Wonderment~

Like many of you I suppose, I LOVE this time of year! All of the lights, Christmas Carols being sung by secular and sacred...it really is an amazing time of year. I think that people have a sense of Hope-and yet, with that said, it can be one of the most difficult times as well. The depression rate is highest at Christmas, Domestics are up...it is tense. Jesus said, "In this world you WILL have trouble...but be of good cheer for I HAVE OVERCOME the world. That is such an awesome and profound truth! If we could just see Jesus in the midst of the "yuck" of life, I think our focus would be different.
I have found myself wondering what it was like the days after Christ was born, Who heard the news of a Savior being born, who believed the unbelievable? What did Joseph and Mary talk about? The shepherds must have been in a state of shock at what their days held...I mean can you even imagine?
I don't know what your days are like, but my prayer is that none of us "miss" the news of THE SAVIOR coming to give us life, hope, grace...strength in the times we are our weakest...EMMANUEL, GOD WITH US~ Rejoice in that this season, celebrate the King of all kings-may He be our focus!

DINOSAURS

One of my favorite artists wrote a song called I'M DANCING WITH THE DINOSAURS...it was a great song! I feel a little bit like a "Dinosaur" in today's culture. I don't have the latest phone that has over 100 thousand apps. In fact the other day I went without my cell phone and I have to tell you it was WONDERFUL!!! I don't have the latest laptop or software, we don't have the WII or Xbox or whatever else there is...We have a car from 1995 that we drive...all this to say that every now and again one could feel ancient or "out of touch", but I think I'm beginning to be okay with that! Not that having all the greatest and latest is wrong...I just don't want to buy into the myth that "I need it"...I don't.
The dinosaurs grew to be extinct...but I know a few of us "human dinos" who are going strong and maybe, just maybe we will bring back the days of dancing with the dinosaurs :0)

Let The Children Come

I think I just might have the "Best Job" ever. Yesterday I directed my 8th Children's Musical at Willowbrook Community Church. Leading Worship is a joy...but it's like and extra bonus to work with the kids! I have to tell you that there is NOTHING BETTER than hearing the voices of children proclaiming the GOOD NEWS of JESUS!

Yesterday was one of those highlight moments for me as I watched kids who really stretched themselves to act or sing solo's...one little girl had told her grandma why Jesus changes our lives...pretty amazing and truly humbling to be part of.

R831

"If God of for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31! I love this verse 'cause truth be told...there are many days in which it may seem that some or many are against us, but in the Light of Eternity...NO ONE CAN STAND AGAINST US because our King, our Creator IS FOR US!

That is such great news! I'm not sure where you are today...what you are facing, or even about to face...but KNOW this-The One who gives you life to live is rejoicing in you...singing over you and IS FOR YOU!
So let's go life this life out loud, Boldly and Confidently!!!!

Black and Blue

So...I got up and headed to Menards at 10:30 A.M. and was able to purchase what I'd seen in the add...in fact, they had plenty left. Tried out the purchase only to realize it would not work, returned it to the store that afternoon and what to my wondering eyes should appear????? The prices for all of the "Special" items was the same or just a dollar more. Then I went to my second home and SHOCKER... same thing. So, I have learned that I am not "buying" into the hype of all the "Black Friday" Talk...

It's so good to feel as if I've learned a lesson :D Now, on to the next one I need to learn~

Thankful...but no Thank you!

I know that in just a few moments...BLACK FRIDAY begins! I must confess I am torn if I should go out or not. There is something my husband would love for Christmas but I feel like paying the extra money instead and sleeping :D

I just got home from my "home away from home" Wal-Mart-they are open 24 hours today and so they have their employees standing guard over the "deals" Wow...talk about high security...every isle you walk, every corner you turn there are sets of eyes watching you! Cars are in the parking lot WITH PEOPLE IN THEM camping out til the deals start.

This all seems CRAZY to me...I love you honey, more than you may know...but my pillow and I will not be parting this Black Friday!
If you are braving the day...Whoa Nelly!!!

The Art of Losing

It's been fun watching our 11 year old play "Traveling Basketball" this year. He IS a Forest Lake Ranger. I remember when he got his jersey and game bag...there was a sense of pride on his face as he walked with a new swagger in his step. Now, we've been told that this is a learning year...and truth be told---it is!

The team has played 6 games and their record is 1 and 5. They have had a few games where the span of points was greater than 20, and yet-there is an art that they are learning about how to be humble, gracious and carry themselves with integrity in the midst of the loss.

I wonder how well I do when things just don't go my way...maybe I feel, at times, like the "ref" has made a bad call. I want my life to reflect the Character of my Savior...even in the midst of the losses...in fact, even more so in the losses. It's easy to be a great winner but challenging to be a great loser.

Hamster on 2 Legs...or Martha in a Mary World

The wheel is spinning and I can't get off-or so it seems. I must confess that my life is more frantically paced than I ever imagined it would be. Do you find yourself in the same boat?

Well there is hope for you and hope for me...I love that God tells us to "Be still" and know that HE is God..."Be Still" means to let go! That is so AWESOME that God tells us to let go...I confess, it is hard to do, especially if you are a control freak like me (shocking I know).

But I want to encourage those of us who just can't stop the hamster wheel of life with these words from God's Life Giving Scripture...

Psalm 46~
God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though it's waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging...The LORD Almighty is with us...Be still and know that I AM God.

Such good stuff-Maybe today is the day where a decision is made to slow the pace, set the priorites and value what God has given us charge over...I'm willing to be human again how about you :D

The Wonder

Right now I am listening to 2 guys from my worship team jam...just jam! Now these guys are both under the age of 21 and are crazy good musicians, who not only have been gifted but use their gifts for their Creator! How awesome is that!!!
I love music!!!!!!!
I love the creativity, the melodies with complex harmonies, the dissonance, the majors and the minors...it's alot like life isn't it? We go on-day by day-some days the melody is beautiful and those who walk along side us join in as if they are the complementary harmony. Some days have dissonance that we wish would resolve into a clear major chord. Music moves us...compels us...I'll bet there are songs in your life that bring you right back to a moment in time. What a tremendous, Artistic God who sings over us and breathes His very life into us...enjoy the song of your day-whatever song it may be

Be A Man

Last night I had the opportunity to join a "live chat" with Worship Leaders/Pastors from around the country. The topic of the night was Manly Worship...what is is and does it matter.

It was quite the conversation, out of 69 worship leaders only 3 of us were female, which as you know gives a whole other twist to the conversation. Some guys wanted more songs about "war" and "battles" others thought it was great that guys could learn to be more compassionate and tender. It's ironic that most of the worship songs written today are written by men, in fact over 90 % of the songs we sings at Willow are authored by guys. I found a verse in Luke where Jesus is saying to Jerusalem that he has longed to gather their children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings (Luke 13:34); now that image does not seem very "manly" and yet I think there is a quite a strength to them.

I have often wondered if our definition of "manly" is skewed by the culture in which we live? When reading the scriptures it's clear that men had physical strength along with kindness, power along with compassion~To me a man who can verbally say he loves His savior is not weak. Some of the Worship Leaders called out for men to stand up and sing out...live out loud by example...We all thought that was great!

I do think that there are way too many "sappy" worship songs out there, however, it's great to voice our love and gratefulness~remembering that God is Holy and Just and Jealous, full of Mercy and Grace and compassion for His creation. Regardless of being male of female we are called to become more like Jesus, pursue His heart and bringing Him glory in what we say and in what we do.

Would love to know what you think?

Words to Live by

"Sing them over again to me, Wonderful Words of Life..."
I love that old Hymn or this one: "Standing, standing, standing on the Promises of God my Savior.."
One of my favorite verses comes from a very tiny book called Zephaniah. The verse in found in Chapter 3 starting at 17...it says this-
THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU, HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE. HE WILL TAKE GREAT DELIGHT IN YOU, HE WILL QUIET YOU WITH HIS LOVE, HE WILL REJOICE OVER YOU WITH SINGING.
I love that!!! This world just keeps getting crazier and crazier and there are days, I must confess, that I find myself caught in the "whirlwind" of the chaos...BUT...when I go to the very WORDS OF LIFE, I see that I have nothing to fear...God is on the throne, He is in CONTROL...I really want to be a person who does not just know about the Word but one who knows the Word and applies it to my every day life...every moment...

Bowling 101

It was my Birthday today, and we thought we would celebrate by going bowling with the kids! Our church has bowling night every Monday, and tonight was the end celebration with Pizza and Pop...I tell ya, what could be better!

Well, our 9 yr old daughter released her bowling ball and then turned her back, she didn't watch to see what the result would be...she got a STRIKE~but she didn't believe us when we told her. It was all we could do to convince her that the X on the score board was right.

I think that my walk with Jesus is sometimes like Hannah's bowling experience. I often feel as though I take a step, do what I think is "my part", taking my eyes off of my Savior, ...turn and walk the other way going on with the "chores of life"

I want so much less of me and MORE OF JESUS...every day! The older I get the more I am seeing that the pursuit of Jesus is everything...I want my kids to see a Godly woman who's eyes are fixed on Jesus, a Godly wife who is biblically submissive to her husband, A Godly mom who is teaching and training what it means to live a life of integrity.... Most days, I'm afraid I throw the "bowling ball and turn away" but by the grace of God...I will start seeing the completion of the strike!

Only one artist...like this!

Okay, all who have ever met me probably know that I really, REALLY like Steven Curtis Chapman! I am a huge respector of the gifts God has given him, and I believe even more important than the music is the way he consistently lives out his life to the Glory of God the Father!

Way to receive ARTIST OF THE YEAR Mr. Chapman!!! Well deserved!

Strayed Away

Isaiah 53:5-6
~He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

It's been a few hours now since our Good Friday Service ended. It was a nice service, the music flowed well, the message was good...but as I drove home I wondered if we have strayed away from the seriousness of what Good Friday really means.
Now I get excited about Easter Morning, the Celebration of Jesus and His Resurrection, the Power of our King conquering sin and death... but I wonder if my generation lacks a soberness, even a somberness for what our Savior went through before the resurrection- I felt tonight like we don't know how to handle Good Friday...should we be sad?, is it tradition?, is it wrong to be happy?...

As people were planning their meal plans for after the service, or weekend activities, it just left me wondering~wondering why we don't tear up when we read the verses describing what Jesus went through. He was beaten beyond recognition...He died a HORRIBLE death...I want to remember, I want to take it serious, I don't want to keep up the same pace the world has set for me, I want to take it all in...for what joy can there be on Easter if we don't take a moment to remember, to be silent, and somber...in realizing just what our Savior endured for each of us, that we might have life everlasting.

MONSTER OR ALIEN

So...just got back from seeing the new moving "MONSTERS VS ALIENS" with my kids. It was a movie that had us all laughing out loud! As I watched the movie it dawned on me that there was a spiritual analogy...if you will...
You see, the main character discovers that what is on the outside does not make up who you are...yes, it's the physical characteristics that people see...but it's not who you really are...but the heart of a person...now you're talking. I love how God tells us that He looks at the heart of a person (...The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the HEART. 1 Samuel 16:7~ emphasis mine) and not the outside...it all boils down to our heart...who are we really? The outside can tell many lies, can it not?
Oh, how I long to see the heart of people AND to live as a person who is authentic outwardly and inwardly...who you see if who you get! God talks alot about our hearts in His word...I'm in need of "Heart Surgery" daily I'm afraid...but Praise God He is the Great Physician!!!
Okay, so "MONSTERS VS ALIENS" a fun movie...laugh out loud funny...and maybe, just maybe a nugget of Truth for all of us to ponder~

Weeping

I just got done reading through our prayer requests from Church and find myself overwhelmed with what people are walking through. I have no great answers as to why we go through painful moments in life...but I know that we don't have to go through it alone.
I'll never forget a wonderful lady who influenced my walk with Jesus in profound ways. Her name was Marion Sorely. She is what I consider a "saint"! To look at her was to see Jesus! She was diagnosed with cancer and the kind of cancer she had ate away her face. She would come to Church and little by little the disease destroyed her very skin and cells...leaving gaping holes. Marion NEVER stopped praising Jesus...NEVER. I cannot begin to image the physical pain that she experienced...but I am forever changed by witnessing her unwavering love and trust for and in her Savior!
Jesus knows pain, He knows sorrow...He wept when there was loss. He tells us that in this world WE WILL have trouble, but to be of GOOD CHEER for He has overcome the world (John 16:33). I love what Isaiah says in chapter 43:2-3...when we pass through the waters He will be with us, when we pass through the rivers they will not sweep over us, when we walk through the fire we will not be burned...For He is the Lord our God...He is with us...always!!!!
Well, okay...those are the thoughts rolling around in this tiny brain tonight~I pray that you know the Love and Strength and Grace and Peace and Faithfulness of Jesus...if you don't...well the Word of God tells us that to any of us who will put our trust in Jesus...believe who He says He is...turn from our wicked ways and surrender our hearts to follow Him...we can KNOW these things about our Savior with CONFIDENCE!!! So what's holding you back?

Okay, so we were just praying with our Abbie Joy, she is 4 and FULL of life! We sometimes do an "echo prayer" this is where I pray and she echo's what I say...well she was being just a "wee" bit stubborn and so I said "Lord, please break my stubborn will" (you won't find this in parenting 101) she paused and said "what does that mean" to which I replied "it means you want to be obedient" she said confidently "No I don't!" than smiled...

Whoa Nelly...I laughed and thought how is that not like me...Paul reminds us that we struggle with what is right and wrong, the things we KNOW we should do we don't and the things we know we SHOULDN'T do we do...

This year more than ever, I long to grow in holiness, to be more like Jesus, to allow my children to see choices made that are pleasing to God, not choices that are full of questions as to why....simple things like what movies I see, what television we watch...alcohol is not in our home...but helping my kids see the reason why it is not...
I really want to hear my Savior say to me WELL DONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT...I fear I have many bruises to show for all of the times I fall flat on my face in this day to day life...I want my children to know that when the make the decision to follow Jesus, it's serious! Matthew 7:13-14 says: (and this is Jesus talking)..."Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
I don't know about you, but as we live out this walk with Jesus, I pray that people see a very "human" being full of flaws but a "human" who is saved by grace and not content to live a tolerant life or walk...I don't want to be stagnant...I really do want people to see something different..(okay, we ALL know I'm different :0)...but I don't want to go with the flow just to go...

Wow, who knew such a simple bed time prayer would stir up so many thoughts ;D