Got back from Kentucky yesterday. Amanda was able to go with us this weekend for the gig in Lexington which was awesome. Thanks Aaron and Beth! I can't complain very much because I am not gone half as much as some of my good friends are, but being away from your loved ones is tough. This was the first weekend we had been together in almost a month and we were very thankful. I will say that Amanda is already asleep on the couch and has been for about an hour and a half...poor girl caught my cold and caught it much worse than I did.
This past week has been a really cool week. Well, this past month really. God is teaching me so much about what it means to be a husband. I have a hard time not being selfish in many situations. But, I am really learning and loving sacrificing what I may want in order to take care of my wife. And honestly, that makes me so much happier than anything I could ever do for myself. I am so thankful to have such a great best friend to walk life with and grow old with.
I have been working on hard on actually spending some time with the Lord and in the Word, something I lost quite a bit (or didnt make time for) in all of the chaos that was/is 2008. I am reading Rob Bell and Don Golden's new book right now titled Jesus Wants to Save Christians and loving it. Amanda and I are loving our church and small group as well. I think I can finally feel some water being poured back into my soul and man...once you get that taste in your heart all you want to do is drink more. Such a great feeling! I love digging and working through my faith no matter how hard and messed up it may become at times. I want to learn more and more what it means to love people the way that Jesus loved. Being married obviously paints that picture in a new light along with the everyday mess that seems to find its way into our path. The true test for me personally is where I let my heart go once I am stuck in the mess, and believe me it has been a messy year. I hope I have loved well. If not, I hope I can love better now.
Been working on some new songs here in the past coupe of weeks as well. I think I may have enough tunes to actually make a record of my own and I am very excited! Blogging has helped keep some of the creative juices (the very little I have) flowing so I think I will keep it up again....although this may not be good news for some of you ;) I appreciate everyone who shared their opinion on our political blogs despite some pretty hateful statements that were made. I hope we can all remember that we are on the same team here. We may not agree with one another but at the end of the day we do serve the same God who showed the same grace to all of us. Satan would want nothing more than for us to be a divided Body.
Well, Amanda just woke up (well more like sleep walked) into our bedroom so I suppose I will call it a night. Please keep my Poppa Bear in your prayers this week...long story short he is going in for another scan this week so the doctors can take a closer look at some things. Stupid cancer...thank God for the team of doctors Pops has though. Goodnight all and have a great week.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
MY Only Election Blog
Okay, so Barack Obama is the new President-elect. It is a very exciting time to be alive. I am personally so excited to be able to say that I voted for the first black President. It is truly a shift in our American history.
I would like to take some time to address what my husband wrote. He is an educated man and has an amazing heart, first things first. I don't think he was out of line (and I would honestly like to know who thinks he is). As an American, everyone can express their opinion, even if you don't agree. I don't think its "out of line" to say that you should educate yourself on each candidate's personal policies before you vote. I don't think its "out of line" to think globally and care for the poor and recognize immense global suffering. Additionally, I think instead of just voting we should actually do more for the issues we care most about. I don't plan on leaving all of the issues up to Obama and the rest of government. Just because my husband didn't write what you wanted to read doesn't mean he is out of line. (Okay, I'll get off my soap box now. )
When I voted on Tuesday, I was a proud American. I picked what I thought was the best candidate and went on my way. I was so happy until someone found out who I voted for and said, "He is going to steal your soul....He is blah blah blah....Communism....blah blah blah....Antichrist...." It was ignorant and hateful. I have nothing that hateful to say about anyone. I don't think Obama is going to steal my soul. I don't think McCain was the right candidate, but I also wouldn't spew hateful word vomit if he were elected.
All that said, we should take our freedom into consideration with the things that we say, but also respect our authorities and abide by our government. Obviously, a lot goes into why we vote the way that we do. Most of our friends are very conservative and that is perfectly fine. I would like to feel the love though...you know, don't hate on me for the way I voted and I won't hate on you. :)
Thanks so much for all of the input on the previous blog. It doesn't matter how you voted, we still have love for everyone. DJ is passionate about being an informed voter and I love him for that. I think making an informed decision in any situation is a good idea, don't you?
I would like to take some time to address what my husband wrote. He is an educated man and has an amazing heart, first things first. I don't think he was out of line (and I would honestly like to know who thinks he is). As an American, everyone can express their opinion, even if you don't agree. I don't think its "out of line" to say that you should educate yourself on each candidate's personal policies before you vote. I don't think its "out of line" to think globally and care for the poor and recognize immense global suffering. Additionally, I think instead of just voting we should actually do more for the issues we care most about. I don't plan on leaving all of the issues up to Obama and the rest of government. Just because my husband didn't write what you wanted to read doesn't mean he is out of line. (Okay, I'll get off my soap box now. )
When I voted on Tuesday, I was a proud American. I picked what I thought was the best candidate and went on my way. I was so happy until someone found out who I voted for and said, "He is going to steal your soul....He is blah blah blah....Communism....blah blah blah....Antichrist...." It was ignorant and hateful. I have nothing that hateful to say about anyone. I don't think Obama is going to steal my soul. I don't think McCain was the right candidate, but I also wouldn't spew hateful word vomit if he were elected.
All that said, we should take our freedom into consideration with the things that we say, but also respect our authorities and abide by our government. Obviously, a lot goes into why we vote the way that we do. Most of our friends are very conservative and that is perfectly fine. I would like to feel the love though...you know, don't hate on me for the way I voted and I won't hate on you. :)
Thanks so much for all of the input on the previous blog. It doesn't matter how you voted, we still have love for everyone. DJ is passionate about being an informed voter and I love him for that. I think making an informed decision in any situation is a good idea, don't you?
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
My Only Election Blog
I have to say TN, I am almost embarrassed by the percentage of people who voted for each candidate today. Only thirty-eight percent of people in TN voted for Obama. I firmly believe that this vote is a result of a myth that the Church has created in America, or at least in South, that in order to be a Christian you have to vote Republican. Now, I know many of you honestly took the time to research each candidate and make an intelligent decision on who you felt would make the best leader of our country, but for the rest of you...why did you vote for who you voted for? Honestly, i don't even care who you voted for, but I do care why you voted.
Amanda and I sat down and looked over the issues we felt strongly about and looked over where each candidate stood on the issues in order to make our decision. We felt strongly about poverty in third world countries, something Obama has a plan to help fight even more than the AIDS program Bush started. We feel strongly about heath care for children and the option to ave national health care available. Both candidates take a moderate stance on abortion (do your research Mccain supporters), both are doing tax cuts in one way or the other, and both plan on having our troops somewhere. Obama has plans to clean up our environment where as Mccain seem to not care about the green issue at all. Also, we did not like Mccain's stances on the death penalty and gun control.
So why did you vote? I hope that you know that just because you are a Christian doesn't mean you have to vote Republican. God is not a part of a political party. I would challenge all of you to take a long hard look at where you stand politically. Obviously our votes are already in and you cant change that now but please please please dont fall into the trap of the Christian Nation Myth. There is a great book out by Greg Boyd titled Myth of A Christian Nation that speaks on this myth. If you do your research and look back in history this nation was never truly a "Christian Nation." I could spend a whole book just on that book but I will say it greatly influenced how I viewed my voting rights. I would highly recommend you all pick it up and read it or borrow my copy or someone else's...it is that good!! I mean can we honestly say "God Bless America?" Sure a nice thought but I mean why just America? Why cant we think globally? What about the fact that more than half of the world lives on less than $2.50 a day? Or maybe the 30,000 children who die a day due to malnutrition and poverty. Instead, we get hung up on a myth, race, and religion. It is just sad and ignorant. Thats right, ignorant. If you did not do your research and voted republican because you are a Christian, you are ignorant. Im sorry, but that is how I feel. If you did your research and honestly believe the candidate you picked is the right candidate, then thank you for using your right to vote well.
I am proud to have the right to vote. I am proud to call myself a Christ Follower. First and foremost I am proud to call myself a Christ Follower. MCcain is not Jesus and neither is Obama. I challenge you all to seriously take a look at how you view politics on this election night. Congrats to Obama for running a great campaign and winning this election. I believe we have a great four years a head of us.
Amanda and I sat down and looked over the issues we felt strongly about and looked over where each candidate stood on the issues in order to make our decision. We felt strongly about poverty in third world countries, something Obama has a plan to help fight even more than the AIDS program Bush started. We feel strongly about heath care for children and the option to ave national health care available. Both candidates take a moderate stance on abortion (do your research Mccain supporters), both are doing tax cuts in one way or the other, and both plan on having our troops somewhere. Obama has plans to clean up our environment where as Mccain seem to not care about the green issue at all. Also, we did not like Mccain's stances on the death penalty and gun control.
So why did you vote? I hope that you know that just because you are a Christian doesn't mean you have to vote Republican. God is not a part of a political party. I would challenge all of you to take a long hard look at where you stand politically. Obviously our votes are already in and you cant change that now but please please please dont fall into the trap of the Christian Nation Myth. There is a great book out by Greg Boyd titled Myth of A Christian Nation that speaks on this myth. If you do your research and look back in history this nation was never truly a "Christian Nation." I could spend a whole book just on that book but I will say it greatly influenced how I viewed my voting rights. I would highly recommend you all pick it up and read it or borrow my copy or someone else's...it is that good!! I mean can we honestly say "God Bless America?" Sure a nice thought but I mean why just America? Why cant we think globally? What about the fact that more than half of the world lives on less than $2.50 a day? Or maybe the 30,000 children who die a day due to malnutrition and poverty. Instead, we get hung up on a myth, race, and religion. It is just sad and ignorant. Thats right, ignorant. If you did not do your research and voted republican because you are a Christian, you are ignorant. Im sorry, but that is how I feel. If you did your research and honestly believe the candidate you picked is the right candidate, then thank you for using your right to vote well.
I am proud to have the right to vote. I am proud to call myself a Christ Follower. First and foremost I am proud to call myself a Christ Follower. MCcain is not Jesus and neither is Obama. I challenge you all to seriously take a look at how you view politics on this election night. Congrats to Obama for running a great campaign and winning this election. I believe we have a great four years a head of us.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Following the Way
I have been challenged quite a bit the past few weeks to make sure I am following what God has for Amanda and I's new life together. The trick is not being lazy about listening to His voice and watching His hand move in your life. Amanda and I talked about the fact that it is not that we are angry with God or not expecting Him to do something, rather quite the opposite. We just expect things to happen therefore we don't hold up our end. We don't dig into the word and we don't spend time with our Father. Once you get out of the habit of spending some time alone with God, it is really difficult to start up again. All of that said, I fell really close to my God this morning, something I can honestly say has not happened in a while. Not that I have been sinning like crazy or giving God the middle finger, but I just haven't spent time with HIm. I know I need my God in my life now more than ever. I want to build such a beautiful picture of love for others to see that people cant help but stop and stare. Hopefully they can see this through Amanda and I's love for each-other and the life we have started together and maybe even through our actions towards others. Apathy is such an easy way out though. Just not caring is exactly what the enemy wants I think (yeah I know I am sounding mega Christianeese today).
All of that said, I think Amanda and I are both looking for that fire again. Trying to figure out how to light at at this point in our spiritual journey. Not trying to light an old fire, because honestly that fire has already been put out and is not worth restarting. Instead, searching for that new spark. God has really blessed us with an amazing life. I could not ask for anything more. I am the happiest an luckiest man on earth. But, I know that God calls me to give Him all of me and through that He takes what we think is a great life and makes it unbelievable. Not always good in our eyes, but a powerful and true image of God's love for us.
All of that said, I think Amanda and I are both looking for that fire again. Trying to figure out how to light at at this point in our spiritual journey. Not trying to light an old fire, because honestly that fire has already been put out and is not worth restarting. Instead, searching for that new spark. God has really blessed us with an amazing life. I could not ask for anything more. I am the happiest an luckiest man on earth. But, I know that God calls me to give Him all of me and through that He takes what we think is a great life and makes it unbelievable. Not always good in our eyes, but a powerful and true image of God's love for us.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Two weeks later :)
Hi friends!
It has been a while since we posted anything so I figured you all would enjoy an update on the life of Mr. and Mrs. Lipscomb.
Married life is simply incredible. I don't think we have ever been happier in our lives! As can be seen in our pictures, we had an awesome time on our honeymoon. We pretty much did nothing but watch movies and relax...a much needed vacation. Living together is pretty much the coolest thing on the planet. I can't get over the feeling I get coming home to Amanda or waiting for her to come home knowing that I do not have to leave later on that night.
God really did design this thing perfectly. Such a testimony to what true Christianity, in my opinion, should look like. Serving each other, loving each other, and learning more about each other are all things we should be doing with everyone. What a beautiful picture it is to practice that with my best friend.
I hope all of you get to experience what Amanda and I share someday. I never imagined that being married could be as amazing as it is. Thank God for coming up with such a kick a idea ;)
It has been a while since we posted anything so I figured you all would enjoy an update on the life of Mr. and Mrs. Lipscomb.
Married life is simply incredible. I don't think we have ever been happier in our lives! As can be seen in our pictures, we had an awesome time on our honeymoon. We pretty much did nothing but watch movies and relax...a much needed vacation. Living together is pretty much the coolest thing on the planet. I can't get over the feeling I get coming home to Amanda or waiting for her to come home knowing that I do not have to leave later on that night.
God really did design this thing perfectly. Such a testimony to what true Christianity, in my opinion, should look like. Serving each other, loving each other, and learning more about each other are all things we should be doing with everyone. What a beautiful picture it is to practice that with my best friend.
I hope all of you get to experience what Amanda and I share someday. I never imagined that being married could be as amazing as it is. Thank God for coming up with such a kick a idea ;)
Friday, August 8, 2008
Last deep breath!
I think that may have been the title to another blog but oh well.
Man, as many times as I have said it already I am in this place to say it again today. What a heavy year! Now that we are on the home stretch to our big day I find myself replaying all of the events that have come to pass so far this year...part of that do to the amazing interviews my band mates have done this week and part do to sharing our story with new friends. August 23rd is going to be such an incredible celebration. For me, it is a beautiful day of selflessness. I want everyone to enjoy this moment together with us. Marriage is a huge act of selflessness and I love it. I want to give myself up, let go of who I have been and become who I was made to be, for Amanda and ultimately for God. So, get ready for a party! It is time to celebrate the journey that 2008 has brought us, victories and failures, darkness and light.
I have had to take many deep breaths the past few days for sure. Just trying to wrap all of the details up. I have thought about everything so much I am not even sure I know what we have left to do :P
I am seriously scattered brained at the moment...what was I blogging about...well we are ready to egt married, ready to move on in 08, ready to start a new life, and ready ready ready reaaaadddy to see where God is leading us. That is all I can think of right now. This new journey. Im ready to start life over and so thrilled that I get to do that with my best friend. Wow, so beautiful. Anyway, I should stop before I continue to ramble.
See you in two weeks as the new Mr and Mrs DJ Lipscomb!
-DJ
Man, as many times as I have said it already I am in this place to say it again today. What a heavy year! Now that we are on the home stretch to our big day I find myself replaying all of the events that have come to pass so far this year...part of that do to the amazing interviews my band mates have done this week and part do to sharing our story with new friends. August 23rd is going to be such an incredible celebration. For me, it is a beautiful day of selflessness. I want everyone to enjoy this moment together with us. Marriage is a huge act of selflessness and I love it. I want to give myself up, let go of who I have been and become who I was made to be, for Amanda and ultimately for God. So, get ready for a party! It is time to celebrate the journey that 2008 has brought us, victories and failures, darkness and light.
I have had to take many deep breaths the past few days for sure. Just trying to wrap all of the details up. I have thought about everything so much I am not even sure I know what we have left to do :P
I am seriously scattered brained at the moment...what was I blogging about...well we are ready to egt married, ready to move on in 08, ready to start a new life, and ready ready ready reaaaadddy to see where God is leading us. That is all I can think of right now. This new journey. Im ready to start life over and so thrilled that I get to do that with my best friend. Wow, so beautiful. Anyway, I should stop before I continue to ramble.
See you in two weeks as the new Mr and Mrs DJ Lipscomb!
-DJ
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