Christmas Radio Tour

December 7th, worship artist Dana Marie joined me and my band to perform a couple Christmas songs on 100 Huntley Street. We showed up at the studio around 7am, and had already been up for 2 hours. We knew it was going to be a long day. One of the songs was featured that same day, and the other will be aired later next week.

Our next stop was at Joy1250 in Oakville. We met up with program director Jim Leek, and he gave us a lovely tour and introduced us to all the staff. I have been to Joy1250 several times on the Drew Marshall Show. This past week, I also learned a friend of mine, Graham Watt, (director of Power to Change, formerly known as Campus for Christ) was interviewed on Drew's program :) I met Graham during my early years in Guelph, leading on the Campus for Christ worship team.

Our next stop was all the way to Life100.3 in Barrie, ON. The studio inside definitely has its own flair to it. Its fun, cozy, lots of energetic people working on staff.  We met briefly with Scott Jackson (station manager), Steve Jones (program director) who gave us a thorough tour, and were later interviewed by Junky Rhodes. Junky interviewed me on my upcoming single, music video, favourite places to play, and more! You can catch the interview by clicking HERE!

Dana Marie, and Amy Savin w/ Junky Rhodes @ Life100.3

December 8th, we stopped by 94.3 FaithFm in Kitchener to be interviewed by Pat Murphy. Lots of fun and laughs on air. This is one of those stations that though it reaches a smaller demographic, the cambridge/kitchener/waterloo listeners are really loyal. They love calling in, making requests, and staying on top of concerts and contests.

FaithFm 94.3 Kitchener/Waterloo Region.

December 9th we spent time with Richard DeJonge and Scott Card at InspireFm in London. Richard had pre-recorded a special greeting for Dana and I through the iPhone app, Songify. I'm sure we inspired listeners all over to do the same ;)  Talk about groovy beats. Ha. We also ended up speaking a little Dutch on air. I tried to throw down some of my Serbian heritage, but Richard and Dana adopted me into their dutch family.

Our next stop was at the headquarters of Compassion Canada. We made some more connections with the staff there, and talked about future Compassion projects. Dana will be traveling to the Dominican in January to see the work Compassion does there. You will most likely see us presenting this ministry at various locations we play.

Last but not least, it was a huge delight to visit Al Baker from UCB 89.3FM. We had a lovely chat that will be airing this coming week, along with our new Christmas single that has already been playing. 

89.3Fm Amy & Dana with Al Baker

105.9InspireFM

What can I say, it was a great experience to meet so many wonderful people, and connect with the faces behind the scenes. Each station runs things just a bit differently, and has their own strengths, and goals. I think sometimes within the Christian community we can take radio for granted. We think it will always be there. I do know that without listener support, it cannot run itself. Thank you to those who have been involved in supporting the arts, and radio ministry.


Hope you enjoy our latest Christmas release:

Music & Ministry

Hello friends, and bloggers, and those who have happened to come across my blog by chance :)

Its my pleasure to spend a few moments writing about what my life of music and ministry has looked like over this past month. Its been great to connect with so many students. From the University of Waterloo, to Briercrest College in Regina Saskatchewan, to a small private school in Toronto called Signet Christian school. While I love all age groups and audiences, I have definitely always had a special place in my heart for youth, or my own peer group. I like to be able to share messages of encouragement while coming from the same place the audience is at. Sometimes it can be challenging, but I love that at every performance there is always a time where the audience puts down their guard, and welcomes you in. Sometimes it means you crack a few stupid jokes, ...sometimes it means just being vulnerable, and real.

I had a wonderful time at Breircrest college. I'll confess that coming out of the airport and driving down a long, flat, empty road was a huge change from the busy city life in Guelph or Toronto, but there was something very liberating about having all that space! I traveled there as one of Compassion Canada's artists, with my representative Leroy Harder. We dedicated a whole chapel service to the awareness of Compassion ministries. I was able to share some of my own original music, as well as talk about my involvement with Compassion, and encourage the students to be a part of something bigger. We weren't sure how exactly this kind of presentation would be received, especially since most students are trying to come out of debt, but praise God that so many new children were sponsored that day. A very encouraging experience for sure.

I must also mention, you never know during your travels all the other personal appointments that God is going to create along the way. I am constantly humbled by the ways in which God works. After the event, when I was talking with the students, one girl named Becca waited around longer than anyone else to introduce herself, and thank me for being there. I was really touched by that. She later on explained how over the last 17 months she had been battling chronic chest pain, symptoms similar to that of a heart attack 24/7. She had prayed the night before I came that God would send someone to her, with a word of encouragement. I have had my own struggles with health issues (digestive disorders, vocal nodules, TMJ, migraines). Some of them I still battle, but it was neat how we could build each other up, and recognize God's goodness through all of it. Our suffering is not meaningless in Christ. There is always a purpose, and in that, is so much hope. We are being purified, and strengthened. When we are weak He is strong! I want to invite any of you who are reading this, to pray for Becca! I asked permission to share about her, but she doesn't know that I am going to invite all of you to join me in prayer. Lets pray for healing in her life, that the work of God will be made complete, and full. This is the body of Christ all over Canada, all over the world. God is so good.


Another beautiful experience I want to share about is my time with the Signet Christian school. I believe the students ranged from grade 5 to 10. I was supposed to show up with my guitarist, Jake Ivens, but he was unable to make it that day. I wondered how entertaining I could be to a bunch of energetic youth,  but we had a blast.

I was invited by Miriam Kemppainen, a beautiful and kind lady, with such a big heart for the Lord, and for children. Everyone at Signet feels like one big family, and I can tell they all love and respect each other. The boys were so helpful, and excited to help me unload gear out of the car. When I found out I forgot my guitar capo, one student ran all the way to a near by music shop where his parents worked, and let me borrow one! I sang some of my own songs, invited the students to join in, and we even did some improv! What can I say, after the performance was over, I just felt the love pouring in. None of them were shy, and all of them wanted a hug. And this is why I love what I do.

Its December now, ...time flies quickly. I'm nearing the end of a Christmas radio tour with local artist Dana Marie! Its been a lot of fun, and probably my next blog coming shortly.

Hope you all are doing well, and keeping warm. I heard a statistic today--- that Canadians are the number one users of the internet. I'm convinced its because its so cold and no one wants to go outside. Eh?

I Never Thought I Was Beautiful

When I was a little girl, even as young as 4 or 5 years old, I remember feeling really insecure when it came to outward beauty. One day on the Kindergarden playground, a girl who was older, started picking on me.  The only thing I could think of at the time, was that I must be ugly. 

Another time I remember getting in trouble from my parents. I stormed into the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, I remember feeling disgusted. "It's because I'm ugly", I thought. "Who would have compassion on an ugly kid?"

Its not that my parents ever made comments to me to tear me down, but looking around, at all my other friends, and my siblings, I never thought I had much to compete with. 

Lets just say, I was always hoping that one day this ugly duckling, would become something beautiful. 

My dad had always stressed to me the importance of inner beauty, and so I guess thats where I always ended up. Working on my character instead. 

What is my point in all of this? 

Fast forward to today, ...wow! Many years have elapsed since elementary, junior high, or  high-school. I must admit, it wasn't until my mid twenties that I actually started to feel comfortable with who I am. Its strange, at the time, highs-school seemed like it was my life. Amazing how the time flies, and I rarely see any of my peers. Still, it doesn't mean the pressure isn't there all around us, every day, for women to be beautiful.

You may ask, "Amy... are you STILL insecure? Or do you now think you're beautiful?"

I have generally ignored this question my whole life. I'm not sure why. I guess as the years went on, I really didn't care. If I'm VERY honest with myself, I think I always saw my younger sister as the more beautiful one. She has the blue eyes, the darker skin, ...the perfect smile. 

Part of me thinks, well... if God made me this way, I should be thankful. I should delight. I guess the only answer I can think of is, if we compare ourselves to eachother, we might always find someone more or less beautiful. Beauty is also in the eye of the beholder, so who's to know? 

How about I ask a better question. What do I even consider beautiful? The older I get, the more and more it looks like the same thing the Word of God says:

Proverbs 31:30

³⁰ Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
      But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised

Its funny, this is how I was raised, and this is what I always return to. When I see Jesus inside someone else, there isn't anything to me that could be more beautiful. How often have we known someone who was absolutely gorgeous, but because of their character, they became ugly to us?

I think if people were to look at me and see something only surface, never see the love of God, it would be my greatest regret. Even when I look at guys, the most attractive ones have been those who reflect the heart of God. There is a deeper beauty that this world shys away from. Media today just sells sex. Body parts are becoming so exposed, so exploited, ...there is no substance, no lasting fulfilment. 

I Peter 3:4

³ Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— ⁴ rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

Let me tell you this, if you see any happy couples, loving each other way into old age, I'm pretty sure its not because they think they are hot stuff. Love is so much deeper. When you love someone, it is about loving their soul, their spirit, their mind. 

Ladies, if you spend all your life TRYING to attract the opposite sex by flaunting yourself, you will ALWAYS be needing to do that. And where will you draw the line? If  you think that by dressing provocatively you will be saving yourself time, because all the guys will flock to you, I question which kinds of guys you are actually attracting.

What do I think is beautiful? I'll say it again:

A meek and quiet spirit. A person who fears God. 

To me, beautiful is the person that everyone loves, and feels loved by, and all the while, that person has no clue just how many lives they have impacted!

September 23rd

Sept 7th 2011

"The closer I get to God, the more He entrusts me with; the more I need Him. The Christian life: from faith to faith".
~Amy

Amy Savin & Mia Fieldes from HILLSONG

Amy Savin & Mia Fieldes (Hillsong)

Ribfest 2011

Amy Savin & Band; Ribfest 2011

Amy Savin & Band; Ribfest 2011

Amy Savin & Band; Ribfest 2011

Do You Know the Holy Spirit?

I was 15 years old when I fully gave my life to the Lord. You may ask, "What does that even mean???"

Simply this: I made the decision that from that point onward, I was going to surrender my will, and my life to God, and allow Jesus to have full reign over me. Jesus would control my thoughts, my actions, and my speech. I learned of Jesus in God's word, and prayed each day to become more and more like him. On my own I could not succeed, because spiritually, Amy was already dead. I had to burry my old self, my old ways, and allow Christ to ARISE in me. Apostle Paul said, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Gal 2:20). The moment I asked Jesus to reign in my heart, I became spiritually awakened, ALIVE, and received the gift of eternal life. Dear friends, you are reading the blog of one who will never die!

Many people think that "in order for me to come to God I first must clean up my own life so He will accept me." I'm telling you now, if that is what you are waiting to do, you will never be able to come. Your life will never be clean enough. If you try and stop "sinning" on your own, you will fail every time. You need the Power of Christ. You cannot change on your own. You cannot remain faithful to the LORD unless His SPIRIT is living in you. Eternal life is to know God. If you do not know him, you are already dead. 

You need to pray for forgiveness. Pray for His spirit to live in you, so that your OLD self can be buried!! You receive His Spirit through faith and through prayer.

Dear Christians, ...what is your life supposed to look like? Do you KNOW the Spirit?


- Does your heart hurt for the lost for those who are unsaved? Jesus weeps over these people. Do you?
- Do you care for the lonely, the sick, the tired, the poor, imprisoned?
- Are you sensitive to sin? Do you hate what God hates and love what He loves?
- Do you have power over sin? Or do you give into temptation every time?
- Are you able to love others freely without casting judgement, or holding grudges?
- Does the way you dress say more about this world? Or more about Christ?
- Do you care for your brothers and sisters?
- Do you hunger and thirst for TRUTH?
- Do you spend time in God's work and speaking to Him each day? Or do you just run to Him when you need him??

Being a Christian is not a fancy titled, or something to list on Facebook as your religious orientation. To be a Christian means to be Christ-like.


Jesus speaking to His disciples:
John 14:
(15)“If you love me, you will obey what I command. (16) And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor [the Holy Spirit] to be with you forever— (17) the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will bec in you. 1


When God looks into your heart, does He see YOU or His Son? 


Friends, Brothers, Sisters, ....this question is so important to answer. There are many many people who are going to be terribly disappointed at the end of their lives. It is true that you are not saved by your works, you are saved by your faith and by the grace of God. But if you had the faith, your life would also bring forth the fruit:


Galations 5
(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.


If you do not have the mind of Christ, the Heart of Christ, what is going to save you? You must have faith in the Saviour Jesus Christ. If you have faith in Him, you will be changed by Him forever. His Spirit will live in you-- His spirit will speak to you, comfort you, chasten, lead you, bring to your remembrance words from the scripture in times of struggle,... In His spirit, you will be able to do ALL things. You will be victorious.


Before Jesus rose to heaven he told his disciples that He would leave His Spirit with them and with us. What an incredible gift. What an incredible responsibility we have to appreciate it.

There When You Are

Words & Music by Amy Savin

The Saviour asked "dear Peter, do you love me? 

Peter replied, "Lord you know I do" 

Then again and again, the Saviour said "Do you love me? 

If you do, feed my sheep, feed my lambs"

'Cause I see one stumbling down, And no one's around.   

I see one wandering away, I see one too weak to pray, 

And she's dying to found. 

To be my hands and feet, You love the least of these.

My heart is there when you are.

My heart is there when you are.

You say you love me; You love me three times,

But you're asking "when Lord, when were you hungry, when were you cold?"

You say, "When were you sick? Lord, When were you naked?"

I am hurting every time my own hurt.

Do you see the forgotten one,

Do you know that's my son?

Oh he's been walking the streets, with tired and wounded feet,

But there's no place to call home. 

With your mouth you speak, but it's your body I need.

My heart is there when you are.

My heart is there when you are.

Bridge:

I'm a father to the fatherless

A mother's arms to her restless,

A brother to the broken hearted

So if I'm the vine, and you're the branches

You're my body as it reaches to all nations, into every heart

Oh I see one stumbling down, they need you now.  

I see one wandering away, I see one too weak to pray, 

Will you show them how? 

To be my hands and feet, You love the least of these.

My heart is there when you are.

My heart is there when you are.

SUMMER IS NOT OVER!!

Rocky Ridge Ranch 2011

Well isn't that the truth?? Summer is indeed still alive and well.  I can't decide whether I feel like it's been too long or too short at the moment.  I feel like I've travelled the world these past few months, and by world I really mean the United States. Ohio, New York... I was recently in Harrisonburg Virginia at a Christian camp. It was a long busy week of leading worship, and running around helping out with various activities, but it's one of those things I do every year. I love all the relationships that are built there. When you have a bunch of wired/ weird girls in the same room, you KNOW you're in for a good ABB work out. I quite enjoy those moments of laughter. Thank the good Lord for humour.  Keeps me sane. Before that I was at Rocky Ridge, helping out at a youth retreat, came back from vacation at Grand Bend.. and this week helping out at our local vacation bible school.

Other than that-- I'm still pretty booked up for shows this August, so feel free to come out! Check the 'events' tab on amysavin.com for details. I have a new radio program called "Because You Asked" that airs in California. My first episode was aired last week. It's an interview I did with my dad before he left for Zambia. Feel free to listen up at : http://www.oc-talkradio.com/amy-savin.html. I may blog more specifically about this show later.

Next little TID-BIT of info, I am proud to say that I am an official partner with Compassion Canada. I recently just sponsored my own Child, Mushimiyimana. True story: I cannot pronounce her name, but she is absolutely precious! She is from Rwanda and is quite the athlete! What I love about Compassion is the way they focus on 3 C's: Christ, Child, Church. They have churches set up in all of their locations who work directly with the children you sponsor. I'll be presenting more of Compassion at the various events I play at. I hope to really spread the word. It's such a simple way to make a BIG difference.

On scene of music video location for FLY ROBIN

Other news in the making: in a couple weeks I'll be working on my first ever MUSIC VIDEO :) Multi-media guy & movie producer Peter Rollo is flying out from Cali to shoot the movie, as well as my brother Ryan. I'm really excited to see how this all pans out. I was stressing about it, because it is a TON of work, but at the end of the day, I think I just need to remind myself why I do this.... and to be thankful that I can. Pursuing this music career, nothing has been handed to me on a platter, but I must say--- you do gain a lot of wisdom in doing things yourself. You also have complete control over all your projects. It's kind of neat to be able to produce things independently. It causes you to be more creative ;) 

Alrighty--- no need to bore you with every detail of my life, ...the last thing I'll blurb about is the GMA Covenant Awards. I have never submitted anything here before, but the DAY before submissions ended, I had a meeting with one of their representatives, and in the nick of time got my music in! Results will be shared August 27th. Obviously it would be a thrill to win an award from my album, or radio single, but at the end of the day--- Jesus has me where He needs me. 

If you want to help out with the PUBLIC VOTING, you can go to http://www.gmacanada.net/index/ and click on "CLICK HERE TO TAKE SURVEY". Thank you to all those who already voted. It DOES make a difference.

Alright folks. Sorry there wasn't a whole lot of depth to this entry. Just kind of served as a recap of what I've been up to. Helps me sort out things sometime in my own mind when I write it out. I've left out a bajillion things,  but that's usually how it goes. Hope you all have been having an amazing summer. Let me know what you've been up to. I may not respond to every email or message ( I certainly try) but I do read them all. Thank you for your love and prayers that you extend to me. You keep me going!

xo

I Am His

I Am His

words and music by Amy Savin (inspired by the psalms & songs of solomon)

I am His and He is mine

He has drawn me with his kindness

Oh He gently leads me by 

The still waters, where I rest.

I am His and He is mine

How He loves to see me laugh

So He tells the Sun to shine
Tells the leaves and wind to dance.

I am His and He is mine

He calls my name, and I know

He would never leave my side,

I am His and He is mine.

Amy Savin "Skylines" CD Release June 25th 2011

Amy Savin Skylines CD RELEASE  June 25th 2011 [photo by Nicole Reis]

Hide Me



Let Me Tell You


Bigger Houses

Jacob Moon and Amy Savin LIVE at the ROXY

Amy Savin Live at the Roxy June 2011 [photography by Michael Madio]

Amy Savin Live at the Roxy June 2011 [photography by Michael Madio]

Jacob Moon Live at the Roxy June 2011 [photography by Michael Madio]

Addicted to Distractions

Hi there.

Thanks for finding my blog! I hope you'll think your 5 minutes spent reading it was worth your while. Every now and then I like to get all the clutter out of my mind, and well... that's what blogs are for ;)


I've been thinking a lot lately about distractions, and how often we use them to escape reality. I confess I often have moments in my life where I feel so overwhelmed or overworked, that I refuse to think any more. Usually I'll scout out new music online or watch something funny to release the tension.


I know its necessary to take leisure time for yourself, yet I wonder how edifying these activities are, especially as they become more and more frequent. Take a look at REALITY TV. You know who the viewers are? People who are so fed up with their own lives, they have to resort to living vicariously through others. I'll admit, I've become a victim at one point in my life, where I would have to see the following episode of "America's Next Top Model", "Dr. Phil" or "What Not to Wear" (even though I hate fashion!!). When we engulf ourselves in other people's issues or problems, somehow we feel better about ourselves.

However, when the TV turns off, reality hits. The dishes still need to be done, you still feel sore about what someone said earlier on to you, and you're still trying to figure out how you'll possibly pay off all the bills.



I don't want my life to be one distraction after the next. It isn't right of me to want to run, or cower. My actions suggest God is not enough to handle my life's problems. My faith in Christ should not be a bandaid, but rather the proven remedy for healing. Distraction is a tool that this world uses to defer pain. Faith is a tool that we can use to FACE pain, and overcome. The Bible says he uses ALL things for the good of those who love the Lord.


As my life is being bombarded with so many demands, my initial response is to crawl into a ball, and disappear. And yet, I see Jesus reaching out to me, calling for me to arise and climb to a NEW level of faith.


The word of God is "Sharper than any double-edged sword" (Heb 4:12). It is a sure defence in any battle. Why do I hesitate to use it? Growing up I remember my father always telling me to never run from my problems. I challenge myself... and I challenge you: to fight spiritual warfare with the right weapon!


I need to start really BELIEVING the promises in His word. His Word needs to be enough. Christ needs to be enough... so that I may be whole, and lack nothing (James 1:4).

Jonah

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard or read the story of Jonah, yet saw it more as a humorous or amusing story, rather than a very real and significant depiction of human character. I’m not going to lie; sometimes Jonah still makes me laugh. I mean, God tells him to preach to the city of Nineveh to wake them up from all their immorality, and Jonah figures if he just starts sailing the sea God won’t be able to find him. Like, God is the one who created the whole world and can see all of Nineveh, but Oh no— He won’t be able to find little Jonah crossing the ocean! You’re a sneaky one Jonah!

But really, how can we point the finger? As the prophet Elijah cries, “I am no better than my ancestors” (1 Kings 19:4). We are no better. No different.

 

How many of us take the time to tell God, “Search me, O God, and know my heart “(Psalm 139: 23). Or is there so much darkness? So much junk that we ourselves, don’t even want to look? Do we think that if we just ignore God we won't ever have to address the things that are hidden? Some of you may be thinking, “I haven’t talked with God in so long. I’ve done nothing good with my life. I don’t even know how to pray. I doubt that God would even want to hear from me. I have nothing to offer…”

Continue reading the story of Jonah.


God never abandons Jonah. Jonah is always in God’s sight. Despite the fact that Jonah runs from God and rejects him, God still pursues him passionately because He loves him. The calamities that occur, (being thrown off board, being swallowed by a large fish) all point Jonah to a place of self examination. God is most concerned about Jonah’s heart. If it takes a whale to bring you to face the truth, in God’s mercy he will allow it.


God’s love is not a pampering love, its a correcting love.

Guilt is not a bad thing. Guilt is God’s Grace that reminds you to change your direction. In 2 Corinthians 7:10 it says, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death”. Some people allow their guilt to consume them, leading to severe depression. Friend, let me remind you of the good news: Christ came to carry that guilt for you. It is no longer yours. All that is required from you is to surrender it. Believe that Christ is able to carry it for you, and he will!

Jonah came to himself while trapped in the belly of a whale he said, “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you...Salvation comes from the Lord” (Jonah 2:8-9).

We need to be honest with ourselves. Until we can accept the truth, we will never heal. It is the truth that sets us free. Don’t hide. Don’t be afraid. If you haven’t noticed by now, God is on YOUR side ;)


….Amy

And That's a Wrap!

Dear friends, as of last weekend the record is completely finished. What a lovely way to end it too, by tracking the final track (an acoustic ballad) on the grand piano at Planet Studios in Montreal, Quebec. My producer John Nathaniel, his assistant Jean-Philippe Labelle, and sound engineer Nick Petrowski spent a few hours with me as I worked to play this piece all in one take. Believe it or not- we actually succeeded ;) The title track, and also the last track of the record is Skylines. The theme running throughout is the experience of freedom, for those brave enough to reach beyond themselves into the realms of the unknown and into the love of God.   All together there are 10 tracks on the album, eight which have been produced by John Nathaniel (Montreal, Qc), one by Jordan Valeriote (Guelph, On) and finally one track by Nashville’s Ed Cash. This record has been nearly two years in the making, perhaps a project I thought too big for my own hands, and yet it’s incredible to see it come to a close. I’ve waited many a day to release it to you, the listeners. Stay tuned as it hits iTunes in May. Hard copies will also be available. More on that soon!

Nashville (February 2011)

Amy Savin and Ed Cash. February 2011.

Laura Osburn, Amy Savin, Ed Cash, Jess Parsons and Phil Osburn.

Amy Savin in Studio- Recording, "Hymn 177"

Comparing Ourselves

Hello Friends :)
So it's that time again when I say to myself, "Amy dear, you need to blog".
While there have been several things on my mind lately, I was moved to write about something that I think we all are caught up in: comparing ourselves.
I’ll admit that many times I’m caught in the vicious trap of comparing myself to others. I am tempted to measure my worth or value in terms of my accomplishments, or goals that I have achieved. When I haven’t met my goals, it’s funny how the first thing that comes to mind are all those people in my life who I feel are really successful, and have it all together. It’s at those times I pray, “Lord, …did I do something wrong? Are you putting my life on hold for some reason?”

I want to quickly turn to chapter 10 in II Corinthians. I actually want to start at the END of the chapter, with verses 17 and 18:

"But, 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord'. For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends".


If you read Paul’s other letters, it is obvious that this man had an extremely busy schedule; a lot of responsibility. The kinds of dangers he lived through, and events he was exposed to would humble any man, and yet at the same time the greatness of his mission might fill a man’s ego. Paul understood his calling, as large as it was, and also recognized how easily Satan could cause him to shift the glory or focus. Paul is constantly pointing to the cross, to the Glory of God, realizing that the only true value he has comes from Jesus Christ.


In today’s society, people don’t usually prance around talking to co-workers in the office saying, “You did a really good job! It must be Jesus inside of you!” Ha. Sounds almost funny. But the opposite it also funny. Many people believe that they are superior or better than others based what they have accomplished, as if they got there all by themselves.

In I Corinthians 4:7 it says, “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”


The truth is, we really do believe that our own efforts and accomplishments are what define us. The man bringing home a salary of $400,000 each year may feel tempted to look at his friends with less than half that, and feel good about himself. The University students who pour all their sweat and blood into their studies with 95% averages will find confidence in their intellect. They begin to believe their worth is their GPA (grade point average). The skinny girl will pride herself in her weight. The funny guy will pride himself in the attention he gets from the laughter. At the end of the day, we all feel better about ourselves if we’re one up from the next guy.


But what about those who are the one down? What if we are the ones fighting to lose weight and never overcome? What if we are the ones without a job? Dealing with broken relationships? Struggling to find a life-partner? Failing in school? Feeling spiritually in a dessert?
And so that is the question. WHAT IF we are the ones who do not measure up?

Dear friend, do not be so naïve. I say this to myself. The truth is, there is no perfect scenario. I know a handful of rich people who have no time for their family and live lonely lives. I know a handful of good-looking Barbie and Kens who are past the honey-moon season and are really struggling in their marriages. We cannot judge books by their cover. The grass is usally the same colour wherever you go. The bottom line is that when God is not the centre, it is clear to see that our own efforts can only go so far.

God has a plan for EACH of us. You’re story is completely unique. Just because your friends are at a certain stage in life that you would like to be, doesn’t mean they are further ahead. God is doing something different with your life. We all need to experience dependence on God. As soon as we shift the focus on ourselves, or on others, our perception of life is so skewed. We get into the trap of looking to others for self affirmation. We try and fit ourselves in the puzzle of society, looking for belonging or a reference to how we measure up.

Reflect on Paul’s words in II Corinthians 10, verse 12:

“But they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” It does us no good to compare ourselves. You cannot compare apples and oranges.
Live in the freedom of knowing your life is no accident. God has a purpose for the season you are in.  “To Everything there is a Season” (Ecc 3:1). I love that verse. Life is an adventure. Don’t waste your time wishing to be here or there. Enjoy the now. Enjoy the journey. One friend gave me those words a few years back, and they’ve stuck with me ever since. The time will come when you’ll find what you’re looking for. Until then, don’t look back. Soak up every moment of life. Life only happen once.

Anyways folks, that’s all I have for today. Thanks for reading. Pass this on to someone who you think it might encourage. I am saying a prayer for you today, for all those who are reading this. I know God is going to do great things in your life.

….Amy