Its The Insides That Count

The other day my oldest daughter officially became a teenager. Even before she turned 13, her interests began to move more and more toward fashion, make up and jewelry. This week, as gently nudged by her birthday, I chose "More Beautiful You" by Jonny Diaz.

(For you sports fans - Jonny's brother Matt is the left fielder for the Atlanta Braves and Jonny, like all 3 of his older brothers, went to Florida State on a baseball scholarship)

As a father of two daughters, I like the way he reminds young girls that they are beautiful no matter what they look like on the outside. Being skinny or made-up or wearing the latest fashions doesn't make them more attractive. Fulfilling their unique purpose - being true to themselves, is where their real beauty comes from. (scripture reference) He goes on to assure them that someone will love them as the jewel they are. What a great message for all women.

I think there's something for us men here, too. Do we try to keep a certain body image or wear the right clothes? How 'bout the hoops we jump through as our hairlines start receding? Substance over style is important to men and women alike. As men, its also our responsibility to help our daughters and our partners realize that they are accepted, attractive and loved exactly the way God made them. What could be more beautiful ?

That's What Friends Are For

Ever have trouble sleeping because you were concerned about somebody? Whether it was your child struggling through adolesence; your best friend who lost their job; your parent battling injury - we've all had those nights. This week's song, "The Words I Would Say" by Sidewalk Prophets, is a great example of how we can overcome challenges like these.

Inspired by 1 John 4:18, the song helps us work through many situations in life. Doesn't it also pose the unspoken suggestion that these might be the words our heavenly Father would say to us? So whether we're reaching out or searching inward, this SOTW offers encouragement and support.

These are still tough times for most of us. I like the message: don't be afraid; care for each other and share God's love. Lets remember to drop a card to someone who could use a smile, send an e-mail to that person you've been worrying about. Go see your family and show them how important they are in your life. Put a little note of encouragement in your child's lunch box or school planner. Don't know how to start? - "The Words I Would Say" offers some great suggestions: Never give up hope. You're going to do great things. Take time to pray. Remember why you're here. Be strong in your faith.... Who wouldn't be uplifted by these messages AND by the simple act of kindness??

What Do I Know ?

When I first heard this song, I was struck by its honesty. The direct admission of missed opprtunities, failures and short-comings. Addison Road's "What Do I Know Of Holy" is the last track on their 2008,self-titled CD and is a clear message of humility.

How true are the opening lines for all of us... how many heavenly promises have we made in search of comfort or gain; asked for His words of direction but then made so much "noise" in our daily lives that we couldn't hear them?? The power of this song is that it speaks to most all of us. What do we really know of Holy? Isn't your answer - not nearly as much as I'd like to.

The lyrics remind me of the classic maturing adage: The more I know, the more I realize how much I have yet to learn... "I thought I had you figured out...Then I caught a glimpse of who you might be..." The song questions our often superficial understanding of God. Knowing bible verses and stories doesn't make us better Christians. Its when we get into the thick of being with God that we learn about being Holy.

I think the message here is to be humble, to be honest, but mostly just to Be. To be with God in prayer and meditation; in thought and conversation. To be with God in our actions and in our reactions. This is where we'll start to know Him and to understand Holiness.

WWJT (What Would Jesus Tweet)

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? Well, this piece is borrowed, almost in its entirety, from WrigleyPreacher, aka my Uncle Steve. He recently shared some observations about Jesus that I found timely and interesting.

Last week, Susan Hogan posed the question: What would Jesus' Twitter account say? (My variation: What Would Jesus Tweet? - Tweets are the 140 character answers that Twitter users publish in reply to the question: What Are You Doing?)

Among the responses were several by Randy Schatz, whose "tweets" offer a great summation of the Gospel. Here are some of my favorites:

"No time to tweet 2nite! Got a dinner date with some prostitutes, then to a movie with a gay freind. Peace! JC"

"Meeting some dancers @ Ihop after they get off work. Like 3AM. Join us?"

"Can you take the 3AM Ihop? I gotta stay up with a teen cutter in the psyc ward...step dad was messing with her. I sit with him in court 2morrow. JC."

"@LarryKing & @Pope want to interview me. Maybee tomorrow, kinda busy 2day."

"On my way to Starbucks 2 meet college freshman started class yesterday...and found out she is pregnant...deciding what to choose."

"Just passed churchy protesters with signs that say "God Hates Fags!". WTF?!?"

"Court is done. Heading 2 homeless shelter 2 start dinner. MEATLOAF =) Swing in if U R free. JC"

"Rejoycing with an industrial strength sinner who finally gave me a call. I had been hoping to hear from him soon. JC"

Thanks Steve. The ideas inspired my SOTW... Its one of my all-time favorites - "My Jesus" by Todd Agnew. Not the most upbeat song ever, but so very powerful and thought-provoking. I love the part about being accepted in my church - great lyrics. A strong description about who Jesus truly is. Enjoy!

PS - Feel free to add your Jesus Tweets in the comments...

On Your Mark... Get Set...

Let's Go!

This week, I chose "City On Our Knees" the title track from Toby Mac's newest CD, set to release next February. The song focuses on the love that we see when people from all walks of life - the sinners and the saints - are unified.

Toby asks a couple of great questions, rhetorical or otherwise. Why not here? Why not now? In the moment when we put our differences aside and let love fall down on us, we'll become a beautiful family. (see his explanation of the song) Love will bridge all of the gaps between us, if we just allow it to.

There is hope through the fog of our daily lives. We can achieve peace, love and harmony. All we have to do is start joining together, despite - or maybe because of - our diverse experiences. Love is ready to fall down over all of us. It's gotta start somewhere, sometime. Why not here and now? I'm ready....are you?