Chris' prayer: Raze's "Always and Forever"

There are a significant number of songs in my iTunes that I have "accidentally" run into. Songs that I never would have discovered if it weren't for some happy accident. This is one of those songs. This is the last track from the WOW 2000 CD, which was given to me by a friend. There are some wonderful Christian tracks on that CD. All kinds of songs about praising God, and listening to Him, and worshiping Him, and thanking Jesus, and then there is this song, sitting there at the end of the CD. Not explicitly Christian, it almost doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the music on the CD.

But it probably became the most played track from that CD. Just a simple message about friends who are there for us through all the ups and the downs, this track reminds me where I find a lot of the love that God has for me. I am so loved and so cared for by my friends. They show me, whether they are Christian or not, whether they attend services weekly or yearly or not at all, just how much God loves me. And they show me how long He will love me, too:

Always and forever.

YouTube | Lyrics

Catie's prayer: Raze's "Always and Forever"

we will be friends(strong)
forever and ever

There have been many times throughout my life where I felt abandoned, alone, like I had no one to run to. However, so many times I forget to look to Christ as a friend, someone there to help me out, someone who is my friend. A friend that will never leave, no matter how bad the storm gets, no matter how stubborn I'm being, whatever. He's in it with each of us, forever and ever.

Megan's prayer: Point of Grace's "Saving Grace"

I used to be a proud owner of a "WWJD?" bracelet. I wore it probably over 2 years. But although I wore it, I don't know how often I really thought about the question that was written on my wrist.

What would Jesus do?

Now, more than ever in my life, I find myself focusing on the answer to that question. I believe that the answer is "love." Jesus was God's perfect example of love that he showed to the world. Jesus' death is the perfect example of how much he loved the world. I think that if I was able to show even 1% of that love to others, I could change the world.

(It's) all about living love
Being Jesus to those he came to save

What could happen if we all loved just a little more? What would happen if we all took on the task of "being Jesus" to others?

Chris' prayer: Point of Grace's "Saving Grace"

We have to go where she lives

On a retreat a couple years ago, I was in a small group and we were sharing different things about ourselves. One of the questions was something like, "What is your best trait?" I was genuinely struggling to come up with something I really liked for an answer; something that was truthful and meaningful. The other adult in the small group said, "Chris, I think you are wonderful at making people feel comfortable."

I thought about it for a moment and I really hoped it was true. I believe that it is. It is something that I find so important, especially within youth ministry. I feel that, if I'm going to affect these teens in any real and meaningful way, if they are going to give me a chance, then they need to feel comfortable. And they are going to feel comfortable on their terms, on their turf. I need to be there, and not expect them to come to me. I've said a thousand times, "We need to meet them where they are. We need to love them for who they are."

I may be struggling with my calling to youth ministry, but that is one thing that does not waiver, and one thing that I definitely still enjoy- showing teenagers how much God loves them.


iTunes | Lyrics

Catie's prayer: Point of Grace's "Saving Grace"

All about living love
Being Jesus to those he came to save
Sharing life and giving our own away
It's all about serving God

The above lines are what life is about. This is how we are suppose to live our lives. We are to show God's love to all, not just our family and friends, not just those who are extremely lovable. EVERYONE needs to be loved, respected, and cared for. Even if they are the most bitter, hateful person in the world, how will they ever know how to love if they never experience it? They won't. It is up to each of us to make sure that each person we come in contact with knows that they are cared for, knows that they are loved for it is through loving each other that we can best serve God.

Megan's prayer: Selah's "Be Thou Near to Me"

I had never heard this song until today, but I instantly fell in love with it. The lyrics are absolutely wonderful, but what struck me more was the calm melody in the background.

I was introduced to Jim Brickman, the pianist in this song, a few months ago. I have always enjoyed listening to piano players, and his music was no exception. He plays beautifully. There have been many nights where I would listen to the few songs of his that I had on my iTunes over and over, in an attempt to help me fall asleep. They always brought a soothing, calming peace over me.

Today's song was no different than the rest of his music. It brought peace, along with my prayer for the night, found within the lyrics.

O Lord, be thou near to me.

Chris' prayer: Selah's "Be Thou Near to Me"

Seeking the joy of love unspoken

When I was in college, my then-girlfriend and I worked at the same restaurant, and many times worked the same shifts together. One such time, she was working as the To Go server, while I was on the floor with four or five tables. She had already had a rough morning and a To Go shift was not the remedy at all. There wasn't much money to be made in that shift, but there was still a significant amount of work to be done. Her day was getting worse.

I caught one of her two or three total customers standing at the end of the bar waiting for the food to be bagged up and brought out. I asked this wonderful middle aged African American woman to do me a favor. I handed her a $20 bill and asked that she give it to her server, saying only that the woman noticed she was having a tough day and that she deserved so much more. The woman complied and that small gesture (and an abnormally large tip) turned my then-girlfriend's day around.

I never told her that it was me who gave the woman the money or the instructions. The satisfaction, the joy of that moment came in showing someone that they are loved and cared for without saying a word, without taking the credit. Seeing someone I cared about be happy was very much worth it for me.

I need to find more of those moments where I can seek the joy of love unspoken.


YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Catie's prayer: Selah's "Be Thou Near to Me"

Oh Lord, be Thou near to me.

I feel like this is more or less my prayer on and off throughout my life depending on what is going on. However, it should be my prayer constantly. No matter what is going on in my life, whether I'm singing praises or going through a storm, the prayer should always be "Oh Lord, be Thou near to me."

Chris' prayer: Out of Eden's "River"

Some try to tell me
That there's another something
That fulfills like You do

Forget "some."

*I* try to tell myself that there is another something that will fulfill me, that will make me happy, that will complete me. I may not say it explicitly, but in my actions I profess this almost daily. With the way I act, with the way I go through my day, with the way I treat others, sometimes it is painfully obvious that I am trying to fill myself with things that are not God. Unfortunately, despite how often it occurs, I don't do a good enough job of catching myself in the act. I only realize after the fact that I was putting something else before God, or seeking solace or happiness from it.

How blessed I am to have a God who is patient, kind, and merciful. He is always there waiting for me. He never leaves. Never gets frustrated. Never quits. He will outlast all of my sins, all of the times I try to fill myself with something other than Him, and then, when I'm finally done being selfish and turn toward Him, He will be there with loving arms surrounding me. How great is my God!


YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Megan's prayer: Out of Eden's "River"

When the mountains fall, when the stars collide
I know you'll be there, standing by my side

This past year, I've tried really hard to be independent. I live by myself, cook for myself, and I am responsible for paying the bills on time. It's something I didn't know if I would be able to do it all by myself, but I took a chance.

Although it has been going well for the most part, sometimes I do come to a road block. I wish I could figure everything out on my own, but there are times when I have to swallow my pride, and ask for help from others.

And every time this happens, without any question, my parents are there for me. Ready to help me. No questions asked. They will do everything possible to help me through the hard times, whether it is something physical they can give, like a helping hand with rent, or just my mom's offer to drive down to my apartment just to be with me when I have a bad night. They love me so much.

As great as their love is for me, I know God's love is even more. He will always be there, standing by my side. This is amazing.

Catie's prayer: Out of Eden's "River"

I know You'll be there
And You will still be lovin' me

I don't have too much to say about this except for the fact that I need to remember this. There has been nothing else in my life that has comforted me more than knowing that God is there for me, loving me no matter what. If only I could keep that constantly on my mind and heart.

Megan's prayer: Jars of Clay's "Liquid"

He didn't die for nothing

When I think about how Jesus died for my sins, I don't think I fully grasp just how awesome that love is.

Would I really give my life to save someone elses? Would I give my life to stand up for my faith?

I like to think that I could answer "yes" to these questions, but would that change if I actually found myself in that situation?

Chris' prayer: Jars of Clay's "Liquid"

He didn't die for nothing.

This is the line that will always stick out to me. Always. I've seen Jars of Clay perform in concert probably 8-10 times and this is the song I look forward to. It isn't my favorite song from them, but that doesn't even matter. I want to hear this one. And I want to hear it for this line. The whole song builds and builds and builds until finally it can no longer be contained. And what comes out is this line sung, no...screamed...by the entire audience.

And what a great reminder it is with Easter Sunday right around the corner.


YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Catie's prayer: Jars of Clay's "Liquid"

He didn't die for nothing

So many times I forget this. I forget that he died for me, you, everyone. It's one thing to to give of your life, but to actually die the most horrific death ever out of LOVE. Love is something that can be so difficult, but when it works the way is it suppose to, to be completely self-giving, to truly will the good of another, there is nothing more beautiful

Megan's prayer: Jars of Clay's "Flood"

Many times when I feel overwhelmed, the only way I can find to express that is by crying. Sometimes this is an okay thing. When I have this overwhelming sense of joy or happiness in my life, it happens. When I watch Extreme Makeover Home Edition and I see just how much people care for one another, it happens. When I feel an overwhelming sense of love from someone, it happens.

It also happens when I'm overwhelmed with school work, with stress, with frustration. Those are not the most enjoyable times. It's during these times that I need to remember to turn to God, to ask him to "calm the storms that drench my eyes, dry the streams still flowing."

Chris' prayer: Jars of Clay's "Flood"

I remember hearing this song on the radio when it was first released. It was actually even before I had really taken ownership of my faith and invested into my spiritual life. Nonetheless, the feeling I had then is one that I continue to have today: I find myself amazed whenever something spiritual or religious, whether it be a song like this one, a book, or a television show "crosses over" and becomes mainstream. It catches me off guard to find the secular world catching on to something religious.

It probably shouldn't surprise me. I think I recall hearing that something like 90% of Americans believe in God, and something like 80% identify themselves as Christian. It seems like the secular world is so far removed from that statistic, though...that God is part of our lives on Sundays for an hour, then perhaps a minute before meals, and then contained in privacy for the rest of the week. It is refreshing, and yes, amazing, when we as a culture allow Him to escape that box and make an impact on our secular world.


YouTube | iTunes | Lyrics

Catie's prayer: Jars of Clay's "Flood"

Lift me up - keep me from drowning again

There have been many times in my life when I felt like I was drowning. Not literally but in the sense that I was in way over my head. Earlier this week I felt like this. I just had so many little things that had built up and I felt entirely overwhelmed. But God lifted me up. After a while I realized I didn't have much control over what happened in some of the situations so worrying about them was pointless and whatever God wanted to be done was going to be done. It's hardest when we don't have control to want control more than ever. But we were never in control of the situation to begin with so why not give control to God?

Chris' prayer: Jars of Clay's "Boy on a String"

The marionette has your number

There are many times in my life where I feel like a boy on a string.

Sometimes, even though I know I shouldn't, even though I don't want to, I still choose a sinful path. It is like there is no other path. Whether that sin be lying to a family member, killing a friend through the use of words or actions, or lusting after some picture in a movie or on the internet, I sometimes feel like I'm outside my own body, watching it sin, watching myself be lead astray even though I know better.

There are other times where I find myself doing good despite not choosing to. The most prominent example here is when I'm able to step outside my comfort zone with my youth ministry program, either in welcoming a teen, making a fool out of myself for some skit, or leading in something I don't particularly find myself good at. Even though I may not always want to, I still find myself doing these things.

Even though it may not always feel like it, in a way I'm the one in control of the strings. I choose who gets to pull them. Is God pulling my strings today? Or is the devil? Who have you trusted to pull yours?

Megan's prayer: Jars of Clay's "Boy on a String"

You can't feel anything
You're a boy on a string

I'm having a hard time trying to figure out if this is a good or a bad thing.

On one hand, if God is the puppeteer, guiding my every action, maybe I don't feel anything because God makes all the decisions, and doesn't take me anywhere where I would feel hurt.

But what about love? If I can't feel anything, then I obviously can't feel love. If I'm just a "boy on a string," I'm not being able to make my own decisions. I wouldn't feel joy or happiness. I would basically be lifeless.

Maybe it is good to feel, even if those feelings are of hurt or pain. At least then we are able to tell we are alive. And if we can feel hurt, then surely we will be able to feel love. And that, I think, is the greatest feeling of all.

Catie's prayer: Jars of Clay's "Boy on a String"

And youre just wasting time

I feel like I've been doing this a lot lately. Not so much wasting time in not getting things done, more like what am I doing with the time that I've been given. I feel like if every moment, every minute, every second is a gift from God, then I'm not spending the time I've been given very wisely. I need to make every moment that God has given me count, and not take any of them for granted. I'm not sure how to do go about that quite yet, but I'll get there in time.