Music is my default plan for untangling my inner world. At the end of a particularly oppressive, ridiculously overtaxed day, I need my itunes. Yes, I admit that is probably rather tweenager of me, but it acts as a sort of sieve for my internalized angst. I randomly select songs with mood and content to address the days unresolved issues. It is all I can do to not devolve to karaoke sometimes. But, I restrain myself for the sake of my family.

It can be as simple as something retro and rock, a blaring anthem, global house, or alternative and folklike. Eventually I wind my way around to worship. I am a lover of God and His presence is my ultimate destination and desire, regardless of my air guitar, rockband mentality.

This searching reflects my typical pattern of relating to Jesus, one that I hope I will ultimately outgrow. You see, I have to explore all my options, exhaust myself with my own inadequate pursuits, and ultimately arrive at this throne, wondering what took me so long. He smiles. He know me. He is a patient God.
In eterntiy, I doubt that we will float around with harps like the great artists of old depicted. I imagine the choir leader has some new technology that will stun the senses, but I must admit, I think Christ will enjoy all the soloist He knows so well, who found themselves and ultimately Him through a digital download.

Best Read of 2008

The Best of 2008

I read today that The Shack was the #1 book in America last year in sales. This is ironic and astounding at the same time. Never in American history have Christians been more despised as a group than now. On the opposite side of the spectrum, our society has embraced a clear presentation of the Gospel with open arms. I know there has been a lot of controversy amongst Christians this year over this book. I waited till the holiday season to read it myself. What I took from it was precious cargo.

God is neither Male nor Female, but Spirit. Hum...not really off-base in scripture, but that sure bristled a few backs.
God is a Triune God. Again, no big surprise according to scripture.
God is relational at His core. He delights in that expression more than all else.
Grace and mercy are His middle names.
He is patient with our failings, not willing that any should perish. Again, that sounds scripturally familiar.
Forgiveness is a God-in-you thing. Don't try to do it on your own. Someone could get hurt!
Beauty is an expression of Him. Check out Genesis.
Pleasure was created by Him. Again, reference Genesis or Song of Solomon.
You cannot see the BIG PLAN but God can, so trust Him and follow His lead.

These truths are priceless. They are the ones that drew me to Jesus in the first place, but somehow they became replaced with dos/don'ts/shoulds/shouldn'ts, and the usual garbage of religion.
Don't let America fool you, Church of God. It is not Jesus they dislike, it is us. Ouch! I am hoping to do a much better job of being truly like Him and a lot less like what they, sadly, expect from me.
I've got some growing to do this year, but since God is a big-time gardener, I think I'll ask Him for some help.

Happy New Year