If you get a chance to go to see the Lifesong Tour, do it!! We went last night and it was amazing! I wanted to take pictures, but the rules on the website for the venue stated "no cameras or recording devices" so we didn't take our cameras. Of course, EVERYONE else was taking pictures, so we were a little ticked. Oh well. Anyway, the concert was an incredibly worshipful and powerful experience. So many of the songs spoke to me but one especially that Nichole Nordeman did was especially meaningful. Here are the lyrics. Listen to it sometime if you can, because the music is also powerful. (You can read the story that this song is based on here.)
Lay It Down
To every son and daughter
Wayward and long gone
The love of a Father will leave the light on
I tried to throw you off track
A needle in the haystack
And I don't know how you found me
Or why you let me come back
Cuz it's a long way home when all you're left to carry
Is a heart of stone
And the weight of most the world
And I'd like to
Chorus:
Lay it down a little
Lay it down a lot
I don't want to hold it anymore
Lay it down in pieces or
Lay it down in whole
Everything I've carried on my own
Lay it down
Lay it down
Lay it down
Lay it down
I spent your money
Living on the fringes
But you threw a party for me
Invited all your big friends
And I have learned a little bit about a heavy load
All that gleams and glitters is not worth its weight in gold
And I know I should
Chorus
Lay it down a little
Lay it down a lot
I don't want to hold it anymore
Lay it down in pieces or
Lay it down in whole
Everything I've carried on my own
Lay it down
Lay it down
Lay it down
Lay it down
Lay it down a little
Lay it down a lot
I don't want to hold it anymore
Lay it down in pieces or
Lay it down in whole
Everything I've carried on my own
Lay it down
Lay it down
Lay it down
Lay it down
To every son and daughter, wayward and long gone...
So I know there are a lot of things that I need to lay down. God has been convicting me in a lot of areas, and trying to get me to the place that I can lay some stuff down. I don't want anything to clutter my life so that it becomes a hindrance in my relationship with Him. I'm sure we can all think of things that we need to give God control over. Why is it so hard? When we know that the safest place for all of those things is in God's hands. It must be human pride and stubborness, and perhaps a little stupidity -- at least in my case! As Nichole sang this song last night, I told God that all of the issues in my life are His. I am laying them down at His feet. I know that He will pick them up and use them. I trust Him that much. I just need to keep my hands off and let Him be God!
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Monday, April 17, 2006
Check my Xanga
If you ever come here and notice that it's been awhile since I've updated, go to www.xanga.com/tawnyasmith. Sometimes I update there and forget to put it on here. I'll try to do better with that, cuz I know some of you only do blogspot. Anyway.
Hope everyone had a great weekend! Mine was extremely busy! On Friday night, I attended a really meaningful and special Good Friday service, then had a bunch of people over to my house for games and food. That was a lot of fun! Saturday, my mom, brother, nephew and I went down to Tulsa to spend Easter with the Smiths. My dad couldn't go becuz he had scheduled a revival prior to our planning the Tulsa trip. Anyway, we had a really good time with all the family there, and I will try to post pictures soon. If none show up here soon, again, check my Xanga. It's easier to post pictures there than here. Actually, it's easier to do most things there than here. Haha.
Today my family and I went to Ava, Missouri -- Mt. Zion to be more exact -- to celebrate the life of Ivan "Grandpa" Arnold who went home to Heaven on Good Friday. It was a really long trip for such a short visit, but it was worth it. It's important for people to know you care. And it's important to have the opportunity to say "goodbye for now" and to know the hope of meeting again someday. What a precious gift, to know that the "goodbye" is not forever.
Well, I'm very tired, and I'm not feeling the greatest, so I'm gonna go for now. Hope you all had a wonderful Easter!
Love to all who read!
Hope everyone had a great weekend! Mine was extremely busy! On Friday night, I attended a really meaningful and special Good Friday service, then had a bunch of people over to my house for games and food. That was a lot of fun! Saturday, my mom, brother, nephew and I went down to Tulsa to spend Easter with the Smiths. My dad couldn't go becuz he had scheduled a revival prior to our planning the Tulsa trip. Anyway, we had a really good time with all the family there, and I will try to post pictures soon. If none show up here soon, again, check my Xanga. It's easier to post pictures there than here. Actually, it's easier to do most things there than here. Haha.
Today my family and I went to Ava, Missouri -- Mt. Zion to be more exact -- to celebrate the life of Ivan "Grandpa" Arnold who went home to Heaven on Good Friday. It was a really long trip for such a short visit, but it was worth it. It's important for people to know you care. And it's important to have the opportunity to say "goodbye for now" and to know the hope of meeting again someday. What a precious gift, to know that the "goodbye" is not forever.
Well, I'm very tired, and I'm not feeling the greatest, so I'm gonna go for now. Hope you all had a wonderful Easter!
Love to all who read!
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Quote for the Day from Cara: "I need to pay more attention to her because I would want people to pay attention to me, if I were me."
Oh my goodness. I just realized that Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is doing a special "After the Storm" show tonite. That is only my favorite show in the world. So I might be a little distracted as I type this. Or I might just wait till the show's over. And you'll never know...mwahahaa!!
So today was interesting. Usually I have my jr. high class for 1st, 2nd, and 4th hours on Thursdays, but today their 3rd hour teacher was sick, so I had them all morning! Which was fine with me, because I love them (and yes, I would say that even if some of them didn't read this) but I think being in the same classroom for so long got to be a little much for some of them. They ended up being a little mean to each other and fighting and stuff. But it was all good. We had a good time. It was also interesting because the entire grade school went on a field trip and took the principal and the secretary with them, so we were quite literally on our own. Plus nobody unlocked the doors before they left, so we were all upstairs and completely oblivious to the fact that some of the late-arriving students were effectively locked out. I got a pretty humorous description from one senior of her attempts to get in the school. She knew her class was in there, but she couldn't see anybody, and come to find out, her class had been sent up to the library after all because their teacher was sick. It was just crazy, I tell ya! But we did get stuff done, in spite of it all!
Okay. I just have to say some things here that I have been needing to say for quite some time. I know that some of you are going to think I am targeting certain people, but I'm not. I have been thinking about these things for a looong time. And even though some of you are still going to think to yourself when you read this, "I know exactly who she's talking about" you don't! Cuz I'm not talking about anyone in particular. This is just a rant, okay?
Anytime I say things like this, I feel like people are going to think that I am against marriage. I'm not. I believe very strongly in marriage. I believe God ordains marriage and when it's done right, it can be the most beautiful thing ever. Key phrase: "when it's done right."
I am extremely disturbed when I see people taking marriage lightly. I believe that when you commit to marry someone, it is serious, and it is for life. No turning back. There should not be any thoughts of, "well, if it doesn't work out, we'll just get a divorce." NO. God wants the relationship between a husband and wife to be a picture of His relationship with the church. Has he ever divorced the church or been unfaithful to the church? NO. I believe marriage should be taken very seriously.
That being said, I do of course know that there are times when abuse and unfaithfulness make it impossible for marriages to work out. But that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about going into the marriage without a sense of true commitment.
I am disturbed when I sense that people are rushing into marriage. What's the rush? I know that's going to sound funny to some of you because you're thinking, "well, that's easy to say, just cuz YOU haven't rushed into it." Please understand, I'm not saying people have to wait as long as I have. And I'm not saying people need to wait until I'm ready for them to get married. When it comes right down to it, it's really none of my business. But this is my blog, and I get to express my opinions here! I would just hope that people are waiting until they are ready! Ya know? People have their whole lives ahead of them to be married. Why put extra stress on a marriage by getting married so young? Are you going to go to college? Are you going to have good options for a career? What if you end up having a baby right away? It is my firm belief that people should not get married until they are ready to have kids, because it could happen. That doesn't mean they have to have kids right away, obviously, but be prepared for the possibility! Surprises (not accidents!) do happen!!
It is a proven fact that young people change tremendously between the ages of 18 and 25. You might not even be the same person when you are 25 that you were when you were 18. What if you don't like the person your spouse becomes after they grow up? Seriously!
I want to reiterate that I am not targeting the people you think I am. Yes, there have been four different couples I know who have announced their engagement within the last month. But I'm not targeting any of them. Or maybe I'm thinking of all them. You'll never know! The point is, these are the things that have been on my heart, and the things I would like for EVERY person who is considering marriage to consider. Marriage is serious. I have watched too many of my friends go through painful divorces. I have seen too many unhappy marriages and painful situations. I have witnessed too many regrets and hurts and "if onlys" to just let it all go by. God has a wonderful plan for each of us. He has only the best in store. I hope that we all truly seek out His will. My deepest desire is to have God's smile of approval on my life. I hope that's what you want too!
There is too much pressure in our society to get married. I feel it all the time. Sometimes you are made to feel as if you are not normal if you are not married. That's not okay. God has a different plan for every single (no pun intended) person He placed on this earth. There are many things that are much worse than being single! (I hesitate to say that, because by saying "worse" the implication is that being single it "bad" and it's not, but hopefully you know what I mean.) I guess I will have to resort to the motto that has been my quote for some time so in honor of Chris I will say: "It's better to be single than wish you were!"
Well,this hasn't been polished, and hasn't been said as well as I would have liked, but it has come from my heart. No apologies. This is how I feel.
I'd like to give a shout-out to all my single friends. I love all my married friends, but this is for you single guys and gals. God has a plan for you! You might meet the man/woman of your dreams tomorrow or next week or next year or when you get to Heaven and fall at Jesus' feet. The important thing is that we follow Christ and His will for our lives. I love you all and I know the struggles you face! Anytime you want to talk, I'm here!
Love, love, love to all who read!
Oh my goodness. I just realized that Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is doing a special "After the Storm" show tonite. That is only my favorite show in the world. So I might be a little distracted as I type this. Or I might just wait till the show's over. And you'll never know...mwahahaa!!
So today was interesting. Usually I have my jr. high class for 1st, 2nd, and 4th hours on Thursdays, but today their 3rd hour teacher was sick, so I had them all morning! Which was fine with me, because I love them (and yes, I would say that even if some of them didn't read this) but I think being in the same classroom for so long got to be a little much for some of them. They ended up being a little mean to each other and fighting and stuff. But it was all good. We had a good time. It was also interesting because the entire grade school went on a field trip and took the principal and the secretary with them, so we were quite literally on our own. Plus nobody unlocked the doors before they left, so we were all upstairs and completely oblivious to the fact that some of the late-arriving students were effectively locked out. I got a pretty humorous description from one senior of her attempts to get in the school. She knew her class was in there, but she couldn't see anybody, and come to find out, her class had been sent up to the library after all because their teacher was sick. It was just crazy, I tell ya! But we did get stuff done, in spite of it all!
Okay. I just have to say some things here that I have been needing to say for quite some time. I know that some of you are going to think I am targeting certain people, but I'm not. I have been thinking about these things for a looong time. And even though some of you are still going to think to yourself when you read this, "I know exactly who she's talking about" you don't! Cuz I'm not talking about anyone in particular. This is just a rant, okay?
Anytime I say things like this, I feel like people are going to think that I am against marriage. I'm not. I believe very strongly in marriage. I believe God ordains marriage and when it's done right, it can be the most beautiful thing ever. Key phrase: "when it's done right."
I am extremely disturbed when I see people taking marriage lightly. I believe that when you commit to marry someone, it is serious, and it is for life. No turning back. There should not be any thoughts of, "well, if it doesn't work out, we'll just get a divorce." NO. God wants the relationship between a husband and wife to be a picture of His relationship with the church. Has he ever divorced the church or been unfaithful to the church? NO. I believe marriage should be taken very seriously.
That being said, I do of course know that there are times when abuse and unfaithfulness make it impossible for marriages to work out. But that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about going into the marriage without a sense of true commitment.
I am disturbed when I sense that people are rushing into marriage. What's the rush? I know that's going to sound funny to some of you because you're thinking, "well, that's easy to say, just cuz YOU haven't rushed into it." Please understand, I'm not saying people have to wait as long as I have. And I'm not saying people need to wait until I'm ready for them to get married. When it comes right down to it, it's really none of my business. But this is my blog, and I get to express my opinions here! I would just hope that people are waiting until they are ready! Ya know? People have their whole lives ahead of them to be married. Why put extra stress on a marriage by getting married so young? Are you going to go to college? Are you going to have good options for a career? What if you end up having a baby right away? It is my firm belief that people should not get married until they are ready to have kids, because it could happen. That doesn't mean they have to have kids right away, obviously, but be prepared for the possibility! Surprises (not accidents!) do happen!!
It is a proven fact that young people change tremendously between the ages of 18 and 25. You might not even be the same person when you are 25 that you were when you were 18. What if you don't like the person your spouse becomes after they grow up? Seriously!
I want to reiterate that I am not targeting the people you think I am. Yes, there have been four different couples I know who have announced their engagement within the last month. But I'm not targeting any of them. Or maybe I'm thinking of all them. You'll never know! The point is, these are the things that have been on my heart, and the things I would like for EVERY person who is considering marriage to consider. Marriage is serious. I have watched too many of my friends go through painful divorces. I have seen too many unhappy marriages and painful situations. I have witnessed too many regrets and hurts and "if onlys" to just let it all go by. God has a wonderful plan for each of us. He has only the best in store. I hope that we all truly seek out His will. My deepest desire is to have God's smile of approval on my life. I hope that's what you want too!
There is too much pressure in our society to get married. I feel it all the time. Sometimes you are made to feel as if you are not normal if you are not married. That's not okay. God has a different plan for every single (no pun intended) person He placed on this earth. There are many things that are much worse than being single! (I hesitate to say that, because by saying "worse" the implication is that being single it "bad" and it's not, but hopefully you know what I mean.) I guess I will have to resort to the motto that has been my quote for some time so in honor of Chris I will say: "It's better to be single than wish you were!"
Well,this hasn't been polished, and hasn't been said as well as I would have liked, but it has come from my heart. No apologies. This is how I feel.
I'd like to give a shout-out to all my single friends. I love all my married friends, but this is for you single guys and gals. God has a plan for you! You might meet the man/woman of your dreams tomorrow or next week or next year or when you get to Heaven and fall at Jesus' feet. The important thing is that we follow Christ and His will for our lives. I love you all and I know the struggles you face! Anytime you want to talk, I'm here!
Love, love, love to all who read!
Monday, April 03, 2006
I'm Lovin' It...
(And not McDonald's, neither!)
I love these verses I keep finding. Maybe they seem random to you, but they are meaning something to me, and this is my blog, so you're just gonna have to deal.
"Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings.... You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor." James 3:17-18 (MSG)
The past few weeks and months have been really convicting for me. Through God's mercy and grace, I have grown a lot in Him, and He has been teaching me so many things. One of the things He's been convicting me of is that there are some things in my past that I absolutely MUST let go of. No other option. I really feel that God has led me right to the brink of a breakthrough. I know that He wants to free me completely from the captivity of unforgiveness. Would you guys help me pray for complete deliverance? I know God has the answer for me, and I also know that I have surrendered absolutely everything to Him. I want everything -- everything -- that God has for me. And I am open to His working in my life.
Here are some lyrics that I know you've heard before. Have you ever really thought about them though, and let God speak through them to you? Today I did, and the result was a lot of conviction!
"Voice of Truth"
Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
on to the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand
But the waves are calling out my name
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again.
"Boy, you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"
But the Voice of Truth
tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says,
"Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says,
"This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe
the Voice of Truth
Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes
to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand
But the giant's calling out my name
And he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again.
"Boy you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"
But the Voice of Truth
tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says,
"Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says,
"This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe
the Voice of Truth
But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
On top of them lookin' down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me
But the Voice of Truth
tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says,
"Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says,
"This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices
calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe-
I will choose to listen and believe
the Voice of Truth
I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe
the Voice of truth
I will listen and believe
Cause Jesus you are the voice of truth
And I will listen to you, you are-
Thanks, guys, for listening -- or reading! -- and please keep me in your prayers!
Love to all who read!
I love these verses I keep finding. Maybe they seem random to you, but they are meaning something to me, and this is my blog, so you're just gonna have to deal.
"Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings.... You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor." James 3:17-18 (MSG)
The past few weeks and months have been really convicting for me. Through God's mercy and grace, I have grown a lot in Him, and He has been teaching me so many things. One of the things He's been convicting me of is that there are some things in my past that I absolutely MUST let go of. No other option. I really feel that God has led me right to the brink of a breakthrough. I know that He wants to free me completely from the captivity of unforgiveness. Would you guys help me pray for complete deliverance? I know God has the answer for me, and I also know that I have surrendered absolutely everything to Him. I want everything -- everything -- that God has for me. And I am open to His working in my life.
Here are some lyrics that I know you've heard before. Have you ever really thought about them though, and let God speak through them to you? Today I did, and the result was a lot of conviction!
"Voice of Truth"
Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
on to the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand
But the waves are calling out my name
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again.
"Boy, you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"
But the Voice of Truth
tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says,
"Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says,
"This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe
the Voice of Truth
Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes
to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand
But the giant's calling out my name
And he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again.
"Boy you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"
But the Voice of Truth
tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says,
"Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says,
"This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe
the Voice of Truth
But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
On top of them lookin' down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me
But the Voice of Truth
tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says,
"Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says,
"This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices
calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe-
I will choose to listen and believe
the Voice of Truth
I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe
the Voice of truth
I will listen and believe
Cause Jesus you are the voice of truth
And I will listen to you, you are-
Thanks, guys, for listening -- or reading! -- and please keep me in your prayers!
Love to all who read!
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