Saturday, April 28, 2012

Gleanings from a Worship Conference

I was able to attend the Better Way to Worship conference at Charis Bible College the last few days.  It was a great time of reflection, revelation from the Holy Spirit and inspiration for the future.  These are the main things I learned about worship, people and myself.



1) I cry alot when I feel the Spirit.  WAY more than what makes me comfortable.

2) I love to watch genuine people dance before the Lord.  Although most of these people seem to be over the age of 45.  This tells me that people younger (me being in this age group) take ourselves too seriously to relax and look stupid in front of other people.  I am trying to get there.  I dance with Jesus alone, why can't I do this in public?

3) Music was created before the human race.

4) Music is powerful in both melody and lyrics.  I already knew this, but the songs I heard this week really reminded me of their power.

5) Lyrics are so important.  You can teach theology through lyrics of worship songs.  The correct theology should always be centered around God's goodness, mercy, love and Jesus power, authority and source of life.

6) Worship Songs that are modern are not more spiritual than old songs.  Although I am not a huge fan of old Pentecostal songs or many hymns, I appreciate that it is the message and heart behind the song and not the style.

7)  It was scary how many people couldn't clap in time with the music at a worship conference.  :)

8) I must learn Music Theory (the only class I completely flunked out of- seriously we are talking 45%  I just could wrap my brain around it in college).  But was introduced to a software program that will teach you like an interactive college course.  This will not only help me play and sing better, but write better music.

9) AND THIS IS MY FAVORITE!!!  When Jesus returns and we are in eternity with the Lord, there will be no need for Apostles, Pastors, Teachers, Prophets, and Evangelists...but worship will remain.  Forever.

10) The Holy Spirit is the best teacher.  When you are writing a song with the Holy Spirit you are pulling a song out of heaven one piece at a time (like a puzzle) and you are trying to figure out how the pieces go together.  Don't throw any pieces away just because you don't know where it fits yet.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Holding Pattern



holding pattern
n.
1. A usually circular pattern flown by aircraft awaiting clearance to land at an airport.
2. Informal A state of waiting or delay.

Several things probably come to your mind when you think of a "holding pattern."  Most of which is likely to be: babies screaming, close quarters, and starving with only peanuts to eat.  I too have experienced this seemingly unending process.  Not only in the natural, but in the supernatural as well.

Last summer we took a trip to Nashville to visit our family and friends.  On our flight out East there was a very powerful storm hitting the Nashville area at the same time we were going to land.  Among the moans of disbelief and frustration from the passengers (myself included) the pilot announced that we would be landing in Arkansas for 45 minutes, then would head back to Nashville when the storm had passed.  After already being on the plane for 4 1/2 hours (in the seat between both of my children), I felt I would rather take my chances with the lightning.

But to Arkansas we went, and we sat...and we sat, then took off...and sat...until 4 hours after our original landing time, we finally arrived in Nashville.  By the time we all crawled into bed it was after 3am.  We were completely wiped out, frustrated, and ready to give up on air travel all together.

It wasn't until very recently that the Lord revealed to me the parallels in our spiritual journey to this last trip out East...

Last year, at the end of March we were seeking the Lord on what we should do next.  We were getting ready to graduate from CBC and the natural progression of things just seemed like we would move.  Strike out on our new ministry adventure!!
But wait...a powerful Word, confirming the lack of peace we had about leaving.  We were almost able to hear the brakes squealing on our plans...

And then there was the waiting...and waiting...wondering if we had done the right thing.  

And then, 6 months after the decision to stay, something wonderful happened.  The greatest bible study/ministry/group Josh and I have ever led dropped into our laps by the Holy Spirit.  In fact, Josh and I had very little to do with it, and because of that~ it was AWESOME!  And now we have the blessing of knowing why we stayed.  Why we were in a holding pattern by the Holy Spirit.  He was waiting for something...perhaps he was waiting on us, perhaps he was protecting us from an eminent "storm" or perhaps it was a little of both.

So if you feel you are in a "holding pattern" don't begrudge the process...pop open another coke, choke down another bag of peanuts, sit back and enjoy the ride.  It may just be EXACTLY what you need.