As In a Mirror

I remember over a year ago, my sister casually told my brother (an avid Newsboys lover) and I that Peter Furler was stepping down as lead singer of the Newsboys and that Michael Tait was replacing him. I remember both of us asking her to repeat what she said, and proceeding to say, “That’s impossible. Tait can’t replace Peter; he’s American, for crying out loud!” We were absolutely convinced that she misread or misheard something. But she just gave us that look that said, “They’ll know soon enough.” This is what my brother thought.

I never cared for dcTalk, but I liked Michael Tait. If you had asked me why, I wouldn’t have known exactly, except that there’s a deep genuineness in Tait’s voice and his songs, rather than “show.” The “show” sound in an artist’s music or voices or lyrics really does “show.” I finally did figure out why, but you’ll have to find that out when you are done reading this post.

When we saw this on Jay’s blog… we still remained in disbelief. Okay, maybe Tait collaborated with the Newsboys or something, but there is no way anyone could take over for Peter. I think one of us even said, “I don’t believe it unless I hear it from Peter himself.” We did. I would recommend that any Newsboys fan please watch the video; it will clarify and set your heart at ease.

So when we heard from further updates on Jay’s Music Blog that a new album was coming out in summer of 2010, we kept our eyes and ears half open for updates on what the New Newsboys would turn out to be. My brother and I together listened to the Born Again EP and afterward evaluated it. I was won to the song “Born Again” right away, but altogether I didn’t feel ready to accept it as replacing the traditional Newsboys sound. The songs had a urban style, even hinting toward reggae; it sounded like the “dcBoys,” and we had LOVED the traditional disco sound with Peter’s unique voice and songwriting style.

Yet I thought about the great decision Peter had made; his decision to step down from the microphone was obviously well-sought-ought. He said himself it was not an emotional decision, it was not related to spiritual or moral breakdown, it was just a deep conviction that after 22 years it was time to step down. He sought God’s counsel first, then the counsel from his church, family, and friends. So I thought, “If this is Peter’s conviction between him and God that it is time, I am not one to complain. I will certainly miss him, and even if the new Newsboys doesn’t sound like the old, it will still be good, because God’s in this, and we will still have the old records.”

When we found out later that the Newsboys were offering a discounted price along with five free downloads for those who pre-ordered their Born Again album (again through Jay’s Music Blog), my brother decided he was game.

The CD actually didn’t arrive until almost two weeks after it’s release date, but I have a suspicion the postal service was at fault. We popped it in the player at long last. Hence my review:

Some have probably wondered if it was worth it for the band to offer five songs before the release of their album because it would have the same songs. Personally, here’s what I think: I do believe it was a wise and generous decision. First, people were unsure about the change in the band, so the Preview gave us an opportunity to check it out before going full-fledged (and without having to wait!). The lower price also seemed to be definitely fair enough. Also, one of the songs (I’ll Be) is included only on the Deluxe Digital Edition, so that too seemed fair enough for an old band getting a new start.

As I said, I loved the song “Born Again” right away, and I also loved the music video (me being not a big fan of music videos). It proclaimed a truth not recognized even by some Christians, that we do not “try” to be Christians, but Jesus makes the change inside of us, so that we live for Him with all we have. The lyrics proclaim, “This is who I am!” Amen!

One Shot, included on the EP, is another great upbeat, urban rock-style song. The message, I think, appeals to the younger generation but applies to all Christian: that we are to live realizing that we are the fragrance of Christ to those around us.

It was when I heard the third song, “Way Beyond Myself,” that I said to myself, “All right, now I am ready to accept this as the Newsboys.” DISCO!!!! And Tait’s voice totally carried the song away. I would post it here for you if I could, for real, because as a whole it is awesome–my favorite on the album. “There’s so much more than meets the eye/ Or what’s going on inside/ I believe in something way beyond myself/ Like the wind that moves the leaves/ Lord, you move me to my knees/ I’m giving in to something way beyond myself!”

When the Boys Light Up was a very creative song, especially lyric-wise. It seemed to be talking about the Newsboys themselves, and definitely on the second verse: “all the doubters I heard ‘em say/ Now the band’s gonna fade away/ But the boys are back for a second act/ No excuses/ We’re lightin’ fuses.” The chorus boldly states “When the boys light up, you know/ Who gets the praise, who owns the show/ When the boys light up, it’s on/ That we ain’t stopping til we’re done/ We ain’t nothing but the conduits/ He’s got the ball, He’ll flip the switch/ Leaving the dark behind/ Light up and let it shine!”

Other songs that got my attention were: the Mark Stuart song “Build Us Back,” a prayer coming from the brokenhearted. “Miracles,” a great and rocky song about the miracle of God’s transforming power. “Escape,” reminding us that we have the victory over the devil’s tricks–God always provides a way of escape. “Running to You” is another prayer coming from a broken heart; a confession that God is our strength. The remake of “Mighty to Save” seemed appropriate for the Newsboys– on the last project with Peter, they remade the new worship song, “Lead Me to the Cross.” Both songs are masterpieces!

The final track on the album was… “Jesus Freak.” This also seemed fitting for the album, documenting Tait’s addition to the band. KJ-52 (yes, I still read that as “King James the fifty-second) did the rap lines. Let me say I have never liked rap, and I still don’t. Though I personally didn’t care for this track, I realize it was an appropriate song for the New Newsboys album, and there are probably Tait fans who liked it.

This was certainly an awesome album, one that surpassed my expectations, actually getting me to pleasurably accept the change. The addition of Tait definitely added a change in the sound, but the great Newsboys musical style (gotta love those drums!) has surely been retained. I also have to say that I noticed after listening to it, that Peter’s unique but charming song-writing is very similar to Tait’s; I never noticed until this album! Basic conclusion: the Newsboys sound has changed with Born Again, but not entirely; it sounds not only good, but it still sounds like the Newsboys! I would definitely recommend the album Born Again; its message of God’s work within us is not just relevant, it is unfortunately missing in most Christian music.

I would also like to say one last THANK YOU!!!! to Jay, host of Jay’s Musik Blog for providing us with very helpful updates that ultimately led to this review. We will continue our support of his work.

I would like to add what my Mom said after she heard just a couple songs: “I never really paid attention to Michael Tait’s voice before; I got him confused with TobyMac; but now listening to it, I can hear the love of God, the Holy Spirit, moving in Michael’s voice! It’s really cool!” Great closing statement!

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Hello, there! This is my first ever post in the Something Beautiful meme, hosted by my sweet friend Renee, at A Glimpse of Beautiful!

I guess my first subject is inevitable: our BEEEEEAUUtiful Siamese-point cat Livvy!!
Look at those eyes!

Never knew a cat could be so sweet, so personable, so curious, and so INNOCENT!!!!

Right now, this kind of thing is VERY VERY beautiful to me. I know it’s not what would usually come first on your list of things beautiful… but it’s a big part of my life right now.

Sheetrock. It’s almost done!!!

God puts such beauty in all of our lives; and in all these things He leads us to the most beautiful thing of all:

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

Such a beautiful promise:

The LORD is gracious and full of compassion,
Slow to anger and great in mercy.
The LORD is good to all,
And His tender mercies are over all His works. (Psalm 145:8-9)

This sign is now on our refrigerator; I made it to remind me and all of us as well.

Thank You, Lord. Life is good now, not always tranquil, but where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. And You’ve blessed us so much even though we are clumsy and stupid. You make the rain to fall on the just and the unjust. You shower us with blessings, and for those who honor You, You give to them to the point of overflow!

Can’t wait for next week’s Something Beautiful! Hopefully by then we can show you our progress on our kitchen!!

Filed under : Something Beautiful, photography

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Today, I had to practice saying and believing that I am blessed.

When I woke up and immediately saw the things I had neglected in the rush of yesterday, I had to believe that I am blessed.

The laundry wouldn’t dry because of the humidity.
I felt sick to my stomach and totally inert because of the humidity and my soreness from working on the house. (We were supposed to continue that today, but after we got supplies, and hung some laundry, our bodies refused to cooperate.)
I looked again at the earwig dung in the cabinets holding our dishes and food in the garage.
I realized the container I filled with iced tea had a big crack in the bottom corner.
I shouted at the flies and fruitflies.
I sighed again at the filthy windows (we are so going to shine those once the kitchen is back together.)
I put dishes away at 9:30 at night and heard critters making ruckus directly above the deteriorating drop ceiling in the garage, and prayed, “Oh, Lord, please let that be mice and not bats.”
I was so glad to take a shower at the end of the day; then I dried myself with a towel that smelled like mildew.

At 9:00 at night, I was on my way out to the garage when I noticed the basement door was open a crack. I quickly closed it, and went to see if the cat was still sleeping in the living room. No see. I asked, “Where’s Livvy?” Nobody knew, so I told Mom, “The basement door was open.”
“Oh no.”
Mom immediately got everyone together to start looking for her, while I went down into the basement to look. I called for her and looked around. No sign of her down there. But the doors leading outside were still open! I looked out those doors and two things struck me: “I don’t hear anyone saying they’ve found her yet. And I don’t have a flashlight with me!” I stood for a brief moment wondering what to do next. Then I turned and in the corner of my eye I saw a shadow move. I thought it must belong to the cat who lives in the basement so I called him. And then I saw the eyes of that creature.

“Livvy!”

What can your heart do but skip at such a moment? I scooped her up immediately and two more realizations hit me: Those doors were wide open and it’s pitch black outside; there is no exterior lighting and I didn’t have a flashlight. Second, the basement door was barely open and I just happened to notice it that moment. Third, I barely saw a shadow in the corner of my eye. All this flashed through my mind as I scooped her up and said, “Thank You, Jesus.” She’s saved.

In the midst of all of this, I am blessed. Not because of the circumstances, but in the midst of them. God says I am blessed. He does not say that the earwig dung or the flies or the sick feeling or the family of unknown critters is my blessing, but He says I am blessed because I will be comforted. He says I am blessed if I keep His ways. He says I am blessed if I am gentle, peaceable, and compassionate. He says I am blessed if I crave for righteousness.

Jesus says that those who are lowly in spirit and grieving in heart are blessed. Does He say that their blessing is to be lowly and grieving? No; He says that their blessing is that they possess the kingdom of God and that they will be comforted forever.

And today was really a good day; but the basic little things like the constant earwig dung and the filthy windows, etc. etc. just build up their punch day by day. But– I am blessed!

My heart grieves, my spirit is lowly, and my body is weary, but my family is safe; my cat is safe; my soul is safe; I have food and clothing; I shall be content. I have a bed to sleep in and a roof to sleep under. I have electric lighting; I have running water; I have my Bible which I can study to my heart’s delight; I have many other books (I guess it doesn’t matter that I lack the time to read them!) I have a guitar and I know how to use it. I have a refrigerator. I have hope– I have every spiritual blessing!

I am most blessed in the natural realm by the beautiful, godly people in my life, I think. It’s a benefit that not everybody has. My family loves me, even when I’m totally nuts!

I have the freedom, unlike many other Christians, to meet with fellow believers to praise God and study His Word. Lots of people all over the world suffer very much just to assemble together to build one another up.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. (2 Corinthians 4:7-10)

For more Word for Wednesdays, visit Yeah, Right…

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Jay requested this song from Hillsong United’s own Brooke Fraser; it is a beautiful song; so deep and strong– it’s just HUGE! So here it is, Jay, for your listening enjoyment!

“Hosanna” is a cry of adoration, which literally means “Oh, save!” It is what the people cried when Jesus the Messiah came riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. He, whose name is exalted in heaven and earth, came lowly to mankind. What a wonder! How He loves us, how He’s blessed us, not based on anything good or noble we have done.

People sometimes talk about this thing called luck. I think it’s like when something good happens to you or for you. I’ve got this joke now that I have “Charlie Brown luck.” For real; why is it that for a few select people, whenever they set their hands to something, everything goes wrong (or so it seems?) They are the ones who ask, “Who really wins contests?” They are most often the ones with big responsibilities. When they work very, very hard, they do well, but nothing tremendous falls into their laps. They are the ones always running like a chicken with it’s head cut off, because with every little thing they set their hands to do, fifty other things show up that stand in the way. They don’t show up all at once; they build up over the next couple of hours. They come across to other people as the type who “lose it” frequently. They talk quickly, bluntly, in jumbled words and sentences. They can look up solutions to their everyday problems all they want to, but of course, it doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to. They come across as goofy, because they cheer themselves with a unique outlook on life and situations. Nobody looks at them and says, “My, what a talented individual.” They aren’t usually popular, except for being known as the “odd-ball.” Yet strangely, people look to them for answers to the most puzzling enigmas. Probably because they’ve been through it already. They laugh more than others and cry more, too. To them, it’s just a matter of making the best out of being very different than other people. But every once in while, they fray at the edges and look up and say, “Why? Why special and unique? Why every day? Why am I always bearing so many burdens alone?”

You’ve probably guessed; I am one of those people. I know I have it better than Charlie Brown because I know the One who saves; I know my soul is saved, and I will live forever even though nothing good I ever did in the past earned it for me. But I still look up and ask why. Why do the craziest things always happen to me, and I also happen to be one with big responsibilities, and thus get blamed for a lot? (Some of you know that I say more than anything “I’m sorry.” Now you know why.) And every so often, when you bear many burdens alone, you become totally drained, usually in such a way so that EVERYBODY knows because everything stops running when you stop running it. And they think, “What’s his problem?” If only they knew. People talk about “stress.” If only they knew what “luck” was. Now I know that to a degree, this happens to everybody. But some of us are special, you see. See, I have seen other people do the same things I do, but somehow, for me things go totally haywire, and even others look at it and say, “Whoa.” (You’re most likely wondering why I’m going on about this. Keep reading; it’s a building effect.)

So yes, this is one of those “down points.” Because the human body can only do so much for so long. But that doesn’t mean the fun stops! No, you may not slow down a little bit, because there is just so much more MORE MORE! Today I asked again, “Oh, God, why? Why does all this happen? Can it please just slow down a little bit for just a little while? Every time I set my hands to do something, a hundred other things start calling while a hundred other things go wrong! I only see one other person in this whole world who this happens to (she’s my mother; I wonder if it’s genetic?) but it doesn’t help the situation stop!” I told Him why I was in such a desperate state, so worn-down and frazzled. So I told him about my Charlie Brown luck. His response:

“You are blessed.”

“Whoa,” I said. I guess I could have asked Him to explain, but I know that things are as He says they whether or not they appear to be so to me. And I could immediately think of several ways in which I am more fortunate (haha) than a lot of people. I personally don’t feel like I’m persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Not by people, anyway. I feel like I’m looked at as crazy; I feel like people don’t understand my situation and why I “break down” so often. But God says I am blessed!

Here is who the Scripture says over and over are blessed:

Blessed is the one who trusts in Him.
Blessed in the one whose sins are forgiven. (Amen!)
Blessed is the one whom the Lord chastens.
Blessed is the one who fears the Lord.
Blessed is the one who keeps His commandments.
Blessed is the one who gives.
Blessed is the one who watches for His Lord.
Blessed is the one who believes.
Blessed is the one who endures.

Here’s who our Savior says is blessed:

“ Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:3-12)

That’s not who the world says is better off; that’s not who the world exalts; that’s not the ones who feel blessed. But it is who the Lord says is blessed. And for us who have been the Charlie Browns all our lives, it is a great step of faith to say, “Yes, Lord; I believe I am blessed.”

But I choose to believe in the One who saves; I believe that He is mighty to save; I believe that He stretches forth His hand to heal. And I believe I am blessed, just because He said I am.

That is a confession that comes out not with a feeling of happiness, but of pain– yet with conviction. It is not easy to choose when you are hanging by a thread. But God is the one who is faithful. That’s all that matters.

“Hosanna” is a pretty song; but it is a true song, one we can confess even when we have our downs. Here’s another live edition to close with!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, (Ephesians 1:3)

Filed under : Discipleship, Music, Querky

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Yay! Another Inspiring Story (finally!) on As In A Mirror! This one is the testimony of Richmond Wandera, a man from Uganda whose life was changed for the better by a 15-year-old girl in the United States who decided to sponsor him through Compassion International. Please watch these videos to see how compassion effects a chain reaction of lives changed for the better!

For more Inspiring Stories, visit In Defense of the Christian Faith!

UPDATE: Another Compassion story, courtesy the Compassion Blog.

We walked on a muddy path that wound through cornfields. The stalks reached above our heads on either side as the rain continued its lazy sprinkling.

There is nothing in the world like visiting a Compassion-assisted child’s home. Absolutely nothing. Nothing can prepare you for the sights, the sounds, the smells. Most of all, nothing can prepare you for the beating your heart is about to take. It’s like you got in a fight with the Holy Spirit. And every time, the Holy Spirit leaves you limping and bruised and, thankfully, a better person for the battle.

We arrived at Cesar’s house and ducked inside. Sheets of blue plastic formed a barrier against the rain, but nothing could stop the water and mud we tracked inside. Stools were brought in for us, and several of us sat on the three beds that took up most of the space.

Cesar’s mother welcomed us warmly. I loved hearing the word “Dios” so often as she spoke. But her story was heartbreaking. Her husband had left her. But before he abandoned her, he had beaten her. What must it have been like for Cesar, the youngest in his family, to watch his mother beaten by the man who was supposed to be his role model?

And then Cesar spoke to us. He told us about having to drop out of school this year because there wasn’t enough money. This quiet 15-year-old explained that he would have to begin working in a fabric plant soon.
And then I watched as every person in that room spoke words of encouragement to this brave, beautiful, inspiring young man.

God has a plan for you.

You will succeed.

You can do anything.

You are talented.

We are proud of you.

We love you.

And I watched as tears poured down his face.

He was ready to give up. You could feel it in every fiber of his being.

But somehow, now, I know that he won’t. Don’t ask me how. I just know.

I know because I watched a sponsor envelop Cesar in his arms. I watched that sponsor’s heart break. And in that brokenness, I saw determination.

Cesar and his family knelt while our group circled around him.

We prayed, our words thick with tears.

Their prayers were fervently whispered.

And the rain began to pour, thundering on the roof.

I have never heard a more beautiful sound.

After the last amen, Cesar’s mother rushed into the yard. I watched her grab a stick, and begin poking at the pear tree in their yard.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Pears fell to the ground. She picked them up and brought them to us.

“Muchas gracias,” she said to us.

“Gracias,” we repeated.

She wanted so badly to give us something back.

Little did she know how full our hearts already were.

Courtesy of Compassion International: http://blog.compassion.com/child-poverty-a-pear-and-prayer/#ixzz0vJqu5nch

Filed under : Inspiring Story

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