His eye is on the sparrow

one of my favorites lately

fire it up

This is a hot topic that has been brewing in my mind for a year now. Feedback would be good, because I need help with a solution.

Ever wonder why they play pump-it-up songs before sporting events? Music is often used to kick people in gear. A year ago, I decided to start running again. The sad truth is that I DO NOT LIKE TO EXERCISE. Running is the fastest way to finish this daunting task. To pump me up and get me started exercising again, I decided that music was a must-have.

Here's a confession. I love music. All kinds. But as far as pump-me-up music, the Def Leppard and Metallica and KISS tapes I used to have just aren't the kind of music that would glorify God in the midst of this running business. (Oh, I forgot. Mom confiscated my KISS tape 20 years ago.)

Another option: Thousand Foot Krutch. Here are a couple songs I put on the MP3 player (turn up your sound way up):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy0rWVx9zDc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONlUe2xXtL4&feature=related

Some people may wonder what the big fuss is. And others may think She listens to THAT? The distance and time do go a lot more quickly, but is this music beneficial? Is it good and right? Probably what makes the run go faster is the (3x/wk) battle in my mind of that question. Every mile, I contemplate that very thing: is it good for me to blast this into my ears? Maybe another way to think of this is...does the music I listen to define who I am? or the books I read? or the movies I watch?

"'All things are lawful,' but not all things are helpful. 'All things are lawful,' but not all things build up....whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:23,31).

Thoughts?

still

Still, my soul be still

And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow

God, You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone

Still, my soul be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows
Hold onto His ways
With shield of faith
Against temptations flaming arrows

Still, my soul be still
Do not forsake
The Truth you learned in the beginning
Wait upon the Lord
And hope will rise As stars appear when day is dimming

by Keith and Kristyn Getty