How Perfectly Simple

"And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice."
1 Kings 19:12

Wow. It's amazing how Scripture written over two thousand years ago can still ring true in my heart. It's eternal relevance is a testament of its Inspiration. The above scripture from 1 Kings describes, almost to a tee, the season in which I've found myself. The Lord had to come in a break up ground that had become dry. (Yes, even in ministry there are seasons of dryness-- I know, I was shocked at first, too.) Much like an earthquake, I could feel things in my life begin to shake. It was a slight shift but quickly grew. Soon after, there was a fire. The Spirit of God began to burn away worldviews, loyalties, and ventures that would have severely hindered God's direction for my life. The beauty of it all is the still small voice that came after. That's what makes it worth it. It's like the calm after the storm. You look around and see the debris and mess being swept out to sea. You hear the voice of Your Savior and know that He prepared and protected your heart for every step on the way. That, my friend and dear reader, is the beauty of the still small voice.

Tonight, I was worshiping along with the International House of Prayer (IHOP), online, and began to immerse myself in the Presence of the Lord. Soon, my prayers turned to Leah and our future life together. Above all else, my prayer was that I could love her extravagantly. It's like the Holy Spirit was waiting for the perfect opportunity. Immediately, I heard the Holy Spirit speak. Love Me extravagantly. As your love for Me grows, your love for Leah will increase. In my heart of hearts, I knew what He was saying. I knew that if I kept Jesus as the King of my life, our marriage, and our home He would take care of everything else that burdened my heart-- that included being the priest of our home, the godly husband, and loving father that I am called to be. How perfect is that? How perfectly simple. Love Me. I'll take care of everything else.

One cool thing that the Holy Spirit put on my heart was to begin journaling-- for my sons. Starting today, I'll begin writing down struggles, answered prayers, crappy songs that never get performed, and testimonies of how God worked in their parents lives. I'll encourage them, council them, and fill them in on my mistakes. The contents will be kept away until they are old enough to handle the honesty of their dad, but I don't mind sharing the first entry as a close to this blog:

Dear son,

It's your dad. I'm 22 years old right now. Your mom and I haven't even married yet. Just wanted to let you know that I'm really excited about being your dad. One of my biggest fears is not being a good dad. I'm sure you can share in my concern. Here's what I'm going to do: I'm going to love your mom, love Jesus, and do my best. I know I'll make mistakes but I'm asking you to forgive me already. Son, love the Lord. It's always worth it. It will always be worth it. Oh!-- and remember, I will always love you. 

Love,

Dad

"Bread & Sweet Tea" (Camp #1 2010 Reflections)

I was looking through my old Facebook notes and found something that I typed up around this time last year, Saturday, June 12, 2010. I had just led worship at Louisiana Youth Ministries Camp #1. It was a strange and humbling experience leading worship where I had been led in worship for so many years. And now, back in time we go...

Last night, I sat in my room at 12:41AM completely in awe at Who our God is.

In that room by myself, I knew that God didn't see me as the camp worship leader, "that guy" who leads worship in youth or Chi Alpha, or anything else. I had "More Than Life" by Hillsong playing. The Holy Spirit highlighted the first verse for me: "Stand by the promises we made, Let go of everything I've done, I'll run into Your open arms, And all I know, is I love You more than life." In my room with the curtains closed and the lights off, He saw me as the son He loved. We talked about camp and how awesome the people were, and how humbling it is to think that God would use me to lead His worship.

All I could say was that I loved Him more than life. For me, that meant that I loved Jesus more than leading worship, more than music, more than anything. It was then that the Holy Spirit prompted me to do something that I hadn't done by myself... I had Communion with the Lord.

We didn't have unleavened bread and grape juice, so whole wheat bread and sweet tea had to do. I figured that Jesus was more interested in the heart of it anyway.

I sat on the edge of my bed in the dark with tea and a slice of bread, and I just began to cry before the Lord. I'd never felt the presence of God like that before. So intimate. So real. Just for me. I love You more than life. He loved me more than life. He knew me so thoroughly, but he still used me. All I could think was "If not for Grace..."

If Jesus can use me, he can use you. Today, make quality time to spend with Jesus. He loves you so much. I know you make find that to be cliche, but everything about Who God is hinges on His love and holiness.

To end, LYM Camp #1 was amazing. Worshiping with everyone was phenomenal! We all had the best time. A special THANK YOU goes out to Pastor Allen Chapin and all of the staff that pulled off another great camp! Most of all, thank you Jesus for those saved, baptized with the Holy Spirit, and called for your purposes! Praise the Lord!

Wow, to think how much can change in a year and how much I've changed. Crazy. I've been leading worship at Gateway Church for the past year, am now engaged, and am moving to Southwestern Assemblies of God University to finish my Music Ministries degree. I am humbled at God's grace, love, and His commitment to the call on my life. All I can think is "If not for Grace..."

Want to read an even earlier blast from the past? Click Here!
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Let's Be Honest

James 1. You should re-read it. No doubt.

My beautiful fiancee, Leah, and I are reading through the book of James together. I'm not even half a chapter in, and I am already feeling refreshed and checked by the Holy Spirit. I thought I'd share with you what I feel so strongly in my heart right now.

"Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do."
James 1:8, NLT

One of the hardest things for me to do is to be honest with God. Yes, I understand that He knows everything already, but there is something completely different about talking to Him about what I'm thinking and going through. It's revealing and intimidating, but if we can push ourselves to that kind of honesty with Jesus it's so rewarding.

I try to look at my relationship with Jesus like I would with Leah, my fiancee, or Jacob, my best friend. If I went months without hanging out with either one of them, talking to them, or listening to them, I could tell them I love them all I want-- my actions would testify against me. I feel like it's the same with Jesus. When we boil it down, we do what we really want to do. At the end of the day, whatever we care about gets done.

Epic. Random. Smile. They're monkeys.

One of the things that I've had to be honest with God about is that I don't always want to serve Him. I don't always think that being a Christian is the best thing in the world. I know, I know. This may offend some of you, or take you off guard. This is a step I've been practicing in my process of being honest with God. Check it: God already knows what's in my heart. It's liberating to talk to Him about it. It allows an opportunity for Him to come in and minister and remind me how fun and awesome He really is-- and that's what strengthens our relationship.

I've chosen to be honest with Jesus. I want to sin. It's tempting. And I think it's dumb that I can't do what I want. But, here's the amazing thing: "We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin" (Hebrews 4:15 NIV). Jesus understands. He's been there-- and made it. So, I have no problem praying, "Lord, help me to want to want you, to want to do Your will." He gets it. Even better, he gives me grace to do His will. That's the beautiful thing. I learn that I can trust Him. I mean, what's the point of having a "friend" (John 15:15) in Jesus if we don't act like it.

So, what's with the scripture from James 1 all about. Well, the new thing I'm being honest with the Lord about is that there are some things about the world that I really like. There are areas in my life where I have "divided loyalties"-- we all have those areas. Honestly.

Here's my prayer tonight: Jesus, I need to you to take my heart's desires and touch them. Lord, I want you to take charge of my emotions and my wants-- because I can't trust them. I can't trust them when my flesh and Your Spirit are at war. Although my heart isn't cooperating in every area, I'm going to trust You anyway. Lord, I trust that Your plan for my life is better than mine. I trust that You love me no matter what. I trust that You're for me. Help me to want to want your will in every facet of me life. I love You, I promise. I love You. I love You. I love You.

Worship Perspectives: The Shekinah Glory

Wow. All I can say is that my heart is so full right now. My mom had surgery today and my dad is due for an MRI on his back; things are uncertain. But when I'm in the presence of the Lord, it doesn't matter. It fades. I recently discovered this new worship song by Cory Asbury, "Shekinah Glory". My world has been changed because of how God has used this song. I can't get it out of my head. I don't want to. In a sense, it's spurred me on to "seek and find" (Matthew 7) more of God.

I am so excited to lead this song one day. Though, the lyrics got me thinking. As a worship leader, it's my responsibility to either pick songs that have spiritual concepts that my fellow worshipers can understand OR I should take the time to explain the concept. Too many times this is neglected, and it leaves people confused and disengaged or sincerely singing words that mean nothing to them. So, before I invite you to worship with me at the end of this blog, let's find out, briefly, what Shekinah glory really is.

I always dissect a song before I teach/lead it.

WHAT IS SHEKINAH GLORY?
The word shekinah does not appear in the Bible, but the concept clearly does. The Jewish rabbis coined this extra-biblical expression, a form of a Hebrew word that literally means "he caused to dwell," signifying that it was a divine visitation of the presence or dwelling of JEHOVAH God on this earth. The Shekinah was first evident when the Israelites set out from Succoth in their escape from Egypt. There it appeared as a cloudy pillar in the day and a fiery pillar by night: “After leaving Succoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people” (Exodus 13:20-22).

God spoke to Moses out of the pillar of cloud in Exodus 33, assuring him that His Presence would be with the Israelites (v. 9). Verse 11 says God spoke to Moses “face to face” out of the cloud, but when Moses asked to see God’s glory, God told Him, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live” (v. 20). So, apparently, the visible manifestation of God’s glory was somewhat muted. When Moses asked to see God’s glory, God hid Moses in the cleft of a rock, covered him with His hand, and passed by. Then He removed His hand, and Moses saw only His back. This would seem to indicate that God’s glory is too awesome and powerful to be seen completely by man.

SO WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR US, TODAY, IN WORSHIP?
When we sing, "release the fulness of Your Spirit, Shekinah glory come, Shekinah Glory come", we're simply asking God to make his presence manifest. Yes, He is always with us. If we have asked Jesus Christ to forgive us and be with us, His spirit dwells within us. In this case, we are asking God to move in a special way-- to move upon our hearts, to speak to us, and to manifest Himself in ways that are more uncommon. Personally, my goal as a worshiper is to live in the "uncommon" manifestations of His presence.

So, I invite you to shut off to world for a moment, and worship with me. I know this song will bless you. Not only will it move you deeply, it will have you dancing for joy by the end. Be blessed. I love you. More importantly, God loves you, and He cares for you so, so much.

Haints: Not Your Average Paranormal Webseries

     Haints is a new, independent webseries that promises to deliver on the paranormal! Haints is the story of a group of paranormal investigators who happen to be paranormal themselves. Director, Audra Caitlyn Moss, tells us Haints is "X-Men meets every vampire movie you've ever seen-- with a twist!" Oh! Sweet Audra, you had me at X-Men. The thing that interested me the most about this project was the cast (who will be listed below). I was so impressed by the talent that was assembled to make this happen. You're not going to see amateurs. These are a group of professionals who have worked in the film industry, been successful, and are committed to bringing excellence to this project. Before you do anything else, click this link and "like" Haints' facebook page.

     One of the greatest things about Haints is that it's  being filmed and produced here in Louisiana, namely Shreveport. These are our friends, our fellow artists who are pulling this together-- and we have an opportunity to support them in a real way. Haints has partnered with IndieGoGo to create a funding campaign to raise money quickly and securely. IndieGoGo's trusted platform has helped to raise millions of dollars for over 30,000 campaigns, across 197 countries. Haints need our help. Let's give it to them.


     If we pull our quarters, dollars, and credit cards, we can help Haints meet their $3,000 dollar budget. Your support will help purchase camera equipment, SFX contacts and dental wear, costume pieces, editing tools and support salaries for hair/makeup artists, a production assistant, camera/sound equipment operators, a fight choreographer, and the cast. This is an excellent opportunity to support local artist, local ventures, and local dreams. Please help. There is a video on Haint's IndieGoGo page that explains a lot more. I encourage you to take a look and seriously consider giving any little bit that you can. It will make a difference.

 So, in my excitement about this project I decided to "haints" myself. 

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CAST:
Mary Alfred Thoma, Bradley Silman, Audra Caitlyn Moss, Harvard Taylor, Jenna Glorioso, Wanetah Walmsley, Rachael Lee Magill, Luke Sexton, Rodney Hill Jr., Courtney Shay Young, Ariane Perideaux, Kent Jude Bernard, Meade Patton

3,000+ Views & A Big Thanks!

Wow! I legitimately can't believe that you guys have been reading and sharing my blog. What started as a small blogger site with one post about Barnes & Noble is now josephdrinkard.com! Last month we (and yes, I do mean we-- it's a group effort) hit a record number of views. I've been so stoked to share my thoughts and embarrassing moments with you, and I can't wait to bring you all on the ride this next season of my life. As always, keep checking back, oh.. and just pretend you're interested. ok?

my love/hate relationship with starbucks...

I love Starbucks.It's where I go to hang out with good friends on a Saturday morning.I get to chill, nap, talk, and people watch (which I refuse to admit is creepy).

EDIT: Wow! So in editing my site, I accidentally, prematurely posted this Starbucks post that I had been working on... might as well finish this so it's not quiet as embarrassing... at least there is header artwork for it... uh.... BACK TO THE BLOGGING.

However, I always fall into the trap of thinking that I'll get anything worthwhile done while I'm there. I go there with my laptop, books, and even a pair of snazzy glasses; I walk away unstudied and full of caffeine and conversation. I can't say that I'm losing, but I'm definitely not winning.... Charlie Sheen joke!.... anyone get that?... no?.... alright. Moving on.

Will I ever learn? Never. Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade and Splenda Iced Coffee are too good to ignore. So, I will continue to go to Starbucks, bring my books, not study, hang out with friends, and be the happier (and worse) for it.

This Could Be Jesus

I was driving home from my friend Chelsea's house yesterday, and I passed this homeless man on my way. Looking at him, I didn't think about why he was there. I didn't think about what he'd do with the money he'd received that day. I didn't think about how he needed to get a job. I just felt deep down inside that I needed to do something... I also was mega-frustrated that I am notorious for not carrying cash. So, I scrounged together all of the change I could find in my car and rolled down my window.

When he walked over, I could see his eyes. He had beautiful blue eyes. When I put the change in his hand, I could feel his calluses. He had worn hands. When he walked away, I could only think one thing, this could be Jesus.

I know that he was the one less fortunate, but I felt so humbled. In that brief, passing moment he'd taught me something special. I learned that more often than not, I miss opportunities to serve. I, we, miss opportunities to bless and be blessed. I challenge you: take the time, seize the opportunity.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40

#Hashtags Are for Twitter

 

      One thing that I have noticed more and more on Facebook is the use of #hashtags in people's statuses.... stati? Whatever. This is becoming a pet peeve. I would put one of the many examples I've seen, but the guilty parties would most likely see it and.... awkward. One person that I don't mind throwing under the Twitter bus is my friend Weston (because he's a good sport about it). LaBreeska (@la_brees_ka) and I confronted him on his #hashtag Facebook posts, and here's what he had to say (I don't know why I did the strange voice):

     So, there you have it. They just can't. I'll be going to Southwestern Assemblies of God University in the fall to finish my degree. I hope that I don't fall victim to this social media faux pas.

Want to follow me on Twitter so that you can use all the #hashtags that you want? Follow me at: @jdrinkard.
Feel free to share this blog on your Facebook so that we can begin twivangelizing. 

And now, the RANDOM FACEBOOK MOMENT OF THE WEEK:

New Music Tuesday #3 (on a Wednesday?)

     New music Tuesday comes a day late, but it's quite providential. I feel kind of cheated, because I just recently found out about AEVORY. They are a local band in Shreveport, Louisiana and are quickly gaining a following in the music scene 'round these parts. I think they're great-- and you will, too. All you have to do it listen to "Our Last Night" or "Father, Mother", and you'll be hooked... like a fish... on a hook.... baited with awesome music.

     AEVORY definitely delivers the rock/pop vibe in their live shows and is now looking to take the next step into a live recording in-studio. Not only that, but they are taking a camera crew into the studio to capture it all.

CLICK THIS LINK, YUP, THIS ONE.

     They need our help to do it. KickStarter.com will back AEVORY's project if and only if $500 is raised by Friday, July 22 at 10:37PM. (I know, real specific.) $500 shouldn't stop anyone from reaching their goal. You can help make this happen. You can donate $1. It's just a dollar, and you can afford it. I gave a dollar. Just saying.

This will take you to the secure kickstart.com site to donate.

They see me rollin'...

Yup! My first car was a 1987 Dodge Daytona. It wasn't as nice as the link shows. I opened the door with a lawn mower cord. I had the throw it in neutral when I turned so it wouldn't stall out.

Now, it's the new 2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS in midnight black. It's my new toy, and I love it. It's my favorite. I've never owned a car with "new car smell." Now, I do.

Joseph & Leah: from first impressions to "she said yes" (Part 3)

The story of mine and Leah's engagement actually begins three days prior to the proposal...

It was Wednesday, June 22. 
     I was packing my bag to go to Lake Charles for the weekend to spend time with Leah and her family. I had the ring for approximately two months, and it was burning a hole in my pocket-- well, actually, the safe in which it was kept. I decided to take the ring with me to Lake Charles just to see if things would play out. Anytime I would go south or do something special with Leah, my mom would ask if I was going to propose. Up until now, I would smile, say no, and continue getting ready. This time was different. This time it felt right. This time, I wanted to know I'd spend the rest of my life with the girl of my dreams. With my duffel bag over my shoulder and keys in hand I turned the knob on our front door. My mom was right on cue.
          "So, are you going to propose?" 
          "Maybe." I said. 
          "WHAT?!?" 
     With a quick, but genuine I love you, I was out the door leaving my mom happy, shocked, and on pins-and-needles.

It was Thursday, June 23. 
     I had arrived late Wednesday night and woken up in the Hathaway's beautiful, two-story home. The house was quiet, cool, and comfortable. My mind, however, was racing. The entire one-hundred and eighty-one mile drive had given me just enough time to thoroughly freak out about asking her parents. I knew that they loved me. I knew that they were supportive of Leah and I. But, there's just something nerve-racking about putting yourself and your relationship out there to hinge on a yes or no.
     Bill, Leah's dad, is an emergency room doctor and was scheduled to work the graveyard shift, so he was asleep. This was almost the excuse that I was looking for to talk myself out of asking. However, Mrs. Kay was up. So, I went to get the ring, put it in my pocket, and headed downstairs. Before I could get nervous again, I simply took the ring out and held it in front of her, smiling.
          "I really need to talk to you about this."
     She freaked. In a good way. She hugged. and cried. and hugged. and stared at the ring. and hugged. and stared some more. I told her that I really wanted to talk to Bill, and she said that she'd keep an eye out for when he was up. I decided that after that small challenge, I'd take a nap on the couch and rest before the big one.
    I woke up a few hours late with Bill nudging my shoulder.
          "Kay said that you had something you wanted to talk to me about."
    I was half asleep, so panic didn't really have time to set in. I was trying to gather my thoughts, act mature, and get my act together. None of the above were happening. In my semi-cognizance,  I blurted out the only thing that came to mind.
          "Sir, I really want to marry your daughter."
     It wasn't the speech about loving her, and providing, and serving the Lord that I had planned, but it got the job done well enough. He smiled, nodded his head, gave a quick blessing, hugged me, and told me he had to get to work. Soon, he was out the door, my heart was pounding, and I knew there was only one thing left to do...

It was Friday, June 24.
     My life was about to change. I knew it. My parents knew it. Bill and Mrs. Kay knew it. Leah was oblivious.
     So there we were at Mazen's, a beautiful Mediterranean restaurant-- one of the nicest restaurants in Lake Charles. The meal was perfect. The food was great. There was a sweet baby sitting beside us that Leah could make faces at. Perfect evening. By the way, I was totally acting like the biggest weirdo throughout the night. Leah kept asking me what was wrong. I kept pulling excuses out of my... head.
   The entree was taken away. Dessert was coming. I was freaking. There was no way that I was leaving that restaurant without a fiance, but things we not as cool, calm, and collected as I was hoping for. So, I went to the bathroom, psyched myself out and went back out there as a champ.
     The table was cleared. The desserts had been ordered. And the ring was in my pocket. My. heart. was. racing. I had never been more sure that I wanted to be with her. I had also never realized that I was putting into motion a series of events that would make me the head of our home, the priest of our household, the father of our children, and the man of God called to love her as Christ loved the church. I know. Big step.
    I don't remember much after that. Blame it on the adrenaline. I remember beginning my speech, getting down of one knee, and taking the ring out of my pocket. She immediately began saying yes, yes, yes. I reminded her that I hadn't actually asked her anything yet.
          "Well ASK me!" She said/shouted, smiling.
     I asked Catherine Leah Hathaway to marry me that night. She said yes. I put the diamond ring on her finger and kissed her for the first time as my fiance. To my surprise, the restaurant applauded, ladies came over to congratulate us, and the hostess asked to take our picture. The night was perfect.

     Now the exciting part begins. I get to spend the rest of my life loving her-- and I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

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