Two people fell in love and were married.

Things were new and exciting.  The thought of deepening an already-immense love made for the greatest of dreams.

The bride and bridegroom settled into their home, combining posessions that were once singular.  The bride brought with her into the relationship a couch. One she had prior to the marriage.  It had quite the wear and tear, and it wasn’t pleasant to look at.  But…

It was very comfortable.

The groom had no problem bringing the couch into the house, although he had no intention of ever sitting on it.  There was no sense in an argument right now.  For better and for worse, right?

The relationship was very touch-and-go in the beginning.  It turns out that a relationship of this magnitude brings out a lot of vulnerability in a person.  Whenever things seemed too awkward, she sought comfort in the couch.  It was the most familiar friend to her, after all.  It was years ago now that she worked tirelessly to save enough for this couch.

And it had served her well- mid-afternoon naps, late evenings, the familiar smell of the leather.

So she retreated to the couch almost every day, and especially when things seemed tough.

One day, she remembered all of the memories she had in her life that included that couch.  And immediately, she realized all of the memories that were yet to be made with her husband.  She was spending almost all of her time on this couch.

In her guilt, she moved the couch outside, ashamed that her husband would find out how much time she was spending on it every evening.  Sure, it wasn’t as ideal as quality time in relationship with her husband, but…

It was comfortable.

This made the marriage a one-sided one, to say the least.  But the husband was patient.  He saw her for who she was, not for what she brought into the house.  And through her husbands’s unfailing love and patience, she began to slowly realize what had been her reality the whole time – that her husband was passionate about her, yet not forceful.

It was only then when she started to run to him in her confusion and emptiness.  It was with him that she was vulnerable.

No retreating.

No hiding.

Just a real, honest, awkward and vulnerable relationship.

It wasn’t as comfortable.

But it was better.

All Rights Reserved.  Please be kind and ask permission before using this, por favor.

“The terrible thing, the almost impossible thing, is the hand over your whole self–all your wishes and precautions–to Christ.”
– CS Lewis

Well, I had no expectations when it came to this giveaway…just givin’ away good music.

And, with just a few comments, I decided to change things a bit.

I can do that, right?

Everyone wins.

Tyler and Alece will get “Miracle” by the Robbie Seay Band.  Congratulations to the both of you!  I hope you enjoy it.

Speaking of the two of them, please check out their blogs [ Alece's & Tyler's].  You’ll be glad you did if you haven’t already.

And don’t forget about Ben, either.

Dear Mr. Prideful Self:

I am writing you to officially tender my resignation from the position of Judge of the Universe effective immediately.  It seems that I was given the title in error, and it was never mine to begin with.

Working for you, sir, has been a memorable experience. I could not ask for a more qualified person to supervise me in this role.  I have changed in many ways here and will never forget the direction in which this position has taken me.

But unfortunately, I have been offered with an opportunity that I simply cannot refuse.  I’m sure you can understand, sir.

I will be accepting a position as myself over at The Room of Grace.

A place where I can begin to become who I was created to be, which is vastly different than my current position.

And while I may be tempted to miss my friends here and all they offer, I feel that it is time for a new and real experience.

Regards,

Josh

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Perhaps you’re like me and are prone to this position as well.  I would encourage you to turn in your notice along with me today.  And tomorrow.  And the day after that.  And the day after that.  Well, you get the point.

Two weeks is an admirable amount of time to give in most settings.

Not when it comes to our heart’s surrender.

This is a band that I like.

I mean, really like.

I want you to like them, too.

The Robbie Seay Band has been a favorite of mine for a long time. My friend Ben introduced them to me about six years ago or so. I had heard their music before that but didn’t know it was them.

Their new record, “Miracle” is going to be a favorite for sure.  RSB gets better with each record, I think, and “Better Days” is a tough one to top (IMO).

I had the chance to meet Robbie and the band a few weeks ago at a concert in Arizona.  I bought the new album on both cd and vinyl, and got a digital download card for it as well.  That’s where you come in.

I’d love to give it to you.   (more…)