Outstretched Arms

My Darkest Hour

April 22, 2011 in Culture, Deep Stuff with 0 Comments

My darkest hour came in the bedroom of my home after my disastrous first year in college.

There was some tense drama on my dorm floor, made worse by my insecurity. Friendships were lost.
My mother was battling breast cancer. I couldn’t even be there for one appointment.
My grades were shameful. Let’s just say I wasn’t sure if I could come back next year, let alone graduate.

When the dust settled, I finally made it home. But my childhood walls couldn’t keep out the pain of failure.

I felt alone. My heart shattered. My soul overwhelmed.

I remember my darkest hour because God was there. He knew what it would take to set us free.

On Good Friday, we must remember the pain and suffering that was endured. That in His Son’s darkest hour, there would be change.

Hope is rising. Love is on the move.
Al

HAHAHAHAHAHA

April 14, 2011 in Mid Day Diversion with 0 Comments

Just trust me.

You’re welcome.

The Importance Of Proofreading

April 12, 2011 in Apple/Mac, Mid Day Diversion with 0 Comments

So here’s what happened.
It was lunchtime and I was about to grab pizza with some of the boys from work. We tried contacting one of the guys and here’s what happened:

*Courtesy of George P.*

Yep.

And if you need to next time, be sure there’s enough time with the right person.
Just sayin’.

Worship 101

April 10, 2011 in Worship with 1 Comment

So today is Sunday and I was helping to lead worship for our youth this morning. I picked a couple uptempo songs to help kick-start the service with some energy. I wanted us to sing out God’s truths in these fresh tunes.

I was running the stage.
I was leading the best as I can.
I was working up a sweat.

And nothing. Zip.
Then, I caught a glimpse of a couple people who were not “worshiping” along the song “Say Say”.
That’s when I got slammed. On stage. In the middle of my set.

The truth was I wanted to people to experience Jesus in the way that moves me to worship Him. Me me me. Sometimes wanting them to sing songs that would overpower their own voices. Maybe even mine.

Then I realized I am part of a church where people come to learn about Jesus. To find comfort and hope in this God who loves each of us so very much. He doesn’t need our songs to make Him more glorious that He already is.

Wow. I cut the song short and wanted to walk off the stage with my guitar in tow. Rookie mistake. Rookie mindset.
But then we got to the end of the set:

There is Love
That came for us
Humbled to a sinner’s cross
You broke my shame and sinfulness
You rose again victorious

Faithfulness none can deny
Through the storm
And through the fire
There is truth that sets me free
Jesus Christ who lives in me

You are stronger
You are stronger
Sin is broken You have saved me
It is written Christ is risen
Jesus You are Lord of all

No beginning and no end
You’re my hope and my defense
You came to seek and save the lost
You paid it all upon the cross

So let Your Name be lifted higher
Be lifted higher
Be lifted higher

The air in the room became thick and the Spirit of God fell. After the message, our band simply let go and let His presence wash through the music. Amazing what can happen when you just let God take over.

So thank you to those folks who stared at me with lips sealed. You taught me a lot today.
Feel free to come as you are. Anytime.

Albert

PS. To the brother in the back who was taking notes to evaluate / critique me (either on your accord or someone else’s), I hope you were able to worship God with us.

The 5 W’s I Am Right Now

April 7, 2011 in Being Real, Randomness with 0 Comments

Who?
I am Albert. Sometimes people call me Alby, Lewy, LewBert (last name with first). Currently thinking of another nickname.

What?
I am a guy who just finished lunch with a friend and about to crank out more engineering work before I go home for the weekend.

When?
Keyword just.

Where?
From this awesome taco spot called “La Estrella Mexican Food” on Mission Rd. Highly recommend this place.
And now back to my cubicle, where I…don’t mind this place.

Why?
It was lunchtime and I work here during the day.

For fun, I’ll throw in the How?
Better than I deserve. ‘Cause God saved me and is renewing me every single day of my life, no matter what I do. I am living in His grace.

Remember how you came to be.
And go.