has said what he set out to say.  “If I have failed to accomplish my objective precisely, then I must hope that a second, perhaps subliminal goal will have been reached and cherish the thought that this inadvertent achievement may be of even more value.  Such an occurrence would not be unique in the affairs of artists in general and songwriters in particular.” [9]

The final three chapters of Tunesmith move away from songwriting techniques and focus more so on Webb’s personal experiences in the business of music.  Chapter nine addresses Webb’s thoughts on co-writing and collaboration with other songwriters and artists.  “You trade positions.  One person writes while the other is the editor and critic and then the roles are reversed.  You have to be able to absorb the criticism and understand that in the end everything has to please everybody.” [10]  He also describes collaboration with other artists as “a special gift.  Some writers are simply two egotistical and self-centered to ever do it right.  It involves a great deal of genuine selflessness and dedication…” [11]

Chapter 10 discusses Webb’s thoughts on breaking into the music business.  Although this book was written before the availability of the Internet for self-promotion, I believe that Webb offers some interesting points on being a part of the business of music.  From my perspective, Internet or not, it is still a challenge to make connections music wise and to cultivate business relationships and partnerships in this industry that go beyond technology.

Webb concludes Tunesmith with a chapter that addresses mechanical royalties, how a songwriter is paid and copyright law.  He also touches on the hardships of being a songwriter and the emotional toll that songwriting can have on a person.  “It is ridiculously easy to become bitter in this trade, so hard not to resent in at least some small capacity the success of others.  The real problem is that envy and bitterness are such poor materials for a songwriter to work with.” [12] With that being said, Jimmy Webb also knows the positive influence that music and songwriting has in our society.  “A great song…can put the world back into focus…and sometimes even bring someone back into a life who might have been thought gone forever.  There is unimaginable power in a great song.” [13]

________________________________________________________________

[1] Jimmy Webb, Tunesmith (New York, NY: Hyperion, 1998), XII.

[2] Ibid., 12.

[3] Ibid., 14.

[4] Ibid., 22.

[5] Ibid., 37.

[6] Ibid., 153.

[7] Ibid., 213.

[8] Ibid., 189.

[9] Ibid., 283.

[10] Ibid., 291.

[11] Ibid., 306.

[12] Ibid., 397.

[13] Ibid., 396.

In my last post, about a month and a half ago, I was caught in a power struggle between my plans and God’s will for my life.  I will admit, it was not easy giving up control over that particular situation however, I am beginning to see God’s plans unraveling.

A couple months back, I had applied for a 12 week music internship with a missions organization for the summer of 2013.  75 interns are selected and for 12 weeks are sent out to 11 different locations.  Each week, there is a different youth group that comes and works at the site as part of their mission trip.  After reading the description of the intern responsibilities, I decided to apply for the music team member position.  I had a first phone interview in November with the music director of the organization, which went very well.  A couple weeks later, I received an email saying that I was selected for a 2nd phone interview, which would be in December.  I was a bit more nervous for this interview, seeing as I would be speaking with the founder/director of the ministry and I really prayed that I would be able to convey to him my heart for this ministry and for sharing the love of Christ.

I cannot even pin-point where my words came from (must have been the Holy Spirit speaking through me!) because the director offered me the job over the phone, and asked if I would consider being the music director at one of the sites.  After hanging up the phone, I danced around for a good 10 minutes.  Joy really does come in the morning!  I am so excited to say that I have accepted the position and am already looking forward to implementing what I have learned through these courses into my ministry this summer.

As I think about all of the preparations that will begin within the next few weeks for this internship, I can easily reflect back upon my first missions trip.  I was in 7th grade when I first felt the call to serve the Lord.  I was in Tennessee on a missions trip with my church at the time.  My experience with that trip was so wonderful and I thought that I had found my niche.  Several years later, I went to the Dominican Republic on a missions trip and found myself questioning the call I had experienced so many years before.  I wanted to be involved in missions and be an instrument in leading people to Christ, but I was not sure that international missions was where God had called me.  That is when I began to see the need in the United States.

I had never really thought much about that.  However,  everyday I would see people at work, or walking down the streets and just wonder what they were living for.  I could see the pain in their eyes, masked by smiles that hid a thousand untold stories.  All I wanted to do was listen to their stories and pray for them.  All I wanted to do was be Jesus to them.  And that is when I knew.  I knew that although I had a heart for missionary work in third-world countries, God had a place for me ministering in the United States.  The need in the US is the call that I am answering.

I know that even from a young age, I loved to listen to my friends stories and tell my own stories (which I mentioned in the last blog post).  As I grew older, I soon discovered that most people just want to talk to someone who will listen without criticism or judgement. And I wanted to be that person.  Because from what I have seen, your true witness is not usually in the words you say but in the actions that your thoughts and words produce. Maybe I could not witness to my friends with words about Jesus or scriptures, but I could be the example and declare through my actions that following Jesus is really worth it all.

People are hungry to be satisfied.  They will look right and left for affirmation and worth from the world, when only that void can be filled with Jesus’ love.  And that is the truth that I am so excited to declare this upcoming summer.  That is the reason behind why I wrote the song, “Worth It All”.  We have got to get it and believe that we are fully loved and valued by Christ and in believing in Him, we are equipped and ready to share that overflow of love.

I am so ready to share that love with the world and I believe that this course has prepared me to be able to do that in subjects even beyond worship.  I am so grateful that I have been able to study with you all and grow in God’s Word together.  Thank you and God bless!  :)

The one thing I always loved about writing was that I was in control of the story.  I planned out what these characters did and what they would say next.  Their future was in my hands.  It was a great feeling.  Knowing that while I had no control over my life, I had control over the life of the characters in my book.  I spent hours and hours writing and re-writing and editing and re-editing until I had the perfect version, just until the next day when I would change it all over again.  But that was okay, I was in control.  I could do that.

I would not even be able to count the times I’ve thought, “oh, if only I could of just done this or that, everything would have been better.  If only I could have controlled what he said or she said, nothing would have happened and everything would be fine.” And time and time again, I am reminded that God does not want us to live a “fine” life.  A life satisfied and comfortable in complacency.  He wants us to be challenged, and in that challenge, to turn to Him and offer full control of our day-to-day happenings.

I experienced this exact situation about two weeks ago.  I was dealt probably the biggest blow I have ever experienced.  From previous blog posts, I had written about how I was going to be attending Berklee College of Music for the spring semester and how I had waited over a year to go and worked four jobs to help pay for it.  Well, two weeks ago, I learned that nothing is in my control.  Everything was going perfectly.  Almost to the point of storybook perfect.  As if I had written it.  I was all ready for my scholarship re-audition, booked my flight, figured out housing.  It was fine.  I was feeling good.  And in those moments of being comfortable, God decided to show me that my will was not His.

That Thursday morning, driving to work, I had prayed that the Lord would open the doors no man can open, and shut the doors that no man can shut and to make it perfectly clear if Berklee was the place He wanted me to go to.  Of course it’s God’s will, I thought. No doubt in my mind.  Well about 5 hours later, God answered that prayer.  I received an email saying that I would not be able to attend Berklee until next Fall 2013 because funds were limited and there were no more scholarships available.  I was shocked.  Shocked because everything had been perfect up to that moment and also shocked because God answered that question in a way that I wasn’t expecting.  He shut the door in a way that only He could.  And after several emails back and forth with admissions counselors, it was made very clear that He not only shut the door, He slammed it!

The past two weeks have been tough.  I’ve questioned, I’ve wondered, I’ve cried and prayed.  I’ve considered that obvious:  God has something better in mind for me.  But what is better than your dreams?  That’s what I questioned.  I struggled.  Goodness, did I struggle.  I prayed, “Not my will but yours be done” several times just so I could receive some clarity into the situation.  The situation that I couldn’t control.

Control is a funny thing, isn’t it?  Most of us wouldn’t admit that we like to control things, but I will be the first one to say that I do!  I thought if everything went according to my plan, things would be okay.  However, now, I have no idea what I’m supposed to do next, where I am supposed to go to college and what the Lord is calling me to do in my life.  Quite the predicament!  I’m going to challenge myself to trust though.  God knows.  He sees.  He cares.  I have no reason to worry.  He is holding the situation in His hand and He knows me desires, and my dreams and wants me to live to my fullest potential at the right place within His timing.  So, control turns to trust.  There’s no other way to get through life but to trust.  “Things work out when you trust in God.” – Provers 16:20 (MSG). That is reason enough for me.

“…Finally, I was reminded of the verse in John 3:27 which says, ‘God in heaven appoints each person’s work.” John the Baptist fulfilled what he was put here to do. He took great joy in seeing Jesus take center stage while he faded into the background.  Let us not be distracted by the allure of worldly success, but rather in humility, pursue the road of faithfulness to what God has called us to be and to do.’”  - Michael Hansen

As I mentioned in my last posting, the theme of “worth” has always been a key point in my relationship with Christ.  I also believe that “worth” is something everyone searches for at some point in their lifetime.  But writing a song about that proved to be more of a challenge.  Where could I even begin?  To write a song that I felt would be effective in conveying the message of our value to Jesus’–what He would say if we were standing face-to-face with Him–that was going to require time spent in God’s word, discovering His promises.

I decided to begin in the Old Testament.  Growing up, I was never a fan of the Old Testament.  Too many scriptures just stating the family lineage and the laws that followed.  However, last year, I took a course on Old Testament history and realized that I was missing so much!  The entire Old Testament is the story of God continually bestowing grace and mercy on a nation that rebels, and looks to other things for value, worth, hope and strength.  Perfect inspiration for this song!

That’s where I believe that the beauty of the Bible is.  When we realize that these people in the Bible were just like us–they doubted their faith, they ran away when times got tough etc–but God still used them in mighty ways to reflect glory back to Him.  And to show that because He loves us so much, our way could twist and turn, but God makes no mistakes.

The lyrics from the first verse of this song:

“I didn’t see how I could be good enough

To ever deserve your love, to ever measure up

So I tried, to fill the emptiness inside

Made room for every compromise

Told myself, I was doing just fine

‘Cause I couldn’t find what I was missing”

Everything we want and desire is found in Christ.  He fulfills, protects, restores and redeems.  My challenge to you is to read the book of Hosea which was an inspiration for this song.  That entire story centers upon the unfailing, redemptive love of God.

Christian songwriting has always been a struggle for me.  My main desire in songwriting has always been to tell a story, however, in writing worship music, I am telling a story that is bigger than my own.  That is something that I do not take lightly.  I do not want to just write songs.  I want to write songs that speak of a truth that will set captives free!

The title: Worth It All was just a thought that popped into my head one rainy afternoon.  I was not looking to write a Christian song; and to be completely honest, it was the furthest thing from my mind.  You could say that I was in a spiritual rut and that would summarize it.  I would say that I was on a fence in the middle of a battlefield, with one foot on one side and the other foot on the opposite side.  Nothing was making sense. Here I was,  leading a group of people in worship and struggling to hold things together.  This question of worth was always on my mind: “Was I worth enough?”  ”Am I worth enough?” “Does God think I am valuable?”  ”Will I ever be ‘good enough’ by the standards of this world?”  These were the questions that inspired this song.

I had originally written this song with a friend in mind who was struggling in her relationship with Christ.  It turns out that I too was in the middle of an identity crisis.  The only thing for me to do was to apply the truths from the songs I had written and believe them wholeheartedly.  Simple as that.  ”We try; God transforms.” – Richard J. Foster.  Below is the chorus of the song.

“In the midst of my darkness

You were calling out my name

Saying you were worth, you were worth it all

No matter what you do

His love for you will never change

You are worth it, you are worth it all”

Preparing for the Spiritual Life

Foster opens this section with quotes from several of the authors of the contributing devotionals.  As Foster points out, these authors recognize that God is not a God who accepts a believer who straddles the fence between being in the world and being of it.  These readings assert that nothing short of absolute commitment to Christ will suffice.  Following that theme, the first devotional by C.S. Lewis is entitled, “Giving All to Christ.”  Lewis states, “…The almost impossible thing, is to hand over your whole self – all your wishes and precautions – to Christ.  But it is far easier than what we are trying to do instead.  For what we are trying to do is remain what we call ‘ourselves’, to keep personal happiness as our great aim in life, and yet at the same time be ‘good’.  We are all trying to let our mind and heart go their own way – centered on money or pleasure or ambition – and hoping, in spite of this, to behave honestly, chastely and humbly.”  [3].

Later on in Section 1, Jonathan Edwards writes on, “Engagement of the Heart.”  Edward’s devotional mirrors some of C.S. Lewis’ thoughts but delves deeper into how our hearts are affected when we fully surrender our lives to Christ.  He believes that a person who has knowledge of doctrine and theology without religious devotion has never engaged in true relationship with the Lord.  “There are thousands who hear the Word of God…and the great things He has done for them and His gracious invitation to them…and yet all they hear has no effect upon them, makes no change in the way they live…they remain exactly as they are in life and in practice.”  [4].

The remaining devotions in Section 1 are titled, “Our One True Devotion” (Francis de Sales), “Purifying the Soul” (John of the Cross), “The Four Degrees of Love” (Bernard of Claivaux), “A Will No Longer Divided” (Francois Fenelon) and “Complete Surrender” (St. Augustine).

The Prayer-Filled Life

This section provides the reader with the instructions and benefits of leading a prayerful life.  Thomas Merton’s devotional on different forms of mediation is the first devotion in this section and includes excerpts from Contemplative Prayer. The second included author is Julian of Norwich who follows with a similar theme.  His devotion is entitled “The Highest Form of Prayer.”  Julian states, “For the highest form of prayer is to the goodness of God.  It comes down to us to meet our humblest needs.  It gives life to our souls and makes them live and grow in grace and virtue.  It is near in nature and swift in grace, for it is the same grace which our souls seek and always will.” [5].  Julian also reflects on the immeasurable love of Christ and how as our love for Christ grows, our love of prayer and spending time in the Word will grow.

The remaining devotions in Section 2 teach on “Bringing Solitude into Our Lives” (Henri J. M. Nouwen), “A Simple Regimen of Private Prayer” (George A. Buttrick), “What Do We Mean by Prayer” (Evelyn Underhill), “Opening Windows to God” (Frank Laubach), “Morning Prayers” (John Baillie) and “Praying in Faith” (Martin Luther).  This section concludes with a profound statement by Martin Luther: “From this it follows that the one who prays correctly never doubts that the prayer will be answered, even if the very thing for which one prays is not given.  For we are to lay our need before God in prayer but not prescribe to God a measure, manner, time or place.  We must leave that to God, for He may wish to give it to us in another, perhaps better, way than we think is best.” [6].   

The Virtuous Life

The authors call attention to this section by highlighting several key concepts in our personal moral transformation as we seek to live a holy life.  Gregory of Nyssa describes holiness as “running the race”.  Richard Rolle follows this concept and addresses holiness as “the spiritual flame that feeds the soul.”  [7].  John Calvin reflects on Romans 12:1-2 in his devotion, “The Joy of Self-Denial.”

Each writer agrees that although we cannot achieve true holiness (on this earth), our love for God encourages us to pursue it.  Teresa of Avila asserts that it is important to keep the faith throughout our journey.  “If, then, you sometimes fall, do not lose heart.  Even more, do not cease striving to make progress from it, for even out of your fall God will bring some good.  Sometimes God allows us to fall in order to reveal to us our sinfulness and to show us what harm comes as a result of sin.  Our sins can have the effect of leading us back to God and striving all the more.”  [8].

The Spirit-Empowered Life

The contributing authors in this section focus on the Holy Spirit and how God is ever-present in our daily lives.  Catherine of Genoa writes that as we wait upon God, true contentment and peace is found.  George Fox asserts that we serve the Living God and in our daily actions, we are walking in the power of His name.  “Whatever your calling, live in the power of Truth and wisdom of God to answer that just principle of God in all people upon the earth.  So, let your lives preach, let your light shine, that your works may be seen, that your Father may be glorified.  This has the praise of God, and they who do so come to answer that which God requires, to love mercy, do justly, and to walk humbly with God.”  [9].

The Compassionate Life

The writings included in this section of Devotional Classics teach us that our Christian life should be one of action and a community of believers who seek the total transformation of every person, every institution and every society.  William Temple writes on the church and the impact that every church has upon society.  Hannah Whitall Smith acknowledges the joy of serving Christ and encourages readers who may feel “burned out” by continuous service.

Jeremy Taylor reflects on “The Grace of Humility.”  Taylor states, “When you do receive praise for something you have done, take it indifferently and return it to God:  Reflect it back to God, the giver of the gift, the blesser of the action, the aid of the project.  Always give God thanks for making you an instrument of His glory for the benefit of others.”  [10].  Dietrick Bonhoeffer concludes this section with a devotion on “Christ in Community.”  “Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ.”  [11].

The Word-Centered Life

The devotions included in this section speak of the importance of evangelism and the centrality of scripture.  E.  Stanley Jones encourages readers to make reading the Bible every day a habit to further spiritual growth and knowledge of the scriptures.  Madame Guyon suggests that there are two ways to seek the Lord: “praying the scripture and beholding the Lord (waiting in His presence).”

Watchman Nee writes on evangelism and how the Holy Spirit is at work in preparing the hearts of those who are searching.  “…The Holy Spirit… is waiting, waiting to bring Christ into their hearts.  He is like the light.  Open the window-shutters even a little, and it will flood in and illuminate the interior.  Let there be a cry from the heart to God, and at that moment the Spirit will enter and begin His transforming work of conviction and repentance and faith.”  [12].

The Sacramental Life

The final section brings together the material and spiritual world.  Athanasius writes that God created us to know Him.  “God knew the limitations of mankind and thus He provided the works of creation also as a means by which the Maker might be known…so great, indeed, were the goodness and love of God.”  [13].

Brother Lawrence’s devotional on the sense of God’s presence is the last selection of the book and provides the reader with further insights into glorifying God through each aspect and circumstance in our lives.  “Thus, I resolved to give my all for God’s all.  After having giving myself wholly to God that he might take away my sin, I renounced for the love of God, everything that was not God, and I began to live as if there was none but God and I in the world.”  [14].  Brother Lawrence expands on the subject of being transformed in His likeness and says, “Presenting myself before God, I ask Him to form His perfect image in my soul and make me entirely like Himself.”  [15].

________________________________________________________________

[1] Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith, eds., Devotional Classics (New York: HarperOne; 2005), 1.

[2] Ibid., 1.

[3] Ibid., 9.

[4] Ibid., 21.

[5] Ibid., 77.

[6] Ibid., 117.

[7] Ibid., 129.

[8] Ibid., 166.

[9] Ibid., 188.

[10] Ibid., 245.

[11] Ibid., 271.

[12] Ibid., 326.

[13] Ibid., 340.

[14] Ibid., 370.

[15] Ibid., 373.

My hometown has always had a very vibrant music scene…lot’s of coffee shops, dessert cafes and music clubs that offer open mic sessions and full on concerts.  That has been quite encouraging to me as a musician looking for venues to play.  For several years, all I performed were covers…lot’s of Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum and Keith Urban songs.  For a while, that was enough.  And then I felt as though the time had come for my voice to be heard–my songs to be sung.  So, I began writing with the expectation of going out to an open mic and performing.  I wanted to write music that people could relate to, whether Christian or non-christian.  Overall, I wanted the lyrics to tell a story.

One of my first performances of singing my original music was several months ago for an idol competition in my town.  I made it into the top 3 for our city and that opened up more musical opportunities!  I started to notice that there was a community of musicians who solely played at open mic nights.  The more times I played at these venues, the more I would see these people.  Pretty soon, I was developing friendships with these musicians and it became clear to me:  to reach the community, I need to be a part of the community.

That is probably why this theme of “water” is so intriguing to me.  For as long as I can remember, I have been involved in church ministry.  Since my first performance at age four with my family, I have been known as “Polly, the singer.”  Surrounding myself with friends, peers and mentors who are church musicians and followers of Christ has been wonderful.  However, there are definitely times when I find it tough to break out of that mold and reach new people who may not know the Lord.  For me, it is easier to stay in the bubble of people who think like me. But what about the people who need the Lord?  How can I reach them?  In a literal sense, I need to be living water for Jesus.  I need to be a part of that community.

When I think about the different stories of Jesus, I always love reading the Bible stories about Jesus seeking out the lost and welcoming them in.  He went into their communities, where not many believers would go, and shared the living water with them.  That is what I want to do.  I do not want to be just a worship leader who sings on the stage every Sunday and walks away.  I want to be a part of the church community so that people know that there is more.  There is more to my story and there is more to this big story.  The importance of surrounding yourself in a community of believers is vital…these individuals are your accountability partner(s) and your encouragement through tough times.  However, I am ready to reach out to my community outside of the church.   I want to reflect Christ to the broken and the hurting.

I am no longer afraid or nervous to share my heart.  Whether a group of listeners accept my lyrics or not, it is not about me and it never was.  I am telling a greater story–I am sharing the story of the Creator of the universe and how His love changed me!  There are so many places that need that love.  They need the living water.

“‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the Scripture says.’” – John 7:38 (The Message)

As I am learning more about listening for God’s voice and responding to His calling, I am suddenly finding that there is so much I want to be doing for the Kingdom and I am trying to figure out whether the need is the call.  This is where I struggle with being empowered by restraint.  I want to do all of these things and make the most of every opportunity, but sometimes I get tired.  After working at the church from 8 am – 7 pm every Sunday, I often feel more burned out then “on fire” for the Lord.  I had never even thought about praying before even saying “yes” to a worship opportunity.  I usually just consult my planner and make sure it works with my schedule.  However, the media this week really made me think.  I want my heart and my desires to match that of my Father in Heaven.  I want my schedule to be the result of prayerfully seeking His will and asking before accepting.

It seems like such a simple concept…to ask, to pray, to seek.  So, where does my hesitancy come from?  Well, I like to be in control and I usually become overwhelmed when I see that life is not in my hands.  Yet, I go about my day with a schedule in hand of all of the things I have planned.  I do not think to say, “Lord, what is your will for my life today? What are the plans you have for me?”  Things might be a little more adventurous that way, but I know who is holding the universe together and I know that He can handle it.

My goal this week as I head off to this junior high camp is to be overcome with a passion and a desire to change my will and make it the will of Christ.  And I will be the first to admit that the thought of surrendering my control scares me, but it is that necessary step as a follower of Christ.  In the Essentials in Spiritual Formation book, Dan Wilt says, “to be empowered by mission, is to step out in following Jesus into the places of life unfamiliar to us, and to expect God to meet us there.”

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” - Colossians 3:1 ESV

This week in Essentials in Spiritual Formation, I studied the element of “Wind”: “a continual state of renewal, remembering and refreshing.” I absolutely love how a worship song can be influential in renewing my relationship with Christ.  Whether standing on a stage or worshipping at my house with just my piano, I can experience that element of “wind”.

I am leaving tomorrow to spend four days with the junior high students at my church.  For this summer camp, I will be leading worship for the two services every day.  I am so excited about this opportunity because this trip will be refreshing and renewal for my heart.  Worshipping with these students is one of the greatest and most rewarding aspects of my job in ministry.  And singing with them and seeing their hunger and need for the Lord and their desire to serve Him wholeheartedly encourages me.  I think that this will be a great weekend of recommitment, remembering, renewing and refreshing.

I am probably not the first to admit that character building is usually a long and sometimes tough process to go through.  For the past six months though, I believe that this character building has been God’s way of molding me to be more like His Son.  It has not been easy, however I think that I have learned some valuable lessons that I do think I will ever forget!

When I read the first topic we were to study for Essentials in Spiritual Formation, it literally confirmed everything that the Lord has been trying to show me that I have been reluctant to see.  This theme of “Earth” being the foundation of our lives and our core values made me realize that yes, the way we live life has a significant impact on what happens inside us and through us in the world.

I started my first job (outside of church work) in March at a garden nursery.  I knew absolutely nothing about plants, but I knew that I did not like dirt, I could coordinate colors and I could learn plant names and facts quick.  Within three days, the managers trusted me enough to have me close the nursery at night and to be out on the sales floor by myself.  I felt honored!  I felt as though my boss valued me and appreciated the work I was doing.  So, I jumped into 50 hour work weeks and starting hanging out with my work friends more.  Everyone was so friendly and laid back and I wanted to fit their mold.  However, I did not want to compromise my values and beliefs.  It was at this time that I had to make a choice: I could be in the world, or I could be of it.

Who did God design me to be though?  A reflection of Him!  A reflection of His glory, of His creation, of His character!  And I wanted to reflect Him back to my co-workers.  These foundational “Earth” elements of character, integrity, honesty, faithfulness and courage (among others) are qualities that need to be rooted in Christ so that our outward actions can be a direct reflection of what is going on in our hearts.