I'm Shaking Like a Leaf

This weeks pick is "Hold Me Jesus" by Big Daddy Weave. I like the song because it addresses the uncertainty that so many of us are feeling lately. Is my job secure? College is coming up and there's no way I can afford to send the kids. Could we lose the car or the house? Is my retirement account going to be worth anything when I need it? - we've all been there and we've all been terrrified by the thoughts.

"You have been my king of glory, won't you be my prince of peace?" I try to live a good life and follow Christ, can I please get a little comfort now because I'm really struggling here? In some variation, I'd bet lots of us have faced this challenge. Our faith has been tested and we want some reassurance. Perhaps the true intent of the song-writer (Rich Mullins) was to ask for Jesus' comfort - as opposed to looking to drugs or gambling or tv or alchohol - in times of struggle. I'm not sure, but either way I loved this line and the song itself. Hope you enjoy it.

Game Changing Moment

It was a tough day. A completed job was scheduled for final review and payment. The income meant the business owner could pay for materials, office rent, employees salaries and hopefully have a few dollars left to help support himself and his family. The makings of a very promising and upbeat day. Things changed in a flash, however, as the client - in seemingly unreasonable fashion - refused to make his final payment until the work was approved by two additional people.

Talk about a "game changing" moment. The owner's became disheartened and worried. He had obligations to meet. Promises had been made. And now they were all in jeopardy. He questioned whether or not it was worth keeping his business. He was angry with himself for "allowing" the events to happen. Once more, things changed in a flash when "There Will Be a Day" (by Jeremy Camp) came on the radio. I made it my SOTW because of the way this song lifted both of our moods in the middle of a very tough situation.

Clearly a case of getting what we need, when we need it. A gentle hint that we are not alone - God is with us through our triumphs and our struggles.

Who is that Guy?

I've been waiting for the right time to put up my all-time favorite song, "Stained Glass Masquerade" by Casting Crowns. I like this one so much because it powerfully describes me - in so many ways, its the story of my life. Endlessly striving to "look and act the part" - happy; competent; complete. The million dollar challenge for me is being strong enough to show my weaknesses.

The song has two intertwined messages: Its not ok to be a hypocrite, putting a pretty exterior on a messy life. Its actually calming to speak openly of our faults. At the same time, we are also to be gentle and patient with the weaknesses of others, slow to judge.

This week, I've been faced with several situations where I've put on my happy plastic person face. In every case, the result was more difficult than simply being open, honest and direct. So I, for one, am ready to show people the truth behind the person they imagine me to be.

Did I Miss the Helicopter ?

Here it is the first full week of the new year and I've been looking for a sign. Am I on the right track? Is this a part of God's grand plan? I am in no particular order: confused and optimistic; leery and confident...perfectly conflicted. I keep thinking of the old joke about the man who drowned in a flood after passing up help from a jeep, a boat and a helicopter because he was sure that God would save him.

Am I missing the signs that are right in front of me? I hope not. Perhaps my conflicts are the result of old thoughts and patterns that are slow to change. I do believe that I'm moving in the right direction and there is comfort in that.

When I heard Toledo's very own Sanctus Real playing "Whatever You're Doing" it really touched on what I've been struggling with. I made it this weeks choice...you too may be feeling the chaos and the belief that you're onto something bigger...