Saturday, September 30, 2006

Come Alive...

Well, considering summer has been over (ie school has been in session) for about two months now, I guess I should really write my end of the summer blog, huh? I know- it's been way too long... and "way too long" is what you'd say about this blog if I explained everything I learned this summer! So I will just tell you this-- my summer has been all about restoration, revived dreams, and leaping into the unknown. It's been challenging, difficult, terrifying, and AMAZING.

If I have learned anything, it is that we, as Christians, so often allow fear to paralyze us- limiting the incredible plans God has for us! If I can impart anything to you, it is this: It is time to face your fears and refuse to live a life of mediocrity! God intends to use you in ways beyond your imagination... if you are only willing to trust Him and step out in faith!

God has been chipping away at me for a long time on this subject, but it was through my friend Alex's music that He finally broke me. These are the two songs that hit the hardest- please read these lyrics and allow them to sink into your heart!

Come Alive
Alex Nifong

time and time and time again
I find myself up against
the borders of my belief
backin up back into
what's familiar, what I can do
but comfort brings no relief
cause something's still calling me
through the walls I can hear them scream

come alive out here
watch the dreams you've always wanted appear
come alive, don't you hide behind those walls
if you think there's more to life
from the passion deep inside
come alive, come alive

standing up and stepping out
I'm walkin through walls of doubt
I found they weren't so strong at all
breakin through I found the truth
there really isn't anything you can't do
if you have a little faith, don't be afraid

what is there to live for
inside of your invisible cage
tell me if you want more
then why would you stay
locked up safe inside
a world where nothing will change
you know you were made for greater things

so come alive out here
watch the dreams you've always wanted appear
come alive, don't you hide behind those walls
if you think there's more to life
from the passion deep inside
come alive, come alive


if tomorrow is too late
you better take your chance today to come alive... come alive


Shadows
Alex Nifong

sometimes we live our lives through someone else
take our dreams and place them safely on the shelf
sometimes we walk away from all we want
with self-absorbed and pitiful stories to tell

I've been standing in the shadows
where my better half can hide
I've been standing in the shadows
afraid of what the world may find

maybe it's my time to shine
leave my fear far behind me now
maybe it's my time to shine
leave my fears far behind me now
far behind me now

sometimes our minds just don't seem to wanna let it rest
when we know deep down we've chosen to settle for second best
sometime we wonder what would happen if we made our move
if we took our chances and placed our bets and never lived with regret

sometimes we think that it's too late to chase our dreams
but don't be afraid of the life you're leavin
it's tryin to keep you from believin
it's your time to shine
leave your fears far behind you now
maybe it's your time to shine
leave your fears far behind you now
far behind you now



I thought this would be a summer of rest... little did I know that one trip to Atlanta would turn to 8, and I would be challenged and encouraged like never before! I am extremely lucky to have so many incredible friends in my life here in Auburn who have encouraged these new aspirations- but I am especially thankful for these three God had waiting on me in Atlanta-- Alex Nifong, who's music and friendship and testimony would make me finally surrender to the plans God had waiting for me and who would encourage and teach me as I stepped out in faith -- Matt Vaughan, who would challenge and encourage and speak truth into me like no one ever has -- and Carrie Pridemore, who would support me, love me as a sister, and pray for me and with me as I worked through it all. You are blessings straight from the Father into my life!

Please pray for me as I take this leap of faith to pursue music. You can see my new myspace account www.myspace.com/erickabennett -- I hope to have original music up someday soon. If you'd like to purchase Alex's CD you can visit www.alexnifong.com, or http://cdbaby.com/cd/nifong. It continues to encourage and challenge me every time I listen!


1 Comments:

At 3:00 PM, Blogger Christy G said...

i'm so excited for you girl!! i know the Lord has great things planned for you. i really want to catch up soon. and i would love to check out that book you were talking about. so soon, very soon, we will hang out!! much love!!

 

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