We did a song at Mt. Pleasant this past weekend that I just cannot get out of my mind & heart. The song is called “Empty & Beautiful” by Matt Maher.
If you have been around me these last couple of years you know that I have really been touched by Matt’s songwriting. He has given us some awesome songs like “Your Grace Is Enough,” “For Your Glory,” “On The Third Day,” “Resurrection Day” and “As It Is In Heaven.” He is a very gifted writer & musician. His lyrics are thoughtful and penetrating and are blended with great musicianship. I really enjoy his songs.
“Empty & Beautiful” is the title track from his latest recording. I would highly encourage you to pick up a copy and settle in for a great listen that will encourage you musically and touch you spiritually. You can download the album from iTunes.
Take a slow deliberate read through these lyrics.
My past won’t stop haunting me
In this prison there’s a fight between
Who I am and who I used to be
This thorn in my side is a grace
For because of it the flesh and blood of God
Was offered in my place, my place
You fought the fight in me
You chased me down and finished the race
I was blind but now I see
Jesus You kept the faith in me
Awaiting, set apart like incense to Your heart
A libation I’m pouring out
Empty and beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
I love the heart of this song….
Here is a YouTube video of Matt performing “Empty & Beautiful.”
I am really enjoying your responses to the Guilty Pleasures blogs. Thank you for taking the time to read and respond. I am finding out a lot about you guys and gals! It’s hilarious. Thanks to everybody for respecting one another and the ground rules too.
This week I would like to ask for some honesty about what your favorite Guilty Pleasures are in terms of Junk Food. As a reminder, Wikipedia defines a guilty pleasure this way: “A guilty pleasure is something one considers pleasurable despite feeling guilt for enjoying it.[1] Often, the “guilt” involved is simply fear of others discovering one’s lowbrow or otherwise embarrassing tastes, rather than actual moral guilt. Fashion, music,[2] and food can be examples of guilty pleasures.[3]“
So that is what I’m after. What is your “go to” junk food that would be defined as a “guilty pleasure”?
Please respond by going to the Comment section and airing your laundry!
Ground Rules 1. This is a safe place so you can feel completely free to be honest. The more honest you are the better this will work.
2. No cracking on other peoples comments, just keep your eyes on your own back yard.
In the tradition of full disclosure, here are some of mine:
1. BBQ Grippo’s Potato Chips
2. Nutty Bars (Little Debbie)
3. Ice Cream (just about any kind – by my favorite of all time is Spouse Like A Housefrom Handel’s)
4. Almost any kind of homemade cookie
5. Ding Dongs
6. Dorito’s
7. Chocolate Milkshakes
There you have it! It’s not hard to see that I enjoy my comfort foods! And, by the way, this list could have been much, much longer! So, let’s hear yours in the Comments section.
Me in front of the Dolphin Resort fountain, Walt Disney World
Here are some of my random thoughts on a beautiful July day in Indiana.
I think that corn dogs are near the top of my list of perfect food.
BBQ Baby Back Ribs are also near the top of that list.
I still think that adults should get summer vacation.
I think that Albert Pujols is going to go down in history as the most feared right-handed hitter of all time. I was at the Cards-Reds game this past Friday night (Thanks so much TJ & Judas!!). Top of the 8th inning, 3-0 Reds. Cards only have 3 hits at this point. Poor pitching by the Reds loads the bases for Albert. Gonzo. Granny gives the Cards the lead 4-3. Reds tie the game in the bottom of the 8th. Top of the 9th, Albert hits an RBI double. Cards lead 5-4 and go on to win 7-4. His stats are staggering.
I think that I am a blessed man. Today is my birthday. It’s 10:34 AM and so far I have gotten birthday wishes from nearly 200 people. That is completely overwhelming to me.
I think a lot about the song “I Will Rise” by Chris Tomlin. Cannot wait for the MPCC Worship Choir to be back in session. We will blow the roof off with that song in the fall.
I think that Disney World is just about the most perfect place on earth. I am a total Disney addict.
I think that there is a disconnect in our country regarding the issue of patriotism and how it relates to faith. I believe we can sing songs like “God Bless America” and “America The Beautiful” as worshipful prayers to the Lord. I believe that recognizing those who have sacrificed their lives in service should happen in our worship services. They have fought to preserve our religious freedoms (among many others) and I think that in honoring them we are worshipping the Lord and giving thanks to HIM for the freedom to worship. By honoring these people we are showing the Love of Christ to our fellow citizens. In John 15:13 Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this, that he laydownhislife for hisfriends.” Though he was talking in a different context that is still a tremendous spiritual truth and these precious people deserve our gratitude for living that verse out, no matter your political ideology.
By the way, the birthday greeting list is now up to 250….it’s 10:53 AM. Again, I am completely blessed and overwhelmed.
I think it is time to go to lunch and enjoy some great Mexican food. Tonight, Dave & Busters with friends!!
Thanks for reading and for all the great birthday wishes Friends!! I would love to get your thoughts on any of the above thoughts………
