Grace and Glory

If this doesn’t look fun to you, then I don’t know what does…

And if it’s not grace, then I don’t know what to call it. A couple of years ago I was asked to help with the music ministry. Though I have no formal lesson, I went for it and over the years, it has been my pleasure to sing and encourage others to worship. I gained confidence and trust because people around me make me feel that way. But until now, I feel funny to be addressed as a song leader because it wasn’t something I aspired to do; neither did I feel qualified to do.

By way of resemblance, our church, Jesus Christ Now and Forever, is no match to those that have thousands of attendees and supporters. It wouldn’t have last for 3 years without the love, mercy and grace of God. It stood its ground amidst struggles and divisions. Let’s be honest. Sometimes christians are not the easiest people to please. There are times that everyone want to do things his own way. But God, thru the Pastors and elders, made our church stays alive. Not because of best financial condition, superior church programs or solid followers but because God’s presence is here. So I speak, do not say that your church is small for God will cause people to come and help you… as God called Caleb to help Joshua… so shall the Lord bless you with people who will help in the ministry. And that He will be praised and His Glory will reveal to all.

Forty Winks

Don’t we all have a time in our lives that we wished we got more time? In bed? Alone, no kids, no work and no lives to bother in case we do not want to end yet the pleasure of slouching and slumping, and be dead to the world? I let you in on a secret. I am more acquiescent in the morning than in the evening. I will agree with anything in exchange for an hour of snooze especially if the little ones were difficult and exhausting the night before. Somewhere in between dreams and wakefulness, I am pretty sure I see little cherubs playing harp, to the tune that nailed my back to the bed. Suddenly, I no longer think of love, peace, equality and justice. Because all I care is fall into deep slumber. The kind you want especially on a Monday morning.

Let’s face it; sometimes all you really want to do is sleep. Sleeping is highly underrated. Here’s a fact: Everyday, we have 60,000 thoughts. That’s great. The sad part is they were the same thoughts we had yesterday that continuously consume us until we can no longer function as normal human being. Sleeping then provide fresh start to rejuvenate, refresh and restore whatever it is that needs revitalizing, fixing and reviving mentally. So go ahead sleepyheads, hope to see you in my dreams.

GLEE

I am not talking about the Fox’ youth oriented show aired on TV where everyone sings and dances and makes you feel you really want to go back in time. I am talking about the joy, pleasure, and inspiration I picked up from the growing list of my favorite songs. If you know me, you will know that music is my dwelling place as birds to their nest. It’s where I am comforted and enjoy simple, puritan pleasure without anyone budging or passing judgment on me. And as I listened, I always look for the climax, like the one you get from drugs or something.

It may not speak volume to you, but this song never fails to move me.

HERE IN MY LIFE
I have never walked on water
Felt the waves beneath my feet but
At your Word Lord, I’ll receive Your
Faith to walk on oceans deep

Refrain
And I remember how You found me:
In that very same place
All my failing surely would've drowned me
Still You made a way

Chorus:
You are my freedom
Jesus you’re the reason
I’m kneeling again at Your throne
Where would I be without You
Here in my life, here in my life?

You have said that all the heavens
Sing for joy at one who finds
The way to freedom, truth of Jesus
Brought from death into His life

Refrain 2:
And I remember how You saw me:
Through the eyes of Your grace
And though the cost was Your beloved for me
Still you made a way!

It speaks of turning impossible to possible, boundaries to freedom, among other things that hold us paralyzed from being our own person again. Let off the moral under tone and you’ll find exactly where you are in between words and phrases.