Laying Down Our iDols

Andrew and I (Jen) are an Apple family. We should be getting some kind of endorsement or discount from that company for the amount that we use all of their products, both personally and for our music. Needless to say, I have an iPhone. I like my iPhone, but over the last few days, I’ve realized that I liked it too much. Let me set the scene…

Friday morning…

Good Friday to be exact. I read out of my current devotional, “Jesus: 90 Days with the One and Only,” by Beth Moore. That day’s devotion happened to be about the birth of Christ, so it was rather poignant to reflect on His birth on a day that the church reflects on His death. The challenge she gave was to meditate more on Christ and remove anything that prevents us from doing so. Immediately, the Holy Spirit spoke in my heart and said, “you need to fast from your phone today.”

I argued for a moment and tried to justify my practical and reasonable need for it, but in the end, I obeyed. I resolved to pray for the needs of those around me whenever I felt the urge to look at my phone… I prayed more that day than I have in a while!

All day Friday, I had to stop my own muscular reflexes from opening apps and social networks. There were plenty of dead moments as the hours passed; a 40 minute drive to and from church, waiting to sound check for our Good Friday service, waiting for church to start… these were all opportunities to turn off my brain and look at my phone. In those moments, rather than detach like usual, I saw needs. I prayed for my pastor’s sermon when I wanted to go on Instagram. I prayed for our worship to be Spirit-filled when I wanted to play Draw Something. Honestly, it wasn’t easy, but over and over, I found myself in conversation with God and I felt so close to Him.

I learned this about myself: my phone had become the answer for everything. I didn’t need patience because I could entertain myself with apps whenever I got bored or had to wait for something. I didn’t need to be uncomfortable in social situations because I could detach and isolate myself in a game. I didn’t need to ask for directions because I had a map. I didn’t need to glean from others, because I could learn things from Google and YouTube tutorials. It had become a removal from necessary times of reflective silence that God uses to speak to us. I went to sleep with a new truth in my heart, thankful for God’s mercy.

Saturday morning…

I woke up feeling free. I had learned so much the day before and I couldn’t wait to start fresh. I picked up my phone (breaking my fast) and noticed a rather sizable scratch/gash sitting right in the center of the screen. It had to have happened overnight, because it wasn’t there on Friday. I still have no idea how it got there, but the timing was a little too appropriate. Here was my idol, no longer perfect. Every time I used my phone, I had this new irritation to put up with. I don’t like to over analyze every day occurrences, but I know that God was using this to remind me that He must remain the center of my attention. Everything fails but Him.

Sunday morning. He is risen…

Our church venue meets in a school auditorium and the doors remain locked most of the week. You never want to leave personal items behind or they’ll be stuck there until the following Sunday. You can guess where my story goes. In a rush to go see family and friends after church for Easter, I accidentally left my phone in the bathroom where it was promptly locked away from my possession.

Once I realized my mistake, I didn’t even care anymore. I couldn’t stop laughing to myself. “Alright Lord, point taken! I’m so sorry I put a stupid gadget before communion with You, my Creator, Savior and Friend. I repent.” He truly is a Father who takes toys away from His kids when they can’t pay attention.

I did end up getting my phone back from the school. A tech person was kind enough to open the building for us, but I haven’t really looked at it. I’m almost scared of it, but I think in a good way.

What is it for you? Technology? Maybe it’s something else, but what keeps your mind wandering when it should be focused on becoming more like Jesus? “If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off…” Matthew 5:30. Our hands are neutral; it’s how we use them that brings us closer to or farther from God. Gadgets like phones and computers are neutral too, but again, we should use them for the right posposes. Social medias like Facebook and Twitter, along with all technology can be used as a powerful tool for outreach and connection, but they can quickly become addictive as we develop an unhealthy attachment to, or even relationship with them.

May we stop staring at our phones while the world dies around us. May we use technology as a tool for ministry and community rather than a mere time killer. God help us. God help me.

Thanks for reading,

Jen

lovelitemusic.com

HUUUUME!!! See you Summer 2012!

We’re pleased to announce that we will be returning to Hume Lake Christian Camps for Summer 2012. Can’t wait!

ALBUM UPDATE!

Lessons From the Mountain Part 2: “Three Words”

Well, we’ve just come home from spending 10 1/2 weeks at Hume Lake Christian Camp. Needless to say, it was a whirlwind of the Lord moving and changing lives for three months straight; my head is still spinning.

I’ve been trying to think about the best way to describe the work the Lord did in the hearts of so many high school students. Rather than write pages and pages about it, I thought I would share this with you instead:

Every Friday night as each week of camp ended, Hume did something called “Victory Circle.” About a thousand students would walk up a hill to a large camp fire where we would have one last session of worship and the students would be able to share in three words how God had worked in their lives during that week. During the last couple of weeks, I began jotting down some of the testimonial “three words” that were shared. These are just a few of the profound statements that came from these high school students. I think they will tell the story of how God worked better than I can…

I’m all in

He is enough

He won’t leave

I’m not alone

Orphan, to God’s Child

Don’t stand alone

He has a plan

No turning back

I am His

All washed away

Broken, but loved

Foundation, protector, Savior

I surrender all

Completely broken, healed

Convicted, not condemned

He’s my fortress

No more doubt

His love conquers

Thank you Jesus

Lost, now found

Now there’s hope

I’m forever His

Identified in Jesus

I wanna live

All I need

Ignite the world

No greater love

I am heard

My only One

Nothing is mine

I’m with Abba

He forgave me

Ignited my flame

Jesus: Life changing

Lord, send me

Go be bold

I am called

My entire heart

Brightened my soul

Freed my burden

Never lost again

I love Him

Let Him guide

God is intentional

He is joy

Set me free

Intentionally surrendered myself

I have faith

Ready to listen

Sin is mire

Died, rose, redeemed

I’m in awe

Trust Him fully

Never again slaves

Spread the word

Pray like David

My forgiving Father

No other gods

Daddy, I’m here

I once was

I will follow

You have waited

Beautiful to Him

Cherish each day

I’m always wanted

Gives me purpose

Speak through me

Created to worship

A fire relit

God is King

It’s all Him

Conqueror of bondage

Everything, not some things

Live without fear

Not about me

He’s my refuge

Renewed, found, loved

By our side

I’m not worthy

His plan only

Not my life

Restored to Him

Joy, peace, responsibility

Please use me

Humbled before Jesus

He’s my rock

I’m set free

Prayer is powerful

Number one Daddy

Alive to serve

Loved, understood, forgiven

Found, humbled, changed

No more excuses

He is mine

A new family

No words to describe

Lose myself always

Armed for battle

I will go

No longer lukewarm

Condemned. Redeemed. Renewed.

He never left

So what are Lovelite’s three words? Humbly, thankfully used.

Thanks for reading…

jen

lovelitemusic.com

Hey Hume Lake friends! Thanks for all of your cards, letters and doodles! (Taken with instagram)

Sneaky photo taken @humelake (Taken with instagram)

Lessons from the Mountain Part 1: God’s Kingdom

“For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost… If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.” -Matthew 18:11-13 I’m writing to you from beautiful Hume Lake. We’ve been leading worship for high school students here at Hume for the last 7 weeks. We have only 3 weeks left before we all return home to our slightly more conventional ways of life.  In the time we’ve spent here, God has poured out like a flood; not only in worship, but through powerful speaking and through the many staff members who make themselves available to campers at all hours. There are so many stories I could share, but right now, I just want to share one that really impacted me this week.  Campers who come to Hume are given many opportunities to grow closer to Christ. One particular night each week is focused on sharing the gospel and inviting people to receive Jesus for the first time. Those who have made that first time decision are encouraged to stay in the chapel to receive prayer and counsel while everyone else is dismissed to free time.  As the night progresses, new believers trickle out of the chapel and jump back into the camp’s activities.  By now, we’re all used to this pattern, but this week I saw one youth group do things differently.  Rather than disperse into various activities, this entire youth group waited right outside the chapel doors. I hadn’t noticed them there until the camp director pointed them out to me, saying that they do this every year. I started to observe from a distance: they stood together waiting. Some leaning on rails, others sitting on the steps, talking, laughing… just doing things we all do when we’re waiting for something. Then, I saw a girl walk out of the chapel, and suddenly there was a jubilant uproar of clapping and cheering for her as the chapel doors closed behind her. The group surrounded her and immediately began hugging, holding, cheering, and high-fiving her. She had just given her life to Christ and this was the celebratory welcome that she was being shown. Another camper followed shortly behind her and received the same celebration and welcome. Every time someone walked out, some with wet checks and puffy eyes, they would joyously and uproariously welcome them into the family of God.   As I started toward my room, I could hear that sound of cheering all the way to my door, growing fainter with distance, echoing in the dark. Then it hit me so hard that I couldn’t hold back my tears. THIS IS WHAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS SUPPOSED TO LOOK LIKE. Support. Rejoicing with those who rejoice, and weeping with those who weep. Celebrating loudly when a new soul is saved. Waiting outside the door, just like Jesus does. This is the Kingdom that God designed. A Kingdom of love, community and hope, not this individualistic, isolated mess we often find ourselves in. It’s true that sometimes the walk of faith is lonely, but the reality is, God created us to be in community. This is one of the best examples I’ve ever seen of that. As I ponder all of this, I find that it’s wonderfully characteristic of the Lord to show this spiritual truth through a group of teenagers. Not a group of pastors, or a board of elders or church leaders; but through a youth group made up of teenagers who went to summer camp.  Thanks for reading, jen  lovelitemusic.com

Prayer for the Summer

Hey everyone,

Those of you who know us or follow us online have probably heard that we’ve been given the opportunity to lead worship at Hume Lake Christian Camp for 11 weeks this summer, from the early part of June to the late part of August.

Hume is know for being one of the most fun and life changing camps that a student can attend, and we are excited and humbled to be a part of it. At the same time, we do not take lightly the responsibility that comes with leading high school students into worship for the entire summer. It will be filled with ups and downs, spiritual rest and spiritual warfare, fun and work.

As a band, we’ve been preparing for the summer not only logistically, but also with much prayer; we would love to know that you are partnering with us in that prayer as we head out into what is nothing other than a mission field.

All this to say, I’ve made a list of things that we would like prayer for. We invite you to partner with us as we serve God and the young hearts He loves so much!

PRAYER FOR HUME

• That God would move powerfully in the hearts of all who attend Hume Lake this summer.
• That true and lasting change would happen in students.
• That God would bring unity and strength to the staff as they pour themselves out each day.
• That God would use and equip youth leaders to minister to their students.
• That God would speak through the various speakers that come each week.

PRAYER FOR LOVELITE

• That God would give us meaningful time with Him and be the center of everything we do, both individually and as a band.
• That God would help us remain unified as a band with one voice of worship.
• That God would protect us as we travel up and down the mountain.
• That God would strengthen and energize us daily.
• That God would make divine appointments for each one of us to impact students lives.

Click here to learn more about the camp!

Thanks for reading,

Jen

P.S. Once we arrive, we’ll be regularly posting video blogs and updates, so stay tuned for that!

Free Documentary and shattering self realization

Come&Live! recently took a trip to New Zealand with Ascend the Hill and The Ember Days.  The talented Andy Reale made a 30 minute documentary of their journey.  It is a beautiful film.

For quite some time now, I have felt that Western (especially Southern Californian) faith is muddled with skepticism and cynicism. It’s an easy pill to swallow because it makes “sense” and it’s far from an embarrassing mantle to wear. But cynicism is not the call, and it’s not what Christ modeled to us.

While reading this morning in 1 Corinthians I came upon this verse~

      For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;  but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,  and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are,  so that no man may boast before God.  But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,  so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”

In the documentary, there are many resounding encounters of street evangelism that remind me of the urgency we should all have to share Jesus.  I feel smart and safe with my post evangelical lifestyle, but it lacks the bold innocence that we are called to in scripture (James 5:14-16)

 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

As a result of watching this film, I feel a call to boldness.  Say goodbye to self preservation and hello to self sacrifice.

-The Polfessor (andrew)

About this film: New Zealand was the last landmass on earth to be discovered, making it the youngest nation in the world. Though explorers may have tarried in making this new discovery, God has always had His eyes on her.

lovelitemusic.com

Song Story: “Apathy”

Apathy, the first song off of our newest CD, “Nearness” is a very personal song for us. We were in a place of spiritual dryness when writing it and it is an honest cry to make new the love that we know God is deserving of.

Musically, it’s meant to feel jarring and abrasive. Like a necessary wake up call because we so often turn a deaf ear to God’s kind voice.

“This world frozen in water
Numb to its sinking
When I can’t feel a thing
Come melt my apathy”

The lyrics in the 2nd verse were developed from our understanding of the sneaking destructive power of sin.

One afternoon I was pondering in the ocean waters and as I was wading through the waves I developed that verse. At first the bitter cold of the winter water was stinging and painful. Nearly unbearable. I wanted to get out immediately but chose to remain.

As time progressed I grew more and more comfortable in the chilled waves. I eventually got out of the frigid environment but if I had stayed for a prolonged period of time I would have subjected myself to hypothermia. Which eventually kills. Although my body would have become numb to the danger I was in, the truth is that the danger persists. Just like the power of sin.

The euphoria that hypothermia creates causes a swimmer to sink and drown without even knowing it, which makes it all the more dangerous. This can be so easily compared to sin in our lives. Where once we were grieved by our painful behavior we can grow numb to the sensation of disobedience toward our God, thus killing our relationship with our patient Creator.

The chorus and bridge are the cries of our hearts to remain soft to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and correction.

“Shake off the dust
Come and unbury my love
I want to toss all aside
And make You proud of my life

Take what we could not give up
Bring new life to our stale love”

If you are caught by the numbing sensation of sin, ask God to melt and shake off those things in your life. He is faithful. Even when it doesn’t feel like it.

Andrew

For lyrics and chord charts to this song and others, go to http://www.lovelitemusic.com/blog/resources/

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