Arms Wide Open

Great messages in this video.

There was a remarkable story that played out yesterday as my Mom passed. I won’t take the time to tell the entire story here (today at least), but I just had to share this for those that are looking for an anchor or something to cling to. In the final moments, my sister was playing music for my Mom to hear. We don’t know if she could hear or comprehend what was being played, but I have been told many times the last few days that people in that physical state can often hear. The song below by Kari Jobe was one of, if not the final song that was played for my Mom. I cannot hear it without finding such a beautiful peace in each word. I imagine that moment when my Mom saw her King with these words in her ear. What great peace. What great joy. What great hope.

My Beloved by Kari Jobe
You’re My Beloved
You’re My Bride
To sing over you is My delight
Come away with Me My love

Under My mercy
Come and wait
Till we are standing face to face
I see no stain on you
My child

You’re Beautiful to Me
So Beautiful to Me

I sing over you My song of peace
Cast all your care down at My feet
Come and find your rest in Me

I’ll breathe My life inside of you
I’ll bear you up on eagle’s wings
And hide you in the shadow of My strength
I’ll take you to My quiet waters
I’ll restore your soul
Come rest in Me and be made whole

You’re My beloved
You’re My Bride
To sing over you is my delight
Come away with me my love

You all know that I’m a pretty big fan of the guys from MercyMe. It is with great excitement that I give you the “heads up” on their upcoming project. Coming in May 2010 is the release of the latest offering called “The Generous Mr. Lovewell“. For a behind the scenes look at the concept behind the new album, check out this video from Bart Millard. The first single from the CD, “All of Creation” dropped on iTunes today. I love the concept, the thought and the movement that we should all “Love Well”. Imagine what could happen if that became our focus and our goal each morning. I look forward to hearing what MercyMe will put together this May.

Check out this video introduction to the new single from Bart. It’s both hilarious and meaningful.

You can blame it on the way I’m wired. I love music. Those that know me (or follow me on twitter) have probably seen that my music tastes are all over the map. I have said it before and I will say it again, my iPod is a scary place. You’ll find everything from Wayne Newton to Marlyn Manson. Like I said, it’s a scary place.

In my defense, I will say that I find lyrics to be one of the greatest things in this life. I like to pick songs apart and lyrically dissect them for meaning and application. Many of the songs in my collection can have a story that goes with them. Some great stories, some I’d just as soon forget. My iPod is like a soundtrack for my life. As crazy as that sounds.

So when I was running today I heard the song “Come Back to Me” by David Cook. I get very reflective when I run (which is why my iPod is essential) so this song got me to thinking. I began to imagine the lyrics almost like a letter from God. While I am sure this breaks several theological rules and regulations, stick with me for a bit. The entire song began to remind me of the patience, the grace and the pursuit that our Heavenly Father has as we “find ourselves”. I began to consider His patience as we seem to try everything until we realize nothing will fill that void.

Check out this lyric:

I can’t get close if you’re not there
I can’t get inside if there’s no soul to bear
I can’t fix you. I can’t save you
Its something you have to do

So i’ll let you go
I’ll set you free
And when you see what you need to see
When you find you come back to me
Come back to me

Again, theologically there are probably some holes, but if you asked David Cook (or whomever wrote this song) I’m sure it wasn’t the intended message or audience. However there was something that struck me in that bridge. The thought that God cannot draw near if we are “not there“. The image that the Holy Spirit can’t get inside if there’s “no soul to bear“. Even the message that he can’t save us, it’s something we have to do. While Jesus died to save all of us on the cross, that “something you have to do” is accept that gift. So he “let’s us go and set’s us free“. Our journey to find ourselves often ends up at the foot of the cross where we come back to our first love.

I share it because it was a great reminder to me. Maybe it was a great reminder to you today as well.

Lyrically speaking….

This is dedicated to my wife and my 2 little girls. Happy “Valen Times Day” (as my girls call it) to the three very special ladies in my life. “I know one thing, I love you”.

I can’t think of a better way to return from a 40 Day Blog Fast than to kick it all off with a contest! Thanks to my friends at EMI Music, I am honored to both review the new TobyMac CD and offer a free copy to 2 lucky commenters!  First off, here’s my review:

If you have followed the blog much, you probably note that I am a sideline fan of TobyMac. I was a much bigger fan of DC Talk and have enjoyed some of the music that Toby has produced since he went solo. I’ve even had the privilege to see Toby in concert. While extremely loud, it was entertaining (man, I am getting old..did I really just say it was too loud?). I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my friend Jeff’s obsession with TobyMac has led him to purchase front row tickets to see him in concert in Seattle (we live in Ohio) and pay to run with him in the Nashville 1/2 Marathon on April 24th. So I am literally not the biggest TobyMac fan. I think Jeff takes that prize.

All that being said, when I received “Tonight” in the mail and popped it into iTunes, I was hooked after the first two songs. I later used my 5 mile run to really listen to the CD and friends, it is SLAMMIN! If you are a fan of TobyMac he doesn’t disappoint with this latest release. If you are more of a casual listener, I think you might find that this is his best work. His previous CD “Portable Sounds” didn’t catch on with me at first. It took me some time and it eventually really grew on me. Not so with “Tonight”. I have liked it from the first time through to now my third or 4th listen.

Either way, you will want to add “Tonight” to your collection…and iPod.

There isn’t a bad track on the entire CD. One thing I have always admired (even when he was with DC Talk) is Toby’s ability to stay current and change his sound to match the popular sounds of culture (like “Jesus Freak” sounded a lot like Seattle grunge). For this reason, “Tonight” will fit nicely on your playlists along with whatever you are listening to. Head over to iTunes and pick up a copy for yourself or someone you know.

“Tonight” is a 5 out of 5!

On that note, let me give a few two copies of the CD away. Of all the songs that TobyMac has released, there are two that I include in my half-marathon playlists. One has been on every single one I have ever created (hint: I usually post my playlists on this blog when I create them). I will send one copy of the new CD to the first two commenters that can accurately guess which two songs I have on my playlists. There are several combinations so give it your best shot! Leave a comment below. I’ll update when I have my two winners.

UPDATE!!! Congratulations to Dave and Jess for their correct answers! They will each receive a copy of the new CD.

*Thanks again to my friends at EMI for the free copies of “Tonight” and allowing me to review it.