Amy Savin's Blog

Love, Sex, ... God?

2012-01-28T14:43:00.016-05:00

*Disclaimer: I know that not everyone who follows my blog sees the world through a Biblical lens, so I appreciate you taking the time to read this anyways. You might still completely disagree with me, but at least we're able to have this kind of conversation :)

Real questions I've gotten over the years:

Q: Why is sex wrong if you love the person?
A: I have heard this question sooo many times. It's amazing to me how people have equated love with sex. In essence, these kinds of people are saying the only people who should feel guilty about fornication are prostitutes since they do not love the person, they are simply getting paid to have sex. Wrong!

The Bible has many verses clear on God's heart towards fornication. Here are only a few:

1 Corinthians 6:13

...now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.

1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

Ephesians 5:3
But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

What IS fornication anyways? The dictionary defines it as: "Sexual intercourse between partners who are not married to each other"

The simplest answer to the above question is, the Bible says it's wrong, so it's wrong. Mind you, I know many of you cannot just be satisfied to know the 'rules' of God's word, without knowing the heart behind it. God is not trying to KILL JOY! He wants to enhance it! I Think this is the most common misconception about the Bible, that it takes away all the fun out of life. SOO not true. God understands how good, beautiful, incredible, pleasurable sex is, and how connecting it is. What better place for it than within a marriage where two people will be able to enjoy each other for a whole life time! If you truly love someone, wouldn't you want to be with them forever? Outside of a marriage context, there is no deep commitment to each other. How can you truly love them? Read 1 Corinthians 13 to know what love is. Love endures all things; love never fails. If you LOVE each other, be committed to each other for life.

Q: Aren't you afraid that if you don't have sex before you're married you can't be sure if you're sexually compatible? Sex is a huge part of marriage. If you can't enjoy each other, that would be a disaster.

A: True, sex is a vital part of marriage.

To the Christ-follower, I say this: If you've trusted God this far to bring you two together, don't you think he would bless every aspect of your marriage? If you trust God for your salvation, for eternal life, why don't you trust God for a lesser thing, like a good sex life? Give over all things to the Lord. Sex is God's gift to you as a married couple. I doubt you will be disappointed.

To the non-believer: Without God as the complete centre of a relationship, even a good sex life wouldn't guarantee a working marriage. The model of marriage should be two people looking to please God, and in doing so, they please each other. The reason is because God's love is perfect: self-sacrificing, and unconditional. Human love says, "I'll love you as long as you love me, or make me happy, or do the things I like". God says, "I will never leave you, or forsake you. Nothing can separate you from my love".

Q: Are you saying that in order to be married and happy you need God? I know plenty of people who are not Christians and their marriage is fine.
A: I hear you! I too know couples who have no relationship with God and seem to be doing fine. I mean, I don't really know what goes on behind closed doors, but I think it would be safe to say that marriage outside of the biblical context does exist! Of course it does. I'd say it's a lot more difficult to deal with marital problems without God's word, and I know that many marriage counsellors (Christian or not) use biblical principles to resolve conflict. The Bible is just an incredible source for living. Not only does it have a beautiful and effective plan for marriage, but also is the road map to eternal life! God doesn't just care about your marriage, he cares about your salvation.

Q: How far is too far within a dating relationship?

A: Obviously, sex is out of the question. However you can still make bad choices even without going "all the way". The Bible talks about resisting the devil, or fleeing temptation. You won't really know how strong you are until you put yourself in a difficult or tempting situation. Why would you want to take that risk? The moral of the story is not "see how far you can get to sex without it actually being sex". That's a terrible mindset. Ask yourself a better question, "Is what I'm doing causing me to stumble, or struggle with sexual desire?" Don't play with fire. If you need to not kiss at all, God will honour that so much more than the couple who is walking a fine line and trying to get away with it.

Q: What is the difference between dating and courtship?
A: I recommend you reading some books by Joshua Harris if you really want to know.

Two that I've read are, Boy Meets Girl, and I Kissed Dating Goodbye. Both of them are wonderfully written.

I actually prefer the whole concept of 'courtship' a lot more than 'dating', but maybe it's just a matter of semantics. As I understand it, dating to me has this more temporal or less-serious connotation to it, where courtship has only one goal, and one intention: marriage. Again, I'm not a huge stickler on these two words, but I do respect people who understand the seriousness of pursuing relationships. Don't lead him on. Don't lead her on. Make your intentions known.

Q: I grew up in a Christian home, and still managed to lose my virginity. I feel dirty, and so far from God. What do I do?
A: Sweetheart, please don't think for a moment that you are not loved. God loves you so much. So so so stinking much. God loved us while we were yet his enemies... while we hated him! You know, we are all sinners. Every single one of us. All of us need forgiveness. The good news is, Jesus offers that to us! He offers us a clean slate every time we repent and pray to him for forgiveness. You may say, "well, yes.. but I'm a Christian, and I still committed a terrible sin". I understand that. While I am not giving permission to take Grace lightly, you need to know that Christ's blood shed on the cross is indeed great enough to cover ALL our sin. Do not let the enemy drag you down. You are no less beautiful to God. Apostle Paul, who lived a large portion of his life murdering Christians came to this conclusion: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). You are not condemned! You are free. Tell God you are sorry. Share your burden with those that love you, and care for you. Walk in newness. God knew since the beginning of time, that we would fail and fall. That's why he sent us His son.

I wrote this song for a person in your shoes... it was entered into a competition. I hope it speaks to you too:

Lastly, If you have any further questions, I can take them anonymously through this site: CLICK HERE

Blessings,

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36).

Skylines Hard Copy Available Now For Order!

2012-01-26T14:22:00.010-05:00

Hard copies now available for order through PayPal.

*Shipping only to Canada and the United States.

Digital Download for only $9.90 available on iTunes & CDbaby

Feeling, Faith, and Fact

2012-01-23T19:39:00.003-05:00

Three men were walking on a wall-- Feeling faith, and Fact; When feeling took an awful fall and Faith was taken back; So close was Faith to Feeling, he stumbled and fell too; But Fact remained and pulled Faith back, and that helped Feeling, too! ~ anonymous

January 17th 2012

2012-01-17T00:06:00.006-05:00

"Don't read your Bible, or pray because you feel guilty if you don't do it. God doesn't need your pity. When you read or pray, do it because you are excited that your creator is communicating with you! He wants your relationship, not your religion".
~Amy

Christmas Radio Tour

2011-12-12T15:26:00.008-05:00

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

2011-12-08T18:29:00.003-05:00

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?

O Come All Ye Faithful (Amy Savin & Dana Marie)

2011-12-02T11:18:00.001-05:00

Available now on iTunes and Amazon.

O Come All Ye Faithful (by Amy Savin & Dana Marie).

I Never Thought I Was Beautiful

2011-11-02T22:57:00.001-04:00

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

2011-09-23T10:04:00.000-04:00

Sept 7th 2011

2011-09-07T00:22:00.005-04:00

"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 Promo- Photograhy by Olivia Witzke

2011-09-05T22:22:00.014-04:00

Amy Savin Promo 2011 (Photography by Olivia Witzke)

Amy Savin & Mia Fieldes from HILLSONG

2011-08-30T18:54:00.003-04:00

Amy Savin & Mia Fieldes (Hillsong)

Ribfest 2011

2011-08-29T00:45:00.004-04:00

Amy Savin & Band; Ribfest 2011

Do You Know the Holy Spirit?

2011-08-25T23:26:00.006-04:00

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

2011-08-08T19:13:00.043-04:00

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.

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.

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.

SUMMER IS NOT OVER!!

2011-08-03T21:47:00.010-04:00

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!

I Am His

2011-06-28T15:26:00.006-04:00

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

2011-06-27T11:39:00.003-04:00

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

Hide Me

Let Me Tell You

Bigger Houses

Oh Sleepless Night

2011-06-23T02:14:00.009-04:00

One of those nights I just can't sleep. Current time is 1:55am. Can't imagine the time it will be when I finish this blog.

I guess sometimes my thoughts get the best of me. I can't turn off my mind no matter how much I try. This past month I've been really trying to understand what it means to REST. To just be still.

A missionary visiting our church once said, "Here in North America, everyone has watches, but no time. In Papua New Guinea, everyone has time but no watches!" That's the way I feel. I never really have enough time for anything. But I know it's because I put the burden upon myself.

I think I spend far too much time doing, and far too little time praying.

Psalm 127: 1-2

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved.”

And in the midst of it all, I know Jesus knows my weaknesses. He knows that I doubt. And yet, his arms remain wide open, willing to carry my every burden. How he longs to see me rest, and be free.

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Jacob Moon and Amy Savin LIVE at the ROXY

2011-06-15T22:17:00.003-04:00

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

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

AMY SAVIN ALBUM RELEASE CONCERT

2011-05-28T00:24:00.004-04:00

Amy Savin Album Release Concert June 2011

Addicted to Distractions

2011-05-26T01:28:00.012-04:00

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

2011-04-12T22:35:00.006-04:00

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!

2011-03-31T18:09:00.002-04:00

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 2011

2011-03-13T20:38:00.003-04:00

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"

Like a Thief in the Night

2011-02-04T10:07:00.004-05:00

I have my coffee in hand, ...my eyes are squinty. I'm still not fully awake, but let me say this: perhaps in my weakness this morning, God will work through me ;)

It's funny. As of late I really feel like my memory has been getting really bad. I cannot remember people's names, what I did on the weekend. My chiro asked me one Saturday what I was doing in the afternoon and I drew a blank. Either I'm getting older or I just have WAY too much on my mind.

And having said that, on my mind constantly, is this world around me that has never encountered God.

I read the prophecies in the Bible about the coming of the Lord and the end times, and for me it's exciting. However, the more I think about it, the more I realize we're really NOT ready to meet him.

I once had a dream that I was playing outside in an open field. The sky was a little dark, the earth was still and quiet. Moments later I felt this giant pull, like hands were lifting me, or the universe was sucking me up from the earth. Second after second the world was becoming smaller, I saw tiny people, parks, I saw cities, countries... everything getting smaller. I was traveling so fast away from everything that was familiar to me and panic set in. I remember thinking to myself, "NO! I'm not ready... I haven't even told some of my friends about Christ!" But it was too late. My life was over. In the 20 some odd years that I had been alive, I felt so ashamed. So empty. That was it. God had breathed in me life, and had given me his Living word so that I might be changed by it, and share it with others. The question that I woke up with, how dirty was I willing to get? How much danger or persecution was I willing to face, for the sake of spreading the gospel? Or was comfort too important to me?

Take a look at 2 Peter chapter 3.

³ Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. ⁴ They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”

This world doesn't believe He will return. They CHOOSE to be ignorant.

¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.^[a]

People say, "Well I wouldn't want to serve your God. He's a tyrant, trying to force us to serve Him... and punishes us when we don't. If that's the kind of God you serve I'd rather go to hell"

That statement seems so drastic. I was even hesitant to write it. However, it's a reality for SO many.

Let's keep reading from 2 Peter (going backwards to vs 9)

9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

God is patient with us! He is patient with our unbelief. Do you think God delights in our pain? Our brokeness? Do you know how it feels to have breathed life into man, create an entire world for him only to have him doubt your existence? Do you know how it feels to have your own child taken from you, beaten until he is no longer recognizable, to save people who despise you? Friends, that is the love of God. When love is cut so deep, anger is the fluid that bleeds. That is the best way I can describe God's wrath.

And still, the LORD is patient. He is coming... but he is patient.

Dear Christians, do you love your neighbor enough to tell him about eternal life? Or does it make you uncomfortable because you feel they will think you're strange?

Think about it if you were them. What if you never heard the gospel?

Where would that leave You?

Sleeping in the Sun

2011-01-21T13:36:00.007-05:00

Sleeping in the Sun
Words and Music by Amy Savin

There's a place I come from, yeah I've always called it home
Much too simple for some, but its all that I have known
I was taught how to love, how to make my faith my own
Make it a life

I've been told I'm a dreamer, my head's caught in the sky
Still I've seen how good people without a vision, die.
Against grind, against norm, I refuse to just conform
And feed a lie.

Chorus:
There's a fire in my heart
There's a thunder in my soul
And I'm not scared to walk
Down the far less traveled road
Whose to say change will come,
If we're sleeping in the sun
And wasting.

Slow to speak, quick to listen, forever be my goal
Soaking up words of wisdom, from those who've gone before
Yet the Word of the Lord said the young will prophesy
They'll learn to lead

Chorus:
There's a fire in my heart
There's a thunder in my soul
And I'm not scared to walk
Down the far less traveled road
Whose to say change will come,
If we're sleeping in the sun
And wasting.

I can understand lonely, I can understand dark
And I'd rather have both if it means I'll leave a mark
For the sake of what's holy, for the sake of bringing truth
To those who fear

Behind the Scenes of "Bigger Houses"

2011-01-19T21:33:00.003-05:00

LIVE STUDIO FOOTAGE:

THE FINAL PRODUCT!

Comparing Ourselves

2011-01-05T13:18:00.003-05:00

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. Take a hint from the title of my blog… “To Everything there is a Season”. 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

Morning Devotions from a "Not-so-morning" Person.

2010-11-19T11:01:00.007-05:00

Good morning!
Sometimes I find that phrase to be a little bit of an oxymoron. Good? Morning? I'm certainly not the kind who wakes up at 6am to watch the sunrise, nor do I try and make the most use out of those early hours by reading, or meditating. I'm the complete opposite. I'm a huge grump. Most people who know me well, try not to talk to me until about 11am. Then I'm good to go ;)

Anyways... today I decided to get up on a new foot. Before I allow the chaos of my day to unfold, I decided to dig deep into the scriptures... to see what God is saying to me.

And here it is:

I Peter: 1

13Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.”

I could read the whole chapter, we could analyze all 25 verses... but I feel like this portion in itself is enough to chew on for a bit. I was thinking this morning as I sat in the Kitchen, the way I come to God is quite casual. I talk to him in my head, as I'm driving...as I'm walking around doing errands. I don't use any kind of formal language or go through a routine. God to me is as real as the people I can see with my own eyes. I once complained to a friend, "You know, I don't know how God expects us to be so close to him and know who he is when we can't even see him." My friend's wise response was, "Just because you can see someone, does that make it easier to know them? Is it not the conversations you have with them that really tell you about their character?"

So there you have it. Relationships revolve around communication.

Still, regardless of the fact that I feel so close to God, and am comfortable talking with him throughout my day, there are moments when I'm moved to simply fall on my knees. There are times where a causual prayer is just not fitting. When I sit and contemplate the very being of God, its enough to make anyone tremble. He is perfect. He is all powerful. Dangerous even.

Funny how when we have done a "good" deed we feel closer to God, or like he is excited to hear from us. The Bible says even our RIGHTEOUSNESS is like filfthy rags. In and of ourselves we have no "goodness".

So what does it mean? "Be Holy, because I am Holy?" How can we possibly?

The answer I believe is this: the more time we spend with a person, the more we become like them. The more time we spend in communication with God the more his character rubs off on us. Those of us who have been born of the Holy Spirit, have become NEW. Christ living in us is our righteousness.

I was once asked by a non-Christian, "Amy, just because I swear does it mean God will send me to hell?"

I looked at him and said, "No (so-and-so), it is not the swearing that condemns you. It is your lack of Faith in Jesus Christ. I do not refrain from swearing because I am afraid I will be sent to hell. The reason I do not swear, is because it is not my character to swear. Jesus living inside of me is what is coming out of me, in my language and in my conduct."

If your actions are no different than those who do not profess faith in Jesus Christ, is Christ really in you?

Jesus said, it is not what goes IN to a man that defiles him, but what comes OUT, (what comes OUT of the heart).

To be set apart, to be HOLY requires more than will-power, or self-motivation. To be Holy means to live in the Spirit of the one who was (is) Holy. We need to invite him into our lives... into our every day, messy lives!

I Have Loved You With An Everlasting Love

2010-10-26T22:49:00.007-04:00

This one’s for the girls…

As usual when I start a blog, I don’t really know where this one is going… I only have a web of ideas that need to be sorted.

I do know this much though, this one’s for the girls…,

I was given a book to read this summer, called Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge.

To be honest, at first I was quite skeptical. I assumed there wouldn’t be a whole lot in there to apply to my life.

But, this one spoke to me. However, I feel that even before I read this book, God was speaking to me the same message only more directly. This book was merely a confirmation or summary.

I have known God as my father, and I have known Jesus as my Saviour. I have never known what it means to be pursued by God; for him to be in love with who I am. I don’t know that I have ever fully believed His thoughts towards me are like the sands on the sea shore… countless! (Psalms 139:17-18).

When I understood God’s heart towards me, it changed me forever.

Often people assume that once you find that special someone or that perfect relationship, the loneliness fades. People assume as long as they are in a relationship they will feel loved.

What is love anyway?

If I were to define it in its purest form, I’d simply say God is love. God’s love fulfills all these attributes so perfectly:

Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13

What happens when someone is unable to be loving? What happens when people are impatient? When they don’t forgive? When they turn their back, or don’t come through? What happens when people get angry, become envious, put themselves first?

What results is this: Fear. Brokenness. Doubt. Shame.

Obviously, I believe the more God is involved in our relationships and marriages, the more we can experience love in its fullness, still, even then we are human and have our limitations. Husbands do not always pursue their wives. Boys will not always pursue their girlfriends. People tire, people forget, people have weaknesses.

I think its safe to say there are a large number of married women, or women in relationships that are unbelievably lonely. Our souls are always craving love, yet the kind we need is even beyond ourselves.

When a husband forgets his wife’s birthday, or anniversary, she immediately thinks, “Oh… I guess I’m not important… or not worth it”

When a husband cannot tell when his wife is down or depressed and carries on like normal, the first thing she thinks is, “I guess we’re not close enough for him to really understand me”.

At these times we can easily start to live in isolation, in a secret world where we bottle all of our emotions up.

This isn’t a blog about how to make relationships work ;) That’s an entirely different topic all on its own.

My point here is that until women fully grasp God’s heart towards us, his perfect love, we will always be susceptible to loneliness. We will always question our worth, our beauty, or value. If we go according to human response, we may even assume we are worthless.

Until we know who we are in Christ, who we are in God’s sight, we cannot understand true, agape love- nor will we be very effective in loving others that way. *agape love= self-sacrifice

I read 1 Corinthians frequently. It’s a check-list for me. Do I have those qualities? Is my love selfish, or is it sacrificial?

This summer as I spent time in prayer, reading God’s word, reading the book Captivating, God was speaking a powerful message to me. He was allowing my heart to be consumed with his love. He was allowing me to feel beautiful, pursued, like I were some prize possession and the apple of His eye.

You know that feeling when your heart races because the guy you like is approaching? Or the feeling when you go to bed and you feel safe, or secure because that ‘special someone’ thinks the world of you? It was like that, only so much more consistent. I didn’t have to ever be afraid, questioning whether God would stop loving me, or whether if I said or did something stupid that day if he would turn away. God’s words to me were always the same:

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness (Jeremiah 31:3).

I want to empower you women, (and men too if they are reading this; ) to understand the value God places on you. He loves you when you feel unlovable, when you feel ugly, when you feel so full of shame. His heart never changes towards you. He’s the perfect bridegroom. The perfect lover.

Someone who believes they are loved, lives far differently than someone who doesn’t.

~ Amy

Compassion

2010-10-04T00:48:00.002-04:00

When I read about the life of Christ, it moves me every time. His nature, his heart… the way in which he had the power of God, yet was so human.
One of my recently favorite passages is in Matthew chapter 14…

Right after Jesus found out that John the Baptist had been beheaded, he went looking for a place of solitude. His heart was heavy… his heart understood sorrow.

Yet, being the leader he was, the crowds would hardly leave him alone. People knew he spoke life-giving words. They wanted to be near him. Like small children always tugging at their mom’s sleeve, or wanting to be carried, these people were so helpless and so needy.

Jesus could have been justified in running or hiding from them. He had been with them long hours already.

Yet the scripture says… “When Jesus landed, and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them…”

He was tired. He had already emptied himself. Yet he embraced the sick. He fed the hungry.

Compassion.

The word comes from the Latin stem “compati”, meaning “suffer with, feel pity”.
Indeed Jesus felt with us. He suffered for us.

While the desciples had told Jesus, "Its getting late... send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy themselves food..."

Jesus' mind was different:

"They do not need to go away... give to them..."

Singing into the Night

2010-09-16T23:07:00.009-04:00

Amy Savin Sept 2010. Photography by Ardean Peters

Laura Osburn

Amy Savin and Laura Osbun

Thank you to all of those who came out to kick off the new year- you know, the one that starts when school begins? It was great to see so many faces sticking it out through the crisp, cool air of September. As cold as we were, it was clear that there wasn't a whole lot that could interfere with such a special evening. For all those of you who supported us through donations your love has not gone unnoticed. We appreciate you from the bottom of our hearts! Many thanks to Derek Sexsmith for taking care of all the sound and recording (as well as assistant Mikey Fisher), Ardean Peters for all your video and photography work, Laura Osbourne, and Tristan Raghunan for opening up the night, and last but not least, the band: Ryan Savin, Ben Sampson, and John Shin.

Let Me Tell You

2010-09-04T21:55:00.000-04:00

A Moment of Weakness

2010-09-02T01:20:00.002-04:00

It is quite late. I’m tired. The wise thing to do would be to get some rest.

But I can’t help but think, hmmm… gotta put some tea on. And sit here for a moment and THINK.

I think perhaps one of the most common thought patterns we face as a species… aha… the ‘human’ species, is this: “Why does he or she have it all together…? Why am I the only one struggling with this or that…”

However, the more I talk with others, and engage in unscripted conversation, the more I realize how much all of us are the same.

We all love, fear, feel, hurt, dream…

I can think of some of the greatest leaders of all time, who we deem as wise and established individuals, and think of the journey’s all of those people had to go through. I could talk about many modern-day examples- but for some reason, the stories that hit me hardest are found in the Bible.

Genesis 37 the Life of Joseph.

Joseph is probably one of my favourite characters. His story is incredible.

I would try and re-tell, or summarize it here, but I feel I wouldn’t do justice. Go read it.

it’s a story about God leading a young man named Joseph to become a ruler in Egypt, yet Joseph gets so many mixed signals along the way. With every blessing God bestows, there seems to be a curse. The good showers, and the bad pours.

I think of all the time that goes by! Years of searching, and struggling. I look at Jospeh’s life on the whole and regardless of how beautiful the outcome is, I can’t help but hardly focus on the outcome at all. In fact, its all about Joseph’s years of struggle, and inward growth! Its about Joseph’s faith in a God that sometimes seems far too mysterious to trust.

I can only imagine Joseph at a very low point in his life, tired, dirty, alone late at night in the prison cell… looking at a very small but ever-so-needed window, wondering… “God, did you really tell me, that I would be a ruler?” I can imagine him rocking himself back and forth trying to find reason- trying to find purpose for the desert he was facing. And having nothing to go by- only the character of God that he trusted so strongly.

As Margaret Manning shares, “The deep fear behind every loss is that we have been abandoned by the God who should have saved us...”

Still, sometimes what we have defined as the problem, is not even the start of the greater problem. When Christ answered the Pharisees, he rarely actually answered their surface, or immediate questions. He answered the question that was more relevant- the question of the heart. They were trying to trap him, accusing him of certain deeds- and Jesus knew it wasn’t the deed they were concerned about, but rather who Jesus might in fact be.

As I’ve said many times, God is more concerned about how my heart is being shaped, and how my faith is growing, rather than fixing my situation. It is not hard for him to snap his finger and perform any task we ask. That part is easy. What is hard for any father, is knowing that the only way a Child can become stronger, is through exercise, through experience, and through suffering. God in his wisdom and grace allows us to go through hardship, so we can become more like Christ. When we realize our limits, and our idolatrous hearts return to worship the God who is the only giver of life- the only source from which our strength comes from, God displays his power.

I want to encourage you- who ever you are. I know that maybe you feel like you’re not so good at the whole ‘Trusting God thing” since you’ve been in the same place for so long. I know you wish that perhaps you could trade in some of your coloured money for a ‘Get out of Jail Free’ card. Maybe you’re looking at the next guy beside you, feeling sick that he has it so good, and he doesn’t even try.

Chin up.

Chances are, the next guy beside you has his own little pocket of stress that he cries over. Chances are there are many people in your exact shoes. Do not think time is wasted. Do not think effort is wasted. God knows the situation you’re in. He could have saved it long time ago- but maybe he’s trying to give you something far greater- WISDOM.

Wisdom is priceless. Wisdom is not random knowledge… its knowledge that has been applied. True wisdom is the fear of God.

To fear God means to know God.

And to know God, is the greatest and most fulfilling kind of success here on earth.

...Amy

At The End of the Road

2010-06-28T15:02:00.019-04:00

Good afternoon!

Its early afternoon right now, however by the time I finish this blog, it may be a completely different hour of the day.

I’ve been doing A LOT of driving lately…and I’ve got a ton more to do yet. I’m heading to Virginia in a few weeks for a camp, Montreal for recording in August, and doing various different gigs. I’m going to need some new music, or stories on CD. OR, maybe just a couple of entertaining people to slap me around when my eyes get drowsy.

[Not sure of where this blog is going... it may or may not get interesting as I keep on typing].

Here are some photos of my travels. I’m such a nerd. I take pictures frequently of the road/sky. No matter how many times I travel, the view always impresses me.
I find traveling so amusing. I can see many parallels from taking a long trip, and relating it to life in general.

In the beginning:

You start off really excited, full force… can’t wait to get there. You have everything you need, or at least what you think you need. While you’re a little bit nervous because it’s a BIG trip, you figure between your cell phone, and your GPS, everything will turn out alright.

After the first couple hours you kind of get used to things, and you’re comfortable in the car. Traffic is fairly steady, roads look clear… the weather is co-operating.

Then slowly but very surely, the road switches up on you.

We go through trials:

[rain on windshield]

The weather stars getting really bad. Rain starts pouring from no where. You can barely see where you’re going and you frantically blink as to make sure your vision is completely clear. A stretch of road that should have taken you 20 minutes, takes you 2 or 3 times as long, because everyone is slowed down. You turn on the radio and hear warnings for Tornados. You ask yourself if maybe you should have taken this trip another time. You see cars pulling over to the side of the road or getting off of exits early. One by one, people are stopping- not willing to risk the road.

You find yourself alone, yet still determined that if you can just stay focused, this stretch will pass.

It does.

We go through questions, waiting…

Moments later the sky looks absolutely beautiful. After a good rain pour the sun always seems so much more glorious. You think to yourself, hmmm… I got through that bad storm. It’s all smooth sailing from here.

Again you get comfortable.

Moments later traffic starts slowing down. Bumper to bumper. Time is passing. People are waiting for your arrival. You also realize that you’re wasting so much gas just getting a tan on a standstill highway.

You start to get angry. You wish you never set foot in the car.

You question: “Why are there so many people on the road? Do they REALLY need to be driving today?” You have no idea how long you will be in waiting. You try and swerve a little to the left, to look ahead… you can only see hundreds of more cars ahead of you.

You are forced to wait, to wonder. You are forced to be patient and to sit still. You have no answers.

We go through the testing of our character…

The news comes on reporting a massive accident. The first thing that pops in your head is, “Can’t people learn how to drive? What is so difficult about driving straight, keeping in your lane… respecting people’s space”.

The worst of you gets surfaced as you think of all the reasons why ‘you’ deserve better than this. You should not have to wait 1.5 hours because of someone else’s mistake.

Finally traffic clears and at least you're driving 100km/hour instead of 20 or Zero km/hour. Thinking back on the past moments makes you realize how shallow your thinking actually was. Someone in that accident had to be rushed to hospital. Someone may be seriously injured, or paralyzed for life, and here you were thinking about yourself, and how you were going to be late.

Its all about perspective. And clearly, the anger sets in when we have the WRONG perspective.

We go through surrender…

You look at your gas gauge… the red gas light is flashing. You’re close to empty but you know there isn’t another exit for at least 30 more minutes. You keep on driving, hoping, praying you can make it there.

At this point, you have no choice but to just keep driving. Worrying will do you no good. Either you'll make it, or you’ll run out and have to call for help.

You’re surrendering full control. The outcome is not in your hands... and for some reason, as scary as that is, you're at peace with it.

Moments later you arrive at the gas station.

The end of the road? Its getting hard.

Its been a long 6 hour journey. You’re tired. You're cranky, hungry. The sun has gone down. You arrive to one of the exits that your GPS lead you to, but it is under construction and you need to take a detour.

You are completely unmotivated. While you’re not afraid, you’re exhausted.

There is a tear rolling down your face. Oh Lord, how much longer.

You wonder if maybe, just maybe this was not the journey you were supposed to take. You begin to wonder if you were too ambitious. You are so far from home, in a place that is so different and strange to you. There is no comfort here.

You want to give up.

Its at this moment where you find another connecting road… the GPS was smart enough to re-direct you. The place you’ve been seeking is in view! Your friends are waving and waiting on the other side… and have booked the most beautiful hotel for you.

You are safe, you are found. The struggle is over. The struggle was never the destination, it was only the journey.

Conclusion:

I don’t even think its completely necessary for me to analyze ALL the comparisons of a road trip, to our life journey. However, looking at some basic points, I think many times when the going gets tough we’re tempted to go along with the crowd, and get off the exit early. We feel that we are too small to battle the storm, yet we forget the beautiful light that awaits afterwards. We forget how sweet the victory is, the greater the trial.

When we have no answers to life’s questions, we begin to doubt ourselves, we begin lose hope. We think that all of this waiting is in vain. Meaningless. Little do we know that during these very dry seasons God is trying to speak to us, or mold our character.

When you finally see the reason behind the waiting, funny how we come to ourselves and realize that God was teaching us about ourselves, and about our values. He is teaching us to be selfless, to be thankful, …to be TRUSTING!

Perhaps one becomes tired of the rollercoaster ride. The ups the downs. I’m sure that many people feel like they cannot take another blow.

But why do we become impatient? Discouraged? Did God not come through for us in the past? What makes this situation different than the last? Is he any less in control?
Our lives are so carefully designed and crafted. The journey is tailor made for each of us. We all learn differently, and at different paces.

Whatever you are facing now is no accident. We cannot compare our lives to other people’s, thinking they are further ahead in the game. Life is not a race. You have nothing to measure up to. You are only meant to be the best ‘you’ that you can be. And if Christ is in you, all that is required is to believe that he will COMPLETE the work he has started. You ending is going to beautiful, and unique!

You will see, at the end of the road it all works out. If it hasn’t been worked out, its not yet the end of the road ;)

Do not be discouraged in doing what is right. Do not be discouraged even when you feel like you are too small for the project ahead of you. You will see the light at the end of the tunnel. You will ‘reap a harvest’ as 2 Thessalonians 3:13 says,… if you do not give up!!

Other verses:
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Hebrews 6:10-11 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end.

Our Lives are a Pocket

2010-04-19T22:11:00.014-04:00

Last Friday I had to head out to London to do some studio work, (and the update for that will come shortly ;) Anyways, before I headed there I stopped by to visit one of my cousins in Kitchener. I feel like I’m the lazy one out of the two of us (or maybe just the more exhausted..heh), so I would have been content inside a coffee shop, but my cousin insisted that we go for a walk. We turned down a few streets, then saw an open graveyard. The sun was shining radiantly over each stone. It was a place of the sleeping, and though most people might find it disturbing or depressing, I was so intrigued. I told her we had to enter.

I’ve had to burry several loved ones. Some were very old, others I knew were younger than myself. I for one never take death lightly. Its not easy to deal with or talk about. Still, I don’t know that I’ve ever been afraid to die. Some people avoid the topic all together. I suppose they feel they’ll face it when they have to. And though few speak of it, I fear that fewer prepare for it. You might ask, “How can you prepare yourself”?

That’s a good question.

You can never prepare yourself for when you will die, or how you will die. But the idea is to live as if you were leaving earth tomorrow. Such a cliché statement. I know! Its in many popular hit songs. Still, my implications go further than just ‘living your life to the fullest’ for mere enjoyment or pleasure. In fact, I really mean, live your life by investing in things that won’t die, in things that are eternal.

As I frequently say, the only creatures that have the promise of eternal life are people. Animals do not have souls. Only humans do. The only thing with lasting value are the relationships we make on earth. People are the only things we can bring with us to heaven. Each day we're given, we have the opportunity to invest in someone’s life, or take away from it. Each day we have the choice to love, or to hate. To build, or to tear.

Its so easy to mix up our priorities. We busy ourselves with our careers, our ambitions, and before you know it, all our barns are stored with grain to the max, and as the book of Luke chapter 12 says, we become rich fools. Our barns are full, but our lives are empty.

And what about your soul? Does your course of actions have anything to do with where your soul will dwell? I can imagine many people don’t believe they will go anywhere when they die. It would make perfect sense then to ignore all of what I just said. Why invest in eternity, if eternity does not exist. If this is where you are right now, I appreciate your honesty.

But- I challenge you for a moment,

Not to believe in anything I am saying, but to question your life. Your journey, your own goals, dreams, visions. What do you hope your life amounts to? Are you content to live for just a pocket of time? Just a small window? You’ve experienced great pains here, and great glory… still,

I challenge you to think for a moment, what if heaven does exist?

What if that magnificent and perfect land was just a one mustard seed of faith away?

And you missed it.

My First Guitar

2010-04-03T12:33:00.016-04:00

People always ask me what is written on my guitar... I suppose I'm still a kid who scribbles on everything. However, its my first guitar so I have no shame. When my skill improves and I can appreciate a 2 thousand dollar Gibson (which I don't think will be for a long while ;) , I probably won't mark that one. I play this thing probably every single day. I might as well feel encouraged every time I look at it ;) Remember those words from Isaiah. We are the children of promise.

2010-03-28T23:09:00.004-04:00

Today I just had the most incredible experience.

I don’t even know where to begin.

To be honest, I don’t know where my blog really goes... who reads it, who skims through it. Most likely not a whole lot of people. But if you’re reading this now, I hope you feel that it was because you were meant to read it.

As with most of you, if not all… our lives are composed of so many woven tales. Not one aspect could possibly give the whole picture. One person can play the role of daughter, sister, teacher, student, companion, group leader…all the above. Your list of roles may be different or similar to mine… but the point is, we are so complex. Within the hustle and bustle of life, at least for myself I find each day a little intimidating. How will I ever accomplish all that is set before me? I am after all human. I have no special powers of my own.

These past couple weeks have been especially challenging. Anyone who knows me well understands how much effort it takes for me to fall asleep. My mind is an overworked speedometer. Always thinking.

Sorry for that massive intro… still, one of the things on my mind has been this:

I’m currently working on a special film project that will be completed this summer. I’m using it as a ministry tool. I can’t give too many specific details now, but the bottom line, was that in order to go through with it I needed a large sum of money. I was so determined to do it- (believing God called me to it), that I never even questioned if I’d have the finances. I had no idea where they would come from. I didn’t have the heart to ask anyone for financial support directly (as I know we’re all tight), yet I trusted that God would provide.

Obviously as with any person stepping out on faith there is a moment of doubt. In my situation, there were several.

The more I thought about it, and reconciled in my mind how I would get my way through this situation, the more I realized… hmm. I think I just asked God for a miracle.

It has been maybe half a year since I’ve been thinking up this project. There’s been no penny put towards it.

Then tonight, my sister dropped off an envelope for me. I won’t mention the name of the person who sent it. He knows who he is, and God knows. I opened it up only to find more than half the amount of what I needed for my project. I didn’t know how to react. I felt so overwhelmed. I know this person very well. He has a beautiful family, with more than enough mouths to feed. He isn’t the richest of men… but in his heart, I could testify that he is richer than most I know. I was moved to tears, simply because I was so unworthy. Why should anyone feel compelled to invest in my work? I could never repay this money, at least not where I am now.
Some may think I’m overreacting, but I think I was most touched because the first thing that came to my mind was another debt I had.

A debt that would have cost my life all eternity. How could I ever pay it? I wouldn’t have a hope in the world.

There was another man who came to my rescue. He couldn’t pay with gold coins, or colorful dollar bills. He had to pay with his blood.

What had he to gain? What could I possibly offer him in return?

Tonight I’m remembered of Christ’s love. I’m reminded that he gave of himself not because we are good, but because HE is good. Therefore, if God freely gives… how can I not give to others? This is not a sob story for people to feel sorry for me. I just pray that you would be just as overwhelmed as I am, with God’s grace.

I remember I was at a camp this past summer, and I was singing in front of maybe 800 people. I started bawling in the middle of my song…on stage… spotlights. Some of you were there. It’s not the most professional way to sing, sobbing into the microphone, but I couldn’t help it.

I was crying because of this:

some people will never know how much God loved them.

Are We the Disabled?

2010-02-20T19:48:00.030-05:00

Not too long ago I sang in front of a crowd of mostly 'disabled' people. I had never had this much exposure all at once to the people of society we have labeled 'abnormal' or with 'disabilities'. The question was brought to my attention, "what is a disability?" "what is normal?" Originally when mankind was created we had no defect. I cannot even imagine what the garden of Eden looked like. Everything was untainted, fresh, alive... until free choice got the best of us. I think we're all familiar with the falling of Adam and Eve. They chose to disobey.

The fact that we continue to choose things that are not good for us, and love 'darkness rather than light'... is that not the true defect? The fact that we can hold grudges, say hurtful things about those we love, or gossip about those we don't know, is that not the defect? Why do we find it so hard to let go of wrongs done to us and forgive? Why are we so inclined to think of ourselves first, and how we will benefit from a situation before we agree to do something? Do we treat others differently depending on how important we think they are? Do we label people, build prejudices because we don't make efforts to get to know them?

Are we really the normal , 'logical' ones, if we cannot even recognize the disabilities in our own lives?

I haven't worked with disabled people a whole lot... (my sister has on various mission trips) but one thing that continues to surface is the idea that the ones we call 'disabled' are the first people who are the last to judge, and the first to love. They live the most innocent lives, oblivious to many of the problems you and I face simply because they see the world through different eyes. Many of them cannot comprehend jealousy, pride, hatred- and so by default they infact are the "perfect" ones, so to speak. From what I've experienced, its the disabled people that have been able to appreciate the simple things, and have a knack for pointing out beauty in places I never knew existed.

For those who are not mentally disabled, but rather physically, its incredible to hear their stories of perserverance, and their patience with the rest of the world as they fight to exist in a place where they are always feeling they cannot keep up. Their perspective and wisdom is truly humbling.

I'm sure I would learn more by spending time with the disabled, but from a small glimpse... I've been challenged greatly. I pray that God would be so gracious to me as to give me the thing they have, that i perhaps lack- the heart of a child that is constantly filled with wonder of the world around us, and that loves without restraint.

Amy's Diary

2010-01-25T22:09:00.002-05:00

2009 Lessons learned...Conclusions I've arrived at

2010-01-13T14:02:00.005-05:00

It’s a new year…… and so here are some things I have learned throughout the last one… (2009)

1) The only one who will ever have enough passion about your dreams, is you.

2) In order to be understood, you must first seek to understand.

3) You cannot make everyone love you… or even like you. The moment we stop trying to, and can love freely anyways, we become powerful.

4) You cannot change the way a person thinks or believes. What is important it that what you believe continues to change YOU.

5) Many of us settle for less because we are afraid that something better will not come our way.

6) Perhaps the greatest thing I can do is admit my weaknesses to others.

7) What goes around always comes around. Whatever a man sows, he reaps.

8) Time flies after age 20!

9) Sometimes what you are looking for is right in front of your face- but you couldn’t recognize it because you envisioned it in a different way.

10) Its important to give people the benefit of the doubt.

11) To any writer…. My song writing tip: The best songs come out of the worst days.

12) I find myself thanking God more and more for unanswered prayers. Funny how our desires/ambitions change.

13) Sometimes if you really love someone you have to let them go, and do what is best for them.

14) Enjoying the journey is just as important, if not more important than actually arriving.

15) To me, the most beautiful trait in someone is seeing how he or she treats those who cannot help themselves.

~ Amy