A Night So Cool For a Heart On Fire

89 degrees one day, 64 the next. That's some typical Texas weather right there, folks. Monday was the first day of Autumn, but today's weather proved the changing season true with the cadence of rain, a refreshing cool front, smokey gray skies, and the need for the heater in my car this morning (pathetic, I know).

The cool front actually started coming in Tuesday night, just about the time I and about 7,000 other A&M students were gathered together at Kyle Field for a miraculous night of worship at what is called "Breakaway." It was such a great feeling to be out in the open air while the worship band played and we all sang along. It's funny how praise and worship at a roofless venue can really make me feel like I'm closer to God, and how even though I stood amongst such a huge crowd that night, it all felt so intimate.

Breakaway, if you don't know about it, is a non-denominational Bible study and worship service lead by Ben Stuart, a 1998 Texas A&M graduate. Ben does an absolutely amazing job preaching the Word of God. In fact, I feel as though he does more than preach- he paints us all a picture; he tells it like it is; he makes us genuinely laugh; he resonates with us; he delivers a message that equally convicts and gives hope. The messages delivered at Breakaway have not only aided in my understanding what the Lord desires for my life, but they have also given me that extra push I so often need to actually apply those things daily and realize their purpose and value. It has been an opportunity like no other, being a part of something amazing taking place on this campus and at the same time filling a deep, desperate need I have to worship a God so just and loving.

Tonight, I am thankful for Breakaway. Thankful for the crispness of the air. Thankful for the freedom I have to express my belief that Jesus Christ is Lord.

If you want to hear a Breakaway message, I highly encourage you to listen to the FREE podcasts!

Branching Out

I've had this fascination with trees for quite a while now. I find them both majestic and symbolic; representative of the Christian life in several ways. I was recently reading through some old poems and things I wrote a few years back when I came across this little note from September of 2007. So I made a few edits, finished some lines, and decided to "publish" it on here. Enjoy.

Where there are roots, there is life- stability; a firm foundation. They are deep enough to thirst on pure waters far out of our reach and strong enough to grasp the earth during natures mighty storms and wicked winds. They feed; they give life.

Above the soil— above these buried limbs of life—there is air… there is light… there is openness and tranquility. So, dear friends… breathe. Swallow this air and bask in the sun. But hold onto solid ground, for up-heaving times will come.

Where there is a trunk, there is exposure- an outlet into the openness of the world. People will see you. People will use you. They will lean on you, sit by you, carve marks of love into you, and leave you with scars. Vulnerability may leave you weathered, but with your sturdiness and strength you will not be defeated.

Where there are branches, there are extensions- a reaching out in all directions. Low and high, east and west, these arms reach out and long for embrace. They beg for you to climb; they offer you a playground. So swing and enjoy your life. But be careful. Not all branches are as strong as others; too much tension may cause them to break. And if in fact one does break, it is blessed to have so many more… endless arms inviting of comfort.

Where there are leaves there are messages- one for every person who has been in your life. Some cling to their branches forever, while others fall and get carried away. No matter what, each leaf exists as outright proof of where they came from. For every leaf must come off a branch, every branch must extend from a trunk, every trunk must held in place by its roots, and in each and every root is pure nourishment for life. So take in all you can... let God fill you with faith and love. Grow. Then branch out.