Melany's Musical Mondays: I Do Not Belong

I look around and I feel like things changed and I don't know why

Everyday that passes by I feel so far away

I can see in the distance, You have the rest of me

I put my trust in You as I look beyond today

Its all becoming clear

I do not belong in a world of broken pieces

I was meant to be in the arms of Your redemption

I am moving on to the place of Your perfection

'Cause I do not belong

When the world is behind me on the day that I breathe my last

In the face of eternity there's hope 'cause I believe

When I look to the heavens and the future that You hold

It makes it easier to see beyond today

Now I'm looking to the sky

'Cause I do not belong in a world of broken pieces

I was meant to be in the arms of Your redemption

I am moving on to the place of Your perfection

'Cause I do not belong

This world is not my home, I'm a stranger in this land

But I am not alone

When I do not belong in a world of broken pieces

I was meant to be in the arms of Your redemption

I am moving on to the place of Your perfection

'Cause I do not belong, no I do not belong, I do not belong

Happy Monday! :) This week I chose the song "I do not belong" by Kutless. They're a wonderful band just in case you're wondering...anyways, on to the song. If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be "encouraging" and another would be "exciting". This song's central point is Heaven! It's the idea that when things get hard, it reminds us that this world is not our home! Jesus is a hope that cannot be destroyed, defeated, or demolished...and we will get to join him in that eternal paradise when we leave this world! Heck to the yes is what I say to that! 

Romans 12:2 "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

The first line in the song reminds me of that verse. "I look around and I feel like things changed and I don't know why. Every day that passes by, I feel so far away." Throughout the development of the song, he realizes that he feels that way because he is longing for Heaven, and that his mind has been renewed by the grace of God..so his eyes are opened to things that he was blind to before. Have you ever been in that situation before? Well guess what? It's a good thing! As a Christian, you should hate sin. It should repulse you. Now how you deal with that is a different story, and dealt with wrongly it isn't positive, but when you start to recognize these things and they bother you, it is good. This song emphasizes that when that sort of thing happens it reminds us that this world is not our home. We do not belong. 

Tuesday's Top Ten PLUS Ten: Favorite Book Characters

I am a book worm, and happy to admit it :) seriously there are few activities I enjoy more than curling up with a book and a good cup (or five) of tea. So from my reading experiences, I have tried to narrow it down to 10 favorite characters. And remember, hop on over to BecKyle's post as well!

1. Jane Eyre

I absolutely love her story, and to pull out my favorite character it would be her. She is spunky and hilarious, yet humble and serving. Throughout a very twisted and unexpected life, she is a wonderful character.

2. Prince Athelbald

Much like Aslan in "The Chronicles of Narnia", Prince Athelbald represents Jesus. He comes from the story "Heartless", and it would not be even close to as lovely without such a well written role. The development of his character was interesting and well thought-out. Portraying patience, kindness, forgiveness, and love..Prince Athelbald is worthy of favor.

3. Melanie Wilkes 

My mom is a big fan of "Gone With the Wind", and I am as well. I was actually Scarlett O'Hara for Halloween... 

So it should come as no surprise that my name was inspired from the character Melanie. She is my favorite in the book for several reasons. A few of which are that she is very gentle, kind, and patient. 

4. Four :)

I could not resist listing this character in this position, for obvious reasons. Yes his name is literally Four, and he is actually climbing in popularity right now. The trilogy including "Divergent" "Insurgent" and "Allegiant" is where he comes from, and he is the male lead. I would be surprised to meet someone who did not love that character.

5. Betsie Ten Boom

She was indeed a character in a story, but she is also an actual person. She is Corrie Ten Boom's sister, and to sum her up in one word would be love. She loves Jesus intensely and that is evident. I want to be more like Betsie.

6. Mr. Darcy

Pride and Prejudice is an all time favorite of mine, so Mr. Darcy is like my favorite of my favorite concerning the realm of the story. Classics are wonderful and so is Mr. Darcy.

7. Severus Snape

Snape will "always" be my favorite..haha get it? Ah never mind :) He is generally hated because of his reputation for most of the books, but when you finally understand him, if you're anything like me, you will cry a river. Such a good storyline.

8. Roran Stronghammer

Somehow I could have grown up with a love of dragons and never read the "Eragon" series by Christopher Paolini...yeah I have no clue how. Buuuut I finally did as of recent, and out of the four, Roran is my favorite. I mean seriously the guy is a beast. 

9. Red

The book "Skin" by Ted Dekker is the most suspenseful book I've ever read. I love murder mysteries (if they are not too gruesome and tragic) because of the suspense and the puzzle-like storyline, and I was highly impressed by this book. It kept me on my toes and I could not figure it out for the life of me, the outcome was very interesting. Red is the murderer in the story, and of course I am not a fan of serial killers, but seriously the author did a fantastic job with writing this character, he is downright creepy.

10. Jay Gatsby

Last but definitely not least, Jay Gatsby. Need I say more? Nope I don't think I do. He's splendid. 

Having finally decided on 10, I'll probably decide others worthy in a few hours, buuut for the time being, here are my top ten :) don't forget to read Becky's as well!