....Nothing Done....

Friday, January 09, 2004

 
I thank you so much for all the support you have given us. I hope that the Lord has made you grow through this music. My wonderful and beautiful sisters and I have spoken and it is time to end this aspect of our lives. It is not much, so do not make much of it. We are still who we are, for our Father has made us in Love, and that does not change. I don't know what the future holds, and that's ok. This website will remain up, but I will no longer post to it. There will be no more concerts that I can see. If this is important to you, keep in mind that I do not see everything. But, if this is important to you, you need to look at what is behind it. Do not let it become an idol in your heart. Email us sometime (the addresses are still there). We still want to know you. Seek to be like Christ. I love you. May He give you Peace.
Posted by A. Whipple at 11:54 PM

Thursday, January 08, 2004

 
I guess I have a little more to say about Rich.

As much as people talk about him and his music, it's easy to think that some of us have decended to idol-worship. This could be said of his music apart from him, because many people listen to it to get a feeling (which is not bad), and then use that emotional high as a drug to replace the reality of the Lord, who is beyond emotion. We must be careful not to do this, especially in a world where this kind of idolatry is so prevalent. We must realize that it is truly a lie perpetuated by the Father of Lies, and that God Himself is our God, not an emotional high (which can be just as enticing, if not more, than a physical high).

The cool thing about Rich is that, if you hear him talking, he won't lead you to believe that anything is about him. You can tell from his words and from his manner that the Lord is God. I think part of the reason he was taken home might be because we cannot depend on humble souls like Rich and others to give us our spirituality. God not only loves us, but wants us to love Him - and if we'll put our trust in Him, he will give us the means to do so, since "by myself in can do nothing." (John 5:30)
Posted by A. Whipple at 2:09 PM

 
I'm sitting and listening to Rich Mullins Here in America. Every time I hear the guys voice, it's not necessarily what he's saying that gets to me. It's the way he says it. He doesn't take himself seriously like most folks (chiefly myself) do. He's very down to earth - an ironic expression considering that many people who we apply to (at least in the Christian worldview) probably have a better understanding of their place in this world according to God's will than those of us who consider ourselves very holy.

I was walking along this morning back to the dorm. It's fairly cold outside today. I was ashamed because I had spent a large portion of time not paying attention to God's existence. I asked forgiveness and began to talk to my Lord as we walked along. It was funny, because I had this dumb idea of Jesus wearing these robes like we see Him in the pictures in kids' Bibles. So I said, "Don't you get cold?!" His reply seemed to be, "Well, no." And then it seemed to be a bit warmer around me.

Please be praying for Nothing Done, as we have a couple concerts this month. Be praying for me as well, because I'm going to try to prepare for a job this summer. Unbeknownst to most, I do want to get work. Sorry that we've hardly posted since we got back. Thank you so much for your patience if you actually read this thing on a regular basis. Being back at school is good, except for the money part, but the Lord provides. I hope I see you around. May the Lord bless you!
Posted by A. Whipple at 1:51 PM

Thursday, January 01, 2004

 
I'm simply typing on this thing now just to use up words and take up space. Nathan's out at the Cafe tearing up floors behind the counter. Chris and Stuart and I moved everything from behind the counter last night before we left. The floor there is warped and needs to be replaced. I spent the early afternoon at my aunt and uncle's new house. They're moving up to Knoxville from Cleveland (TN), which will probably be a huge thrill for my mom having her sister live so close. My aunt on the other hand, might be a little less inclined to be thrilled with mom's enthusiasm. My aunt and I are very alike in the fact that we're both independent. I can't stand to have people try to make themselves involved in my life. I suppose that's my downfall sometimes. It just irritates me when someone wants to come up and make themselves involved when I haven't asked for anything and I don't look like I need any help. Anyways, frustrations aside, I've got to go take a shower and get out of the house. Can't stay here for too long or I start to go crazy with everyone telling me to do things and wanting me to be a part of stuff. I guess I should take a lesson to learn to deal with my own children when I have them. If they are independent, I'll have to remember how to deal with that sort of person. Otherwise, I've got to learn to overlook people wanting to involve themselves and me.
Posted by A. Whipple at 1:39 PM

 
Welcome to 2004. I've spent the evening and morning at New City Cafe learning new things that my Father has taught me. I was sent there to encourage my good brother Davis today. Dishwater Blonde was playing for the NYEve party. A full house turned up. And it seems that Davis found out what he was sent there for too.

A guy turned up towards the end of the night named James. It was amazing to watch Davis and Donovan and a couple other guys sit there with James and Davis give his testimony and they led James to Christ right there. I sat with my hand on James' shoulder as the four of them wept and he asked the Lord to come into his heart. (James if you read this, I hope you are not angry with me for using your name) I am glad that there are people like Davis who have the humility to allow God to use them in that way. I am glad that there are people like Davis who are real. I am so incredibly far beneath the understanding that my Lord would have in me! I am continuously shown that it's not about me. And it's a good thing too! If not for the intervention of my Lord, I would end up worshipping myself in all that I do. As it is, I am humbled to see God work through circumstances that involve me.

They had John Lewis's ordination service last Sunday night. I am glad to know someone so humble and broken. He is a man truly in awe of God. He is a true servant. I watched him as he was on his knees and all the other ordained people in the church came and put their hands on him and spoke to him. Things I would long to hear, but things I am not ready to hear. Things that seem so far away from an egotistical freak like me. I can't imagine being so close to my Father.

It was a lot of fun to be back hanging out with Davis again. Dusty Beason was the drummer instead of Gerald this time (Davis said they've had a different drummer the past three times). Dusty was drum captain my freshman year of high school. He was a senior and we were in the band. He was in a band with Zane Ellis and Ben Burnette called Stone's Throw there for a while. Dusty's an awesome guy. His heart is very caring.

Being at New City tonight and watching my Loving Father work through Davis reminded me what church is. It reminded me that we are all just people. Sometimes walking the righteous path in my life seems like sifting through a china shop after a tornado and trying to put a plate together, you know. Sort of like, if the plate was part of a set. There are ten thousand broken pieces from that set, but only the unselfish ones fit my plate. But most of what I find are the selfish pieces of other plates. Well, it's a stupid metaphor and it takes too long to explain, but you get the picture. It was wonderful to hear James' voice weeping out his built-up frustrations and learning that Jesus is our only hope. He is all we will ever have. None of us have it all together, and it's ok for it to be that way. Because God alone has it all together.

He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands.
Posted by A. Whipple at 4:35 AM