My Devotional From Today

John Courson August 18

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

Eph 5:18-20 NKJ

When I feel things aren't going well, I'm tempted to lose heart. And when this happens, I know there's only one thing to do: speak to myself in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.

No wonder David was discouraged. He and his men returned form fighting the Amalekites only to discover that their town had been burned by their enemies, their wives and kids taken hostage.

"This is your fault David," said his men. "you took us away from here." and so angry were they that they wanted to kill him.

So what did David do? He encouraged himself in the Lord (I Samuel 30:6) He sang songs. He wrote psalms. he began to praise and worship. As a result, he rallied his men once again and they recovered all that was lost.

Had David remained in his depressed state, not only would he have been rendered ineffective, but the women and children would have remained captive. And so will you until you begin to worship. God's will is that you be free, and nothing will free you from the tyranny of your own situation like worship. You will be profoundly blessed and amazingly productive whenever you give thanks to God for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.


(AMEN!!!!!! I say. I love you babe.)

A Musical Reflection on Our Relationship

Hey Baby,

You have done so much for me this summer. Not only showing me continually how committed you are to me and how much you love me, but you also wrote me a lovely poem and made a video when you were missing me in Canada. Now I make this for you to love you in Action and in Truth. This is a "mixed CD" in a way. Some of these you have heard, some you have not, but each song was picked for a very specific reason. This Cd is a musical representation of our relationship. IT is meant to be listened to straight through (listening to the WORDS and tune) as I chose the songs based on the words and I put them together based on what flowed musically and what fit each part of the story. It's like our own Rock Musical! Like Moulin Rouge except for Caroline and Alex! Haha.

Instead of emailing you the songs, I would like to make a date (Saturday night?) to listen to this CD and talk about and reflect on our relationship which would give me an opportunity why I picked each song, and why I placed it where I did. I think you'll be surprised and impressed about how much minutia there is in the songs and order that applies to our relationship. Will you take this journey through the past with me?

Can't wait to see you soon baby!

With Love,

Care

The Beginning

At the Beginning- Anastasia
Blue Eyes- Cary Brothers

New Infatuation
When No Time Together Was Ever Enough

I’ve Just Seen a Face- (Beatles) Sung by Jim Sturgess
Arms of a Woman –Amos Lee
Paperweight- Joshua Radin and Schuyler Fisk
Time in a Bottle – Jim Croce

Growing Closer
Friendship, “I Love You’s” and Early Talk of Marriage

You’re My Best Friend- Queen
I have to say I love you in a Song – Jim Croce
Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
Wouldn’t it be Nice? – Beach Boys

Conflict
Our Selfishness, Games and Immaturity

I Am the Highway – Audioslave
Busy Life- Michael McNevin
This is How it Goes- Missy Higgins
Foolish Games- Jewel
The Unintentional Song- Michael McNevin
Nature Boy- (David Bowie)Moulin Rouge


Resolution
Finding that God is Our Source of Fulfillment, and Deciding to Love and be Loved.

Everything- Tim Hughes
Nothing Better- The Postal Service
I Won’t Walk Away- Jewel
Caroline- Seventh Day Slumber
The Voice of Truth- Casting Crowns
All I Ask of You- The Phantom of the Opera

Let’s Be Together Forever
Commitment to Love Each Other and God


The Story- Brandi Carlile
Te Amaré – Alejandro Bassi
You Have Ravished My Heart- Brian and Jenn Johnson
A Little Longer – Brian and Jenn Johnson


Our Future
Growing Old Together and Following God the Rest of Our Lives

Silver Hair- Michael McNevin
Morning Song- Jewel
Where You Go I’ll Go- Brian and Jenn Johnson
Come What May- Moulin Rouge