TAKE AWAY THE MICROPHONE AND IMMA SAY IT ANYWAY

i know i haven't updated for a REALLY long time, but oh well.
just finished my reflections for the parachute band workshop thing, sent it over to Asher, so might as well put it up here(:
but i must warn you. IT IS LONG.

Well. I definitely felt that the Parachute Band workshop was awesome, even though I seriously did not know why I signed up for it in the first place (hahaha…yeah). ANYWAY. Needless to say, I’ve learnt SO much. Not only those typical stuff that you would learn- how to write nice songs in a songwriting class-.- but also things that answered and cleared the questions and doubts that were always present at the back of my mind.

First things first, I have never owned a Parachute Band CD (up till today:D), and I have only heard one of their songs, complete. I thought to myself: great. I know nothing about the band and I just signed myself up for their workshop. So, obviously, I was not as enthusiastic about it.

During the workshop, I had many questions in my mind. They just seemed to pop out as the speaker spoke about, example LOVE YOUR CONGREGATION. I thought to myself: do I love the kids in TOUCHkidz? I was never (and still don’t think I am) a don’t-you-think-that-baby/kid-is-so-cute person. I would just look at a kid and go,” okay.” There was really no passion for kids! However, each time I see children worship God, it would just simply melt my heart. The naughtiness and playfulness that I once remembered that child for would just disappear. It’s just totally different.

SACRIFICE + OBEDIENCE = WORSHIP.
I have always thought of worship to be singing songs unto Him, lifting up our praises just for His pleasure. To be frank, I always linked the thought of “worship” to “music”. Never did I think that worship is also living in the light of God and just doing things right and things that glorifies Him. I never knew that our LIVES could be a form of worship either! Worship is not about us feeling good, but the question is “did you ENCOUNTER God?” It is a 1-on-1 encounter with Him. Worship is a reflection of Jesus in your life. Sacrifice + Obedience = Worship. Sacrifice is surrendering what you treasure most, be it family, studies, life plans, friends, relationships, etc into the hands of God and truly believing that He is in TOTAL CONTROL of EVERY situation in your life. Obedience is not knowing why God ahs asked you to do it, but doing it anyway. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. I guess worship I really about FAITH. For without faith it is impossible to please God. God responds to faith, not music.

FAITH THAT IS NOT TESTED IS NOT FAITH AT ALL!
Faith is simply saying,” God, I really do not know the plans you have for me or why you have put me in this situation. But I know that you do everything for a reason, including the people I meet (and I thank God for all of you :D) and those that have walked out of my life. I really do not know why You who love me so much have to put me in such a situation, but I CHOOSE to TRUST you for I know that YOU ARE IN CONTROL in EVERYTHING that is happening in my life (: By doing that, I’m sure it pleases God! Like Libby Huirua (and Asher) said in the workshop entitled “Developing the Heart of the Worshipper", it’s okay to struggle, it’s okay to question God! Personally, I have learnt to surrender things to Him, but am still struggling to do likewise for other things that are much closer to my heart. Yes, it is hard to let go, but NOT MY WILL, BUT YOURS BE DONE. I’m still learning to surrender things into the hands of God, like family matters. But I shall! (:

You want a higher level of worship; expect a DEEPER LEVEL OF CRISIS. Especially us being Levites, those standing at the frontline in a battle, we must always ensure that we are pure and holy, for if not, the devil can constantly attack us spiritually.

Okayokay. A short one for songwriting. Sorry it’s SO LONG!

I have learnt that the songs you (or for in this instance, I) write have to be REAL, PERSONAL, and HONEST. Ever come across a song that you think really talks about you and how you feel? For me, complete by Parachute Band.

Here I am oh God, I bring this sacrifice
My open heart, I offer up my life
I look to you Lord, your love that never ends
Restores me again

So I lift my eyes to you Lord
In your strength will I break through Lord
Touch me now; let your love fall down on me
I know your love dispels all my fears
Through the storm I will hold on Lord
And by faith I will walk on Lord
Then I’ll see beyond my Calvary one day
Then I will be complete in you.

Yup. It just talks so much about what I wanna say to Him. So a good song should let people feel that way!

The concert was great. Even though we were right at the back, Asher, Ben Chew, Vernon and his friend and I, but God’s presence was STRONG. He spoke to me in areas that I really needed reassurance, strength to carry on for Him and all. It was totally AWESOME. It was God.

I am truly sorry for my incredibly long post, I really am, but it’s really impossible to explain what God has done for me during this workshop. I have also used this time to process thoughts that have been on the “waiting list”. Praise God! Thanks Asher(:

Your Beloved,
CORDELIA.

CREDITS
BLOGGER
DEVIANTART
GINAF-