I took this picture outside of my apartment three days ago. 

 

This picture isnt amazing because of the photographer, or because someone spent a whole afternoon in photoshop… because all of that isnt ture…  It’s not amazing because Belmont University is located in a specific part of town that gets the best sunsets… or because I have the ability to take something and make it into something that isn’t. The reality is that I not some fancy photographer, and you couldn’t make this picture look better if you tried putting it in photoshop… and location really isnt what’s the good part of this picture.

The reality of this boils down to one simple concept that is the heart to why this picture is as beautiful as it is… GOD. 

Have you ever sat and taken a moment to understand the wonders of his creation? this crazy concept that we are on this ball… spinning at an incredible rate around a star? Have you been able to look at the trees around and the clouds in the sky and understood how much detail and majesty is in each of these?

I mean… in the crazy times of our so-called-busy-lives here on this incredible planet, have we been able to sit down for even a few hours [which in light of the amount of time we have in a day or week or month really isnt much] to just soak in the incredible LOVE of our creator? Have we taken time out of our so-called-busy-lives to just appreciate everything that is His? Have we had a second to breathe, in our so-called-busy-lives, the incredible smells of his creation? A second to comprehend the very thing that God considers valuable… his creation? 

Have you processed at all that you are EVERYTHING he wants?

 

That you are HIS?

 

That you are simply beautiful?

God loves you! with such abundant grace and forgiveness… 

Have you had a chance to realize that God [the one who invented busyness] is waiting for you to run to him? 

 

Thats what Im talking about… and honestly appreciating the heart of this season… Loving the wonderful creations of our maker! 

I have soo many stories of things God revealed to me while I spent 10 days in Asia… and those stories will come in time… but I feel like God was telling me that first, we need to get our heart right. We need to understand what it means to bask in His love. To genuinely appreciate the things around us that mean a whole lot to God. His people. 

So as we enter into this crazy time of the year where we are inundated with a war among our culture to give the right gift. To purchase the right gift… 

we need to understand that the true gift of the season is love…. and I think that love finds itself in three things. Listening, Learning, and Living. 

the first is simple… listen. In order to truly understand the concept of love we have to figure out how to shut up! We HAVE to be able to be an ear to those around us… a shoulder to cry on for that matter… and a heart that longs to heal! We have to be interested in the people around us… and genuinely sincere about it. Love cannot be a one way street. We can’t just pour our hearts out over and over and never listen to someone else’s story. Its in these stories that God begins to challenge us with crazy-deep stuff. Its in these stories when we actually get toknow someone… what a crazy thought that is, to know someone. But to love… we must first figure out how to listen.  [james 1:19]

second is tough… because its also not just enough to listen to someone and let it go in one ear and out the other… its also not just enough to know the stories and be able to retell them… Its soo much deeper than that… WE have to be able to learn from the other. This begins a path of trust. this begins a process of sharing. this begins the incredible stages of growth, maturity, and change. This is where depth starts… this is where life is begun.This is the start of knowing… and the start of seeing. You see… its isn’t enough to sit back and just hear… we have to be able to learn from those around us… which takes an incredible level of investment with the people around us. It takes us… stepping out in to faith… trusting others with our lives… and making ourselves vulnerable. It is at this point… the point of vulnerability that we begin to understand the power of love… but not yet fully comprehend it. In order for us to truly love those that are his… and appreciate the things of our creator… it takes learning. [Proverbs 1:5]

But the third is nearly impossible it seems… I’ll start with a phrase my professor has used a lot this semester with me… “Life is all about letting go of the idea that we need to make a living, and grasp on to the idea that we need to be making a life.” To live is the most important part of love. Its when we truly begin to fall in love… is only when we have moved to the part where we are able to be in full community with others! What I’m getting at is the concept that we are called to live fully with others… by loving them. When we live, and stop focusing on how to make a living we are truly able to get to the point in life. The reason. The purpose, and we are able to figure out who we are and who the people around us are. This is true life… Love and love to the fullest can only come when we surrender ourselves and understand that we must live with the people around us.  it’s time to begin our life… its time that we start to actually live.[John 10:10]

 

So… I don’t know what this christmas looks like for you this year. I don’t know if you will be with your family a lot or not. I don’t know if your going away for the holiday’s… I don’t know if your going to have a lot of free time on your hands or busy like no other… I don’t know if you will be with friends, or laugh? I don’t know if you will look up and appreciate the scenery… or understand the story of the cross. I don’t know if God will have a hand in your daily walk this season… and I don’t know where in the world you will be…. But I do know that we all have the ability and capacity to love those around us this year… To be able to listen… to be able to learn… and hopefully get a taste of what it means to live fully with those around us. 

I don’t know if you are going to actually process a bit about the incredible wonders of our creator… like this sunset… and I don’t know if you will take just a few seconds out of our so-called-busy-lives to truly love the things of our creator… both people and himself.

Jesus commands us to live fully with one another in love.

He wants us to live life as fully as possibly can.

So why not take a chance…. step out into faith this holiday season and LOVE those around us? I’m asking you to take a dive… try something for a chance… Listen a bit. Learn a lot. but most of all… Live Abundantly!

 

what do we have to loose?… ‘Tis The Season!

Tags: Seasonal, Uncategorized by Luke
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So… I have obviously taken a break from the craziness of writing a blog every week… and I may start it back up during the holidays… but in the mean time I thought it would be really fun to do a Luke McElroy Top 10 CDs for Christmas list.  

I thought it would be fun to do a list of the best 10 CDs that you should seriously consider getting someone this christmas… Maybe this will become a tradition? who knows… but I had fun putting this together. 

To help make it easier, I have broken it down into three categories.

Category One: Overall Top 10. 
Category Two: Worship Top 10.
Category Three: Secular Top 10.

There was only one rule I created when I compiled these lists… I have to actually own the record in order for it to make it on one of these lists… so enjoy.

TOP 10 SECULAR ALBUMS::

I don’t really listen to a lot of country music, but for some reason I really allowed myself to get into this CD. Every song is a potential radio hit  single… and most of them were. A great cd… all around.

Marc Broussard brings out the groovy soulful music that I love to run to and live out excitement for. Another album that every song is simply amazing. Favorites: Home, Rocksteady and The Wanderer.

8. Dave Matthews Band - Stand Up

It took me a little while to get into this CD… but once I was in, it has continually keep a groovy beat and a great highway driving record. Favs - American Baby, Stand Up, and Louisiana Bayou.

Incredible. This guy came out of nowhere to bring a southern, clean soulful sound similar to Marc Broussard, but so much better. One of those CDs that causes you to just get into the music… if you know what I mean!

6. Jon McLaughlin - Indiana

I really do enjoy the piano…Though I am not very good, this guy is among the best I have heard. I really enjoy it when you find a guy who does good pop music but highlights the sounds of a piano.  Fav - Industry. 

5. Sean McConnell - Tell The Truth EP

It takes a lot from me to really want to put an EP on this list… mainly because I have ten records to get some of the best songs… take my word, this guy has more incredible music than most full records I have ever heard. Must Get.

4. Hanson - The Walk

Go ahead.. say it… “Luke… Hanson?” Before you critic me, please go at least get the preview on iTunes! This was suggested to me by a friend, and I thought the same thing. Then I listened to it. Its a new sound worth checking out!  You’ll like it, I know it. Some of my Favorites - Been There Before & Tearing It Down.

3. Michael Buble - Call Me Irresponsible

This is one of those CDs that just make you feel like your a part of a fantasy life… a night with a beautiful girl, nice dinner, formal dress and big band music. Buble is incredible, though kinda mushy with the love songs… you can get past that.  Best song has to be “Everything.”

 

2. Colbie Caillat - Coco

This girl’s music is very unique. She has one of those sounds that causes you to sit back and enjoy life. Her very soft, happy, exuberant sound brings life into a dark day and cheer you up. I have listened to this when I need to study or just process life. Every track is my favorites, especially - The Little Things, Realize, & Magic.

 

 

1. Sean McConnell - Cold Black Sky.

If you have had a conversation about music with me in the last several months, you have heard me rant and rave about this guy. He is changing my idea of a successful musician… and he puts on one heck of a show too! This is by far the best CD I have listened to in a LONG WHILE.  This would make an incredible gift to anyone. I bought a bunch of them myself to give to people!!! Check it out!

 

TOP 10 WORSHIP ALBUMS::

10. Hillsong - Mighty To Save

I have never really ever been a huge Hillsong fan, except for a few select songs, but this CD changed my mind. Other than the powerful main track this cd is sure to bring life into your relationship with God!  A must get!

9. Desperation Band - Everyone Overcome

Pretty new on the horizon, which is why it may not be as high as some would expect… but I havent been able to listen to it very much. These guys are providing some incredible songs. They are a slight bit similar to a Passion or 7:22.

8. Jared Anderson - Where To Begin

This guy is real! I worked with him on an event in Portland, and was blown away by his incredible writing abilities and second his ability to lead in a way where he steps aside from the spotlight and shines Jesus!

7. David Crowder Band - Illuminate

I have always enjoyed each project that David Crowder Band has put out, but this one is my all time fav from him.. its not one of his more rock-based worship cds, but more of the classic contemporary worship today! Great stuff.

6. Passion - The Best of Passion [So Far]

This is an amazing collection of worship songs… perfect for anyone wanting to get the most popular selection of true worship all on one CD. This CD is truly amazing!

5. Chris Tomlin - Arriving

Gold, hopefully one day a platinum, who cares… this record will last longer that any of that stuff ever can. This record is truly a gift from God. An expression of authentic praise that Jesus loves to hear. I am so appreciative of Chris and his music!

4. Charlie Hall - Flying Into Daybreak

Rarely do you find a CD that has such a true expression of the heart. This is one. Every lyric is so true it is almost insane… every verse so real… every beat increasingly causes me to reach toward heaven and look toward God! Thank you Charlie.

3. Chris Tomlin - See The Morning

This guy is incredible. Humble, honest, real and true to making bright the light of Jesus Christ. This is exactly the heart of this record. Every single track on this record is a cry from the heart to yearn toward a gracious and forgiving God. Chris will always bee a huge contributor to a lot of incredible music to our generation.

 

2. Passion - How Great Is Our God

Though I wasn’t able to make it to the conference in 2005, I know it made a large impact on the lives of the people and all the lives of the people who purchased the record. Personally, I believe this is the best collection of worship music that is around and of course I am a fan of all the artists… I mean just look at the list above! This is a must have CD in a collection.

 

1. Fee - We Shine.

Steve Fee… Among my favorite worship leaders ever. This guy has authentic lyrics and a heart that yearns toward salvation. I love the heart that follows the music and the new face he is trying to put on contemporary music. Though this is his first major release, be on the lookout for him… he’s going to do some incredible things with his career.

 

TOP 10 ALBUMS::     [overall]

A Nashville native… and an incredible sound. Once being a writer for major christian acts, I am very grateful that he decided to go out on his own. This guy has some amazing stuff to provide to this industry… a must get CD!

9. 33Miles - 33Miles

My buddy actually gave me this CD, and I have loved it ever since!  These guys have a great collection of music… though up and coming as they are, they are sure to become the next wave of christian pop!

8. Hanson - The Walk

Twice… on one blog has to show you how amazing this CD actually is. This is one of those unexpected CDs that shocked me with the quality of the music. Go check them out!

7. Michael Buble - Call Me Irresponsible

I had to put this on the list! He is amazing. I haven’t been able to get the cd out of my car yet… and those type of records HAVE to make the list. If you haven’t yet… go and check this guy out!

6. Colbie Caillat - Coco

Colbie Caillat… like I mentioned above, has come out of nowhere to impress me! I have absolutely fallen in love with the laid back chill or her music! 

5. David Crowder Band - Sunsets and Sushi

David Crowder, Like I said is incredibly smart. This one took smart to a whole new level. Imagine techno and worship combined and you get this cd. Whether its intro music to an event or just chillin with friends, this CD is a sure shot to a great enviorment… and its all clean! Check it out!

4. Bebo Norman - Between the Dreaming and Coming True

I have always been impressed by this guy. He continually creates art that is consistent to what his audience is asking for… this time, he went way beyond on expectations!  In my opinion, this is his best CD yet! I can’t wait for the next one!

 

3. Chris Tomlin - See The Morning

This guy is incredible. Humble, honest, real and true to making bright the light of Jesus Christ. This is exactly the heart of this record. Every single track on this record is a cry from the heart to yearn toward a gracious and forgiving God. Chris will always bee a huge contributor to a lot of incredible music to our generation.

 

2. Fee - We Shine

Again… I truly believe that Steve Fee will shape the next wave of christian music and the next face of Worship. This guy is real… but willing to push the envelope a little bit. If you don’t go and check out this CD… your the one that is going to be missing out. Its simply amazing!

 

1. Sean McConnell - Cold Black Sky

Ok… so im obsessed with this guy! But what can I say… when you listen to it I know you will like it too! He’s just one of those guys that makes you want to smile and dance where ever you are when his stuff comes on. No radio airplay yet, but with over 190 commercial releases, you actually have probably heard him before.. from a song he wrote for someone else.

 

When I was done with these… I decided that I would have some fun and put together a list just for the Holidays…

BONUS::
TOP 5 HOLIDAY ALBUMS::     [overall]

5. Mercy Me - The Christmas Sessions

I always thought this CD design was the worst one of all Christmas albums… but it actually is a good CD. Bart Millers sound is what makes it so great! Its good chesnut roasting music… I mean the type you listen to by a warm fire under a blanket!

4. Amy Grant - Home For the Holidays

I have had this CD ever since I was young.  My parents love this CD, and I guess every time I listen to it I catch myself thinking about good times with my family and decorating the house! Whatever it may be… this is a great selection of holiday tunes!

3. Harry Connick Jr. - When My Heart Finds Christmas

You have to love the good old Connick Jr sound during the holiday season. He makes you just want to cuddle up with your special someone and sit by the fire… maybe even with some hot chocolate! Hmm!

2. Various Artists - Now: Thats What I Call Christmas 1

When It comes to holiday music, I think that the best CDs are when they compile all the great music available and make a great collection of incredible tunes… thats what has happend here! This is a great choice for the entire season!

1. Steven Curtis Chapman - All I Want For Christmas

I have to say though… of every album on this list and all the others that made honorable mentions… none of them even come close to comparing with this one! I have for the past two years fallen in love with Steven’s selection of songs here! This is the BEST record to celebrate the holiday season… so go get a copy or two!

 

 

 

Enjoy the Holidays! 

 

-L.

 

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