Speak to Me!

i am one of those people who likes to listen to music. but i tend to read into the lyrics more than i probably should. i have always found myself taking a line from this song and a line from that song and applying it to my life or my situation: heartbreaks, empowerment, attitude, strength, inspiration, faith, etc. once upon a time my friend and i actually spent time taking various lines from different taylor swift songs and making a new story out of her "shame-on-you-silly-boy-i'm-better-than-this-heartbreak-and-you'll-miss-me" songs. goodness, even the title of my blog "MY LiFESONG" is a song which i love the lyrics...see, i like lyrics and their messages. i really enjoy when i hear a message in the song that brings me to reality and makes me see that what that artist is saying is really actually applying to my life...enter Christian music.
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so many times i feel like i listen to my favorite songs so many times that when i'm in a slump and need to hear that inspirational line it kind of just falls into step with the other words in the song. i hate that. however, now is a time i really need that inspiration. y'all know that i'm a firm believer that God has a plan for all of us (Jeremiah 29:11) but recently i've moved home and i am searching for a job and i'm just so down because my plan is obviously differing from His. so anyway, whallago i was really just kinda sitting here (blasting my Christian music through those headphones) feeling down on myself and thinking about my life and just all kinds of negativity from my past, and the bad just started spiraling into worse, and i truly felt so alone in my state (especially since everyone else was asleep!)...and then the song i truly needed came on. now i've heard this one before..plenty of times...i know all of the words, but when i just cleared my mind and began to really listen to the lyrics, i was gripped with that feeling...the song was speaking to me. "Call My Name" by Third Day is just such a great reminder of the fact that God is there for us and he will always be there for us...we just call His name and He will be there. that simple truth brought me to my knees and i just starting rejoicing. here are some of the lyrics:

when you feel like you're alone in your sadness,
and it seems like no one in this whole world cares,
and you wanna get away from the madness,
you just call my name and I'll be there...
call my name, sing it now, I want you to NEVER doubt
the love I have for you is so alive!
you just call my name...
the love I have for you is so alive!
the love I have for you is so alive!
you just call my name...
you just call my name!

i encourage you to listen to this one! midway through i began apologizing to God. by letting the negativity and sadness get to me i was truly forgetting that He is here for me always. He is here for YOU always! His love is the best love. His love is unfailing. His love is so ALIVE! no matter when we call on Him, He will be here to comfort us with His perfect love. i like the "you just call my name and I'll be there" part because it reminds me of like when my grandma says, "oh you just make sure you let me know if you need anything..anything at all!"--like i have that assurance in the back of my mind that she will be there if i really need anything at any time. those lyrics were just so powerful in that moment that i know God placed that song in that spot on my play list because He knew it would speak to me and give me that little reminder that He is here for me whenever I need Him, no matter what. it's when i hear lyrics like these that i'm grateful that i really listen to what is being said as if it's a lesson for me to learn.
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i really enjoy writing these blogs because i like to talk (obviously), so i want to share one more lyric instance with ya! one song that initially struck me as absolutely great was "Whatever You're Doing" by Sanctus Real. this song really gets me like every time i hear it. just read the lyrics below:

It's time for healing time to move on
It's time to fix what's been broken too long
Time make right what has been wrong
It's time to find my way to where I belong
There's a wave that's crashing over me
All I can do is surrender

Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving in to something heavenly

Time for a milestone
Time to begin again
Revaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow your will
or just climbing aimlessly over these hills
So show me what it is you want from me
I give everything I surrender...
To...

Time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out
That I've wanted to say for so many years
Time to to release all my held back tears

Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but I believe
You're up to something bigger than me
Larger than life something heavenly

It's time to face up
Clean this old house
Time breathe in and let everything out

now earlier when i was in my negativity funk i was thinking about how i've held so many grudges over the past few years and about how they are just dragging me down. yesterday during my devotional i read a scripture about forgiveness and the devotional discussed that if we want forgiveness from God then we need to first forgive others. that kind of hit home, but when i was thinking about it whallago i was really just broken hearted. i realized that i preach forgiveness but i don't act forgiveness. those people who have really wronged me are those who i really haven't forgiven. how do i know? well when that person is brought up, i get this negative feeling about them even if the subject matter is positive. the devil likes to creep up and attack that way. i hate it. so, per usual, listening to a song like "Whatever You're Doing" was just perfect because it provided the unsolicited guidance i needed -- Jenny: "am i doing everything to follow Your will, God...really?" God: "it's time for healing, Jenny, time to move on, time to make right what has been wrong" Jenny: "i believe You're up to something bigger than me...i'm giving in to something heavenly" SOOO, as before, i know the Lord put "Whatever You're Doing" on my music path because i desperately need(ed) to hear the message in Sanctus Real's lyrics. how sneaky, huh? He likes to work in mysterious ways!
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you may think it's silly, or you may understand where i'm coming from because it has happened to you. either way, i hope that either words inspired by the Lord (music) or words directly from the Lord (scripture) will speak volumes to you in such a way that it moves you like it moves me. this blog entry was not meant to discredit the way the Lord speaks to me in scripture vs. music because i guarantee that scripture impacts me and changes my heart in ways that i never could imagine. God's word is a precious life source that will change your life if you allow it to! however, sometimes i just get caught in these music moods and i really do hear the message those 8 words in that line are trying to convey. my prayer is that i will continue to be reminded of God's promises, even if it is by means of repeating words i've sung 100 times over. ultimately i pray that i wont forget those promises and that i can share His sweet messages with others who need to hear them too.

Walking Advertisements of Jesus

Ok, so just to clarify, this blog has to do with Christianity...but just hear me through the following paragraph!
Those who know me know that even though I weigh in at a staggering 109 lbs, I do love to eat. I like to eat anything that is packed with tons of calories (two helpings of mashed potatoes..with cheese..and butter..and more cheese, please), really anything that has 230820315 grams of sugar, or pretty much just anything that is bad for me. Healthy, right? Well one thing I have been better at is eating fast food...but I tell you what, when I find a fast food restaurant I love...I'm there. Not always, of course, because THAT's not healthy...but hey, who doesn't need 5 greasy chicken fingers, a butter bisquit, fried pickles, and a large sweeeeeeeet tea from Chicken Express every once in a while. OKAY NOW TO THE POINT. This really isn't about food or my bad eating habits! Today when we went to Chicken Express, I noticed that at the bottom of my receipt, it said something that really made me smile: "Jeremiah 29:11".

Now since I've been able to spend my own money and have my own receipts or bags or even realize the foundations of different businesses, I've noticed many restaurants and places that have one thing in common: they're built upon Christian principles, and they boldly flaunt it. I don't say this in a negative way...because I respect them for placing scripture on their product. I remember the first time I saw this was on the bottom of a "Forever 21" yellow shopping bag. The bag had "John 3:16" just simply printed on the bottom, and even though it wasn't much, it still had a profound impact on me. I think it's interesting how places like Chick-fil-A (closed on Sundays to observe the Sabbath) and Forever 21, along with a long list of other companies are so bold. Honestly, it makes me smile. I love knowing that there are businesses out there that let the world know what's up with Jesus Christ. They are working, selling advertisers of the Bible.



Ironically I have come to like these places even more than I did before I ever noticed their Christian principles. Chick-fil-A...awesome, esp the chicken sandwich. Forever 21...not always great clothes, but ya, I like to tell my mom, "They have 'John 3:16' on the bottom of their bags, so I HAVE to give them credit and go look at their clothes" :). Chicken Express...um, have YOU had it? UH-MAZING. And now that I noticed the scripture on the bottom of my receipt today, that certain Chicken Express will be receiving more business from me. Amongst the others...Tyson Foods (you know, the frozen chicken people), Hobby Lobby, Interstate Batteries, In-N-Out-Burger, many more...visit the site below to discover and read about them.
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/07/7-religious-companies-besides-chick-fil-a
Anywho when I saw that scripture on my receipt it really made me happy. I wanted to write a blog about it for fun-fact type value. I hope those of you who read this will be equally as interested and have the "that's cool" thought like I do every time I learn of new faithy companies. Let's be bold and be a walking advertisement for Jesus Christ. :)

let's walk the walk...

One thing I constantly take for granted is freedom of religion. In the US of A we are free to believe -- or not believe -- whatever we want, no matter what someone else says. We can stand outside of Capitol buildings protesting for something we believe in. Now think about that...we can stand outside of our government building..and tell our government officials that Jesus Christ is Lord and He is the way, the truth, and the life. Now lets consider some countries in Asia, where freedom of religion is nonexistent. People are kidnapped, tortured, and even killed if not only government, but also people within cults find out they are worshiping Jesus. It's kind of a foreign concept, huh?
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This comes to my attention because I just started reading the book Radical by David Platt, which he talks about being in a darkened room in an Asian country with church leaders who, if caught there, could lose their lives for discussing the Bible. He says,

They had gathered in secret. They had intentionally come to this place at different times throughout the morning so as not to draw attention to the meeting that was occurring...I listened as they began sharing stories of what God was doing in their churches..."Some of the people in my church have been pulled away by a cult." This particular cult is known for kidnapping believers, taking them to isolated locations, and torturing them. Brothers and sisters having their tongues cut out of their mouths is not uncommon..."I am hurting and I need God's grace to lead my church through these attacks." As I looked around the room, I saw that everyone was now in tears...They all looked at one another and said, "We need to pray." Immediately they went to their knees, and with their faces on the ground, they began to cry out to God...

How crazy is it to think about this? I honestly have a difficult time imagining what this life must be like. I take my freedom of religion for granted every day. People know I'm a Christian...I wear it around my neck on a necklace, I have it on my car, I put it all over my Facebook and Twitter (sharing God via social networking :) ), and I try to show my love for God in my daily life. I can't even imagine how fearful these people must be...but they are so faithful and trustful of God's protection....I admire them. Christian persecution is so prevalent in other parts of the world that attending underground churches is the only way to worship with other Christ followers. Martyrdom happens. But with an unfailing faith in God, persecuted Christians are pressing on despite their circumstances. And the thing is that they're succeeding not only in their walks with God, but also in harvesting new believers. How humbling.
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So where are we as Christians in America??? As a free nation with the ability to preach and disciple OPENLY and well, FREELY, I feel like our America is just going with the flow. We as free Christians could step up and walk the walk like those who risk their lives daily to spread the Word of Christ. We as free Christians SHOULD step up and walk the walk like those who risk their lives daily to spread the Word of Christ. Imagine how much of an impact it could have on the world if we used our freedom to live radically like Jesus and for Jesus. We take our freedom of religion for granted. What a shame it is that we don't take advantage of the fact that opportunities to make disciples are prevalent here in America...we need to use our freedom to further His kingdom. We're at a turning point and it's our decision. Live and share His love...don't be selfish. Let's take advantage of our freedom of religion...Let's do something radical.
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I encourage y'all to read Radical by David Platt. It challenges us Christians to take up our crosses and live out what the Bible commands of us. "To believe and obey what you have heard." He encourages us to live radically, as Jesus did. It's a great book (from what I have heard and read thus far)...$15.00 at a Bible book store, or online. You wont regret it!

the truest love

happy valentine's day to all! whether you're with or without that cuddle buddy/love of your life, just remember that the truest love anyone can find is with God. no matter how lonely you get, or how happy you are, God is waiting patiently for YOU to tell Him you love Him...and no matter what or when, He is willing and ready to not only tell you, but SHOW you abundant love.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His love endures forever! Psalm 136

we hear many bible verses about God's love...and that God is love. God and love go hand in hand, so on this day, remember that He is the true keeper of your heart, and He will never break it. His love endures forever.

my life, His plan.

I often times wonder if I am really on the right path: the path which the Lord wants me to follow. Am I taking the right steps in my life on Earth to further my relationship with Him and His kingdom? Did I make the right decision there? And of course, that big question everyone keeps asking me..the same one I continually ask myself: where do I go from here? After I graduate, will I have a job waiting for me that will allow me to follow God's path? Is it possible that I will know which road to take? Honestly, all of these thoughts and questions scare me. Like I said, I wonder if the path I'm on is the same one God wants me to follow.
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As I think about this future of my life, I can't help but think back to the circumstances in which He has led me to where I needed to be. There are two awesome things that stand out in my mind... As many of you know, this past summer I spent 3 months serving the Lord in Nicaragua. Now, getting there wasn't exactly a piece of cake...fate had to step in to move me to the spot of being allowed the opportunity to go on that mission. Many others had been selected to go, but by the grace of God, I was chosen to be the third of three summer missionaries. Now that it is all in hindsight, I know that that "fate" was God at work, situating circumstances, pulling strings, and aligning the stars for me, of all other people, to be blessed with the opportunity of spreading the Word to a foreign nation. And what a blessing it was!
Also, during the fall as I searched for internships for this upcoming spring semester, I didn't really have a clue as to what I would do..so I went to the job fair and gave my resume to a few companies, hoping they would find interest in me. In the days following the fair, I received phone calls from two companies...one of them had already come up with a position for me. The woman was excited to share with me that after reading about my summer as a missionary, she knew I would be perfect for the position to work with churches in the Austin area. This was a type of position she had been wanting to implement for a while, but just never knew how, when, or with whom. So, my internship will be working as a liaison between the company and religious organizations in Austin... :)
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Now, tell me if you think those are God things...? I still wonder if I am on the right path, but I think I know. I think HE definitely has me on a path. It's crazy how I feel like the Lord is absolutely preparing the path for my life through my life's experiences. I feel like I can look toward the future with hope, and ignore that fear that so easily creeps up while I sit here clueless about what I'm doing with my life.
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I was reading through Psalm 2 during my devotional today and the passage discussed how the people of the world plot together to come up with their own agenda, ignoring and trying to overcome what it is that God has on His agenda. Then, in Psalm 2:4, it says,

He who sits in Heaven laughs, the Lord makes fun of them...and warns them.

The passage then goes on to discuss how God has set his own king upon Jerusalem. Later in verse 6, the Lord says,

"If you ask me, I will give you the nations...You will rule over them with an iron ..."

You see, the point of this is that no matter how much we plot, or how much we ignore the Lord, He does still have a plan for us. The issue lies within whether or not we ask Him, in His sufficient grace and love, for guidance and direction to where He needs us to go. I've gotta keep that in mind as I begin this transition in my life. We've all gotta keep the faith!
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Wherever He leads, I'll go
Wherever He leads, I'll go
I'll follow my Christ who loves me so
Wherever He leads, I'll go

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That pretty hymn just decided to pop in my head...I thought I would share :)

here's to a new year!

Sooo...I definitely lied when I said I would try to write every week. Here I am, in the beginning of January and I haven't posted anything since October. Maybe writing more should be my New Year's resolution...? Forgive me. I have been at home for the past month, watching my sweet, sweet Christmas vacation days tick away before I begin my last semester of college. Whhhaaaaat???!!! Yea, it's happening. Hello REAL WORLD! So anywho, I have had lots of time to think about life and where I'll be in a year from now and how my life will be then.
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The other night I began reading a passage of scripture from one of my favorite books: Philippians. For some reason, Paul always has a way of making me smile and giving me hope through words he sent to the Philippians so long ago. I often wonder how I am supposed to find the right passage to read..ya know, one of those that really gets to the heart of you...and God always has his way of leading me to the words that humble me and remind me just how awesome his promises are to us. While I was reading chapter 1, I came across verses 27-28:

"Be sure you live in a way that brings honor to the Good News of Christ...stand strong with one purpose that you work together as one for the faith of the Good News, and that you are not afraid of those who are against you."

These two verses resonated with me. Just the other day I read about Christians being persecuted and killed in the Middle East and Africa. Sometimes I wonder about the fear these Christians must face in their countries for standing up for what they believe in...because here in America, we really don't know fear for defending our faith. However, for those brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as for us, this verse is a good rock to stand on. Our purpose on Earth is to bring glory to God..to spread His word...to make known the greatness of Christ in our lives, giving Him all the honor and glory He deserves...and to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are one body, working together to further the Kingdom of God. Scripture tells us that following God will not be an easy ride, and this journey takes the path of the road less traveled. But somewhere out there, I guarantee that you and I will find someone else who is just as excited as us to take that glorious path. ...And that's what this verse is trying to help us see. Yes, we can band together and fight the darkness to bring about the Light of the Good News in this world, and that with the Lord on our side, the Devil cannot defeat us.
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There are times that we fall...everyone does...we can't help it, we're human. However we can live in such a way that others will see the greatness of Christ in our lives. They will be able to tell that there's something different about you...that smile on your face, or that spark in your eye will let them know that you've got something in your life, and it must be good. Because after all, GOD IS SOOOO GOOD!!! Hopefully they will ask you about it, and you, or I, can share the Good News. :) Yes, I just put a smiley, because the thought of sharing His word with other people puts a smile on my face every time I think about it.
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So what is my New Year's (New Year??) resolution? To get off of my high horse and to spend more time in the Word. Knowledge of the scripture gives me more ammunition to ward off the enemy. I want to live in a way that brings honor to the Good News of Christ. I don't want to fear those who are against me and the Lord. I need to take more time to work together with the Body of Christ to further His Kingdom. Then, hopefully my light will shine in such a way that others ask me what my secret is, and I can share with them that I've found an unfailing friendship, hope, love, and faith in an AWESOME GOD, and that's something that cannot be destroyed. I pray that in a year I will have been blessed with many opportunities to further His Kingdom and that more so than ever, my lifesong sings to the Lord.