So, this may be weird, but Saturday night was the first time that i’ve ever actually read through the crucifixion and resurrection in the Bible on my own. I read it in Matthew. I wanted it to sink in. It did. After reading it, the word in this song had a whole new, more personal meaning to them.
It’s all because of Jesus I’m alive
It’s all because the blood of Jesus Christ
That covered me and raised this dead man’s life
It’s all because of Jesus I’m alive
I was dead, and now, because of Jesus, I’m alive forever. The kind of alive that you can’t manufacture. The kind of alive you can’t buy. It’s the kind of alive that you can only accept.
So, I was up late last night. Around 4ish. It was late. I am tired. I was studying. I had to quit at some point.
I get to class today, and my Econ professor decided to move our exam to thursday of next week. Sweet.
I get to my next class, and my QMM professor explained everything that was gonna be on the quiz. Sweet.
I’m going to my lab after this class, and this is the one test that I felt good about last night. Sweet.
I’ll hopefully be able to get some rest tonight. Sweet.
I’ll make this one short and sweet. It has come to my attention from a close friend that I’m not as careful with my words as I need to be. So some apologies are in store:
To Anyone who works with RE or any ministries at Port City – If I have ever said anything here that makes you feel discouraged or not valued as a volunteer or staff member, I am incredibly sorry. My intentions were only to give my insights of what I saw and to help us all be as excellent as we can be. Your service is invaluable, and I’m sorry if I came across as a know-it-all or as someone who thinks he can do it better than you. That is not at all true, and I want you to know how incredible you are with what you do. Please forgive me.
To Todd Fields – I feel like I put my foot in my mouth in concern to you my friend. I feel like I could have been kinder in how I spoke about your earlier songs, and I feel like I discouraged you in every sense of the word with what I said. I couldn’t be more sorry. Your heart for engaging people in worship and the way you lead is very inspirational. The music that you have been producing recently has been incredible and undoubtedly at the top of my list. Your way with words is encouraging and something I hope to grasp one day. All that to say, I never said anything to hurt you, but I feel like I came off in a way that disrespected you and for that, I am sorry. Please forgive me.
Thats all. From now on, I’m praying that I can focus on encouraging people rather than senselessly tearing them down. I want to value people more than I value being right or being seen as smart. I pray this becomes part of who I am. I hope that in the days and weeks and years to come, you will really see the real Chris Denning. The Chris Denning God is molding and carefully teaching daily. I’m just learning how to be more like Him, and I thank Him for the friends and people I have in life to help me get there.
So, I was up late tonight. I was studying for a test, conversing with good friends about the Church, and enjoying some freshly made tea. However, it was mostly because I needed to get some studying in for an exam I have tomorrow. As I’m doing this, I have the tv on in the background. First, some kind of tabloids show was on, pretending to be a legitimate news program. If your top story is celebrities at a Sheryl Crow concert, even though she is great, then you aren’t a news program. Anyways, the one story that was getting the most play was that NY former Gov. Spitzer. Another sad story that just shows how much people love to hide in their own darkness. Please pray for His family. And on that note, check this blog out and pray for this family too.
Then, after this show, Peoples Court came on. I forgot how hilarious this stuff could be. I mean seriously, do you really think you will get money you can’t prove you deserve? I guess some people think that they can just go to a judge and get paid money by someone who hurt them. Why do I talk about this? All of these problems in this court could have been easily solved if people would have just talked. Only if someone was willing to humble themselves and selflessly listen. I saw this commercial in the midst of it all.
I think Christians don’t understand this most of the time. Maybe we do talk too much. Maybe an open ear is worth more than money could buy. What if the Church decided to start listening to people, rather than preaching at them?
1. People who put up “clever” church signs, but can’t take a lil heat from passers by.
– If you put something on your sign in front of your church, and it could be taken the wrong made, be seen as cheesy, or any other combination of things, then you should be prepared to take some criticism. I’m not telling you to not do it, but I’m saying you should be ready to take the good and the bad.
2. People who drive like they are the only person out there.
– I saw a dude yesterday who was in line in a turn lane, jump in front of at least 4 cars because he was tired of waiting. He almost made 2 others wreck. Gotta love selfish instincts.
3. People who play worship songs at shows.
– What I mean by this is when people play worship songs at a club or a coffee house, but it’s obvious there’s no passion about it. Its just another song they are singing. And it’s evident. That really irks me.
4. People who serve to get something.
– It’s still serving, but you’re serving yourself, not God. I’ve seen many different kinds of volunteers. What gets scary is when you can tell that someone is there to get something. Whether it be the satisfaction of doing something or getting a date with that other cute volunteer, dirty motives become obvious very quickly.
5. People who mock the sanctity of LOST.
– I mean, come on people, are you serious? LOST is maybe one of the best shows that has been on TV in a while. How many shows do you know that can introduce time travel in a way that almost makes sense . . . almost.
But . . .
I’m praying that these things, and many, many, many others, are taken off my heart. I don’t want to become a cynical person. I think it is good to be observant and to know your likes and dislikes, but I don’t want to be in a place where I’m always judging or always analyzing. I only want to observe and critique with the heart of the other person in mind. I only want to help them become more like the person God is calling them to be. That is my prayer.
So, this weekend went better than I could have ever planned for. Most of the time, it felt like our parents were hanging out like old friends and me and SB were just there. Great food, great laughs, awesome weekend. I’ve kinda been slacking on the posts recently, but I’ve got Spring Break this week, so be on the look out for some substantial posts. Keep it real.
So, I’m comin to you in brisk Radford, Va. I’m visiting SB with my Mom and Dad. This is the weekend that my parents meet her parents. I’m excited. Its a big weekend. One thing about my dad, he doesn’t know what “being on time” means. He has “Dave Time”. We were supposed to leave at 2pm yesterday; we left at 5pm. It takes me an average of 4 1/2 hours to get here; It took us 6. Here comes the weekend . . . I’ll let you all know how it washes out, but again, I’m stoked. At least next week is Spring Break.
So, I had that dentist stuff today. And to be honest, it didn’t suck too bad. I mean, I didn’t like it by any means, but it wasn’t horrible. Thanks for all the prayers and encouragement. I still hate dentistry, but my dentist is awesome. Friday wasn’t so bad after all. PS, the Valium definitely made me a fun person to be around.
This weekend for the Student Ministries is sizing up to be a good one. Brett is bringing the heat and the band is a great line up. However, Brooks does love to make me sing to the utmost extreme of my range. Here’s the songs & keys
Broadcast – Steve Fee – A
We Shine – Steve Fee – D
Burn for You – Steve Fee – D
Beautiful Jesus – Kristian Stanfill – A
Beautiful the Blood – Steve Fee – C#
Come on man, I’ve been sick. Only kidding. Love that guy. So, it should be a great weekend and I should be searching for lots and lots of bottles of water. If you’re reading this and you’re in 6-12th grades, come out to Tsunami or Ripple Effect this weekend. Check the links for the times.
