Words on Friendship from the Audio A Concert

Maple Noise 2013 was in Barrie on Friday night (Sept 13)- and Audio Adrenaline headlined the concert at Timothy Christian. I had seen the band once before in concert in the past, but not with their newest lead singer Kevin Max (formerly of DC talk). Adding him to the mix really makes the band pop, and gives the group a totally new sound that I really, really enjoyed! Glad to have seen them put on a great show!

One thing that makes going to Christian concerts so much different than going to a secular concert, is that almost always: there's an inspirational message thrown into the mix. Kind of like hearing a sermon at church.

On Friday, lead singer Kevin Max shared his testimony of how after his DC Talk days, he decided to pursue a career on his own, and headed to LA. He says he moved away from all friends and family, pretty much in isolation, as he tried to build his career as a mainstream artist.  But in the process, he admitted that he fell into the "darkest, deepest hole" he had ever lived through.

Through his story, he reminded all of us that man indeed is not an island. God built us for fellowship with others, and so we really need to take the time cherish the people God puts into our lives- friends and family and church community.  And spend quality moments with them. As even Jesus had a close group of 12 friends (disciples) whom he confided in.

And of course, Audio A reminds us that God is always there. And it's when we humble ourselves and remember to acknowledge God's presence in our lives, and cry out to him for help- knowing that we cant do it without him - that God is able to direct our paths. :)

A really great message on Friday night.

Reminds us of the bible verse:

Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no guidance, a people falls,
but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Here's hoping the message gained from Audio A's show at Maple Noise 2013 can continue to inspire all of us to cherish and take t-i-m-e to nurture the uplifting friendships God has placed in our lives, and to surround ourselves with people who will lift us up- and whom we can inspire as well. :)

Loving Others, even if you dont see eye-to-eye

Ever been so fired up about your faith, but encountered people who really did not understand or believe in the same things?

If you come from a non-Christian household, perhaps the people that you don't see eye-to-eye with in terms of faith, could be the people in your own family. Or maybe it's agnostic friends you have met through work or school or through extra curricular activities.

At church this past weekend, the preacher talked about how Jesus knew that an allegiance to him, would cause some ripples in some relationships (especially with those who have not taken the time to get to know who he is) ...
however, that should not discourage us from loving the way that Jesus did for everyone,
despite differences of opinions. 

Lets look at John 15 in the Bible:
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.
They will treat you this way because of my name,
for they do not know the one who sent me."
- John 15:18-20

When we look at the paragraph before that,
Jesus also specifically instructs his disciples:

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
-John 15:12-13

What an amazing example of love.

Jesus knew that many people of the world didn't believe him.
Many ridiculed him. And all he did when he was alive was perform
miracles and heal the sick, and preach of God's love.

The fact that Jesus knew that the world would hate him,
yet he chose to give up his life for them- because he loved them,
is the greatest inspiration that we can look up to.

Anyone today who has ever felt they had friends or family
who thought that their Christian faith was a joke, should
continue to look at Christ's example... that no matter how people
can ridicule/hate you, or your beliefs, it is our duty to love them, no matter what.
Even if you don't see eye-to-eye.

Because you never know... maybe one day they will understand who God
is, through the loving example that you show them. :) 

Finally remember this verse:
"I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:13.

If Jesus can love people who mocked, ridiculed, and even killed him...
you can have the heart to love those whom you
do not see eye-to-eye with.  It wont be easy, but with Jesus as
the prime example, anything is possible...

God bless you today! :)

Prayer for the First Day of School

 

 

Source : http://www.6happyhearts.com/2013/08/first-day-of-school-prayer.html 

How would you like to see one of these along Lake Simcoe?

Wouldn't it be so nice to have one of these by the beach? 

Every time I've hit beach this summer, the majority of those spending time by the water and on the sand seem to be young kids and either mom or dad... how relaxing would it be to borrow a book and read a new story together each time you head to the shores?

This picture is from a real beach library in Bulgaria. =)

Source : http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/recreation/sunbathers-get-books-at-bulgarian-beach-library.html

Easiest ways to memorize a bible verse

First... Pick a verse that applies to something
that's happening in your life right now.
Cause then it becomes easier to remember - when u can relate to it.

Next...
Write it down. And repeat. Write it over and over again until it sticks
in your mind.

And then for the first few days that you're memorizing it,
place the bible verse that you wrote down.
in various places- like your office desk, use it as a bookmark,
or place it on the fridge.  To remind yourself of it.

Try saying the bible verse out loud, and then incorporating the bible verse into
a prayer... while your remembering to say it.
That's also more likely to stick in your mind when you speak it out.

And finally- if you're into music, or you like singing,
try giving the bible verse a melody that is specific to you,
can help in memorization.
this of course, is a lot easier if you are already a singer.

And if you don't sing, you might wana stick with bible verse cue cards
to aid in your memory of bible verses. :)

Hope these tips help!

Burglar's Change of Heart

Some burglars from California had a change of heart after realizing they had stolen computers from a non-profit group that provides support for victims of violence.

A couple of days after notifying police of the robbery, the group got another call reporting of suspicious activity again around their building.

However, when they went to see what was going on,
instead of finding the burglars, they found a shopping chart full of the items that were stolen the previous day. Inside one of the returned laptops was a note of apology...

Source: http://www.examiner.com/article/thieves-apoligize-return-computers-stolen-from-non-profit

Ways to Praise God, even in Tough Times

Whenever I ask fellow Christians, what is the best way to stay grounded in a stressful or difficult situation... a surprising answer from them is to just simply: Praise God.

As Casting Crowns sing... "I will Praise You in the Storm".

But, how is it humanly possible to honour and worship our creator, maker, and best friend when we "feel" like the tides have turned against us? 

What methods can we use to still have a worshipful heart towards our Heavenly Father, even when our hearts seem heavy?

The website 'What Christians Want to Know dot com' has posted a list of ways that can help focus your mind, heart, and spirit to praise our maker, no matter what hardship you are going through...

1. Just Pray. Talk to God.

2. Listen or Sing Worship Songs

3. Spend quiet time reading the bible

4. Try Fasting

5. Ask for forgiveness and forgive others.

Remember the bible commands us to : "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with
all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; - So let's take that on as a challenge... oh- and, also 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

God knows every detail about you... so even when we go through tough times in this 'imperfect' world, just know what it says in the bible in Psalm 18: "As for God, His ways are perfect."

And never forget Jeremiah 29:11 'For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'

And finally: James 4:8 "Draw near to God, and God will draw near to you."