Road Trip Playlist 2014 #16

Review of June 20...

I had a good lunch with the Oregon/SW Washington Missions Commission.  This group is creating unity among the churches in their approach and vision for mission in their local communities and around the world.  They not only seek to support the churches, but also seek to support, encourage, and care for those serving internationally.  It is such a joy to know them, share with them, and receive their care.  

I then traveled to St Helens, Oregon and began sharing with Pastor Randy Kerr of the Sunset Park ChoG.  We plan to take a hike this morning up Beacon Rock along the Columbia River where we can get some exercise, as well as a better view of the beautiful valley and the mountains in the distance.  So the road trip today will be by foot on a trail, not by car on a road--but there's still a song...

Disclaimer: 

The views, opinions, antics, and behavior of <insert artist name here>

or those same represented within their song <insert song title here>

or of their record label, affiliates, or any other fan base

are NOT necessarily the views, opinions, antics or behavior of the Oldham Family,

Three Worlds, Church of God Ministries, Church of God doctrine,

or any other related Christian or organization;

it's merely a song, on a blog post, 

so read the rest of the post to find out what strange meaning Ken is drawing from it. :)

and now..., continuing with the 2014 Playlist...

I falsely assumed that the community if St Helens would be near the mountain/volcano St. Helens--but that peak is in Washington, clearly in view from th Oregon side of the River, but many miles in the distance.  (Similiarly, I will be in the community of Rainier, Oregon on Sunday evening, but Mt Rainier is nearer to Seattle.)

When I was a kid growing up in the middle of Nowhere, Indiana, I remember hearing about Mt. St. Helens blowing it's top and covering the surrounding communities with ash.  It really was hard for me as kid on the flat prairies to comprehend mountains, let alone one exploding; during that time we learned a lot about volcanoes and mountains and history of various natural events like that.  Of course, we learned about Pompeii, the ancient Italian city that was buried suddenly below layers of ash.

"Pompeii" is also a song with a driving beat to which we have really enjoyed listening lately.  Up and coming band Bastille has several interesting songs that we have enjoyed...

The lyrics include...

We were caught up and lost in all of our vices

In your pose as the dust settled around us

And the walls kept tumbling down

In the city that we love

Great clouds roll over the hills

Bringing darkness from above

Pompeii was that city that seemed to be suddenly buried and preserved by a volcanic eruption.  Today we are quick to recognize warning signs beneath our feet that give a little more time that we might not have another sudden Pompeii tragedy. And yet, when we are caught in all our own vices, we never really think the worst could come on us, and we ignore all the warning signs, and then we are sadly surprised when our world seems to explode or fall apart.  The song and tragedy of Pompeii are reminders to not count ourselves invincible or unsinkable--let us humble ourselves, look at ourselves correctly, seeking Grace, the Spirit's power, and sincere fellowship that we may escape the dangers around which we tend to build our lives.