Monday, January 24, 2011

Get out of the way!!

     You may have heard that simple "church-y" phrase "Let go and Let God."  It sounds so simple and so spiritual.  I think though that is what Paul is saying in 2 Corinthians when he says "Gods strength is made perfect in my weakness."  I have been becoming more and more aware of this idea lately.  I get so caught up in trying to make sure I am in control and I have everything the way I want it that I forget that God is the one actually in control.  If I would take all the energy I spend in trying to do things myself and let God use me for His glory then things would probably go much smoother.  I can try and try to be my best, the best husband,, best father, best leader, best songwriter, but that will always come up short.  Not just short by a little bit but like the Grand Canyon short.  But if I let God's power work through me and get myself out of the way, then like Paul, God's strength will be made perfect in my weakness. Something I am learning and seeing more clearly every day.  If I can live in God's love and grace and let that flow through me, I can be exactly what God has created me to be. 

Monday, January 17, 2011

Simplify

    A common theme in my life is 'over complicated'.  I tend to find the most complicated and longest way to complete a task.  Whether it is writing a song or putting something together or writing this blog, I can find the hardest way to accomplish a task.  One thing I am trying to learn is how to keep things simple.  Michelle tells me all the time to stop over thinking, just sit down and do it, let it happen, don't get so wrapped up in trying to make it perfect.  Simplify.  I think I am going to try to adopt that as my theme for this year.  I have never been one to make New Years Resolutions, and I don't consider this to be one, but maybe with the start of a new year I can commit to simplifying.  I think this is a good philosophy in worship as well.  Sometimes I think we get too wrapped up in trying to make sure we are playing the coolest songs or have the hottest newest things going on that we forget what we are doing, worshiping our Savior and Creator.  Instead of trying to make it perfect, trendy or catchy we need to just simply worship.  Let it happen naturally, don't over think it, just tell Him what is in our heart, start there and see where it takes us.
    Simplify.  I'm going to give it shot.  Will you join me?

Thursday, January 13, 2011

How does He do it?

    Michelle and I were looking at our calendar the other day and commenting on how full it is.  As I sit here to write this I am so overwhelmed with God's trust in us.  I am not sure how to even communicate what I am feeling.  I have started this blog over several times trying to find the right words, but the only words I can think of is "Thank you!"  When Michelle and I started our ministry together about 10 years ago the only thing we knew was that God was calling us to travel and lead worship through music.  We had no idea where that would take us or just what that meant but we knew that our job was just to trust and follow.  There have been times that I have tried to fit God into my box or tell Him my idea of what He wants me to do and He is always faithful to remind me that He is in control.  I am so humbled that He chose us to be a part of His plan.  I don't know how to describe the feelings of joy, worry, anticipation, wonder, excitement, and peace I feel when I think about what God has done for us and where He is taking us.  I may be unsure of how our bills get paid each month or how it is that we are able to continue doing what we do, but knowing that I am not in control and that God is a big relief.
    Lately, I have been becoming more aware of my calling.  When I was starting out in my music carer I just thought how cool it was to be able to play music for a living.  I knew that God had called me to be a worship leader and thought doing that would be a lot of fun, but now I am seeing how serious this business is.  I have always taken my music seriously, but have never realized the impact of my calling until recently. My head is full of questions, my heart is full of anticipation and my spirit is stirring.  I don't know how God continues to sustain us or why He has chosen us to be His messengers, but I am excited to see where this takes us.  I am learning to live up to my calling instead of just playing music for God. Trying to wrap my brain around how God makes this work is exhausting, so I will stop trying and just continue to trust Him.  All I know is that God has trusted me with this piece of His kingdom and whether we stay in San Antonio forever or continue to travel the country and the world, I want to live up to the call God has placed on my life, and the call He has given me and Michelle for our ministry.
    Thanks for listening to my ramblings for today!  See you soon!

Monday, January 3, 2011

Hello World!

Ok, I am new to this Blog world.  I hope to use this as a place where you can get to know me and the things that go on inside my head.  I will be posting at least once a week. For those of you who don't know me my name is Justin Graves.  I am a worship leader from San Antonio, TX.  I travel across the country with my incredible wife, Michelle and our daughter Gabi.





As we travel across the country I will be sharing our experiences and hopefully giving you more insight to who we are and why we do what we do.  Hope you enjoy! You can check out our website www.justingravesband.com and our FB page Justin Graves Band.  Hope to see you on the road sometime soon!  Keep rockin!