Spring Forward!

So here we are a little more than a week into spring. Spring is known for many things, but two of those things are time change "Springing Forward", and "Spring Cleaning". Here in Florida "spring cleaning" doesn't really have the same implications as it does in the snowy regions, but we use it just the same. As most of us know "spring cleaning" is when you get out and tidy up the things you weren't able to tidy up during the cold and snowy winter months. A time where you put away the clutter of the previous season. Some things we have been discussing at our church have put these two fore mentioned "Springisms"(that is so not a word) in a whole new light for me. So I thought I would share my twist on them with you.

At our church we've been declaring "Not another lap, but Another Level!". We are also going into a season of fasting. Fasting isn't usually smiled upon by us big fellas, but I am so amped about it. Applied properly, my focus, relationship, prayer, faith, and gifting will increase dramatically. Through fasting, I am putting aside the things that control my life and submitting that time fully to God and his direction for me and my family. These are the times where we do spiritual "spring cleaning". All of this clutter from seasons past needs to be moved out of the way to make room for what God has in store for this season..or this "New Level". We are all being called to "Spring Forward", to "Reach Higher". We can't realistically expect to spring forward when we haven't done any spring cleaning.

There are a lot of changes taking place, friends moving on, relationships shifting, a little uncertainty, and it feels uncomfortable at times. But in that uncertainty there is one thing that is certain. God has a plan. He is on top of every situation, and in control. In knowing that, and knowing that my steps are ordered by him, I am excited and not afraid. So get out those brooms. Let's clear the clutter, dust everything off, and get everything in order. It is time.....

....Start a Movement!

- j -

Frustration x 10 = AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!

If you have bothered to read my profile you know I'm in the process of writing a worship album. I have learned this is much harder than just writing "songs". At times I think it shouldn't be harder because it isn't hard for me to worship.....BUT.....When writing music that may be used as corporate worship, or by people worshipping in their cars or homes, it needs to make sense to more than just me and God. So just random spontaneous worship rarely works in those situations....although, I guess Jason Upton could disagree.

I am my own worst critic. In some ways that is great, as I rarely get offended when someone else critiques what I have written, because they're not half as critical as I have already been on myself. In other ways it has stifled my creative flow and lead me to doubt myself at every corner(or verse and chorus). Nothing will drive you more crazy than writing a verse and thinking it's great, then listening to it 10 minutes later and saying that just sucks! I so badly want to write these great songs that by people simply singing them, Heaven and earth are moved! When I say that, I'm not saying that out of pride. It's not about me. It is simply about wanting lives impacted, and wanting to be a strong force in impacting the world for the glory of God. Which we were all called to be!

I think this is just the process of God completely moving me out of the way. As I stay in the word and prayer, and continue to receive encouragement from my wife and friends, this will work itself out.

Start a Movement!

- j -