One of my favorite bands recently performed their last show together and came out with one final studio album called, “Give Us Rest.” If you are still in wonder of who I am talking about, it is the David Crowder Band. This band has been one of my favorites for years and seems to find ways of having “Crowder Moments” at some youth camps, retreats, and in those personal times with God. It was in those moments when I blocked everything out and just sat in awe of God, and He revealed Himself to me.

Its defiantly a lot more crazy these days with school and work among all the other things that seem to find its way into my life, and I am sure you are thinking about all the things that you have going on in yours.

Its hard to make sure we take little retreats when we have so many things pressing on us and people who depend on us. But it is important to find those moments when you can get away and just spend time with God. Sometimes lets face it, we would rather sleep and rest physically and that is important but we need spiritual rest as well.

This week I am working on this idea. The idea of REST. Taking retreatment from the things that find their way in and distract me from getting the more important things done. To get caught up on school readings, projects and sleep, but most importantly get caught up with God, spending time reading His word and praying.

So just like the David Crowder Band has been on the road for years, we too are on this road of life. They had weeks of being on tour, traveling thousands of miles and like us needed time off to regroup and find rest. As their final tour has come to its end they are asking “Oh Great God, Give Us Rest.”

We all need rest. Both spiritually and physically. Take some time and just turn the phone, iPad, and computer off. Facebook will continue on without you, I know big shocker. Spend sometime asking God for rest and then make time for Him to give it to you.

Well it has been nothing short of forever since I was typing on this web page, which is where I was typing what you are reading now.

It is truly crazy to think of all that has happened since I guess last March when I last posted actual text. I hope to make it a more common occurrence where posts come up on here.

I am not sure when exactly but soon “The Tour” is gonna return with a new idea summed up with just one word. It has been rocking me solid the past few weeks and I am really excited to be back and hope this is the best season yet.

Well there is no sense in writing a novel this time, its not like you have had much to read in 6 months, so why start now.

Thank You so much and I hope that this is the start of something brand new while keeping track of the past…

- jwlocke

I have noticed it has been a while since I lasted posted anything on here, and thought it about time to share something.

My main point in writing is to simply ask you what happens when your thoughts explode. When you are filled with so many different things all at once, and you are unsure about where to begin. What is that one place you find this occurs best at? Do you listen to anything that drives your emotions, which has your blood pumping and creative ideas flowing? Then what happens when you finally just start to write? Its unfiltered and just based on the beat of a song or idea. It wants out doesn’t it?

I love finding myself in that spot in which ideas flow like water over a waterfall and they have no place to go but out. In verbal or written words. I find my thoughts come to me when I have the band “Explosions in the Sky” playing in the headphones. I create this own small world in which no matter where I am, I am free to express how I feel about whatever.

I gave a speech this week and as I normally do to clear my thoughts and get excited about speaking, I listen to this same type of music. It relaxes me and lets my mind wonder far away sometimes.

One thing I love about this is the fact that I do this with my time with God and in His word. I get alone and will just listen to this “thought provoking” music, which has no lyrics, and just let my mind escape from all the issues of the day, or week so it is just God and I. Shortly after that I find a page of notes and ideas that I want to share, whether it be talking with someone or through a blog.

I challenge you to find that place where your thoughts explode. Get alone with God and get away from the noise of life, if that means soft music that drowns the physical noise out, try it. If that means that you need to just be still and pray, try that. Get with God and just think about all He has done for you, how much He loves you, which is A LOT by the way, and just let God fill your mind instead of all the craziness of the day for a few minutes. Then if God reveals stuff to you write it down, and share it with someone or just have it so you can go back and see what God has shown you.

In class we are taught to entice the reader without saying so much to bore them. They also tell us most readers don’t read much of whatever you write and to be quick and to your point.

As I got a clean sheet of paper out to jot down some idea for a blog I thought of a blank canvas. The paper, a clean white sheet, crisp and unwrinkled is a blank canvas to be used for anything. Maybe a note, or maybe a picture. Each day God gives us a blank canvas. His mercies are new every morning and no matter what was on yesterday’s or even last year’s, you can ask God to forgive you. Its never to late.

Some people’s canvas won’t make it through another day. We don’t know when our last artwork will be. The funny thing about artwork is that it doesn’t always have to be pretty. Each day we make artwork with our words and actions. What has your artwork been looking like lately?

I pray if you read this… you make your canvas colorful and a beautiful sight in reflection of the One that has given you the canvas to draw on.

Make the most of every moment and don’t waste time. Time is the last thing we have spare of. Make your life worth it, so when you get to the end, your art collection brings joy in remembrance.

There are only 2 days left in the year 2010. It’s crazy to believe that it’s already been here and gone. I wanna just ask a few questions that I hope you spend a few minutes thinking about.

- What have you done in 2010?
- What are the things you are gonna carry over into 2011?
- What are the things you are gonna leave in 2010?
- What are goals you want to accomplish in 2011, and how are you gonna get those goals done?

I know I have asked these questions of me and I hope and pray that 2011 will be the best year yet. I pray you have a great 2011, and that you make the most of what’s left of 2010.

Happy New Year! God Bless!

Plan, Simple… “Life is short. Don’t waste it. Make the most of it.”

Recently I had a friend pass away due to an event in his life. I heard of his death this morning, and even though I wasn’t very close to him the fact that someone I had known is now dead and out in eternity alarms me. Like a beeping siren my heart is screaming the quote “Life is short. Don’t waste it. Make the most of it!”

Our lives can be taken at any moment, we don’t plan on them leaving, they just end up that way. Life is to short to go see what all we can do when we miss out on the most important parts.

We have seen how life is short. We hear how we should not waste it. Now lets make the most of it! Live each moment as it is your last, give thanks for the ones that are around you and the ones that love you. Be thankful of breathe.

Think About It…
At the last moment before you take your last breathe and before your eyes close… If that was tonight, what if it was right now, would you have of done things different? If your reading this you still have time… Start now!

Well it’s the end of Saturday December 25, 2010. I have to admit today has been quite interesting. Nothing major went wrong, no food caught on fire or made people sick. Everyone showed up with little exceptions.

I sit thinking tonight about when I was younger and how great I thought Christmas was. I would wait all year for this one day, today! And it would come and I would have so much fun getting gifts spending time with family and then coming home and playing with all the neat stuff I had gotten. Not a care in the world. I see how things have changed.

I went to look at christmas lights around town and found few. It makes me sad, this idea of growing up, but I look around and see how blessed I am and also remind myself of all those that have much less.

While I am still 20, most people would say “you are still young and have time”. I would like to say “while this is true…” and what is the rest? I still have breathe in me, a voice (be it in verbal or written) that can still make a difference and have a good time!

I hope you all had a joyful Christmas and realize how blessed we all truly are, even though it sometimes looks dark, cold and rainy.

Hope you have a safe time between Christmas and New Years! God Bless

I have recently noticed how little and non-existent my blogging has been on here. I have been quite busy and in other words have not found time or in most cases words worthy enough to type out for people to read (for those who do).

I will say that as the fall semester is coming to a rapid end, I will be working on some postings about the past few weeks and how God has been using and speaking to me. I can hardly wait to write again. I wish all who read this a great holiday season and look forward to posting again soon.